ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (First Reactions)

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Update: December 10, 2016

First Reactions from ROGUE ONE Screening Are Overwhelmingly Positive

Spoiler: click for more rogue one reactions

First Reactions to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Are Overwhelmingly Positive

 

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Update: September 15, 2016

Michael Giacchino Replaces Alexandre Desplat as ROGUE ONE Composer

Rogue One, the first Star Wars standalone movie, will be whistling a new tune. Michael Giacchino, the composer behind such movies as the Star Trek reboot and Pixar movies ranging from The Incredibles to Inside Out, will score the upcoming movie, stepping in for Alexandre Desplat, who was originally slated to work on the movie.

The recent reshoots are behind the switch, according to sources.

Rogue One went under extensive reshoots this summer that saw writer Tony Gilroy take on a filmmaker role during the shoot and the post-production process as Disney and Lucasfilm sought to clarify story and tonal issues for the movie that opens Dec. 16.

But the reshoots also altered the scoring calendar and Desplat, who won an Oscar for The Grand Budapest Hotel, was no longer available. Disney and Lucasfilm then turned to Giacchino, who has a long relationship with the studio and its various divisions.

Giacchino is also a Star Wars fan and appeared as a storm trooper in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, directed by pal J.J. Abrams and for whom he’s scored films and television shows.

Michael Giacchino Replaces Alexandre Desplat as 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' Composer
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Update: October 13, 2016

Final Trailer for ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

 

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Update: August 11, 2016

2nd Trailer for ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY Released!

A new trailer for Gareth Edwards’ Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is now online. The film follows a small group of rebels as they attempt to steal the plans for the Death Star.

Despite all the talk of production problems on the film, you wouldn’t know it from this trailer. Rogue One looks like a bold, exciting step into the future of the Star Wars franchise. Visually, it looks completely different than anything we’ve seen before, and it looks like Edwards has succeeded in giving his picture a “war movie” aesthetic. Moreover, this trailer does a terrific job of focusing on the cast. This trailer is so good you don’t even need the little Darth Vader capper at the end, although it certainly doesn’t hurt.

Also starring Diego Luna, Mads Mikkelsen, Forest Whitaker, Jiang Wen, Donnie Yen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Genevieve O’Reilly and the voice of James Earl Jones, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens December 16th.



Terrific 'Rogue One' Trailer Teases Darth Vader, Promises A Grim 'Star Wars Story'
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Update: April 7, 2016

First Teaser Trailer for ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

Disney and Lucasfilm have released the first teaser trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire. During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star, an armored space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet.

Directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla), the film features an impressive international ensemble cast including Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, Forest Whitaker, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, and Jonathan Aris. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story lands in theaters December 16.



Watch the Official Teaser Trailer for 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' Released

 

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Update: January 29, 2016

Rumor: Forest Whitaker's Character Details in ROGUE ONE Revealed

The rumors continue to swirl around the next Star Wars film, Rogue One, which arrives in December of this year. This time around, we're not talking about the larger than expected role of Darth Vader or new costumes, but details of Forest Whitaker's character. This does mean potential spoilers follow.

A new rumor stemming from Making Star Wars suggests a few specific details about Whitaker's role. First of all, the rumor makes claims of the character using a cane because he has only one leg, having lost the other in battle and replacing it with a "robot leg." He is a veteran of "some battles," though there is nothing to say whether he lost the leg fighting in the Clone Wars or against the Empire.

The rumor takes into account that Whitaker's character has a differentiated code name from the rest of the rebels in the movie, so he is likely one of the good guys, at least for Rogue One, but possibly a bounty hunter of some form.

Finally, the character wears a cape and has quite an extravagant wardrobe. He would fit right in on Takodana, Maz Kanata's home.

Rumored Details On Forest Whitaker's Character In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
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Update: January 26, 2016

New Information on ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

Rumors began swirling about stormtroopers in all-black costumes appearing in the film late last year and JoBlo can confirm that they will be in the movie. JoBlo's sources indicated that they are often referred to as "Death Troopers", although no mention if the commonly referenced "Shadowtrooper" from the Legacy Universe would be used.

