Star Wars

Casting calls for Star Wars: Episode VII in Chicago, Austin

Now that Star Wars: Episode VII is officially set for a December 18, 2015 release date, Disney and Lucasfilm are going forward with the casting process. Casting calls have been scheduled in Chicago and Austin for two roles in the film. The roles are for the same two characters, and while there are specific character traits the casting crew is looking for, there's no real word on how each character will fit into the film's narrative. Information on the two characters are as follows:

Seeking: Young woman to play 17-18 years old. Must be beautiful, smart and athletic. Open to all ethnicities (including bi- and multi-racial).

Rachel:
Was quite young when she lost her parents. With no other family, she was forced to maker her way alone in a tough, dangerous town. Now 17 she has become street smart and strong. She is able to take care of herself using humor and guts to get by. Always a survivor, never a victim, she remains hopeful that she can move away from this harsh existence to a better life. She is always thinking of what she can do to move ahead.

Seeking: Young man to play 19-23 years old. Must be handsome, smart and athletic. Must be over 18.

Thomas:
Has grown up without a father's influence. Without the model of being a man, he doesn't have the strongest sense of himself. Despite this, he is smart, capable and shows courage when it is needed. He can appreciate the absurdities in life and understands you can't take life too seriously.

The Austin casting will take place on November 22nd at the Hilton, 500 E. Fourth, 3:00pm - 8:00pm. The Chicago casting will take place on November 14th at the Park West Theater, 322 W. Armitage,  3:00pm - 8:00pm. Casting veteran Maryellen Aviano (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) will be in attendance at both open castings. If you fit these requirements or know anybody that does, spread the word! Who knows, you could represent the next generation of Jedi and follow in the same footsteps as Mark Hamill, Hayden Christensen, Liam Neeson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ewan McGregor, Sir Alec Guinness, and more!

[via RedEye Chicago, via Austin Chronicle]

by Geoff Henao

Star Wars: Episode VII team wanted a delay to 2016; Disney strict on 2015 release

With news that J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan taking over the Star Wars: Episode VII script from Michael Ardnt, there were worries that the film might miss its 2015 release date. Indeed, restructuring the entire script will take time, especially when it doesn't allow the creative team to properly prepare for casting and production. Word has come out that the film's producer, Kathleen Kennedy, wanted to delay the film's release into 2016. However, Disney CEO was insistent on a 2015 release. Abrams, meanwhile, is comfortable and confident in making that deadline.

Right now, it's just a matter of whether or not a high-quality film can be delivered in time for a 2015 release. Obviously, a lot of money is at stake for Disney in both ticket sales and merchandising. However, with other high-profile Disney films already set for 2015 releases (The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, The Good Dinosaur, Cinderella, and Inside Out), pushing Star Wars: Episode VII into a Spring 2016 slot wouldn't be that bad of a move.

[via Collider]

by Geoff Henao

J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan are now writing the Star Wars Episode VII script

Outside of a few casting rumors (the most illustrious being Saoirse Ronan and Benedict Cumberbatch) and speculation over the new trilogy's story, no concrete information has come out regarding Star Wars Episode VII's story. Recent news has come out explaining why lips have been so tight about the film's narrative.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy released a statement saying director J.J. Abrams and Star Wars Episodes V and VI co-writer Lawrence Kasdan will be re-writing the script that Michael Arndt (Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3) was previously working on. Kennedy states:

I am very excited about the story we have in place and thrilled to have Larry and J.J. working on the script. There are very few people who fundamentally understand the way a ‘Star Wars’ story works like Larry, and it is nothing short of incredible to have him even more deeply involved in its return to the big screen. J.J. of course is an incredible storyteller in his own right. Michael Arndt has done a terrific job bringing us to this point and we have an amazing filmmaking and design team in place already prepping for production.

It's reported that Abrams wasn't happy with Arndt's script, preferring to write an entirely new script. It's unknown if any of the story's elements will be retained, but it's good to see Abrams taking a more direct approach with the film, considering how huge it will be. Because of the change in personnel, the film's production will be delayed. Its previously rumored May 2015 release may be pushed until Winter 2015. But hey, better a delay for quality control than rushing out a subpar product, right?

[via /Film]

by Geoff Henao

[Video] George Lucas' son, Jett Lucas, discusses Star Wars Episode VII

So many rumors and discussions have followed the upcoming Star Wars trilogy since the franchise was sold to Disney and handed to J.J. Abrams to direct. Will it be about Jacen and Jaina Solo? Will they be as cheesy as the Prequel Trilogy? Will they be full of lens flares and explosions?

One rumor or point of discussion revolves around George Lucas' influence on the film. Since he sold Lucasfilm to Disney around Halloween 2012, many have wondered whether he would let future Star Wars films grow or would flex his muscle over any plot points or decisions he may disagree with. In an interview with Flicks and the City, Lucas' son, Jett Lucas, answered some of the behind-the-scenes questions swirling around the upcoming sequel, including Lucas' influence, his thoughts on Abrams taking over, casting rumors, and more. Watch the video below, Padawans.

http://youtu.be/lnr18AUym-o

[Flicks and the City, via /Film]

by Geoff Henao

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]

by Geoff Henao