The Cast Announcement

[Ternian]

Given Abrams's past work, a Solo-centric film makes sense and probably plays to his strengths as a filmmaker.


Oooh. Look at where everyone is sitting... it becomes very interesting!

[CoGro]

As excited as I am for all of this, I still want to know the answer to this:

In an interview published in the February 1999 issue of Vanity Fair, Lucas said: "When you see it in six parts, you'll understand. It really ends at part six. I never had a story for the sequels, for the later ones." In 2008, after all six films had been released, Lucas said: "The movies were the story of Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker, and when Luke saves the galaxy and redeems his father, that's where that story ends."

[Bandersnatch]

I think the simple answer is that he changed his mind as he began to approach retirement.

[royalguard96]

CASTING ANNOUNCED.



BIG 3 BACK!

starwars.com /news/

[BlackCriminalGangster2050]

and CHEWBACCA!!

[Topeka]

That's a really low key announcement.

Great to see Max von Sydow and Serkis added to the cast!

[DoubleSith]

Of course the annoumncement comes out while I'm in the middle of a meeting, of course!

Billy Dee

All of 'em sound great, but just 1 new female character? Geez.

Most importantly - Chewie! CHewie!

[bearvomit]

HOLY SHIT! IT'S HAPPENING!!!!



episodeviicast.jpg


Harrison has sweaty pits!

[CoGro]

I think the simple answer is that he changed his mind as he began to approach retirement.

That has nothing to do with his comment about there being no story to tell after Episode VI and his declaration that the story of Star Wars - about Anakin Skywalker - was complete.

Anyway, this isn't a day to answer that question. It's a day to get excited.

[The_Somnambulist]

Knees buckling. Vision blurring.

[Treadwell]

As excited as I am for all of this, I still want to know the answer to this:

In an interview published in the February 1999 issue of Vanity Fair, Lucas said: "When you see it in six parts, you'll understand. It really ends at part six. I never had a story for the sequels, for the later ones." In 2008, after all six films had been released, Lucas said: "The movies were the story of Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker, and when Luke saves the galaxy and redeems his father, that's where that story ends."

Not that this answers any questions, but I did try to compile as many historic quotes as I had to hand relating to the "sequels" when all of this was first announced.
My conclusion: people change, and people change their mind. Ideas get recycled and used in other ways, or abandoned. I'm not a big fan of the Prequels, but at the same time I've never been one to bang on about Lucas and pick him up on every little thing he has ever said. For the simple reason that I know I have done things or thought things that it has later been convenient for me to pretend I haven't ever done or thought about doing... and I'm sure this is true of everyone else... just that most things I say and consider doing don't get written down and set in stone.


There was definitely some kind of vague idea of what the sequels "might" be about at some point, of that I am sure, as relevant or irrelevant as that may be to what is happening now...

"The newly-formed Star Wars Corps is working on producing Star Wars II, and then, count them, 10 other planned sequels."
Time magazine article, 1978



"The first script was one of six original stories I had written in the form of two trilogies. After the success of Star Wars, I added another trilogy. So now there are nine stories. The original two trilogies were conceived of as six films of which the first film was number four."
George Lucas, 1979



"There are essentially nine films in a series of three trilogies. The first trilogy is about the young Ben Kenobi and the early life of Luke's father when Luke was a little boy. This trilogy takes place some twenty years before the second trilogy which includes Star Wars and Empire. About a year or two passes between each story of the trilogy and about twenty years pass between the trilogies. The entire saga spans about fifty-five years... I won't say who survives and who doesn't, but if we are ever able to link together all three, you'd find the story progresses in a very logical fashion*."
George Lucas, 1979



"Star Wars is really three trilogies, nine films... it won't be finished for probably another 20 years."
George Lucas, 1980



"The last three episodes involve the rebuilding of the Republic. Only two of the main characters will appear in all nine films, and they are the robots, Artoo-Detoo and Threepio. In effect, the story will be told through their eyes."
George Lucas, 1980



"It deals with the character that survives Star Wars III [Episode VI to us] and his adventures."
George Lucas, 1980



"Luke would now be a 60-something mentor figure like Kenobi. Hamill and the others will get first crack at the roles – if they look old enough.”
George Lucas, 1983



