Gaten Matarazzo, renowned for his role in Stranger Things, is stepping into a whole new galaxy with his latest project: LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. This thrilling four-part animated series is set to premiere this Friday on Disney+, and it boasts an impressive roster of voice talent, including Tony Revolori, Bobby Moynihan, Marsai Martin, Michael Cusack, Ahmed Best, Mark Hamill, and Billy Dee Williams.
For Matarazzo, this gig is more than just a job; it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Like countless other fans, he grew up with LEGO sets and immersed himself in LEGO and Star Wars films and TV shows. “This was very integral to why I love movies as much as I do,” Matarazzo shared in a recent phone interview with UPI. “I was really into all the LEGO-themed gear—bed sheets, pajamas, clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes, all that jazz.” His enthusiasm for these childhood favorites has come full circle, and he’s excited to be a part of this iconic franchise.
A New Acting Challenge
In Rebuild the Galaxy, Matarazzo is embracing a fresh acting challenge. Unlike his previous roles where physical presence and props played a significant part, here, he’s using only his voice. This change has proven to be a liberating experience. “You can basically do whatever you want, and it’s kind of encouraged,” he explained. “There’s no fear of messing up a camera shot or something not looking right. You’re hyper-focused on your voice, and I find that quite freeing.” This voice-only role pushes him to use his imagination in new ways, which he finds exhilarating.
Meet Sig: A Relatable Star Wars Nerd
Matarazzo’s character, Sig, is someone he finds easy to relate to. Sig is a cheerful kid who idolizes heroes like Luke Skywalker, Rey, and Anakin. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a magical relic and inadvertently rewrites Star Wars history. “Sig is really cool,” Matarazzo said. “He’s a happy-go-lucky person who likes to get along with people.” Despite his enthusiasm and social awkwardness, Sig’s deep love for Star Wars makes him a standout character. Matarazzo described him as “an ADD-riddled boy” who’s passionate and fixated on Star Wars, even within the Star Wars universe itself. “He is literally a Star Wars nerd in the world of Star Wars, which is really, really fun.”
Matarazzo hopes that viewers will see a bit of themselves in Sig. “He’s whisked away on this adventure that was never really planned,” Matarazzo explained. “You can wrap yourself up in the idea of ‘This could be anybody. It could be you. It could be your neighbor, your brother or sister, or anybody really.’ It’s really fun to watch and kind of go down this really silly, goofy journey.” Sig’s ordinary start and extraordinary adventure make him a character many can relate to and root for.
Fanboy Moments with Legends
Despite recording his lines alone, Matarazzo has had the chance to meet some of the iconic figures from the Star Wars universe. He admitted to being a bit starstruck by Mark Hamill and Billy Dee Williams. “I tried to be as cool as I could,” he said with a laugh. “I may have fanboyed over them a bit.” The attention he gets from fans of Stranger Things is nothing compared to the legendary status of Hamill and Williams. “I don’t think anything compares to that,” Matarazzo reflected.
When it comes to Stranger Things, Matarazzo feels a bit of “imposter syndrome” about the immense fanfare his character, Dustin, receives. “It is so incredible to hear, but it never really resonates because I always feel as though when I'm in that situation like, 'No way I could possibly be a part of something that’s so special to so many people,’” he said. His experience with the show has been overwhelmingly special, and he’s filled with gratitude towards the fans who’ve supported the series. “It’s really weird for that to kind of sink in, how loved it is. I’ve got nothing but gratitude toward people that have put their time and energy into being fans of the show.”
Looking Ahead: Future Plans
As he wraps up filming the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, Matarazzo is already setting his sights on the future. He’s keen on exploring new opportunities, whether it’s working with director Boots Riley or returning to Broadway. “I would love to continue theater,” he said. “That’s always my ultimate goal—to see how much time I have between stuff so I can go and jump back on stage if possible.” After finishing Season 5, he plans to dive into projects that push him out of his comfort zone and help him improve his skills. “I want to try things I haven’t done very much or things I think I’m not particularly very good at,” he shared. “Especially while I’m still pretty young.”
Matarazzo’s journey from a LEGO enthusiast to a voice actor in a major Star Wars franchise is a testament to his passion and versatility. As he continues to balance his work on Stranger Things with new and exciting opportunities, fans can look forward to seeing more of his impressive talent and enthusiasm in the years to come.
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