Sequel Trilogy • Official "Holy Shit" Reaction Discussion

[CoGro]

The Official "Holy shit there's actually an Episode VII - What the hell will it be about?" Thread


I believe this trilogy will continue the saga of Skywalker and that Luke will play a key role in re-establishing the Jedi Order. What I'm not sold on is why this trilogy is at all necessary. The Sith have been destroyed and presumably the Force has been brought back into balance. If Anakin Skywalker is the chosen one and has fulfilled his destiny then what compelling story is there left to tell? That seems like a huge task to me - much tougher than writing the prequels.

I think we throw the whole Imperial Remnant stuff from the EU right out the window and I hope to God there's no "Emperor Clone" bullshit. The threat must be great enough to span a trilogy. I'm guessing we're in line for a Jedi / Sith war. I also hope we get a chance to learn more about the history of the Sith and Jedi. This trilogy should take advantage of the opportunity it has to breath more life into the mythology of Star Wars without the burden of having to hit certain plot beats (something that held back the PT).

[Treadwell]

One of the things that always appealed to me - as a child, at least - was the simplicity of those first three films. What I mean is, it was complex and sci-fi on one level, but at the same time, I could walk out on to any beach, and I was suddenly playing on Tatooine. Be in a forest, and I was on Endor. And everytime it snowed, I was magically transported to Hoth.

The thing is, and this is not a shortcoming on anyone involved's part, but that can never be done again. I can't imagine many kids get the opportunity to surf on lava that often or swim to the nearest underwater bubble city...
So from the very start, it is/was always going to be hard to come up with planets and locations that were both new, but simple and somehow accessible to the audience in the same way.

And the same is true of the story itself, IMHO. Star Wars has always been at its best when it was at its least "sci-fi", or at least when the real human drama is the important thing DESPITE the sci-fi trappings around it.

If they can stay true to that ethos, they are halfway there. 
My fear is they feel the need to "go one step further" than anything we have seen. You know, introduce some cosmic threat or entity on the scale of, for example, Galactus or something.
I'd like to see them scale it back, if anything. There was so little sense of threat in parts of the PT, because the Jedi just seemed capable of swatting roomfulls of opponents like flies. Remind us that people can pose a genuine threat to one another, whether they are Jedi, Sith, bureaucrat, or some drunken alien with a blaster.

I guess I'm rambling on a bit - but what I'm getting at is, does the fate of the galaxy have to be at stake for it to be a Star Wars movie?
Surely if we can identify with the noble cause of our protagonists and we feel they may be at threat, then there will be drama...?
Then again, it is called Star WARS, I suppose...

[DoubleSith]

I wonder what GL's version of Luke's Jedi Order will be like. A frequent PT trilogy criticism is that the Jedi are all bland, boring and sexless, but it always seemed to me that was by design. I mean, GL stuck the Jedi Council in a literal ivory tower!
Their radical detachment led them to serve a hopelessly corrupt Republic instead of justice, which in turn steered them to the trap that was the Clone Wars.

Luke defeated the Sith by throwing his lightsaber aside. He understood at the end that the key to overcome the Dark Side was love, not perpetuating the cycle of violence. (This point is lost on most of the EU authors, btw). I expect Luke's Order to be something quite different.

[SI]

The only Skywalker that may get screen time is Luke, so obviously Mark Hamill. Would like to a see a situation where he sacrifices himself at the end of Ep 7 similar to Obi Wan in ANH. He could come back as a spirit in 8 & 9.

Fassbender would be a great choice in any role.

[Treadwell]

Actually, thinking about all that "Balance of the Force" stuff... that aspect of the story kind of justifies a sequel trilogy, ironically.

Although the whole prophecy element of it doesn't sit too well with me, I always thought there was an interesting strand to the prequels that ended up being somewhat underdeveloped - this idea that the Jedi were doing things wrong, Qui-Gon was on the right track, but they stuffed up royally with Anakin, as an order.

What I mean is, the balance has to be maintained now - we've seen the Jedi order drop the ball in the first trilogy, we've seen the new hope and Anakin's eventual redemption in the next trilogy... It makes sense to me that we see how a new order would work. What they have learned from their mistakes, and what has changed about how the Jedi do business.

Obi-Wan was the bridge between that old, failed order, and the eventual atonement for their "errors". Now Luke can be the bridge between that success and a new, balanced order.

I'm more open to the idea of Luke replicating Kenobi's role, leading us into a new cast and their new adventures. I'd much rather see that than as many members of the old cast going through the montions just to please the fans...

