Five STAR WARS Films Coming Between 2015-2019 , Plus YODA Spin-Off Given The Axe While BOBA FETT/HAN SOLO Films Likely To Move Forward?

While we'll be kept guessing what the new cast Star Wars will look like for a couple of months. As casting is apparently about to begin in the UK. A new tidbit of information via JoBlo should give us a better idea of how Disney plans on releasing the new films. Apparently, the new episodes (2015, 2017 and 2019) will be released every other year while the two spin-offs (2016 and 2018) will include the Han Solo and Boba Fett films. The Yoda film didn't seem to make the cut for the first round of films. The assumption is that like Marvel we could more phases of the Star Wars rollouts with more spin-offs and three more episodes.

Carrie Fisher Confirmed For STAR WARS EPISODE VII

Actress Carrie Fisher has confirmed that she will indeed have a role in J.J. Abrams' Episode VII. She is the first cast member officially announced for the film. Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford are expected to reprise Luke and Han as well. While the new films are rumored to focus on the Skywalker kids the original actors will likely be the bridge from the original series to the new one.

Mark Hamill Confirms Talks To Reprise Luke Skywalker In EPISODE VII, Says Luke Could Have An Obi-Wan Role

While there has been talk of the original three actors reprising their roles of Luke, Han and Leia we really haven't heard much in the way of confirmation. The only real quote was from Ford who said he'd be up for it. Harrison is usually extremely cagey about his involvement with Star Wars which seemed like a good chance he was willing to come back. However, nothing really concrete has been made official.

In a new interview with ET (via CBM) Mark Hamill has revealed that he and the others are indeed in talks with LucasFilm. Adding that contracts haven't been signed and they haven't met with production people yet. It's possible if anyone decides to exclude themselves they'll be written out rather than being replaced. Hamill also gave his theories on the plot and his possible role in the new trilogy. Along with a hope for more "old school" feel to the production and not relying to heavily on CGI effects. Rick Baker has mentioned being willing to return to the franchise and considering his Oscar winning makeup effects LucasFilm/Abrams would be crazy not to consider him. There is also the use of puppets thanks in part to the Henson Company which already has ties with Disney because of the Muppet franchise.

“They’re talking to us,” he reveals. “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."

“I’m assuming that these movies would be about our offspring — like my character would be sort of in the Obi-Wan range [as] an influential character". 

“I hope they find the right balance of CGI with practical effects", says Hamill. "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.”

Producer Kathleen Kennedy Chooses Droids Over Dinos, Exiting JURASSIC PARK 4 To Focus On STAR WARS Franchise

Frank Marshall has tweeted that longtime Spielberg producing partner Kathleen Kennedy won't be involved with Jurassic Park 4. Kathy had been involved with the franchise since the first film and a majority of Steven Spielberg's films. She recently was hired to take over for George Lucas as head of LucasFilm, which is now apart of the Disney family. Her duties are expected to be similar to John Lasseter of Pixar and Kevin Feige of Marvel Studios. So her involvement in non-Star Wars films was likely going to end. There had been talk that the production was on a hunt for a director, they'll also be looking for a new producer as well.

TO BE CONSIDERED: Casting New Characters Of STAR WARS EPISODE VII

Seemingly the new characters in Star Wars Episode VII will include the Skywalker kids and likely others from the expanded universe. I've come up with a list of actors that should be looked at for various new roles in the trilogy. The possible characters include Jaina Solo, Jacen Solo, Ben Skywalker, Mara Jade Skywalker, General Thrawn, Tahiri Veila and Jagged Fel. Let me know if you like these choices and feel free to add your own in the comments section.

JAINA SOLO: Chloe Moretz (Let Me In, Kick-Ass 1-2, Carrie), Andrea Riseborough (Shadow Dancer, Oblivion, Welcome To The Punch, Never Let Me Go), Ellen Page (Juno, Inception, X3, X-Men Days of Future Past) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Smashed, Scott Pilgrim, Die Hard 4, Death Proof).

