14 DAY TRIAL // Disney is yet to announce the leads for the upcoming “Star Wars VII,” regardless of how much pressure fans of the legendary film franchise put on them. However, they’re not keeping mum on all topics regarding the production, as a new statement on StarWars.com confirms.
The writers and the crew for the film have been announced, with the big surprise being that Oscar winner Michael Arndt, who had been approached first to write the script, has been replaced.
J.J. Abrams, announced in January as the director, will also be penning the script, with assistance from a Lucasfilm fixture, Lawrence Kasdan. Kasdan’s previous work with the studio includes “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.”
“I am very excited about the story we have in place and thrilled to have Larry and J.J. working on the script,” Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy says.
“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,” Kennedy continues.
“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,” she says.
The statement adds that the film is now in pre-production, with staff out scouting locations, handling casting, and designing set pieces. Shooting will start at an unspecified date in spring, for a tentative 2015 release date.
Fans already know from Abrams, who skipped out on directing the third “Star Trek” film to be able to do “Star Wars,” that principal cinematography will take place in London, where he’s moving with his family for the entire duration of the production.
As for who will star in the highly anticipated film, your guess is as good anyone else’s. So far, rumors have seen names like Robert Pattinson, Ryan Gosling, and even Zac Efron thrown in the mix, in connection with the male lead.
Other reports say that the original three, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford, will make cameos, but they were never confirmed.
There’s also another aspect to consider: Abrams is known as one of the most secretive directors in Hollywood. Seeing how he’s also in charge of the script, don’t expect too many details to be released on the official channels before the premiere.