Over the weekend nerds across the globe celebrated Star Wars Day on May 4th (as well as Free Comic Book Day) and many, I’m sure, marathoned either all six or only the original three of the trilogy. But, did your screening of Return of the Jedi include a special appearance by Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill? I’m gonna go with no. Hamill surprised fans attending a special screening of Jedi at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood; the very theatre where the filmed premiered in 1983. Unsurprisingly, when Hamill answered questions from the audience the topic of Episode VII was broached.

Ain’t It Cool News was on hand and they’ve given an excellent rundown of the Q&A. First of all, he doesn’t know any specifics about Episode VII, but he shared he has had one meeting with Kathleen Kennedy, head of Lucasfilm, and they both agreed the new trilogy should have, “a more balanced approach to the effects,” meaning both CGI and practical effects. And apparently, this has also already been discussed with George Lucas.

Part of me is cautious, saying ‘let well enough alone, let everyone keep their nice memories if they have nice memories and don’t try to go back and do it again.’ But the other side of me, the adventerous side, thinks ‘If everyone’s in, how could I miss this?’

I’m one of you, I feel like you’re one of us. I’ll be in there fighting and trying to be as honest as I can be about what I think it is made these movies so special in the first place. It always starts with the script and that’s why I’m so encouraged by Michael Arndt‘s involvement because I respect his writing so much. He’s a big fan of these movies, so hopefully we can make something that doesn’t make everyone want to find us, cut off our heads and throw it right in our faces.

Hamill also confirmed Carrie Fisher is 100% involved, and that he’s heard Harrison Ford has signed on, too, but hasn’t spoken to him personally about it. He hasn’t yet met with J.J. Abrams, so technically, Hamill involvement isn’t set is stone, but I imagine it’s all but guaranteed. Speaking of what he’d like to see his involvement be Hamill said, “I want it to be age appropriate, so heavy on the Jedi mind tricks and lighten up on the lightsaber duels. Let the kids do the heavily lifting!” Which matches what most of us figured we’d get, Hamill filling that Ben Kenobi role.

AICN reports on a lot more, including Hamill discussing how Lucas had originally intended the saga to be 12 films, what he thinks of Jedi - “Really? A second Death Star? Really? That’s the plot?” – and his issues with Boba Fett’s exit from the series. Definitely worth your time checking out.

At this point, I feel confidant we’re going to see all three – Luke, Leia, and Han – appear in the Episode VII in some capacity. If they can manage to tone down the excessive CGI and include more practical effects I believe this trilogy will be the one to mend those wounds opened by the prequels. Though, I’m still leery about their plans for a new Star Wars film every year. What are you guys thinking?

Source: AICN via Geek Tyrant

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For the foreseeable future there is one man the nerds of the world better be paying fuckin’ homage to: J.J. Abrams. He has so much of what we hold dear in his hands! We must keep the Abrams pleased with us, otherwise he’ll ruin both Star Trek and Star Wars!

All right, it’s likely not all that dire. Abrams has already proven he can make a film almost universally applauded with his 2009 Star Trek. And from what we’ve seen and heard of Star Trek Into Darkness he’s about to do it again. Now, as long as he manages a Star Wars film better than Episodes I-III he’ll surpass being a nerd icon and become a nerd legend. Can he do it?

Playboy recently chatted with the director and lord and master of two of science fiction’s pinnacle series about what he has in mind for Star Wars Episode VII, and how his involvement in the galaxy far, far away effects his obligations to the Federation.

PLAYBOY: Nothing matters more to moviegoers than the stories and characters from Star Wars. In your wildest, geekiest fantasies, did you ever imagine yourself helming the two biggest sci-fi franchises in the universe?

ABRAMS: It is preposterous. Ridiculous. Completely insane. It really is.

PLAYBOY: Star Wars and Star Trek are church and state in Hollywood. Can you really be loyal to both? Star Trek fans cried out on Twitter that you were cheating on them.

ABRAMS: I mean, I get it. The worlds are vastly different. Honestly, that was why I passed on Star Wars to begin with. I couldn’t imagine doing both. But when I said that my loyalty was to Star Trek I was literally working on finishing this cut. I couldn’t even entertain another thought. It was like being on the most beautiful beach in the world and someone saying, “There’s this amazing mountain over here. Come take a look.” I couldn’t balance the two, so I passed on Star Wars.

‘Course, we know Abrams eventually relented and agreed to direct Episode VII. Hit the jump to learn what changed his mind.

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Though many would argue his best days, and best movies, are behind him, 70-year-old Harrison Ford isn’t quitting anytime soon. There isn’t only the possibility of seeing him return as Han Solo in Star Wars Episode VII, but there’s the ongoing rumors of another Indiana Jones flick – oh please god, no – and director Ridley Scott has a renewed interest in continuing Blade Runner. How does Ford feel about all these opportunities? He’s game, but only if they’re ambitious enough.

