Confirmed Release Date for Episode VII
These past two weeks of Star Wars news have been packed with many rumors and facts. Chiwetel Ejiofor, who starred in 12 Years a Slave, was rumored to have auditioned for Episode VII. He did what most actors questioned on the subject do: he threw out something vague that could be taken any way and changed the subject. But that is where the unfounded rumors end and the facts begin.
J.J. Abrams talked to The Times on Episode VII, and said that he wanted to make the new trilogy feel like the original, taking it back to its roots. He said that at the beginning of the original trilogy, no one knew what the Empire's plan was, and moviegoers, having no previous exposure to Star Wars, were caught up in a mystery throughout the trilogy, and no one new what would happen. He also wanted to make Star Wars gritty again, a quality lost in the prequel trilogy. J.J. Abrams also said in a separate interview that the reason Michael Ardnt left was because of the rapidly advancing schedule of Episode VII. He said that Ardnt was "one of the best writers around", but also stated that working with Lawrence Kasdan on a Star Wars movie is "kind of unbeatable".
A casting call has been released by Disney for two young adults, "beautiful and athletic", for an unspecified "Disney Film". The listed characters are:
"RACHEL - Was quite young when she lost her parents. With no other family, she was forced to make her way in a tough, dangerous town. Now 17, she has become street smart and strong. She is able to take care of herself using humor and guts to get by."
"THOMAS - Has grown up without a father's influence, without the model of being a man, he doesn't have the strongest sense of himself, despite this he is smart, capable and shows courage when it is needed. He can appreciate the absurdities in life and understands you can't take life too seriously."
While this is an unspecified film, this is most likely Episode VII. However, this does raise some surprising issues. If the main characters are these two orphans, then that means the new trilogy won't follow the Skywalker line, or all of the original trilogy's main characters are dead. Fear not, Disney would never kill them off. Or would they?
Finally, several minutes ago, Star Wars posted the official release date for Episode VII:
December 18, 2015.
I was RIGHT! December release!
According to Alan Horn, chairman of Disney,
"We're very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture." Filming is scheduled for spring 2014. This, however, might mean a very rushed Star Wars. It's too bad that fans have to wait another eight months to see Star Wars, but if it makes a better movie, then they can stand to wait.
