JJ Abrams falls out of love with IMAX -- new Star Wars movie to be shot on film

[DRDISNEYMD]

No problem Doc. I've had fun talking to you about this. You've asked great questions and have an open mind
I think those that love the summer blockbuster will enjoy this no matter what. The hard core Star Wars fan is going to be tougher to convince. Many have read the most of the scores of books written after Return on the Jedi takes place. Many regard those books as "canon" on par with the films. There is already grumbling that Abrams is going to disrespect the Expanded Universe and abandon the timeline the books have created. I, personally, have no trouble with dumping a bunch of the EU. I personally think the writing has gone downhill in the last 10-12 years and I don't like where the stories have gone. The EU, however, does provide a ready source of back story for the next trilogy. I've said in other threads that Abrams and company should cherry pick the EU. If Han and Leia are going to have kids, use Jacen and Jaina (heck Anakin if you want all three kids). If you don't want Jacen going dark just skip that part. If they want to use Chewbacca, ignore Vector Prime. Rumor has it Mara Jade is showing up in Rebels as a bridge into the next trilogy (I'm not holding my breath for this rumor to be true). For that to work, you have to ignore she died two series ago. To me this is the best way to inform casual fans of the back story between episodes VI and VII while keeping the hard core fans from having a temper tantrum before the movie even comes out.

I probably just gave you plenty of references for you to look up on Wikipedia. I'll leave it there for tonight.

~Awww, thanks again Twin Dad! Gosh, I don't know any of these people, except for Princess Leia and Chewbacca. Your knowledge of Star Wars is so vast and impressive!

~Well, I just "googled" Mara Jade because I really like her name. She looks fabulous & I just love her style!!! Mara Jade reminds me of Black Widow from The Avengers. This is the first time I've ever heard of her, but Star Wars made a mistake killing her off! I would love to see Mara Jade fight Darth Vader or whoever the next villain will be! We'll see!

 

[Twin Dad]

~Awww, thanks again Twin Dad! Gosh, I don't know any of these people, except for Princess Leia and Chewbacca. Your knowledge of Star Wars is so vast and impressive!

~Well, I just "googled" Mara Jade because I really like her name. She looks fabulous & I just love her style!!! Mara Jade reminds me of Black Widow from The Avengers. This is the first time I've ever heard of her, but Star Wars made a mistake killing her off! I would love to see Mara Jade fight Darth Vader or whoever the next villain will be! We'll see!

Mara is one of the most beloved of the EU characters. Not many people were happy with her death. I don't know if she'll be in Rebels or the sequel trilogy. Rumor has it that Lucas hated her character. Fans would love it if she is. I was at a book signing featuring Timothy Zahn. When talking about Mara he said he wanted another strong female character but one more "jaded" than Leia. If you want to see her get into it with Vader pick up "Allegiance" and "Choices of One" by Timothy Zahn. They take place between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. In both you get to see a young Mara hold her own with Vader. You also get to see Grand Admiral Thrawn show up and butt heads with Vader in the latter book. I still recommend the Heir to the Empire trilogy to new EU fans even though much of the back story is now wrong. The story itself is too good not read. Many fans, myself included, considered those books Episodes VII-IX before the new films were announced.

If you really want to see how much Star Wars stuff is out there go to Wookieepedia and start reading and clicking. My knowledge is mostly the material after Episode VI. I've read very little of the books or comics that take place before the original trilogy. The Darth Bane trilogy and Darth Plagius novel are on my list I just haven't gotten around to picking them up yet.

 

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

I'm cautiously optimistic. 75% of the time I love JJ Abrams work but 25% of the time I don't.

Lost is still one of my favorite series but it went from spectacular to amazing to disappointing. Alcatraz was great and had huge potential but was cancelled after one season. Star Trek was awesome but Into Darkness didn't live up to it and was a let down. I loved MI: Ghost protocol but hated Cloverfield.

For me JJ Abrams is hit or miss. I'm really hoping with Star Wars he hits it out of the park.

Yup. I'm with you on how Lost played out and I share your disappointment for the Star Trek sequel.

Twindad, you are awesome! IMAX or no IMAX...I am ready for Star Wars.

 

[edeneye]

I was surprised by the move back to film, Lucas was a big pioneer of digital and were it still his decision that definitely wouldn't have been made. Disappointed about IMAX because the resolution of a true IMAX film is just breathtaking but those cameras are expensive, noisy and very unwieldy so I can't say I expected any different.

The Darth Bane trilogy and Darth Plagius novel are on my list I just haven't gotten around to picking them up yet.

THE BANE BOOKS ARE FANTASTIC! Sorry for the caps, I just got excited about that, I thought they were brilliant. Plagueis didn't grab me like I thought it would've but Bane's story absolutely did, particularly the first two. I like Karpyshyn as a fantasy writer, he's done some books and games I've really enjoyed. If they covered any EU territory in the spinoff films I'd love to see some old republic Sith Wars stuff.

 

[JediBonas]

~Awww, thanks again Twin Dad! Gosh, I don't know any of these people, except for Princess Leia and Chewbacca. Your knowledge of Star Wars is so vast and impressive!

