Via Nydailynews.com:

The Force is strong with this one.

Vanessa Marshall — who plays crack pilot Hera Syndulla in “Star Wars Rebels” — is a major fan of George Lucas’ sci-fi saga and did extensive preparation for her role in the CGI animated series.

“I remember seeing the first movie with my family in Colorado and I was hooked from the very first moment,” says Marshall. “And all the way through I’ve seen them opening night. Every time I see them I feel like a kid again.”

The 45-year-old voice actress, who was born in New York, prepared physically and mentally for the role. She recalls watching the documentary “Uprising,” which reveals the origins of the 2011 Egyptian revolution that brought about the end of Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year military rule, to get into the rebellious mindset.

“It was interesting see how people live their lives in a daily basis in revolt; what they risk and the sacrifices that they make.”

For Hera’s physicality, Marshall trained in MMA fighting, boxing and shooting. In true Jedi fashion, she discovered that she struggled with acts of violence when she was governed by her emotions.

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