FILMS THAT SHOULD BE MADE: Zack Snyder's SEVEN SAMURAI Inspired STAR WARS Spin-Off

Disney has confirmed that Star Wars spin-offs are coming and we should expect three of them. The release dates haven't been revealed but are expected to be 2017, 2019 and 2020, with main Episodes 7-9 to be released between them. We hear that Larry Kasdan is still working on a Boba Fett script, but that apparently hasn't been greenlit by the studio. Other possible spin-off movies include ones based around Yoda and Han Solo (there has also been talk of movies based on Jabba The Hutt and Star Wars: Rebels).



During the days of, who is going to direct Star Wars: Episode VII? An interesting story arose from the trades, which pointed to a Star Wars pitch from director Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300, Man of Steel). His film would be greatly inspired by Akira Kurosawa's classic film The Seven Samurai. A poor village under attack by bandits recruits seven unemployed samurai to help them defend themselves.



Something George Lucas had previously did with New Hope, taking direct cue's from Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress. Not mention lifting entire shots and scenes from the film.

Snyder would eventually deny the pitch every took place, a common practice these days as directors and actors will deny any involvement to press about potential projects. In Zack's case likely due to his then unannounced commitments to the Man of Steel sequel Batman Vs Superman and now Justice League, which he was also taking with Warner Bros. about. Abrams himself lied about his involvement with Episode VII, until he was announced by Lucasfilm as it's director. It should be noted that when it comes to Star Wars just expect everything to be denied, until a press release from their site confirms it.

My impression is that Zack both signed a non-disclosure agreement with Lucasfilm, as did a majority of other directors who were courted around the same time (Matthew Vaughn..ect), and he also didn't want to look like his idea was being rejected by the studio. For all intensive purposes it looks like that film may never happen, as Zack's commitments to the DCU have increased. He could be called upon to direct even more DC movies in the future.



It's also possible that Zack might ask to leave Warner Bros. to make other movies, such as Christopher Nolan did between Batman films with The Prestige and Inception. When Justice League wraps, that would make it three back-to-back DCU installments from Snyder. I'm sure he'll want a bit of break from the comic book genre. Synder proved with the Krypton scenes in Man of Steel, he could have an interesting take visually on the Star Wars universe. I still believe this could end up happening, but it's a long-shot.

It's hard to say where Lucasfilm will want to go with Han Solo, but I do believe incorporating the Seven Samurai elements into a Yoda film could work very well together. Establishing an untold mission Yoda and other exiled jedi took-on, could be a very compelling spin-off or standalone feature. Even more so if it was set within the new Rebels saga, which is apparently official canon. Having a rag-tag group of former jedi knights who have been on the run or hiding from the Empire, coming together for a common goal or one last heroic event. Before they truly dissolve the jedi order as Kenobi and Yoda did by hiding out on remote planets, and never contacting the other jedi again.



I'm sure Rebels will try to explain what has happened to the remaining the jedi across the universe, but this could specifically speak to Yoda, Ashoka Tano (finally appearing in the films) and even Kenobi. I just feel like Seven Samurai screams jedi knights, and if the legacy/expanded universe if off-limits. Placing it into Yoda movie, set within the timeline of Rebels could make for an extremely entertaining adventure. We could even see the Rebels team get into the mix, with new cowboy jedi Kanan and even possibly Ezra. That's already five of seven spots possibly filled with canon characters.

Of course, Synder could end-up locking into a crazy contract with Warner Bros. to direct all the DC films (which would be insane for both the studio and Zack). Placing this whole idea into limbo, which for all we know will be it's fate. I'm excited at the possibility of Zack tackling a Star Wars movie, even if can't even admit to his pitch ever happening. Allowing him to play within the Star Wars sandbox, could be one of the more bold moves Lucasfilm might make moving forward with these spin-offs.

Harrison Ford Making A Deal For INDIANA JONES 5 And INDIANA JONES 6?

