Down Under Disneyana Australian Disney Forum

So, now that Star Wars is a Disney franchise, we can start discussing the next film

And as this one will be set after Return of the Jedi, would you like to see a return of the old characters in some way - Luke, Leia and Han appearing as leaders/mentors to the next generation of Jedi? Or will that be too cutesy??

Leia will be Queen of somewhere, possibly naboo. Han will be something like the senate leader and perhaps Luke will start to rebuild the Jedi academy. Although I expect these characters whilst they appear will be in the background. I would expect new sets of characters who will resonate with a whole new generation.

Well Keith always likes a princess!

I would expect new sets of characters who will resonate with a whole new generation.

Me too - although I wouldn't mind a cameo just to tie the new series together and to clear up the timeline. Beyond that though, I think a whole new set of characters (including new bots...R2D2 and C3PO have had their run).

I want to see all new characters. As much as it could be cool to see some of the older ones there is almost no way to make it not look lame and just cashing in. Lets go for all brand new.

Disney officially confirmed today that J.J. Abrams will direct Episode VII (after rumours started popping up around the web earlier in the week). I'm pretty excited about this as I really enjoy his films - I see him as the new Spielberg, basically making the same type of movies that Spielberg used to make in the 1980s. Can't wait to hear more about this now.

Here is their official press release:

January 25, 2013 - J.J Abrams to Direct 'Star Wars: Episode VII'
Janelle Tipton, The Walt Disney Studios

Exciting news! We've just confirmed that J.J. Abrams will direct Star Wars: Episode VII, the first of a new series of Star Wars films to come from Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy.

Kathleen shares, “It’s very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie. J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture.”

George Lucas went on to say, “I’ve consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller. He’s an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn’t be in better hands.”

Academy Award-winning writer Michael Arndt will write the screenplay. J.J., his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, and Bad Robot are on board to produce along with Kathleen Kennedy under the Disney/Lucasfilm banner.

"To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor,” J.J. Abrams said. “I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid."

Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company agreed in October 2012 to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Star Wars: Episode VII is targeted for release in 2015, with more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga and grow the franchise well into the future!

The one disappointing part of this news is that he is unlikely to do any more Star Trek movies. I really like the new Star Trek so far and losing him may diminish the future product. However what he could do for Star Wars is going to be great.

Disney released the title of the new film today:

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

So let the speculation begin as to what this means!

and perhaps Luke will start to rebuild the Jedi academy.

This is from Dec 2012, gee I hope I was onto something then .

Clearly the title is hinting at the rebirth of the Jedi and a battle royale with the Dark Side recommencing. I wonder if they'll go down the path similar to when Luke was inducted where he didn't believe it and spend half the movie with the new characters gaining trust and learning the force. JJ Abrams may go a similar way he did with Spock in the first Star Trek and do a little back to the future thing perhaps?

Either way, it's exciting and I cannot wait!

Either way, it's exciting and I cannot wait!

And that is the perfect summary of my feelings!

Of course, with The Force awakening, the Dark Side will also be getting stronger...

Bring it on!

Big news day

Oooh - and here it is!

The first teaser trailer for the new Star Wars film - and even though it is just a small glimpse of what is to come, I love it!
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I actually got goosebumps watching that...

can. not. wait..... -/

Consider me teased! This is going to be a long 12 months! I'm really looking forward to this one.

I just love the quick view of the storm troopers on the ship getting ready to land on a planet - the atmosphere is great in the scene.

Cannot wait for this film!