Star Wars Page 10

'Star Wars' is a phenomenon. The oddball 1977 original movie (later deemed to be "Part 4") was the first true blockbuster, changing the way movies are merchandised and reigniting the steadily dying science fiction genre. It turned the space opera into a crowd-pleasing licence to print money, and we all love it for that. On the other hand, the best way to send any self-respecting geek into a fit of frothing rage is even allude to the prequel trilogy without discussing how you would have made it better yourself. 

Harrison Ford in 'Star Wars: A New Hope'

The thing is, the original trilogy is still held in such high regard, that the series is still a viable investment; not only are we getting an entirely new trilogy beginning at the end of 2015, but a remastered collection of the entire saga so far is set to be released digitally online on 10th April, 2015. As if you needed something to get you in the mood.

Continue reading: May The Fourth Be With You! Or April 10th For The Full 'Star Wars' HD Collection

The idea of actually being a part of Star Wars has fuelled the fantasies of sci-fi fans for decades now, but their dreams could soon become a reality as Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back has been revealed as the next Secret Cinema event.

Secret Cinema is headed to a galaxy far, far away

Writing on twitter, Secret Cinema’s organisers announced they would be presenting the sci-fi classic in London this summer, from June to August, with tickets going on sale later this month.

Continue reading: Secret Cinema To Screen 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' In London This Summer

With less than a year to go before The Force Awakens lands in cinemas, the top brass at Disney has given a few teasers as to what we can expect from its forthcoming ‘Star Wars’ theme park plans.

In an investors call on Tuesday with Wall Street analysts, Disney’s CEO Bob Iger stated: “a fair amount of design and development (taking place by the company’s Imagineers) to greatly increase ‘Star Wars’’ presence in multiple locations around the world.”

Plans for 'Star Wars' theme park attractions at Disney locations will be unveiled "soon"

Continue reading: Disney Teases Plans For 'Star Wars' Theme Park Features

As the hotly anticipated J.J. Abrams-directed sequel 'Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens' prepares to hit theatres later this year, the sci-fi film franchise's original creator George Lucas recently admitted he initially wanted to make the next instalment.

Lucas has amditted he was planning a 'Star Wars: Episode VII' before Disney's acquisition 

The retired filmmaker has revealed to USA Today that he originally planned to shoot 'Episode VII' for a May 2015 release, prior to Disney acquiring LucasFilm and the rights to 'Star Wars' in 2012 for $4 billion.

Continue reading: George Lucas Admits He Wanted To Direct 'Star Wars: Episode VII'

It's a big week for Star Wars. The first trailer for The Force Awakens drops on Friday (November 28, 2014), though a juicy rumor about Gareth Edwards and Gary Whitta's spin-off movie is also doing the rounds.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens cast during the first script read-through

The information arrived at Slash Film from who they describe as a "single good source" and when put to LucasFilm, they declined to comment. It's likely that the speculation may be confirmed as accurate once the trailer drops at the end of the week.

Continue reading: Star Wars Spin-Off Movie Could Focus On Bounty Hunters

Star Wars fans have been having their say on the recently announced full title for Episode VII: The Force Awakens. The news arriving in an official tweet, which also announced the completion of principal photography on the project, set for release on December 20, 2015.

Production on Star Wars: The Force Awakens began at Pinewood in May 2014

Rumors had circulated earlier this year that The Ancient Fear was being considered for the title, though those proved unfounded. 

Continue reading: Star Wars Fans Buckle Over 'The Force Awakens' Title

Anthony Daniels, the actor who has appeared as C-3PO in all six Star Wars films, has confirmed that no CGI will be used for his character in Jj Abrams upcoming Episode VII. The actor, who is the only member of the Star Wars cast to appear in all six films, was replaced by CGI animation for C-3PO’s action seances in the prequel trilogy.

Anthony Daniels has always been the man behind C-3PO

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Daniels said, “There’s no way I would just do the voice. I will tell you that when JJ Abrams rang me to ask about filming Episode VII, one of the first things he said after he told me how wonderful I was — and that didn’t take long — but he then said, ‘Would you be interested in being in the film just doing the voice?’ I said, ‘No.’ And he said, ‘Right!’ He knew I’d say that.”

