Diego Luna has praised 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' for sending a "clear message" about diversity.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna

The 36-year-old actor stars as Captain Cassian Andor in the upcoming spin-off to the popular 'Star Wars' franchise, and has spoken out about how the film is "a beautiful film about unity and celebration".

Speaking to Variety magazine, Diego said: "It's a clear message what this rebel group sends... By leaving differences aside, we can be stronger. By celebrating our differences and understanding that those differences make us richer and stronger and more powerful we can do whatever we want, you know? There is no limits. It's a beautiful film about unity and celebration."

But it's almost a movie that Diego didn't get to be a part of at all, as he recently admitted he nearly missed a phone call from director Gareth Edwards offering him the role.

He said: "I saw this British number calling me at 2 a.m., and I have family in England, so I thought it was, like, a drunken cousin from a bar or something.

"I ran over and saw that it was Gareth Edwards wanting to give me some news! I just jumped around like crazy - it was quite a special day. [Edwards] said, 'Okay, welcome to Star Wars.'"

Meanwhile, Diego previously compared starring in the sci-fi franchise to being in love.

Asked if he ever thought he would star in such a big movie, he said: "No, never. The best things that have come to me in life have been a surprise. I think it's because I have kept working, even in something else, and not because of waiting for it. I just think that when you focus your energy in the right direction things start to work out and life surprises you in a positive way. Maybe I'm being too romantic, but it's impossible to travel somewhere looking to fall in love with someone. Instead, when you stop looking for it, it comes to you and soon you are in love. If I didn't have a movie right now I would be very happy doing theatre."