One of the prominent characters in the film is a droid that works with the rebels, specifically Felicity Jones' group, that is said to be a "scene stealer" in the film. It was originally an Empire droid and has been repurposed to serve the rebel alliance. He's two-legged and a dark grey or black color. In terms of appearance, the droid has long arms and legs and is very different than a typical protocol droid like C-3PO. Could this be the mo-cap character that Alan Tudyk is playing?

"Cashen" is the name of one of the key players, although which they can't say. It could be spelled differently as well, in that whole Star Wars way (i.e. Kashen or Kashyn, etc.).

There will be a new Tie Fighter design and AT-ATs will be featured in the film.

Lastly, addressing those Darth Vader rumors, the site can confirm that Darth Vader will be in the film and is expected to have a larger role than originally thought. How big or how involved is still unknown, but expect to see the return of one of Star Wars' most infamous characters to the big screen.

Exclusive: New Information on Star Wars: Rogue One Characters and More

 

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Update: January 18, 2016

Christopher McQuarrie Brought in to Fix ROGUE ONE Script

According to Birth.Movies.Death., Christopher McQuarrie has been quietly brought in to fix the script for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, a heist film about a group of rebels working to steal plans for the Death Star.

Gary Whitta was originally on script duties, but he soon departed the standalone film and moved on to Starlight, adapted from Mark Millar’s comic. Chris Weitz then came on.

However, Birth. Movies. Death. further states that the script still wasn’t in the right place after these change of hands. McQuarrie, will likely remain out of the film’s credits even though he’s said to be tightening up the story.

In addition to recently writing and directing Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation with major success, McQuarrie also had a hand in Doug Liman’s Edge of Tomorrow and he’s moving on to helm M:I 6. This Rogue One business wouldn’t be the first time he had to rework a script, either, as he previously helped save the tumultuous World War Z.

‘Star Wars: Rogue One’: Christopher McQuarrie Brought In to “Save” Script
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Update: January 14, 2016

Darth Vader Rumored to Appear in ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

A new rumor, brought about by Making Star Wars, claims that the most iconic villain in cinematic history will be brought back to the franchise for the spinoff. The rumor states that Darth Vader's costume and helmet have been masterfully recreated by Brian Muir and his team, describing it as "perfectly" matching Vader's A New Hope look.

It doesn't stop there. Word is James Earl Jones will be returning to voice Darth Vader, though there's still no word if his lines have already been recorded or will be added in post. However, inside the suit will be a brand new actor.

Not much in terms of how much Vader will be featured in the film, but the rumor suggests, he'll be a "prominent player in a few scenes and something to fear for the heroes."

Darth Vader Rumored To Appear In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
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Update: January 6, 2016

Rumor: New Plot Details for ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

From last April's Star Wars Celebration we learned that the film will focus on a group of Rebels who band together to steal plans of the Death Star. At the Star Wars Celebration Edwards described the film as a realistic war film, with no Force-users present to save the day. "It's the reality of war. Good guys are bad. Bad guys are good. It's complicated, layered; a very rich scenario in which to set a movie. "

Today, Makingstarwars reports that Mads Mikkelsen (Galen appears to be his name in the film) is kind of the key to the film in a way. He is a scientist that took over the Geonosian Death Star project. He solved several of the flaws the Empire could not and is sort of a revered person in the Empire for his contributions.

However, Mikkelsen’s character is a Robert Oppenheimer-type character. Oppenheimer helped design the atomic bomb only to say, “Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” The guilt Galen feels for his contributions to the Empire become too much and he defects, attempting to make things right. In order to do this, he enlists the help of his only daughter.

And Mikkelsen's daughter will be played by the female lead, Felicity Jones. With the outcome of the mission a known commodity, the tension in the film will have to come from the personal stakes of those involved and the magnitude of the undertaking. It's probably safe to say that not everyone among Felicity Jones' Rebel team will survive the ordeal.

The site also reports that the first trailer for the film is set to debut with Marvel's Captain America: Civil War.

