Disney buying Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion

[Buster's Uncle]

Yeah; I wasn't tempted to post a dancing Lal with that story.

Still, if the guy gets the whole adventure thing, he might well do a lot better job than someone who takes their Star Wars too seriously.

[Buster's Uncle]

‘Star Wars: Episode 7′ Story Already Finished By ‘Toy Story 3′ Writer? [Updated]
2 days ago by Sandy Schaefer

 
UPDATE 2: Lucasfilm has confirmed that Michael Arndt is writing the Star Wars: Episode VII script. Scroll down for even more information.
 
UPDATE: Michael Arndt is now reported to have written a treatment for Star Wars: Episodes VII-IX.
 
It didn’t take long for the Star Wars rumor mill to start functioning at full capacity again, once the Walt Disney company formerly announced that it is purchasing Lucasfilm from George Lucas and plans to release a third trilogy beginning with Episode VII in 2015. The news broke over 10 days ago now, but people around Hollywood are still reeling from the unexpected news; not to mention, the easily-excitable Internet masses have gone into overdrive, debating the benefits and drawbacks of this development (in ways both serious and not-so-serious).
 
We heard some rumors about prospective directors for Episode VII earlier on this week, with candidates including Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed) and Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class). However, today we have a nice juicy rumor about who has written the screen story for the new installment.



Mark Hamill revealed last week that plans for a new Star Wars trilogy have been developing for over a year now, so it would make sense for a story treatment for Episode VII to have been written by now (seeing how we’ve heard the plan is to cover a new original story). Vulture has been told by its “informed sources” that such a 40-50 page treatment has indeed been finished, by none other than Oscar-winner Michael Arndt.
 
Arndt won his Academy Award for scripting Little Miss Sunshine; some four years later, he picked up an additional Oscar nod for his Toy Story 3 screenplay. He has since contributed to the scripts for the upcoming Tom Cruise sci-fi thriller Oblivion and Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire, as well as Pixar director Peter Docter’s followup to Up (with the playful working title The Untitled Pixar Movie That Takes You Inside the Mind). Hence, it would make perfect sense for Disney and LucasFilm to recruit Arndt to write up a story treatment for Episode VII, given his established relationship with the Mouse House (in combination with his stellar output to date).
 

Michael Arndt also co-wrote the script for ‘Catching Fire’
 
Arndt’s history lends further credibility to this Episode VII rumor, as he’s overseen numerous writers’ retreats in the past; specifically, ones where he traditionally breaks down and examines the effectiveness of Lucas’ screenplay for the original Star Wars installment, Episode IV – A New Hope:
 

At these talks, Arndt always tells attendees that Star Wars’ enduring appeal has to do with resolving its protagonists goals’ nearly simultaneously, at the climax of the movie. In the comments section of a discussion about a Star Wars talk Arndt gave at the Austin Film Festival in 2010, one attendee of the seminar notes, “Arndt stated that if a writer could resolve the story’s arcs (internal, external, philosophical) immediately after the Moment of Despair at the climax, he or she would deliver the Insanely Great Ending and put the audience in a euphoric state. The faster it could happen, the better. By [Arndt’s] reckoning, George Lucas hit those three marks at the climax of Star Wars within a space of 22 seconds.”
 
The Episode VII story treatment from Arndt reportedly sets the stage for both Luke and Leia Skywalker to return in some capacity – along with Han Solo and (by extension) possibly other important characters from Episodes IV-VI. Nothing is set yet, of course, but we know that Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher met with Lucas to discuss the third Star Wars trilogy last summer; moreover, Harrison Ford recently announced that he is indeed open to the idea of reprising his role as Han Solo.
 
It’s also worth mentioning that Arndt’s treatment reportedly calls for “much older” versions of these characters, so the stage would be set for all three stars to return to the franchise (assuming this element of Vulture‘s scoop is accurate). Suffice it to say, there should be more than enough fan support for the trio coming back – even if the Skywalker siblings and Han Solo end up serving little purpose beyond bridging the gap between the second and third Star Wars trilogy (a la Leonard Nimoy as the older Spock in [censored]’ Star Trek r[ape]).
 


