Star Wars Episode VII wraps!

Star Wars Episode VII has OFFICIALLY WRAPPED! That sentence gets me so excited, it means we are getting even closer to the release! The cast and crew finished their last day of filming at Pinewood Studios, the end of production was signed off with a heart warming thank you card from Director J J Abrams himself;

To the Extraordinary Cast and Crew of Episode VII:
It is a true honor and absolute joy to come to set every day and work alongside each of you. Your professionalism, passion and patience is more deeply appreciated than we could ever express. From the deserts of Abu Dhabi, to the Forest of Dean, to the stages of Pinewood, you have risen to every challenge and been as wonderfully kind as you are brilliantly talented. Our ambition here is large, of course, and it must be: we are here to make a film that entertains millions of people, of all ages, for generations. To create an experience people will cherish watching as much as we will cherish having made it, together. How lovely it would be if you had, in addition to your name on the screen, some actual real tangible proof that you were part of it! Here, then, is that proof. Wear it well, wear it healthily, wear it proudly. But, mostly, thank you.
With Love, JJ Abrams Kathleen Kennedy Bryan Burke 

Check out the gallery here from ComingSoon.

Mark Hamill talks "Star Wars: Episode VII"

With the rumour that Harrison Ford was returning as Han Solo confirmed earlier this week, all eyes turned to Mark Hamill. Now he is saying that other original stars have not officially signed on for the film, but they are in talks with Lucasfilms he said.

"They're talking to us," he said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. "George [Lucas] wanted to know whether we'd be interested. He did say that if we didn't want to do it, they wouldn't cast another actor in our parts – they would write us out. … I can tell you right away that we haven't signed any contracts. We're in the stage where they want us to go in and meet with Michael Arndt, who is the writer, and Kathleen Kennedy, who is going to run Lucasfilm. Both have had meetings set that were postponed -- on their end, not mine. They're more busy than I am."

Hamill went on to talk about that he doesn't know what the film is officially about, but by the way he said it, it really seemed like he knew more than he was letting on.


"I'm assuming, because I haven't talked to the writers, that these movies would be about our offspring -- like my character would be sort of in the Obi-Wan range [as] an influential character. … When I found out [while making the original trilogy] that ultimate good news/bad news joke – the good news is there's a real attractive, hot girl in the universe; the bad news is she's your sister – I thought, 'Well, I'm going to wind up like Sir Alec [Guinness]. I'm going to be a lonely old hermit living out in some kind of desert igloo with a couple of robots.'"

"Another thing I'd want to make sure of is are we going to have the whole gang back? Is Carrie and Harrison and Billy Dee and Tony Daniels, everybody that's around from the original [returning]? I want to make sure that everybody's on board here, rather than just one."

 "I said to George that I wanted to go back to the way it was, in the sense that ours was much more carefree and lighthearted and humorous – in my opinion, anyway....hope they find the right balance of CGI with practical effects. I love props, I love models, miniatures, matte paintings -- I'm sort of old school. I think if you go too far in the direction of CGI it winds up looking like just a giant a video game, and that's unfortunate. … If they listen to me at all, it'll be, 'Lighten up and go retro with the way it looks.'"

Frank Oz willing to return as Yoda

With all the Star Wars talk news floating round lately, I am extremely excited to be talking about this but it is no surprise that Yoda's name is constantly on peoples lips. Reports are suggesting that Yoda could return for the new trilogy, my guess will be as a spirit. Regardless where Yoda appears, Frank Oz is excited and ready to return as Yoda. It would be pretty great to see a Jedi or even Luke getting some guidance from a spirit version of Yoda, I would prefer it if they focused on a Yoda spin-off. Yoda is one of the only main characters who doesn't seem to have a background or even a confirmed race according to George Lucas himself .


"If Oz does return, we probably shouldn’t expect to see any of his puppeteering work. In the more recent Star Wars movies, Yoda went fully CGI, although Oz still provided his voice. Luckily, the experienced puppeteer doesn’t feel bitter about this. He explained:

“I think it depends on the story, but I think at this point you can’t go back to the puppet. The reason George [Lucas] did the CGI, which I supported, was that he wanted to tell a story that would have been hampered by the physical limitations of the puppet.”"

Star Wars getting spin offs?

Reports are suggesting that Disney are looking to make two spin off films within the Star Wars universe, these two films are going to focus on Han Solo & Boba Fett. The Han Solo film has been said to focus on "on the wisecracking smuggler’s origin story" while Boba Fett's feature is described as "bounty hunter adventure".

Bob Iger said in a recent interview;
"There has been speculation about some stand-alone films that have been in development and I can confirm to you today that in fact we are working on a few stand-alone films... We still plan to make Star Wars 7, 8, 9 roughly over a six-year period of time starting in 2015 but there are going to be a few other films released in that period too."

According to the report the Han Solo film will take place between "Revenge Of The Sith" and "A New Hope", while the Boba Fett film will take place between "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return Of The Jedi". This would leave the films open the return of some beloved characters that aren't yet dead within the story arc like, Darth Vader.