Rumored Plot Details and Mads Mikkelsen's Character for 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story'

 

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Update: January 4, 2016

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY Voted Most Anticipated Film of 2016

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the most anticipated movie of 2016, according to a survey conduced by online ticketing service Fandango.

Moviegoers were surveyed by Fandango, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, during the last weeks of December about the films, stars and roles they were most looking forward to seeing the following year. Rogue One, due out Dec. 16, is the first title in Disney’s Star Wars anthology series of stand-alone stories and will star Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed and Ben Mendelsohn.

Disney’s Finding Dory, the sequel to Finding Nemo, is the second most-anticipated film on the list, followed by Warner Bros.’ Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. The untitled Jason Bourne movie and Captain America: Civil War round up the top five.

Melissa McCarthy in Sony’s Ghostbusters is the most anticipated actress and Matt Damon is the most anticipated actor in Universal’s untitled Jason Bourne sequel. Sophie Turner was named the most anticipated rising female star for Fox’s X-Men: Apocalypse and Tom Holland was selected as most anticipated rising male star for Disney’s Captain America: Civil War.

Wonder Woman, portrayed by Gal Godot in Batman v Superman, topped the survey for most anticipated debut of a comic book character.

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Is Year’s Most Anticipated Movie (Survey)
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Update: August 24, 2015

ROGUE ONE to Digitally Resurrect Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin?

Over the weekend, London’s The Daily Mail reported that horror icon Peter Cushing would be recreated digitally in Star Wars: Rogue One as the Imperial leader Grand Moff Tarkin. Cushing died in 1994, and his character Tarkin met his end when Luke Skywalker blew up the Death Star at the conclusion of the original 1977 Star Wars film.

Rogue One, which is shooting now for release in December 2016, is set in the galactic chronology just before the events of that first movie, and the story focuses on the Rebel efforts to infiltrate the Empire and steal the plans that will allow them to locate the Death Star’s weaknesses. (These were the plans Princess Leia was so desperate to protect in the original film.)

Lucasfilm wouldn’t comment on the report, but it stands to reason – given this timeline – that not only would Tarkin return in some capacity, but so too would Darth Vader, the Emperor and perhaps even young Princess Leia. It’s not only likely, but something fans expect from Rogue One.

Vader is easy to resurrect – the mask doesn’t age, and James Earl Jones is still in fine vocal form. The same goes for Palpatine, played by Ian McDiarmid, who wore Shar-Pei-like wrinkled prosthetics to perform the part three decades ago, and reprised the role to become one of the highlights of the otherwise divisive prequels.

Star Wars: Rogue One to Resurrect Peter Cushing as Tarkin?
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Update: August 15, 2015

First Cast Photo for STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE Officially Released

Lucasfilm announced the castmembers and crew who will make up Star Wars standalone Rogue One (official title is Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) on Saturday, accompanied by the film's first cast photo. The Gareth Edwards-directed film focuses on resistance fighters who unite to steal plans to Death Star.

Castmembers include Oscar-nominated Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk and Riz Ahmed.

"Rogue One takes place before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope and will be a departure from the saga films but have elements that are familiar to the Star Wars universe," producer Kathleen Kennedy said in a release. "It goes into new territory, exploring the galactic struggle from a ground-war perspective while maintaining that essential Star Wars feel that fans have come to know."

'Star Wars: Rogue One' Cast Revealed, First Photo Released
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Update: July 27, 2015

SHERLOCK's Jonathan Aris Joins STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE

Jonathan Aris might be joining the cast of Gareth Edwards‘ Star Wars Anthology film Star Wars: Rogue One. The report comes from BBC News, which noticed that Jonathan Aris, who plays Anderson in BBC’s Sherlock and also appeared in Edgar Wright’s The World’s End, listed the gig on his Spotlight page. That’s essentially an official online CV used by actors and agents.

The page lists the role in the film as a character called Senator Jebel. Of course, we know nothing about the characters of this film thus far, so this doesn’t reveal much at all. And even the quickest glance at Star Wars history will see a long legacy of British actors being employed over the course of the franchise, so this casting is not unlikely.

