Darth Sebious alerted us to a story from his way in New Zealand, in the Taupo Times newspaper on July 10th. Regarding Tupoutahi Winitana, the 11-year old actor we previously reported had turned down a role in Episode 2. More info about the character he would have played has come out, but since it might be considered spoiler material, you'll have to highlight to read:

The parents of 11-year-old Tupoutahi Winitana, currently touring the country in the stage show Ahorangi 2000, had to decline the opportunity because of their son's show commitments.

Tupoutahi stars as Maui in the show written, produced and directed by his father Chris Winitana. His mother Tina Kaipara co-directs and manages as well as playing one of the female leads.

SPOILER: He was offered a part in the second prequel film in the Star Wars series as a young version of a character which may be played by Temuera Morrison.

But clashes between Ahorangi 2000 performances and the filming meant it was not possible to accept.

Ms Kaipara said the days that Lucas Films wanted Tupoutahi for filming were the days that Ahorangi 2000 would be performing in Wellington, in front of Te Waka Toi (the Maori arts board of Creative New Zealand, which provided over $105,000 funding for the show). It was also the week the show would be videoed in preparation for its overseas tour.

She said Tupoutahi wasn't too disappointed - he hadn't been very happy with the idea of playing a "baddie", and the movie wasn't being shot near SeaWorld.

It was also difficult to take him out of a well-received show on which the family had spent 18 months working.

"Our first commitment is to Ahorangi 2000 and the people and all the bits and pieces."

Another cast member, Tihoi Taylor from Hamilton, has accepted a role in the movie, with his scenes being shot in Australia during a break in the tour.

You can find the full story here.