Why Oscar Isaac Almost Declined ‘The Force Awakens’ and The Reason Behind It

Oscar Isaac, known for his impressive range and versatility, had made a mark in Hollywood with standout roles before landing a part in Disney’s Star Wars sequel trilogy. His performance in the Coen Brothers’ ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ earned him significant acclaim, and he was soon cast as Poe Dameron, a fighter pilot in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. However, Isaac’s initial excitement was tempered by concerns about the character’s fate.

During a meeting with director J.J. Abrams in Paris, Isaac was intrigued by the prospect of joining the iconic Star Wars franchise. Abrams introduced Poe Dameron as a charismatic pilot with a role similar to Han Solo’s, who would play a pivotal part in the film’s early sequences. Despite his enthusiasm for the project, Isaac was disheartened to learn that Poe was slated to die shortly after his introduction.

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Isaac, who had frequently played roles with premature endings in films like ‘Body of Lies’ and ‘Drive’, expressed his reluctance to take on another character destined to die early. He had experienced this before and was keen to avoid it again. Recognizing Isaac’s disappointment, Abrams assured him that the character’s fate would be reconsidered.

After some reflection, Isaac decided to take the role, viewing it as a chance for a significant yet brief involvement in a major franchise. However, Abrams had a change of heart and informed Isaac that Poe would now be a central figure throughout the film. 

This adjustment led to Poe Dameron becoming a key player not just in ‘The Force Awakens’, but across the sequel trilogy. Abrams later acknowledged that Isaac’s input was crucial in shaping Poe’s extended role, proving that sometimes, expressing concerns can lead to positive changes in a project.

–Farheen Ali