Star Wars 3D re-releases cancelled

We all remember a while back when George Lucas decided to re-release the entire Star Wars franchise in the chronological order, well looks like these plans have been scrapped, thankfully.

"Although plans were underway for theatrical 3D re-releases of both Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Deadline reports that Lucasfilm will instead concentrate their attention on the upcoming Episode VII instead.
It is unclear how much post-conversion work has already been accomplished on the two remaining prequels (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menancesaw a 3D re-release last year), but it is possible that both films could find a theatrical re-release sometime in the future or that the 3D versions could be released directly to Blu-ray."

I for one am unbelievably happy with this news, I don't think they should mess with the original trilogy at all in my opinion its the greatest trilogy of all time. Mess around with the prequel trilogy all you want ha. 

"Star Wars: Episode VII" update

Well where do we start, since Walt Disney announced that they had acquired Lucasfilm back in October and they announced they were continuing the Star Wars franchise. The question on nearly everybody lips has been who will direct the first film? Well, yesterday we found out that the incredibly talented J. J. Abrams will be at the helm.

 If you aren't familiar with his work, where the heck have you been ha, here is an insight to the films an TV shows he has had parts in. J. J. has been co-creator of such of icon shows as "Lost", "Alias" & "Fringe" and films like "Armageddon", "Cloverfield" & "Star Trek"(2009) so you can see he has an affiliation to the Science Fiction world, so personally I think he is a great fit for the film. A lot of people moan about his usage of lens flare, which at times is annoying it really did wind me up at time when watching "Star Trek" at times it became hard to watch, but the film was great. The only downfall to J. J. Abrams to directing is his approach to marketing he likes to keep things under wrap and not leak much.

We also know that Michael Arndt s writing the screenplay for the film, he doesn't have a huge background behind him he did write the screenplays for Oscar winning "Little Miss Sunshine" and Oscar nominated "Toy Story 3". So with his first ever film he won an Oscar and his second film was nominated for one, good sign? Bad sign?

Star Wars old boy Lawrence Kasdan is returning franchise, he an fellow screenwriter Simon Kinberg are writing scripts for films that will either serve as Episode VII sequels or spin offs that will feature other characters, kind of like "The Avengers" lead up films would be my guess.

There is also a rumour that Zack Snyder the man behind DCs next big project "Man Of Steel" is set to direct a spin off film within the Star Wars universe. Whether there is any truth to this we don't know yet, lets see how well he does with "Man Of Steel" first before we get too excited.

BREAKING NEWS J.J. Abrams to direct...

"Star Wars: Episode VII"!!! This is the best movie news I've heard since I started this blog if its true, TheWrap are going with an exclusive that Walt Disney Productions and Lucasfilm have hired him to direct the upcoming film, they are also saying that Ben Affleck was in contention to direct thankfully they passed on him.

Back in November, Abrams commented on him possibly directing the film an it sounded like it might happen, looks like that day has come true!
"Look, Star Wars is one of my favorite movies of all time. I frankly feel that – I almost feel that, in a weird way, the opportunity for whomever it is to direct that movie, it comes with the burden of being that kind of iconic movie and series. I was never a big Star Trek fan growing up, so for me, working on Star Trek didn’t have any of that, you know, almost fatal sacrilege, and so, I am looking forward more then anyone to the next iterations of Star Wars, but I believe I will be going as a paying moviegoer!"

"Star Wars" spin off???

I recently posted about one of the writers from "Empire Strikes Back" returning to the Star Wars franchise, now there is contradictory information about the upcoming trilogy being more of a spin-off than a continuation from "Empire Strikes Back".

"Apparently, Kasdan and Kinberg have been hired to work on films that would be like spin-offs, and that’s why the writers would also be producing the films themselves. The trade says these films are “not necessarily Episode VIII and Episode IX” but “could turn into official ‘Episodes’ in the main Skywalker storyline or they could form the basis for spinoffs focusing on side characters.” Honestly, we’re not sure what the hell that means, but we’re going to try and figure it out."

According to Huffington Post, Disney has plans to release as many as three films each year from the LucasFilm setup. Does this mean Disney are going for an "Avengers" style formula by introducing us to multiple characters then going for a trilogy of blockbusters? Anybody think this would work?

"Empire Strikes Back" writer connected to...

The new Star Wars trilogy, yes Lawrence Kasdan is going to be involved in writing one of the movies in the new trilogy. Even though Kasdan is connected to the films, we do not yet know which film(s) he will be writing. I am happy that the genius behind by far the best Star Wars film "Empire Strikes Back" an that's a fact not an opinion ha ha. This makes me optimistic about the future of the franchise,

"Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg have closed deals to write installments of the new Star Wars trilogy, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. The pair will write either Episode VIII or Episode IX — their exact division of responsibilities is yet to be determined — and also will come aboard to produce the films."

Darth Vader is back...