Recently Disney acquired the distribution rights to the Indiana Jones franchise from Paramount, after purchasing Lucasfilm back in 2012 (includes Star Wars and Indiana Jones rights). Which was seemingly was the first-step to developing more more films at Lucasfilm. A few believed it could lead to a reboot but a new rumor could put a wrench in that theory. MarketSaw has heard from their source (likely someone close to Lucasfilm) about what is going with Indy at the studio. They say that Harrison Ford is working out a deal to reprise the role for Indiana Jones 5 and Indiana Jones 6, which could have been apart of Ford's Episode VII contract.

"Regarding Harrison Ford, two more Indiana Jones features are in the negotiation stages as per Ford's contract clause on Star Wars, which is the primary reason he didn't 'publicly' or 'privately' commit, or so I'm told." 


AICN chimed in as well. Stating they have heard that Harrison Ford's contract to appear in Star Wars Episode VII, might have included two Indiana Jones films. This makes a lot of sense, since Ford isn't the biggest fan of Han Solo and originally wanted him killed off in Empire Strikes Back. Perhaps, the lure of two more Indy films was the reason he agreed to return. Ford has been talking about his desire to make Indiana Jones 5 for years now.

I don't know if it's been officially confirmed that Harrison Ford made the new Indiana Jones films part of his agreement to return as Han Solo, but I've heard it enough from a myriad of sources that I believe it's true. Plus, we all know that Dr. Jones is close to Ford's heart.

I liked the idea of an Indy reboot, since it would allow a new director, writer and actor to give us more installments. George Lucas staying away post-Crystal Skull might be a good thing as well, as he's pretty much retired from these movies. I'm not sure how compelling a 70 year old Indiana Jones would be, unless he's taking more of a Professor Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery) role. Disney's Alan Horn said "we haven't done anything...we don't have a story..we need a story". A screenwriter hasn't been announced or even rumored, so at this point it could be years until this even starts production.


SOURCE: MARKETSAW

WHAT IF: Ten Year Old Han Solo Could Have Been In REVENGE OF THE SITH

Today it was announced that Han Solo could end up getting his own spin-off film. While it seems odd to think we'll end up seeing someone other than Harrison Ford in the role. George Lucas had planned on having a ten year old Solo show up in Revenge of The Sith. It was ultimately scrapped likely due to the backlash from the young Boba Fett cameo in Attack of The Clones. SlashFilm has posted some of the concept art from the production a few details on how he would fit into the film. Han would have shown up on on the Wookie planet Kashyyyk during the battle scenes. Giving Yoda some promising intel on General Grevious' location. This art will likely never be used as the new Solo film will likely focus on him in his late teens or early twenties.

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.

Guillermo Del Toro Was Approached For STAR WARS, Plus Female Protagonist Rumor Resurfaces

Guillermo Del Toro seems to have a lot of projects thrown at him. He took over the Blade franchise from Stephen Norrington, took on The Hobbit before exiting over production delays and made Pacific Rim instead. He was also in the mix for Dawn of The Planet of The Apes before Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In) was hired. He revealed to ThePlaylist that he was indeed asked about being interested in directing Star Wars but had to turn it down over other projects. Del toro mentions that as fan he would have loved to see Brad Bird tackle it. Only thing is that Bird is busy with his own original sci-fi project 1952 that has George Clooney mentioned as being interested in the lead.

“We got one phone call to my agent saying, ‘Is Guillermo interested?’ ” he revealed saying, “And basically I have so much stuff already of my own, and I’m pursuing stuff that I’m generating already…” that he turned it down. “It was just a phone call, it didn’t go past that, it was very nice to be asked, but believe it or not, I’m busy enough.”

“As a geek, I would have loved to see Brad Bird take it.”

In the early days of the announcement of LucasFilm being bought by Disney and a new trilogy was mentioned. During that time a bunch of possible details were rolling out from different sources. One key rumor being that new trilogy would focus on a new female Skywalker. Giving the impression that Mara Jade (Luke's eventual wife) or Jaina Skywalker Solo could be possible canon candidates. Recently, Lucas mentioned that the books could end up being used for the films so it's possible these characters could find their way into the new films. However, a reputable source has given new life to that speculation with a recent tweet from SlashFilm's Peter.

Who said the lead character in Star Wars Episode VII is going to be a male star? :)

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.