JACEN SOLO: Tom Holland (The Impossible, How I Live Now), Anton Yelchin (Terminator Salvation, Star Trek 1-2, Like Crazy), Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) and Tom Hiddleston (War Horse, Avengers, Thor 1-2, Deep Blue Sea)

BEN SKYWALKER: Charlie Hunnam (Pacific Rim, SOA, Green Street Hooligans), Joel Kinnaman (Robocop, The Killing, Safe House, Snabba Cash 1-2) and Liam Hemsworth (Expendables 2, Hunger Games, Catching Fire)

MARA JADE SKYWALKER: Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights, Hannibal, Seventh Son, Carrie, Big Lebowski)

GENERAL THRAWN: John Noble (LOTR Return of The King, Fringe) and Richard Armitage (Strike Back, Captain America: The First Avenger, Hobbit Trilogy, Spooks/MI5, Robin Hood)

TAHIRI VEILA: Rooney Mara (Dragon Tattoo, Social Network, Side Effects, Ain't Them Bodies Saints) and Melanie Laurent (Inglorious Basterds, Beginners, Now You See Me, An Enemy)

 JAGGED FEL: Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Sin City 2, Dark Knight Rises, Looper), James McAvoy (Trance, X-Men First Class, X-Men Days of Future Past, Welcome To The Punch, Wanted) and Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass 1-2, Godzilla, Nowhere Boy, Savages, Anna Karenina)

EPISODE VII Will Focus On Skywalker Kids, Plus Mark Hamill And Carrie Fisher Set To Return?

Showbiz411 is adding to the recent news that Harrison Ford will be returning as Han Solo. They also mention that Mark Hamill (Luke) and Carrie Fisher (Leia) will back as well. Not surprising but will likely help support the site's next update. Reaffirming rumblings that the new trilogy would focus on the Skywalker kids. Sounds like that female Skywalker is becoming a reality.

"I was told some time ago that Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill would be reprising their roles in Episode VII. Obviously this new movie won’t pick up where “Return of the Jedi” ended. It’s some time in the future. Han, Princess Leia (with a presumably better hairstyle), and Luke Skywalker will be a lot older. Their children will be the new main characters. RsD2 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. The bigger question is, which young actors will play their kids?"

Having the kids involved means that they'll be taking cues from the books at least for the characters that will be included. Mara Jade will likely be involved in the new films. It's also possible over the entire new trilogy we could end up seeing Solo twins Jaina and Jacen as the new heroes. Seeing both Luke and Jacen going to the dark side within the three films. Jacen becoming Darth Caedus and taking on Tahiri Veila as his Sith apprentice. Ben Skywalker and Anakin Solo could also factor into the films.

Harrison Ford Will Reprise Han Solo Role In STAR WARS EPISODE VII

LatinoReview just dropped a Star Wars casting scoop concerning a returning cast member for Episode VII. They say that the deal is done and Harrison Ford will be back as Han Solo. What that role will look like in the new trilogy is unknown. It's possible it could be a big role or just as simple as a cameo (think old Spock in the Star Trek reboot). It sounds likely that Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher could also be confirmed for the film as well in the coming months.

His inclusion could be Abrams/Lucas bringing the original players back to appease the fans. However, there have been rumblings that a new female Skywalker (Chloe Moretz was pitched by Matthew Vaughn) would be the main protagonist of Episodes VII, VIII and IX. It's very likely that Leia and Han's daughter Jaina Skywalker Solo is this new jedi heroine.

My POWER OF THE DARKSIDE Edit Of Dog Hollywood's EPISODE VII Fan Poster

More Interesting Fan Posters For STAR WARS EPISODE VII

Awesome STAR WARS EPISODE VII Fan Poster By Artist Lyndon Berresford

LucasFilm/Disney Confirm J.J. Abrams Will Direct STAR WARS

LucasFilm/Disney have released the official announcement on the StarWars site that J.J. Abrams (Star Trek 1-2, MI3, Super 8) will indeed be directing the first installment in a new Star Wars trilogy (Episode VII). Casting and plot points will be speculated over the coming months but the later we might have to give up on. Considering how secretive Abrams is about his projects. They also include that Lawrence Kasdan (writer of Empire Strikes Back, Return of The Jedi) and Simon Kinberg (writer of Sherlock Holmes, X-Men Days of Future Past) will consult on the film.

