Felicity Jones has opened up about the importance her character in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' will have as a role model to young girls and women everywhere. The new movie - a spin-off to the story of Leia, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker - opens this December with some important messages about equality.

Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryFelicity Jones stars in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story'

Following on from the pride of place that Daisy Ridley's character Rey had in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens', 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' offers yet another strong female role model with her own skills, her own path and - most importantly - her own mind. Felicity Jones, who plays Jyn Erso in the upcoming stand-alone adventure, doesn't take that sentiment for granted.

It's a privilege and it feels very special to be playing a great role in such a large franchise', she told reporters on the red carpet at the movie's premiere in Mexico. 'I took it very seriously and it did feel like a great responsibility not to be the woman who's running around after the guy asking questions and not really knowing why she's there. Jyn has a very definite purpose and she's a woman with very strong values and beliefs, and a great humanitarian.'

Watch the trailer for 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story':


 

The 'Star Wars' film franchise does indeed seem to be taking it upon itself to broaden gender horizons. If this isn't to make up for the distinct lack of female value in the original movies (barring Leia, though this is a bad example given that she allowed herself to be seduced by the heavy-handed and alarmingly forceful Han Solo), then it's because it knows its audience will be a colossal one and therefore has a responsibility to stand for gender equality. As well as Rey, 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' also featured strong females the likes of Captain Phasma played by Gwendoline Christie.

'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' will be released in US theatres on December 16th 2016.