Empire Online continues its AOTC interviews with casting director Robin Gurland. Here's an excerpt:

Did you have any concerns about casting Christopher Lee as a villainous character?

He's just so wonderful in that type of role, it's an advantage, not a disadvantage. He is the archetypal character. It worked for me.

And what about Jimmy Smits?

I was big admirer of his acting. He expressed an interest in being part of the film, similar to the way that Sam Jackson did. He is a big fan of Star Wars. It's a kind of mutual admiration and the role was appropriate and it worked out perfectly.

You can read the rest of the interview by clicking here.