[Dalsk]

What I'd really like to see is something set after the Sword of the Jedi trilogy. It could be the very last bid adventure for the big three with a mysterious enemy coming from the Unknown Regions.

[Bandersnatch]

What I'd really like to see is something set after the Sword of the Jedi trilogy.

Never heard of it.

[thecolorsblend]

Because it's EU shit.

[thecolorsblend]

Biggest movie event ever? I may eat my words on this but the words "Episode One" were the only two words pretty much everybody was thinking about in late 1998 and early 1999.

[Mike_Droideka]

If they do this right and don't fuck it up with any stupid shit, they could have the highest grossing film of all time on their hands.

[red5standingby]

Hey all. I haven't posted in this Forum since the week Revenge of the Sith was released. I never removed the site from my bookmarks though and have popped in from time to time to see what's going on.

I had a blast on this website, especially during the build-up to Episode III. I spoiled myself silly, admittedly, but this site was THE place to be for breaking news and any scoops or leaks.

But I NEVER thought we'd be in here again discussing another trilogy. Exciting, isn't it?

In light of the recent Star Wars news have decided to start a blog. It's something I have been meaning to do for a long time and today I finally sat down and did it.

Have a look and please let me know what you think. I'm going to be adding entries when I can and will be charting the build-up from now until the release of the new film (and maybe beyond).

So check it out and spread the word.

Thanks.

starwarsherewegoagain.blogspot.ie here-we-go-again-star-wars-is-back.html

[cantina_patron]

I honestly doubt Disney would have shelled $4bil if it wasn't for the prequels and all the related merchandise.

[TroyObliX]

Just out of curiosity, is there already an abbreviation for the new films a'la "OT" and "PT"? What, "NT" for 'New Trilogy' or "3T" for 'Third Trilogy'? "AT", another trilogy? "GDT", for all the 'God Damned Trilogies'?

They should do a poll.

Yes, that is what she said. Whatever

Still, even if it ends up as the "MT" as in Mickey Trilogy, I can imagine the suits at Disney are planning on throwing gobs of money and market research at this thing, and that has me geeked that they will keep it at least visually exciting.

I just watched ROTS this morning. Haven't seen it in 2012 or remember when exactly was the last time I watched it. And while Natalie Portman still somehow looks homely/stoned/mental in the veranda scene at night with the atrocious dialogue, I was again impressed with how otherwise awesome that movie looks. I'm not a fan of all the perfomances, or the story progression quite honestly, but the PT in general makes my eyes feel like they're in a candy shop.

I hope the "DT" does as well.

[cantina_patron]

I've seen it referred to as ST (sequel trilogy).

[Bandersnatch]

3 1/2 minutes of useless information:

[Bandersnatch]

I haven't seen a single one of Vaughn's movies. I guess I should!

[cantina_patron]

The rough cut of Star Wars wasn't by Lucas. It was another editor they hired to save time. Unfortunately, he messed up and was let go, and George, Marcia and Richard Chew had to do the cut themselves.

I agree the editing of AOTC suffered because of Burtt.

The rough cut highlights the problem though - it shows us what Lucas actually put on film. It's talky, carries no rythm, is full of rediculous dialogue...

It's just that in the rough cut most of it's actually there onscreen, whereas Chew carved the fat away, restructured scenes, hell even paragraphs, to make the dialogue flow better. It's the PT all over again, except no one suggested to George that alot of this crap had to go.

Sure it had some stuff that had to go, every movie does. My point is, Lucas was the one who was unhappy with it in the first place and had to start it all over. Not to take anything away from Chew's accomplishment, but he wasn't alone and he didn't "save" ANH from Lucas. GL was heavily involved in the editing process (read Making of Star Wars, if you don't believe me).

[Treadwell]

Hah - I can already sense these sequels are going to totally divide the fanbase even more than the prequels did.

Personally, I prefer the OT films to the prequels. Prefer them much more.

Yet there's no deeper meaning to it than that - Lucas is a good filmmaker, because he made some films I love. Star Wars is not adapted from a novel, or a play, or a biography, or real life events - it's a pure work of cinema, and it's sometimes easy to lose sight of the significance of that. While this doesn't make it unique, it is still a rare thing, given its success.

The flaws I perceive in the PT - to me they are mostly directorial and creative flaws, but that doesn't make Lucas a "bad filmmaker" per se. If he returns to directing, and creates a string of stinkers from hereon in until he croaks, he's still the guy who created Star Wars, and that is how history will remember him.

