Star Wars Episode VII: The 10 Most Awesome Facts and Rumors We've Heard So Far
By Scott Christian
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While a steady stream of rumors have been coming down the pike ever since the new Star Wars sequels were announced by Disney in 2012, it wasn't until yesterday's shareholder meeting that we finally got some solid facts. The first being that Episode VII will begin shooting in London this coming May. The second, that the movie will pick up 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. Everything else pretty much falls under the category of speculation and rumor, but that hasn't stopped us from geeking out over the possibilities that lay ahead. To get up to speed, read on, you must.
1. The Original Band is Getting Back Together
Although it hasn't been officially announced, Harrison Ford basically confirmed that he, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher are expected to return to reprise their original roles. Asked last year about the reunion at the 42 premiere Ford said, "I think it's almost true. I'm looking forward to it...it's not in the bag yet, but I think it's happening." Coming from our favorite Grumpiest Man Alive, this seems about as sure-footed a commitment as you're ever going to get, so we'll put this in the basically probably almost definitely going to happen category. Just one question, what sort of AARP discounts will be offered at the Mos Eisley Cantina?
2. Lawrence Kasdan is Co-writing the Script
That's right, the man who wrote Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the two best Star Wars episodes by far (go ahead, argue against it, but you'll lose), is co-piloting the script alongside director J.J. Abrams. This is exceptionally good news for fans of the original movies and anyone who hated Jar Jar Binks. Given the success and coolness of the Star Trek reboot, it's clear that Abrams is no slouch in the writing department either. The only real downside to all of this is that, though they are both talented writers, Disney has cut things pretty close in order to get the movie out by 2015. Here's hoping that tight deadlines don't derail the quality.
3. Three is the Magic Number
Just as with Episodes 4 through 6, the new sequels will focus on "a trio of young leads." There is no confirmation yet on who those characters will be, or who they will be played by, but the easy money on two of them, at least, is that they will be the twin kids of Han and Leia, Jacen and Jaina Solo. Speculation is that the story will follow one who takes a path towards the Dark Side and the other who follows in Han's footsteps. For those familiar with the extended Star Wars universe, Jacen eventually chooses the Dark Side to become Darth Caedus.
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4. Darth Adam Driver
While no one from the Disney camp has officially confirmed it, most consider it a lock that Adam Sackler, that is, Girls's Adam Driver, will be the new Star Wars villain. There is no word on whether he'll wield on artisanal light saber made from recycled PBR cans, or whether his powers of the force will manifest as bolts of existential Millennial angst. Either way, we think it's a pretty great bit of casting.
5. John Williams is Back
Thank god that Family Guy had it wrong and the Tusken Raider charred corpses of John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra weren't replaced by Danny Elfman. Could you imagine Star Wars being scored by any other composer? Thankfully Williams will be returning for the new sequels, and hopefully the "Imperial March" will get to live on.
6. Finally a Glimpse of Sith Real Estate
While it's definitely one of the more unsubstantiated rumors, the very idea that Episode VII could include the Sith home planet is a pretty exciting one. The planet has appeared in several books and videogames, and is generally depicted as cruel and brutal. But then of course it would be; it's not like the forces of evil would spring from some tropical paradise. In any case, the Sith planet is supposed to be home to the most revered Sith artifacts, as well as being a training ground for those who've been converted to the Dark Side.
7. Casting Rumors: The Young Guns
It seems like every day brings a new rumor of some young Hollywood actor being wheeled before J.J. Abrams for a shot at a part. So far Jesse Plemons and 12 Years a Slave's Lupita Nyong'o have gotten the most ink, and both certainly get our support. Plemons has been mentioned as the potential male lead and Nyong'o as the female lead, possibly playing a descendant of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Along with Adam Driver and Michael B. Jordan, who says he auditioned for a part, we definitely think Abrams is headed in the right direction for the young guns. Just as long as the words Miley or Bieber never come near this one, we'll be happy.
8. Casting Rumors: The Heavyweights
Along with the youth brigade there have been a pretty impressive array of seasoned thesps mentioned as potential cast members. Michael Fassbender met with Abrams to discuss a role, but the rumor is that it won't be for Episode VII. Benedict Cumberbatch and Gary Oldman have been rumored as chasing the same role, although we're hoping that there is a place for both of them at the table. Certainly Cumberbatch has proven his capabilities at playing a Wookiee. Hugo Weaving has reportedly been considered for the role of Imperial Commander, which, if we get a scene with him wearing shades and saying, "Miiisterrr Skywalker," it will pretty much blow our minds.
9. Abrams Wants Diversity
Given the casting rumors so far, it appears that Abrams really is looking for diversity among the featured players, as he's mentioned on multiple occasions. With names like Michael B. Jordan, David Oyelowo, and Lupita Nyong'o being bandied about, this new batch of sequels will hopefully be a lot less, shall we say, monochromatic than the previous movies. There have also been rumors that we may get a female Sith villain this time around, which, if true, could finally bust through that Dark Side glass ceiling.
10. Lando Freakin' Calrissian
While it looks likely that Ford, Fisher, and Hamill will be making their Star Wars comeback, the bigger news is that everybody's favorite space pirate Lando Calrissian, aka Billy Dee Williams, is in talks to return as well. Who knows, maybe his Dancing with the Stars bit was actually an audition. But then Billy Dee doesn't need a damn audition. Make this happen J.J. We want Lando!
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