Chatting with the New Star Wars Droid: L3-37

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is L3-37 in SOLO: A Star Wars Story. The “Fleabag” actress sits down to chat with us about her audition experience, and how she’s never seen a Star Wars film before now! Check out this exclusive interview with the new Star Wars droid: L3-37.

I was invited as media to cover this event. All opinions are my own.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is the New Star Wars Droid: L3-37

Star Wars fans will not be disappointed with the newest droid in the galaxy. Well, technically L3-37 is the oldest, but newest droid to be introduced to audiences. And boy is she a riot!

When Phoebe Waller-Bridge auditioned for the role she had no idea what a droid was.

She shares, “Yeah, I hadn’t seen any of the films. Yeah. I know. I think there’s like five of us in the world. Which I think in some ways might’ve worked in my favor. The thing is, especially from the droid perspective, because I was very loose in the audition with the idea of what a droid was. But I loved the film so much. I’m completely obsessed now!” Phoebe did confirm she has now seen all of the Star Wars films.

We asked Phoebe to walk us through the process of wearing a costume.

“I got a scan of my whole body, and then they’d build a complete replica of your body. [LAUGHS]. And then they’d build this suit around it, so it fits perfectly. And so I kind of had this green suit, like, skin-tight, really attractive, green leotard.” She adds they drilled legs, arms and a chest plate onto her suit and gave her a heavy hat to wear as the head. Adding, “It was the first time that they’d created a droid that kind of move properly and be more flexible. And I could move all of my joints. Because she’s a self-made droid, so she created herself to be…as flexible, bigger, faster, stronger, than any other droids.”

How do you prepare for a role as a droid?

“Well, I was ready to do all sorts of preparation for that. I was like”Do you want me to work out? So I can carry the suit stronger?” And they were just like, no, no, that little weird, awkward walk you’re doing is actually perfect. [LAUGHS]. And I was like, “Really?” And the same with the voice. I think the vision that John had from the writing point of view was that she would feel more relaxed, in her voice, and her body, and everything.”

What is the best advice you got from Ron Howard and Donald Glover?

“[They’re] such consummate professionals. But there’s a real sense of just being able to be really present with both of them, and I really learned that from them. Just letting go of everything and letting your instincts speak first, really. Also, I was sort of ready to meet Ron Howard, you know, the king. And then he comes in so friendly, and that makes everyone feel so relaxed, and you can just feel instantly why people just want to work with him over and over again. Because he’s so clear. His eye is so brilliant, and he’s incredibly kind and very, very clever.”

How much ad-libbing did you do with your character?

She shared that once they had the script they were able to go off-beat sometimes and if anything good came of it, they kept it. Adding, “It was really fun. I mean, the whole atmosphere on set was just
so fun. And encouraging.”

What do you hope people learn as far as an inspirational message within the film?

“Well, it’s a film celebrating individuality and individual causes and having courage of your own convictions. So, I think there’s that. But also, yeah, they’re so many amazing relationships in it, and I think it’s inspiring, and the trust it takes to partner up with somebody, and I hope that inspires them as well.”