Domhnall Gleeson talks “Fantastic Beasts” and “Star Wars: Episode VII”

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At the recent Diagon Alley preview at Universal Orlando, Domhnall Gleeson – who portrayed Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter films – opened up about his upcoming role in Star Wars: Episode VII and the possibility of returning for the film series based on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Unfortunately, Domhnall was pretty tight-lipped about details of the highly anticipated Star Wars film, which is due to open on December 18, 2015:

I could destroy my life if I gave away one of the secrets, really quickly. I’m just always with a no-talk policy about it.

He’s also concerned about spoilers for reasons other than his legal obligations:

I enjoy going to a film and being surprised, maintaining that is an important thing, generally. I’m going to keep my mouth shut until the movie is all the way out and on DVD. So I don’t upset anyone.

Domhnall revealed that he does have some hesitations about doing such a major movie and also admitted that his involvement in the Harry Potter series is part of the reason he took the role:

I’m a pessimist by nature, so it’s always the worst things that come to mind first, whenever you make a decision, or have a decision to make. So of course, yeah, you worry [about how] it will disrupt the way you live your life. The truth of the matter is, I was in ‘Harry Potter’, and I can walk in the street, and no one bothers me. It’s totally fine. The only reason I’m doing ‘Star Wars’ is because the script is great, because J.J. [Abrams, the director] is great, and because the cast [is] great. And that’s what you look for in any movie. So in a way, it’s just another job.

In terms of Potter itself, Domhnall recently filmed some new footage for the Escape from Gringotts ride in the new Diagon Alley expansion at the Wizarding World in Orlando, set to open July 8. However, he was also asked about the future potential for his involvement in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts movie series:

Oh, if they ask, I’m there. It’s set 80 years before, so I won’t be doing a cameo any time soon. But I’ll certainly put on a beard and pretend to be a Weasley from 80 years ago, absolutely; I’d love that.

Domhnall has been very busy with projects recently, including movies such as Brooklyn with Saoirse Ronan, sci-fi Ex Machina, Unbroken (directed by Angelina Jolie), Calvary with his father Brendan Gleeson (another Potter alumnus), and Frank with Maggie Gyllenhaal and Michael Fassbender. To keep up to date with the latest news about Domhnall, check out his cast page!

Are you excited for Star Wars: Episode VII? What do you think about Domhnall’s role in the film? Tell us in the comments below!