Laura Sirikul is journalist and cosplayer. She was kind enough to answer a few questions via email for this interview.
What was your introduction to Star Wars?
I was a geek growing up and it’s mostly from being introduced by my dad who watched Star Trek and Star Wars. I remember watching it as a kid briefly and just liking Leia and lightsabers and thinking Luke Skywalker was cute! Also, Harrison Ford was in this?! By the time I watched this, he was a HUGE action star. So, it was cool seeing him in this too.
Who are some of your favorite Star Wars characters and have those favorites changed over time?
Obviously, Leia because it was awesome seeing a badass woman with a gun. She’s been a staple of mine. I have added Rose Tico and Bodhi Rook into my favorites. I don’t think things have changed. I’ve just added.
Some fans only watch the films or favor the books or animation. How would you describe the Star Wars content you consume?
I’ve only watched the media content and recently started the books. Thank goodness for audio books cuz I have a lot to do.
When did you start writing about entertainment and Star Wars? What have some of your favorite Star Wars-related assignments been?
I’ve been in the media industry since 2011 writing for geek-based sites but I’ve been writing for years for scientific places for longer. It just transitioned to entertainment. I still do scientific stuff but I love my entertainment. Star Wars has been so fun because it’s something I love so much and grew up with. Some of my favorite assignments were the junkets because we got to see them in person and talking about their journey in the universe.
I know you have cosplayed as Rose Tico and have met Kelly Marie Tran a few times. I’d love to know what inspires you to cosplay (in general) and what inspired the Rose cosplay.
I love being a character that isn’t myself. I think we all want that escapism and also just showing off your love of the character. So, when I put on the costume, I’m no longer Laura. I’m that character. Rose Tico kinda allowed me to be both because I saw myself in her because this girl is an Asian American fighting in the resistance and that’s what I would have done if I lived in this universe.
You were a part of the docu-series Looking for Leia. What was that experience like and why did you want to be a part of that production?
I love that team. Looking for Leia has been amazing because they’re all inclusive and care about our voices. This was the reason I knew I had to be a part of this. They’re amazing people too.
What kind of Star Wars content would you be over the moon to write? Related, what do you think is lacking in paid media coverage of Star Wars?
Honestly, I would love to see a Chirrut Imwe and Baze Malbus series when they were young before Rogue One and I’d honestly would love to write for that series. I loved those characters and their journey as a team. Also, I would love more Asian characters in this world. I feel like that’s lacking. I want to see more of us. In media, I feel like they kept Kelly Marie Tran hidden from interviews with Asian-based audiences for some reason. I wanted to interview her for several places but it was really difficult.
What are you looking forward to as far as announced Star Wars projects in the next few years?
I’m looking forward to more Baby Yoda. Also, Rian Johnson’s trilogy because he hasn’t disappointed me yet. He understands character development and inclusivity.
If you could have a meeting with Kathleen Kennedy what would you like to ask her or tell her?
I just want her to see there are more of us than them. Them being the trolls. There are more of us who want and support inclusivity and diversity than the old school culture… What they did to Rose Tico in The Rise of Skywalker was trash and catered to the trolls.
What are some Star Wars sites/podcasts/journalists you would recommend to others?
Omg, so many. There are so many amazing pods. I can’t list them all but I will tweet about them.
Do you have any projects you can share info about?
Just have some Mulan content coming out when that finally comes out and some other projects in the woodwork! Hopefully more!