Multiple Solos...

Yes, if it wasn't for rumors we would have no news at all...

Well, that's not entirely true.  We did have the announcement last week that Michael Arndt was moving on from his work on Star Wars and J.J. Abrams and OT scribe Lawrence Kasdan would do the heavy lifting the rest of the journey.  Now comes an interesting rumor about a certain space smuggler.

Jedi News is reporting that the deal to have Han Solo in the Sequel Trilogy has been finalized.  And by that, it would include more than just "Episode VII".  So the stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder could wind up being seen in the entire trilogy.  At least he'll be seen in "EpisodeVII" and "Episode VIII" if the rumors are to be believed.

From the Bothans I've talked to say that Ford was looking for finality to his character.  The resolution the actor wanted in "Return of the Jedi" appears to have been the price for his signing on.  Those of you that don't know what I'm talking about can simply Google it.  That said, I would have thought it only requires one film.  I guess they want to stretch the character out over a longer period.  Could this be the reason for Abrams and Kasdan's taking control of the current/final drafts?

It was also noted that the actor wanted a guarantee of "Indiana Jones and the Quest for the Platinum Wheelchair".  The article says he didn't achieve that.  This doesn't mean I'm against another Man in Hat film, it just means after the last adventure I'm a little worried about seeing an aging archeologists and his unconvincing spawn of a Mutt.  How about a prequel to Crystal Skull so as to not have to deal with that?

But I'm looking forward to seeing the Millenium Falcon's owner again...

The New Emperor...

Take it with a huge grain of space smuggler's salt, but...

There is a rumor going throughout the Internet that J.J. Abrams is going to be much more involved in the lives if the Skywalkers than previously suspected.

It's a trap!

Well, possibly but it's a geeky rumor that could have lasting affects if true.  The news comes from Stat Wars Episode 7 News via Comic Book Movie and as of right now is just a new hope.  Yes, I went there.

So what is this news?

That J.J. Abrams could wind up being the Galactic Overlord, the creative advisor of all things Star Wars.  In a sense, what Joss Whedon is to Marvel, J.J. would be to Star Wars.  And not just the films, but television, books, comics, video games, merchandise, and Internet.  A position he doesn't hold in that other science fiction series he's trekking across.

What's this effect would have on his producing capacity over at Paramount, no one knows.  But it seems highly unlikely that he would have a very deep integral position with that franchise after the next film in the series.  Which is fine by me, were he to retain power over Wars and Trek it would be a little too much cross pollinating fot myself. now that's been proven you can go on without the original Kirk and Spock, finding another director/producer to take control of the series shouldn't be that difficult. Although I'm sure the fans will definitely weigh in on this.

But Abrams taking control of the creative aspects of the Star Wars universe, while allowing Kathleen Kennedy to retain the managerial part would be a fine set up for most Star Wars fans, I believe.  The Mouse has set up its divisions with strong executives to keep production going strong for years.

Alan Horn has Sean Bailey working on Walt Disney live action, over at animation he has Ed Catmull handling the business side and John Lasseter handling the creative.  At Marvel he has Kevin Feige doing the business side and Joss Whedon on the creative side.  And if this is true, Kennedy in charge of day to day management, while J.J. Keeps the Star Wars Universe turning.  After Episode VII, he'll probably step back into a producer role.  Like he did with "Mission: Impossible 3" when he stepped aside and let Brad Bird direct the next one.

Yes, I went there...

Obi-yashi Maru...

Ok, so J.J. Abrams "Star Trek" sequel has been released over the weekend...

And just like J.J., I've always been a Star Wars fan.  I enjoyed Star Trek, but never to the point where it compared to the passionate love I had for Star Wars.  Luke Skywalker and Han Solo were always more interesting that Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock to me.  Lightsabers and blasters were more fun than phasers and communicators when playing with my friends.  Of the films, I was very fond of  "Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan" than any other Trek film.  But overall, I was never as in to the worlds of the Federation than the worlds of the Galactic Empire.

