Heck, I thought all the most creative ideas came out of board meetings! I posted these guys in the mail thread, and you can read more there, but might as well share them here for my fellow SW nerds. I don't know much about them, but thanks to Bill (via IamMordecai), you can see a bit more info about them here. I don't know where the whole Futurama thing is coming in that guy is going on about, and these are from China (as marked on the back) not Mexico, so I might take issue with some of the explanation of them , but at least you can see some examples of the others. I confess I was hoping for some more bizarre monster mashups from the series, but I still love these crazy pachi dudes.
Sick of Star Wars ? Vote ! Ursus : I'm Evolution Fantômas : Now we need a man of his words Vader : I'm your father (plural)
Some interesting casting choices. I am still not sold on the return of "original cast members." I still have hope that it should/will be in a very limited capacity in the ultimate film. Just noticed this link on that article as well (thanks for posting by the way Dean!): Lucasfilm says no EU in Abrams' Star Wars film The EU is a polarising issue, so seems like this news is love it or hate it for most people. I find that generally most Star Wars fans enjoy the EU, or at least appreciate it - speaking from my own perspective, I gobbled it up as anything during those dark days when, gasp!, there was actually a drought of anything related to the franchise at all. It could go either way. There is definitely a lot of source material to draw from - some of it actually good - but if they can come up with decent story material of their own, then I guess that works. But judging from all re-makes, re-hashes, prequels, sequels, etc., etc. that we have seen over the last decade, that is a mighty big IF. The whole canon vs. non-canon is such a grey area and will forever be debated. Really Star Wars has become so much larger than Lucas' own first three movies. And he himself would have us believe that some of his own stuff is not canon. So who has the right to say what is and what isn't? In my mind, it isn't some Lucasfilm/Disney executive. Star Wars has become its own world, and I think the best way to view it as akin to DnD; everyone has their own little worlds and characters and that is just fine with me. We all have different views of what is part of the 'universe' and can all exist and enjoy it together regardless. Or.....at least hope to.
I took the no-EU news to be a good sign, as it frees the writers from the shackles of stories already told. I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing that conventions introduced in the prequels will also be ignored, e.g. midichlorians, but maybe it's too late for that. Lucas' attitude appears to be that the only things set in stone are what actually appear in the films. I'd take the "no EU" news with a grain of salt. I still won't be surprised if, at least, some of the characters e.g. Han and Leia's children appear with their EU names. The casting of von Sydow is classic Star Wars. Bring a bit of class to the movie by employing a well-established and distinguished actor, good move. Every time I revisit the original '77 film it's so clear that Alec Guinness brought a degree of dignity that provided balance to the more casual and comic relationships. I forget where I saw the news but allegedly Abrams says that Han Solo's role in VII will be "major."
Yep, I would agree with all of that Dean. The news about von Sydow was definitely the casting that got me excited. I think also you have to consider the grandeur Peter Cushing brought to Star Wars as well. While it may have actually been his cold personality and lack of enthusiasm for the unknown sci-fi film, it really came across as the perfect performance for a villain - nothing even came close to those kind of actors in the prequel trilogy, as much as Christopher Lee might/should have been able to do. Any acting chops seemed to be handcuffed throughout those travesties. I would also say that, of any of the original members revisiting their roles, Harrison Ford is probably the most likely to be believable, but again, take that with a grain of salt. I try to empty my mind of all things that were Indy IV. It's really just key that the 'activity' of their roles are suited to their age and respective timeline in the universe. Considerable time has past and they should not try and hide that or get around it. As 'grandfatherly' advisors or historical characters supporting the story is fine, but there is only so much I feel they ought to add. But then, looking at the prequels, the creative team does not know how to handle ages and time well. At all.
No mention of Anthony Daniels, hm. Oh well, there was too much bad C3PO comic relief in "Clones" so maybe it's okay to say goodbye. Just please no CGI protocol droids.
OK this is kinda silly….today at work we're having all Star Wars-themed food at the Cafeteria: The Force is so strong that in Burbank, Disney will be starting the celebration two days early for employees. On Friday, May 2, both Cafeterias will take on a Star Wars theme with food and music that will take you to a galaxy far, far away. Also be on the lookout for special Star Wars cupcakes, free for all employees. R2-D2 Carne Asada Burrito With Roasted Chili's Han Solo Ham Sandwich Millennium Falcon Falafel Princess Leia Organic Salad C3PO Pizza Golden Beets And Baby Spinach Luke Skywalker Stir Fry Bow Tie Fighter Pasta Bar
It's like they weren't even trying! Obi Wanton soup... Grand Moff tarpon... Artoo-Detuna... Boba Fettaccine... Snootles' Noodles... Zuckusstash... Fillet of Ackbar...
Hey, as long as it is the original Jedi Sy Snootles, and not whatever that horrendous ear-piercing, cringe-inducing, eye-pain "revamped" version was from the SE, I can handle it. It's all about Max Rebo anyways, he is the real musical genius keeping that band going. Oops, well Deano knows what I mean at any rate. Any way that I can opt to watch one-half of those scenes?
Haha, definitely not a fan of the added-later Micheal Smuin-choreographed muppet abuse, but I'm doing my best to eschew all cynicism and doubt and be a positive sort of SW fan in anticipation of Episode VII, which is why I deleted my comment. Plus I didn't think David to think I really advocate his torture. Ackbar à la Trap and See's candy all around on me. Speaking of old school special effects, there's a very tasty rumor going around that Phil Tippett is being brought back for VII. Seems plausible given that J.J. Disney is saying that the movie's effects won't be just CGI but a mix of old and new techniques. Stop-motion animation, anyone? By the way, has anyone read the Lucas Draft comics? Are they worth tracking down?