Continue reading: Anthony Daniels Assures Fans C-3PO Will Not Be CGI In ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’

The actor Miltos Yerolemou, the best known for playing swordsman Syrio Forel in HBO's 'Game of Thrones' series, has joined the cast of Disney's 'Star Wars: Episode VII'. Yerolemou has played numerous parts involving sword-fighting throughout his career and it is assumed he will take up a similar role, perhaps with a lightsaber, in J.J Abrams' movie.

J.J Abrams on set in Dubai

BBC News report that Yerolemou's role is not thought to be a major one, though LucasFilm have declined to comment on the casting.

Continue reading: 'Game Of Thrones' Actor Cast In 'Star Wars: Episode VII''

Lucasfilm and Disney have teamed up once more, this time for a tablet-based computer game entitled Star Wars: Commander. The new game was released on iPhone and iPad today, with versions for other devices to follow at a later date.

Disney has already announced its Star Wars Rebels TV Show

Looking at the existing stills for the new game, it’s clearly based on the Clash of Clans ‘base building’ model that has spawned a glut of similar titles. Players construct their own bases, then attacks those belonging to other players while simultaneously defending their own. Here, though, the landscape is Tatooine and the building blocks of the game are TIE fighters and Stormtroopers.

Continue reading: Disney And LucasFilm Team Up Again For 'Star Wars' Game

Star Wars: Episode VII is due to resume filming this month following a brief hiatus to allow Harrison Ford to recover from the leg injury that he suffered on set in June. Ford - who reprises his role as Han Solo - broke his left leg whilst shooting at Pinewood studios and later underwent surgery

The cast of 'Star Wars: Episode VII'

Ford showed up and appeared in good health at Monday's Expendables 3 premiere in Hollywood and sources confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that production is set to resume on Star Wars. It is not clear whether Ford will fly back to London immediately.

Continue reading: 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Back On Track After Harrison Ford's Injury

Disney and Lucasfilm have released a seven minute preview of the new animated series 'Star Wars: Rebels' ahead of its premiere in October.The clip, acting as a sort of extended teaser, is set on the planet Lothal as the Empire arrives and generally throws its weight around and oppresses the locals.

Star Wars Rebels arrives after The Clone Wars was ceased mis-season

On first impressions, the new series is visually bright and retains authentic sounds from the original movie franchise, such as the roar of the TIE fighters, while the overall aesthetic appears reasonably faithful.

Continue reading: 'Star Wars: Rebels' Unveils Preview Trailer For New Animated Series

J.J. Abrams has been incrementally dripping visual information regarding the upcoming reboot, Star Wars: Episode VII; we’ve had a glimpse at a bustling Tattooine marketplace and a chess table from the Millennium Falcon. Now, while talking about Ep. VII’s competition via Omaze, fans got a peek at a new breed of X-Wing.

The Star Wars Episode VII cast get together for a readthrough of the film's script

Standing in front of the new ship, Abrams makes one final plea for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike to get involved in a competition “to create a brighter tomorrow for thousands of kids and families around the world” by supporting UNICEF’s Innovation Labs. 

Continue reading: Star Wars Episode VII: J.J. Abrams Performs An X-Wing Ship Tease While Plot Rumors Abound

A Star Wars Episode 7 plot leak, from the usually reliable Badass Digest, has thrown the Universe into disarray this weekend. We're still treating this as a rumour, but if you're totally against hearing anything about J.J Abrams' movie until its release, stop reading now. Check out some casting news instead.

A still from the 'Star Wars: Episode VII' script read through

Ok, so according to the leak, the movie begins with a severed hand, gripping a light saber, floating around space. The limb comes to rest on a desert planet, where it is discovered by Daisy Ridley and John Boyega's characters. The pair meet Han Solo and Chewbacca who recognize the lightsaber as belonging to someone they know.

Continue reading: Star Wars: Episode VII Plot Leak, Or Luke Skywalker's Severed Hand

Actress Christina Chong, probably best known for 24: Live Another Day, has signed on for a small role in JJ Abrams' 'Star Wars: Episode 7', according to Latino Review. Chong's previous credits include Madonna's W.E.

Her casting comes not long after a couple of unknown actors, Crystal Clarke and Pip Anderson, also joined the cast. The former will play the ambitious street orphan Rachel who uses "humor and guts to get by." Anderson plays Thomas, a fatherless guy in his late teens or early twenties who "understands you can't take life too seriously."

Continue reading: Who Will Christina Chong Play In 'Star Wars: Episode VII'?

While Star Wars: Episode VII without Stormtroopers would have been difficult to stomach; Kevin Smith’s recent visit to the set has all but confirmed their existence in the new movie.