"[Episodes VII, VIII and IX deal with] the rebuilding of the Republic [and] the necessity for moral choices and the wisdom needed to distinguish right from wrong. If the first trilogy is social and political and talks about how society evolves, Star Wars is more about personal growth and self-realization, and the third deals with moral and philosophical problems. In Star Wars there is a very clear line drawn between good and evil. Eventually you have to face the fact that good and evil aren’t that clear cut, and the real issue is trying to understand the difference. The sequel is about Jedi Knighthood, justice, confrontation, and passing on what you have learned."
George Lucas, 1983

Hopefully, I will someday be doing the next three Star Wars, but I'm not sure when. The next three would take place 20 or 30 years before the three films they're celebrating here today. I'll do the first trilogy first. There are nine [films] floating around there somewhere. I'll guarantee that the first three are pretty much organised in my head, but the other three are kind of out there somewhere.
George Lucas, 1988



"You know, Star Wars was a success, but I didn't have any idea then what was going on. I didn't know whether I was even going to be able to make the next two films. I had taken two-thirds of the original script and thrown it away. In my mind, I was saying, 'Gee, if this really is a big hit, then I can make a movie out of all the early material that I developed.' Empire and Jedi were what that first film was supposed to be. And after that, I can tell another story about what happens to Luke after this trilogy ends. All the prequel stories exist: where Darth Vader came from, the whole story about Darth and Ben Kenobi, and it all takes place before Luke was born. The other one - what happens to Luke afterwards - is much more ethereal. I have a tiny notebook full of notes on that. If I'm really ambitious, I could proceed to figure out what would have happened to Luke."
George Lucas, circa 1990 (?)



“"Everyone said, 'Well, are you going to do sequels to the first three?' But that was an afterthought; I don't have scripts on those stories. The only notion on that was, wouldn't it be fun to get all the actors to come back when they're 60 or 70 years old and make three more about them as old people. That's how far that has gone, but the first six will definitely get finished."
George Lucas, 1997



"EPISODE 1: Was to focus on the origins of the Jedi Knights and how they are initiated and trained
EPISODE 2: Introduction and development of Obi-Wan Kenobi
EPISODE 3: Introduction and life of Vader
EPISODE 4: There were seven different drafts of the film. At one point, they pursued buying the rights to Hidden Fortress because of the strong similarities. At one point, Luke was a female, Han was Luke's brother, Luke's father was the one in prison (interesting point for some debates) and the film featured 40 Wookiees
EPISODE 5: Once written, the screenplay of Empire is almost exactly what is seen on screen. The only cut scenes were those involving wampas in the rebel base (cut because of time and unsolved technical glitches) and about two minutes of Luke/Yoda Jedi training with no real dialog.
EPISODE 6: Leia was to be elected "Queen of her people" leaving her isolated. Han was to die. Luke confronted Vader and went on with his life alone. Leia was not to be Luke's sister.
EPISODE 7: Third trilogy was to focus on Luke's life as a Jedi, with very few details planned out.
EPISODE 8: Luke's sister (not Leia) appears from another part of the galaxy.
EPISODE 9: First appearance of the Emperor."
Gary Kurtz, speaking in 1999 about plans for the saga 'dating from the 1970s'



"You know, when I first did this, it was four trilogies. 12 movies! And out on the desert, any time between setups... lots of free time. And George was talking about this whole thing. I said, 'Why are you starting with IV, V and VI? It's crazy.' [Imitating Lucas grumble,] 'It's the most commercial section of the movie.' He said the first trilogy's darker, more serious. And the impression I got, he said, 'Um, how'd you like to be in Episode IX?' This is 1976. 'When is that going to be?' '2011.' I defy anyone to add 36 years to their lives and not be stunned. Even an eight year old is like, 'No, I'll never be 47.' So I did the math and figured out how old I'd be. I said, 'Well, what do you want me to do?' He said, 'You'll just be like a cameo. You'll be like Obi-Wan handing the lightsaber down to the next new hope."
Mark Hamill, 2004


“It was originally a 12-part saga. The three most exciting stories were 7, 8 and 9. They had propulsive action, really interesting new worlds, new characters. I remember thinking, ‘I want to see these three movies.’”
Dave Pollock (author of Skywalking: The Life and Times of George Lucas), discussing in 2012 the story treatments he allegedly was allowed to read while researching his book, but had signed non-disclosure agreements on their contents

Anyway, back on topic - great to see the old cast together in the same room like that

[Topeka]

Thanks for posting that, Tread. I've seen most of those quotes throughout the years but it's really great to see them listed like that. The man likes to change his mind.

