Yesterday, we brought you news that Irish actress Saoirse Ronan is rumoured to have read and is favourite for the female lead in J.J. Abrams’ forthcoming sci-fi sequel, STAR WARS: EPISODE VII. There was also more news on Benedict Cumberbatch’s possible role despite denials from the actor and studio. Apparently he’s still nailed on as the villain!
Even more names are being discussed with both CHRONICLE’s Michael B. Jordan and THE PAPERBOY’s David Oyelowo said to have met the director and read for specific, but as yet unknown role(s) in the first of a new trilogy of space adventures. Screenwriter Michael Arndt’s story is rumoured to revolve around the twin offspring of Han Solo and Princess Leia, and looking at the next generation of Jedi but we’re still awaiting confirmation from Disney, Lucasfilm or Abrams.
Speaking of the STAR TREK director. While promoting the upcoming Bad Robot series Almost Human, Abrams gave a little hint as to what the tone of the film is expected to be and what it must mean to the fans of the franchise:
It’s been nice seeing how important [STAR WARS] is and to be reminded how important it is to so many people. We all know that [George Lucas’] dream has become almost a religion to some people. I remember reading a thing somewhere, someone wrote about just wanting [the new film] to feel real; to feel authentic. I remember I felt that way when I was 11 years old when I saw the first one. As much of a fairy tale as it was, it felt real. And to me, that is exactly right. It’s going to be an evolving thing.
I would say we are working really hard to make a movie that feels as emotional and authentic and exciting as possible. Whatever your favorite Star Wars movie is and how to compare it is really sort of subjective.
The original trio of Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford are expected to return as the older versions of their iconic characters, with Billy Dee Williams’ Lando Calrission also rumoured for an appearance. Again, it’s all speculation but with the film set to shoot in early 2014, expect some concrete information to arrive in the next month or two.
bfg666
Sep 21, 2013 at 1:27 am
The more I read about this, the more I feel he’s trying his best to make us forget the prequels debacle. Good.