20 Essential Movie Performances That Will Define 2016
3. Ben Mendelsohn - The Admiral (Star Wars: Rogue One)
Release Date: December 16
The Role: We know very little to date, but Mendelsohn will 100% be playing an Imperial admiral and most likely the movie's ultimate big bad (barring a surprise Darth Vader appearance, of course).
Why It'll Define 2016: This won't only elevate the brilliant Aussie actor to the big leagues, but it's clear from the brief clip we've seen of him that he's pitching to become the next Moff Tarkin-type bureaucrat bada**. He certainly looks the part in his majestic uniform, and from his previous work there's little doubt he'll nail the intimidating authoritarian role with effortless ease.
Considering that Rogue One will certainly be a huge hit and possibly prove to be a better film than The Force Awakens, we should have a fantastic new character joining the Star Wars mythology. Hell, if the script's good enough, why not a Best Supporting Actor nomination too? Much crazier things have happened...