Billy Dee

Agreed! Hopefully he can be pulled into the later sequels.

[The_Somnambulist]

That'd be cold if they straight up left him out. I'm sure he'll be in VII, even if it's only a glorified cameo.

[Treadwell]

No Wedge either...

[The_Somnambulist]

I find it hilarious that Mayhew is studiously reviewing the script in the photo. Will he speak Basic in this one?

[pjvader]

I find it hilarious that Mayhew is studiously reviewing the script in the photo. Will he speak Basic in this one?

it does look like he's not gonna be playing with the cool kids probably sits alone whilst they are eating too
i bet lando died and they are raising his kid (didnt he have a son in lego or robot chicken that's probably canon!)

[pjvader]

ok peeps can anyone CSi this shit?

[DoubleSith]

From the old casting sheets:

Late-teen female, independent, good sense of humour, fit. - Daisy Ridley

Young twenty-something male, witty and smart, fit but not traditionally good looking. Adam Driver?

A late twentysomething male, fit, handsome and confident. John Boyega?

Seventy-something male, with strong opinions and tough demeanour. Also doesn't need to be particularly fit. Max von Sydow

A second young female, also late teens, tough, smart and fit. ??? -> This seems to be the role that actresses like Lupita Nyong'o and Maisie Richardson-Sellers were up for. Cut? Not cast yet?

Forty something male, fit, military type. Oscar Isaac

Thirtysomething male, intellectual. Apparently doesn’t need to be fit. Domhnall Gleeson?

[Bandersnatch]

Max von Sydow!

[Treadwell]

ok peeps can anyone CSi this shit?

Need one of these...

[Cryostar]

Folks, don't fret if you don't see Billy Dee or someone not in the casting.

btw, didn't see Warwick Davis mentioned either.

Let's remember, there are 3 more movies to be made. If they spoil us now, what will they do for an encore? Let's allow them to build this mythos again.

[DoubleSith]

On the other female role I mentioned above, THR is reporting that there's still another major role yet to be cast/announced:

Several sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that director J.J. Abrams has another substantial role to fill — and it's a female part. No further details are known.

Earlier this year, THR revealed that the production was seeking a mixed-raced female in her twenties. The director did meet with 12 Years a Slave actress Lupita Nyong'o just before the Oscars, although it is not known for what part. And at one point, speculation centered on unknown British actress Maisie Richardson-Sellers. It is unclear if that young female part still exists or if it has been removed due to rewrites.

THR

[bearvomit]

don't know about you but it's going to be hard to see Luke die and become a ghost in these.

[E_CHU_TA!]

It depends on how it's done, bv. If it's his own son or a Solo child who's to blame, it will be very sad indeed.

Based on the OS article, it seems like the cast is shown in its entirety. In turn, I'm not expecting anything more.

There are definitely surprises and open questions with the announced actors. I like that. It's curious that they picked a random Tuesday to do this.

Regarding Billy Dee, I agree that there’s time to bring him along for the next episode. After all, Lando didn’t show up until the second Star Wars movie.

As a whole, it seems like Abrams has made a conscious decision to only use the actors in the original film. We’ll see if that’s really the case. (Along these lines, I’m also wondering why Denis Larson isn’t present. Maybe, he’s too minor to place alongside the main cast?)

I suppose that Lucas’ David Prowse ban extends to the sequels. I’m not sure if that's still appropriate or not.

[CoGro]

Vader and the Emperor are going to be tough villains to follow. I can't imagine a villain being as menacing as Palpatine.

