Jj Abrams Page 8

Former Star Wars director Jj Abrams has claimed that Mark Hamill’s role in the upcoming The Last Jedi later this year will be of such a standard that he’ll be in line for an Oscar this time next year, saying that he’d be “very upset” if Hamill was overlooked.

65 year old Hamill fleetingly reprised his career-defining role as Luke Skywalker in 2015’s The Force Awakens – quite literally, as he appeared for just a few seconds standing on a remote island in the film’s closing sequence - but it set to have a substantially bigger role in The Last Jedi, released in December 2017.

Mark Hamill for an Oscar?

Continue reading: JJ Abrams Touts Mark Hamill For An Oscar Next Year

Anton Yelchin's character Chekov will not be recast in the next 'Star Trek' production.

The 50-year-old producer of the popular sci-fi sequel has revealed the role of Ensign Pavel played by the late actor - who died last month after being trapped by his own car in an accident occurring on the driveway of his Los Angeles home aged 27 - will not return as a mark of respect for the star.

Abrams said: ''There's no replacing him. There's no recasting. I can't possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better.''

Continue reading: Anton Yelchin's Character Chekov Won't Be Recast In The Next 'Star Trek'

Chris Hemsworth is set to make a return to 'Star Trek 4'.

The 32-year-old actor is to reprise his role as George Kirk, the father that Captain James T. Kirk [played by Chris Pine] never knew, in the forthcoming blockbuster, despite being killed off in the first 'Star Trek' movie seven years ago.

Access Hollywood's Scott Mantz tweeted: ''BREAKING!! #JJAbrams confirms to me that a 4th #StarTrek movie will bring together #ChrisPine & #ChrisHemsworth!! (sic)''

Continue reading: Chris Hemsworth To Return To Star Trek 4

As we approach the 7th anniversary of Michael Jackson's death, director J.J. Abrams and author Tavis Smiley announce that they are uniting to develop a TV show about the last few months of the King of Pop's life. It will be based on brand new book by Smiley himself.

Michael Jackson's final days to play out in TV mini-series

Today (June 21st 2016), Tavis Smiley has unveiled his 'novelistic rendering' of Michael Jackson's last few months of life in the book 'Before You Judge Me: The Triumph and Tragedy of Michael Jackson's Last Days' through Little Brown and Co.. And with semi-fictional accounts of real celebrity events, such as 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story', becoming remarkably popular, it will later be turned into a mini-series with Smiley as executive producer alongside 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' director J.J. Abrams.

Continue reading: JJ Abrams To Co-Produce Upcoming Michael Jackson Mini-Series

She’s the highest-earning actress in Hollywood, but it seems that not everybody knows who Jennifer Lawrence is, as she revealed an embarrassing recent encounter when Harrison Ford gave her a blank stare of non-recognition.

The 25 year old star of X-Men Apocalypse was chatting with British TV host Graham Norton this week, filming an episode of his chat show that is due to air on Friday evening (May 13th). Recollecting the highly awkward incident, she said it happened earlier this year when she was on a night out with comedian Jack Whitehall, and spotted the Han Solo actor dining with Star Wars: The Force Awakens director Jj Abrams.

Jennifer Lawrence recounted the embarrassing incident to Graham Norton on his chat show this week

Continue reading: Jennifer Lawrence Admits Embarrassing Encounter With Harrison Ford

Ade Edmondson, star of classic TV comedies ‘Bottom’ and ‘The Young Ones’ has reportedly been cast in the next Star Wars movie, Episode VIII. The unlikely casting is said to have come after Ade made a good impression on both director Rian Johnson and executive producer Jj Abrams.

Ade Edmondson has reportedly landed a role in Star Wars Episode VIII.

A source told The Sun: “Ade is one of the most-loved comedy stars in the UK but even he would admit Star Wars is a surprise move for him. While JJ Abrams isn’t directing, he is still heavily involved and he is really keen on British talent.”

Continue reading: Ade Edmondson Reportedly Lands Role In 'Star Wars Episode VIII'

As expected, Jj Abrams' continuation of his monster thriller with '10 Cloverfield Lane' has so far been a huge hit at the box office. It comes in at second place after 'Zootopia', but the mystery surrounding the plot has been enough to pull in the theater-goers.

JJ Abrams has success with 10 Cloverfield Lane

It seems to be all in the marketing. There's been a deliberate air of mystery surrounding the film since the first trailer was spontaneously released at the Super Bowl. We know that the premise is a girl locked up in some guy's bunker, apparently for her own safety though it's obvious she's not completely thrilled with the idea. Something's happened on the outside, but it hadn't been revealed to us what it is before the theatrical release. What we did know is that it was something pretty damn terrifying.

Continue reading: The Mystery Of '10 Cloverfield Lane' Becomes A Box Office Success

It was revealed to the public just two months before its release that J.J. Abrams had produced 10 Cloverfield Lane, which stars John Goodman, Mary Wlizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher Jr.

"I was surprised every time that people asked me about a sequel," Abrams says of comments about Cloverfield over the past eight years. "I've always thought it's so cool that people cared enough about that movie to want more of it. I knew there was something out there that could justify a continuation, but I didn't want to do the thing that people might expect just for the sake of it. And I know I'm guilty as anyone of being involved in sequels and remakes and reboots and things!"

Continue reading: J.J. Abrams Loved Surprising Fans With 10 Cloverfield Lane

'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' was praised highly for its diverse approach to casting and storytelling during its release. We had our first female villain in the franchise, as well as a strong female lead, and at least two black characters in the main cast. It was an important change, and director Jj Abrams insists that the future will bring yet more diversity to the film series.

JJ Abrams backs a more LGBT-friendly Star Wars movie

Daisy Rey and John Boyega became part of a milestone for this long-adored franchise when they became the series' first female and black leads respectively. Bold moves for black culture and women's rights, but what about the LGBT community? Will any gay characters be introduced as the franchise continues?

Continue reading: JJ Abrams Is Sure We'll Meet A Gay 'Star Wars' Character In The Future

J.J. Abrams, the director of Star Wars: The Force Awakens has said he wants more inclusivity in the franchise, including future gay characters. Speaking at the US-Ireland Alliance’s annual Oscar Wilde Awards, the director said he would “love” a gay character to be represented in the Star Wars' world.

Jj Abrams would ‘love’ to see a gay character in Star Wars.

When asked by the Daily Beast if he could see a gay character in Star Wars’ future, Abrams said: “Of course! When I talk about inclusivity it’s not excluding gay characters. It’s about inclusivity. So of course.” 

Continue reading: J.J. Abrams Says 'Star Wars' Could Soon Include A Gay Character

A surprise spin-off of 'Cloverfield' is set to be unveiled this Spring, with the trailer having just landed for '10 Cloverfield Lane' which sees the return of producer J.J. Abrams. It's a similarly heart-stopping and spine-tingling thriller, with an unknown threat plaguing the story.

An abduction or a rescue? Sometimes they're one and the same

It's not a sequel in the strictest sense; rather, as producer J.J. Abrams put it, 'a blood relative of Cloverfield'. After all, it features none of the same characters or actors as the 2008 film, doesn't share that found-footage aesthetic and certainly isn't about a monster ravaging New York. Err... or is it?

Continue reading: J.J. Abrams Brings 'Cloverfield' Spin-Off To Cinema This Spring - Trailer

Star Wars: The Force Awakens was still pulling in big audiences at theatres over the Christmas weekend and has now passed the $1 billion mark at the global box office. The film is now the fastest ever to reach $1 billion worldwide, doing so in just 12 days.