On that note, [cenosred] is also name-dropped as one of the individuals who will be receiving Arndt’s treatment for Episode VII. Other big-name contenders are said to include Lucas’ BFF Steven Spielberg (who was offered the chance to direct Return of the Jedi back in the day) and Brad Bird. The latter of those two filmmakers is a very popular choice among fans for tackling the Star Wars franchise, based on his work on such do-daring action-packed titles as The Incredibles and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. However, these individuals are considered long-shots right now.
 
It also needs to be emphasized that this is all technically RUMOR (until we report otherwise, at least). Nonetheless, if Arndt has indeed written a story treatment for Episode VII, then there’s a good chance he’ll be involved in the actual screenwriting process (which would be welcome news indeed). Furthermore, it’s not surprising to hear that the cream of the crop are being looked at to direct – but is quite encouraging, all the same.
 
UPDATE: Deadline is now confirming that not only has Arndt written a treatment for Episode VII, but the entire third Star Wars trilogy. Furthermore, the site has been informed that he will indeed begin working on the script for Episode VII next year.
 
UPDATE 2: The official Star Wars site has confirmed that Michael Arndt is scripting Star Wars: Episode VII.
 

As pre-production of Star Wars: Episode VII begins, Lucasfilm has confirmed that award-winning writer Michael Arndt will write the screenplay for the new Star Wars film. As revealed in the ongoing video series posted here on StarWars.com, Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas have begun story conferences with Arndt. Arndt won an Academy Award® for Best Original Screenplay for writing Little Miss Sunshine (2006), and was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for writing Toy Story 3 (2010).
 
More on Star Wars: Episode VII as the story develops.

http://screenrant.com/star-wars-episode-7-story-michael-arndt/

Meh.

Also?  Everyone here but me and Uno is officially kicked out of the nerds now.  Can't belive no one has anything to say about this.

[Unorthodox]

It's encouraging he has a history of breaking down Lucas' work.  Though I would like to see his expert analysis of the failures of Ep 1-3 instead of success of Ep IV.

"much older" Han/Leia don't really excite me. 

Neither director rumor is doing much for me either. 

[Buster's Uncle]

None of it's sending me, either.  I think giving Harrison Ford his truckload of money is a bad idea, and a sign that there are no new or good ideas in the proposed story...

[Buster's Uncle]

They are just determined to sap my will to live...

'Star Wars' Director Hint Dropped
By ABC News | ABC News Blogs – 7 hrs ago.. .


 Producer Frank Marshall has a direct line to Disney's upcoming new "Star Wars" films, thanks to his wife Kathleen Kennedy, who produced films like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" with him. Kennedy is George Lucas' hand-picked successor at Lucasfilm, which he recently agreed to sell to Disney.
 
At the premiere for the final Twilight film in Los Angeles Monday night, Marshall wasn't spilling any beans about the next film set in that galaxy far, far away, which will debut in 2015. When MTV asked him if he knew who was on the short list to direct "Star Wars: Episode VII," Marshall laughed, "I do, but I can't reveal it, or I won't be alive tomorrow."
 
RELATED:10 Directors Who Could Take on Star Wars Episode 7

Kennedy was slightly more forthcoming, but no less mysterious, during a sit-down with Lucas that was posted on StarWars.com.
 
"There are many people who sprang to mind with writers and directors that I've worked with in the path that I'm really excited to try to bring into the fold on this." Kennedy said. "I think we have a unique opportunity to go after some incredibly talented people."
 
So far, three names who have taken themselves out of the running include Steven Spielberg, [Star Trek hater], and "300? director Zack Snyder.
 