While on a press junket for his new film 42, MTV asked Ford about his future plans,

It might be nice, depending on the circumstances, to revisit any one of those characters. What interests me now is the opportunity to work at all and to work in ambitious projects. I can’t think that way. What I’m looking for is the next opportunity, the next ambitious opportunity. It doesn’t matter if it’s one of those. If it’s one of those, great. If it’s not, that’s fine too.

He also comments on the harsh words he’s said about George Lucas in the past,

I might have said things in the past that were characterizations of how I felt at the time. That was then. This is now. It doesn’t matter.

Hey, Harrison. Lucas isn’t in charge anymore. He can’t stop you from being in Star Wars, so go ahead, tell us how you really feel.

Watch the whole interview below. Which of these roles would you most like to see him reprise?

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So. Any Star Wars Episode VII news today? Glad you asked.

Harrison Ford was in Chicago the other night for a red carpet premiere in his hometown, and WGN cornered him into talking about the latest developments in a galaxy far, far away. So is Han Solo going to be back for more fun and adventure? And is Ford down for the trip?

“I think it’s almost true,” Ford said. “I’m looking forward to it. It’s not in the bag yet, but I think it’s happening.”

Well that’s about as close as we’re going to get to a confirmation. Check out the video for yourself below:

Source: Blastr

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At this point, I believe it’s a done deal for the main three original cast members – Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford – to return for Episode VII. While not yet made official, I’ve got a good feeling it will be before long. How about other members of the original cast? C-3PO and R2-D2? Without them it just wouldn’t be Star Wars, so I’d imagine Anthony Daniels will return, if only for the voice, but I’m pretty sure Kenny Baker‘s out of luck. The only little Artoo we’ll be seeing will most definitely be CGI.

And what of Lando Calrissian? The coolest cat in the galaxy? Film Buff has the scoop that when asked at a recent Monster Mania convention in New Jersey, Billy Dee Williams confirmed he has been asked to return for Episode VII. The quote from friend of the site, Henry R., being,

Billy Dee said, he has been asked, but hasn’t decided if he is going to do it or not yet.

Hasn’t decided?!? Come on, Billy, please! I think I speak for all Star Wars fans when I say, we want to know what Lando’s up to? I’m hoping he retired well, got a nice place to spend the rest of his days, y’know?

Who else from the original cast are you hoping will appear? Still no word on whether or not Chewbacca will make an appearance. Though I fear Peter Mayhew wouldn’t be up to reprise him, there’s no reason another couldn’t fill that furry suit, right?

Source: CBM

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Yes, YOU! You there with your internet connection and your dislike of Jar Jar Binks and monotonous pod races. YOU caused this!

Bloomberg Businessweek has published an in-depth look into the lead up to, and then final sale of the Star Wars franchise from George Lucas to Disney. The rather lengthy but highly engaging article has a handful of revelations and surprises in it. Apparently Lucas sold the beloved future films after seeing how Disney handled the purchase of Marvel and Pixar (that is, didn’t change a damn thing and kept cashing the moneychecks.) Oh and the whole J.J. Abrams as director of Episode VII? Apparently new LucasFilm boss Kathleen Kennedy practically stalked him till he signed up.  Also, Lucas didn’t want Disney’s people get their mousy little paws all over his precious plots for the next trilogy:

At first Lucas wouldn’t even turn over his rough sketches of the next three Star Wars films. When Disney executives asked to see them, he assured them they would be great and said they should just trust him. “Ultimately you have to say, ‘Look, I know what I’m doing. Buying my stories is part of what the deal is.’ I’ve worked at this for 40 years, and I’ve been pretty successful,” Lucas says. “I mean, I could have said, ‘Fine, well, I’ll just sell the company to somebody else.’”

What counts as the saddest thing I have read all day (like ‘three legged kitten trying to climb stairs’ sad) is that when it came time to finally sign the deal, Lucas was ”melancholy”  and as Disney CEO Robert Iger said in his own words, “was Darth Vader.” – DAMN IT, Now I have the image of a sad-sack George Lucas all depressed. His neck pouch half inflated as he signs away not only our childhood but his life’s work. I’ve spent the past decade and a half filled with nerd rage over what the prequels wrought only to have those flames doused by the thought of a single tear rolling down his plump and swollen cheek.

On the topic of all the ‘net based hate we have all tossed in Lucas’ vague direction for what he did 14 years ago, apparently we were what made him so sad that he sold off Star Wars without much of a fight:

The criticism got to Lucas. He found it difficult to be creative when people were calling him a jerk. “It was fine before the Internet,” he says. “But now with the Internet, it’s gotten very vicious and very personal. You just say, ‘Why do I need to do this?’”