Rogue One is set between the films Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope, during the Age of the Empire. Directed by Gareth Edwards, Star Wars: Rogue One will hit theaters on December 16th, 2016.

‘Sherlock’ Actor Jonathan Aris Joins ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’

 

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Update: July 7, 2015

Rumor: Darth Vader to Appear in STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE

The Empire continues to reign in Star Wars: Rogue One, the first anthology film from Disney’s expanded Star Wars Universe, and it seems as though Darth Vader may just put in an appearance, at least according to a new rumor from Birth.Movies.Death.

Rogue One follows a rogue band of resistance fighters who attempt to pull off a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans. Though it wasn’t clear how large Darth Vader’s role would be, it’s noted that he would not be the film’s primary antagonist. However, it’s clear that Vader will be alive and kicking in the peripherals of the film at the very least. With James Earl Jones returning to play the character in Star Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothal, it may not be terribly surprising if he ended up reprizing the role.

Directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla), the film’s cast already includes Felicity Jones, Riz Ahmed, Diego Luna and Ben Mendelsohn. Opening Dec. 16, 2016, Rogue One is set just before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope.

Rumor: Darth Vader To Appear in ‘Star Wars: Rogue One’
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Update: June 15, 2015

Forest Whitaker Joins STAR WARS ANTHOLOGY: ROGUE ONE

Forest Whitaker has joined the cast of the upcoming Star Wars spin-off film Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One! Variety has the news, reporting that Whitaker will join a cast that currently includes Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything), Riz Ahmed (Nightcrawler), Sam Claflin (Snow White and the Huntsman), and Ben Mendelsohn (The Dark Knight Rises).

The first in the Star Wars Anthology series of spin-off films, Rogue One will follow a rogue band of resistance fighters united to steal the Death Star plans and bring new hope to the galaxy. Jones will play one of the rebel soldiers. Variety's sources say Ahmed and Luna also play Alliance fighters. Whitaker's role is unknown at this time.

Whitaker is currently filming Denis Villeneuve sci-fi drama The Story of Your Life opposite Amy Adams, and is in negotiations to follow that film with The Crow remake in the fall before jumping into production on Star Wars: Rogue One. He'll next appear in Antoine Fuqua's boxing drama Southpaw. Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One is set for release on December 16, 2016.

Breaking: Forest Whitaker Joins Gareth Edwards' Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One
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Update: June 12, 2015

ROGUE ONE Details on Plot, Vehicles, Locations, and More

At this year's Star Wars: Celebration, the official synopsis for Gareth Edwards' Star Wars: Rogue One was released and it involved "rogue band of resistance fighters unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans." Thus far, the cast is comprised of Felicity Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Diego Luna, Sam Clafin, and Riz Ahmed, with composer Alexandre Desplat set to score the film.

Today, JoBlo has some small, interesting tidbits, which won't spoil anything plot related, but rather give you a picture into what kind of film we can expect thematically and what types of characters we will (and won't) see in this first spinoff. Here's some key bullet points to make it easier to digest. Some is just confirmation, some new info, some just interesting factoids, but all of it sure makes me excited to find out more.

• Definitely set during the "Dark Time" of the Empire (between Episodes III and IV).
  
  
• Being coined as "darker and grittier" than any other Star Wars film to date.
  
  
• The film seems to be aiming to be much like an old school war film; Think Hamburger Hill meets Star Wars.
  
  
• All the Jedi are said to be in hiding; expect this story to leave them in the background.
  
  
• Stormtroopers have same armor as they do in the original films (i.e. episodes IV - VI).
  
  
• Lots of alien life forms, Mon Calamari among them.
  
  
• New droids and aliens will be introduced. Kind of a no-brainer, but just so you know it's not just a bunch of rebels.
  
  
• At-Ats, X-Wings, Y-wings, At-Sts are said to be present.
  
  
• Implied that some of the film will take place on Yavin-4; a lot of armies in the jungle and various battlefield locations.
  
  
• Looks like a new droid will be part of the band of rebels attempting to steal the Death Star plans.
  
  
• Felicity Jones is seen dressed as a rebel soldier ready for battle; expect her to get her hands dirty in this one.