Smith posted a selfie in which he appeared to be tearing up. It was only when he had a chat to the Flickering Myth podcast that he revealed that a) he did cry, four times in fact and b) there are Stormtroopers.

Continue reading: Kevin Smith's Star Wars Episode VII Set Visit: We Now Know About Stormtroopers

Star Wars Episode VII has done a pretty good job of churning out fairly newsworthy stuff since it was announced following Disney’s acquisition of LucasFilm and everything related to a galaxy far, far away.

Yes, ‘this person is starring as this thing,’ or ‘this old guy broke his leg doing this, or even ‘this man is in charge of another thing do to with this thing’ – they all happened and they were just about newsworthy. But with nothing that important taking place, it looks like we’ll have to talk about Kevin Smith, who took a photo of his own face while being around all the Star Wars things going on.

Continue reading: No 'Star Wars Episode VII' News Means Kevin Smith Takes Centre Stage

Lupita Nyong'o has graced the cover of Vogue for the fashion bible's July cover. The 31-year-old actress looked and sounded fantastic in the pictures and accompanying interview. The relative newcomer to our screens stole our hearts with her performance in 12 Years A Slave. A year and an Academy Award later and we can't get enough of the talented and beautiful star.

Lupita Nyong'o is July's Vogue cover.

So here are five things we learned about Nyong'o from her Vogue interview:

Continue reading: 5 Things We Didn't Know About Lupita Nyong'o Before Her Vogue Cover

We don’t get many leftfield directorial appointments in the world of movies, so Rian Johnson’s Star Wars nod really is something to savour. Johnson will direct Star Wars Episode VIII, and word on the street is that he’ll be working Episode IX, too.

Rian Johnson big pressure on his hands with two Star Wars movies to direct 

The reaction to Disney and LucasFilm’s decision has been reasonably muted, which should be taken as a positive sign for Johnson. He has a short but impressive CV, including the highly celebrated Brick, his excellent work on the complex, intricate sci-fi thriller Looper and of course, three episodes of Breaking Bad – The Fly, Fifty-One and Ozymandias.

Continue reading: What You Need To Know About Rian Johnson's Star Wars Appointment

The forthcoming 'Star Wars' trilogy may have just found its next director.

Lucasfilm have apparently approached filmmaker Rian John to write and direct 'Star Wars: Episode VII' and 'Star Wars: Episode IX,' Deadline reports.

The 40 year-old would be taking over from the sci-fi franchise's current director J.J. Abrams, who has previously insinuated that he would only take the helm of 'Star Wars: Episode VII,' which is currently being filmed in the U.K.'s Pinewood Studios.

Continue reading: Rian Johnson Set To Direct 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' & 'Star Wars: Episode IX'

Chancellor George Osborne is excited about a new Star Wars spin-off, but not in the same way sci-fi geeks are. In fact, he announced the news that it would be filmed in the U.K via Twitter with the hashtag “#LongTermEconomicPlan”. Exciting, huh?

The spin-off, which has been rumoured to centre on one of Star Wars’ iconic supporting characters; Han Solo and Boba Fett have been heavily rumoured. Mr Osborne said: “Lucasfilm and Disney’s decision to shoot the Star Wars standalone movie in the UK is testament to the incredible talent in Britain,” in a statement. “This will mean more jobs and more investment. It is great news for people working at Pinewood Studios, from the set designers to the carpenters.”

Continue reading: Star Wars Spin-off To Be Filmed In London, Announces Chancellor George Osborne

He’s been the evil wizard Saruman in one of the biggest grossing blockbuster franchises of all time. He’s played Dracula on almost a dozen occasions, a bond villain and a Sith Lord and he has been knighted by the Queen for his commitment to acting. He’s accepted a BAFTA Fellowship Award for over sixty years of service to the film industry, as well as a lifetime achievement award from the British Film Institute. Yet Sir Christopher Lee, now 92, and still maintaining a commendable acting repertoire, has just begun a career as a heavy metal vocalist. That’s right, the legendary actor and go-to Hollywood villain also possesses a serious set of pipes, and his ominous baritone has found a natural home within the most melodramatic of genres.

Christopher Lee already has three E.P's and an album under his belt

To celebrate his 92nd birthday, Lee has recently released an E.P of covers entitled Metal Night, which is now available to purchase. The record will be his third covers E.P, after two Christmas-themed E.P’s were released in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Lee also received the accolade of the oldest living musician to enter the music charts as his song ‘Jingle Hell’ reached 18th in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His current release features covers of two tracks from the Don Quixote smash-hit Broadway musical Man La Mancha.

