STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS v4 (First Look at Luke Skywalker)

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: October 19, 2015

Watch the Final Trailer for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS!

The final trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens has debuted online, following the promo’s premiere during ESPN’s Monday Night Football game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles.

The trailer’s release coincides with the launch of ticket sales for the seventh installment in the beloved franchise, which will bow in theaters on Dec. 18. On Sunday, Lucasfilm unveiled the theatrical poster for The Force Awakens as part of the countdown to the trailer and ticket release. Despite initial plans for the tickets to go on sale following the trailer’s debut, online ticketers put them on sale almost two hours before halftime, straining many sites, including Fandango and MovieTickets.com, with many users reporting site crashes and error messages as fans rushed to secure their seats.

Set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens finds a galaxy torn asunder by the ongoing conflict between the Resistance (formerly the Rebel Alliance) and the First Order (formerly the Empire). The story features some familiar faces, but much of the focus will be on a new batch of heroes and villains who will drive the Star Wars saga into the future.

The film stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendolyn Christie, Domhnall Gleeson, Andy Serkis, and Max Von Sydow. Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens December 18th.

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Watch the Final Trailer for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
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Update: October 19, 2015

STAR WARS Ticket Presales Crash Fandango, AMC and Alamo

The months and months of hype have paid off for Disney and Lucasfilm this afternoon, as theater chains began offering advance ticket sales for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which hits theaters two months from today on December 18. Perhaps a little too well, however. Legions of Star Wars fans immediately rushed to online ticket sellers to secure their seats but alas, the force is not strong with them. The sudden rush of demand from Jedi-happy fans has caused loading issues and site outages on purchasing platforms including Fandango, the Alamo Drafthouse, and AMC Theaters.

Fandango was most seriously affected as of this writing, with the site timing out before the home page loads when we attempted to access it. Service for ticket sellers has been spotty all over, and though many fans were eventually able to purchase tickets after several attempts, others are reporting they’ve gotten access only for these sites to crash again before finalization.

While inconvenient for moviegoers, the news has to feel like victory to Disney and Lucasfilm, demonstrating the continuing pop cultural and market power of the franchise many abandoned after less-than-universally beloved prequel trilogy ended in 2005. Of course the film was going to be a success, but how much of a success is the key question. Experts have been predicting a record-smashing $615 worldwide opening for the film. Right now those sky-high predictions for box office earnings look positively reasonable.


‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Ticket Presales Crash Fandango, AMC and Others









Link to previous threads:

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Official Thread 1.0

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Official Thread 2.0

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Official Thread 3.0

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: October 18, 2015

New Poster and Teasers for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

The new Star Wars: The Force Awakens poster centers on Daisy Ridley's Rey, a scavenger on the planet of Jakku who seems to be a focal point of the movie. According to what's been released so far, she teams up with Finn after he goes to Jakku on the run from the First Order. He's also prominently displayed, wielding the blue-bladed lightsaber that once belonged to Anakin and Luke Skywalker to one side of Rey, while on the other we see the villainous Kylo Ren with his mysterious, firey red three-bladed saber.

In the middle of it all, we see Han and Leia (complete with cool new up-do), Chewie behind them, stalwarts C-3PO and R2-D2, the only characters who have been in all seven films, Teedo another scavanger from Jakku, Poe Dameron and his rolling astromech BB-8, and in the front, Captain Phasma and a couple of stormtroopers.

What's notably missing form the poster is any sign of Luke Skywalker, who has been kept very hidden and secret from promotional materials. The other images, platoons of stormtroopers, X-wings flying from explosions, the Millennium Falcon being chased by TIE-fighters, and new versions of Star Destroyers looming in the background should look familiar. The object behind Finn is brand new - and looks a lot like a moon or planet-sized destroyer of planets (is it a new Death Star?).

Rey, like on the other Drew Struzan poster, is in the middle, and splitting the light side and the dark. Her staff lining the burning red light of Ren's lightsaber is especially notable. Could she be the one struggling along the two sides of the Force in this film?


New Official Poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens Released
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Update: October 7, 2015

Gugu Mbatha-Raw Reportedly Joins STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII

Star Wars: The Force Awakens will soon be upon us, and Star Wars: Episode VIII will be here before you know it. Tonight, we now have the film's first bit of major casting since Benicio del Toro signed on back in July to play a villain role. Collider exclusively reports that Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Beyond the Lights) is joining the cast. While negotiations can always break down and nothing is official until Disney announces it, Collider feels confident in their report.

Mbatha-Raw flew under the radar when it came to Episode VIII casting. Latino-Review did report a few days ago that she was being eyed for the film, and at the beginning of September, it was reported that Gina Rodriguez, Tatiana Maslany and Olivia Cooke were on the shortlist for the female lead and that they were doing chemistry reads with Force Awakens star John Boyega.

Earlier tonight, THR reported that Maslany was signing on for the Boston Marathon Bombing movie, which would likely make her unavailable for Episode VIII. Whether she passed on Star Wars or they passed on her, it looks like they have someone in mind, and it appears to be Mbatha-Raw. However, it’s also possible there’s more than one female lead and Rodriguez (or some other actress) is still in the running for the other part.

Mbatha-Raw was due for a breakout role in a blockbuster following her acclaimed performances in Beyond the Lights and Belle. Mbatha-Raw will be seen later this year in the NFL drama Concussion and early in 2016 with The Free State of Jones. She’s also co-starring in the live-action Beauty and the Beast, which opens in 2017. Star Wars: Episode VIII opens May 26, 2017.


Exclusive: Star Wars: Episode VIII Casts Beyond the Lights Actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw
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Update: October 1, 2015

Admiral Ackbar Confirmed for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

In an interview with The Australian, actor Tim Rose confirmed rumors that he's returned to the franchise to reprise the role of Admiral Ackbar in Episode VII: Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The character, who famously exclaimed, "It's a Trap!" was a fan favorite due to his exceedingly alien nature and oft-quoted one-liner. Rose said he's "very frustrated" by the secrecy surrounding the film, but excited to be back in the role, despite the difficulties.

"It takes a unique sort of masochist to ever want to do it in the first place. But the joy of doing it is the joy of animatronics, and that's taking the foam latex, an inanimate object, and making people think it's alive," Rose said. "I'd like to think I gave Ackbar something special which you can tell. I think you can. I can tell when I see my friends who do specialised and full body suit work no matter what character they go into; I can tell you exactly who it is because I know their movements so well."

The character of Ackbar has appeared in other media, including a young version in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and appearances and mentions in books and comic books. The recently released Star Wars: Aftermath, which takes place after Return of the Jedi, includes references to the Admiral. He also appeared in the Marvel Comics mini-series Princess Leia.

The actor also hinted that fans of his last appearance should be very happy with the new movie. "What I can say about the new movie is that if you were a fan of the original three, you're going to absolutely love this one to bits," Rose said. "You can expect a smorgasbord of people you love."


Actor Tim Rose Confirms Admiral Ackbar Will Be in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: September 21, 2015

Rumor: Hayden Christensen in STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII?

Making Star Wars has heard through the Jedi grapevine that Hayden Christensen, who portrayed young Anakin Skywalker in the prequels, is making an appearance in Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII. They report: "A team in the U.K. are soon heading to the U.S. to begin training Hayden Christensen for a Star Wars: Episode VIII appearance of some sort."

Training?! That doesn't sound like a mere appearance from a ghost of Anakin. So that leaves us with two possibilities: Anakin flashback scene(s) or he is resurrected -- from the dead or as a clone -- by Kylo Ren, who is obsessed with Darth Vader. There is a popular fan theory that is currently circulating that seems very relevent to this latest rumor.

Making Star Wars also has some additional info regarding Darth Vader appearing Star Wars: Rogue One. "The most I have heard at this juncture is that a fully operational Darth Vader chest piece along with the helmet made it to the creature shop for the next film," they report. "The lights on the chest piece work and everything." However, only one was spotted, indicating Darth Vader's screentime would be very limited -- no action scenes of any sort. Though, this chest piece might just be used a reference for the prop shop to churn out multiple pieces. However, filming has already begun and you would figure multiple suits would've been dealt with in pre-production.


