Star Wars Actor Says He Was Told to Cut Off His Dreadlocks as They'd Be Too 'Realistic,' Despite The Franchise Being About 'Giant Slugs and Swords Made of Light'

Star Wars actor Jordan Stephens says he declined to return in hit Disney+ series Andor after being told to cut off his dreadlocks to ensure his appearance looked "realistic."

Stephens, better known as half of U.K. rap duo Rizzle Kicks, originally appeared as Rebel Alliance soldier Corporal Tonc in Star Wars: Rogue One. While Tonc died in the movie, he — and many other actors — were invited back for the subsequent prequel series Andor in order to better flesh out his role.

Unfortunately for Stephens, his return came with a caveat: that he cut off his dreadlocks he had been growing for seven years in order to film "for a day." Speaking to Zeteo, Stephens said he had even argued his case to point out that he had been wearing a helmet throughout his Rogue One appearance, which would have hidden his locks again in Andor. …