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

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by tigertron

Exactly, the audience needs to get comfortable with the new trilogy instead of forcing an entirely new cast of characters, so I understand why JJ wants the main three to be the leads and slowly introduce the new cast for episode 8.



Plus, I think JJ wants to play it safe seeing as how this is a new trilogy. I'm more comfortable knowing that a more than capable fan is directing/writing this with someone who co-wrote the OT than someone who was completely new to Star Wars and didn't appear to be a fan or anything.

I completely agree.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Cook

Giacchinno a hack? That's a new one. He's not Williams, but he's no where near being a hack.

Giacchino has produced some fairly generic stuff, like the cheesy score for Ghost Protocol, but that was exactly what he was tasked to do. When he cuts loose he can create something like Star Trek '09, which is one of my favourite scores of recent years.

If you want a hack, look no further than Brian 'sonic wallpaper' Tyler.

[Elandyll]

Originally Posted by tigertron

I'm pleased at the rumours of Abrams and Kasdan focusing on Luke, Han and Leia, but Obi-Wan having a daughter? I doubt that's true, but hey - maybe Obi-Wan hit the bottle during his time on Tatooine?

Didn't Clone Wars already implied that Obi Wan had a bit of a forbidden romance with a leader from Mandalore?
Still only at Season 2, so don't know where it went from there.

[blonde_devil]

Originally Posted by Groge511

I like the Abrams' idea. Introducing their kids in VII gives us a chance to get to know them before having them be the main focus in VIII and IX. If they just threw them in as the focus in VII we'd be like "who's this!? We don't care about them". Where as this way we get to enjoy having Luke, Leia and Han around a little longer.
Much, much better idea than the other way around i think.

Edit: Not sure i like the whole Obi-Wan daughter/granddaughter thing though. I prefer him being "solo" if you pardon the pun

Okay but it is not really JJ's idea, it is common sense. Look at Episodes I-III: They used common characters there as well to tie things together. The actors are alive and available, why wouldn't you bring them into the films even if it was in smaller roles? It would be stupid to totally skip Luke, Leah and Han and just jump to the new characters as for many people, the movies are it and they have not read the novels so they don't know of the kids or other characters. I would have been surprised if he hadn't used them in at least the first film.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by blonde_devil

Okay but it is not really JJ's idea, it is common sense. Look at Episodes I-III: They used common characters there as well to tie things together. The actors are alive and available, why wouldn't you bring them into the films even if it was in smaller roles? It would be stupid to totally skip Luke, Leah and Han and just jump to the new characters as for many people, the movies are it and they have not read the novels so they don't know of the kids or other characters. I would have been surprised if he hadn't used them in at least the first film.

Well, clearly it was if Arndt wasn't willing to focus on the characters in his script. That was the problem. Abrams wanted to bring the focus onto the original characters just for 'Episode VII', to give audiences the familiarity, while setting up the new characters to take over. I think it's the right move, and I'm glad he had the sense to do it.

[Elbie]

Originally Posted by Elandyll

Didn't Clone Wars already implied that Obi Wan had a bit of a forbidden romance with a leader from Mandalore?
Still only at Season 2, so don't know where it went from there.

Satine Kryze!!!!!! The Duchess! Yep, you are correct.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by Elbie

Satine Kryze!!!!!! The Duchess! Yep, you are correct.

Considering 'The Clone Wars' is official Lucasfilm/Star Wars canon as well, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the way it's played.

[Elbie]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

Considering 'The Clone Wars' is official Lucasfilm/Star Wars canon as well, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the way it's played.

I would love to see a few of the characters from The Clone Wars included in this new trilogy.

*still waiting on a conclusion to that series

[blonde_devil]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

Well, clearly it was if Arndt wasn't willing to focus on the characters in his script. That was the problem. Abrams wanted to bring the focus onto the original characters just for 'Episode VII', to give audiences the familiarity, while setting up the new characters to take over. I think it's the right move, and I'm glad he had the sense to do it.