Continue reading: Everything You Need To Know About Christopher Lee's Metal Covers Album

Empire Magazine has named Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back as the best movie of all time after 250,000 avid film fans adopted their democratic right to vote.

Of course, the conspiracy theorists amongst you will question the timing of this ‘poll’; smack bang in the middle of the Star Wars: Episode VII. Some might say a cynical marketing ploy is afoot, and the completely insane ones might even suggest Empire Magazine naming The Empire Strikes back is no coincidence. 

Continue reading: The Empire Strikes Back: Movie Magazine Names Star Wars V The Best Film Ever

Attention Star Wars fanatics - you could be heading to Abu Dhabi for a special role in J.J Abrams forthcoming blockbuster, Episode VII. In a video shot on location in the UAE, the director announced the new Star Wars: Force for Change initiative dedicated to finding solutions to the world's biggest problems.

Jj Abrams on the Star Wars Set in Abu Dhabi

The first Force for Change campaign will raise funds and awareness for the United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) Innovation Labs and its programs that benefit vulnerable children. 

Continue reading: Want To Win A Role In 'Star Wars: Episode VII'? Step Right This Way

Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale have all shed pounds in a dangerously small amount of time in the name of art. But you rarely hear of women doing the same thing for a role, probably because they’d be accused of having bulimia or anorexia.

Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie spoke about Star Wars on the red carpet 

When Carrie Fisher played Princes Leia back in the 70s and 80s she became a sex symbol because of a certain golden slave bikini. And, despite reprising her role over four decades later, it has been revealed that she was cast on the proviso that she shed 35 pounds. 

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher On 'Star Wars: Episode VII': "They Hired Me Minus 35 Pounds"

Harrison Ford has described the prospect of starring in a Blade Runner sequel as "curious and exciting." The veteran actor - who is apparently starring in JJ Abrams' Star Wars Episode VII - spoke of Ridley Scott's planned movie during a Reddit Ask My Anything session on Sunday (April 13, 2014).

Harrison Ford Is Up For 'Blade Runner 2'

"I'm quite curious and excited about seeing a new script for Blade Runner if in fact the opportunity would exist to do another, if it's a good script I would be very anxious to work with Ridley Scott again, he's a very talented and passionate filmmaker," wrote Ford. "And I think it would be very interesting to revisit the character."

Continue reading: Looks Like 'Blade Runner 2' Is A Thing. And Harrison Ford Is Ready.

The casting of Star Wars Episode VII, is creating a whirlwind of rumours with many names been thrown out as potential stars. Lupita Nyong’o and Adam Driver have both had their names attached to the much anticipated movie, but now it seems the latest name we need to get to know is of Oxford Graduate Maisie Richardson-Sellers.

Jj Abrams is the creative force behind Star Wars Episode VII

The Hollywood Reporter has cast the attention firmly on the unknown Maisie Richardson Sellers, as they revealed that several sources have told them the newcomer is ‘'in line to nab an undisclosed and possibly major role in the high-profile Disney/Lucasfilm production'’. Producers are currently in the middle of an extensive casting search in London as they try and find actors to fill their main roles. Anyone who does get the call however, is said to be sworn to secrecy, along with their agent.

Continue reading: Who Is Maisie Richardson-Sellers? The New Star Wars Lead, Apparently

Jj Abrams is re-creating the desert planet Tatooine from the original trilogy for Star Wars: Episode VII. Scenes will be shot in what is being described as a "Morocco-like environment," according to the Hollywood Reporter.

JJ Abrams Is Helming Star Wars Episode VII

Continue reading: JJ Abrams Building Desert Planet Tatooine For 'Star Wars: Episode VII'

Peter Mayhew is to reprise his role as Chewbacca in Disney and Lucasfilm's upcoming movie Star Wars Episode VII and could even have begun shooting his scenes at London's Pinewood studios. Mayhew played the Wookiee and Han Solo's co-pilot in the original trilogy, beginning with Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope in 1977.

Peter Mayhew Is Reprising His Role As Chewbacca

Rumors began surfacing of Mayhew's reprisal after he cancelled an upcoming appearance at Texas convention Comicpalooza "due to filming" and sources have since confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that the actor is busy working on Episode VII with J.J. Abrams.