I think, whatever your feelings on Lucas, the point is that this is now a fresh start. We are going to get to see how "somebody else" handles Star Wars, so all the old arguments about Lucas become rather redundant really.

[Alexrd]

But there's no deeper meaning to it than that - Lucas is a good filmmaker, because he made some films I love. Star Wars is not adapted from a novel, or a play, or a biography, or real life events - it's a pure work of cinema, and it's sometimes easy to lose sight of the significance of that. While this doesn't make it unique, it is still a rare thing, given its success.

Indeed. How many other big franchises can claim that? LotR? Harry Potter? Most of them are all adaptations of books or previously existing characters.

[cantina_patron]

Hah - I can already sense these sequels are going to totally divide the fanbase even more than the prequels did.

Every new installment in any franchise is potentially divisive. We tend to forget it now, but not everyone liked TESB when it first came out and folks still grumble over Ewoks.

That said, I actually agree that the future of the franchise depends on the sequels more than it ever did on the prequels. Even those who don't like prequels much still accept them as an origins story and even admit it enhances the viewing experience (particularly ROTJ). They more or less stuck to the general backstory told in the OT.

With the sequels, it's a new uncharted territory that still needs to continue the story of the OT and its main characters in a believable manner to satisfy the fans while at the same time reinventing the franchise for the new global audiences. It's an enormous undertaking and I really don't envy the writers and director(s).

You already have fans of EU preparing to hate the new movies if they don't follow the EU

[cantina_patron]

But there's no deeper meaning to it than that - Lucas is a good filmmaker, because he made some films I love. Star Wars is not adapted from a novel, or a play, or a biography, or real life events - it's a pure work of cinema, and it's sometimes easy to lose sight of the significance of that. While this doesn't make it unique, it is still a rare thing, given its success.

Indeed. How many other big franchises can claim that? LotR? Harry Potter? Most of them are all adaptations of books or previously existing characters.

That's true, Star Wars is the most successful original film franchise ever. Even if some think the quality dropped after TESB, the appreciation didn't (especially if you compare it with some other franchises such as Aliens or Terminator). Star Wars is also in an interesting situation where adult die-hard fans are only a minority compared to the rest of the audience and are not even the target market.

[Cryostar]

Corey Feldman has stated he wants in on the new Trilogy.

thought you'd all like to know.

[thecolorsblend]

I think, whatever your feelings on Lucas, the point is that this is now a fresh start. We are going to get to see how "somebody else" handles Star Wars, so all the old arguments about Lucas become rather redundant really...

Totally disagree. If anything, they'll be more relevant than ever. People have bitched and complained and demanded for years that Lucas be relieved of Star Wars so that other (presumably "more talented") filmmakers can have a shot. Well, they're getting their wish. And it may well involve Kasdan Almighty and at least a few OT characters. So if the haters complain about these new movies too... well, the haters should be careful what they wish for.

[Inv8r]

Stupid board ate my long response.

Suffice to say, go back and read what I actually said, because you've lost something in translation. I am saying that Lucas is a solid filmaker who needs to work with a good editor. The flaws people cite in the PT to support some idea that he's lost his mind and is now a shit director are things that ALWAYS were in his work. They ARE shit things (let's not quibble - he can't direct dialogue to save his life.

He is on the other hand one of the most amazing visual storytellers of the century, and can put together these unbelieveably complex, layered sequences that actually READ to an audience like no one I've ever seen) and it's become part of his process to massage the raw footage heavily in editorial.

The fact is that the rough cut sounds a whole lot like how the PT came out, and supports the idea that he's the same guy he was during the OT. Yes, he saw the problems with the cut (I imagine his face was something like it was at the screening of TPM in "The Beginning"), only this time there just was no dynamic editor to work with him to find ways to smooth those bumps out.

Any vendetta you think I have to show that Lucas is a horrible filmaker is in your imagination; I'm saying, and will continue to say, the exact opposite.

And comparing the Ben/Vader duel to the asteroid sequence in AotC? Oh, Please. The silence in the music during the duel is there to serve an emotional purpose - it gently ramps up the tension in a way that having the sequence scored wouldn't have (see Adywans edit), and it sets the hook for when the Ben's Death cue does come in. Ben is cut down and the score suddenly swells and is a sucker punch to the gut in to underscore Luke's reaction.

The lack of music in the asteroid sequence in AotC is sound effects for the sake of sound effects, and serves no emotional or story purpose other than 'Ben Burt gotta eat'. The two have zero DNA in common.