Yeah, he didn't want to focus and got fired for it. Did anyone honestly think no one from the original movies would appear? You can't even have 3PO and R2 appear in that case as there is no logical reason why they would be there without someone else from the original movies. Maybe we won't get all 3 but someone was always going to appear. Is Disney that dumb that they would buy Star Wars, announce new movies and not make sure that someone from the original cast was under contract to appear even if it is in a minor role?

[tigertron]

Originally Posted by Elandyll

Didn't Clone Wars already implied that Obi Wan had a bit of a forbidden romance with a leader from Mandalore?
Still only at Season 2, so don't know where it went from there.

He had some feelings for her but it never went further than that. Obi-Wan was a "by the book" Jedi.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by blonde_devil

Yeah, he didn't want to focus and got fired for it. Did anyone honestly think no one from the original movies would appear? You can't even have 3PO and R2 appear in that case as there is no logical reason why they would be there without someone else from the original movies. Maybe we won't get all 3 but someone was always going to appear. Is Disney that dumb that they would buy Star Wars, announce new movies and not make sure that someone from the original cast was under contract to appear even if it is in a minor role?

We've all known that the original trilogy characters were going to be in the movie...But we were all under the impression it was only in supporting roles. Again, that's what Abrams has changed, because that's not what Arndt was interested in. He was more interested in their kids, where as Abrams wanted them to be supporting in Episode VII, and giving the original cast one last shot at glory. That was his and Kennedy's doing, and they're right for the change.

[DuranFanWI]

Originally Posted by rickah88

Fassbender in anything please!
I don't think I've seen him turn in a bad performance yet!

Originally Posted by sackexchange

Or Benedict Cumberbatch.

This ... THIS ... is what I'd love to see.

[blonde_devil]

Originally Posted by tigertron

Unless everyone suddenly stops caring about Star Wars then the movie won't bomb and neither will JJ's career.

The Trek films are proof of that - fans stopped caring and they still made them. He will just have fullfilled his dream and not return for the next one if anything.

How central are they going to be to the movie? Hammill is 62, Ford is 71 - it isn't like they are going to be running around like in the original movie. They are going to be central like Obi-Wan was in the original movie - a supporting character, just like everyone thought. I don't get why everyone is so amazed, this isn't real news.

[toddly6666]

I thought this video was awesome and psyched me up for Star Wars:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtQb2...ature=youtu.be

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

We're meeting them still in the new one, but I think it's better they're introduced as supporting characters, giving us more time to get to know them, while giving the original cast one last shot at the limelight. This is my opinion of course, and I look forward to seeing how it all comes together.

Harrison's never LEFT the Limelight. He's been a major star since then; it's really just the other 2 (Fisher/Hamill) who've been (for the most part), on the sidelines since the OT (whether it was their choice, or their Movie choices )

Originally Posted by tigertron

Exactly, the audience needs to get comfortable with the new trilogy instead of forcing an entirely new cast of characters, so I understand why JJ wants the main three to be the leads and slowly introduce the new cast for episode 8.

Plus, I think JJ wants to play it safe seeing as how this is a new trilogy. I'm more comfortable knowing that a more than capable fan is directing/writing this with someone who co-wrote the OT than someone who was completely new to Star Wars and didn't appear to be a fan or anything.

I'd rather he didn't "play it safe", & used mostly new actors/actresses, while having the others in supporting roles (not Completely relegated to the sidelines, so to speak).

Looks like I'm the only one wanting to Move On. Maybe I should call Arndt & see if he wants to grab a bite somewhere.

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

Well, clearly it was if Arndt wasn't willing to focus on the characters in his script. That was the problem. Abrams wanted to bring the focus onto the original characters just for 'Episode VII', to give audiences the familiarity, while setting up the new characters to take over. I think it's the right move, and I'm glad he had the sense to do it.

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

We've all known that the original trilogy characters were going to be in the movie...But we were all under the impression it was only in supporting roles. Again, that's what Abrams has changed, because that's not what Arndt was interested in. He was more interested in their kids, where as Abrams wanted them to be supporting in Episode VII, and giving the original cast one last shot at glory. That was his and Kennedy's doing, and they're right for the change.

Walt, I'm curious to know why you're in such agreement with this; aside from him showing Fisher/Hamill one last time for this series, as Ford is still Very Active in films, I don't get it.


