Rogue One star feared she would 'mess up' iconic Star Wars line

Felicity Jones has admitted she felt nerves as she prepared to deliver one of Star Wars’ most iconic lines. The British actor stars in the series' newest film,

Rogue One, as Jyn Erso - a Rebel Alliance recruit who is asked to join a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. Rogue One takes place between Episode III and Episode IV, and is the first of three planned spin-off films based on the Star Wars universe. 

Speaking at the film's premiere at the Tate Modern in London, Jones said she felt trepidation as she prepared to say "May the Force be with you" on set. She said: "(It) is one of those iconic lines of cinema history so I have to say I definitely really thought about that one, I wanted to make sure I didn't mess it up on the day." She added:  "There's a lot of saying it while you are doing the ironing, I always think it is the best way to learn lines. 

"It works every single time, there was a lot of trying it over as I was doing household chores." In preparing for her role, Jones said she looked to Sigourney Weaver's character in Alien for inspiration.  She said: "Sigourney Weaver was a massive influence in playing Jyn as a character who very much keeps her own counsel and who is very headstrong - I wanted Jyn to have those features.  "I also looked at Harrison Ford's work as he has a playfulness and a humour in what he does. 

"I think that it so important to Star Wars that there is a lightness in the tone." Rogue One is directed by Godzilla's Gareth Edwards and also stars Diego Luna, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen and Ben Mendelsohn. In the spinoff the Jedis are all but extinct, the Old Republic is in turmoil and the threat of the Death Star is looming. Darth Vader has been spotted in the last two trailers released by Disney - although details on how the story will unfold around him are unclear. The film hits UK cinemas on 16 December.