Rumor: Hayden Christensen Training for an Appearance in Star Wars: Episode VIII
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Update: September 9, 2015

STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII Will Begin Filming This Month

A galaxy far, far away is returning to the Irish island of Skellig Michael, with local authorities approving future production for a Star Wars feature. The Irish government announced Thursday that permission has been granted for Lucasfilm to return to the historical location, which has been a protected UNESCO world heritage site since 1996, provided no damage comes to the island's ecology or bird life. (Ecologists and specialist staff from the country's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the National Monuments Service will be on site during shooting to ensure that is the case.)

"Sceilg Mhichil (Skellig Michael) is one of our most dramatic and beautiful islands and it is very easy to understand why its stunning scenery has caught the attention of the makers of one of the world's biggest film franchises," said government official Heather Humphreys in a statement. "The return of Star Wars to Sceilg Mhichil is another win for Ireland and the Irish film industry, which is a growing and dynamic sector of our economy."

Humphreys added: "Specialist staff from my Department have been in discussions with Lucasfilm since March of this year in relation to a limited amount of filming, expected to last two to four days."

The agreement, initially reported by RTE, will allow Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII to follow this December's Star Wars: The Force Awakens in using the location. J.J. Abrams's revival of the space opera franchise filmed there last year.


Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII Will Begin Filming This Month in Ireland
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Update: September 1, 2015

Female Lead Shortlist for STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII Revealed

Golden Globe winner Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin), Golden Globe nominee Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) and Me and Earl and the Dying Girl star Olivia Cooke are considered the top contenders for the new female lead in Rian Johnson‘s Star Wars: Episode VIII, multiple individuals familiar with the casting situation told TheWrap.

Insiders insist it’s early in the casting process and that Johnson is still auditioning actresses, with several rising stars yet to read for him. Others suggest that Johnson is narrowing down the field and that Rodriguez, Maslany and Cooke will be among a group of girls slated to chemistry-read with The Force Awakens star John Boyega before the end of the month.

Disney will release the sci-fi sequel on May 26, 2017. Ram Bergman is producing the film with Lucasfilm’s Kathy Kennedy, and production is expected to start early next year.

Oscar winner Benicio del Toro is nearing a deal to play the villain in Star Wars: Episode VIII, for which plot details remain unknown. However, the Internet has taken it upon itself to speculate that Han Solo’s daughter could be introduced in the film.


‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ Shortlist Includes Gina Rodriguez, Tatiana Maslany, Olivia Cooke
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Update: August 27, 2015

Why Fans are Excited Over the STAR WARS Instagram Teaser

Lucasfilm has released a new teaser for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, via Instagram. The teaser features new footage of Finn (John Boyega) wielding a lightsaber, Rey (Daisy Ridley) with BB-8, and the armies of the First Order.

So why exactly are Star Wars fans getting so excited? That last bit features villain Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) igniting his interesting hilted three-blade lightsaber followed by Finn (John Boyega) igniting a saber in return. is what's so huge for fans, of course, as it's brand-new, and the first time on camera that we've seen Finn with a lightsaber. It's not the first time, however, that this has been hinted at. But the biggest thing for the Star Wars faithful isn't just a lightsaber, it's the first on-screen canon shot that all-but-confirms it's Anakin's lightsaber in Finn's hands.

See, that blue blade is your first hint. But other Jedi have wielded a blue bladed weapon, of course. The real indication is in the grip. Those black bars giving it a ridged look are unique to just one lightsaber, the one that belonged to Anakin Skywalker as a young Jedi, and was eventually passed on to his son Luke. Wielding Anakin/Luke's lightsaber is a heavy and important indicator that someone is extremely central to the story, and that someone being of African descent is a major step for the franchise.

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Why Fans are Freaking Out Over 15 Seconds of Star Wars Footage

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: August 25, 2015

Kylo Ren is Not a Sith and Other New Details for STAR WARS 7

New details about Adam Driver‘s Kylo Ren, the presumed lead villain of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, are revealed in the latest issue of Empire. While we’ve already learned that Kylo Ren is obsessed, in his way, with Darth Vader, and that his mask and general appearance are a nod to that character, director J.J. Abrams confirms in the story that Driver’s character “is not a Sith.” Abrams goes onto say, “[Kylo Ren] works under Supreme Leader Snoke, who is a powerful figure on the Dark Side of the Force.”

Snoke is a performance-captured digital character, played and voiced by the great Andy Serkis. We’ve yet to get a full gander at the character yet but anticipation is understandably high to see how he’s designed, especially as this news confirms that he’s essentially the new Emperor for Abrams’ film. And speaking of the Dark Side characters, the filmmaker also likened the aforementioned First Order to the Nazis, if they had reunited after fleeing to Argentina. Here’s his exact quote:

“That all came out of conversations about what would have happened if the Nazis all went to Argentina but then started working together again? What could be born of that? Could The First Order exist as a group that actually admired The Empire? Could the work of The Empire be seen as unfulfilled? And could Vader be a martyr? Could there be a need to see through what didn’t get done?”


Kylo Ren is Not a Sith and Other New Details for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: August 15, 2015

Colin Trevorrow Officially to Direct STAR WARS: EPISODE IX

Disney and Lucasfilm continue to nab the hottest young directors for Star Wars films, bringing on Jurassic World helmer Colin Trevorrow to direct Episode IX. Disney made the announcement at D23 Saturday.

Jurassic World was a massive hit for Universal when it opened earlier this year, breaking opening weekend records for the biggest global take of all time and the biggest domestic opening of all time. It also became the fastest movie in history to hit $1 billion globally. The Chris Pratt-starring film has earned $1.6 billion worldwide to date.

Trevorrow had only directed a short film and the 2012 comedy Safety Not Guaranteed before signing on to the massive Jurassic World. He's already stated that he would not be returning for the next Jurassic film, and is attached to next direct Book of Henry.

Disney and Lucasfilm have collected a slew of hot directors for the Star Wars universe, many of whom have only directed one or two big-budget films before signing on to work in a galaxy far, far away. J.J. Abrams is directing Episode XII, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which will hit theaters in December. Looper director Rian Johnson is attached to write and direct Episode XIII. When he signed on, he was also going to write a treatment for Episode IX, which Trevorrow will direct. Lego Movie helmers Phil Lord and Chris Miller are going a Han Solo stand-alone film and Godzilla director Gareth Edwards is also doing a stand-alone project.


'Star Wars: Episode IX' Sets 'Jurassic World' Director Colin Trevorrow to Helm

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: August 15, 2015

George Lucas Reveals Jar Jar Binks Inspired by Disney's Goofy

Director and Star Wars creator George Lucas told fans at the D23 Expo in Anaheim on Friday that Disney's Goofy influenced the making of the love-him-or-hate-him Gungan character Jar Jar Binks from the 1999 prequel Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.

"I can't even begin to tell you how much of an influence Disney has had on me," Lucas said. "I will say one secret that nobody knows; not many people realize that Goofy was the inspiration for Jar Jar Binks." After the audience laughed, Lucas added, "I know that you will look at him differently now. It's pretty obvious, actually, but, um, I love Goofy and I love Jar Jar."

"I tried to remember back what it was like when I was young and what I got from Disney," Lucas said, "and I am very happy to be here with two of my daughters. One of them's older and sitting here and trying to get into the movie business just like me, and the other one is two years old and we're re-going through the park. To watch it through her eyes is an amazing experience."


George Lucas Is Not Apologizing for Jar Jar Binks, Reveals Character Based on Goofy

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: August 15, 2015

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Running Time Revealed

During Disney's D23 Expo today, director J.J. Abrams revealed that the runtime for Star Wars: The Force Awakens is clocking in at 2 hours and 4 minutes. That's the same runtime as the quintessential film in the franchise, Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back. Coincidence?

Keep in mind, the film is still being edited, so the runtime could dramatically change by the time it is ready to be released in theaters this December. How's that compare to the original runtimes of the previous Star Wars films?

