Finally, Some Plot Details
A flood of rumors and real confirmations came within the last two weeks, and it looks like after months of sluggishness, the Star Wars rumor mill seems to be running at full speed again. Up first, casting rumors.
According to Variety, John Boyega, a relative unknown besides television, is being watched as a potential lead contender for a starring role in Episode VII. However, this would only add his name to a list of ever increasing candidates. Here are (most of) the names that have been suggested as potential cast recently:
-Adam Driver
-Jesse Plemmons
-John Boyega
-Matthew James Thomas
-Ray Fischer
-Benedict Cumberbatch
-Hugo Weaving
-Michael Fassbender
-Ed Speelers
-Michael B. Jordan
-David Oyelowo
-Gary Oldman
-Harrison Ford
And, most recently, Lupita Nyong'o, an actress from 12 Years A Slave, is said to have been in talks with J.J. Abrams over the leading female role, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Many of these names sound credible, because many of the actors listed are relative unknowns, so called "fresh faces" (we'll get to that later), and Adam Driver seems to be picked for acting talent over good looks, which is always what a studio should do. Unless they just want money. And Disney loves money. But Lucasfilm has had a tradition of using unknowns, and look where we got. But it could backfire (cough)Hayden Christiansen(cough).
Next up, rumors have resurfaced that Episode VII will be shot in IMAX. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Alan Bergman, president of The Walt Disney Studios, said in a statement,
"Disney has enjoyed a terrific ongoing collaboration with IMAX, and we are thrilled to extend this relationship with a collection of exciting, highly anticipated cinematic events that are perfect for the immersive IMAX format."
It seems to me that these "cinematic events" are Star Wars and Marvel's slew of blockbusters. This means more money for Disney, who will make the audience fork over a few extra bucks to see Episode VII. And Disney loves money. But more and more movies lately are shooting on IMAX, so it will probably be at least partially shot on the format, so no surprise there.
The question was out there since October 2012, when Disney acquired Lucasfilm, and Episode VII was announced: "When is production going to start?" Well, after months of speculation, the rumors all conglomerated to one date: May 2014. Now, Lucasfilm has answered the question of when production will start: May 2014.
Lucasfilm has just released a statement saying:
"Disney and Lucasfilm are excited to announce that principal photography on Star Wars: Episode VII, directed by J.J. Abrams, will commence May 2014, and will be based at London's historic Pinewood Studios."
This is very good news. It means that Star Wars production has not halted, been postponed, or cancelled. It should be smooth sailing from here on out. Unless Disney runs out of money. And Disney loves money. However, this is unlikely, as the backlash would be tremendous, and Disney is incapable of running out of money, with every blockbuster Marvel movie they release every 6 months. This production date, May 2014, is vague, however, and could range anywhere from 72 days to 42 days. With production on the horizon, official statements have to start with more frequency, due to the newfound attention by the media. But this isn't the only thing that Lucasfilm stated about Episode VII. They also gave the premise for the plot.
This is their statement:
"It has also been confirmed that Star Wars: Episode VII is set about 30 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, and will star a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces. No further details on casting or plot are available at this time."
FINALLY. We know for certain, that this trilogy will focus on the Skywalker family, and not do something weird like make it a pre-prequel or have some spinoff. Leave it to the spinoff movies. But more importantly, this new "trio of fresh faces". This means that Disney is going to attempt to recreate the chemistry of the original Star Wars trilogy trio. Who will they use? Do I really need to list all those names again? The important thing is that there will be new characters. And, by the looks of it "some very familiar faces" could include Hammil, Ford, and Fischer. I think everyone wants Han, Luke and Leia to return, and I think everyone expects them to. But there haven't been any reports, and a year and a half later, we are still guessing who the cast is going to be. Why is this even a question? Why isn't this just a given? Lucasfilm should have announced on October 30, 2012, that Han, Luke and Leia would return, and be done with it. It's inevitable. You can't fight it. They're back.
And they want your money!
And they want your money!
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