The force is with Grant Feely

We got the chance to sit down with Grant Feely, who we all saw as a young Luke Skywalker in the acclaimed OBI WAN KENOBI mini-series, and we got to know a bit more about him as actor and as a person.

Grant was born in Brunswick, GA, and lives in Birmingham, AL, with his parents and two older brothers. In this interview he confessed what plans he has for his future in the industry, how was the process to get this amazing role, his favorite dessert and even the housework he hates the most.

So, if you are a fan of the Star Wars franchise, and like us, you gained an appreciation for this very young developing talent, don't skip out on this interview

Grant, we imagine you are living a great dream with your role as Luke Skywalker. How did this gift come into your life? Tell us the process.

In April of last year, I filmed an audition for “Boy - Untitled Disney+ Series.” I had no idea at that point that the role was for Obi-Wan Kenobi. A week later, I had an hour-long zoom callback with the casting director, Carmen Cuba, and the very next day I had another zoom meeting with her. She then asked for every audition I had ever submitted. It was at this point that I realized this must be a pretty important role! I had a director’s callback with Deborah Chow in early June and at the end of June, they flew me to LA for an in-person audition with her. The role wasn’t confirmed until Deborah Chow called to offer it to me in early July.   

 To create your character did you see the previous movies or did you build a new interpretation for the character?

Deborah Chow asked me not to watch any of the movies before filming. She didn’t want me to do any homework at all. She told me when she offered me the part that I had everything she wanted in young Luke and didn’t want me imitating the older Luke in any way. Luke has no idea that he is special when he is 10 years old, so I just wanted to portray a curious young boy.   

How have you lived in the acting industry in which you have been from such a young age?

I started acting 2-3 years ago by taking classes at a local acting studio. I tape auditions when they come in and love every opportunity I have to be on set, but otherwise am just a regular kid. Since I live in Alabama, I’m not really around the industry that often, especially if I’m not filming a role.

What has been the role of your family in the midst of your artistic career?

My family has been very supportive. My mom takes me to auditions and had to change her job so that she can travel with me when I’m filming. My dad and two older brothers, Jeffrey and Robert, take care of things while we are out of town. It can be difficult if I’m filming for long periods of time, but they have been great. Also, my brothers do a good job of keeping me grounded!

Where would you like to direct your career in the future?

For now, I want to continue acting. I would like to be a lead in a movie or tv series. When I am older, I would like to write and direct my own productions.

Any funny anecdote from the set that you want to share with us?

The day we filmed the rock scene I was in a harness running along the top of the set. They wanted to see how far I could run on a certain wire and they told me to step on a boulder a few feet away. The harness pulled me back quickly because it couldn’t go that far, so I was dangling in the air for a second or two. It scared the crew but I thought it was great!

What kind of roles would you like to play in the near future? 

I would like to play any role in an action movie! I really like working with the stunt crew and think actors who do their own stunts are amazing. I would like to do the same.

What other things do you enjoy besides acting? 

I enjoy writing my own screenplays and acting them out with my friends. I also enjoy traveling and cooking.

Ping pong round:

1. Favorite Dessert: 

Chocolate cake with ice cream

2. Favorite superhero? 

Wanda Maximoff

3. Favorite movie? 

Goonies or Napoleon Dynamite

4. Favorite song? 

Skyline by Khalid

5. The housework you hate the most? 

Walking my dogs because I’m afraid of wasps.

6. Housework you like the most?   

Washing dishes

7. Dogs or cats?   

Dogs!

I have 2 miniature schnauzers.

8. Country you would like to visit?   

Greece

9. Least favorite subject in school? 

Science

MEET THE AUTHOR

Mariana González – Venezuelan journalist

I am interested in novelty, talent and creativity. I put my lyrics at the service of those who genuinely strive to build an alternate narrative about the common and humdrum. Rival Magazine has been the open window to put a face on emerging talent.