Daisy Ridley as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Previous record holder Jurassic World took 13 days to reach $1 billion globally when it smashed records earlier this year. In the US, The Force Awakens racked up $153.5 million at the festive box office, bringing its US total so far to over $544.5 million.

Continue reading: 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Becomes Fastest Movie To Hit $1 Billion

Having won huge amounts of praise for his direction of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, J.J. Abrams is apparently regretting not signing up to helm the next film.

Abrams’ life-long friend Greg Grunberg – who also has a minor role in The Force Awakens as X-wing fighter Snap Wexley – said that the director recently read the script for Episode VIII and said something highly unusual, for him: that he “wished” he had written it.

Jj Abrams will not be directing the eighth instalment of 'Star Wars'

Continue reading: JJ Abrams Might Be Regretting Not Signing Up To Direct Eighth 'Star Wars' Movie

There were some nice surprises in cinemas this year, with thoughtful thrillers, quality blockbusters, exhilarating franchise reboots and twists on familiar genres...

10. A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
An Iranian vampire movie shot in California, this super-cool black and white comedy-thriller is witty, scary and sexy. It's also so original that it takes the breath away.

9. Inside Out
Pixar triumphs again with this inventive look inside the mind of a young girl struggling with her emotions. It's colourful, hilariously silly and also the kind of movie that can make grown men cry.

Continue reading: Rich Cline's 10 Best Films Of 2015

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has just missed out on setting the world record for a box-office opening by $7.9 million, according to early estimates. Although the film smashed records around the globe it’s $517m worldwide box office gross puts it second to Jurassic World’s $524.9m record, achieved earlier this year.

Harrison Ford returns as Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The Force Awakens suffered a disadvantage as studio Disney had failed to score a timely release for the film in China. Back in June, Jurassic World arrived on US and Chinese screens over the same weekend, bringing up it’s opening weekend gross.

Continue reading: 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Misses Out On Breaking Box Office World Record By $7.9M

Producers working on the next Star Wars movie have postponed the planned open auditions in Glasgow to find a bigger venue amid huge interest in the vacant parts.

Lucasfilm/Disney had planned to audition for several parts in J.J Abrams' new movie on Saturday and Sunday at Glasgow's Wasp Studios in the Southblock building in Merchant City, though that plan has been scrapped and the auditions will now take place on November 30 and 1 December with a venue to be announced in the next few weeks.

The decision comes after an unexpected amount of aspiring actors turned up to auditions in Bristol.

Continue reading: Does Scotland Have A Venue Big Enough For Star Wars Auditions?

Saoirse Ronan may be one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars, but she won’t be yielding lightsabers or galaxy-hopping when the Star Wars franchise is rebooting with Episode VII. The New York-born actor announced that she would be auditioning for the role.

Saoirse Ronan missed out on a 'Star Wars' role

"I don't have 'Star Wars.' I don't have the role," Ronan said told Indie Wire's The Playlist, who noted that she sounded “defeated when she told them the news. "I just shouldn't have said anything. I just auditioned for it, like everyone else did."

Continue reading: A Dejected Saoirse Ronan Looks Back As Star Wars Moves Forward With Casting

Earlier this week it was announced that auditions were to take place, beginning on Saturday, 9 November, across the UK in order to find the male and female lead for the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. The move may have been unexpected many who would have expected the usual Hollywood casting call, but as director Jj Abrams recently explained, he had always planned on tapping the UK talent pool rather than treading on familiar soil.

Speaking on the BBC's Newsnight programme, Abrams discussed the upcoming Star Wars reboot and explained that when it came to finding the right actors and actresses to take the Star Wars story further, his team had to hunt for the "best possible" talent. Their searches, apparently, brought them to the same nation where much of the movie is going to be filmed: the United Kingdom.

"It wouldn't be Star Wars unless there were some fantastic actors who happened to be British," the filmmaker told writer Neil Gaiman. "We were looking everywhere for the best possible actors for the role. Nothing is more important. There are things that are as important, but nothing is more important than casting a movie great and I have been incredibly lucky to be involved in projects where we've had wonderful cast and wonderful casting directors too to make it happen."

Continue reading: JJ Abrams Explains Why He's Looking To The UK For 'Star Wars' Cast

After months of speculation surrounding script problems, delays, in-house arguing, plotlines, spin-offs and possible role reprisals, another rare piece of concrete news has emerged from the Star Wars Episode VII camp.

Harrison Ford is remaining coy over a 'Star Wars' return

Yes, that’s right: Disney have given us a release date of December 18, 2015, meaning J.J. Abrams and Barbara Broccoli have just over two years to get the most anticipated film of all time made, and get it right.

Continue reading: 2015 Set For A Jedi Christmas - Star Wars VII Release Date Confirmed

Star Wars fans worldwide have left out a sigh of relief (or dread, depending on how you feel about Disney owned Lucasfilms) as the release date for Star Wars: Episode VII has been revealed. The next instalment of the franchise will be out in cinemas on 18th December 2015.

In a statement released on StarWars.com, the chairman of Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn, said:
"We're very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday film going season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture."

Some details of the crew have been released. J.J, Abrams, best known for directing the latest Star Trek films, will direct, co-produce and co-write the script alongside Lawrence Kasdan. Kasdan penned the scripts for Episodes V and VI: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark. 

Continue reading: Star Wars: Episode VII To Be Released 18th December 2015

A casting sheet put out on Twitter by @UKopencall has prompted rumours that Disney are looking for two teenage actors to lead their upcoming reboot of Star Wars, in Episode VII.

Of course, neither Disney or Lucasfilms – the latter being newly owned by the former – have spoken out to either confirm or deny these auditions are for new Star Wars leads, but it seems to be the general consensus.

J.J. Abrams has the daunting task of directing Star Wars Episode VII.

Continue reading: Disney Holding X-Factor Style Auditions For Star Wars Episode VII?

Having gained a niche but dedicated following alongside Adam Buxton with their comedy antics, Joe Cornish has made the successful transition to film directing and writing. But is he ready for his biggest challenge of all time? And will they even give him the Star Trek 3 job?

The position is vacant due to J.J. Abrams' decision to jump ship and join the other galaxy of Star Wars – Episode VII, despite numerous casting and script problems – due for a summer 2015 release.

Cornish does have film pedigree: his low-budget flick, Attack the Block, featured a full-scale alien invasion and the subsequent reaction from a small group of impoverished London teenagers. It was a triumph of sorts, and certainly announced the director’s talents.

Continue reading: Is Joe Cornish Ready For The Star Trek 3 Challenge? Will He Get The Job?

So desperate are Jj Abrams and Disney to meet their 2015 deadline for Star Wars Episode 7, they’re thinking about just filming some stuff without a script.

I know, it sounds like something a college film student kid would do, except these guys are responsible for one of the biggest franchises of all time.

Kathleen Kennedy, who is exec producing on the film, has been pushing for a delay, but the powers that be won’t budge, and insist that a summer 2015 release date is paramount. It can’t be missed, even if it means the film is rubbish - they haven’t said that, but they really don’t need to.

Continue reading: Uh Oh: 'Star Wars Episode VII' Might Go Ahead With Filming Despite Script Problems

Star Wars: Episode 7, is a phrase that either strike fear into the hearts of Star Wars fans the world over, or instil a sense of reluctant optimism in others. No matter how you feel about the rebooting of George Lucas' genre-defining sci-fi series, it is happening and there is nothing we can do about it. What we can do though is mull over every little rumor and tidbit that Disney have managed to let sneak on to the internet, and try to understand exactly where the movie's makers are in the filmmaking process.