J.J. Abrams felt this way too.  To be fair, he said "he didn't get Star Trek", which I don't agree with.  I got it. I just didn't get into it as much as normal Trek fans.  And when Abrams finally took on the job of rebooting the franchise, I think to get it, he had to be able to relate to it more like his love of Star Wars.  At its most basic core, Star Trek is science fiction and Star Wars is science fantasy.  Trek is owes a lot more to "2001" and Star Wars owes a lot more to "John Carter of Mars" and "Flash Gordon".  Gene Roddenberry's show was pitched as a western in space, but it's more of a field trip, while George Lucas' film feels like an adventure.

And when Abrams made the first Star Trek film he seemed to be injecting some of that.  No matter how he has tried to explain the differences in all his interviews during his publicity for the film, it feels that this is what he's subconsciously done.  Which bodes well for "Episode VII", but that's another story.  And there are many Trek fans that simply don't like what he's done.  He's departed from the core of what they enjoy about the series/films.  The closest Star Wars film to Trek is "The Phantom Menace" because it's a film that has more analytically droning on in political exposition than action.  It only becomes a Star Wars film in the end during the battle with Darth Maul.

But the new films are filled with adventure and pure spectacle.  There are a lot of people that will go into the theater that will leave upset.  Some for reasons of continuity with the original films/series, but several may come out shaking their heads at the number of unanswered questions as to how events in the films could/should have happened.  I found "Star Trek: Into Darkness" to be an absolutely entertaining film, but a much different Star Trek film than hardcore fans will be used to.  And one that some fans will hate because it departs so much from the mythology they've grown up with.  It takes to warp speed and jettisons the original canon in favor of a clean slate.  No stories are sacred here.  And Trekkers and Trekkies have a Star Wars fan at the helm.

J.J. seems to have thrown out the curiosity of the original in favor of the thrills of the reboot.  And for most people in those theaters it'll be enough.  Most may not have been born early enough to see the originals or next generation.  Many of them may have not even seen the original cast.  They may only know them from the vague pictures they've seen in magazines or the shuffle of films in their Netflix cue.

This Star Trek, unlike the ones before, has finally gone far, far away...

Debating Myths...

J.J. Abrams was on The Daily Show to talk about...

The difference between "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" mostly.  But he touched on filming, directing, all those series he produces and Jon Stewart as a Jedi.  Take a little time out of your day to reflect on those arguments you had in the sandbox with the other guy.  Which is better, who would win in a fight, Uhura or Princess Leia.

Here is the conversation: Part One which focuses on the debate, and Part Two which focuses on most everything else.

Enjoy...

Far, Far Away Galaxy To Film In United Kingdom...

Slowly, pieces of the film that will be "Episode VII" are revealed...

Some of the details are surprising (the fact that there will be sequels), others not so much (the fact that there will be sequels).  This one falls into the less surprising, and somewhat obvious area of the spectrum.  Brace yourselves, but "Star Wars: Episode VII" will be shot, at least partially, in England.  The United Kingdom.  Most likely in or around London.  It's going to filmed at a major studio there, but they're not revealing who/where it is.

This makes sinces as, not only have all the others been filmed there, but ILM, the magicians of Lucasfilm, are currently scouting a location to have at least a temporary base on the island.  A great deal of it will be done back in Northern California, but a sizable chuck will/could be done at one of several sites Kathleen Kennedy and Co. have been touring.  Here's the press release from Star Wars.com:

Lucasfilm announced today that production of Star Wars: Episode VII will take place in the United Kingdom. All of the six previous live-action Star Wars movies have included UK production in such famed studios as Elstree, Shepperton, Leavesden, Ealing and Pinewood Studios. 

"We've devoted serious time and attention to revisiting the origins of Star Wars as inspiration for our process on the new movie, and I'm thrilled that returning to the UK for production and utilizing the incredible talent there can be a part of that," said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. "Speaking from my own longstanding connection to the UK with films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Empire of the Sun and recently War Horse, it's very exciting to be heading back." 

Earlier this year, representatives from Lucasfilm met with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, in London to establish an agreement to produce Star Wars in the U.K. "I am delighted that Star Wars is coming back to Britain. Today's announcement that the next Star Wars film will be shot and produced in the UK is great news for fans and our creative industries," Osborne said today.Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Michael Arndt and is scheduled for a 2015 release.