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Runtime - 136 minutes
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones Runtime - 142 minutes
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith Runtime - 140 minutes
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope Runtime - 121 minutes
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back Runtime - 124 minutes
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi" Runtime - 134 minutes


Star Wars: The Force Awakens Running Time Revealed To Be 2 Hours and 4 Minutes

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: August 15, 2015

STAR WARS Theme Parks Coming to Disneyland, Disney World

The Star Wars universe is ready to invade ours. Disney chairman Bob Iger announced the creation of two Star Wars-themed lands. The 14-acre parks will feature humanoids, aliens and droids. He called it the company's "largest single-themed land expansion ever."

One of the single-themed lands will be featured at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida, with the other coming to Disneyland in Anaheim. Iger said attractions would include a Millennium Falcon ride and iconic settings like the Creature Cantina.

"Everything we create will be part of our storytelling," said Iger, who added every store in these parks would be operated by local inhabitants — in other words, actors in character as aliens or droids.

"Nothing in the land will be out of character or stray from the mythology." Iger said guests will "truly become a part of their favorite Star Wars stories."

"These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance," said Iger.


Amazingly Immersive STAR WARS Theme Parks Announced for Disneyland and Disney World

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: August 13, 2015

First Look at Luke Skywalker for Star Wars: The Force Awakens

First Look At Luke Skywalker In Leaked Image From Star Wars: The Force Awakens

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: August 13, 2015

Han Solo's Age Range in STAR WARS Spinoff Movie Revealed

As Star Wars fans await The Force Awakens to discover what became of Han Solo in the years since Return of the Jedi, there’s another question being asked at Lucasfilm: What happened to him in the years before we met him in that Mos Eisley cantina?

Even as Harrison Ford suits up to reprise the character again this December in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, a young Han Solo movie is in the works and is already scheduled for release on May 25, 2018. It will be directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller (The LEGO Movie, the Jump Street movies). And the script will be penned by both Lawrence Kasdan, (The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi) and his son Jon. No actor has been hired yet, and they’re aren’t even close in that department.

Although Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy couldn’t talk about details of the story, it’s clear it could involve a lot of figures we already know: Chewbacca, of course, Lando Calrissian, Jabba the Hutt, and even Greedo. (If there’s not an argument between the two about who shot something first, the movie is missing a trick.) The Star Wars comics being made now by Marvel, which are considered canon, are also adding surprising facets to Solo’s past — including the fact that he has a wife.

Kasdan had the option to do any kind of Star Wars story he liked. Kasdan said he had turned Lucas down when approached about working on the prequels, yet it was a different sort of prequel that interested him this time. “They said, ‘Here are the things that we’d like to make movies about,’ and I said, ‘Oh, well, Han Solo. I would write a movie about Han Solo. He’s always been my favorite.’ And that’s the job that I took,” Kasdan says.

Another question is how young they should go with young Han Solo. In the Star Wars prequels, Lucas began by presenting Darth Vader as a mischievous, pod-racing child. They won’t be venturing that far back with Solo. “He’ll definitely be probably in the high teens, low 20s,” Kennedy says. “We’re not introducing you to a 10-year-old Han Solo.”


Han Solo's Age Range In Star Wars Spinoff Movie Revealed - Entertainment Weekly
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Update: July 20, 2015

Benicio Del Toro in Talks as Star Wars: Episode VIII Villain

Benicio del Toro has the offer to play the villain in Star Wars: Episode VIII, multiple individuals familiar with casting process have told TheWrap. Discussions are still in the very early stages, but Disney and Lucasfilm are high on the Oscar-winning Traffic star.

Del Toro would be a strong fit for the sci-fi sequel, as he’s able to conjure menace on a whim. He’d also continue Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams’ diverse vision for the Star Wars universe that will be led by John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac going forward.

Rian Johnson is directing Star Wars: Episode VIII, which is expected to start shooting early next year in advance of a May 26, 2017 release date. Ram Bergman is producing the film with Lucasfilm’s Kathy Kennedy.

Del Toro is already a member of the Disney family, having played a fun yet small role as The Collector in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, though he has indicated that he may not return for the upcoming sequel due in 2017.

Del Toro won an Oscar for his supporting performance as an honest Mexican cop in Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic. He’ll soon be seen alongside Emily Blunt in Denis Villeneuve’s crime drama Sicario and in an untitled Terrence Malick movie. Del Toro, is also set to star opposite Idris Elba in Harmony Korine’s The Trap.


Benicio Del Toro Eyed to Join Rian Johnson's ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’ (Exclusive)

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: July 10, 2015

New STAR WARS Footage from Comic-Con Released Online

Fans at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H were treated to a special look behind the scenes of Star Wars:The Force Awakens by director J.J. Abrams, producer and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan. The filmmakers were joined on stage by cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford to the surprise and delight of fans.

At the end of the Hall H presentation, the entire Hall H audience of more than 6,000 fans were all invited to continue the celebration and join cast and filmmakers at a surprise Star Wars Fan Concert. The San Diego Symphony performed the classic Star Wars music from John Williams at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.

The special, behind-the-scenes reel showed exclusively to Hall H fans is now online. As for the reel itself, it’s certainly a worthy stand-in for a new trailer, a finished clip from the movie, or any of the other polished bit of video we’re used to getting in the run-up to a new release. In fact, the focus on practical effects and gritty realism that’s front and center in this making-of montage feels a lot more honest and appropriate than it would if it were a bunch of hi-res CG shots. It almost feels like home.

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Comic-Con: New 'Star Wars' Behind-the-Scenes Footage Debuts
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Update: July 10, 2015

Harrison Ford's First Public Appearance After Plane Crash

Harrison Ford made his first public appearance since his well-publicized plane crash at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens panel at San Diego Comic-Con Friday night. Fans were worried about his health, and the first words out of the actors mouth were simply, "I'm fine. I walked here." After that assurance to fans that his foot was fine and injuries from the crash all healed, Ford joked with his castmates, and, visibly emotional, talked about coming back into the Star Wars fold.

"I never thought it would come back to bless me instead of haunt me," the actor said of his role as Han Solo. He praised the script for The Force Awakens by Lawrence Kasdan, the direction of J.J. Abrams, and the way the entire company of Lucasfilm under Disney handled the film.

"I was very gratified when I read the script, because I read something that I thought was really remarkable. Well written, with some intriguing developments. So I was delighted to be involved," Ford said. He joked that while returning to the role of Han Solo "should've felt ridiculous," instead it only "felt great."


Harrison Ford Makes His First Public Appearance at Comic-Con After His Plane Crash

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: July 7, 2015

Phil Lord and Chris Miller to Direct Han Solo STAR WARS Movie

Chris Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The Lego Movie and the hit 21 Jump Street movies, are tackling one of Star Wars anthology movies as their next directing project, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. The filmmaker team, who write, direct and produce, are stepping up to helm a movie that will focus on a young Han Solo, according to sources.

Lawrence Kasdan and Jon Kasdan are writing the script with the project now set for a May 25, 2018 release. The new project is not the same as the one that was to have been directed by Josh Trank. Trank parted ways with the project in May amid a cloud of issues stemming from his Fantastic Four shoot. The project, rumored to be an origin story of the intergalactic bounty hunter Boba Fett, is still searching for a director.

Unclear is how this move will impact Lord and Miller’s schedule. The duo became hot property not only with their witty take on the buddy cop genre with Jump Street but especially with 2014’s Lego Movie, which juggled a spectrum of geek icons from Batman to Star Wars.

They were to develop a Flash feature for Warners as a directing vehicle but now with the untitled Star Wars spin-off, that is likely off the table. As is a third Jump Street movie. However, they could stay on as writers or producers on those projects.

They were also developing an animated Spider-Man project for Sony, writing a treatment and producing, but since they were not intending to direct it, that could be less impacted. The pair would remain involved in the Lego franchise they helped launch.


