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

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by Duffy12

Apparently the guy has got an inside source and these reports start from three years ago.

.

The reports from three years ago about the TV series, I'll believe (as they'll probably constitute source material for the new stories)--
The rest of the rumor recap, particularly the "UOT, Like Elvis, is Not Dead" Mania--confirmed, as Beast observed, with the compelling "C'mon, it's gotta happen, it's Disney; they wouldn't miss a chance like this!"--I'll reserve judgment, thanks.

[JavaJulien]

Originally Posted by s2mikey

Well, Im not bothered by the switch like some are. I mean, the last time Vader was truly good, he was Anakins age. I get that his redemption occured as he was Shaws age but having Christainsen in this shot almost makes sense. You have a multi-generational group shot there. From youngest to oldest. Its not a huge deal, IMO.

I agree, I just wish they didn't go with such a creepy expression.

[Nerdkiller likes BD]

Originally Posted by JamesKurtovich

^ lol @ stupid facial expression on Anakin

Seriously, how did George look at that and decide that was his "vision."

Here's hoping Sebastian Shaw reclaims his rightful place at Ben and Yoda's side.

Originally Posted by stvn1974

Plus Shaw didn't have the look that he is about to molest you on his face.

Originally Posted by JavaJulien

I agree, I just wish they didn't go with such a creepy expression.

Reminds me too much of the Kubrick stare.



Yeah, that's one of the few things that actually bothered me about the changes.

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by Ernest Rister

They're hands off until problems arise - see their acquisition of ABC, and all the heads that rolled when ABC went into the ratings toilet. That led to the rise of Bob Iger, as he was credited with righting the ship at ABC.

Point is, Disney will leave Lucasfilm alone, but if Disney is unhappy with their output, Disney will step in and make changes. Disney is a corporation, and like any other organism, government, or corporation on Earth, it operates out of self-interest. Things that make it stronger, they leave alone. Things that are hurting it, they remove. If Lucasfilm stumbles, Disney has the power to make changes to improve it from their point of view. There's nothing controversial or surprising about that. It's just the way things are, all over the world.

I understand what you mean, Ernest, even if some people don't. Disney isn't willing to spend $4 billion on something they'll just completely leave alone - they know fan reaction to the prequels wasn't good, and the last thing they want to do is fall into a situation where they are annoying fans with sub-par releases (Lucas didn't even get away with that, and he was the CREATOR of it!). Some long-term fans of the series will be out for blood, just waiting for Disney to slip up so they can say "see, they should have just left the franchise where it was - they've now raped my childhood" or something to that effect, and Disney knows that the first release will be the important one. It would be a perfect world if Disney just purchased something and then left that company to run itself - you don't invest that much money into something without having serious input yourself, is all I'm saying.

And as for the whole "they'll need to rent Skywalker Ranch out", no they won't. It's Disney. They have a perfectly good place to do whatever they want now, and it will no doubt contain the same - or similar - equipment. They don't need the Ranch for anything, and they especially won't be paying to use it - can you imagine them giving Lucas any more money?

[rickah88]

Seeing as, at this point, about ~96% of this thread is total speculation....I have no problem waiting for the eventual announcements, so then facts can be discussed.
Until then I will bask in the glow of this news knowing that it can only be a good thing for the franchise, IMHO.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by EricJ

The rest of the rumor recap, particularly the "UOT, Like Elvis, is Not Dead" Mania--...

I can almost kinda sorta see why one would accept the notion that the original sources were destroyed beyond use during the production of the Special Editions. That seems silly to me but stranger things have happened.

It's a little harder to see how one could believe no archival copies were made before said destruction but apparently there are still people who believe that.

What's really funny though is that the people who believe GL and Co. merrily sliced the source materials to shreds without any thought to preservation or archiving believe everybody else is in the tinfoil hat club.

To be honest, I almost have to envy that.

[Show spoiler]If nothing else, my poker game would improve a thousandfold if I could say stuff like with a straight face.

[ahossein79]

Originally Posted by stvn1974

Humor is all I have left when it comes to the joke that Star Wars has become.

Well I am going to tell you the same thing I told many before if Star Wars only brings you pain, aggravation, and heartache than just leave, turn away from Star Wars forever and find something else to enjoy. Honestly what a terrible so called "fanbase"......

[The Edge]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

"They've now raped my childhood"

That's just bollocks for anybody to claim, especially when George created their childhood to begin with.

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

And as for the whole "they'll need to rent Skywalker Ranch out", no they won't. It's Disney. They have a perfectly good place to do whatever they want now, and it will no doubt contain the same - or similar - equipment. They don't need the Ranch for anything, and they especially won't be paying to use it - can you imagine them giving Lucas any more money?

Doesn't Disney technically own part (if not all) of Skywalker Ranch now, given that everything contained within was sold to them? Why "rent it out" from George when he no longer owns it?

Also, I think that would mean that since Skywalker Sound is owned by Disney, that Lucas Valley Rd. (where the headquarters is located) would be their property as well... just my guess.

Originally Posted by ahossein79

Well I am going to tell you the same thing I told many before if Star Wars only brings you pain, aggravation, and heartache than just leave, turn away from Star Wars forever and find something else to enjoy. Honestly what a terrible so called "fanbase"......

