Before we get into today’s line-up of fresh Star Wars Episode VII talk, can we just take one moment to reflect on how truly insane it is that we’re reporting on an entire string of rumors about a seventh Star Wars film that is actually being made within mere months? Have we thought about that enough? Yes? Okay.
First up, more director rumors! (We know you guys love these.) Joining the ranks of Zack Snyder, Steven Spielberg, and Quentin Tarantino, J.J. Abrams has weighed in on his potential for helming the film with a big, fat, resounding “no.” The director told Hollywood Life: “Look, Star Wars is one of my favorite movies of all time…I frankly feel that – I almost feel that, in a weird way, the opportunity for whomever it is to direct that movie, it comes with the burden of being that kind of iconic movie and series. I was never a big Star Trek fan growing up, so for me, working on Star Trek didn’t have any of that, you know, almost fatal sacrilege, and so, I am looking forward more then anyone to the next iterations of Star Wars, but I believe I will be going as a paying moviegoer!” Cross Abrams off the list (probably).
And what about Jon Favreau? Favs gave a bit of a riff on Abrams’ answer to the outlet, saying: “I think both J.J. and I come from a generation of people who formed our whole creative persona around what we experienced as kids from watching those films, and I have had the good fortune of working with George [Lucas] and around George…I have been very happy and lucky to just experience the culture that Lucas has created, both in my own life growing up as a kid and professional…so I am just giddy, first and foremost as a fan, to see what happens with it. I think there is a lot of question marks of how they are going to do it, and who they are going to do it with, and what the story is going to be about; but to say that I am not excited about it is definitely an understatement. We’ll see.”
But though it seems like we keep hearing about people who are definitely not interested in directing the film (or not interested in making it sound like they could direct it), there is someone else who has been buzzed about who might actually want in on the project. On the heels of Erik Davis’ Movies.com’s piece about why he should direct the film, Mike Ryan of The Huffington Post got in touch with director Joe Johnston to see how he feels about the possibility. Johnston replied in simple terms that don’t rule out his possible involvement: “A lot would depend on what ‘it’ is. I am very glad to see Lucasfilm cranking up to get productive again, regardless of who ends up doing it.” That is not a no, people!
How much longer will we be tasked with wondering just who the hell is going to direct this thing (or, as seems more and more possible, three things)? Well, MTV might have some insight (via /Film). The outlet got some red carpet time with producer Frank Marshall (who is married to new LucasFilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy), who told them that they’re down to “a couple” of candidates for the job. Thank goodness, we’re not sure we can keep up with these rumors much longer, our hands are tired.
And, finally, a British tabloid called Express (via Geeks of Doom) would like us all to believe that Darth Vader will return for the seventh film. A “film mole” reportedly shared with the outlet: “He’s an integral part of the franchise. Replacing him is virtually impossible. The plan is for him to return and play a significant role in the new films…Darth Vader will rise from the ashes.” No.
Who do you want to direct the new Star Wars? Which characters do you want to see? Have at it.