'Star Wars' Han Solo Spinoff In the Works With 'Lego Movie' Directors (Exclusive)
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Update: June 2, 2015

Lost STAR WARS Short Becomes Feature Film with Rutger Hauer

Thirty-five years after it screened alongside Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, fantasy short Black Angel is getting the feature-length treatment. Roger Christian (Nostradamus, Battlefield Earth), who won an Oscar for his set decoration work on the first Star Wars (where he, among other achievements, helped design the first-ever lightsaber), is returning to write and direct the adaptation of his first-ever effort as a director.

“It’s my passion project, has been for 35-36 years,” Christian tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I guess ‘patience is a virtue’ is a true saying. It kind of happened – serendipity of the universe – as J.J. [Abrams] was about to start filming [The Force Awakens], so it became this legendary story of a lost piece of Star Wars history.”

Originally commissioned by George Lucas who Christian claims “hated” the short that accompanied Star Wars: A New Hope, the 25-minute long Black Angel – about a Crusade-era knight on a quest to defeat an evil force to free a captured maiden - was shot in Scotland on a shoestring budget of just $38,000, much of which the director claims was spent on “two big horses.”

But it went on to be seen as a significant influence in fantasy films, such as John Boorman’s Excaliber (1981). Adding to the overall mystery, it enjoyed only a brief time in theaters before the negatives were considered lost, only to show up again more than three decades later in 2013 in Universal’s U.S. archives, with the film screening again in various film festivals.

The feature length version of Black Angel, which is expected to go into production later this year, will have a marginally bigger budget of “around $15 million,” says Christian. The eight-week shoot will take place again in Scotland, plus Hungary, Morocco and Belgium. “They’d be hurling haggises at me if I didn’t shoot in Scotland, they kind of own Black Angel.”

Christian already has Rutger Hauer and John Rhys-Davies attached to star as High Priest Sirdar and King Aeolus respectively, but he plans to announce younger cast members shortly. The project is currently in the midst of a 45-day crowdfunding campaign to raise $100,000 and the Indiegogo page includes a video with a few additional story details. Apparently the main warrior, Sir Maddox, will be joined by a renegade princess during his attempt to take down the Black Angel and his army of the undead. She’ll be played by Laura Weissbecker.

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Lost 'Star Wars' Companion Short Becomes a Full-Length Feature

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: June 2, 2015

Han Solo and Boba Fett Details for STAR WARS Spinoff Film

The still untitled second Star Wars Anthology movie (which recently lost its director Josh Trank) has been rumored to feature the bounty Hunter Boba Fett for a while now, though Han Solo's name has been mentioned almost as much. In fact, several outlets have reported hearing that both characters will somehow be involved, but now The Schmoes Know gang have added a few very interesting details.

According to their sources the movie will actually focus on the conflict between Solo and Fett in the build-up to the events of A New Hope, and will feature appearances from more fan-favourite characters like Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, and Bossk. Apparently this movie will be heavily influenced by the old-school Westerns, and delve into the “hive of scum and villainy” we were first introduced to in Mos Eisely Space Port.

They also hear that since Josh Trank left the project both Jon Faverau and Matthew Vaughn are now circling the director's chair. Plus, have a few details on the third Anthology movie, which is said to be “mythological and spiritual” based, and could even focus on the origins of Yoda.


2nd Star Wars Spinoff Movie To Focus On Conflict Between Han Solo & Boba Fett
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Update: May 4, 2015

STAR WARS 2nd Anthology Film Will Be Boba Fett Origin Story

The next Star Wars anthology movie due in 2018 that recently lost director Josh Trank will be a Boba Fett origin story, confirming one of many rumors that have appeared online in the last several months, TheWrap has learned.

Boba Fett is a Mandalorian warrior who was trained by his father-figure Jango Fett and became a notorious bounty hunter throughout the galaxy. His travels led him to work for the Empire, collaborate with Darth Vader and take assignments from figures such as Jabba the Hutt, for whom he once captured Han Solo. The beloved character was primarily played by English actor Jeremy Bulloch in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

The first standalone anthology film will be Gareth Edwards‘ Star Wars: Rogue One, which will star Felicity Jones, Ben Mendelsohn and Riz Ahmed. That film follows a group of resistance fighters who unite for a daring mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. With rebel spies the focus of Rogue One, the next anthology film will explore the rich world of bounty hunters in the Star Wars galaxy.


Second Star Wars Standalone Film Reportedly Will Be a Boba Fett Origin Story
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Update: May 4, 2015

First Official Image of Gwendonline Christie as Captain Phasma

Vanity Fair recently revealed new members of the dark side and scruffy-looking nerf herders, but now Star Wars: The Force Awakens is unveiling something a little more mysterious. In the final Annie Leibovitz portrait from the set of The Force Awakens is Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie in all her helmeted glory.

This portrait is official confirmation of the rumors that have been circulating for a while now. You weren’t imagining it; that was the lanky Brienne of Tarth stalking through halls and chasing the Millennium Falcon in the most recent trailer. Though many fans have already nicknamed her “The Chrometrooper,” Christie’s character is actually named Captain Phasma and is a member of the First Order—the film’s new version of the evil Empire.

But should fans really assume that Christie’s Phasma is pure evil? In a franchise where a rakish smuggler can get the princess, a Sith Lord can be redeemed, and a stormtrooper can be a potential hero, anything can happen. Christie, who spends most of her scenes in HBO’s Game of Thrones clad in armor, should be used to wearing a bulky metal suit


Official Look at Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
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Update: May 1, 2015

Director Josh Trank Drops Out of STAR WARS Standalone Film

Josh Trank, director of the found-footage superhero drama Chronicle and upcoming Fantastic Four reboot, was attached to direct the second Star Wars stand-alone film, but has now parted ways with the project, confiming longtime rumors of a disturbance in this particular project.

According to The Hollywood Reporter's sources, reports of the director Josh Trank's unusual conduct during the making of Fox’s upcoming Fantastic Four movie had raised alarm among Lucasfilm executives that were entrusting him with the second Star Wars standalone film.

Trank, 30, had raised eyebrows in April when he didn’t appear as scheduled at a Star Wars celebration in Anaheim. At the time, both Disney and the director cited illness as the cause but multiple knowledgeable sources say the studio had asked the filmmaker not to attend while considering whether to proceed with him on the second spinoff in a planned series of films.

Indeed, producers on Fantastic Four, set for release July 30, are said to have faced great challenges pulling the film together given behavior described by one insider as “erratic” and at times “very isolated.” Trank did not offer clear direction, this person adds, saying, "If you've got someone who can't answer questions or who isn't sure or is in hiding, that's not good."

Among those bumps in making the Fantastic Four movie: Trank has several small dogs who were left in a rented house in New Orleans while the film was shooting there. According to sources, as much as $100,000 worth of damage was done to the property. Production considers any destruction of the property to be Trank's responsibility. Trank was sometimes indecisive and uncommunicative. Producers Simon Kinberg and Hutch Parker had to step in to help pull the film together, though sources stress that Trank was still on set and directing the film.

Kinberg, who is producing the second Star Wars standalone project (the first, Rogue One, is being directed by Gareth Edwards for a December 2016 release), is said to have communicated his displeasure with Trank to Kathleen Kennedy and the team at Lucasfilm. As the Star Wars brain trust heard more about Trank's behavior and working style, they became less confident in handing over the film to him.


Inside a 'Star Wars' Firing: 'Fantastic Four' Problems Led to Josh Trank's Ouster

 

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Update: April 16, 2015

2nd Teaser Trailer for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS!

Disney and Lucasfilm have released the new teaser trailer for J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The new trailer, released to coincide with the beginning of the four-day Star Wars Celebration event in Anaheim, Calif., gives audiences a closer look at what director J.J. Abrams has done to the space opera universe first unveiled by George Lucas in 1977's original Star Wars.