[The_Somnambulist]

For all this animosity towards Ben Burtt, I actually admire his occasional, pointed attempts in the PT to replace music with an interesting array of sound effects. Very avant-garde. Who else attempts that in the film industry?

But this is the opinion of someone who spends more time making movies than watching them. I like bold, experimental moves in high places and am always on the look out for inspiration. These Bay-area filmmakers and editors are a peculiar bunch, aren't they?

[cantina_patron]

The fact is that the rough cut sounds a whole lot like how the PT came out, and supports the idea that he's the same guy he was during the OT. Yes, he saw the problems with the cut (I imagine his face was something like it was at the screening of TPM in "The Beginning"), only this time there just was no dynamic editor to work with him to find ways to smooth those bumps out.

Any vendetta you think I have to show that Lucas is a horrible filmaker is in your imagination; I'm saying, and will continue to say, the exact opposite.

You're still trying to make it sound as if Lucas would have gone with the rough cut if Chew (or whomever) wasn't there to save Star Wars. This patently untrue, if you actually read any credible sources, such as Making of Star Wars.

[Treadwell]

I think, whatever your feelings on Lucas, the point is that this is now a fresh start. We are going to get to see how "somebody else" handles Star Wars, so all the old arguments about Lucas become rather redundant really...

Totally disagree. If anything, they'll be more relevant than ever. People have bitched and complained and demanded for years that Lucas be relieved of Star Wars so that other (presumably "more talented") filmmakers can have a shot. Well, they're getting their wish. And it may well involve Kasdan Almighty and at least a few OT characters. So if the haters complain about these new movies too... well, the haters should be careful what they wish for.

Kind of what I meant really - redundant in the sense that there will be a straight comparison to be made on that issue now rather than what ifs...
I agree, there'll still be arguments about the outcome...

[TroyObliX]

Fuck the EU and especially fuck Corey Feldman. Well, don't really fuck him, he looks like a clingy dork. And I guess the EU might make for a neat "What If??" episode here or there too, so maybe it isn't all bad. Personally, I'd prefer the sequels, VII + etc., to be something new(ish).

Maybe a new take on The Force. Maybe it isn't a 'light/dark' or a '+/-', maybe it's an 'in/out', or a 'predestined/free-will' argument. Build the story around something that makes one think.

The concept to me as a young person, that by giving in to fear I was actually loosing my ability to choose what is right, blew my mind. It has been a constantly proven truth that has shaped who I am as a person, it forced me to rethink my religion, my goals, my whole outlook on life. And it lead me to discover other profound truths, things I wouldn't have given a shit about if Oz's hand up Yoda's ass hadn't pushed me in that direction. And the rest of the story became the downhill-slide, or aftermath of that concept. Which has it's good and bad implications, but still, I'd like to see something added, or changed, or different in that regard. Just my two cents.

It's a tall order, I know. But maybe the new Star Wars won't be a philosophically empty, or at least one-trick, stunt-show. And if it is, well I hope it looks fantastic.

Btw, you guys arguing about whether or not Lucas is to blame for the parts of the PT you love/hate is highly entertaining. Please continue.

[Joe1138]

Enjoyed your last post, Troy.

Maybe a new take on The Force. Maybe it isn't a 'light/dark' or a '+/-', maybe it's an 'in/out', or a 'predestined/free-will' argument. Build the story around something that makes one think.

...

It's a tall order, I know. But maybe the new Star Wars won't be a philosophically empty, or at least one-trick, stunt-show. And if it is, well I hope it looks fantastic.

This is my biggest hope/greatest fear with the new movies. Lucas colored all of the movies with so many touches that kept changing our perception of what we thought Star Wars was and who we thought these characters were. Whether you agreed with these decisions or not is almost irrelevant. Will these new "fan" filmmakers we've been discussing have the nerve to really challenge audiences? Fans have a nasty habit of regurgitating exactly what they like of a film or book or piece of music they love when given creative control. I mean look at the countless fan films out there that are hugely derivative. Maybe the last thing Star Wars needs is fan input.

There's so much potential with these new films. I really hope it isn't squandered.

[CoGro]

I'm sure I'm going to get some shit for suggesting this, but one director nobody has talked about is Chris Columbus.

I actually think he would have been well suited for Episode I, but he's very capable of delivering on Star Wars style features - he's a very focussed director, good with humour, and excellent with emotional weight. He's also got a history of working with John Williams. I'm a sucker for 80s filmmaking and he fits the bill.

If he were selected, I'd know Star Wars was in a competent director's hands.