After a bevy of emails and phone calls, the formalities have been wrapped up, and at long last everyone can exhale and properly share the word with an excited Internet. Yes, J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars: Episode VII, the first of a new series of Star Wars films to come from Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy. Abrams will be directing and Academy Award-winning writer Michael Arndt will write the screenplay.

"It's very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie," said Kennedy. "J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Warsexperience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture."

George Lucas went on to say "I've consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller." He's an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn't be in better hands."

"To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor," J.J. Abrams said. "I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid."

J.J., his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, and Bad Robot are on board to produce along with Kathleen Kennedy under the Disney | Lucasfilm banner."

Also consulting on the project are Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg. Kasdan has a long history with Lucasfilm, as screenwriter on The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. Kinberg was writer on Sherlock Holmes and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Abrams and his production company Bad Robot have a proven track record of blockbuster movies that feature complex action, heartfelt drama, iconic heroes and fantastic production values with such credits as Star Trek, Super 8, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, and this year's Star Trek Into Darkness. Abrams has worked with Lucasfilm's preeminent postproduction facilities, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, on all of the feature films he has directed, beginning with Mission: Impossible III. He also created or co-created such acclaimed television series as Felicity, Alias, Lost and Fringe.

Lawrence Kasdan And Simon Kinberg To Script STAR WARS EPISODE VIII And EPISODE IX

Deadline reports that screenwriters Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg are in talks with Disney/LucasFilm to tackle Episode VIII and Episode IX. Kasdan is best known for writing Empire Strikes Back, Return of The Jedi and Radiers of The Lost Ark. Kinberg known for Sherlock Holmes along with X-Men Days of Future Past. It sounds like the studio is really aiming to put the two sequels into production very soon with this news. We already know that Michael Arndt (Oblivion, All You Need Is Kill) is currently working on Episode VII while a director has yet to be named.

UPDATE: HeatVision has word the deals are done and the pair of writers will also be producers. 

STAR WARS Trilogy Rumor Roundup

It's been very exciting the last couple of days trying to play catch up with all the rumors, reports and speculation concerning the two new Star Wars trilogies. I've put together a rundown of a few I missed and added my thoughts as well. Granted these are mostly from anonymous sources not connected with the production, so don't take the statements as the gospel. Either way, they are an interesting read and give some hope that these films won't be the giant letdown the prequels ended being.

SKYWALKERS INVOLVED WITH BOTH TRILOGIES?: We won't be just getting Episodes VII, VIII and IX. The plan is to move right into Episodes X, XI and XII after the end of the first new trilogy. A biographer who could be working on old information tells TheWrap that the new trilogy will involve Luke in his 30's or 40's. Not to mention the Skywalkers will be heavily involved with all six films (of course).

The next in the series, he said, involve Luke Skywalker in his 30s and 40s, but Lucas was unlikely to turn to Mark Hamill, who played Luke in the original but whose performance left the director dissatisfied. “They will need an older Luke Skywalker,” Pollock said.

  MarketSaw's source claims that the original characters will be featured in the new trilogy along with the second trilogy having a female Skywalker as the protagonist. There is speculation that it's possible these two ideas could be combined in the trilogy if the studio wants to introduce this new heroine earlier. We've heard confirmation that the books won't be direct influence but nobody has mentioned the characters in them won't end up being used. Oddly enough, this person claims Mark Hamill is returning. Already things are starting to conflict with other statements.


Recasting the characters is going to have to happen if the plan is spread out the first trilogy over 6-9 years. A female Skywalker could mean seeing Leia transform from Princess to Jedi Knight within the new installments. Along with Luke building a new Jedi temple and training a new crop of Jedi (including Leia?). Hopefully, by the end of the first trilogy seeing Luke's transition into the darkside. In the book canon Luke only has one child Ben Skywalker, it's possible they could create a new batch of Skywalkers to suit the films. While they don't take the Skywalker name Leia and Han's children are Skywalkers/Jedi. Jaina Solo being the more popular of the bunch not to mention that her twin brother Jacen ends up becoming Darth Caedus. The only other female character they could be talking about is fan favorite Mara Jade Skywalker (the wife of Luke). Her transition from darkside to light would be a great change of pace not to mention the added bonus of the character being able to go toe-to-toe with the boys.

