Star Wars actor Jordan Stephens says he declined to return in hit Disney+ series Andor after being told to cut off his dreadlocks to ensure his appearance looked "realistic."

Stephens, better known as half of U.K. rap duo Rizzle Kicks, originally appeared as Rebel Alliance soldier Corporal Tonc in Star Wars: Rogue One. While Tonc died in the movie, he — and many other actors — were invited back for the subsequent prequel series Andor in order to better flesh out his role.

Unfortunately for Stephens, his return came with a caveat: that he cut off his dreadlocks he had been growing for seven years in order to film "for a day." Speaking to Zeteo, Stephens said he had even argued his case to point out that he had been wearing a helmet throughout his Rogue One appearance, which would have hidden his locks again in Andor. Alas, he was told this still would not be good enough — and Stephens walked away.

"In Rogue One, I'm wearing a helmet the whole time. So I was like, yeah I've got locks but who cares, just put me in a helmet [again]," he began.

"'Well, we're going to shoot scenes of the army training'," he claimed he was then told in response by an unknown person connected to the series' production. "'We're going to be training so we're going to need you in traditional army attire, including your hair.

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