I'm NOT trying to come across as Hating the idea, seriously, I'm not. But to me, it seems as if it's a bit of a cop out to use Ford/Hamill/Fisher in Lead Roles (IF in fact, that's how it ends up for "VII"), just to guarantee Disney MORE of a Potential Huge payoff at the box office. Harrison makes sense, but seeing as the other 2 don't really do much (& haven't for Years, if we're All being Honest, as far as Quality work that the Public has remembered), what's the point to bring them back Now? So everyone can go when seeing how they've Aged? ---- It just doesn't make sense TO ME.



.... nervously awaiting the inevitable beat down from the SW Fan(atic) Universe.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by Aerodude73

Walt, I'm curious to know why you're in such agreement with this; aside from him showing Fisher/Hamill one last time for this series, as Ford is still Very Active in films, I don't get it.


I'm NOT trying to come across as Hating the idea, seriously, I'm not. But to me, it seems as if it's a bit of a cop out to use Ford/Hamill/Fisher in Lead Roles (IF in fact, that's how it ends up for "VII"), just to guarantee Disney MORE of a Potential Huge payoff at the box office. Harrison makes sense, but seeing as the other 2 don't really do much (& haven't for Years, if we're All being Honest, as far as Quality work that the Public has remembered), what's the point to bring them back Now? So everyone can go when seeing how they've Aged? ---- It just doesn't make sense TO ME.

I'm for it because I think in the sense of making the film, it's the best route to go. Sure, Hamill and Fisher haven't done much with their careers post 'Star Wars', but that's not really a bad thing. As long as Abrams directs them correctly, they should turn out fine performances. But as a follow up to 'Return of the Jedi', I think bringing this cast in to do the passing of the Lighsaber, so to speak, is what should happen.

It's hard to jump into a sequel with all new characters at the forefront. It could work having them in supporting roles, yes, but I think having the characters who will be taking over hanging back for one film gives us time to acclimate to them, while getting to say goodbye to the original characters as the main heroes. Because most of who ever envisioned an 'Episode VII' probably envisioned them as the main characters. I've had years worth of EU that had them there, where we got to know them, as well as their kids. But now that that's all gone essentially, so it would be nice to have the canonized version of the universe that gives the original heroes a proper final adventure.

This is all just my preference, of course. I think it makes sense on the film's front, as well as for fans. Abrams seems to as well, and I trust his judgement. For what it's worth, I've heard Arndt's draft was pretty terrible...So we may have dodged a bullet.

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

I'm for it because I think in the sense of making the film, it's the best route to go. Sure, Hamill and Fisher haven't done much with their careers post 'Star Wars', but that's not really a bad thing. As long as Abrams directs them correctly, they should turn out fine performances. But as a follow up to 'Return of the Jedi', I think bringing this cast in to do the passing of the Lighsaber, so to speak, is what should happen.

It's hard to jump into a sequel with all new characters at the forefront. It could work having them in supporting roles, yes, but I think having the characters who will be taking over hanging back for one film gives us time to acclimate to them, while getting to say goodbye to the original characters as the main heroes. Because most of who ever envisioned an 'Episode VII' probably envisioned them as the main characters. I've had years worth of EU that had them there, where we got to know them, as well as their kids. But now that that's all gone essentially, so it would be nice to have the canonized version of the universe that gives the original heroes a proper final adventure.

This is all just my preference, of course. I think it makes sense on the film's front, as well as for fans. Abrams seems to as well, and I trust his judgement. For what it's worth, I've heard Arndt's draft was pretty terrible...So we may have dodged a bullet.

JJ did a pretty damn nice job with the STAR TREK (2009) reboot, & a totally new cast of younger, yet very good Actors/Actresses though, right?

But I can see your point(s), & thanks for replying.

As for the script, draft, whatever it was, if it sucked so bad, surely they could found other writers (Orci/Kurtzman?, since JJ's used them a with fairly good success).

I guess we'll see. I'm a HUGE Fan of JJ Abrams, just not completely on board with This idea (yet). Lol, hell, he could totally prove me wrong & if it's for the better, than I'll gladly bring a nice new shiny knife & fork for my Crow dinner...

