We are 406 days from "Star Wars: Episode 7" landing in theaters, and fans are already salivating. Some, in fact, have been complaining that, even this far out, there have been few official morsels from the production, which has officially wrapped. Well, here’s one for you: the title for the seventh chapter in the saga.
On December 18, 2015, Disney and J.J. Abrams will unleash: "Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens."
Given that the sequel is bringing the entire gang back together — Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbecca, C-3PO, etc. — it’s not a surprise that the title is tying right into the nostalgia train, and reminding folks of the good old days when the prequel movies didn’t exist. It’s smart marketing if anything, so hey, mission accomplished, we suppose.
And there’s not much point resisting what is shaping up, at least from what we know, to be a throwback movie in many ways. Here’s your Millennium Falcon, there’s your Force, and here’s R2-D2…you get the idea. Yes, there will be new faces, but it would appear Disney and co. want you to return to the characters and feelings you had about them. Though yes, a new generation will be introduced with Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Domhnall Gleeson, Daisy Ridley and more leading the new adventures.
And so, while you debate the title in the comments, and wait for the movie, here are a couple bonus vintage videos via Eyes On Cinema: a 17-minute interview with "Star Wars" producer Gary Kurtz, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher circa 1977, followed by George Lucas himself shilling for Panasonic in these Japanese ads. Oh and in case you missed it, C3PO thinks ‘The Force Awakens’ one is going to blow you away.
"No movie sequel is better than The Empire Strikes Back." You might eat those words for Xmas dinner in 2015. Joy & Indigestion to the world!
— Anthony Daniels (@ADaniels3PO) November 3, 2014