You might recall that there were reports Princes Harry & William scored themselves a cameo in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which never actually made its way to the silver screen. A shame, as a movie about a space aristocracy and a priest-class of unaccountable warrior monks certainly seems like something the Royal Family should star in.
But despite some jokey references, its never actually been confirmed why the royal brothers were ditched from the final cut – apart from the fact it might have been mondo distracting.
According to the Daily Mail, it was a pretty unremarkable reason: they were too tall. At 6’1″ and 6’2″ respectively, Harry and William aren’t insanely tall, but they’re definitely above the stormtrooper threshold. Apparently, Star Wars’ strict design requirements dictate all stormtroopers be exactly 5’11”, so the footage was basically unusable.
The Daily Mail reported this little scoop via a source on-set. Here’s the source:
Stormtroopers have to be exactly 5ft 11in. At the time we shot it I think the feeling was that the scene would make the final movie. Everyone feels bad that William and Harry lost out on their big moment. However, the scene just didn’t work for the final cut so it was left out.
Ah well. At least it gave Harry and William – who basically can have literally anything they want – yet another thing denied to us mere dirty peasants to briefly enjoy. And ultimately isn’t that what life is all about?