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by Aerodude73

JJ did a pretty damn nice job with the STAR TREK (2009) reboot, & a totally new cast of younger, yet very good Actors/Actresses though, right?

But I can see your point(s), & thanks for replying.

As for the script, draft, whatever it was, if it sucked so bad, surely they could found other writers (Orci/Kurtzman?, since JJ's used them a with fairly good success).

I guess we'll see. I'm a HUGE Fan of JJ Abrams, just not completely on board with This idea (yet). Lol, hell, he could totally prove me wrong & if it's for the better, than I'll gladly bring a nice new shiny knife & fork for my Crow dinner...

Well, in the case of 'Star Trek', he was at least working with established characters. New actors, yes, but characters many already knew and loved. It helped that he brought Nimoy along for the ride as well, which gave fans that extra ounce of familiarity. So, it's a tiny bit of a different scenario, but it's still a relevant one.

I love J.J., and I'm just trying to be the optimistic one with this project. I believe he knows what he's doing, an I don't think Kennedy would have chosen him if he hadn't. I think that that the fact that part of the reason his 'Star Trek' films worked so well was because of the clear 'Star Wars' influence he infused into it's DNA. So if he taps into that fully here, which we obviously believe he will, then this movie should be excellent. Hiring Kasdan to help him bring the project full circle, at least in my eyes, shows that is what his aim is. He's wanting to go back to the days of the original trilogy, even to the point he's shooting on 35mm.

So with all that, now we just have to wait for official word, and lets hope the movie turns out as well as we're all hoping. That's all we can do.

[Packerfan75]

Originally Posted by Walts Ghost

I'm for it because I think in the sense of making the film, it's the best route to go. Sure, Hamill and Fisher haven't done much with their careers post 'Star Wars', but that's not really a bad thing. As long as Abrams directs them correctly, they should turn out fine performances. But as a follow up to 'Return of the Jedi', I think bringing this cast in to do the passing of the Lighsaber, so to speak, is what should happen.

It's hard to jump into a sequel with all new characters at the forefront. It could work having them in supporting roles, yes, but I think having the characters who will be taking over hanging back for one film gives us time to acclimate to them, while getting to say goodbye to the original characters as the main heroes. Because most of who ever envisioned an 'Episode VII' probably envisioned them as the main characters. I've had years worth of EU that had them there, where we got to know them, as well as their kids. But now that that's all gone essentially, so it would be nice to have the canonized version of the universe that gives the original heroes a proper final adventure.

This is all just my preference, of course. I think it makes sense on the film's front, as well as for fans. Abrams seems to as well, and I trust his judgement. For what it's worth, I've heard Arndt's draft was pretty terrible...So we may have dodged a bullet.

I agree completely. The original cast helps the continuity of the series so it isn't too jarring for fans of the original series or the story. That's probably the main reason for including r2d2 and C-3PO in the prequels. They didn't really need to be there but it was for the benefit of existing fans for them to be there.
The original cast will be able to hand off to the next generation the same way.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by Aerodude73

JJ did a pretty damn nice job with the STAR TREK (2009) reboot, & a totally new cast of younger, yet very good Actors/Actresses though, right?

But I can see your point(s), & thanks for replying.

As for the script, draft, whatever it was, if it sucked so bad, surely they could found other writers (Orci/Kurtzman?, since JJ's used them a with fairly good success).

I guess we'll see. I'm a HUGE Fan of JJ Abrams, just not completely on board with This idea (yet). Lol, hell, he could totally prove me wrong & if it's for the better, than I'll gladly bring a nice new shiny knife & fork for my Crow dinner...

Also Star Trek has had so many different live action entries on both the big screen and television, not so much for Star Wars, that I think it was a little easier to handle a whole new cast for the new movie.
Like Waltsghost, I am very much in favor of the "core cast" of SW present in, at least, Episode VII. I hope they linger throughout the 8 & 9 as well, but that remains to be seen. No matter what happens, JJ has earned my trust. I'm a huge fan of Star Wars. With that said, I'm quite optimistic about these next 3 films.