Right. More Star Wars for us, less of the negativity.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by ahossein79

Well I am going to tell you the same thing I told many before if Star Wars only brings you pain, aggravation, and heartache than just leave, turn away from Star Wars forever and find something else to enjoy. Honestly what a terrible so called "fanbase"......

Evacuate now?

In our moment of triumph???

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by octagon

Evacuate now?

In our moment of triumph???

I saw what you did there, and I think Tarkin would be quite proud!

[tigertron]

Originally Posted by Groge511

As much as I am a Joss fan on this occasion I have to go with Spielberg. Hes always wanted to do one and being, basically, GL's best mate since film school he knows Star Wars and he knows how Lucas does what he does. Not only does he understand what it takes to make Star Wars but he would be perfect for the job. We all know what he can do and when it comes to sci-fi and/or fantasy hes one of the first go-to-guys. He would manage to make it remain family entertainment as well as please hardcore fans. He is a trusted film maker and should definitely be given a chance and one chance only!

^ This.

In my eyes, Spielburg is sci-fi king. If anyone can make an awesome Star Wars trilogy and not screw it up, it's him.

[Nerdkiller likes BD]

Originally Posted by ahossein79

Well I am going to tell you the same thing I told many before if Star Wars only brings you pain, aggravation, and heartache than just leave, turn away from Star Wars forever and find something else to enjoy. Honestly what a terrible so called "fanbase"......

Originally Posted by The Edge

Right. More Star Wars for us, less of the negativity.

THANK YOU! I feel like a broken record for saying this, but when you claim that your childhood has been violated for THIRTEEN YEARS, I think it's high time that you just let go of the franchise.

Originally Posted by Blu Warrior

Love it!!

[Beast]

Originally Posted by The Edge

Doesn't Disney technically own part (if not all) of Skywalker Ranch now, given that everything contained within was sold to them? Why "rent it out" from George when he no longer owns it?

Also, I think that would mean that since Skywalker Sound is owned by Disney, that Lucas Valley Rd. (where the headquarters is located) would be their property as well... just my guess.

Nope. Lucas retains full ownership of Skywalker ranch. Already been confirmed by Business magazines.

Which means everything and everyone that is now Part of Disney's Lucasfilm is housed and working out of Lucas' property.

[The Edge]

Originally Posted by Beast

Nope. Lucas retains full ownership of Skywalker ranch. Already been confirmed by Business magazines.

Which means everything and everyone that is now Part of Disney's Lucasfilm is housed and working out of Lucas' property.

So, Skywalker Sound (not inside The Ranch) would basically be empty?

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by octagon

I can almost kinda sorta see why one would accept the notion that the original sources were destroyed beyond use during the production of the Special Editions. That seems silly to me but stranger things have happened.

It's a little harder to see how one could believe no archival copies were made before said destruction but apparently there are still people who believe that.

It's especially funny considering Lucas is a firm believer in preserving old film, and donates money to causes that archive footage from the beginning of cinema. Why would he, then, slice and ruin his own film and completely go against how he feels?

Originally Posted by stvn1974

Humor is all I have left when it comes to the joke that Star Wars has become.

If you don't like how much of a brand Star Wars has become, don't watch the new ones when they come out. We both know you will, but you shouldn't if it's such a "joke" to you.

Originally Posted by Nerdkiller likes BD

Well, maybe the whole "violation" thing is inaccurate, but all I know is that some people seem to act that way in their discussions. And it's those types that almost put me off the franchise in general.

A lot of people act that way, but not just about SW -- although, admittedly, most of it does stem from that fanbase. I've seen people use the violation argument against Star Trek and lots of other fan-based releases. It's ridiculous and downright stupid to even use such a phrase to describe such feelings - rape is one of the worst crimes that can be committed -- it's probably second behind murder -- and the mental damage that can be inflicted upon an individual from such a traumatic experience should never, ever be likened to feelings of anger towards a film or film-maker.

Back to happy thoughts.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by The Edge

George didn't ruin Star Wars, he made it. 6 films of it.

The two are not mutually exclusive, you know.

I don't think anything has been ruined but there have definitely been some close calls. From Ewoks to Jar-Jar to 'hang up Anakin...no, Padme, you hang up' there's been no shortage of 'wtf' moments.

[wormraper]

Originally Posted by The Edge

George didn't ruin Star Wars, he made it. 6 films of it.

you can ruin something you make. easy peasy to do.

[stvn1974]

I don't hate or even dislike Lucas. His contributions to cinema are probably unmatched and his charity work even more so but that doesn't mean I have to like what he has done too Star Wars. I do hope the Disney films are great. In a perfect world the films would be so amazing that they will be a continuation of the OT and I can have 6 films that I can watch over and over and be entertained by.

[stvn1974]

One change that Lucas could make that would probably make me enjoy it as a 6 film saga is having him put in a scene that explains how Leia can remember her mother. Don't give me some "it was the force garbage either". It is a continuity error plain and simple.

[octagon]

Originally Posted by legendarymatt92

It's especially funny considering Lucas is a firm believer in preserving old film, and donates money to causes that archive footage from the beginning of cinema. Why would he, then, slice and ruin his own film and completely go against how he feels?

Yeah, whatever other criticisms one might have there really is no question he's a committed to film preservation.

Rumor has it he's also a pretty sharp business person. Even if one completely disregards the preservation angle it's hard to imagine him destroying extremely valuable property without archiving it first.

That simply doesn't ring true.