Continue reading: Peter Mayhew Heads To Pinewood To Play Chewbacca In Star Wars Episode 7

The hotly anticipated seventh instalment of the famed 'Star Wars' movie franchise has begun filming. The exciting news came from Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn, and he also revealed that most of the casting, which is still relatively unknown, has been completed.

J.J. Abrams will be directing Episode VII

When speaking to The Hollywood Reporter this past Wednesday (April 2nd), Horn confirmed, "We have a lot of [the cast in place] . We're just not completely done yet."

Continue reading: 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Has Commenced Filming Says Disney

Sources close to the Star Wars Episode 7 casting have confirmed that Disney and Lucasfilm has rounded the role of lead Jedi down to five young actors - one of whom will score the biggest movie part in years. With Girls star Adam Driver set to play the primary villain, Jj Abrams and his team have some context in which to cast the good-guy, and have selected their five would-be Jedi's. 

Will Jesse Plemons Get The Star Wars Lead?

After meeting with several actors over the past year, Abrams and his casting directors have chosen Downton Abbey star Ed Speelers, Attack the Block's John Boyega, Breaking Bad's Jesse Plemons and theatre actors Matthew James Thomas and Ray Fisher as the final five for the lead role. 

Continue reading: The 5 Actors Battling For The Lead In 'Star Wars Episode 7'

Yesterday, we heard news that 'Girls' actor Adam Driver was close to penning a contract to star as the primary villain in J.J Abrams' Star Wars: Episode 7. Details remain sketchy, though sources speaking to Variety claims the villain will be in the same vein as Darth Vader, perhaps the most iconic Star Wars character.

Adam Driver Will Play The Primary Villain in 'Star Wars Episode 7'

Driver, 30, is the first actor to be pinned down to a concrete role in Episode VII, though the likes of Gary Oldman, Zac Efron, Jesse Plemons and Michael B Jordan continue to be linked with the movie, set to open in theaters on December 18, 2015.

Continue reading: Did Adam Driver Beat Michael Fassebender To Star Wars Episode 7 Role?

Stars Wars Episode VII is to beginning shooting at Pinewood Studios in London from mid-May until September. The incredibly reliable Drew McWeeney over at HitFix.com has the exclusive on this one, confirming that principal casting is now complete and Disney have their actors.

Jj Abrams Has Completed Casting for Star Wars Episode VII

The plan is to wrap the move in September to give JJ Abrams and his team around a year to flesh out a world that is as close to the original trilogy as possible. 

Continue reading: Star Wars Episode VII Casting Is Complete, Will Shoot In London In May

The Star Wars: Episode VII train rumbles on. Scripts issues have been settled; shooting dates and locations have been verified and finally agreed upon. Now it’s time to build up an unforgettable cast and not ruin the legendary sci-fi franchise forever.

Would you be happy with an Efron-starring Star Wars film?

Former Disney star Zac Efron is the latest high-profile star to be linked with a role, and he didn’t do much to douse those flames of intrigue by confirming a meeting between he and his former employers took place.

Continue reading: Star Wars Cast: Where Are We? Zac Efron Hints At Role After Confirming Meeting

Older Luke could adopt the hermit-like get up favoured by Alec Guinness' Obi Wan Kenobi

Mark Hamill kept tight lipped when he took part in an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit earlier this week in regards to his potential involvement in the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII. The 62-year-old actor, who portrayed Luke Skywalker in the original trilogy, was open and answered most questions as thoroughly as possible, but when the Star Wars reboot questions inevitably came up, he managed to give very little away.

In response to being quizzed over Carrie Fisher apparently letting it slip that she and Mark will be in the new films, he replied, "The only character I know for sure is returning is my friend R2-D2. He hasn’t stopped beeping about it."

Continue reading: Mark Hamill Keeps Quiet When Quizzed About 'Star Wars VII' Role

J.J Abrams has just excited the legion of Star Wars fans around the world after he confirmed the script for 'Episode VII' is complete.

The 47 year-old also revealed shooting will begin as early as May in England.

Abrams stopped by the Television Critics Association winter press tour to talk about his new NBC series 'Believe' this past Sunday (Jan 19th), and it wasn't long before the space film franchise became the center of conversation.

Continue reading: J.J. Abrams Confirms Script For 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Complete, Filming To Commence In May

Before Tupac's untimely passing in 1996, where the rapper was killed in a drive by shooting in Las Vegas, he was scheduled to audition for a role in Star Wars.