Lucas is handing the baton over to Abrams

We do have some concrete facts about the movie so far; that Jj Abrams is directing it, or at least we're pretty sure that he still is anyway. During the summer there were rumors that the Lost creator was on the verge of stepping down from the project amidst creative differences with Disney. Having initially declined the invitation to direct the next instalment of the Star Wars franchise, his commitment to the project had always seemed somewhat in doubt, but as the months have gone by it does look as though he is committed to the job. Abrams is a pretty competent director and his involvement in the project is a promising one, providing that he doesn't go overboard with the lens flare like he did on Star Trek.

Continue reading: What Do We Know About 'Star Wars: Episode 7' So Far?

British actor, Benedict Cumberbatch has been reportedly added to the cast of the Upcoming 'Star Wars: Episode VII'. Although it hasn't been officially confirmed, the speculation may be accurate as the director of the new Star Wars film (J.J. Abrams) also worked with the British actor in 'Star Trek into Darkness'. 

Benedict starred as the villainous, superhuman Khan who was widely praised for his portrayal with Michael Dequina from ThemovieReport.com commenting "Cumberbatch, with his otherworldly aura of menace and basso profundo rumble of voice, makes a worthy and memorable Big Bad in the annals of Trek lore."

J.J. Abrams has re cast the British actor according to Film Chronicles as "Lucasfilm are about to make a big casting announcement regarding Star Wars VII, and that casting announcement appears to be none-other than Benedict Cumberbatch"

Continue reading: Benedict Cumberbatch To Reunite With 'Star Trek' Director In Star Wars Episode 7?

A release date for the new Star Wars movie – Episode VII – is getting closer. Multiple sources are reporting that a mid-December release is likely, meaning director J.J. Abrams has plenty of time to get it right.

J.J. Abrams has to make Star Wars Episode VII amazing, or else

The Christmas date marks an unprecedented move for the franchise; all of the previous six movies were filmed in the U.K and granted a May release. But given the crowded nature of business – most of the blockbusters hits screens in the summer months – a winter bow could be a blessing.

Continue reading: Space To Breathe? New Star Wars Movie: Episode VII Set For December Release

Speculation is rife as to the purpose of the eerie new Jj Abrams clip that has been posted on Bad Robot's YouTube channel. The clip, simply entitled 'Stranger,' is just over a minute long yet still manages to instil a sense of dread and intrigue.

Tricksy Abrams Has Set His Fans Another Challenge...

A gravelly voice narrates a dark shoreline scene, beginning "he arrived knowing nothing of himself" as a shot of a starry night sky pans to the water's edge where a silhouetted, bedraggled figure is trying to pull himself out of the sea. "Who is he? Soon he will know. Because what begins at the water shall end there," adds the narrator ominously as the mysterious figure attempts to rid himself of what looks like ropes around his wrists.

Continue reading: Creepy! What Could JJ Abrams' 'Stranger' Trailer Be For?

Star Trek Into Darkness was universally praised by critics and is the most commercially successful film in the entire series, in terms of the box-office. Well, that's all well and good, only...Star Trek fans didn't really like it that much.

Benedict Cumberbatch Starred In Star Trek Into Darkness.

At this weekend's annual Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, the Jj Abrams-helmed sequel - lauded for its cinematography, strong performances and action scenes -  was voted the worst Star Trek movie of the entire canon by avid Trekkies.

Continue reading: So, 'Star Trek Into Darkness' Was Good, Right? Yeah, About That...

From the jerky horrors that made Jason’s life a misery, the flesh eating shark that terrorized the small island of Amity to the world’s biggest cruise liner falling victim to an iceberg, special effects and CGI have been married to film for as long as it has existed. The very act of filming something was once considered a special effect, as the audience of L'arrivée d'un train en gare de La Ciotat would almost certainly attest to.

Episodes IV, V and VI - great. I, II and III - not so good

Nowadays, films Pacific Rim and Avatar lead the way with blue screen CGI techniques, designed to make the unreal, real. The tiger, Richard Parker, in Ang Lee’s Life of Pi was so believable, it won the special effects team an Oscar.

Continue reading: Can We Look Forward To A Tangible Star Wars Episode VII?

Last Saturday (27 July), John Williams became the latest name to be tied down to the upcoming re-boot of the beloved Star Wars franchise. The composer, who has written the score for all six of the movies so far, was confirmed as a contributor by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy during a Star Wars fan convention in Essen, Germany, with an interview with Williams emerging online soon after on the oficial Star Wars YouTube page.

John Williams, here with Samanta Wimslow, will compose the next Star Wars film

The film's confirmed director Jj Abrams had already indicated earlier this year that he hoped to have Williams return for the latest reboot of the franchise, which is expected to arrive in cinemas by summer 2015, and now with the weekend's announcement it looks as though Abrams' first wish as director has become reality.

Continue reading: John Williams Confirms His Place On Upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII

Ben Foster has emerged as the number one candidate to take on the role as Lance Armstrong in the upcoming biopic about the seven-time Tour de France winner who was stripped of his titles in 2012 following an investigation into claims that he had used performance enhancing drugs. According to Deadline, who broke the story, Foster is in the final stages of discussions with the film's bosses, with filming expected to begin as early as fall this year.

Foster is in 'advanced talks' with studio bosses

The Stephen Frears-directed biopic, which is being penned by Trainspotting screenwriter John Hodge, will follow Armstrong from his battle with cancer in the mid-1990's, leading up until his much-publicised fall from grace in 2012 when he was found guilty of using illegal, performance enhancing drugs. Although he denied ever using drugs throughout his career, the disgraced cyclist admitted to doping during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in January 2013.

Continue reading: Ben Foster Lined-Up To Play Lance Armstrong In Movie Biopic

Ryan Gosling attended a meeting with a view to playing Luke Skywalker's son in Jj Abrams forthcoming Star Wars Episode 7 movie, according to the Latino-Review, which 'broke' the news that Harrison Ford would be returning to the franchise.

Disney is keen to land Gosling for the role though missed out on another high profile star.

According to the website's sources, the studio had a meeting with Leonardo Dicaprio who eventually passed on the project to concentrate on Robotech, a forthcoming "sprawling sci-fi epic" where mankind is forced to use technology to fend off three successive waves of alien invasions.

Continue reading: Ryan Gosling To Play Luke Skywalker's Son In Star Wars Episode 7?

See this is what happens when we don’t keep an eye on things; rumors are abounding that J.J Abrams is on the verge of a Star Wars Exit. LucasFilm are denying it vehemently, but where did this specualtion come from and is the next Star Wars film moving along as smoothly as we thought?

J.J Abrams has gone from Trek to Wars... we think

IGN reported that Badass Digest's Devin Faraci was "hearing tons of rumors that Jj Abrams is on the verge of dropping out of Star Wars" at Comic-Con this weekened.

Continue reading: Is J.J Abrams REALLY The Star Wars Episode VII Director?

George Lucas has chucked a massive bucket of cold water on the entire Star Trek/Star Wars rivalry by suggesting Gene Roddenberry's sci-fi television show paved the way for his legendary space franchise. A new documentary titled Trek Nation sees Rod Roddenberry attempt to uncover the importance of his father's TV series, and rivalry producer Lucas is hugely complimentary of the show, reports Yahoo Movies.