Now we have to wait see what the date they plan on releasing it.  I think I'll bet my money on... May.  Then what are we waiting for?  Casting announcements?  Concrete conformation of the original cast?  Plot details?  Official synopsis?  And a million other things to be known before we get to the release.

It's only two years, but it seems so far, far away...

The Second Coming Of Lucasfilm...

Help me, J.J. Abrams, you're my only hope...

The Lucasfilm of the past three decades is finally moving on, growing up...

There's a great article in The Hollywood Reporter about Kathleen Kennedy, and what it's like for her to run the company that makes Star Wars.  It really is a crack into the world she travels in and her approach to all this madness.

You can tell that her style will definitely be different from the Bearded One.  It's going to be an interesting five years ahead (which is how long her contract will be).  Not just for these films, but the others that she moves into production for the Lucas brand.

My favorite part of the article is the quote where she talks about J.J. Abrams leaving a three hour meeting with Michael Arndt and Lawrence Kasdan and her, where she said afterwards he "was on the ceiling" when it was over.  That must of been some story session they had with him.  Wouldn't you like to be a fly on the wall in that room when it went down?  How many people would kill to see that script Arndt is going to turn in?  I have a feeling this is the beginning of something beautiful.

It's a new century, a new world, and a whole new galaxy ahead of us...

The Power Of The Dark Side...

What I really want to do is direct a Star Wars film...

It's hard to resist what you love...

Especially if it's offered dangling before you like the dream you always wanted, but never thought you'd get. That's what J.J. Abrams came up against over the past couple of months it seems.  When you get offered what you never thought would be available, the temptation to say no fades into the background when you see the possibility of what lies ahead.

He had meetings with Kathleen Kennedy and talked to Michael Ardnt.  He had discussions with them about what they wanted to do, and where they wanted to go.  And he saw the 40-50 page treatment that the new trilogy will follow.  The one that Ardnt wrote and is using as the template for his "Episode VII" script.  He apparently liked the direction they were heading.  So he said yes to the most scrutinized directing effort he will ever have.

He will have fans of both "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" watching his every move, his every decision, and his every word for the next two or three years.  And the fans of Trek will have factions that not only don't like this, but downright believe that this is a betrayal.  I can only imagine the next Comic-Con that Abrams shows up to will look like.  Remember also, the next D23 is this fall.  Can you imagine there won't be a strong Star Wars presence there?  It will, and I happen to believe that there will be a panel, or large section of the main Walt Disney Pictures panel that will focus just on Star Wars.  You better get your tickets now, and stand in line soon because it's going to be mind numbingly busy.

This will be the same type of panel/session as what happened last time with Marvel when Kevin Feige walked out.  With that in mind, expect to see Kathleen Kennedy show up on stage, and I would be surprised if she didn't introduce the director of the new film.  And I expect him to come out and talk how excited he is to be working on a childhood dream, and not reveal ANY information  about the film.  This is J.J. Ambrams, after all.  And we're all going to be living through his dream over the next couple of years.

Hopefully, that won't feel like a long, long time...

Jedi Abrams...

I'm really a Star Wars fan...

It's as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced...

Wow, now this is news I didn't expect to see. For those not aware, The Wrap is reporting that Kathleen Kennedy has chosen J. J. Abrams to direct the next Star Wars film.  The more important part is that he has apparently accepted the offer.  His mission, now that he's chosen to accept it, is to make us forget the Prequels.  And with a script by Michael Arndt that he's read and has mentioned he liked, that could be possible.

So now we have to wonder what the name of Episode VII will be?  Rise of the New Republic?  Rage of the Sith?  The Return of Organa?  I have a feeling we'll hear about that soon as well.  Exciting news to hear.

This film is shaping up to not be a reboot, but a rebirth...