~Well, I just "googled" Mara Jade because I really like her name. She looks fabulous & I just love her style!!! Mara Jade reminds me of Black Widow from The Avengers. This is the first time I've ever heard of her, but Star Wars made a mistake killing her off! I would love to see Mara Jade fight Darth Vader or whoever the next villain will be! We'll see!

Mara Jade is an amazing character, Zahn's books are very good, I prefer them over the movies by far. That being said I am in the fence with her being in the movies. She is, by far, my favorite character (hell, my daughter's named after her!) but I'm worried they won't do justice to the character. I've read the books from Episode VI until they killed her off, some are amazing, some I could barely tolerate, but there is so much material there with such a fan base I don't see why they wouldn't try to use some of it. If they're going to have Luke, Leia and Han's kids in the new movies why not keep it consistent with EU?

 

[DisneyDetective]

I'm cautiously optimistic. 75% of the time I love JJ Abrams work but 25% of the time I don't.

Lost is still one of my favorite series but it went from spectacular to amazing to disappointing. Alcatraz was great and had huge potential but was cancelled after one season. Star Trek was awesome but Into Darkness didn't live up to it and was a let down. I loved MI: Ghost protocol but hated Cloverfield.

For me JJ Abrams is hit or miss. I'm really hoping with Star Wars he hits it out of the park.

i agree. i think he will create a great film but there is a level of uncertainty over his films. I thought Super 8 was a good film not really credited.

 

[Rumors Rocks]

Mara is one of the most beloved of the EU characters. Not many people were happy with her death. I don't know if she'll be in Rebels or the sequel trilogy. Rumor has it that Lucas hated her character. Fans would love it if she is. I was at a book signing featuring Timothy Zahn. When talking about Mara he said he wanted another strong female character but one more "jaded" than Leia. If you want to see her get into it with Vader pick up "Allegiance" and "Choices of One" by Timothy Zahn. They take place between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. In both you get to see a young Mara hold her own with Vader. You also get to see Grand Admiral Thrawn show up and butt heads with Vader in the latter book. I still recommend the Heir to the Empire trilogy to new EU fans even though much of the back story is now wrong. The story itself is too good not read. Many fans, myself included, considered those books Episodes VII-IX before the new films were announced.

If you really want to see how much Star Wars stuff is out there go to Wookieepedia and start reading and clicking. My knowledge is mostly the material after Episode VI. I've read very little of the books or comics that take place before the original trilogy. The Darth Bane trilogy and Darth Plagius novel are on my list I just haven't gotten around to picking them up yet.

 

[Twin Dad]

Mara Jade is an amazing character, Zahn's books are very good, I prefer them over the movies by far. That being said I am in the fence with her being in the movies. She is, by far, my favorite character (hell, my daughter's named after her!) but I'm worried they won't do justice to the character. I've read the books from Episode VI until they killed her off, some are amazing, some I could barely tolerate, but there is so much material there with such a fan base I don't see why they wouldn't try to use some of it. If they're going to have Luke, Leia and Han's kids in the new movies why not keep it consistent with EU?

I'm thinking they will just to keep some consistency. Although today's rumor dispels that notion. I just wish we'd get a clear statement from someone official saying: who is in the film, how it relates to the EU and go from there. Because

Yup. I'm with you on how Lost played out and I share your disappointment for the Star Trek sequel.

Twindad, you are awesome! IMAX or no IMAX...I am ready for Star Wars.

I enjoyed Into Darkness but I was getting tired of the homages to Star Trek II and the the TOS (the communicators and transporters not working when needed most).

I was surprised by the move back to film, Lucas was a big pioneer of digital and were it still his decision that definitely wouldn't have been made. Disappointed about IMAX because the resolution of a true IMAX film is just breathtaking but those cameras are expensive, noisy and very unwieldy so I can't say I expected any different.



THE BANE BOOKS ARE FANTASTIC! Sorry for the caps, I just got excited about that, I thought they were brilliant. Plagueis didn't grab me like I thought it would've but Bane's story absolutely did, particularly the first two. I like Karpyshyn as a fantasy writer, he's done some books and games I've really enjoyed. If they covered any EU territory in the spinoff films I'd love to see some old republic Sith Wars stuff.

I have been told that by many people. I read the first Bane book but got sidetracked by life and looked up and realized there were two more and a Darth Plagius book. I've got them on my summer reading list.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Mara is one of the most beloved of the EU characters. Not many people were happy with her death. I don't know if she'll be in Rebels or the sequel trilogy. Rumor has it that Lucas hated her character. Fans would love it if she is. I was at a book signing featuring Timothy Zahn. When talking about Mara he said he wanted another strong female character but one more "jaded" than Leia. If you want to see her get into it with Vader pick up "Allegiance" and "Choices of One" by Timothy Zahn. They take place between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. In both you get to see a young Mara hold her own with Vader. You also get to see Grand Admiral Thrawn show up and butt heads with Vader in the latter book. I still recommend the Heir to the Empire trilogy to new EU fans even though much of the back story is now wrong. The story itself is too good not read. Many fans, myself included, considered those books Episodes VII-IX before the new films were announced.

