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CNN Live Sunday

New 'Star Wars' Film Premieres in New York

Aired May 12, 2002 - 17:19   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JONATHAN KARL, CNN ANCHOR: "Star Wars" fans across the country are counting the days until the premiere of "Episode II: Attack of the Clones." But not everybody has to wait until Thursday to catch it. The film has made its debut in New York City's Tribeca Film Festival. Our Brian Palmer is on hand. Brian, what's the buzz there about "Episode II"?

BRIAN PALMER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, first of all, good afternoon, Jonathan. We hear no buzz yet. We are -- the red carpet here is empty. There is no traffic. That's because all of the stars are and specially invited guests are in there. They're watching the screening of "Attack of the Clones," which, as you know, is Episode II in the "Star Wars" saga -- the tale of Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo and Princess Leah.

And I will stop right there because I do not want to embarrass myself with "Star Wars" fans. But we actually got to speak to some of these stars in new film. They told us a bit about the movie.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PALMER: What you can tell us about your demotion from queen to senator?

NATALIE PORTMAN, ACTRESS: It's really wonderful because it gives her the time and also the leisure because, you know, she is not having to wear all of these incredibly heavy costumes anymore, and she falls in love. So it allows for this really wonderful love story as well.

PALMER: Talk to us about the challenges of such a physically big person as yourself playing a squishy little character like Yoda and the muppets and so on and so forth.

FRANK OZ, ACTOR: Well, I don't describe them as squishy. As an adjective, I wouldn't use squishy. That's the first adjective I've ever heard to describe any of those guys as squishy.

PALMER: That's the best I can do, I'm sorry.

OZ: No -- as far as physical work, I'm 6-foot-2 and Jim Henson and the Muppets was 6-foot -- and we basically were uncomfortable. And that is what are you are. You work very, very hard and you sweat. In this case, of course, is Rob and his team who did all of the work. I get the credit here, but basically this time, I only do the voice.

As far as the actual character goes, you know, you can be, 2-foot or 10-feet; it's character work that's important.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PALMER: Now, technically speaking, Jonathan, this is not the premiere. The film is showing in 10 other cities across North America -- Chicago, L.A., Toronto. But this is the big event. But even here in New York, the film was screened for four very special audiences before this big event -- groups of children who are beneficiaries of a Children's Aid Society. All of the proceeds from this gala event are going to the Children's Aid Society. They have been at forefront of post 9/11 efforts giving children emergency relief -- children who have lost loved ones after September 11. They expect to raise about $500, 000 from this event.

Now, it should also be noticed -- that should be noted that this is the final day of Tribeca Film Festival, and this is the big event for that day -- Jonathan.

KARL: All right. Well, Brian, look -- Yoda is a little squishy, all right? I am with you on that one. I don't know why he was giving you such a hard time. Thanks a lot for that report.

PALMER: Thank you, Jonathan.

KARL: Take care.

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