Darth Vader might be making a shock return to the Star Wars franchise, don't get me wrong I loved Darth in the original trilogy but he died. I mean he gave his life to save Luke in "Episode VI". I've read about the outlines of the next trilogy which involves the idea of cloning in order to bring back some big characters, the story is pretty interesting bu the whole bringing back of Vader is a bad idea in my opinion. It feels like they are using him as more of a cash cow than anything else, Vader has served his purpose in the films. If they use him as more of a cameo role that wouldn't be as bad, but if the make another trilogy centred around him then it will be way of the mark and feel more like a re-imagining of the original trilogy, I'm 99% sure that is not what the fans want.


"Following news that Disney has bought the rights to the lucrative sci-fi franchise and plans to make at least three more movies, industry insiders say the evil Vader will grace the big screen again.
“He’s an integral part of the franchise. Replacing him is virtually impossible,” explains a film mole.
“The plan is for him to return and play a significant role in the new films.”"

Disney bought.. STAR WARS!!!

 When I read this story about an hour or so ago I genuinely thought it was a hoax or one of them retarded Internet rumours that just take off because of how stupid they are. Surprisingly this story is 100% legit, Disney have just bought Lucasfilms Ltd for an eye watering high $4 Billion, yes BILLION! Here is what the guys over at Deadline had to say.

"Disney has just confirmed that it has agreed to acquire George Lucas‘Lucasfilm Ltd, and that includes rights to the Star Wars franchise that will now continue on. The companies have targeted a 2015 release for Star Wars: Episode 7 and plan future movies based on the movies’ most iconic franchises. The stock and cash transaction is worth an estimated $4.05 billion, and the companies have scheduled a conference call in a half-hour to discuss the deal, which was approved by the Disney board and Lucas, the sole Lucasfilm shareholder."

This deal is reported to include ILM, these are the genius' behind the effects of the Star Wars films (obviously) plus many others including the amazing effects used in "Minority Report". 

"BURBANK, Calif. & SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lucasfilm Chairman and Founder, George Lucas.
Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney stock on October 26, 2012, the transaction value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares at closing. The final consideration will be subject to customary post-closing balance sheet adjustments."

Below is Disney's official release regarding the purchase;

"Global leader in high-quality family entertainment agrees to acquire world-renowned Lucasfilm Ltd, including legendary STAR WARS franchise.
Acquisition continues Disney’s strategic focus on creating and monetising the world’s best branded content, innovative technology and global growth to drive long-term shareholder value.
Lucasfilm to join company’s global portfolio of world class brands including Disney, ESPN, Pixar, Marvel and ABC.

STAR WARS: EPISODE 7 feature film targeted for release in 2015.

Burbank, CA and San Francisco, CA, October 30, 2012 – Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lucasfilm Chairman and Founder, George Lucas.
Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney stock on October 26, 2012, the transaction value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares at closing. The final consideration will be subject to customary post-closing balance sheet adjustments.

“Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “This transaction combines a world-class portfolio of content including Star Wars, one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time, with Disney’s unique and unparallelled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets to generate sustained growth and drive significant long-term value.”

“For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” said George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm. “It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime. I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organisation, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Lucasfilm, a leader in entertainment, innovation and technology, including its massively popular and “evergreen” Star Wars franchise and its operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production. Disney will also acquire the substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies that have kept audiences enthralled for many years. Lucasfilm, headquartered in San Francisco, operates under the names Lucasfilm Ltd., LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, and the present intent is for Lucasfilm employees to remain in their current locations.

Kathleen Kennedy, current Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, will become President of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Additionally she will serve as the brand manager for Star Wars, working directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build, further integrate, and maximise the value of this global franchise. Ms. Kennedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant. Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted for release in 2015, with more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga and grow the franchise well into the future.

The acquisition combines two highly compatible family entertainment brands, and strengthens the long-standing beneficial relationship between them that already includes successful integration of Star Wars content into Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris and Tokyo.

Driven by a tremendously talented creative team, Lucasfilm’s legendary Star Wars franchise has flourished for more than 35 years, and offers a virtually limitless universe of characters and stories to drive continued feature film releases and franchise growth over the long term. Star Wars resonates with consumers around the world and creates extensive opportunities for Disney to deliver the content across its diverse portfolio of businesses including movies, television, consumer products, games and theme parks. Star Wars feature films have earned a total of $4.4 billion in global box to date, and continued global demand has made Star Wars one of the world’s top product brands, and Lucasfilm a leading product licensor in the United States in 2011. The franchise provides a sustainable source of high quality, branded content with global appeal and is well suited for new business models including digital platforms, putting the acquisition in strong alignment with Disney’s strategic priorities for continued long-term growth.

The Lucasfilm acquisition follows Disney’s very successful acquisitions of Pixar and Marvel, which demonstrated the company’s unique ability to fully develop and expand the financial potential of high quality creative content with compelling characters and storytelling through the application of innovative technology and multiplatform distribution on a truly global basis to create maximum value. Adding Lucasfilm to Disney’s portfolio of world class brands significantly enhances the company’s ability to serve consumers with a broad variety of the world’s highest-quality content and to create additional long-term value for our shareholders.

The Boards of Directors of Disney and Lucasfilm have approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, and other customary closing conditions. The agreement has been approved by the sole shareholder of Lucasfilm."