If you really want to see how much Star Wars stuff is out there go to Wookieepedia and start reading and clicking. My knowledge is mostly the material after Episode VI. I've read very little of the books or comics that take place before the original trilogy. The Darth Bane trilogy and Darth Plagius novel are on my list I just haven't gotten around to picking them up yet.

~Yay. That's awesome! I love that Mara is really tough without sacrificing her femininity and modern stylish looks -- just like Elsa! The more I learn about her the more I think Star Wars made a mistake and this is a great opportunity for them to bring her back!

Mara Jade is an amazing character, Zahn's books are very good, I prefer them over the movies by far. That being said I am in the fence with her being in the movies. She is, by far, my favorite character (hell, my daughter's named after her!) but I'm worried they won't do justice to the character. I've read the books from Episode VI until they killed her off, some are amazing, some I could barely tolerate, but there is so much material there with such a fan base I don't see why they wouldn't try to use some of it. If they're going to have Luke, Leia and Han's kids in the new movies why not keep it consistent with EU?

~Awww, your DD has such a beautiful name! I understand your concerns but I don't agree. Mara Jade is just too fabulous. It would be incredibly difficult for Disney to mess up her character. Right? We'll see!

 

[Rumors Rocks]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/02/zac-efron-star-wars_n_4713154.html?utm_hp_ref=entertainment

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 27: Actor Zac Efron arrives to the premiere of Focus Features' 'That Awkward Moment' at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on January 27, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) | Alberto E. Rodriguez via Getty Images

Several months ago, rumors began circulating that Ryan Gosling, Leonardo DiCaprio and Zac Efron were being probed for roles in the 2015 "Star Wars: Episode VII" film. DiCaprio apparently passed up the opportunity because of his commitment to star in "Robotech," and Gosling's involvement was quickly squashed by his representatives. Efron, however, recently confirmed that he met with Disney to discuss the film.

The three leading men of "That Awkward Moment" played a game of "most likely to ..." with Josh Horowitz of MTV, and when asked which of the three is most likely to be in a "Star Wars" movie (stealth level: black mamba), Efron had no choice but to respond.

"Yeah, I just went and met with them," he said. "So I don't know. It would be cool. I love [the "Star Wars" movies], I love them, but … who knows?"

Efron's involvement is not the only potential cast member in question. With this promising update, the 26-year-old joins "Girls" Adam Driver, who has a "Star Wars" rumor of his own. Despite a serious lack of information from director J.J. Abrams, we at least know that the script is finished, and that Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford are all on board.

"Star Wars: Episode VII" is scheduled to hit theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.

 

[mvk]

I'm thinking they will just to keep some consistency. Although today's rumor dispels that notion. I just wish we'd get a clear statement from someone official saying: who is in the film, how it relates to the EU and go from there. Because

I enjoyed Into Darkness but I was getting tired of the homages to Star Trek II and the the TOS (the communicators and transporters not working when needed most).

I have been told that by many people. I read the first Bane book but got sidetracked by life and looked up and realized there were two more and a Darth Plagius book. I've got them on my summer reading list.

I tried reading the first Darth Bane book but made it about 100 pages and could not get into it at all. I think the EU has a place, but wouldn't mind if the new trilogy rendered any of it useless.

 

[Twin Dad]

I tried reading the first Darth Bane book but made it about 100 pages and could not get into it at all. I think the EU has a place, but wouldn't mind if the new trilogy rendered any of it useless.

I'll admit it was hard to get into a book where the protagonist is a Sith Lord but it was still an interesting read. The thing with the EU is it was the only outlet for new Star Wars material for almost 20 years. Fans have become very attached. That being said, I've been disappointed with the last two big series. I've said many times I think they'd be smart to cherry pick the EU. Heck, I wouldn't mind if they crumple up everything from Vector Prime on. The New Jedi Order series (at least the hard covers) was decent but I'd like to see Chewbacca in the new movies.

 

[JediBonas]

I'll admit it was hard to get into a book where the protagonist is a Sith Lord but it was still an interesting read. The thing with the EU is it was the only outlet for new Star Wars material for almost 20 years. Fans have become very attached. That being said, I've been disappointed with the last two big series. I've said many times I think they'd be smart to cherry pick the EU. Heck, I wouldn't mind if they crumple up everything from Vector Prime on. The New Jedi Order series (at least the hard covers) was decent but I'd like to see Chewbacca in the new movies.

I haven't read any of the pre ANH books, but I agree with you, I wouldn't mind them scraping the entire New Jedi Order series. I'm also hoping no Boba Fett in the new movies. Actually, I would have been happy with a focus on new characters instead of the Skywalker/Solo clans.

 

[Huskerfan72]

No matter if the new movies are good or bad, the original trilogy will be around forever. I thought there was supposed to be a Boba Fett movie?

 

[Twin Dad]

No matter if the new movies are good or bad, the original trilogy will be around forever. I thought there was supposed to be a Boba Fett movie?

Episode VII is coming in December of 2015. The first spin off film is supposed to be 2016 but rumors are already flying that the timetable for future movies will be pushed back a year.