UPDATE:

A day later and the Mouse and Lucasfilm have ponied up with the truth.  Here's the official press release:

STAR WARS IS BEING KICK-STARTED WITH DYNAMITE J.J. ABRAMS TO DIRECT STAR WARS: EPISODE VII 

                                                         January 25, 2013

After a bevy of emails and phone calls, the formalities have been wrapped up, and at long last everyone can exhale and properly share the word with an excited Internet. Yes, 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. Abrams will be directing and Academy Award-winning writer Michael Arndt will write the screenplay."It's very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie," said Kennedy. "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 Warsexperience, 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.""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."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."Also consulting on the project are Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg. Kasdan has a long history with Lucasfilm, as screenwriter on The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. Kinberg was writer on Sherlock Holmes and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.Abrams and his production company Bad Robot have a proven track record of blockbuster movies that feature complex action, heartfelt drama, iconic heroes and fantastic production values with such credits as Star Trek, Super 8, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, and this year's Star Trek Into Darkness. Abrams has worked with Lucasfilm's preeminent postproduction facilities, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, on all of the feature films he has directed, beginning with Mission: Impossible III. He also created or co-created such acclaimed television series as Felicity, Alias, Lost and Fringe.

---

Past Star Wars veterans, dating back to the classic trilogy, offered words of praise from their direct experience with Abrams: 

Visual Effects Supervisor Dennis Muren, ASC, whose credits include the original Star Wars trilogy as well as landmark films such as E.T. and Jurassic Park, also worked with Abrams on Super 8. "He puts everything he has into his work," said Muren. "He totally immerses himself. He's got such a visual eye, which is so important to the Star Wars films. It seems that a lot of the same things that were in George when he made the first Star Wars films are also in J.J. I think he's going to fit into the other movies perfectly, with the energy that J.J. has. We're kick-starting Star Wars again with dynamite. It will knock people out, including the people who get to work on it. I think it's a great choice." 

Ben Burtt, responsible for such iconic Star Wars sounds as Darth Vader's breathing, R2-D2's beeps and the classic lightsaber, has worked with Abrams as sound designer and sound editor on Star Trek and Super 8. "J.J represents the next generation of filmmakers from those that were making Star Wars when I started," said Ben Burtt. "When he was a teen, he was a fan of Star Wars, and a great deal of his love for movies came out of his reaction of that firstStar Wars film. You feel that he's already invested so many years in it, and he's going to propel it forward in a new way. In other words, you're having a fan who has grown up and developed tremendous directorial skills finding himself at the steering wheel to take the franchise into the next stage. I feel like I'm there watching history turn over from one era to another." 

Matthew Wood, who served as supervising sound editor on Super 8, similarly grew up as a Star Wars fan before working on the films through the prequels. "Working with him, it was so obvious to me that J.J. and I have the same nostalgic love of that era. Now we have someone from that generation who is going to be at the helm of the Star Wars franchise that I've known and worked on, so it's a great circle. Just seeing what he did with Super 8 and capturing those moments, and knowing what was so special about that era, it's going to speak to a new generation of audience as well."

Bird Calling...

Lights, camera, magic...






It goes without saying that I think Brad Bird is a genius...

So when I say I'm looking forward to "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocal" it's because of Bird, not Tom Cruise. I really have to give Cruise the credit and courage to go with Brad though. There is still a sad stigma about someone being good at animation and not being good at live-action. But the superstar gets it. And so does the film's producer, J.J. Abrams.

In an interview with MTV, he was practically gushing about Bird and what he's seen so far of the film. Now, he came up with the idea, hired the writers and is producing it so there is every reason he would want to promote this. But if you remember that screening of new trailers that was held at an event in Europe earlier this year, the trailer for this film was the one that made everyone take note. Hopefully, we'll get a teaser soon or perhaps a full trailer up on "Super 8."

Bird has never given me anything that I haven't loved, from the skewed humor of "The Simpsons," to the soft charm of "Ratatouille," the sheer wonder of "The Incredibles" or the pure brilliance of "The Iron Giant." I have every faith that this film will be the best in the series and help Cruise regain a bit of that glow he lost when he got up on Oprah's couch. And with Abrams guiding the way it can only add up to even more cinema goodness. Maybe when the Suits over at Warner see the box office receipts from this they'll finally be convinced to back his vision of "1906" as his next project.

Or if not, maybe the one sequel that everyone wants will finally come to fruition: "The Incredibles 2". But for that to happen, Lasseter will have to wait till the director comes knocking on his door with an idea he deems worthy of a part deux. Either way, I expect there will nothing less that amazing when it comes from Brad Bird.

