Actor Ray Winstone recently opened up about a chaotic moment in his career. He told a reporter that he arrived at a Star Wars audition while drunk. He was hoping to play Ruwee Naberrie, the father of Padmé Amidala, in the prequel saga.
The night before the meeting
Winstone spent a long night out with friends. He admitted that he felt “pissed” when he walked into the studio. He knew he was not in the right state for the part, but he chose to stay quiet. He walked into the room and saw George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, yawning. The director blamed the yawning on jet lag, but Winstone thought otherwise.
The awkward exchange
When Lucas asked him to read a line, Winstone replied, “Why don’t we both have a 15‑minute sleep and then I’ll f*ck off?” The comment shocked everyone in the room. Lucas did not laugh. He simply noted the actor’s lack of focus.
Why the role went elsewhere
After the awkward moment, Lucas decided to cast Australian actor Graeme Blundell as Ruwee Naberrie. Winstone later said that a film heavy on bluescreen work would have bored him anyway. He prefers roles that let him use his natural intensity.
Lessons from the experience
Winstone reflects on the audition as a learning moment. He says that showing up drunk to a major audition can damage a career. He also notes that the film industry often demands reshoots. He recalled a recent reshoot for Black Widow, where he was asked to redo many scenes. He joked that the director wanted “all of them.”
What fans can take away
Fans of Ray Winstone appreciate his blunt honesty. They see his story as a reminder that even big stars make mistakes. The actor’s willingness to share the mishap makes his career feel more human. It also adds another chapter to the collection of Star Wars audition stories that circulate online.
Overall, Ray Winstone’s drunken audition did not land him a role in Star Wars, but it gave him a memorable anecdote. He continues to act in big projects and remains unbothered by the missed opportunity.
Source: Geek Tyrant
