Supanova Comic Con & Gaming plays host to the stars of the galaxy when it lands in Melbourne and the Gold Coast this year, including ‘Star Wars’ cult antihero Boba Fett, played by New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison.
Temuera boasts an extensive acting career spanning film, TV and video games over the past 50 years. He is one of Aotearoa’s proudest exports and holds a revered place as an immortal in the ever-expanding 'Star Wars' universe.
“I really enjoy Australia, it’s just over the ditch there,” Temuera says of his upcoming Supanova appearances. “We have history, we have cultural and war history as well, the ANZACs. The Gold Coast is a wonderful part of the world, everyone’s in shorts and jandals and t-shirts. My favourite restaurant is there too, The Lamb Shop, I might as well throw that one in.”
Temuera, known for his defining roles in the 1994 film ‘Once Were Warriors’ and the long-running NZ soap opera ‘Shortland Street’, initially played bounty hunter Jango Fett in the 2002 instalment of the franchise ‘Star Wars: Episode II – Attack Of The Clones’.
He has since become one of the franchise’s most frequent voices, portraying multiple canon characters such as Jango’s son Boba Fett in ‘The Mandalorian’, Commander Cody and Captain Rex. He also provides the voice for the Clone armies.
“Everything [in ‘Star Wars’] is return of the something, the returning,” Temuera jests.
“So, I do return a lot. Fortunately, there’s only been me and a sheep named Dolly that have been cloned in this galaxy, so I take it as a privilege to be cloned by the Lucas family.
“Because I was also Captain Rex, Commander Cody and also Jango Fett and Boba Fett, each with their own helmet, I get helmet-itis [sic] now. There should be a new award at the Oscars for the ‘Best Performance Under A Helmet’ and it will be between a few of us now because helmets are quite popular.”
Temuera admits he would be in tough competition in that race with The Mandalorian himself, Pedro Pascal. “Oh, I'm in trouble there, I’m in trouble for a start,” he laughs.
“But he’s a wonderful gentleman. What a talent, and he’s certainly having a boom in his career at the moment. I saw him in 'Gladiator II'.”
A true fan favourite of the convention circuit, Temuera in turn enjoys the camaraderie and sense of personal freedom the events foster.
“That’s the other thing about these Supanovas,” Temuera says.
“They are a wonderful place for everyone to dress up and without feeling shy they can just take their own space and show off to the world, and have their little bit of moment of glory, their moment shimmering in front of the lights, and make them feel good for a day or so.
“A number of my people are called the 501, so it’s good to catch up with all those people again. It will be great to catch up with my Australian family over there on the Gold Coast and in Melbourne, it’ll be the best place to be. Come hang out with Commander Cody!”
Supanova Comic Con & Gaming is on at Melbourne Showgrounds 29-30 March and Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre 12-13 April.
