“We’re actually shooting some of it now,” Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn told THR about “Star Wars: Episode 7,” and with that, “Star Wars” fans around the world clutched their lighsabers in excitement. Yes, cameras are rolling on the J.J. Abrams directed sequel, but there is still work to be done before things can go full throttle. And that involves setting up the ensemble who will tell the next chapter in the George Lucas created saga.
“We have a lot of them [in place],” Horn said about casting. “We’re just not completely done yet.” And of course, he remained mum on any names, and all we do know at this point is that Adam Driver is playing the villain of the picture, with a host of names tossed around as contenders for parts including John Boyega, Ed Speelers, Matthew James Thomas, Ray Fisher, Jesse Plemons and Lupita Nyong’o. But for those worried if the project might be rushing ahead, Horn assures folks that the script—after some minor controversy—is now solid.
“It’s all about the screenplay. It has to be screenplay, screenplay, screenplay,” Horn said.
So, a few more morsels from Disney as we all wait until December 18, 2015. But until the, here’s a way to pass the time: an hour plus long documentary on the making of “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.” It’s perhaps an example of what not to do when it comes to “Star Wars” in terms of casting, script, story and characters. But the movie magic behind the scenes is still impressive stuff, and you can see how it was all done below with an extensive look at the production. But first, Horn’s comments about ‘Episode 7.’