Interviews with Ian Liston...

RebelPilot presents an exclusive interview with Ian Liston. Better known to Star Wars movie buffs as Wedge Antilles rear gunner Wes Janson.

Star Wars novel readers will know the character better than most with his appearance in the X-wing series of novels, particularly Aaron Allston’s Wraith Squadron adventures. After you’ve read the first 8 of the series check out Book 9: ‘Starfighters of Adumar’. Wes Janson is a legend!

RebelPilot has gone out of it’s way to track down the man behind the character and extract a few tales and tit-bits.
 

REBELPILOT: Have you read any of the X-wing series of novels by Mike Stackpole and Aaron Allston to see what your rebel altar ego is up to?

IAN: Sadly, no. When, in a bookshop or at a collectors fair, I can find the ones Janson is in I'll buy them and save them for holiday reading.

REBELPILOT: Wraith Squadron is number 5 in the X-Wing Series and Janson's first appearance post ESB. He's quite a delight to read. Particularly Book 9 in the series, The Starfighters of Adumar. Janson proves to be cheeky and charming.

REBELPILOT: You're an actor and a playwright. Any thoughts of writing a science fiction novel?

IAN: No, but I have written a couple of historical plays for BBC Radio 4 and tried out a sci-fi story several years ago. I may give it a go one day!

REBELPILOT: You're also an accomplished director and producer. Between directing, producing, acting and writing which one fulfils you the most?

IAN: I love performing as MR CHAIRMAN with my Hiss & Boo Comedy Music Hall & Variety Company

REBELPILOT: As well as Wes Janson I also heard that you played the part of an Imperial. Which imp and what scene?

IAN: I'm the AT-AT driver. Basically, I shoot myself!

REBELPILOT: Denis Lawson played the role of Wedge Antilles. Have you kept in contact with him since? Do you and Denis get together for a game of X-Wing vs TIE Fighter on the computer head to head via modem and 'relive the good old days'?

IAN: No to all unfortunately

REBELPILOT: The Nintendo 64 has a game called Rogue Squadron. Have you seen it?

IAN: Yes

Played it?

IAN: No

You're in it! It's got quite a good little biography on your character.

IAN: I'd love to see it.

REBELPILOT: ESB was filmed in the early eighties. What was the pay rate for a minor part in a movie back then?

IAN: My contract details are personal but the going rate at that time was about £150 per day. It's still about the same in 2000! To dispel a myth: We were paid for the film and haven't received a further single penny since. We don't get repeats or residuals and certainly nothing for being in the games and books. Miserable buggers wouldn't even let me have a copy of the game to give as a prize in a raffle.

REBELPILOT: Was there ever Wes Janson action figure? I don't remember one.

IAN: I don't think so but there is now ... and an AT AT driver

REBELPILOT: What's your favourite Star Wars fighter?

IAN: I like 'em all!

REBELPILOT: Thanks for your time. If you read and enjoy the x-wing novels with your character in it I can give you the authors email address so you can pass on a message of appreciation. If you don't like it then I'll find his home address so you can hop in your snowspeeder for a strafing run.

IAN: Yes please. Good 'un!

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Featured in Issue 45 of the free weekly Star Wars ezine RebelPilot