Over a monologue from Luke Skywalker talking about the strength of the Force in his family (and a shot of Darth Vader's partially-destroyed helmet), the audience is treated to a number of visual references to earlier movies in the series, including a downed Star Destroyer, a number of Storm Troopers and a fight between a Tie Fighter and the Millennium Falcon, but nothing was as potent a moment of nostalgia as the final shot, with Han Solo showing up on screen and telling Chewbacca, "Chewie... we're home." Millions of fans immediately agreed.

The Force Awakens features the return of original franchise leads Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, alongside newcomers Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. Also appearing in the movie are Adam Driver, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis and Domhnall Gleeson. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be released Dec. 18.




2nd Teaser Trailer for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Released
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Update: April 16, 2015

STAR WARS Panel Reveals New THE FORCE AWAKENS Details

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams kicked off the Star Wars Celebration Anaheim event Thursday with a lively panel about the upcoming film. Many of the castmembers took the stage, and new, never-before-seen photos from set were revealed in front of a crowd of thousands before a brand-new teaser was unveiled.

Abrams and Kennedy revealed that the parts of the film shot in Abu Dhabi are not set on Tatooine but a new planet called Jakku. Rey (Daisy Ridley) is a scavenger on the planet Jakku. She meets Finn (John Boyega), who is in incredible danger, and makes some decisions that launch him into the Star Wars story. Boyega confirmed that Finn is indeed a Storm Trooper. Po Damerin (Oscar Isaac) is "the best freakin' pilot in the galaxy" said Isaac. He meets Finn, and their fates become intertwined.

Kennedy said there weren't a lot of heroines in the first trilogy, but that "will change" with the new films. "There's great new characters, but really strong women," she said. "Not only in Episode VII but in the conversations we're having moving forward."

Boyega got Harrison Ford to sign the Han in Stormtrooper gear toy even though Ford said, "This is weird." Isaac was in his hotel waiting to see if he was cast hours before he went to the first table read. Boyega waited until the table read photo was released to tell his parents he was in the movie because he didn’t think they would believe him.

Click here to see the first teaser poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and behind-the-scenes images. Click here for promo posters featuring our first good look at the villain Kylo Ren trying very hard not to accidentally kill himself with his crossguard lightsaber.

[YT]3bZUUfW6FvE[/YT]


Star Wars Panel Reveals New Details from The Force Awakens
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Update: March 24, 2015

Incredible Star Wars TIE Fighter Fan Film 4-Years In-the-Making

Imagine for a moment that, in the late 80s, a Japanese animation studio had gained the rights to Star Wars, and made a TV series dedicated solely to pitched battles between Rebel X-Wings and Imperial TIE Fighters. Had it existed, it might have looked a lot like TIE Fighter, a seven-minute animated film by Paul Johnson. Taking his inspiration from the 90s videogame of the same name, TIE Fighter depicts a blazing space war in authentic anime style - its use of shading, movement and color are look like something Studio Nue would have come out with 20 or 30 years ago.

"What if there was an Empire-focused short Star Wars animation, drawn with the crazy detail and shading of classic 80s anime that's all but vanished from Japan nowadays?" Johnson writes. "Well, I tried my best. Apologies in advance for not living up to Venus Wars standards."

In a separate YouTube video, Johnson gives an insight into the ingenious rotoscoping method he used to create complex 3D movement in his hand-drawn, 2D anime style. Johnson writes that TIE Fighter took him "four years' worth of weekends" to draw and animate, and the hard work really shows.

[YT]PN_CP4SuoTU[/YT]


Incredible Star Wars TIE Fighter Fan Film 4-Years In-the-Making

 

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Update: March 10, 2015

STAR WARS to Release 20 Books Before THE FORCE AWAKENS

A lot can happen in 32 years of space-time. In the Star Wars universe, we’re about to find out just how much. At least 20 new books—from novels for adults and teens to storybooks and stickerbooks for younger kids—will be released this fall to fill the gap between 1983’s Return of the Jedi and this December’s The Force Awakens, EW has learned exclusively.

Those hoping to find out what Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo have been up to for the past three decades will find it first on the page, with Disney Publishing Worldwide and Lucasfilm confirming that the titles will be filled with Easter eggs foreshadowing events in J.J. Abrams’ Dec. 18 movie.

This new initiative comes after Lucasfilm announced last April that existing novels, short stories, comics, and video games that explored the so-called “Expanded Universe” of Star Wars were being discarded from the official storyline.

Among the confirmed titles for are Del Rey’s Star Wars: Aftermath, Marvel Comics’ Star Wars: Journey to the Force Awakens and one story told from the perspective of C-3PO. In addition, new novels retelling the original trilogy from the perspective of supporting characters will also be released alongside young adult novels focusing on Luke, Leia and Han’s stories in the original films.

Other books set to be released include Moving Target, a Princess Leia story from Tin Star author Cecil Castellucci; The Weapon of a Jedi, a Luke-centric book from Darth Maul: Shadow Conspiracy author Jason Fry; Lost Stars, from “Evernight” writer Claudia Gray; and Smuggler’s Run, a Han Solo novel from comic book writer Greg Rucka.


Star Wars to Release at Least 20 Tie-In Books Before The Force Awakens (Exclusive)
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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: January 29, 2015

Bob Iger Confirms EPISODE VIII and IX Set for 2017 and 2019

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens December 18 of this year. The first Star Wars standalone film opens December 16, 2016. After that, we have a good idea of what the next few years have in store for Star Wars but nothing is 100% set in stone. For example, though every single outlet in the world has confirmed Rian Johnson is directing Star Wars Episode VIII, along with the filmmaker himself, the company has yet to acknowledge it. And though we’ve heard there will be a Star Wars movie every single year, only the two dates above are confirmed.

However, the long-term future of Star Wars was recently mentioned by Disney CEO Bob Iger. In a Disney shareholders report, he talked about seeing footage from The Force Awakens, confirmed the release years for the next two films in “this” trilogy, and failed to mention the second standalone film. There’s more, too. Read the extremely loaded Star Wars sequel trilogy quote below.

"As one of the few people allowed to visit the set during filming….and one of the fewer who’s seen most of the footage…I can assure the millions of Star Wars fans who have spent the last decade hoping for a new movie this one will be worth the wait. And it’s only the beginning of a new era of exceptional Star Wars storytelling; next year we’ll release our first standalone movie based on these characters, followed by Star Wars: Episode VIII in 2017, and we’ll finish this trilogy with Episode IX in 2019."


Disney CEO Confirms Release for ‘Star Wars Episode VIII’ and ‘IX;’ More Trilogies
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Update: January 13, 2015

George Lucas Planned to Make EPISODE 7, Then Sell Lucasfilm

In an interview with USA Today, Lucas revealed that he had already begun development on Episodes VII-IX with Lucasfilm before he sold the studio to Disney. His original plan, according to the article, was to create Episode VII, and then sell Star Wars off.

But as timing would have it, Disney stepped in at the right moment, Lucas said, prompting him to ditch the plan and make a clean break from the franchise. Besides, Lucas said in the interview, he was already hesitant to embark on the 10 year commitment that a new Star Wars trilogy would have required. "The time is more important to me than the money,” he told the newspaper.

Now he can focus on writing what he calls small "experimental" films and be first in line in December for Abrams' Star Wars: The Force Awakens. "The only thing I really regret about Star Wars is the fact I never got to see it — I never got to be blown out of my seat when the ship came over the screen," Lucas says. "The next one, I'll be able to enjoy it like anybody else."


Geore Lucas Originally Wanted to Make Star Wars Episode VII Before Selling Lucasfilm
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Update: January 12, 2015

Video Shows Cross-guard Lightsaber Is Functionally Awesome

Of the innumerable questions raised by the teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren’s lightsaber was right at the top. Fans were wowed by the visual power of the saber, which has a cross guard made of the same plasma as the primary blade, but immediately began questioning its functionality. Wouldn’t it cut off the user’s hands? Well, everyone up to and including Stephen Colbert came out to discuss the issue and most realized that it would be fine in the hands of a skilled swordsman.

