'ATTACK' AT 20: ENTER COUNT DOOKU!

The enigmatic but very deadly Count Dooku makes his mark in EPISODE II.

Once an esteemed and valued member of the Jedi Council, Count Dooku of Serenno shockingly abandoned the order and his long-time associates, unhappy with affairs linked to its leadership and the ongoing decisions of the Republic, to ultimately be at the forefront of a building-in-numbers opposing Separatist movement across the galaxy. With such chaos resultant from his actions, what would the consequences be for all should such a respected figure actually be a long-time convert to the Dark Side of the Force?

Early costume design ideas for Count Dooku.

Playing such a charismatic, distinguished, statesman-like figure, capable of showing intellectual superiority fused with dangerous cunning, alongside a skilful arrogance in all his endeavours, only the versatile and excellent British character actor/icon Christopher Lee could play the pivotal role of Dooku, especially with his previous connections to the saga via his dear friend Peter Cushing. Interestingly, another fine actor, Gabriel Byrne, was also allegedly considered, but when the role of Dooku was an earlier idea of being a younger man.

“I didn’t want to keep creating bigger monsters (to become Sith Lords). I decided to make him (Count Dooku) an old gentleman-go more into the elegant mode than a monstrous mode. I just felt it was more right for the part. It’s not as jazzy as other things, but it seemed to fit better.” 

George Lucas - The UK Star Wars Magazine Issue 39-July/August 2002 

On Geonosis, Dooku makes pacts with the Banking Clan and the Techno Unions to overwhelm the currently limited in numbers Republic forces.

“Dooku is a Jedi. And not very many Jedi have turned their back on the Order. He is the latest one to do so. But he is human and speaks and behaves as one in that galaxy far far away. He has supernatural powers. Both Saruman (of The Lord of the Rings) and Dooku have great powers of magic. But that’s the only similarity between the two. Dooku makes his appearance for the first time in five films. That’s very important to me as an actor. All of a sudden he is there. Who is this man, where does he come from? He’s very much a man of mystery.” 

Christopher Lee - Internet interview (source unknown) - 2002

Now on Geonosis, Obi-Wan hears of the plans and warns the Jedi before ultimately being captured by enemy forces.

"I talked to George Lucas about the character. He is a battle-scarred Jedi. The word 'Dooku' is Japanese for 'Poison'.

Christopher Lee - BBC TV interview - 2002

Dooku unsuccessfully tries to convert the captured Obi-Wan Kenobi to the Separatist cause, but not before fusing lies within deep truths about the Republic and the Sith influence.