[Ternian]

Looking at the seating:

Han Solo - Harrison Ford
Daughter - Daisy Ridley
Princess Leia - Carrie Fisher
Peter Mayhew - Chewbacca

Jedi? - Domhnall Gleeson
C-3PO - Anthony Daniels
Luke Skywalker - Luke Hamill
Jedi? - Andy Serkis
Jedi? - Oscar Isaac
Jedi? - John Boyega

Sith? - Adam Driver

[Bandersnatch]

Interesting thing about Daisy Ridley:

mashable.com /who-is-daisy-ridley-star-wars/

[Bandersnatch]

And Max Von Sydow and Andy Serkis - I did not see that coming. Very cool.

[Ternian]

Apparently Daisy was in Mr Selfridge...I hear.

[SithWitch]

http://sithwitch.com/images/140429-oops.png

Arguably the most important announcement in decades, and they mess it up in Firefox. WTF? Does not bode well. First they spell "steak" wrong on the breakfast menu and now this! lol.

I sure hope the final movie is edited more carefully. Of course, just like GL, JJ will no doubt want to reach in years later and tweak these movies too. What do you think?

Aw hell, why am I complaining? It's new Star Wars! ;-)

[Bandersnatch]

Take this with a grain or two of salt:

- Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong’o is also in the cast. She will be playing a character called ‘Asajj Ventress’. Nyong’o was not officially announced in yesterdays report but was one of the first names to have signed up after Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford.

moviepilot.com /potential-massive-star-wars-7-spoilers-title-and-characters-revealed-1390250/

[Alexrd]

Take this with a grain or two of salt:

More like a bowl.

[pjvader]

here comes the (possible) hard part, a 6+month wait for a new pic or the inevitable vanity fair reveal

[Treadwell]

I like to think Kenny Baker is actually in that photo too...

[Mike_Droideka]

Leia is now the ‘Queen Regent of the Republic’

Do they mean Regent or Regnant?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_regnant

[Mike_Droideka]

Opening WORLDWIDE December 18 2015

[CoGro]

For what it's worth: nme.com /mark-hamill-praises-superb-star-wars-cast-mates/

UK table read- I was knocked out by the diverse & extraordinarily talented new cast members. WOW they're good! The saga is in superb hands.

[Mike_Droideka]

Anthony Daniels tweet:



Anthony Daniels @ADaniels3PO

So many privileges to acting in the Saga. Best yet, sitting at the read-through with the old & the new cast. And the story! You can't wait!
2:54 AM - 2 May 2014

[Cryostar]

He said the same chit about the prequels...

[CoGro]

Harrison and Carrie had such excellent chemistry. I hope that kind of banter is achieved with these new leads.

Watched a bit of Empire today and the asteroid field chase is a perfect sequence from every perspective - action, music, character moments ("comon Chewie!"), dialogue, etc. we take for granted how well-executed simple banter is. I hope Han and Leia still got it.

[Bandersnatch]

Nice interview with Daisy's dad. Some interesting quotes: www.mirror.co.uk /tv-news/star-wars-vii-daisy-ridley-3481110/

[pjvader]

this one seems to have slipped thru the net @boyega

[stan Marsh]

For what it's worth: nme.com /mark-hamill-praises-superb-star-wars-cast-mates/

UK table read- I was knocked out by the diverse & extraordinarily talented new cast members. WOW they're good! The saga is in superb hands.

Honestly I think Mark has the most "in touch" perspective of the big 3. Now, if his tweet was ass kissing Hollywood empty praise or a honest excited opinion is anyone's guess. I'm actually fairly impressed and excited by this cast personally. I've decided to sit back relax and let JJ tell me a fucking killer story.

Ok Zen me is gone, that damn 4 eyed prick better not fuck up this franchise and where are the spoilers, we're is the script, I'm tired of waiting. Pablo is a jackoff, screw TBone, TFN is gay.

I heard luke is a clone, syfo dias is a skywalker, and Han is a midichlorian crossed with Count Dooku and wedges mom.

Seriously, seeing Ternian post in one of the other threads in the Ep VII forum made me reminisce a little and think about the 90 days before the premiere of 2 & 3 and the sheep tweeking I and the rest of you did before the PT premieres. I wonder How much is social media going to effect the spoiler mill, how busy will this forum be again, how old and tired are you guys, are you growing hair in weird places too? I'm excited and when I visit here I feel 10 years younger and I forget how old and bald I'm becoming.

You guys remember visiting here before the prequels? I never thought I would get to experience that again.