SPIN-OFF FILMS POSSIBLE: HeatVision has heard from sources that Star Wars will be setup Avengers-style besides the planned trilogies we'll see offshoot films focusing on individual characters. I'm sure this gives wiggle room for that Boba Fett film that Joe Johnston (Captain America, Rocketeer) was putting together. Perhaps, we could see new characters or established characters (including ones from the books/games) getting their own movies. Seeing a film set in the Star Wars universe every year rather than two to three which had been said of the trilogy. I'm sure fans of the Force Unleashed, Old Republic and the mysterious 1313 will be waiting to hear if the characters will be involved with any of these offshoots.

1952 REALLY EPISODE VII: AICN started putting together a theory that the huge Disney sci-fi film titled 1952 is really the new Star Wars trilogy. The secret project has Pixar guru Brad Bird (Incredibles, Ghost Protocol) attached to direct with Damon Lindelof (World War Z, Prometheus, Lost, Star Trek Into Darkness) working on the script. My thought, the title was hinting to Episodes VII, VIII and IX. For example if you play with the numbers of 1952 you get (5+2="7"+1="8")"9". However, FirstShowing has word from a source (distractor?) that the project is an original concept.

 Brad Bird has been the gem of Pixar directing some of their better films and earning an Oscar for . He made the jump into live-action films directing Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol. He's a director Disney can trust along with being able to balance character and action which is very important to Star Wars fans unhappy with the underwhelming prequels. The recent directors-list is filled with landmines and while some are interesting choices Bird seems a solid choice.

Lindelof has attached himself to two rather large science fiction franchises with Star Trek Into Darkness and Prometheus/Paradise (Alien franchise). Disney could have had Damon write an outline only for another writer to complete it. Disney is able to hire very creative people for their franchises as we've seen previously. They were recently able to wrangle David Fincher to remake 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. Marvel/Disney hired Joss Whedon to make the Avengers which led Marvel handing over the creative keys for the entire film universe. Whedon will now have input on all the films until he exits Marvel. It wouldn't be hard to imagine Disney looking to Damon to be their Whedon/Lucas for the new era of Star Wars.

Will STAR WARS: EPISODE VII Be An Original Film?

It's starting to sound like Star Wars: Episode VII might have zero connection to existing canon/material. EOnline! seems to have confirmed from Disney that the new film trilogy will have original content and characters. Their source from LucasFilm stating "it's an original story". Giving the impression the books and comics won't be sourced. Not to mention the chances of the return of Luke, Leia and Solo is less likely now. This might anger fans who have been dying to see a Thrawn Trilogy but it's for the best. The way to separate this new trilogy from Lucas' other two is to create some fresh and exciting. Something made by new blood and the creative minds at LucasFilm.

Disney Buys STAR WARS Film Rights, EPISODE VII Coming 2015?

This has to be the biggest news since Disney took over Marvel. THR reports that Disney has bought Lucas Film for $4 billion and it includes the Star Wars franchise. Even more mind blowing is that they plan to put Episode VII into production for a 2015 release date. We should expect Episode 8 and Episode 9 are also on the table at this point. No word on a director even if a script is even in place. However, if 2015 is a date they have in mind, pitches have been made. The plot of the film is currently unknown but some have speculated it could be a reboot perhaps focusing on the Knights of The Old Republic era. 2015 is looking like it's going to be an epic year for blockbusters with Avengers 2 and Justice League also set for release.

George Lucas has retired and has systematically sold the rights so it's unlikely he'll be writing or directing. I'm sure that will please some die-hard Star Wars fans. The only problem here is that currently there isn't a visionary in place a franchise like Star Wars would need. We could see Disney handle Lucas Film as they have with Pixar and Marvel by letting them do their own thing. The question is will Disney hire a visionary like they did with Joss Whedon handling the creative-side of the Marvel films? It's not hard to imagine Lucas friend Steven Spielberg won't be pitch a new trilogy.