"Star Trek softened up the entertainment arena," he explains in the documentary, "so that Star Wars could come along and stand on its shoulders." The filmmaker suggested that Star Trek crucially proved to studios that audiences were hungry for science fiction, "There was an effective group of people in the beginning who accepted it," he said, "That it wasn't that far out. For the studios it was way far out. [They said] 'What is this?' But there was a fan base out there - primarily the Star Trek fan base -who understood science-fiction, understood visual science-fiction, and was ready for something like [Star Wars] to be in the feature arena."

Lucas certainly has plenty to be thankful for, recently selling LucasFilm to Disney for a cool $4 billion, safe in the knowledge that his sci-fi franchise will continue with new movies and TV series. Set to hit theaters in 2015, Star Wars Episode 7 will be directed by Star Trek's Jj Abrams.

Continue reading: George Lucas Admits Star Trek Paved The Way For Star Wars: Agree?

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones tied the knot with his girlfriend of seven years, Mellody Hobson. According to sources speaking with People magazine, the wedding took place on Saturday (22nd June) in California's Marin County at Lucas' 4,700 acre Skywalker Ranch. Amongst other guests, the wedding was attended by fellow director Ron Howard and actor Samuel L. Jackson, who plays Jedi Mace Windu in Lucas' Star Wars franchise.

Both guests publically displayed their excitement for Lucas' wedding, with Howard tweeting "George Lucas Melody Hobson wedding was joy to behold Bill Moyers service was beautiful, nothing short of profound. Congrats Mr&Mrs Lucas" and Jackson similarly enthusing: "Let's give a Galactic shout out to Master George Lucas & his Bride Melodie on This their WEDDING DAY!!"

Engaged since January 2013, Hobson, 44, met Lucas, 69, at a business conference in 2006 and have been dating ever since. She heads Ariel Investments - an investment management firm - whilst also chairing the board at Dreamworks Animation SKG Inc., and a director of Groupon, Inc., Starbucks Corporation and The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Continue reading: George Lucas Weds Long-Time Sweetheart

Comic book blogsite Bleeding Cool has uncovered the main character casting details for the new Star Wars 7 film, where desirable traits for each auditioning actor are outlined.

The list that sounds more like a lonely hearts column than desired characteristics for the new instalment to the action fantasy franchise, includes such terms as "good sense of humour", "witty and smart" and "thirtysomething male intellectual".

The call for two "late-teen" females will add more firepower to existing rumours that believe that the main protagonist will be female, but seeing as the list isn't in billing order this should still be taken with a pinch of salt.

Continue reading: Star Wars Episode VII Character Casting Descriptions: Would You Fit The Bill?

J.J Abrams is used to living and working in L.A, but he’ll have to endure a change of scenery to shoot Star Wars VII, as the legendary sci-fi franchise is set to resume in the English capital of London.

So secure and happy is he in L.A, Abrams has actually delved into his own pocket to ensure filming takes place there, but Disney weren’t having it with this one; they paid over $4bn for the right to make this movie, and by Jove they’re going to shoot it in London! Speaking at the Produced By conference, he is quoted by The Guardian as saying, "(It) really does make me insane... When you're 13 and 14, it's like, 'F**k that, I don't care what the movie is'..." He adds of the Star Wars project, "It is so massive and so important to people. I think the key to moving forward on something like this is honouring but not revering what came before." In other Star Wars news, and we really love Star Wars news, the franchise is set to begin filming in 2014.

Abrams – the man tasked with the job of revitalising the waning series – says: “It is so massive and so important to people."

Continue reading: Star Wars Episode VII Shooting In London – J.J Abrams Is Moving House

Director Jj Abrams has strongly hinted that production for Star Wars VII could begin in early 2014 by revealing that he will be moving his family to London at the end of this year, according to Digital Spy; reporting from the "Produced By" conference (a film production event held in Los Angeles).

Speaking at the conference this weekend, Abrams announced: "We are most likely, if all goes as planned, going to be moving to London at the end of the year for the Star Wars movie."

This comes quickly after May's confirmation that LucasFilm struck a deal with Chancellor George Osborne to shoot the highly anticipated sequel in the U.K, taking advantage of new tax reliefs.

Continue reading: Will Star Wars Episode 7 Start Filming Next January?

Star Trek Into Darkness eased its way to the top of the box office charts upon its American release this weekend, but it failed to hit the targets set by the money people, and the standards set by its predecessor.

Click for the Star Trek Into Darkness Feature!

Continue reading: Star Trek Into Darkness Fails To Impress At Box Office

Any doubters that J.J Abrams was the right man for the Star Trek job would have been plunged into further doubt when it was revealed that he wasn’t a fan of the legendary sci-fi show while it was enjoying its pomp in the 70s/80s. But his work on the two films will have appeased worried fans, and he’s opened up on this in an interview with The L.A Times.

“While I was never a fan of “Star Trek,” I love movies, the idea of a big adventure told through a relatable character’s eyes. It’s my favorite thing in the world,” explains the director, who has been confirmed for another sci-fi giant: Star Wars Episode VII. “I knew that when we started doing work on the first movie, we needed to come up with a way that this wasn’t just a “Star Trek” movie, meaning we couldn’t make it for fans of ‘Star Trek’.” Into Darness opened in the U.S yesterday (May 16) and is set to knock Iron Man 3 off the Box Office top spot by tomorrow (Sunday 17). The film is performing well with the critics, too garnering a certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 87% - still slightly less than his fist Star Trek film, which bagged 95%.

Fan or not, Abrams has done the franchise proud. “I’m not saying it might not have been better if that had been the case, but I couldn’t do that. It would have been disingenuous. For me, I needed to come at it from the point of view of, it’s a story about a young man who, or a group of people who, and kind of just start there at the most fundamental level,” he explains.

Continue reading: Star Trek Director J.J Abrams Opens Up On Not Being A Star Trek Fan

Star Trek Into Darkness comes out in the USA this week as one of the most anticipated movies of the year, more crucially still, it appears that it’s set to be one of the critics favourite of the year too – a glut of positive reviews have come the way of Jj Abrams and his assembled cast have received from the American press going into release weekend.

Abrams is shortly to start getting to work on Star Wars – though he’s been evasive about answering any questions to do with that project – but he looks like he’s going to be going into it on form, after the New York Magazine wrote “Abrams has a gift for making us feel as if Star Trek Into Darkness vaulted from our own Trek-ish daydreams.” MSN added meanwhile “A glorious nostalgia trip, continuing the Star Trek reboot in style through a cunning meld of the best of 1980s action sci-fi with high-end 2013 glossiness.”

The film sees the SS Enterprise asked to return to earth where they discover that a one man weapon of destruction has caused havoc on the home planet, the crew finding themselves in a warzone. It’s a dark story line, but Movies.com still points out the fun side of it. “Remember, this is the summer movie season, where spectacle trumps all, and boy does this movie know how to show off its more spectacular moments. Trust me, you'll have a good time.” Sounds like you’re onto a winner this weekend cinema-goers. 

Continue reading: U.S. Success Assured? Star Trek Into Darkness Gains Critics' Plaudits

Iron Man 3 and The Great Gatsby coasted along to a one-two finish in the American Box Office charts this weekend (10-12th May) without much pressure. In fact, the only other opening they had to deal with was Peeples, the Tina Gordon Chism-directed film that has faired pretty badly with the critics.

Click for the Star Trek Into Darkness Trailer!