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE Details on Plot, Vehicles, Locations, and More (Exclusive)
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Update: May 13, 2015

Diego Luna Cast in Lead Role in STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE

Director Gareth Edwards has found another rebel fighter to battle the Empire in Star Wars: Rogue One. Sources tell Variety that Diego Luna (Elysium, The Terminal) has landed a lead role alongside Felicity Jones and Riz Ahmed, with Ben Mendelsohn set to star as the film's primary villain.

At a panel with Edwards and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy at the recent Star Wars Celebration convention in Anaheim, Edwards revealed that the plot of Rogue One revolves around the heist of the Death Star plans by a group of rebel fighters, with Jones starring as one of the rebel soldiers. Sources say Ahmed and Luna also play rebel fighters.

The film will take place between Episode III and Episode IV, but closer chronologically to A New Hope. It's set to bow December 16, 2016. The cast is expected to be a large ensembler similar to The Dirty Dozen and Saving Private Ryan, but sources add Luna is one of the leads of the film with Jones, Ahmed and Mendelsohn.

Star Wars: Rogue One: Diego Luna Joins Felicity Jones in Lead Role (Exclusive)
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Update: April 23, 2015

Riz Ahmed, Sam Claflin in Talks for STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE

The Hunger Games star Sam Claflin and Nightcrawler's Riz Ahmed are both being eyed for roles in the first Star Wars Anthology movie, Rogue One. According to the Wrap, Claflin is being eyed for one of the ensemble roles in the heist film's cast. The actor plays Finnick in The Hunger Games franchise.

According to Variety, Ahmed is in negotiations to play the male lead in the film, opposite Felicity Jones. Director Gareth Edwards has reportedly been meeting with actors to test for the role, and Ahmed's chemistry with Jones set him apart from the rest of the pack. Sources could not confirm Ahmed's role, but it is likely he too would play a rebel soldier.

While Claflin does not have the role yet, he is the frontrunner for one of the ensemble roles. He has a lot of experience as a supporting player in blockbusters ranging from Snow White and the Huntsman to Pirates of the Caribbean and The Hunger Games, but he is being eyed for a more substantial role in Rogue One. Ahmed is an English actor/ rapper and has starred in Four Lions, Ill Manors, and Nightcrawler. Star Wars: Rogue One will be released Dec. 16, 2016.

Sam Claflin and Riz Ahmed in Talks for Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One Roles

 

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Update: April 19, 2015

Director Gareth Edwards Spills STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE Details

On the final day of the Star Wars Celebration Anaheim, one of the newest members of the Lucasfilm family - spinoff director Gareth Edwards - took the stage to talk about joining a galaxy far, far away. Edwards is set to direct stand-alone film Star Wars: Rogue One, starring Felicity Jones, which is slated for release in December 2016. He was able to share more details about the film, including a logline, concept art (see above) and a bit of a sizzle reel at Sunday's event.

Edwards was joined by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and head of development Kiri Hart for the event, held at the Anaheim Convention Center. "We really wanted freedom to do some films that could stand on their own, and tell new stories," said Hart, who revealed that they're calling them "anthology films."

Edwards says he'll start shooting this summer. But he did come with a sizzle reel, of sorts. It showed a jungle landscape, and then, hovering large in the sky, the Death Star. Hidalgo also revealed an official logline for the film: "A rogue band of resistance fighters unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans."

Edwards, who said that the film is set after Episode III and before Episode IV, added that his film won't have clear-cut villains and heroes. It's also very much a war film, he said. "It's called Star WARS," he joked, getting a laugh from the crowd.

"It's about the fact that god's not coming to save us, and we're on our own," said Edwards. "The absence of the Jedi is omnipresent in the film. It hangs over the whole movie." Edwards confirmed that the one castmember who has been announced, Felicity Jones, will play a Rebel in the film.