He may be given everyone a surprise holiday present on December 16, 2011...

Hat Tip to /Film.

Reel Nostalgia...

From the creative minds of Jaws and Lost...




Bad Robot phone home...


The first real trailer for J.J. Abram's "Super 8" is out...

And it looks totally like something you'd find coming from Amblin Entertainment in the Eighties, only it's out now from Bad Robot. Check out the Spielbergian trailer as well as this swanky, new poster for the film. I love both, but the poster is great for the fact that it's not just some head shot of a star and the films name. The art of the poster has disappeared over the last couple of decades as the need for stars to open a film has dominated the marketing of the project. I'm glad to see this as a turn in the opposite direction. Of course, it could be said that the stars of this film are Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams, which would explain their names being so prominent.

Looking forward to 8 being my number 4 in 11...

Should You Choose To Except This Assignment...

Brad Bird is a frickin' genius...

I have loved everything he has done. From "The Simpsons" to "Family Dog" to "The Iron Giant" to The Incredibles" to "Ratatouille." Everything he's done is great, well crafted and extremely entertaining. And I was looking forward to him directing his first live-action film, "1906" for 2011/12. But we broke (hear that Hollywood Reporter?) the news that the Suits over at Warner were nervous handing a guy that had never done live action such a large budget production and had gotten cold feet.

And then the news came last month about him being up for the fourth "Mission Impossible" film starring Jerry Maguire. Surprising but not unpleasant news, I must say. I was underwhelmed by the first two of the films, but actually loved J.J. Abrams take on the series. I would think that this third sequel would be my most anticipated were the director to be named Bird. And now that may happen. It's all a matter of money right now. And in Hollywood, that's the bottom line. He and the studio will have to reach an agreement soon because they want the sequel out Memorial Day, 2011. Ok Paramount operatives, hire the Bird and this difficult mission will commence immediately.

This post will self destruct in ten seconds...

Hat Tip to Vulture via /Film.

Bird On A Mission...

Interesting news...

It appears that as Brad Bird's attempts at getting Warner Bros. to finally green lighting "1906" have gone nowhere. And now, J.J. Abrams and Tom Cruise are eyeing him as a possible candidate to direct the fourth "Mission Impossible" film.

This would make an interesting concoction; Jerry Maguire, Mr. Lost and Mr. Incredible working on the same film? Wow, now let's just cross our fingers that the script by Andre Nemec and Josh Appelbaum is good/great. Bird likes to write his own material, so I'm wondering should this thing actually go further; will he do a rewrite? Or perhaps he'd just be a director-for-hire?

Hey, for my two-cents, I think he should direct that "Superman" film that Nolan is producing, but I'm up for anything he directs. The man's a genius. Hopefully some day he'll be able to get the earthquake film going again, but I don't wish to wait much longer for a Brad Bird film. So if the skies align then maybe we'll see Ethan Hunt doing some really incredible adventures.

And then it's time Lasseter got him to make "Ray Gunn" for WDAS...

A Very Tiny Deal...

Another piece from my childhood gets made into a film, and this one I'm happy about...

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, J.J. Abrams, the mini-Spielberg-like producer, is in talks to bring the toy franchise "The Micronauts" to the big screen. I could actually see this as something good. Abrams has a way of taking something that could turn out to be really bad and giving it an intelligent spin. He's made the only one of the three "Mission Impossible" films that I actually enjoyed, his "Cloverfied" was a mini-event film and he's created or co-created some of the best television of the last decade.

I remember as a young boy seeing all those Micronauts toy figures lined up on a shelf at a local store. I was one of those kids that played in the backyard with Baron Karza and Acroyear. The comic that Marvel produced to go along with the toys was also in my collection as well. Of the two, the comic was definitely the better enterprise. The stories got pretty dark, especially for a comic book back then.

This could be a great adaptation if done correctly, I know that Hasbo and everyone is thinking that this will be a "Transformers" type franchise; only in reverse since the characters are very tiny, not tall. I could see this playing rather well and if J.J. gets some of the talent that surrounds him to work on it, this could be a really interesting project.

Developing...