Saoirse Ronan has read for Star Wars Episode VII
Irish actress Saoirse Ronan (Hanna) recently confirmed that she has auditioned for a role in the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII. Ronan's confirmation serves as the biggest name to come out of any actual interest for the film. However, Ronan downplayed the importance of her audition by stating that "so has everyone [else]" in regards to reading for the role (perhaps for the rumored Jaina Solo character?). Considering that Ronan is only 19, if she were to be cast into a major role, she could grow alongside the franchise without the typical Hollywood fear of her "becoming too old." Plus, Ronan has shown she can hold her own in an action film in Hanna. It's still too early to call favorites, but I definitely wouldn't mind seeing Ronan cast in perhaps the largest role of her career.
[via Collider]
Star Wars Episode VII could be partially shot on IMAX cameras
Star Wars Episode VII is guaranteed to be huge. Whether or not it makes a ton of money at the box office (which it will) or is panned by every film critic (which it possibly will be), the next sequel telling the story from a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away represents the first major shift in the popular franchise since George Lucas decided to bastardize Darth Vader's character by telling Anakin Skywalker's story in 1999's Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. With Lucas essentially out of the picture, Disney calling the shots, and the enigmatic J.J. Abrams at the helm, it basically goes without saying (in spite of this cold opening paragraph) that Episode VII will be vastly different than what we've come to expect from the Star Wars franchise over the 14 years.
The most intriguing bit of news that followed Abrams' attachment to the project was his retainment of Star Trek cinematographer Dan Mindel to shoot Episode VII on 35mm. However, following a Goldman Sachs conference earlier this week, IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond revealed that IMAX is in talks with Abrams' team to shoot some scenes on IMAX cameras. Considering Abrams' track record with IMAX, the news comes as no surprise. Furthermore, IMAX tickets cost more, raising the box office intake for Disney, and a film like Episode VII would benefit from a larger screen, at least in regards to huge action sequences full of lens flares. Never change, J.J.
[via Collider]
Star Wars Episode VII will be shot on 35mm
J.J. Abrams is doing his part to ensure that his take on the Star Wars franchise will stick as true to the original trilogy as possible. Besides retaining John Williams as the main composer and building on the original trilogy's characters, he has also gone on record stating his interest in shooting to scale as much as possible to minimize the reliance on CGI. As you may remember, Star Wars Episodes II and III (Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith) represented some of the low points in the franchise, partially because of George Lucas' reliance on CGI and the contrast that decision cast against the actors.
Abrams is a noted film supporter and will be reuniting with his Star Trek cinematographer, Dan Mindel, to shoot Star Wars Episode VII. Mindel will be shooting on Kodak 5219 film stock for the film enthusiasts curious about the announcement. This should bode well for the next space opera installment, especially in regards to the (hopeful) diminishment of CGI characters (re: Jar Jar Binks).
Abrams is saying all the right things; hopefully, his take on the Star Wars mythos will be one that can wipe out the bad taste the prequel trilogy left in our mouths. Furthermore, Star Wars Episode VII might also represent the end of film stock in films, so let's pray the film will give the propriety a proper final hurrah.
[via /Film]
Will J.J. Abrams' Star Wars Episode VII focus on Jaina and Jacen Solo?
JJ Abrams has been really tightlipped when it comes to his plans for the next film in the Star Wars franchise. It's understandable, considering his Star Trek Into Darkness hasn't been in theaters for a month yet. The notably secretive director likes to keep his cards close, and with as huge a franchise as Star Wars, there's good reason for Abrams to not show his hand too early.
However, the cards might have been forced out of his grip as rumors have swept the internet up with a supposed protagonist and antagonist already being chosen for Episode VII. The guys over at Schmoes Know have gotten wind of plot and character details for the anticipated Episode VII. If the rumors are true, the next Star Wars film will focus on Jaina and Jacen Solo, the twin daughter and son of Han Solo and Leia Skywalker. Star Wars fans will remember the two as being main characters from the "Expanded Edition" of Star Wars novels that take place following Return of the Jedi. While the novels are unofficially considered canon, if Jaina and Jacen are indeed a part of Abrams' plans for the film, it serves as a great move for the franchise as a female Jedi will finally be featured.
The backstory surrounding Jaina and Jacen finds them as Jedi training under their uncle, Luke Skywalker. However, Jacen, who is considered to be the most powerful Jedi in the universe, finds himself slowly growing attracted to the Dark Side. Jaina is then left to bring him back... or stop him by any means necessary. Sounds just like the type of compelling story Abrams would find himself attracted to, no?
[via Schmoes Know]