Director Gareth Edwards Reveals 'Star Wars: Rogue One' Centers on Death Star Heist
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Update: March 25, 2015

Ben Mendelsohn in Talks for STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE Lead

Deadline is reporting that Ben Mendelsohn is circling a lead role alongside Felicity Jones in Rogue One, the Star Wars spinoff to be directed by Gareth Edwards. Rogue One is part of a series of standalone Star Wars films that Lucasfilm plans to release in between the proper episodes (The Force Awakens is, of course, Episode VII). Rogue One will be followed by Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII, which will then be followed by Josh Trank's (Chronicle) standalone film.

If Mendelsohn isn't on your radar, he ought to be. The Aussie actor has been memorable in films that include Exodus: Gods And Kings, Killing Them Softly and The Dark Knight Rises. But he is overwhelmingly good in the stellar cast of the new Netflix series Bloodline, with a performance that has to put him smack in the middle of the Emmy discussion.

Rogue One is on track to begin production this summer after recently replacing screenwriter Gary Whitta's - who worked on the project for a year - with Cinderella scribe Chris Weitz, who is currently collaborating with Evans to bring this one home. Rogue One is set for release on December 16, 2016.

Ben Mendelsohn Circling Lead Role in Gareth Edwards' Star Wars Spinoff, Rogue One
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Update: March 15, 2015

Alexandre Desplat Chosen to Score STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE

The person that director Gareth Edwards (Monsters) has chosen to compose the score for Star Wars: Rogue One will be French film composer Alexandre Desplat. The two previously worked together on 2014's Godzilla.

Desplat revealed the news in an interview with Radio Classique's Culture Club (via filmmusicreporter). Desplat recently won an Oscar for his work on Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. He was also nominated this year for The Imitation Game. He was previously nominated - but didn't win - for Argo, The King's Speech, The Queen, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button and Philomena.

Not much is known about the plot of Star Wars: Rogue One except that is being written by Chris Weitz (Cinderella) and will star Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything). Filming will begin this summer in London.

Oscar-Winning Composer Alexandre Desplat to Score STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE
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Update: March 12, 2015

Gareth Edwards' Spinoff Titled STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE

Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced news regarding the first Star Wars stand-alone movie as well as Star Wars: Episode VIII. Rogue One is the title for the first spinoff film in a unique series of big-screen adventures that explores the characters and events beyond the core Star Wars saga.

Rogue One will be directed by Gareth Edwards (Monsters, Godzilla) and written by Oscar nominee Chris Weitz (Cinderella, About a Boy, Antz). The first actress cast is Felicity Jones, who garnered an Academy Award nomination and critical acclaim for her performance in The Theory of Everything.

The idea for the story of Rogue One came from John Knoll, an Academy Award-winning visual effects supervisor and chief creative officer at Industrial Light & Magic. The film starts shooting this summer in London and is due for release on December 16, 2016.

In addition, Iger confirmed that Rian Johnson (Looper, Brick) will write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII. The film, which continues the saga after the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is set for release on May 26, 2017.

Gareth Edwards' Spinoff Titled 'Star Wars: Rogue One', Episode VII Release Date

 

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Update: February 3, 2015

Felicity Jones to Star in Gareth Edwards' STAR WARS Spinoff

After a series of hush-hush readings and tests, Lucasfilm and Disney have zeroed in on Oscar-nominated actress Felicity Jones for the female lead in the Star Wars stand-alone film. Jones is now in talks to star in the project, which Gareth Edwards is directing and Chris Weitz - who was just hired last week - is writing. Weitz is replacing Gary Whitta, who penned the first draft.

Actresses were meeting, reading and testing last week in Los Angeles for the role, with Tatiana Maslany and Rooney Mara among those in the mix. The secrecy surrounding the project is thicker than the mists of Dagobah, and it is even unclear which character the stand-alone is focusing on. Sources say that Aaron Paul and Edgar Ramirez are on the interest list for the male lead. The movie has a release date of Dec. 16, 2016.

Jones is currently making the awards season rounds for The Theory of Everything, for which she snagged a best actress Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Jane Hawking, the first wife of physicist Stephen Hawking. She will be next seen in True Story which stars with James Franco and Jonah Hill, and she is also shooting family fantasy A Monster Calls starring Liam Neeson.