Now, a new video has surfaced that takes that proof a step further. A YouTube user named ThegnThrand created a mock version of the lightsaber, dipped the cross guard in paint, and did a full demonstration to prove not only is Kylo Ren safe with the lightsaber in hand, he has several advantages because of the additions. It takes a while to get going, but things really get cool at about 2:45 when he shows the alternate uses of those additions. The video is a bit cheesy. But it’s hard to not be intrigued and excited by its revelations. If Ren uses the saber like this, he could be chopping off arms like it’s his job.

[YT]PLzvznM2dDo[/YT]


Video Proves Cross-guard Lightsaber Is Functionally Awesome

 

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Update: December 18, 2014

Maisie Richardson-Sellers Confirms THE FORCE AWAKENS Role

Back in April, a couple of major outlets reported that unknown Oxford-educated actress Maisie Richardson-Sellers might be up for a significant role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This was never confirmed however, and many thought this was just another addition for the massive rumor pile surrounding the film, but now the British-born actress has revealed to Refinery29 that we will be seeing her in Episode VII.

"I auditioned along with thousands of other people. I think it was a worldwide audition process, and it just took off from there, step by step. I’m not allowed to say a lot, unfortunately. But, I think the great thing about J.J. is that he really hunts for talent. It’s not just about the name or what you’ve done. If you look at a lot of the people he did end up casting, many of them haven't done much before, and I think that’s really exciting — that he gives people that kind of opportunity."

Richardson-Sellers won't go into any detail on her exact role of course, but there was talk of a young black or mixed-race woman who may be a descendent of Jedi Knight Ben Kenobi being a character in an early draft of the script. Richardson-Sellers can be currently seen on the CW's The Originals.


Maisie Richardson-Sellers Confirms She'll Appear in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
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Update: January 5, 2015

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Adds 3 THE RAID Actors

It would appear that the force is set to awaken in Indonesia. Twitch has learned that a key trio of performers from Gareth Evans' The Raid and The Raid 2 will all appear in JJ Abrams' upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The actors in question are the lead actor Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian (who played Mad Dog and Prakoso in the films) and Cecep Arif Rahman, who played "The Assassin" and fought in the kitchen finale of the sequel.

And if there’s any site that would know about The Raid stars, it’s Twitch. Their editor Todd Brown is a producer on both films so this is about as rock-solid as you can get. The only way it would be any more factual is if Lucasfilm posted about it, but that hasn’t happened yet. Slash Film is reporting one of the action scenes will be choreographed by the guys behind The Raid.

There's no word yet on what their characters may be, which side of the good guy / bad guy line they fall upon or whether any will survive through until the subsequent pictures but think on this: After the underwhelming prequel trilogy with its massive over-reliance on CGI trickery not only has Abrams shown a strong preference for practical effects but has now also cast a trio of highly skilled martial artists who have already demonstrated their skills with blades, batons, etc in a world where super powered warriors fight with blades, batons, etc.


The Raid Actors Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian, Cecep Arif Rahman Join Star Wars 7
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Update: December 1, 2014

STAR WARS VII Teaser Is the Most Viewed Trailer of All Time

The teaser trailer for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens had the best first week of any trailer on YouTube in 2014, according to technology firm Zefr, which tracks the numbers. The 88-second trailer racked up 58.2 million YouTube views since being released on Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving. A Zefr spokesperson said the company’s research had the Star Wars preview on track to become the most viewed trailer of all time.

Avengers: Age of Ultron had the previous best first week with 50.6 million views. Star Wars wasn’t the only trailer to lap Avengers this week. The Jurassic World coming attraction notched 53.9 million YouTube views since it dropped on Nov. 25.

THR and technology firm Zefr use a Monday-to-Monday week to calculate trailer views through proprietary monitoring of YouTube. Comprehensive Zefr numbers will be available Monday (Dec. 1). The Star Wars trailer has been met by positive reviews, parodies (what would Lucas do?), a Lego version and comparisons with the Jurassic World trailer that dropped a few days ahead of The Force Awakens. Anglo-African actor John Boyega responded to criticism about his character, a black stormtrooper, that pops up in the first few seconds by writing on instagram, “Get used to it.”


'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Teaser Trailer Beats 'Avengers Age of Ultron' In Debut
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Update: December 1, 2014

Andy Serkis Playing Multiple Roles in THE FORCE AWAKENS?

There have been rumors floating around regarding who Serkis is portraying in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but at this point, the only confirmed detail is that he’s the man behind the voiceover in the new teaser trailer. A new report just surfaced claiming that Serkis is playing not one, but multiple characters in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

According to Jedi News, Serkis has two roles in the film. One is motion capture based and puts him in a group of unbelievably athletic and acrobatic motion capture characters. Apparently Pip Andersen and Crystal Clarke are also part of that group. According to Andersen’s website, he was chosen from the 67,000 performers who came out for an 11-city casting call. The site also dubs him a Parkour expert and professional freerunner.

In addition to this athletic and acrobatic character, it’s also being reported that Serkis has a second role and it’s a pivotal role in the first act story arc that entwines with Daisy Ridley‘s backstory. Jedi News' source also adds that this role may have more to it than it seems in the first instance.


Rumor: Andy Serkis Portraying Multiple Roles in Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
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Update: November 29, 2014

George Lucas' Trailer for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the first Star Wars film where George Lucas won’t have creative control, but a parody of the new trailer takes a stab at what his version may have looked like. You can see the results in the George Lucas Special Edition trailer, created by the incredibly talented filmmaker Michael Shanks. The parody of the teaser trailer is really funny because it’s so true. Pointing a finger at George Lucas and his need to make every image on screen incredibly dense, this trailer is probably a pretty close look at what the teaser trailer may have looked like under Lucas’ supervision.

There are lots of little references that Star Wars fans will definitely recognize, such as the fact the TIE fighters definitely shot first. This involves lots of unnecessary CGI, an Anakin hologram, unnecessary rocks and yes, even some trade talk, alluding to a plot point that was criticized by some for slowing down the prequels. Absolutely stuffed full of in-jokes and visual references for Star Wars fans to enjoy - particularly those who were increasingly mystified at the additions Lucas made to his Original Trilogy back in the 90s - it's a bit of a treat from start to finish. On a technical scale, it’s impressive that a fan was able to whip this parody up so quickly.

Several different parodies of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer have also appeared online but three stand out above the rest. The first two is a super impressive shot by shot recreation in Lego and a J.J. Abrams lens flare edition. Third is a John Boyega-centric edition. Fourth is an explosive Michael Bay version.




George Lucas' Trailer for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

 

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Update: November 28, 2014

First Teaser Trailer for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS!

Disney has released the very first Star Wars: The Force Awakens for director J.J. Abrams‘ highly anticipated sequel, which falls into the franchise as Episode VII if anyone’s counting. As far as teaser trailers go, this one is pretty incredible. Abrams doesn’t simply rely on nostalgia to make this thing exciting, offering up tantalizing teases through some genuinely compelling filmmaking. As far as character first-looks go, we can clearly see John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, and Oscar Isaac as seemingly “good guys” in full costume, and then an obscured baddie (Adam Driver?). The money shot of the Millennium Falcon is spectacular. [Update: Collider and HitFlix have confirmed that Andy Serkis is the one providing the voiceover in the trailer.]

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan & Abrams, and features a cast including actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, Crystal Clarke, Pip Andersen, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow. They will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker. The film is being produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk, and John Williams returns as the composer. Star Wars: The Force Awakens, opens in theaters December 18, 2015.




First Trailer for J.J. Abrams' STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS
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Update: November 26, 2014

Jessica Henwick Joins STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Lizo Mzimba, entertainment journalist for the BBC, is reporting on Twitter that Jessica Henwick has joined the cast of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Henwick is known for her work on the BBC’s legal drama, Silk, and children’s fantasy adventure series, Spirit Warriors. She will also play Nymeria Sand – one of Oberyn Martell’s bastard daughters, collectively called the “Sand Snakes” – in Season 5 of Game of Thrones.

The teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens will arrive online via iTunes' trailers page this Friday, November 28, the official Twitter account for Star Wars confirmed today. It is also being reported that three different teaser trailer “variants” might debut along with the already-promised main teaser trailer, Star Wars 7 News and SlashFilm reports.

