Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

[Bryancd]

Yes, hopefully they don't pull the standard dead/absent mother Disney trope. This isn't Bambi, Lion King, The Little Mermaid and more I can't think of right now. Did Walt Disney have some kind of mommy issues?

That's a good point, Joe, I hadn't considered that.

[Rico]

John Williams confirmed for Episode VII!!!!  This just improved immensely.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ4jZr1w0AI#ws

[ChrisMC]

Can't imagine Star Wars without him. It's pretty inspiring to see a man at his age still at the top of his profession.

[WillEagle]

Awesome. I have lots of John Williams music.

[Bromptonboy]

Thank God he signed on.

[Geekyfanboy]

Was there any doubt he wouldn't be involved??

[Rico]

Was there any doubt he wouldn't be involved??

Actually a little doubt.  He certainly still seems lively for his age.  I'm guessing he will keep doing it as long as he can.  Just happy Mr. Williams hasn't decided to retire yet!

[Rico]

A few new things floating around the net on the next SW film.  Sounds like 35mm film is back in!  Yeah!! 
And maybe a release date in Dec. of 2015.  Wow - does this idea sound familiar.

Boba Fett Fanclub got one of the few confirmed bits of news on "Episode VII" this week:

Announced today at a film industry event in Los Angeles, we're exclusively reporting that cinematographer Dan Mindel ASC, BSC is shooting Star Wars Episode 7 with J.J. Abrams — on 35mm film. Specifically, Kodak film stock 5219.

On the rumor front, Badass Digest started a new rumor on the release date:

Multiple sources have told me that right now Disney and Lucasfilm have December circled on their calendars, with a mid-month release - the 15th - being most likely. That would take Star Wars out of the crowded summer and, more importantly, give JJ Abrams and company a couple more months to work on a movie that's already running a tighter schedule than most of the other Star Wars films.

Considering Disney's very aggressive schedule for the film, this is somewhat believable. However, Variety's Marc Graser says his sources give a different story...

More here:  http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=108120

[Praxis]

I somehow missed this. That is SO COOL that JW is returning.

[Rico]

Latest casting rumors - Saoirse Ronan Reading for Star Wars, Benedict Cumberbatch Definitely Cast?

P.S. I'm starting to believe this Cumberbatch casting idea now.  Love to see him as a Jedi.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=109162

[Bryancd]

Me too, he would be great. I also heard they have Las Crucas, NM as a possible shooting location for a brief part of the film. That screams Tatooine to me.

[Bromptonboy]

Latest casting rumors - Saoirse Ronan Reading for Star Wars, Benedict Cumberbatch Definitely Cast?

Cool, really like her. 

[ChrisMC]

He could be...a reborn Palpatine? Or a new Sith. I bet he will be a villain.

[Rico]

This is funny.  Long time composer friend of JJ (and Trek composer) Michael Giacchino messes around with an updated Imperial March theme with a friend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2iwy9aC670#ws

[ChrisMC]

John Ralphio! (watch Parks and Rec if you aren't already...funniest show on TV!)