The revelation came from the former Death Row Records chief engineer Rick Clifford.

The 'Hit Em Up' rapper was supposedly set to read the part of a Jedi master for 1999's 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace', before his death on September 13th 1996. 

Continue reading: Tupac Shakur Was Set To Audition For Star Wars Episode I As A Jedi Master

It doesn't just appear in Star Wars when Luke Skywalker intercepts the message for Obi Wan from Princess Leia, but also in Futurama, Total Recall and countless other sci-fis and parodies, and now the 3-D hologram phone may be made available to you too!

The first Star Wars made us all want to communicate via holograms and soon we will be able to

The revolutionary communication technique is being masterminded by Polish telecommunications company Leia Display Systems, named after the 1977 classic's female hero. It has taken nearly forty years since we first saw the idea presented to us on the big screen, but now it looks as though science fiction will become science fact, and sooner than you may expect. According to the firm’s chief executive Marcin Panek, the hologram communication device could be available in as little as five years time.

Continue reading: 'Star Wars' Phone Aims To Revolutionise The Way We Communicate

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?

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

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?

Whilst many of us are still sat on the fence over the acquisition of the Star Wars brand, Disney executive CFO Jay Rasulo revealed this week that we at least won't have to wait too long to see the films. Speaking at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference, the Disney chief was keen to discuss the studio's plans for the recently acquired franchise, discussing plans to release one Star Wars film per year starting in 2015, when the first film from the soon-to-be-launched franchise is released.

George Lucas sold his stake in Lucasfilms to Disney in January this year

The studio are planning on releasing both an originally-penned trilogy to follow on from George Lucas' beloved trilogy, picking up some time after the events of Return of the Jedi, and may also be planning on releasing a string of origin films to look at the backstory of some of the major and minor characters from the franchise, including Yoda, Boba Fett and Han Solo. Since the $4 billion purchase of Lucasfilms earlier this year, this is the only bit of information we've been given about the films, which has been a frustrating state of affairs for the ardent fans of the movie series. This all changed over the week as Rasulo spoke extensively about the plans Disney has for Star Wars, whilst a rival studio Warner Bros. discussed the studio's plans for the Superman/Batman movie as well as plans for more Harry Potter-related films at the same conference.

Continue reading: Disney Announce Plans To Release One Star Wars Film Each Year, Beginning In 2015

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

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?

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?

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

Lego news is usually cool news, and the 23-Ton, 5.3-Million-Brick X-Wing being revealed today (May 24) in Times Square just goes to prove it. Just the number 5 million should give you a clue about the thing’s size, but just so you can conceptualize that better – the star fighter has a wingspan of 44 feet! The model comes complete with an R2 D2, of course, as well as a full range of authentic sounds. A Star Wars nerd’s dream personified. And Star Wars fans definitely deserve something like this, after the release of the cringe-worthy Kinect game, featuring a dancing Han Solo.

The model is a king-size version of Star Wars Lego starfighter set #9493 – 42 times bigger, to be precise. It’s even slightly bigger than the real X-Wing (ok, real might not be the right word, but you get the idea). This monstrosity was built at the Lego Model Shop in Khladno, Czech Republic. It took 32 master builders to finish. As a side-note, 'Lego master builder' is possibly the coolest job title anyone could come up with – on par with 'intergalactic robot emperor'. But we digress. Master builder Erik Varszegi spoke to Wired about the model.

“This has been a wild and exciting project for us, and it’s taken an international team of designers, engineers, structural consultants, model builders, and logistics personal over a year to bring this model from a conception to reality,” Varszegi said in an email. “In one respect, designing it was the ‘easy’ part, as we were creating a scaled version of an actual toy construction set.”

Continue reading: It's Here! Lego's Giant X-Wing Model Is Now A Thing That Exists

The re-Disney-fication of Star Wars continues, with the corporation now planning on bringing an animated series to their flagship television channel. The show, set to be titled Star Wars Rebels, already has a one-hour animated pilot lined up, which expects to see the light of day on the Disney Channel in fall 2014.

The reason behind the long wait is that Disney are also lining up a full series to begin airing on Disney XD straight after, with the subsequent season following on from the pilot. According to Entertainment Weekly, Lucasfilm have begun production on a series that will fall between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope, following both of the Skywalker twins in relatively equal measure.

Don't let 'em down Filoni!