While two of the variants are rumored to run at 88 seconds each and be randomly distributed amongst the Regal and Edwards Cinemas debuting the trailer, the third variant will supposedly clock in at 60 seconds and air on television during an NFL football game. With three games spread out across Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, it seems most likely that Star Wars would choose the 8:30 p.m. ET game between the Seattle Sea Hawks and the San Fransisco 49ers.


Jessica Henwick Joins Star Wars: The Force Awakens; Trailer Arrives Online Friday
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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
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Update: November 6, 2014

Episode VII Officially Titled STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Putting some speculation to rest and kick-starting a new round of interpretation, the newest Star Wars movie now officially has a title. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the title of the J.J. Abrams-directed film, Disney announced Thursday. The studio also confirmed that it had wrapped principal photography, which had been widely reported over the weekend.

The most obvious thing to note from the new title is the suggestion that the Force has been asleep in the first place. This may come as a surprise for many Star Wars fans, as the previous assumption — backed up by spinoff material now officially removed from canon — was that Luke Skywalker’s victory in Return of the Jedi heralded a second Jedi Order, with the Force resuming a position central to society as seen in the prequel trilogy. But if the Force is only awakening now, clearly that hasn’t been the case.

Also significant is the lack of “Episode VII” in the title now. Considering the amount of focus J.J. Abrams and his team have put on the original trilogy as an inspiration for the new movie, that’s again unsurprising — we didn’t have any episode titles in the original releases, either. Not to mention, removing “Episode VII” also removes a subconscious link to the much-derided prequel trilogy.

The film stars John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Harrison Ford, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Lupita Nyong’o, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Andy Serkis, Gwendoline Christie and more. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is due in theaters on December 18, 2015.


STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Now Officially Titled STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Update: October 16, 2014

Warwick Davis Will Return for STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

As anticipation surrounding the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII goes into overdrive, it has been announced that Warwick Davis is joining the cast. The casting will see the 44-year-old actor sharing the big screen with returning stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, who are currently shooting the film in England. The announcement was made on the official Star Wars YouTube account on Thursday, via a spoof video titled Will Warwick Davis Appear in Star Wars Episode VII?.

Before officially landing his role in the film, Warwick spoke with MailOnline about his joy over the new instalment, saying: 'I'm excited about it for the fact that I was a fan since I was seven.' The Harry Potter actor added: 'I love JJ Abrams' work. Some of his movies, particularly Super 8, and what he did with Star Trek was fantastic, so I'm just really excited to see what he does. 'I'm just glad, as a fan, to see that they're making this film.'

His casting has sparked speculation he could reprise his role as Wicket the Ewok, who he played in the final film of the original trilogy Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Warwick, who portrayed Wicket in two TV spin-off movies The Ewok Adventure and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, also appeared in prequel Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace playing Wald.


Warwick Davis Confirmed His Return for Star Wars: Episode VII Via Hilarious Video
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Update: October 6, 2014

Lucasfilm Developing Three Obi-Wan Kenobi Standalone Films?

Rumors about a possible Obi-Wan Kenobi Star Wars spin-off is nothing new, but now Cinelinx is hearing that Lucasfilm is so keen on the idea, they're currently developing a trilogy of films centered around the iconic Jedi. First up, they are not talking about an Obi-Wan spin-off movie but a trilogy of Obi-Wan movies. These movies are not connected. They aren't part of a story arc but 3 separate Obi-Wan adventures set between Episodes III and IV.

It seems like the 3 movie ideas are as follows. One set completely on Tatooine and two where Obi-Wan travels elsewhere in the Galaxy. Qui-Gon Jinn is very much present in these stories. So too is Owen Lars. Several characters from the Clone Wars tv show would make an appearance. There would be flashbacks to Obi-Wan fighting in the Clone Wars.

Lucasfilm previously confirmed the first two stand-alone Star Wars movies would be directed by Chronicle and Fantastic Four director Josh Trank, and Godzilla director Gareth Edwards. Han Solo and Boba Fett have both been floated as possibilities in the past, but Slashfilm points out that an anonymous source says Obi-Wan Kenobi is the likely choice to get a stand-alone film.


Is Lusasfilm Developing a Trilogy of Obi-Wan Kenobi Standalone Movies? - Exclusive
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Update: October 2, 2014

STAR WARS REBELS Renewed for Season Two by Disney XD

Disney is betting big on a galaxy far, far away. One day ahead of the official television premiere, Disney XD has renewed animated series Star Wars Rebels for a second season, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. First greenlighted in May 2013, Star Wars Rebels launches with the one-hour TV movie, Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion, on Friday, Oct. 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and on Monday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD. The series then continues on Disney XD starting Monday, Oct. 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Star Wars Rebels takes place between Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope, which spans about two decades. The animated series is set in a time where the Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape.

The crew of the Ghost starship — Jedi Kanan, pilot Hera, street-smart teenager Ezra, the "muscle" Zeb, warrior Sabine and droid Chopper — are only among the few brave enough to stand up against the Empire. They'll face new villains (The Inquisitor) and adversaries and go on adventures as they become heroes with the ability to ignite a rebellion.


Disney XD Renews STAR WARS REBELS For Season 2 Ahead of Tomorrow’s Premiere
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Update: October 1, 2014

New Details on Max Von Sydow, Daisy Ridley and Chewbacca

Remember when Badass Digest reported that the movie begins with the discovery of the lightsaber? Well, it isn’t Daisy Ridley who discovers it but rather a blue alien guy. He brings it to a salvage yard where Kira – that seems to be what Ridley’s character’s name is, or at least what they’re calling her on set – sees it. She’s hanging out there with von Sydow, who is an old cyborg dude, a guy who maybe has dementia. He talks a lot of nonsense. But as soon as that lightsbaber shows up, he gets lucid. He recognizes it. He begins to talk about the old days, name drops a couple of Prequel Trilogy characters, even. And then, after Kira and the alien leave he makes a call to a mysterious figure. “It’s here,” he says. But who is he calling?

As for Ridley’s character, Badass Digest’s sources tell them that she lives inside an abandoned AT-AT on the planet where Episode VII begins. Additionally, BD claims that those previous set photos of the Millennium Falcon and X-Wing ships are from a portion of the film that takes place on Yavin IV at the Massassi Temple.

And finally, sources claim that some concept art shows Chewbacca with a cybernetic hand, presumably lost in an unseen battle, while other concept art shows him with both hands intact. Not a huge piece of information, and it could change by the time the movie comes out


STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Details on Max Von Sydow, Daisy Ridley and Chewbacca
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Update: September 14, 2014

Rumor: EPISODE VII Character a Descendant of Count Dooku

According to Making Star Wars, J.J. Abrams' Star Wars Episode VII will indeed feature a throwback to the prequels as one of the characters will be a descendent of Count Dooku! The character played a major role in Attack of the Clones when it was revealed that he was working alongside Darth Sidious. Dooku later met a rather grisly end in the epic opening of Revenge of the Sith, but he apparently fathered some children sometime before that.

The site's source reveals that the movie will feature, "an aristocratic family 'line' involving Episode 7’s bad guys. And as I said before, I firmly believe its the line of Dooku. Details and characters might have changed but the idea of an aristocratic villain with a heritage going back to the Clone Wars has been there from pre-production and as far as I know it’s still a major part of the story."

An earlier report on the site says Benedict Cumberbatch's character (when he was rumoured to be part of the movie) was originally meant to be this tie to Dooku, but that has now been switched to Gwendoline Christie.


Rumor: STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Character Will Be a Descendant of Count Dooku

 

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Update: September 12, 2014

Greg Grunberg Reunites with J.J. Abrams for EPISODE VII

All filmmakers have their habits, and one of J.J. Abrams‘ is Greg Grunberg. The two have been pals since childhood, and Abrams includes the actor in his projects whenever possible. As of today, we’ve learned that that even includes Star Wars Episode VII. Grunberg revealed the casting in response to a Twitter inquiry (via Star Wars 7 News): "Yes @smgulz it IS safe to assume I have a role in #StarWarsEpisodeVII - If I say more than that, JJ will have me killed." Star Wars: Episode VII opens December 18, 2015.

