Editorial: Elizabeth Dulau on Andor—A Star Wars Role Like No Other

Vingt Sept
1 day ago
6 min read

Film

Elizabeth Dulau’s portrayal of Kleya in Star Wars: Andor has made a lasting impression, establishing her as one of the series' most complex characters. Kleya’s tough, unyielding exterior masks a vulnerability that reflects the inner conflict of someone deeply invested in the rebellion. Elizabeth’s path to the iconic Star Wars universe was anything but traditional. Although she initially studied environmental science, acting was always her true passion.

Growing up, she kept her creative ambitions to herself, choosing a practical degree that felt more in line with what others expected. However, a chance meeting with fellow aspiring actors during university encouraged her to take a leap and audition for drama school.

Suit Maya Marriel Corset Belt Gallery_58 Earrings Aloe Shoes Pleiades

Today, Elizabeth is recognised for her ability to fully immerse herself in her roles, using a unique blend of instinct, music, and imaginative daydreams to understand her characters at a deeper level. In this exclusive interview, Elizabeth opens up about the challenge of stepping into the Andor world, the role of music in her creative process, and how she remains grounded as her career continues to flourish.

What made you want to transition to acting?

I always wanted to be an actor, but growing up, I didn’t know anyone in a creative field. Everyone I knew had trades or worked office jobs, so it didn’t seem like a viable career at the time. I loved math and science as well as arts and drama in school, so my family encouraged me to go the more practical route. I ended up doing environmental science at uni, which I don’t regret—it was great—but I also met people who wanted to go to drama school, and they kind of opened up that possibility for me. I secretly auditioned and went for it.

Blazer Wealthy Boy’s Club Shirt HELENE GALWAS Corset Gallery_58 Accessories Poet Lab

Was there a particular film or performance that made you think, "I want to do that"?

It was more when I did it myself at school. I remember when I was about 9 or 10, I had this moment of introspection while rehearsing for a school play. I was so excited to run to rehearsals, and it hit me—this is something I really love. I think I knew then I wanted to pursue it. As for performers, Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music was a huge influence. I thought she was so cool and classy.

What's your process like when you approach a new role?

I rely a lot on instinct. Your process needs to be flexible depending on the role, and I never want to have a rigid approach for every character. For me, music is essential—I'll create two playlists for each role. One matches the character’s outward persona, and the other is a secret playlist. These secret playlists, which I don’t consciously try to make, contain songs that connect with the character’s deeper, hidden layers. I also daydream about the character’s backstory, creating a life for them that isn’t in the script. It makes the character feel more real to me. I think Anthony Hopkins reads a script hundreds of times, and I’m similar in that I reread scripts multiple times to catch all the details, especially when it’s well-written, like Andor.

Dress Poet Lab Earrings Aloe Earrings Necklace Samantha Siu

How did working on Andor change how you prepare for roles?

It really changed my approach to acting. Before Andor, I’d mainly done theatre, and I didn’t focus much on the inner life of the character. When acting on screen, the camera can capture your thoughts, so now I focus a lot on tracking the character’s inner life, their thought process during a scene. That awareness and attention to detail are key.

What kind of stories are you drawn to right now?

I’m drawn to stories with strong social or political themes. I believe art, whether it's TV, music, or photography, should reveal a truth. It’s about finding a truth beneath the surface, whether it’s personal or shared. When those truths come through in a story, it has the power to impact the real world or make people feel seen. That’s what excites me the most in a project.

Top HELENE GALWAS Skirt BANI PASRICHA Earrings & Bracelet Samantha Siu

Are there any creators you would love to collaborate with?

I’d love to work with creators from both the classical side, like Shakespeare, Greek theatre, and Chekhov, as well as more modern creators. I want to challenge myself by working in different genres, even ones I haven’t explored before. For example, working in hyper-naturalism or a mockumentary. I want to experience the whole range of styles and genres that are part of our industry.

Outside of acting, what keeps you grounded or creatively inspired?

Spending time with my family, especially my sisters, is what keeps me grounded. I love having simple days with them, like roast dinners or playing with their kids. As for creative inspiration, I find it outside of acting too. I love reading, going to art galleries, hiking, and being in green spaces. I also listen to music nearly all day—whether it’s classical, jazz, or pop, I find different genres inspire me in different ways.

Blazer Wealthy Boy’s Club Shirt HELENE GALWAS Corset Gallery_58 Accessories Poet Lab Shorts Inf Dark Shoes Pleiades

Who's your most played artist of the year so far?

Ezra Collective has been a big obsession of mine recently, and Lady Gaga’s latest album Mayhem has also been on repeat. I’ve been getting into pop more this year, which is a shift for me, but it’s been so much fun. I also listen to a lot of classical and jazz, especially Nikki Yeoh’s show on Jazz FM. She’s a jazz pianist and composer, and I love tuning into her music.

Without giving too much away, what can the audience expect from your character in season two?

You’ll see more of Kleya in season two. In season one, she came across as cold and ruthless, but in season two, you'll get to see what’s beneath that exterior. She’s deeply committed to the rebellion, but you’ll see just how much it costs her. You'll also see more of her vulnerability.

How does it feel stepping into a universe like Star Wars?

It feels like an honour, honestly. I didn’t grow up in a Star Wars household, but coming to it as an adult and realising how much it means to people has made me feel like it’s a big responsibility. It’s lovely to be part of something that brings so much joy to the world, especially since the world can be a pretty dark place sometimes. To be part of that brings a lot of meaning to me.

How has your sense of self evolved as your profile has grown?

It’s definitely been a bit overwhelming. You can’t fully prepare for the changes that come with a growing profile. I haven’t been recognised on the street yet, but I think when that happens, it’ll be a bit shocking. As my profile grows, though, I rely more and more on my close relationships, my family and friends who aren’t in the acting world. They keep me grounded and remind me of who I am outside of my career.

Dress Poet Lab Earrings Aloe Earrings Necklace Samantha Siu Shoes Pleiades

If you weren't acting, where would you channel your creativity?

I’d probably explore something like painting or dance. I’ve always loved dancing, though I’ve never taken lessons. I also feel drawn to painting. I think those are creative outlets that I could definitely pursue at some point.

Quick fire round: a film you wish you were in?

Pan's Labyrinth.