One filmmaker who recently sounded off on the possibility is Joe Johnston, who worked on the original "Star Wars" trilogy, and went on to direct films like "Captain America: The First Avenger." He told The Huffington Post, "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."
 
Another director who is apparently interested is Jon Favreau, who is also already in the Disney fold thanks to his work in the "Iron Man" series - and is established in the "Star Wars" universe, thanks to a recurring character in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars."
 
The Walt Disney Co. owns ABC News and this website.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/star-wars-director-hint-dropped-152442182--abc-news-movies.html

[Buster's Uncle]

...However, just this once, I'm leaving Hack's name in.  Notice what he said about that hackjob he did...

Star Wars Episode VII: J.J. Abrams Not Likely To Direct, Jon Favreau Interested
Access Hollywood – Mon, Nov 12, 2012.. .


Steven Spielberg told Access Hollywoodhe won't be sitting in the director's chair for "Stars Wars: Episode VII," and now two more fanboy favorites - J.J. Abrams and Jon Favreau - are weighing in on helming the next installment of the franchise.

Abrams rebooted "Star Trek" to sweeping critical and fan approval, but according to the director, he doesn't see himself working with Wookies.

 PLAY IT NOW: Steven Spielberg Reveals He Won’t Be Directing New Star Wars Film

"Look, Star Wars is one of my favorite movies of all time," he told HollywoodLife.com this weekend, "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 [sic] anyone to the next iterations of 'Star Wars,' but I believe I will be going as a paying moviegoer!"

As for Favreau, who earned fanboy cred with "Iron Man," he appeared to be interested, but stopped short of busting out into an Ewok celebration dance when asked about the possibly of directing the highly anticipated project.

 VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Cast Of Star Wars: Then & Now

"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, and whether it is doing a voice on 'Clone Wars,' or being at the Skywalker Ranch mixing 'Iron Man' - so 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," he told the website. "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."

http://news.yahoo.com/star-wars-episode-vii-j-j-abrams-not-183213770.html

[Buster's Uncle]

'Star Wars' Episode 7 Movie Rumors: Darth Vader Reborn for New Film?
November 13, 2012 02:35 PM EST
1 person recommends this | comments: 5
The latest "Star Wars" Episode 7 movie rumors indicate the possibility that one of the baddest villains in all the movie world (and galaxy) may make a return for the latest installment of the sci-fi series. Yes, Darth Vader himself may turn up in the latest film even though he was killed in "Return of the Jedi."

In the George Lucas "Star Wars" franchise, Darth Vader was the major villain for the original three movies, with his childhood and turn to the "Darkside" explored in the newer films. In the "Return of the Jedi" film, Vader suffered his demise as he saved his son, Luke Skywalker. According to Express.co.uk they have acquired info from an industry insider which indicates Lord Vader may rise up again to take part in the latest Disney edition of "Star Wars." A source is quoted as saying:

"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."

This is all purely speculations and rumors at this point, as it originates from a tabloid, rather than any major Hollywood news source. It would probably upset plenty of die-hard fans of this legendary science fiction saga to see something like this happen in the newest sequel. There are clever ways in which they could bring him back, with someone else taking over as Lord Vader rather than having it be Anakin Skywalker, who died due to being electrified by the evil Emperor in "Jedi." It could sort of be like those movies where someone else takes over for the serial killer/bad guy, like in "Saw." Then again, "Star Wars" won't want to take any cues on how to keep a franchise going from those films.

Whilt the latest rumors are just that, there are many fans who are purists that will probably want something else as the concept besides Vader getting brought back to life. Many fans will require a brand new main villain to take over in the seventh, eight and ninth films. However, as IGN.com points out, Darth Vader is also a major marketing powerbroker when it comes to merchandise and the movies. Having him re-appear in the film could help to really grab the attention of movie goers who want to see exactly what his new role incorporates. Still, it seems the "Star Wars" name on its own is usually enough to pack movie goers into the seats, whether Darth Vader or Jar Jar Binks is the main villain.