Outside of his personal and professional relationship with Abrams, Grunberg is best known for starring as telepathic police officer Matt Parkman in Heroes. He currently has a recurring role as Gene Moretti the Pretzel King on Showtime’s Masters of Sex. Grunberg isn’t likely to have a big role in Star Wars, but Abrams seems to enjoy including his buddy in a cameo whenever he can. The two have known each other since they were 4 years old and have been working together for nearly 40 years at this point. Grunberg gets into acting when he stars in home movies made by Abrams.


HEROES' Greg Grunberg Reunites with J.J. Abrams for STAR WARS: EPISODE VII
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Update: August 22, 2014

Rumor: Emperor Palpatine Will Appear in EPISODE VII & VIII

A new report from news and rumor site Latino Review claims that a major, as-yet-unannounced character from the original Star Wars trilogy will appear in Star Wars Episode VII. "Two independent sources have recently written to us to confirm something we had heard back when production first began," the story reads. "Even though Star Wars: Episode VII (as well as the following two sequels) will feature its share of new villains, the person pulling the strings, the real puppet master, the big bad of the trilogy is none other than Emperor Palpatine."

They add that Ian McDiarmid (who was Palpatine in the prequel films as well as Return of the Jedi) will no longer portray the character, leading to speculation in the article as to whether the character will physically resemble the version we saw most recently. While Emperor Palpatine appeared to die at the end of Return of the Jedi, the Expanded Universe saw him return in the Dark Empire comics, in which his spirit possessed the body of one of his elite assassins and he returned as "Palpatine the Undying." He would appear in two more stories before finally dying a final death.


Latino Review Exclusive: Guess Who Else Is Back in Star Wars: Episode VII and VIII?
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Update: August 15, 2014

Possible First Look at Main Villain for STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

Indie Revolver has released the possible first look at the main villain of Episode VII which is a Sith Inquisitor. He’s tall and thin and terrifyingly creepy, with glowing red eyes to match his red lightsaber. He’s got some robotic upgrades, like Vader – but no mask. The cybernetic bits weave in and out of him. He’s got a human upper lip, a steel jaw… and the robotic hand that JJ Abrams posted an image of. [Read the article below for more details.]

Indie Revolver's Star Wars: Episode VII Exclusive: No One Expects the Sith Inquisition
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Update: August 15, 2014

New Info on EPISODE VII Main Villain, Han Solo and His New Ship

Earlier this week, J.J. Abrams decided to thank everyone for helping to raise over $5 million for Unicef by tweeting a note that included the image of a Star Wars VII mechanical hand. And now, Badass Digest claims that the hand belongs to "a main Inquistor villain." Sadly, they don't know the actual name of this main villain, yet. Though, they do have a description: "He wears a black robe. His eyes are deep red. And half of his face is metal. He's a cyborg. That was his hand in the picture J.J. Abrams shared with the note about A Force For Change."

Badass Digest has also provided some additional information regarding Harrison Ford's Han Solo and Oscar Isaac's character. Their sources have informed them that Han and Chewie will be "piloting a Super Star Destroyer." And who is piloting the Millennium Falcon? Oscar Isaac's character will be. He is being described as "the Lando Calrissian of this movie - all the way down to wearing a cape."

"There are other familiar spaceships in this movie, incuding three variations on TIE Fighters. There's the classic design, the TIE Interceptor and a new generation TIE Bomber - the pods on these are stacked, not side-by-side. Oh, and back to Han - you will get to see him use a lightsaber once again."


Rumor: New Info on STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Main Villain, Han Solo and His New Ship
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Update: August 15, 2014

Rumor: Major Plot Details for STAR WARS: EPISODE VII

[Warning: potential spoilers] Latino-Review has scored a huge Star Wars Episode VII scoop, revealing some major plot details. After reiterating what we've heard about Luke's lightsaber (and possibly hand depending on whether you buy into that) landing on a planet and setting Daisy Ridley and John Boyega's characters off on a hunt for the Jedi Knight, they add that the duo do indeed find Han Solo and Chewbacca, but they no longer have the Millennium Falcon as it's in the possession of Oscar Isaacs character. Even more revealiing is the fact that Luke has been missing since the events of Return of the Jedi not because he's in hiding, but because he's a captive!

Those holding Luke captive have been described as both bounty hunters and "Sith Witches", but the truth is that the villains are in fact the Inquisitors, based loosely on the characters from the EU (Expanded Universe). They're defenders of the Sith Order who have been around for a very long time and this presumably explains how the movie will loosely tie into the Inquisitor character from the Star Wars Rebels animated series.

As you might expect, Luke is eventually found and when he explains the history of their order, it will apparently trigger a flashback to explain that the Inquisitors have been assisting the Sith all along. Billie Lourd (Carrie Fisher's biological daughter) will play a young Princess Leia, and the same flashback will also feature the return of Darth Vader! While it will apparently only be a brief appearance, the scene shows the Inquisitors serving him at some point in the franchise's history.


Major STAR WARS EPISODE VII Spoilers Reveal The Villains, Shocking Returns And More

 

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Update: August 8, 2014

Daisy Ridley Reportedly Returning for EPISODE VIII and IX

News broke out on Thursday that actress Daisy Ridley had signed with a new agency. This in itself isn’t that exciting. While 99% of the world doesn’t know who the actress is (she only has like 7,000 followers on Twitter), next year that’ll change. She’s one of the leads in J.J. Abrams‘ Star Wars Episode VII. Rumors and speculation have run rampant over which character the actress is playing but, buried in the agency story, was a bit of a hint. Her signing with the new agency is because she’s expected to return for Rian Johnson‘s Star Wars Episode VIII and Star Wars Episode IX.

There really wasn’t much of a question Ridley was going to be a bigger part of the trilogy. Unlike some of the other actresses who were cast after her (Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, etc.), Ridley’s role was important enough to be at the first table read. She was seated between Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) leading to speculation she was a child of the two. What is true is that she’s a very important character, has lots and lots of scenes with John Boyega and will most likely be in the rest of the series. She was also recently rumored to share an outdoor scene with Mark Hamill.


Daisy Ridley Reportedly Returning for STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII and EPISODE IX
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Update: July 22, 2014

Gwen Christie's STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Role Revealed?

Warning: major speculation based on a small nugget of information follows. According to Badass Digest's sources, Gwendoline Christie is playing John Boyega's commanding officer (probably an Imperial officer) in Star Wars Episode VII, and she's mad that he deserted. She's looking for him. She's an antagonist. The actress has been reported to be training with a lightsaber. Could she just be an Imperial officer who has a lightsaber or she might be a Sith.

A couple of weeks ago a source told Badass Digest that one of the characters who had been written as male/neutral in the script had been gender-swapped in casting. Was this due to the uproar about that first cast photo being very dude-heavy? Remember when we were hearing that Benedict Cumberbatch was in talks for the movie and that he was going to be a villain? The site believes that Christie currently has the Cumberbatch role.


Rumor: Gwendoline Christie’s EPISODE VII Character Was Gender Swapped
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Update: July 21, 2014

J.J. Abrams Unveils First Look at X-Wing for Star Wars: Episode 7

On the set of Star Wars: Episode VII, director J.J. Abrams was interrupted by an X-Wing pilot and rogue robot as he announced the chance for fans to win an advance private screening of Star Wars: Episode VII. "We are so grateful for the support that the fans from over 119 countries have shown for Force for Change," said Abrams. "As we close this final week, we've added an additional prize that allows the fans the opportunity to see the movie early as a thank you for supporting such a great cause as UNICEF's innovative, lifesaving work for children." By contributing at any level by July 25th, participants will be eligible for all prizes including a chance to be in the movie.

The "Star Wars: Force for Change" Grand Prize includes: