I considered titling this post “STAR WARS: EPISODE VII TO CROSSOVER WITH WALL-E, AVENGERS, & INDIANA JONES” just to see how much legs it would have, and to get a buttload of views from confused seven year olds in the process. Alas, I censor myself slightly.
What I will say, is that it is going to be extremely painful covering STAR WARS: EPISODE VII in the coming months, that much is clear. There is so much flotsam, jetsam, and metachlorians flying around right now that it’s hard to see straight or even differentiate between rumors and facts. So, bear with me. Or don’t. If you hate internet talk, this isn’t your post. But if you’re desperate for STAR WARS updates and want to get a feel for what’s been discussed, well put on your jedi robe and dive in.
Let’s start with the big guns. Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher are all onboard for reprising the iconic roles of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia, respectively.
Here’s a quote from an unnamed source (prepare for a lot of those): “Harrison is open to the idea of doing the movie and he’s upbeat about it, all three of them are.” That said, it probably has a lot to do with the director and script that comes with EPISODE VII, as well as perhaps a mandatory death scene. Ford, after all, wanted Han Solo to die in RETURN OF THE JEDI, but it’s presumed that Kathleen Kennedy’s ascension to top chair for the film may be what has enticed Ford to possibly return, besides a glowing paycheck. [EW]
Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill’s involvement aren’t in any doubt. When asked about her interest in reprising her role, Fisher responded simply: ”Yes, sure. Wouldn’t you?” A whole lot less cagey than Ford is liable to be. [TMZ]
The speculation about who is directing has run rampant, with innumerable wish lists featuring Christopher Nolan, JJ Abrams, Joss Whedon, and every other nerdgasmic director you can think of, primed for the chair. Do any rumors have the ring of truth? Not really, but the Damon Lindelof/Brad Bird idea has been denied (they really are making a movie called 1952, though). The two newest additions to the list give us something to worry ourselves with in the meantime.
One is that Matthew Vaughn (KICK-ASS, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS) has been in talks with Disney to direct, with the idea that he left X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (Bryan Singer took his spot) to go for the far loftier prospect of a STAR WARS movie. It’d be a pretty decent choice, all things considered. [Collider]
A more obscure possibility comes from Celebuzz, that Colin Trevorrow, the director of the delightfully quirky sci-fi comedy SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED, is in the mix. He’s met with Lucas before (a few months ago), Lucas has stated that he’s a fan of Colin’s work, and there are reports that Trevorrow has met with Lucasfilm recently.
On the writing front, Michael Arndt as a possibility. The guy’s written LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, TOY STORY 3, and THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE. The guy won an Oscar for LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, so he’s got chops. Vulture reports that he’s already written a 40-50 page treatment for the film and would be one of the writers for the movie. Who knows.
Annddd…that’s all for now. How big of a headache do you have?