But that’s all going to change this weekend what Star Trek Into Darkness is unleashed on the American people. J.J Abrams’ second Trekkie film has been reviewed almost as well as the first, and the first one was reviewed really well. Benedict Cumberbatch makes his debut in the franchise, playing Khan, while Chris Pine returns as James T. Kirk. The Enterprise’s crew are forced into a battlefield to capture or eliminate one man who could end the universe. And they’re going to do this in 132 minutes! What a way to kick off the weekend! Into Darkness will almost certainly blow Iron Man 3 and Gatsby out of the water on its American debut come May 17th. J.J Abrams will be forgoing his future Trekkie duties, though, as he takes on the Star Wars fanboys in exchange for their affection/disdain.

Continue reading: Star Trek Set To Stun Iron Man 3 And The Great Gatsby Off The Box Office Charts

With all the speculation about who would be directing Star Wars Episode VII, who would star in it, and what the story would be about, no one really considered where it would be shot. As it turns out, a string of tax benefits mean the next instalment of the legendary sci fi franchise will be make in the leafy suburbs of the English capital.

British Chancellor, George Osborne let his followers know the news on Twitter, posting: "Just confirmed: the next Star Wars film will be made in UK. Great news for our creative industries. May the force be with us … ". He added, in an official statement, "Today's announcement that the next Star Wars film will be shot and produced in the UK is great news for fans and our creative industries, and it is clear evidence that our incentives are attracting the largest studios back to the UK"I am personally committed to seeing more great films and television made in Britain." Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy – now owned by Disney - said: "We've devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I'm thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilising the incredible talent there can be a part of that."

Abrams has been entrusted with a sci fi gem

Continue reading: Star Wars Going To A Galaxy Far Far Away… The U.K

Star Trek Into Darkness has been causing quite a stir online, though it's nothing to do with the film itself, which has largely been praised by critics. Speaking on his and Simon Mayo's radio show on BBC5 Live, Mark Kermode brought up a debate stirring in the Twitter world about the movie's title, before putting it to director Jj Abrams during a phone interview.

Kermode noted that many fans had been left disappointed by the title Into Darkness because Star Trek cannot go into darkness, or anything for that matter. A colon would have sorted this out and detached the two parts of the title, though Abrams argued that it shouldn't be taken too literally and that it only referred to Star Trek as an entity that could move into a darkening periods, "I'd like to start with an apology, I didn't mean to cause.[a fight]" he told Kermode. 

Upon discovering that the movie had no colon, one Twitter user, "If "Star Trek Into Darkness" (yup, no colon) is really the name they've chosen for the Abrams sequel, someone needs to slap JJ with a fish." Another said, "Star Trek Into Darkness is the official name of the Star Trek sequel. Should there have been a colon?"

Continue reading: Is 'Star Trek Into Darkness' Grammatically Incorrect? JJ Apologizes

When JJ Abram was first picked up to direct the first Star Trek film he studio executive at Paramount received a considerable backlash after the Lost creator admitted that he isn't even a fan of the cult series. With the release of Star Trek: Into Darkness, many are wondering if Abram's ongoing commitment to the series indicate that he has changed his mind over the game changing TV series and might now be a fan of the show, but is he?

During a recent interview with The Guardian, Abrams discussed his love/hate relationship with the franchise, admitting that his relationship to the sci-fi series has changed dramatically in the time that he has been working on it. He told the paper, in regards to his admittance that he isn't a Trekkie, "Here's the thing: it definitely put some fans off, and annoyed them. I think they think it's me saying, 'I'm better than you.' But I'm not saying that at all...I would rather be honest, and hopefully those fans who see what we've done will say: 'I'm glad the movies have been made and, if anyone cares at all, he's come to love the thing I loved for so long. Better late than never.'"

Jj Abrams doesn't know how to stop working

Continue reading: Non-Trekkie JJ Abrams Discusses Star Trek: "I Have Come To Love It"

J.J. Abrams must be one of the worlds busiest men right now, and after recently releasing Star Trek: Into Darknessand pledging his time to the new Star Wars film,he has decided against taking any kind of break as he has yet another project to work on after FOX ordered a pilot episode of his much-shopped Almost Human series.

Almost Human is one of four new dramas to be pickled up by FOX for next season's programming schedule and will see the Lost creator re-team with Fringe's J.H. Wyman and Bryan Burk on a buddy cop series set in a future Los Angeles. The series follows future LAPD officers who are each teamed up with android partners, with Star Trek's Karl Urban, Friday Night Lights' Minka Kelly and Lili Taylor each set to star in the project.

Jj Abrams lives up to the mantra of 'no rest for the wicked'

Continue reading: FOX Orders Pilot For J.J. Abrams' Almost Human Series, And More!

As with all Jj Abrams films, Star Trek Into Darkenss has been hugely shrouded in mystery, with cast and crew giving very little away as to what fans can expect from the forthcoming film. However, with the movie now out today in the UK, some of the actors have been revealing just how about the director goes about keeping things private and how they’ve found it being privy to such a well-guarded project.

Zachary Quinto spoke Star Trek to the Beeb

In a series of interviews with the BBC, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Zachary Quinto, Alice Love and Simon Pegg spoke about trying to keep a hold of as much of the film as possible before it goes out to the public. “I have a hard time going to the movies and watching a movie when I’ve seen its trailer and the trailer has the best moments in it,” said Saldana as to why Into Darkness trailers have been so vague, while Urban pointed out that secrecy was paramount on an Abrams film, commenting “There’s a reason for it. We want audience members to go in there and experience everything for the first time and to not know too much about it.” Quinto added “The secrecy I think is routed in JJ’s respect for and value of the integrity of story-telling and preserving the mystery to actually be able to offer it to an audience rather than have them hear about it or have all the secrets spoiled.”

Continue reading: Star Trek Into Darkness Out Today! Why Has The Build-Up Been So Secretive?

Benedict Cumberbatch - the star of the new Star Trek movie Into Darkness - has admitted he fell for cast-mate Chris Pine's elaborate prank on the set of the movie. Appearing on Graham Norton's chat show - set to air tonight (May 2, 2013) - Cumberbatch explained how he was persuaded to wear "neutron cream" to protect him from dangerous lasers.

"We were in a really futuristic laboratory with lasers that were trying to split a target smaller than a human hair to create a continual form of energy," explained Benedict. "And I was like, 'Wow, this is the real deal, what can't we touch? What's safe?" He continued, "I got on set and was told I needed to wear 'neutron cream' to protect me. I was gullible and did what I was told, it's America and there is a lot of health and safety." Pine, 32 - also making an appearance on the show - laughed, "And we told him he had to apply the cream in dots all over his face and there he was doing this really intense scene with sunscreen spots all over him." Cumberbatch, who plays shadowy villain John Harrison in J.J Abrams new movie, took the jibes in good humour, telling the audience, "I should have known. They had me, completely had me. It was really very funny."

Kim Cattrall and Eurovision singer Bonnie Tyler also make appearances on tonight's show, from 10.35pm.

Continue reading: Benedict Cumberbatch Fell For 'Neutron Cream' Prank On Star Trek: Into Darkness Set

Carrie Fisher says she is squeezing back into her Princess Leia bikini for the J.J. Abrams helmed Star Wars Episode 7, revealing at a Canadian comic convention that Disney were helping her get back into shape for the role. "I'm glad they are doing a new movie because they are sending a trainer to my house so I can get in really good shape. So I'm really eating a lot of sugar in advance, as you can see. By the time I really get down to it I will have eaten everything," she said.

