Interview: Vanessa Marshall discusses playing Hera on Star Wars: Rebels

In a recent interview with Vanessa Marshall, we sat down with the talented voice actor to discuss her roles on Star Wars: Rebels and Disney XD’s Guardians Of The Galaxy.

Throughout the past four seasons of Star Wars: Rebels, only a handful of characters have remained series regulars. One of the most important being Hera Syndulla. She’s the pilot for the Ghost Crew, and more than that, Hera is an integral member of the team. Hera also presents a good role model for her younger comrades, and that seems to have struck a chord with many fans.

Vanessa Marshall, the actor who provides the voice for Hera indicated she’s seen a huge response from fans dressing up at conventions. The interesting thing is that they’re not dressing up simply for their love of the character, but because Hera represents a positive role model for them. Marshall told us all about this aspect of her Star Wars’ character and more during our interview with the actress.

In addition to speaking on Star Wars: Rebels, Marshall also took the time to touch on her character in Disney XD’s Guardians Of The Galaxy. She plays Gamora, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

In the most recent episode, she and her comrades were scattered across various worlds after entering the Black Vortex. Marshall couldn’t divulge much about what’ll happen but she’s definitely excited to see where the plot is going.

For more on Vanessa Marshall, check out the entirety of our interview with her below.

Hidden Remote: Vanessa, having portrayed Hera Syndulla, the leader of the Ghost Crew on Star Wars: Rebels for four seasons, what would you say has been your favorite of playing such an integral character to the story?

Vanessa Marshall: My favorite part about playing such an integral character such as Hera, is that her personality is so iconic. Not only does she inspire me to be brave, optimistic and generous, but also her audience. In addition, I was honored to meet all of the Star Wars fans who look up to her as a powerful role model. I will never forget all the wonderful Hera cosplayers. Go #StarWarsFamily!

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Hidden Remote: As a voice-over actor, it goes without saying that you have to become the character you’re portraying which requires a considerable amount of preparation, how did you go about playing someone like Hera?

Vanessa Marshall: When I went about researching Hera’s role, I took a glance into all things “Twilek”. I have a past in martial arts, that gives me a sense of Hera’s physical abilities. In addition, my father is a pilot which gives me a unique understanding to Hera as a pilot AND not to mention her spiritual need to fly! Luckily, I have always been a huge Star Wars fan, so it was a pleasure to watch all of the Star Wars films again.

Hidden Remote: Are there any aspects of Hera Syndulla that you think have either been lost in translation or simply gone overlooked? You’ve portrayed the character long enough to know quite a sum about who Hera is in the Star Wars mythos, what would you say to that?

Vanessa Marshall: When I was reviewing the script, I did not feel like Hera Syndallu’s character was lost in translation or overlooked. As usual, Lucasfilm did an amazing job covering her role and honestly conveying her character every season. I have been deeply satisfied with her character development.

Hidden Remote: I understand the Season 4 Finale was meant to close out the series, but a major cliffhanger was dropped at the end along with the reveal of Jacen, your character’s son, becoming part of the Ghost crew. Can you say anything towards the possibility of reprising your role as Hera in another Star Wars series?

Vanessa Marshall: That would be a dream come true. I sure hope so!

Hidden Remote: For our final Star Wars related question, how do you think Hera will change with Jacen now aboard The Ghost? Assuming you’re given the opportunity to explore those character dynamics in a follow-up, how do you see Hera and Jacen working together?

Vanessa Marshall: I would love to see how Hera will change with Jacen now aboard The Ghost, but I would have to ask Dave Filoni. I am curious to know what’s in stock.

Hidden Remote: Moving on to your part as Gamora on Disney XD’s Guardian Of The Galaxy, what if anything can you tell us about the cliffhanger ending to the mid-season finale?

Vanessa Marshall: I am grateful to play the role of Gamora because I had done a ton of research and read about her rich history. To explain a little about Gamora’s past, she was a young orphan when the rest of her species was annihilated. She was found and raised by the tyrant Thanos, who conditioned her to become an unparalleled warrior. Weary of the acts, she was forced to commit and later, break free of her chains. When she teamed up with Star-Lord, the “most dangerous woman in the galaxy”, and his motley crew, she sought out to redeem her past crimes, putting her unparalleled skills to use as a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

In season 3, the Guardians of the Galaxy began their next adventure as they encountered new friends and old foes alike. They gained fame and fortune after arresting Thanos, but they were quickly back on their heels after being framed by the Collector. They travel to new universes, stage a massive sting operation inside the Nova Corps, and expose a Secret Invasion years in the making. A little bad and a little good — all in a day’s work.

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By jumping into the Black Vortex during the midseason finale, the Guardians now find themselves separated from each other and trapped in strange new worlds. The “Black Vortex” storyline begins after the Guardians are backed into a corner and go through a dangerous mirror into parallel dimensions. Gamora’s father knew of this mirror and warned of its dangers in the past.

I am looking forward to seeing where they end up next!

Disney XD’s Guardians Of The Galaxy returns for Season 3 later this Fall.

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