[Bandersnatch]

Chris Columbus.

Not a bad idea. Personally, I can't stand his shit. But he has directed films with lots of action and special fx, and he knows how to create an overall crowd-pleaser.

[E_CHU_TA!]

For a fresh perspective, a female director would work. (I think this would be an especially good idea if the new lead of the trilogy is indeed a female Skywalker.) However, other than Kathryn Bigelow, I can't think of one who has experience with a big budget Hollywood production.

[TroyObliX]

Enjoyed your last post, Troy.

Thanks! Prophetic also, btw. Immediately after that post my hard-drive went down for the dirtnap. I'm back now though, bigger and uglier than ever.

I also just wanted to chime in that I agree, Sam J. has no place to be on purpose in the future of the SW galaxy, unless he's still falling...how big are those buildings, anyways? Hologram? Wtf, just no.

[Joe1138]

Prophetic also, btw. Immediately after that post my hard-drive went down for the dirtnap. I'm back now though, bigger and uglier than ever.

From this point forward I will only use my powers for good.

[Alexrd]

Hologram? Wtf, just no.

What's so wrong about him being in some old hologram?

[TroyObliX]

Hologram? Wtf, just no.

What's so wrong about him being in some old hologram?

Well, for starters, it seems very convenient, contrived, and predictable. And second, why do we need him? Why be so basically connected, by the reappearance of Mace Windu in any form, when capturing that connection between the distant past and the 'current' time of whenever the new trilogy is set? Why not connect it less obnoxiously, and more thoughtfully, than having him appear as some recording?

I dunno, also maybe because I think of Mace, nothing against the actor mind you, but the character, as symbolic of that boring, bureaucratic, letdown of a Jedi Order I was so disappointed in from TPM onward.They never were what I wanted them to be, having had a few decades to imagine it. And not so secretly, I hope whatever 'New' Jedi Order exists is more what I had longed to see. And I don't need Sam Jackson for any of that.

But that's just me, and let's face it, I have some crazy rattlin' around in here folks.

Having Sam Jackson play someone different would be even stupider than a holojackson. Or, it could be potentially amazing if done right. Maybe they could Mo-Cap him into Jar-Jar's grandson. Look out Andy Serkis!!

[ETandElliott]

There's clearly no reason to bring back any weak prequel characters like Mace Windu...???

Why in God's name would you want to see Samuel L. Jackson being monotone, boring and ridiculously out of place...again, in unrelated sequels taking place at least 40 years after he fell out of a window? His character was never really important anyway. I don't care what the TV show established or that he was in the room holding a purple lightsaber when Anakin became Darth Vader.

[Treadwell]

Hologram? Wtf, just no.

What's so wrong about him being in some old hologram?

Well, for starters, it seems very convenient, contrived, and predictable. And second, why do we need him? Why be so basically connected, by the reappearance of Mace Windu in any form, when capturing that connection between the distant past and the 'current' time of whenever the new trilogy is set? Why not connect it less obnoxiously, and more thoughtfully, than having him appear as some recording?

Totally agree.

*click*
"Hi, I'm Mace Windu. I'm an old Jedi from the distant past when Jedi were still prominent and the galaxy was governed democratically as a Republic. I'm recording this message for - well - I don't know who for, because I am somewhat arrogant and essentially symbolic of the failings of the old Jedi order and I can't really forsee there ever being a time when the Jedi are not at the heart of galactic affairs.

In fact, shit, I don't even have a clue what is going on in MY era at all, let alone be able to shed any light on events years after my demise. I mean, there are a bunch of mother****ers round here saying our old enemies the Sith may have reappeared. Haha. And - check this - my good friend Obi-Wan keeps banging on about that old prophecy to bring balance to the Force. Crazy shit.

Anyway, just to recap, I am recording this message about some plot point I have no clue about, otherwise I might have mentioned it or acted upon it while I was still alive, for the benefit someone I have never met living in a future I have shown no signs of acknowledging may even happen. May the Force be with you..."

[Bandersnatch]

Ha!

The only way I could see Mace Windu or other ghosts of Jedi past working into this is if old Luke or the new Jedi Order are trying to retrieve some information from the Jedi Archives or something. Other than that, I agree it would be painfully contrived.

[Ternian]

* Grabs retro Jar Jar bottle & grabs some Sith Lord jubes.

[Inv8r]

My speakers have died on this shitty laptop - was there ANYTHING interesting in the clip? Not surprised there wasn't a major announcement - KK said a couple of weeks ago in an interview that pre-production starts spring, and she hoped to have a significant announcement in January. Maybe tomorrow? New start to a new year and a new start for SW and all that?