Ok so GL kind of fucked up, but back then the possibilities still existed, we had faith everything would be as perfect as the OT of our childhood. We imagined Palpatine fighting the Jedi would look amazing; ok we ended up with constipated face Ian, but we didn't know it yet and still imagined how insane it would look. Then the premier happened of RotS and all that was over, slowly this forum slowed down to a few of us. I don't know about you but I truly thought that was it. I missed but understood the excitement of Ternian spoilers was over for good and I would need to smoke crack and sell my body at the train station to get an equal rush.

Then George sold this shit for untold trillions of republic creds and we all got another chance.

I hope you all enjoy the ride as much as I expect to. I hope old members return and new ones join. In short your crazy to make us write this essay? You'll see it and us as you want too see us, As a weirdo, A Princess, A Super Star, and a super successful voice actor, and a smuggler.

I don't know about you ass hats but I'm excited to live through it again and I'm fairly confident JJ is enough of a fan to make the decisions that are best for Star Wars, I mean can he truly do worse than GL did with the PT and I enjoyed that ride. I think we are in for hell of a treat.

[stan Marsh]

Arguably the most important announcement in decades, and they mess it up in Firefox. WTF? Does not bode well. First they spell "steak" wrong on the breakfast menu and now this! lol. I sure hope the final movie is edited more carefully. Of course, just like GL, JJ will no doubt want to reach in years later and tweak these movies too. What do you think?

Aw hell, why am I complaining? It's new Star Wars! ;-)

Well there mistakes could've Ben worst, like mines has Ben. Sadly my wife's middle school students wouldn't understand what was incorrect here. I hope Daisy will don a slave girl outfit at some point, she is kind of smokin hot.

[Bandersnatch]

I think we are in for hell of a treat.

Hell yes. And I'll be 50 damn years old when Ep.7 comes out, but I'll still be there with bells on.

Well, maybe I'll leave the bells at home...

[CoGro]

Since there's not going to be a 20th Century Fox fanfare to begin any future Star Wars movies (depressing), what do we think will be in its stead?

1. Disney fanfare? Star Wars themed Disney fanfare?
2. Bad Robot
3. Lucasfilm

I think if it plays three unique fanfares before "A long time ago..." the pacing of the opening will be thrown off. I loved how the 20th century fox fanfare dissolved right into the Lucasfilm card and ended just as the screen went black.

I hope there will be a single piece of music that overlaps the companies so that the pause / silence that builds strong anticipation for "A long time ago" is kept intact.

[pjvader]

Since there's not going to be a 20th Century Fox fanfare to begin any future Star Wars movies (depressing), what do we think will be in its stead?

1. Disney fanfare? Star Wars themed Disney fanfare?
2. Bad Robot
3. Lucasfilm

I think if it plays three unique fanfares before "A long time ago..." the pacing of the opening will be thrown off. I loved how the 20th century fox fanfare dissolved right into the Lucasfilm card and ended just as the screen went black.

I hope there will be a single piece of music that overlaps the companies so that the pause / silence that builds strong anticipation for "A long time ago" is kept intact.

it will be 1,2,3 as you say and im betting silence until the theme tune (i can't think of it but im sure there are some silent disney openers) hell they might even pay fox or alfred newman and play the fox fanfare over their logos

[SithWitch]

Well there mistakes could've Ben worst, like mines has Ben. Sadly my wife's middle school students wouldn't understand what was incorrect here.

Dew knot trussed yore spill chequer two fined awl you're arrears?

[E_CHU_TA!]

"May the Fourth" from Larry and J.J. Per the director, cast announcements will "continue." Oh boy.

[youtube]]http://www.youtube.com/v/Nt37ppfO0OQ"=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&hd=1[/youtube]

Now that Obi-wan is making an appearance on Rebels, I wonder if there will be explanation for the rumored new Kenobi on that TV show. Rebels is supposed to have tie-ins with Episode 7, right?

[Mike_Droideka]

Not sure if this is the actual Episode VII Chewie costume, or merely some promo suit used for appearances, but here is Disney chairman Bob Iger and Chewbacca.



CHEWBACCA+AND+DISNEY+EPISODE+VII+2014.jpg

(source)