Fisher is known for her sense of humor and it's likely she was talking tongue in cheek, though it has only served to intensify speculation of her return to the franchise. It is known that Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford are in talks to make an appearance in Episode 7. Speaking at the convention, Carrie revealed how director George Lucas banned her from wearing underwear in the first Star Wars movie, "George did not let me wear a bra in the movie," she said, "They used masking tape - except for one scene when Mark arrives and R2 is blown up and we run under the ship. Please look closely at what's happening as I run toward the arriving mark."

Fisher first spoke of returning to the franchise in March. The new movie, one of several planned by Disney, is set to be released in 2015.

Continue reading: Disney Provide Carrie Fisher With Personal Trainer For Star Wars Episode 7?

The stars and crew of Star Trek: Into The Darkness have been talking up the forthcoming film in a series of videos that you can watch on Contactmusic right here. Director Jj Abrams, and actors Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, John Cho and Alice Eve have all been talking about the film, which is being hugely anticipated ahead of its eventual release on May 17th.

"I am more excited that I can tell you": JJ Abrams Talks Star Into The Darkness

Continue reading: Star Trek Into The Darkness Preview: The Stars Speak On What To Expect [Video]

Roll up, roll up, see Benedict Cumberbatch as you've never seen him before in the new trailer for J.J. Abrams' Star Trek Into Darkness. The British actor, best known for playing Sherlock Holmes in the BBC's much vaunted series, plays mysterious villain John Harrison in the action sci-fi flick and is seen wreaking havoc in London throughout the trailer.

It's credit to the cast and crew of Into Darkness that little is known of Cumberbatch's character. Rumors last year suggested he was reprising the classic Star Trek villain Khan, though that now appears wide of the mark. The trailer gives little away as to his identity, though the actor is seen sporting a long black coat and throwing various menacing stares. "You think your world is safe, it is an illusion, enjoy these final moments of peace," he cryptically warns in the opening scene before asking, "Your commanders have committed a crime I cannot forgive, none of you are safe. Have I got your attention now?"

Continue reading: Star Trek Into Darkness Trailer: Is Benedict Cumberbatch The Best Villain Yet? (Trailer)

Mark Hamill returning to the Star Wars franchise for J.J Abrams hugely anticipated Episode 7? Could it be? Looks like sci-fi fans are getting a very early Christmas present this year, with news that Hamill - who played Luke Skywalker in the original movies - is in discussions to return for Disney's new film. "It's all very, very exciting and so unexpected," the actor told Entertainment Tonight, "I think that's the quality I like about it most - it's like getting a pair of pants out of the closet you haven't worn in three years and finding a $20 bill in the pocket. It's just so unexpected."

Hamill confirmed "they're talking to us," when asked directly about his involvement in the new film, though interestingly revealed that George Lucas is at the forefront of the casting process. "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." It was thought Lucas would be taking a backseat role in the development of the new movies, though Hamill confirmed the legendary director and producer wants him to meet with writer Michael Arndt and LucasFilm executive Kathleen Kennedy. "Both have had meetings set that were postponed - on their end, not mine. They're more busy than I am," he added. 

Hamill, now 61, says he's intrigued about where the new trilogy could go - as are most Star Wars fans - though concedes he knows little about Episode 7. "I probably learn more from Entertainment Tonight than I do directly from Lucasfilm - like for instance, when George told us he wanted to do the next trilogy, he didn't tell us it was going to be done for Disney. He saved that little nugget, and I read it online like anybody else." News of Hamill's potential involvement comes just days after the Latino Review reported exclusively that Harrison Ford would be joining the movie, reprising his role as Han Solo. "I hope we don't overstay our welcome," joked Hamill.

Continue reading: Mark Hamill Returning? Star Wars Actor Confirms Talks For Episode 7

The movie world is on tenterhooks waiting for some kind of official confirmation that Harrison Ford will be returning to the Star Wars franchise as Han Solo. All signs seem to suggest that the rumors are true, but so far, all we have to go on is Fox Latino’s scoop, reported by El Mayimbe (Umberto Gonzalez). He’s insistent that his sources are rock solid but many Star Wars fans will be waiting for an official nod before they truly start to celebrate the news.

“Harrison Ford will reprise his role as Han Solo in the upcoming Star Wars movies. The deal is done. It's huge." That was Umberto’s take on the situation and nobody’s spoken out to deny it, so we’re assuming it’s true… but no one’s counting their chickens just yet. Roger Friedman of 411.com has gone one step further to suggest that not only will Harrison Ford be reprising his iconic role as Han Solo, but Carrie Fisher and Mark Hammill will also show their faces in the new Jj Abrams-directed episode of the Star Wars franchise. Friedman apparently learnt the news some time ago and claimed to know some vague plot details, explaining “It's some time in the future. Han, Princess Leia (presumably with a better hairstyle) and Luke Skywalker will be a lot older. Their children will be the new main characters. R2D2 and C-3PO will be unchanged.”

No official confirmation just yet, but it looks as though Ford may now be feeling grateful that he was unsuccessful in pushing to get Han Solo killed off in Return of the Jedi. 

Continue reading: Han Solo Reprise In The Pipeline For Harrison Ford? No Official Word Just Yet

Harrison Ford has reportedly agreed to return as Han Solo in J.J. Abrams forthcoming movie Star Wars Episode VII, for Disney. Latino Review broke the news when the site's El Mayimbe appeared on Fox News Latino to discuss how the website goes about landing its exclusives. He claimed to have taken an informal Twitter poll on which subjects the website's fans most wanted top secret information on. When Star Wars won out, El Mayimbe went on the hunt for casting news.

Announcing his findings, the journalist said "Back in November, Harrison Ford said he was open to returning as Han Solo. But it's official, Harrison Ford will reprise his role in the new Star Wars movie. He's officially coming back as Han Solo. His deal is done, it's just the formalities. I just know the deal's pretty big and significant." When pressed on reports that Harrison Ford wanted his character killed off in George Lucas' previous movies, Mayimbe said, "I suspect that he may get his wish finally in one of these Star Wars movies, maybe not." Back in November, Ford had indicated that he'd be up for reprising the role, with J.J. Abrams reportedly keen on bringing back the original characters, including Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia.

In many ways, the casting really doesn't make sense, though perhaps Disney are planning to reintroduce the old character with Harrison Ford in Star Wars Episode 7 before having a younger actor playing him in a movie spin-off focusing on his origins?

Continue reading: Harrison Ford To Return As Han Solo In Star Wars Episode VII - Report

It looks like Benedict Cumberbatch may have lined himself up yet another hotly sought after role as he has emerged as the front runner to take on the role of Alan Turing in an upcoming biopic.

According to Deadline, the Sherlock star, who is currently filming The Fifth Estate - in which he plays WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange - now looks set to take on the role of the Enigma-breaker after Leonardo Dicaprio pulled out of the role. DiCaprio had long been considered for the role of Turing, but following his recent announcement that he is to take time off from acting it looks as though Brit-actor Cumberbatch will be the man for the role. The biopic will be based on Graham Moore's account of Turing's life, The Imitation Game.

Turing was something of a forgotten hero in British history until recent years, greatly aiding Britain's war effort against the Nazis by helping break the Germans' 'unbreakable' Enigma code, used to send commands between military posts. Also considered to be the father of modern computing, Turing's life ended in tragedy after he was convicted of gross indecency seven years after the war for being part of a (then illegal) homosexual relationship. 2001's Enigma was based loosely on the Bletchley Park's codebreakers triumphs during the war, but was heavily criticised for writing out Turing in favour of a heterosexual man named Jericho.

Continue reading: Benedict Cumberbatch To Star As Alan Turing In New Biopic?