Gareth Edwards' 'Star Wars' Stand-alone Movie to Star Felicity Jones (Exclusive)
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Update: January 26, 2015

Chris Weitz to Write Gareth Edwards' STAR WARS Movie

The Star Wars stand-alone movie that Gareth Edwards will direct has found a new writer. Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the latest scribe headed to a galaxy far, far away is Chris Weitz, whose credits include the 2002 film About A Boy and Disney's upcoming Cinderella. He will replace Gary Whitta, who exited the Lucasfilm/Disney project earlier this month after he completed a first draft.

Weitz is both a screenwriter and a director, not to mention an author. He received an Oscar nomination for his adapted screenplay for About A Boy, which he also co-directed. His other directing credits include the Oscar-nominated Demian Bichir drama A Better Life, The Golden Compass (he also wrote the script adapting the Philip Pulman YA fantasy) and - perhaps most notably - The Twilight Saga: New Moon. He's also in the middle of writing a YA trilogy set in a post-apocalyptic world, with the first book, titled The Young World, having hit shelves last summer.

Edwards' Star Wars movie is heating up and is in the early stages of casting. Actresses were testing in Los Angeles last week. The movie is one of two spin-offs Disney and Lucasfilm have in development, with Chronicle's Josh Trank set to direct the second. It has a release date of Dec. 16, 2016.

'Star Wars' Stand-alone Movie Hiring Oscar-Nominated Writer Chris Weitz (Exclusive)
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Update: January 9, 2015

Gareth Edwards' STAR WARS Spinoff Loses Writer Gary Whitta

Gary Whitta is no longer writing a Star Wars standalone movie. Whitta was working with Gareth Edwards, the filmmaker behind last year's Godzilla movie, on the project and completed a first draft. But he has now left the project, which will likely hire a new writer. Sources say Whitta is now moving on to his next project, which is unknown at this time. One of the projects on his docket is Starlight, Fox's adaptation of the Mark Millar sci-fi comic book miniseries.

"Gary has been a wonderful, inspired contributor and I enjoyed working with him tremendously," said Edwards in a statement. "I'm so grateful for all of his contributions." Said Whitta, "The year I spent working with Lucasfilm on this Star Wars film has been by far the most rewarding period of my entire career. As a lifelong Star Wars fan I'm deeply grateful to have had the rare opportunity to contribute to a new chapter in its ongoing cinematic legacy. The film is going to be amazing."

This is not the first time a writer has stepped off a Star Wars project after doing initial work on it. Michael Arndt worked on a treatment and script for what was becoming the J.J. Arbams-directed movie before leaving it over a year after commencing on it. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan took over the script-writing duties. The Star Wars standalone has a release date of Dec. 16, 2016.


Gareth Edwards' Star Wars Standalone Movie Loses Writer Gary Whitta (Exclusive)
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Update: November 24, 2014

Gareth Edwards' STAR WARS Spinoff Might Be a Heist Film

Slashfilm is reporting a rumor that Gareth Edwards' Star Wars spinoff movie will be about a group of bounty hunters out to steal the plans for the original Death Star. The rumor is not confirmed, and was reportedly only spilled by a single source. Lucasfilm and Disney refused to comment on the matter, so remember that this is all tenuous rumors for a film in the early planning stages.

The rumor suggests that the film will tell the important story of how the Rebel Alliance came to possess the plans for the first Death Star. While most assumed it was Rebel agents who procured the plans, the opening crawl of A New Hope simply says the plans were stolen by "Rebel spies." It's possible that a small but wealthy organization like the Alliance would outsource this mission to freelancers. Unless these bounty hunters are all Bothans, it doesn't explain the line in A New Hope about how "many Bothans" died to bring the Alliance said information, but that could be interwoven into the film (or remain one of many contradictions in Star Wars continuity).

The film itself would play out like a heist movie, with a Suicide Squad like group of bounty hunters working to steal the plans. Slashfilm could not confirm that Boba Fett would be part of this team, though there's no particular reason why he wouldn't fit in. A more confusing aspect of the film is the rumored inclusion of the Millennium Falcon, alongside the rumored exclusion of Han Solo. Additionally, the film is said to feature a character who will be introduced in The Force Awakens (presumably Max Von Sydow).