"Star Wars" and movie fans, do you think bringing Darth Vader back for Episode VII makes sense, or should they leave him dead?

http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981755594

One really hopes this is bull.  Vader had a crap death if you ask me, but it's done, and having a zombie/clone Vader would be a very artistically bankrupt idea.  The rumors just keep sounding worse and worse - and remember, I Told You So...

[Unorthodox]

GOD no.  A new dark lord of the sith is PERFECTLY fine, almost inevitable, probably another Darth-insertnamehere.  Not another Darth Vader.

It's not THAT hard to come up with compelling villains, guys.  The Clone Wars cartoons seem to manage marvelously, what few I've seen (very sporradic if the kids happen to be watching Sat morning, more when it first came out) really show the wasted potential Lucas left on the table for the prequels.   Made Dooku and Grevious infinitely more interesting than the movies had them, and have sprinkled in a slew of original villains to boot. 

[Buster's Uncle]

Exactly.

Should Darth Vader Return for Episode 7?

Wednesday, November 14th, 2012 at 4:30pm
by Graeme McMillan


As if the new Star Wars movie wasn’t looking enough like an exercise in nostalgia with the rumors about the return of the original core cast, now we’re being told that Darth Vader may be back from the dead in the still-untitled Episode 7. It’s so almost a good idea, but ultimately so far from being one…
 
As with any kind of attempt to bring back a much-beloved character, there are obvious reasons for and against the idea. Let’s start with the most obvious, most blunt fact in favor of a reborn Darth Vader: He is, by far, the most memorable character in the entire series, at least in terms of visuals (I think you can make an argument in terms of characterization, as well, even if you ignore the prequel trilogy all together; Vader goes from essentially-silent enforcer in the first movie to central character of the series by the end of the third, after all); his absence is keenly felt in the prequel trilogy, with the various attempts to replace him falling flat for various reasons (including, in General Greivous’ case, the fact that he looked as ridiculous as he did threatening. “Oh, it’s a skinny droid with a lot of arms!”). Bringing him back for the new movies not only has a certain merchandise-friendly appeal, it also fills a gap that impacted the previous three movies.

And then, the most obvious con: Darth Vader is dead.
 
Okay, maybe that looks like a cheap shot when put that bluntly, but still: Bringing back Darth Vader undoes the narrative arc of the six movies that already exist – or, at least, the redemptive arc for Anakin Skywalker that runs through at least The Empire Strikes Back and Return of The Jedi – by either retconning Vader/Skywalker’s rejection of his servitude in favor of protecting his family (Something that has narrative echoes with Anakin’s ridiculous Sandpeople rampage in Attack of The Clones) and subsequent appearance as a ghost in his Anakin form at the end of Return of The Jedi as… well, something that wasn’t really Darth Vader for whatever reason, or else by bringing the character literally back from the dead as some form of undead boogieman, which just seems to undercut the inherent optimism of the Star Wars series altogether: Even if you do the right thing in the end, you’ll end up staying a bad guy, because… that’s what you were for awhile.
 
And yet, thinking of things like that brings up the obvious realization that bringing Vader back makes a lot of sense because Star Wars as the movie series stands now is entirely a story about the character (or Anakin Skywalker, if that’s how you prefer him); his story, and it could be argued the story of Star Wars in general, ended in Return of The Jedi – After all, the wars of the title had ended in that movie – and continuing it without him feels a little… odd, perhaps? I’d write “unnecessary,” but I think that’s been pretty much covered already by the announcement in general.

The solution, perhaps, is for the new series to have a different Vader. It is, after all, a title and not a name, and the character’s look allows for anyone to be under that outfit without it impacting the visual recognition fans will get whenever he’s onscreen. As long as any potential Vader II has (1) good enough motivation for taking on the identity and (2) enough presence to fill the role without merely seeming like a retread of the original, it might be the best of all possible ways for the new movie to have its cake and eat it, too. Now, how quickly can someone convince Mark Hamill that Luke can only return to the new series if he turns evil and takes on his father’s legacy pretty damn quickly…?