With the recent announcement that J.J Abrams will helm Star Wars Episode 7, it's fair to say that most fans weren't thinking soley: 'Oh no! What will happen to the 3D releases!?'

So it's probably not too much of a hit to the sci-fi fraternity that they've been delayed. Disney have decided to put back the 3D rehash so they can concentrate on the upcoming Star Wars reboot, Deadline report. "Lucasfilm has decided to postpone this fall's scheduled release of 'Star Wars' Episodes II and III in 3D. Given the recent development that we are moving forward with a new 'Star Wars' trilogy, we will now focus 100 percent of our efforts on 'Star Wars: Episode VII' in order to ensure the best possible experience for our fans. We will post further information about our 3D release plans at a later date." Deadline had initially reported that the project was cancelled, but that official statement from the Star Wars website confirms it's more of a postponement than a cancellation. 

In reality, the first 3D Star Wars adventure will be released in the months prior to Episode VII. It just makes sense, doesn't it? Months of speculation and anticipation semi-quenched by a dose of 3D Star Wars nostalgia; watch this space. 

Yesterday (Jan 25) it was announced that Jj Abrams would be the man to take over from George Lucas and step behind the camera for the upcoming reboot of the Star Wars franchise, and Lucas believes that Abrams is the man for the job.

"[Star Wars] couldn't be in better hands," Lucas said in an official statement yesterday, adding that Abrams is the "ideal choice" to shoulder the responsibility. Let's hope so!

Abrams had initially ruled himself out of the running, as had a number of other potential directors, including Guillermo del Toro, but is said to have finally caved into the idea after Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy, the new movie's producer, won him over with her pitch, The Hollywood Reporter claims. She said in her official statement, "It’s very exciting to have JJ aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie. JJ is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise."

Continue reading: JJ Abrams The Man To Take On The Star Wars Challenge

You can't get away from Jj Abrams right now, the man had more fingers in different pies than he knows what to do with and now he has dived into another project, this time he's producing a pilot for a potential new series for NBC.

Abrams is currently working with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban director Alfonso Cuaron on a new drama called Believe, the network revealed today. Cuaron will be serving as the writer and executive-producer alongside Mark Friedman, the creator of The Forgotten, with Abrams and his Bad Robot Productions partner Bryan Burk also producing. Believe is a super-natural series that will centre on a gifted and powerful young girl who is protected from evil forces by a recently-released convict.

On top of this latest project, the Lost creator was also unveiled as the man to take over from George Lucas on the latest reboot of the Star Wars franchise today and also has another TV project in the pipeline on top of another, un-named, pilot. This other project, which is being commissioned by FX and is yet to be titled, takes place "in the near future, when all LAPD officers are partnered with highly evolved human-like androids," the official press release says.

 With the speculation over who will direct Star Wars Episode VII laid to rest, we thought it would be fun to reflect on the quotes leading up to it, which, if believed, make it very difficult to believe J. J Abrams is directing a new Star Wars film.

Coming in at third is George Lucas talking to Vanity Fair in 1999. The creator of the now infamous sci fi franchise all but ends speculation of more than 6 films here. "When you see it in six parts, you'll understand," he said. "It really ends at part six." He added, "I never had a story for the sequels, for the later ones."

Second is the current director of Star Wars, J.J Abrams, reaffirming his loyalty to the Star TREK brand, and seemingly turning down the job with Lucasfilm. "There were the very early conversations and I quickly said that because of my loyalty to Star Trek, and also just being a fan, I wouldn't even want to be involved in the next version of those things. I declined any involvement very early on. I'd rather be in the audience not knowing what was coming, rather than being involved in the minutiae of making them." Guess the force was just too strong, eh J.J?

Continue reading: Our Top Three Star Wars Contradictions Now That J.J Abrams Is On Board

After months of speculation following Disney's acquisition of Lucas Arts and the announcement of three more Star Wars films, the director for Episode VII has been announced, and it's sci fi giant J.J Abrams.

The man who created or co-created television shows like Lost, Fringe and Alias, and who directed Mission: Impossible III, Star Trek and Super 8 is set to helm arguably the biggest film franchise of all time, The Wrap reports. And he'll probably be one of the more popular choices amongst supergeek fans and mainstream cinema goers alike. Also in the running was Argo's Ben Affleck, but Abrams sci fi credentials seem to have edged him in front after he'd initially 'turned down' the job back in July. It'll be a strange transition for the director, who, of course, has been credited with reinventing the Star Trek franchise, and is currently working on a sequel. Will he be able to do the same with Star Wars? The series is certainly in need of a boost considering the last three films have been somewhat of a disappointment. 

Now that the director is settled, rumours and gossip can turn towards more important matters, like what the actual story will be about, and who will play Luke, Han and Princess Lea.

Jj Abrams - the writer and producer behind the forthcoming Star Trek movie - has discussed the secrecy behind his various projects and explained while he refuses to offer fans bonus footage before release dates. The creator of Lost is known for keeping the details of his projects under wraps, though insists it's for the viewer's overall benefit.

"I will sit in a meeting before a movie with 80-some people, heads of departments, and literally say that all I ask is that we preserve the experience for the viewer," Abrams told Entertainment Weekly, "Every choice we make, every costume fitting, every pad of makeup, every set that's built - all that stuff becomes less magical if it's discussed and revealed and pictures are posted online. I just want to make sure that when somebody sees something in a movie they didn't watch a 60-minute behind-the-scene [video] that came out two months before." The hype for Star Trek Into Darkness is beginning to reach fever pitch, with both Abrams and several of his cast-members getting hacked-off with the clamour to discover who Benedict Cumberbatch will be playing. Fans and reporters have suggested the British star will portray legendary villain Khan, though pretty much everyone involved with the project has denied this. Abrams hinted at the speculation, saying, "It's only fun to keep things quiet when it finally comes out as scheduled, because then you feel like, 'Oh I didn't just spend six months ruining the movie for people.It's not fun during the experience of withholding. Because then you sound like a coy bastard . and you're sort of being a jerk."

Star Trek Into Darkness - also starring Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine - hits cinemas in the U.S. and UK on May 17, 2012. 

Stars Wars creator George Lucas, who recently sold his company LucasFilm to Disney, is to marry his long-time girlfriend Mellody Hobson, it was reported on Thursday (January 3, 2013).

According to Reuters, no date or location has been set for the nuptials, though it will be the legendary producer and director's second marriage, after he tied the knot to film editor Marcia Lucas in 1969.

Hobson, 43, holds a pretty high profile job in the film industry too. She serves on the board of directors for Hollywood studio Dreamworks Animation, as well as for cosmetics company Estee Lauder, coffee-house chain Starbucks Corp and internet company Groupon. Basically she's in charge of everything. 

Continue reading: Star Wars Creator George Lucas Engaged To Mellody Hobson: Who Is She?

With all the talk about who the Star Wars Episode 7 director will be, who will star in the film and what it'll be about, it's nice for some of those mooted to be involved to state their position. J.J Abrams' position is a firm 'not for me'.

It's not as though he's been asked directly to helm the highly anticipated Disney film, which will see a previously closed up franchise re-opened. But after a chat with producer Kathleen Kennedy, according to The Hollywood Reporter, he's decided to nip the possibility in the bud. "Because of my loyalty to 'Star Trek' and also just being a fan, I wouldn't even want to be involved in the next version of those things," Abrams said. "I declined any involvement very early on. I'd rather be in the audience not knowing what was coming, rather than being involved in the minutiae of making them."