Continue reading: Disney Plan Animated Star Wars Series To Follow 'Star Wars Rebels' Pilot [Video]

In a scene not dissimilar to the movie Fanboys, a group of Star Wars and Dr Who fans were involved in a brawl outside a sci-fi convention in Norwich (which as we all know is a hotbed for loutish behaviour) at the weekend. The conflict got so heated that police were forced to intervene and break up the dispute.
The scene became weird after members of the Norwich Sci Fi Club were refused entry to an event being held by the Norwich Star Wars Club. More than a dozen fans from both the Star Wars and Dr Who clan were caught up in the punch-up, including several that were in fancy dress, outside the venue at the University of East Anglia shortly after 2.30pm on Sunday (May 12). It is unknown why this story didn't become widespread until now.
The hilariously bizarre series of events were triggered when Jim Poole, treasurer of Norwich Sci Fi Club, was asked to leave the convention when he approached Doctor Who actor Graham Cole for an autograph. Poole was then involved in a stand-off with the event organiser Richard Walker, 63, with the two eventually taking their dispute outside, where they were joined by others. The row intensified and got violent and was only brought to an end when police and university security officers were called to defuse the situation.
When questioned by police, both sides admitted that there had been a long-running rivalry between the groups and the events they organise. The two groups were spoken to individually by police and told to keep out of each others way in future. In spite of the events, Mr Walker hailed it as "a very successful day," promising, "we will be back next year with an even bigger and better fair."

Continue reading: Warring Star Wars And Dr Who Fans Broken Up By Police At Norwich Sci-Fi Convention

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

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?

Reported today (April 16, 2013) – news that a Star Wars actor dies.

Richard LeParmentier played the role of Admiral Motti, the commander of the Death Star who was famously choked by Darth Vader in the original Star Wars movie. Though he appeared in over 50 movies and TV shows, he shall always be best remembered for that role. As yet, the circumstances surrounding his death are not clear, according to TMZ’s report.

Admiral Motti, in the movie, mocked Darth Vader’s “sorcerer’s ways” and his “sad devotion to that ancient Jedi religion.” It’s a brave man that messes with ol’ Vader of course and his cocky commentary came back to haunt him when Darth Vader pretty much chokes the guy using nothing but the powers of his mind. “I find your lack of faith disturbing,” says Darth to the Admiral, in the movie, as viewers watched, finding his lack of hands disturbing in the whole ‘choking’ thing.

Continue reading: Star Wars Actor Dies: Richard LeParmentier, Vader's 'Choke Victim' Dead At 66

Die-hard Star Wars fans will either me delighted or dismayed with the news that Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford are set to reprise the roles that made them famous in the 70’s.

That’s right: Luke Skywalker, Princess Lea and the maverick Han Solo are to be realised again by the folks who first filled their boots. Star Wars creator, George Lucas let the wookie out of the bag intitally, then backtracked, but now it seems nailed on. He said: "We had already signed Mark and Carrie and Harrison, or we were pretty much in final stages of negotiation - maybe I'm not supposed to say that. I think they [Disney] want to announce that with some big whoop-de-do, but we were negotiating with them." Fisher did in fact confirm herself for the role. When she was asked what her character will be like, she said: "Elderly. She's in an intergalactic old folks' home. I just think she would be just like she was before, only slower and less inclined to be up for the big battle." Hamill too, said he had discussed the return to lightsabredom with Lucas. He added: "I'm assuming, because I haven't talked to the writers, that these movies would be about our offspring."

Continue reading: Stars Wars Episode VII Cast – You Might Just Recognise Them

Carrie Fisher has confirmed she will reprise her role as Princess Leia in Disney's new Star Wars movie, Episode 7. When asked by Palm Beach Illustrated whether she had signed on for J.J. Abrams' new movie, Fisher responded with a simple and definitive "Yes."

Abrams is understood to want Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill to play older versions of their original characters, and when asked what Princess Leia would be like today, Fisher joked, "Elderly. She's in an intergalactic old folks' home. I just think she would be just like she was before, only slower and less inclined to be up for the big battle." Known for her dry sense of humour, it's possible Fisher could be winding everyone up on her involvement in the movie, though it's unlikely she would give such confirmation without having any intention of appearing.

Mark Hamill - Luke Skywalker himself - recently revealed he and the other original actors are in talks to return to Star Wars, while Harrison Ford is reported to have already signed a contract. 

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher Representing The 'Intergalactic Elderly' In Star Wars Episode 7