Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (USE SPOILER TAGS!)

[doctorD]

New rumor report for Episode VII

Report: Benedict Cumberbatch Cast In Star Wars Episode VII, Official Announcement Imminent

Last week, The Hollywood Reporter passed on the disappointing news that Benedict Cumberbatch has withdrawn from Guillermo Del Toro‘s Crimson Peak. One line of their story seems particularly relevant right now:


No reason for his departure was given, although sources say his exit is not due to another project.

But… were these sources lying to us?

According to Film Chronicles, who focus almost exclusively on reviews, interviews and well-sourced content rather than speculation or rumours, Cumberbatch has been cast in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. As you may recall, Episode VII and Crimson Peak are set to be in production at just the same time.

I should think that the typically reserved Film Chronicles must have a pretty solid source if they’re sticking their neck out like this. Their headline is as bold as you can imagine:

Benedict Cumberbatch is in Star Wars VII

Even when reading between the lines of their story, though, I can’t quite work out what their source might be. The cynic in me might wonder if it has anything to do with Star Trek Into Darkness hitting DVD and Blu-ray in the UK right now.

At the same time, there’s a well-vocalised rumour sweeping social media and bubbling between various online film blogs that a big, official casting announcement for the Star Wars sequel is coming and any moment now. Quieter whispers have associated a number of names to this announcement, including Cumberbatch, but also Dane DeHaan and even Leonardo DiCaprio.

Some interesting prospects there, of course, but right now I’d say it’s looking fairly likely that Cumberbatch will be the one off to that galaxy far, far way in just a few months from now.

Bleeding Cool

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Film Chronicles

[Cabby]

Originally Posted by doctorD

New rumor report for Episode VII


Bleeding Cool

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Film Chronicles

I'm loving the possible Cumberbatch casting! But if they cast Pettyfer.... Ugh.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by doctorD

New rumor report for Episode VII


Bleeding Cool

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Film Chronicles

Please be true!

[Guydowood]

Cumberbatch would make a great Grand Admiral Thrawn if of course they where going to use that story.

[BaerGriggs]

Originally Posted by Guydowood

Cumberbatch would make a great Grand Admiral Thrawn if of course they where going to use that story.

I really can't imagine someone better for the role of Thrawn.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Guydowood

Cumberbatch would make a great Grand Admiral Thrawn if of course they where going to use that story.

I was thinking the same thing. A shame they are not going the EU route. I'd be very happy with a "Thrawn trilogy" for Episodes 7-9.

[NoFro]

CUMBERBATCH ALL THE FILMS!

[toddly6666]

I hope Cumberbatch is going to play Anakin's brother - Darth Bruter

[AmrlKJaneway]

Cumberbatch is the villain, Darth Khan. Chris Pine is Jacen Solo, Zoe Saldana is Jaina Solo and Zachary Quinto is Luke Skywalker Jr.

JJ Abrams will play Jar Jar, and says this film will be very different from his last enterprise into film making.

[assydingo]

Star Trek actor being in Star Wars? Eh...

[Delta09]

Originally Posted by doctorD

New rumor report for Episode VII


Bleeding Cool

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Film Chronicles

If this is true. He should play Thrawn.

[Blackhell72]

The thing about the Original Trilogy that really stands out to me was how well casted it was, the actors played so well off each other, and at the same time usually delivered their lines with the perfect balance of humor or seriousness.

I didn't really feel that in the prequels, it lacked chemistry, had sub par delivery, and the scripts had no where near the cleverness.

I don't really know what to expect from Episode VII, from all accounts Abrams appears to be trying to stay faithful to the original, but some things aren't so easy.

[octagon]

Report: Benedict Cumberbatch Cast In Star Wars Episode VII, Official Announcement Imminent

Last week, The Hollywood Reporter passed on the disappointing news that Benedict Cumberbatch has withdrawn from Guillermo Del Toro‘s Crimson Peak. One line of their story seems particularly relevant right now:

No reason for his departure was given, although sources say his exit is not due to another project.


Right now? I thought it seemed relevant two weeks ago

Originally Posted by octagon

I wonder if he's going to be a Sith or a Jedi.

[Haikira]

Thought I'd just point out this tweet from Marc Graser of Variety. Cumberbatch being cast is still very possible and I hope it's true. Though Graser seems to hold some weight on other boards I frequent, so I thought it was worth pointing out.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by Haikira

Thought I'd just point out this tweet from Marc Graser of Variety. Cumberbatch being cast is still very possible and I hope it's true. Though Graser seems to hold some weight on other boards I frequent, so I thought it was worth pointing out.

Bleeding Cool seems to have their foot in the J.J. camp, Devin has broken a lot of news out of them, and he says he heard this as well. I'm thinking it's probably accurate, but I won't believe anything until it's official.

[CYMBOL]

Benedict would make a great, newly promoted Admiral or Commander of some sort. And he has that authentic, evil Empire accent!

Hope it's true as well.

[Pounder]

Cumberbatch is one ugly mofo(may have worked to his advantage) but a decent actor. Would welcome his addition.

[klauswhereareyou]

I hope he's playing Kahn in this to tie the ST and SW worlds together.

[Haikira]

Benedict Cumberbatch’s Reps Shoot Down ‘Star Wars’ Rumor [slashfilm]

An unconfirmed rumor made the rounds that Benedict Cumberbatch was circling Star Wars Episode VII, which would reunite him with his Star Trek Into Darkness director J.J. Abrams. Given the intense secrecy and wild chatter surrounding the project, it’s no surprise that his reps have now shot down that report. But do we have any more reason to trust this denial than we had to believe that rumor in the first place?

Cumberbatch’s people told the New York Daily News in no uncertain terms that the Brit star would not appear in Episode VII. “There is no truth to the rumour Benedict has been cast in Star Wars,” said a spokesperson. “I think the rumours are circling because JJ and Benedict have just recently had a wonderful time working together on Star Trek.”

Fair enough. Cumberbatch has a lot of fans, Abrams has a lot of fans, and all of those fans loved seeing them work together in Star Trek Into Darkness. It’s possible, perhaps even likely, that the Episode VII talk is just wishful thinking on the part of their devoted followers.

On the other hand, though, we’ve been flat-out lied to enough times that these official denials hardly seem more reliable than unconfirmed rumors at this point. Abrams famously laughed off Star Wars Episode VII talk for months, before he was formally announced as the director of Star Wars Episode VII. And we all remember how fervently the Star Trek Into Darkness cast and crew insisted that Cumberbatch wasn’t playing Khan.

Nor is Abrams the only person in Hollywood to lie or stretch the truth about his upcoming projects. Speaking of Fifty Shades, it was just a few weeks ago that newly revealed star Charlie Hunnam’s people were dismissing those casting stories, too.

[Elbie]

They probably are shooting it down because it's not official or is but not announcing anything.