New Star Wars Spin Off Movie Rumors May Include Bounty Hunters and Death Star

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: May 22, 2014

GODZILLA Director Gareth Edwards to Helm STAR WARS Spinoff

Press Release: In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney have begun development on multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. Gareth Edwards will direct the first stand-alone film, with a screenplay by Gary Whitta. The film is due out December 16, 2016.

Gareth Edwards blazed into the filmmaking forefront with his acclaimed work on Monsters, a film he wrote, directed and served on as cinematographer and visual effects artist. The skill and vision readily apparent in Monsters earned him the high-profile spot directing this year's smash hit Godzilla.

"Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life - join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited & honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm, said Edwards.

Gary Whittas screenwriting credits include 2010s The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington. He is also well known as a journalist and editor in the video game industry, as well as part of the BAFTA award-winning team on Telltale Games adaptation of The Walking Dead.

Whitta states, "From the moment I first saw the original movie as a wide-eyed kid, Star Wars has been the single most profound inspiration to my imagination and to my career as a writer. It is deeply special to me,so to be given the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing legacy, especially in collaboration with a film-maker as talented as Gareth,is literally a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself."
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Update: May 6, 2014

Bob Iger Says Three STAR WARS Spin Off Films in the Works

Disney had previously acknowledged that there would definitely be two Star Wars spinoff films in the pipeline, but speaking today during a quarterly earning stockholders call, CEO Bob Iger revealed that "at least three" spinoff movies are now planned in addition to Episodes 7, 8, and 9. This ups the ante from the previously mentioned two spinioffs.

Screenwriters Lawrence Kasdan (Empire Strikes Back) and Simon Kinberg (X-Men: Days of Future Past) have been working on the spinoff films for over a year, and the early rumor was that the standalone films would be a young Han Solo movie and a Boba Fett movie.

Kasdan took over scripting duties on Episode VII with Abrams late last summer and is currently in London fine-tuning the script ahead of production, and Kinberg has been working with Fox on the Days of Future Past sequel X-Men: Apocalypse as well as producing The Fantastic Four. Disney has previously confirmed its plan to release a new Star Wars film every year starting in 2015, so if they're to stick to that plan we would likely see the first spinoff movie sometime in 2016.


Disney CEO Bob Iger Says At Least Three STAR WARS Spin Off Films in the Works

 

[Lethal_Striker]

In Gareth Edwards SW film he'll have Darth Vader vs. Godzilla.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

In Gareth Edwards SW film he'll have Darth Vader vs. Godzilla.

Just as Vader activates his lightsaber, Godzilla runs away and we see it all in an intergalactic news feed.

 

[Adamant]

This spinoff sequel has me very excited. Especially if it's made to be like Oceans 11.

 

[JAEGERX]

a Star Wars spinoff with Bounty Hunters in a heist?

HOLY FUCK

 

[Tankeray]

Holy shit this could be fucking amazing.

They should make it super-violent and rated R. That would be fucking amazing.

 

[Magooglie]

I hope they make it look like the 70's designs.

 

[GhostZ06]

Update: November 24, 2014

Gareth Edwards' STAR WARS Spinoff Might Be a Heist Film

Slashfilm is reporting a rumor that Gareth Edwards

 

[Fork]

Update: November 24, 2014

Gareth Edwards' STAR WARS Spinoff Might Be a Heist Film

sounds great. it would be even better if they used the bounty hunters in the graphic, but i imagine they'll use different ones.

 

[windkick]

Update: November 24, 2014

Gareth Edwards' STAR WARS Spinoff Might Be a Heist Film

Well godam this sounds badass as shit

 

[Thrawn33]

Update: November 24, 2014

Gareth Edwards' STAR WARS Spinoff Might Be a Heist Film

The rumor suggests that the film will tell the important story of how the Rebel Alliance came to possess the plans for the first Death Star. While most assumed it was Rebel agents who procured the plans, the opening crawl of A New Hope simply says the plans were stolen by