Talking to Trekmovie.com about his beloved and upcoming Trekkie movie, Star Trek Into Darkness, which is due for release next year, Abrams said the following: "This is very much a movie about hope, about love, about romance, and about facing something that is truly terrifying and finding a way through the connection of your family and surviving and being stronger afterwards."

As always, we'll need to sift through a vast number of sequels and remakes to find something original next year. But here are a few things worth looking forward to. Of course, release dates are subject to change...

1. Star Trek: Into Darkness (May)

Continue reading: The Ten Most Anticipated Films Of 2013

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch was left stunned after an overeager group of paparazzi mistook his young niece for his new girlfriend. The Sherlock star was snapped celebrating his Golden Globes nod on Thursday evening (December 13, 2012), though photographers presumed he was romancing his niece Emily!

Cumberbatch told the Associated Press, "I went out with my niece, who is my PA Emily, and we got papped to the point that I couldn't actually see and I had to put my head down and just blink a couple of times. I was trying to get in the car with her and so immediately they presume, 'Ah, beautiful blonde...'" Cumberbatch has risen to become one of the Hollywood's most recognisable stars, though his real concern was for his young niece. "Poor girl, she's never experienced that before. I've never experienced that. (There was) like 15 of them hanging off the bonnet of the car." The Daily Mail ran the story with the headline, "Benedict Cumberbatch celebrates his Golden Globe nomination with a date night at the cinema," writing, "Benedict, 36, was spotted leaving the Electric cinema in Notting Hill with a blonde female companion."

Cumberbatch appears as the villain in Jj Abrams' forthcoming sci-fi sequel Star Trek: Into Darkness.

Continue reading: Benedict Cumberbatch Falsely Linked To His Own Niece

A trailer for Jj Abrams' forthcoming Star Trek sequel Into Darkness emerged online this week, with fans getting their first glimpse of Benedict Cumberbatch in full on villainous mode. His creepy voiceover and broody presence is the clear highlight of the short clip, though the details of his exact role are still yet to be firmed up.

The Sherlock star, who also appeared in Spielberg's War Hose, is rumored to play iconic Star Trek villain Khan, though his co-star Simon Pegg denied the speculation earlier this year. The genetically engineered tyrant was played by Ricardo Montalban in the 1982 movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, though Cumberbatch's character doesn't share any physical similarities. He is also seen wearing a Star Fleet uniform in the trailer, again hinting that he's probably not Khan. 

Nevertheless, Cumberbatch's fearsome character certainly looks the part and the British star does a great job of establishing menace. "He is very ruthless . He is not a clearly good or evil character," the actor told the Radio Times of his mystery villain, "He is a villain but the actions he takes have intent and reason. He is a complicated character not to be judged by white-or-black, or good-or-evil. But this is the appeal of JJ's works and [why] I felt challenged as an actor." The actor has been knocking on the door of the major awards' ceremonies for a couple of years now, and it may well be his role in JJ Abrams sequel that enables him to get his hands on some silverware. 

Continue reading: Next Stop The Oscars For Star Trek's Benedict Cumberbatch?

The first trailer for Jj Abrams' Star Trek sequel Into Darkness has emerged online today (December 5, 2012), with trekkies already drooling all over their keyboards at the menacing voiceover provided by Benedict Cumberbatch. It's been long rumored that the British star plays the iconic villain Khan, though does the trailer lend credence to the speculation?

In a tone not a million miles away from Tom Hardy's Bane in The Dark Knight Rises trailer, Cumberbatch's character forebodingly asserts, "You think your world is safe, it is an illusion, a comforting lie told to protect you, enjoy these final moments of peace, for I have returned, to have my vengeance.so, shall we begin?" The reference to a 'return' has left Star Trek fans in no doubt that Cumberbatch plays Khan Noonien Singh, a villain genetically engineered to be the perfect human. He is equipped with super strength, superior intellect and is a master strategist. In the trailer, Cumberbatch sits on the captain's chair and basically causes mayhem. The character was portrayed by Ricardo Montalban in both the television episodes and the 1982 movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. 

Though fans appear set on Cumberbatch as Khan, his co-star Simon Pegg categorically denied that was the case during an interview with The Telegraph earlier this year. "It's not Khan. That's a myth. Everyone's saying it is, but it's not. I think people just want to have a scoop. It annoys me - it's beyond the point to just ferret around for spoilers all the time to try to be the first to break them," he said. Cumberbatch himself told Shortlist magazine, "Yep, it's yet another thing I can't talk about [laughs]. I'll tell you this, it's iconic and it's exciting. I'm bored of denying that it's Khan now, because people keep saying it."

Continue reading: Star Trek Into Darkness Trailer Leaks: Benedict Cumberbatch Plays Khan?

We've been covering Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, and their decision to put Episode 7 and two subsequent films into production, even though George Lucas had them in mind. Now it's time to see what the folks of Hollywood think. 

Perhaps a good start would be Ewan McGregor; the Scottish hunk did a pretty good job of playing Obi Wan Kenobi, and might be in line for a return come 2015 (the purported date for Episode 7). "Disney have bought Lucasfilm and are planning on releasing Star Wars ep 7 in 2015!! Congrats George and best of luck with whatever is next," he posted on his twitter page, before posting "Wonder if they will need any Obi-Wan Hologram action??! #ep7 #donthecloakagain #thesearenotthedroidsyourlookingfor #movealongmovalong". Jj Abrams - big in the sci-fi game after directing the excellent Star Trek movie, as well as producing Lost - told Entertainment weekly "Part of me? Thrilled. Part of me? Terrified. Most of me? Thrillified." We're still wondering which part is bigger, but we'd plump for the latter. Bob Orci, who worked with Abrams on Star Trek, cheekily tweeted "Great Here comes another Trek ripoff ;)" Oooh. 

Will Wheaton aka Wesley Crusher, or himself in some episodes of The Big bang Theory, added to the Star Wars twitter exploding by posting ,"OMG you know what the Disney purchase of Star Wars means? DANCING JAR JAR IN DISNEYLAND PARADES. We have to go back in time to fix this." Why so cynical Wheaton? Oh, actually we think we've got it. 

Continue reading: Disney And Star Wars Episode 7: Some Choice Hollywood Tweets

Matthew Perry may very well be ‘back’. The 43-year-old – of course best known for his long running turn as Chandler in ‘Friends’ – can currently be seen in new NBC comedy ‘Go On’, which is scoring very solid ratings.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the show pulled in 9.3 million viewers for its third week, hardly down on the first two episodes at all. He’s launched several shows since ‘Friends’, though ‘Go On’ is looking like a keeper. The half-hour ‘dramedy’ follows Perry’s character Ryan King – a sportscaster who tries to move on from the loss of his wife in group therapy. So why is ‘Go On’ succeeding when ‘Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip’ (written by Aaron Sorkin) and ‘Mr Sunshine’ (not written by Aaron Sorkin) failed? Well, Jesse Carp of CinemaBlend.com appeared to hit the nail on the head by suggesting, “A little bit Role Models, Community and even My Name is Earl (the reluctant lead helping oddballs in a group situation), Go On has carved a niche that seems both old and new, which is perhaps the perfect mix to snag viewers as well as produce the kind of quality comedy not always found (or sustained) on network television.” Proving that he’s equally adept at handling the drama as well as the comedy, Perry could really be onto something with his latest offering.

Elsewhere in the ratings this week, Jj Abrams new NBC show ‘Revolution’ – about life without electricity – pulled in 11.7 million viewers. Though great news for network bosses, the drama was clearly given a helping hand by lead-in ‘The Voice’, which boasted 13.4 million viewers.