How a 10-year-old boy from a Russian family managed to star in Star Wars

Temirlan Blaev in the movie “Star Wars. The Last Jedi

A native of Kabardino-Balkaria, he learned that he would act in the Last Jedi, only six months after winning the casting.

In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Finn (John Boyega) and Rose (Keli Marie Tran) enter the casino city of Kanto Bai. There the heroes meet orphan slaves who care for fatires - space horses. The role of one of the children by the name of Temir Blag was played by Temirlan Blaev, a native of Kabardino-Balkaria.

The boy helps the heroes in the escape and receives a ring-symbol of resistance from Rose. In the final of the “Jedi”, he leaves the dwelling alone, with the Force draws the broom to him and peers into the starry sky.

10-year-old Temirlan has been living with his family in London for several years, attending a local school and playing football for a little-known children's team. TJ talked with his mother Oksana Blaeva and found out that the boy got his first acting experience in Star Wars and, until the premiere, did not know whether he would appear on the screen.

What were your first impressions when you saw your son in Star Wars?

The first time I saw him [in film]when we were invited to a private show. Send me Temirlan. I just had tears in my eyes, it was an incredible feeling.

For two years we have been waiting for the release of the film and for two years did not know whether it will be (Temirlan - approx. TJ) generally on the screen or not. We after all read different articles: the director wrote that a lot of the film will be cut out in post-production. So when I saw him, my heart began to pound and tears began to flow.

I even normally for the first time could not focus on the plot and watch the movie. Then a few days later we went again [to normal cinema]And I already looked more calmly.

What impressions did Temirlan have?

Temirlan was very happy and remembered again all the moments of filming. He said he remembers it like yesterday, although it was two years ago. He said that everything turned out very nicely on the screen, that he was satisfied with his work and would like to be shot further.

Fast forward a little bit. How did you move from Kabardino-Balkaria to England?

We moved to London eight years ago, there was a migration program. Received a visa, and a few years later received citizenship. In principle, everything went quite easily and smoothly.

Adapted?

Temirlan was two years old when we moved. He went to kindergarten, quickly learned English. He speaks Russian with Russian, and English with English. Temirlan on Saturdays goes to a Russian school, reads and writes beautifully in both languages. He quickly adapted, it took us more time.

Would you like to return to Russia - forever or for a while?

We treat Russia beautifully, this is our homeland. But in eight years you have taken root again: during this time we have already found new friends, to whom we also got used. Probably, in order not to tear up again with a root a new piece of the heart, still not [worth returning]. But we try to come every year to see friends and grandmothers. Temirlan likes to travel to Russia, and especially in winter, because he likes the snow a lot.

Photo: instagram / @ tem_blai

How did you get to Disney?

When Temirlan was six, I happened to see on Facebook an announcement that some studio was inviting for a casting. At that moment they were looking for exactly Russian-speaking actors with Slavic appearance. There was no movie title, but I became interested, thought of London as a place of great opportunities and just sent photos with a brief description.

I was surprised when, after three days, they invited us to a casting. It was a casting for the film "Child 44". I think this film is banned from being shown in Russia.

In Russia, the film Child 44 was called “44 Number” or No. 44. In the story, a Soviet investigator from the NGB organization is investigating the serial killings of children. Starring Tom Hardy and Numi Rapas. The picture was not allowed to be rolled out, and Vladimir Medinsky said that “such films should not be released in our country [...] not in the year of the 70 anniversary of the Victory, nor ever yet.”

Temirlan easily passed two castings, and the third, when the director came, he could not get through, because he was a bit small. The studio said that they liked it very much and that they would leave it in their database. After a couple of months, we forgot about them.

Two years later, the next call rang out, they again invited us to the casting, but they did not say which movie. This casting Temirlan passed the first time. And I looked around and saw many beautiful and talented kids in the queue, and I understood how difficult it would be to pass. I was surprised when they called and told us that Temirlan liked the director. “Everything, you will come to the shooting”, but the names of the film did not say. We learned the name only six months later.

Did Temirlan already have any acting experience?

Before the "Star Wars" he had no experience. We came unprepared, but they were looking for a child who had not yet appeared anywhere. When we passed the casting, we already sent him to acting classes to prepare. He has been going there for two years already, he is praised by his teacher: he imitates various accents well and shows different moods, he has an excellent memory.

Six months later you were told in which film Temirlan was being shot. What happened after that, how did you find out about it?

When we were told that it was “Star Wars”, we had a shock. Before the name was revealed to us, we all signed non-disclosure contracts. We could not tell anyone, including family members, that we were filming Star Wars. The most difficult moment for our family was two years of silence. Of course, Temirlan wanted to tell his classmates about this.

I must say that “Star Wars” is his favorite movie, he had a themed birthday, he has all the toys and action figures. When we arrived at the shooting and Tyoma saw the actors live, when he met John Boyega, he approached him and said “Hello finn". I kept telling him that it was John, but he, seeing him in reality in the same jacket and suit, was shocked.

Actors treated him perfectly, the crew and Ryan Johnson ... We did not expect such a relationship at all. Famous actors so simply communicated.

And John Boyega, we must pay tribute to him, strongly supported Temirlan, who was with him in the same scene. When Temirlan was a little upset and tired, Boyega approached and told him "Let's go, have a chat, I will give you advice." They, like two good friends, sat down and talked.

What advice did Boyega give, maybe Temirlan was telling?

He said not to pay attention to those around. He said “Focus, don’t look around, I know you can do it, I started with that too. Just look at me, it’s just you and me.”

Keli Marie Tren also supported and tried to cheer Temirlan all the time. She is cheerful, with a wonderful sense of humor. At the site it helps.

Steven Spielberg and John Boyega. Photo @johnboyega

Have you seen other Temirlan actors? Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley?

We managed to meet Daisy Ridley, the son approached her on the set and got an autograph. Just stood and chatted. She also treated her very well, she talked with pleasure. Seen more Veronica Ngo, and in principle everything.

How was the shooting?

The shooting took place at various studios around London. Inside the large hangars were built these beautiful stables. It all started early in the morning and went until the evening, but with good breaks. Children have their own program, they must have a rest every few hours. All in all, it took 4-5 days.

Temirlan had his own trailer with his name and all amenities. He was pleased that they were deliciously fed, we were brought to the set and taken away with them by car. In general, the conditions are just wonderful.

If it's not a secret, did you pay for the shooting or was it just like that?

I probably can't answer this question.

The contract [does not allow], yes?

Ага.

You said that Temirlan is a Star Wars fan. How did it start, did you show him the films?

We watched one movie together. He immediately asked for toys and light siber, lightsaber. He was about 4-5 years old. As soon as he learned about the existence of “Star Wars”, he instantly reviewed all the episodes several times and learned almost all the dialogues. Ask him about any hero - he knows everything, a real fan.

Photo: instagram / @ tem_blai

Unfortunately, I do not know. We ourselves are dying of curiosity: we want to know what happens next, this is his Strength or just like that. We do not know the answer to this question yet.

Temirlan to whom leans - to the Jedi or Sith?

Temirlan himself, of course, on the light side. His favorite character was Qui-Gon Jinn for a long time. (performed by Liam Neeson - approx. TJ), and then, of course, Luke Skywalker.

Can we already say that Temirlan will appear in the next episodes of Star Wars?

Absolutely not. We know absolutely nothing. Moreover, in the contract it did not specify whether he will be in the next part, whether his character has some continuation or he is simply as a symbol for the eighth part. For us, this is also an interesting question. But we really, really hope to be in the next part too.

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