[Mike_Droideka]

Nothing really significant at all.

Just about Lucas "Letting Go" and having mixed feelings about moving forward into the future.

[SI]

Yeah, that was all very nice and sweet... Now WHO'S THE FUCKING DIRECTOR?!

Please let it be Mel Gibson

[The_Somnambulist]

And John Williams is getting really old. I'd hate for him to start a trilogy he might not be able to finish.

My vote is for passing the torch to a new crew.

[Zaius]

JJ on Star Wars ... Super 8 would be the film that proves he can adapt to tonal and visual stylings not that dissimilar to the glory days of the late 70's film making.

I'd predict that the new film with its short production schedule, will look similar to something like Minority Report. A good mix of old school angles and legibly stylish digital action.

On a different note though, some random thoughts ... C3PO and R2D2 are going to be antique droids if the new flick takes place some thirty years after Jedi ... i wonder if they'll get a re-design or retro-fitted with new tech?

If like the previous two trilogies the first film has an ensemble cast, do you suppose Luke is the 'venerable' character who dies ?

The Sith are the ultimate foe of the Jedi ... will there be a revelation as to the origins of Darth Sidious that loops in to the sequels and serves as a springboard to get a presumably peaceful galaxy back to war?

Will Anakin come back as a Force ghost ? ( i reckon he will ... gut instinct)

If the Menace represented the 20's/30's and A New Hope echoed the 40's/ 50's ... how 80's would the new films be ?

Yodas species (Whills?) might there be a marketing cutesie character in Master Skywalker having an apprentice(s) of which a reversal of Empires training scenes are played out?

Will Han Solo be called an old man ? Might he even be the one to die to give weight and emotional heft to whatever the new bad has got planned?

Will Leia be with Lightsabre and serve on a new style Jedi council?

With Darth Vader and Emperor out of the picture ... who will be the Icon of evil who's design is 'got' within the first few seconds of viewing ...and how or what is the motivation for chaos that kickstarts a new era of chaos in a galaxy far far away?

Also (GL did an interview with Starlog magazine back in '87 ... i've got a copy of the SW themed issue of which i'd scan if i could find it ... it's up in the attic)

'a character that would survive the first trilogy and make it to the third' i remember reading ... Jar Jar ?

[E_CHU_TA!]

Also (GL did an interview with Starlog magazine back in '87 ... i've got a copy of the SW themed issue of which i'd scan if i could find it ... it's up in the attic)

'a character that would survive the first trilogy and make it to the third' i remember reading ... Jar Jar ?

Is it this one: Starlog #127, February 1988: Pretty in Pink. Choice quote from site:

---

Bill Warren writes up a question-and-answer session that George Lucas had with audience members and reporters at the Starlog convention celebrating Star Wars’ 10th anniversary (including the audience question: “Why didn’t you give Luke a girl?” and Lucas’ answer: “You haven’t seen the last three yet.” Still haven’t.

---

[Zaius]

It might be ... Starlog printed a one off of all its SW related articles around the time of the Menace being released ... GL had a clear idea back then as to how the Prequels would play out. Something about being more plot oriented and less action, i recall reading.

[CoGro]

I'm starting to think SW7 will be a mystery movie and the mcguffin could be a holocron. I know that EU stuff doesn't make its way to the films very often (mention of Voss and the name Coruscant are the only two that jump to mind) but the concept of a holocron containing information of an ancient threat making its return seems like a decent way to kick off a new trilogy. Not to mention it fits perfectly with JJ's mystery box philosophy.

As I see it, here are the major story challenges:

1. Effectively convince the audience that the SW Saga wasn't about the rise and fall of Darth Vader but three generations of the Skywalker family.

2. Transition from a perfect ending that left the major villain and his force defeated, emotional resolution for the three major heroes, and the series' primary protagonist coming full circle in the final moments.

3. Convincingly "rewrite" or "reinterpret" the notion of the Force being brought back into balance in order to give purpose to protagonists and antagonists in this new trilogy.

4. Establish a villain and powerful enemy force that is unique from and equally significant to the Sith and the Empire.

5. Make all of this entertaining amid the fact that there's a necessity for a LOT of exposition. Maybe more than Phantom Menace.

[Cryostar]

Fan made, but i like it

[Bandersnatch]

I have always thought that we needed a shot of the Millennium Falcon looking like that at the end of ROTJ.

Han: What the hell did you do to my ship?
Lando: Your ship?