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2012/11/14/should-darth-vader-return-for-episode-7/

Note that if there's anything to the talk lately about the direction of 7, Thrawn never happened.  Listen to the Star Trek fanboy, fanboys; you don't want the suits bringing back your thing, 'cause they'll take a whiz in your face and laugh all the way to the bank.  Anyone who followed La Femme Nikita and got their requested last season, to their vast regret, could tell you the same.

(Nothing, BTW, has really happened in Star Trek since Wrath of Kahn.  Spock is much-missed, but he had a logical death, and is still dead, and I won't hear any argument to the contrary.  None of the rest ever happened.  )

[Buster's Uncle]

A new dark lord of the sith is PERFECTLY fine, almost inevitable, probably another Darth-insertnamehere.

I disagree.  I think a big weakness of the EU is all those Sith - the stuff set in the past is fine, and kind of interesting, (although it begs the question of why the Space Nazis aren't universally HATED as the Hitlers of galactic history) but having so many popping up in the 'modern' post-movie time completely undermines a major (retconed, but still) point of the movie cannon, that Darth Skywalker brought balance to the Force.

Darth Inferior Knockoff is NOT the answer to the need for worthy villains; less Darth Caudeus, and more Thrawn/Fels/etc., I say.

[Unorthodox]

No, no, spock flew the blood powered ship through time to turn himself into Sylar.  Or something.  That show hurt my head. 


Strictly speaking, Thrawn never did happen.  He's secondary continuity.  Only the movies, movie novels, TV stuff (clone wars original 2 seasons of mini things, but not the continued series) and radio plays have happened. 

I'm ok with dumping Thrawn.  Though it did cover a glaring flaw with ROTJ (the fact the rebel fleet should have still been crushed by the empire's fleet after the deathstar was destroyed). 

[Buster's Uncle]

Red matter?  Really?  That was just confused.  I wonder who the Fullmetal Alchemist fan was.



I still say all the SW7 story/casting rumors point to dreadfully uninspired thinking and are probably true.

[Unorthodox]

A new dark lord of the sith is PERFECTLY fine, almost inevitable, probably another Darth-insertnamehere.

I disagree.  I think a big weakness of the EU is all those Sith - the stuff set in the past is fine, and kind of interesting, (although it begs the question of why the Space Nazis aren't universally HATED as the Hitlers of galactic history) but having so many popping up in the 'modern' post-movie time completely undermines a major (retconed, but still) point of the movie cannon, that Darth Skywalker brought balance to the Force.

Darth Inferior Knockoff is NOT the answer to the need for worthy villains; less Darth Caudeus, and more Thrawn/Fels/etc., I say.

Funny thing about "balance" is that it needs to be maintained.  One must have the good AND the bad.  Anakin failed.  He left Luke alive to start growing the 'good' force again.  There must be a dark side to rise as well.  Anakin was potentially virgin born through the force (god that is so wrong, of all the idiocies), and eliminated much of both sides of the force.

Whether they call themselves Sith or not is ultimately irrelevant, but I'll lay odds on it.  Could be a Mara Jade type rising to power, could be a failed student of Luke.  Someone has to tap the dark side. 

[Buster's Uncle]

It was a crap, cheap, "balance" in the first place.  Ambushing an old man and murdering him is no worthy redemption for a murderer of hundreds of millions of people.  I call shenanigans.

A meta-critique of the EU after I spent a lot of time reading on Wookipedia: the Jedi must, indeed, be destroyed.  Kill all the force-sensitives on sight and spare the Galaxy the next Space Hitler and the one after that, and so on.  Seriously.

[Unorthodox]

Hey, you leave Fullmetal alone.   

(not an expert/fan, only fan of any shows based on solomonic magic in general)