What they failed to report is that afterwards Lucas put in a Sarah Mclachlan CD and just sat in the dark for a few hours…

If you want to read the whole thing (and you should since it’s a great read) head over to Bloomberg Businessweek.

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Shocking, unexpected, and frankly out of the blue, Carrie Fisher has point blank confirmed she’ll be returning as Princess Leia in the new trilogy of Star Wars films coming from Disney. In an interview with Palm Beach Illustrated – yeah, I don’t know either  - Fisher has this exchange,

Q: Disney is going to continue the Star Wars saga, producing movies set to hit theaters starting in 2015. Can you confirm whether you’ll reprise the role of Princess Leia? 

A: Yes.

Yup. Just a simple, “Yes.” Not much can be spun or theorized about that answer, it’s definitive. She follows with this quip,

Q: What do you think Princess Leia is like today?

A: Elderly. She’s in an intergalactic old folks’ home [laughs].

then follows with this,

I just think she would be just like she was before, only slower and less inclined to be up for the big battle.

Q: And still wearing the bagel buns?

A: The bagel buns and the bikini, because probably she has sundowners syndrome. At sundown, she thinks that she’s 20-something. And she puts it on and gets institutionalized.

And now, I just don’t know what to think!?! Do the jokes contradict her straight up affirmation? She also doesn’t elaborate, will this be for J.J. Abrams‘ upcoming Episode VII expected in 2015?Fisher’s given some tricky answers in the past, but this is so honest, I want to believe it. I don’t know. Could it be legit? Is she pulling our leg? Do we even want her back? What’re you thinking?

Source: CBM via Pop Culture Brain

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With Star Wars Episode VII potentially two years away, and that’s a generous assumption at this point, the rumors have only begun when it comes to what the story will be. We’ve heard everything from a whole new cast of adventurers to the continuing saga of the Solo/Skywalker brood. Well, speaking with ET Online during the press rounds for his flick Sushi Girl, now on DVD/Blu-ray, Mark Hamill may be able to shed a little more light on where Episode VII is going.

For starters, Hamill reveals, “They’re talking to us,” which isn’t an earth-shattering revelation, we’ve kind of already assumed they had. He continues,

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.

The bit about only including those original characters if the original actors were to return is new, and welcomed news at that. Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford‘s images are so closely associated with those characters it’d be almost impossible to recast, so I’m happy to hear they won’t be considering it.

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A long time ago in a galaxy far far away rumors of the plot behind Star Wars: Episode VII started to surface. This is one of those rumors. It’s worth noting that at this point we know nothing official past that J.J. Abrams will direct and that it will happen. Yes, we’ve heard rumors that the original cast will return (FYI, that whole Harrison Ford returning as Han Solo thing is nowhere near official yet. sorry.)

What is the latest in completely baseless speculation? That the story will focus heavily on the kids (no, I will not make a Star Wars Babies joke, I promise.) According to Showbiz 411‘s Roger Friedman a nameless source that told him ”some time ago” that Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher will be back but the story will be Star Wars: The Next Generation, basically.

“It’s some time in the future. Han, Princess Leia (with a presumably better hairstyle) [oooh zing], and Luke Skywalker will be a lot older. Their children will be the new main characters. RsD2 [sp] and C-3PO will be unchanged, I would guess. since they are not human. But suffice to say, the three main actors are definitely coming back.”

Sounds just as reasonable as any other rumor, right? Hell the expanded universe has been running with progeny plots for years now. Now let’s file this with all the other rumors and wait for something official.

Keep in mind, Abrams loves to keep his secrets and to toss out the odd red herring or three so it may be a long long time before we have even the slightest idea what this seventh Star Wars movie will be.

Only 2 more years to go.

Source: Cinema Blend

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Once word got out about George Lucas selling Star Wars to Disney, everyone knew there would be new movies. The big question for most fan boys and girls was: Would any of the original actors be back in the Star Wars saddle again? We then heard that Harrison Ford would be open to reprising his nerdy iconic Han Solo character, a character he wanted killed off in the original trilogy.

Now El Mayimbe of Latino Review is ready to announce that his sources have confirmed Harrison’s return as Han Solo and his on screen involvement in the some of the upcoming Star Wars movies. He says that everything is locked and the powers that be are just waiting for the ink to dry before announcing this big news. El Mayimbe does have a darn good track record with these types of movie rumors. In the video of his talk with FOX News Latino he discusses his methods and sources.

We all expected Hamill, Fisher, and the rest of the still living Star Wars actors to come back, but Ford was the wildcard in the cast that while we all hoped for, we couldn’t be sure. Until now that is. Remember, when Ford finished the third movie and left the franchise it was no secret that he thought he was done with anything Star Wars forever. He wanted Han dead. I don’t think he’s ever attended a convention or one of the Star Wars Celebrations has he? I couldn’t find any Internet footprint of it.

Click this link to check out the video, then come back to let us know what you think.

Via: Latinoreview

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