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[Demoncarnotaur]

I just hope they do some actual location shoots/Sets and really try to bring some texture, grit and grandeur to the movie.. I want to really feel the locations, like Hoth or Endor... make em really feel real, alien and wondrous.

 

[Yen]

Singer? This is the dude that directed Xmen AND X2, and wrote "First class."

star wars would be EXTREMELY lucky if it turned out as good as those last two.

First Class is the most boring blockbuster I've seen in the past year.

 

[Xeke]

Cameron's got a bigger sci-fi money-maker on his hands right now. And it's one he has complete control over. He ain't doing anything SW.

James Cameron doesn't do what James Cameron does for James Cameron. James Cameron does what James Cameron does because James Cameron is James Cameron!

 

[f0rk]

you say this like there aren't scores of novels already written about star wars post ROTJ. hint: there are.

and how much of the viewing audience actually reads the comics? comic circulation is MAYBE 500,000 on a good day. And for the record, the movie and the comic (depending on what era you read it) are very, VERY different. For instance: Hulk was a member for exactly 2 issues, back in the 1960s. Current and longtime members like Ant Man or the Vision weren't even mentioned. Coulson was entirely a creation of marvel studios, and Nick Fury of 616 was actually a white guy.

You can't bring up the Star Wars EU and act like that is going to be more of a basis for this trilogy than the Marvel comics are for those movies. That tiny fanbase is going to be so mad if they are expecting much acknowledgement, it's going to be way more than changing Nick Fury's skin colour.


I don't think they will go too far down the kid road considering how much money Nolan has made from making serious Batman and a film about dudes in suits.

 

[Y-Z]

I hope they use the Heir to the Empire trilogy as 7,8 and 9 because i always wanted to have these books filmed by a capable director.

 

[BocoDragon]

I just hope they do some actual location shoots/Sets and really try to bring some texture, grit and wonder to the movie.. I want to really feel the locations, like Hoth or Endor.

Yes. And It will be nice if CGI is only used where appropriate. Lucas's techno-fetishism often used CG for inappropriate purposes.

 

[Lionel Mandrake]

Here is the rundown on the state of the original negative and prints that exist.

Exactly. It's very possible for an HD release of the original cuts. Lucas really just didn't want it to happen.

 

[jtb]

Singer is past it. He didn't direct First Class (which I liked, but w/e), Superman Returns was awful and way too on the nose with the Jesus shit, and the Usual Suspects does not hold up. Not a fan.

 

[Baller. PhD]

I hope they use the Heir to the Empire trilogy as 7,8 and 9 because i always wanted to have these books filmed by a capable director.

Wouldn't the primary actors of the OT be a little old (IRL) for that trilogy? I'm thinking NJO-era shit for these movies. Which would be fine. Anything with a script that Lucas didn't write. And someone besides Lucas directing.

omg. I have like 100 boners right now.

 

[Starsunder]

I don't care what anyone says, I'm fucking hyped. Nervous as all hell as to what the movie will actually be about, and who the director will be, but overall I'm very positive about this.

But yes, there is a list of directors that shouldn't even be considered.

 

[lethial]

I bet the new episodes will be a hilarious romp through space with whimsical characters and their crazy antics much like Pirates of the Caribbean.

 

[RPGamer92]

I just realized: none of the Star Wars movies are available on itunes. Disney should remedy this asap and make crap tons of money.

 

[WillyFive]

I bet the new episodes will be a hilarious romp through space with whimsical characters and their crazy antics much like Pirates of the Caribbean.

That sounds great, especially compared to the political drama of the Prequel Trilogy.

 

[FlyingTeacup]

they're summer popcorn movies, as star wars is.

They're not aiming to make gone with the wind or ben hur out of these, they're looking to put as many butts in seats as possible, and then get them to all buy merchandise.

in that sense, Iron man (2), Avengers, and to a lesser extent Cap and Thor were wildly successful.

star wars 4-6 weren't just pop-corn summer movies. they became icons.

 

[Cheebo]

Cameron's got a bigger sci-fi money-maker on his hands right now. And it's one he has complete control over. He ain't doing anything SW.

Avatar as a single film is bigger than any one Star Wars film in box office but Star Wars is a far far bigger franchise, theatrical box office is just a sliver of what makes Star Wars such a huge money making franchise.

The cultural impact of Star Wars is gigantic, Avatar's has been rather minimal. Avatar disappeared from public very quickly after it's theatrical run. Star Wars is a gigantic marketing powerhouse. Avatar tie-in's flopped and disappeared quickly after the film was out. When is the last time you saw someone quote avatar or dress up as a avatar character? The 3 year period when Episode IV was the only Star Wars film Star Wars was still literally everywhere.

It is not even comparable. To call Avatar bigger than Star Wars is mad.

 

[Mr.Awesome]

 

[Kinyou]

Are they really going to call it Ep7 though? Figure it would make more sense to do a more Bond like thing.

Star Wars: A planet only dies twice

 

[Jason Frost]

People writing fanfictions must be going crazy right now.

 

[Manmademan]

I hate that distinction so much. I know you're talking in terms of money and stuff, but Star Wars is just a good film—period. We shouldn't have to say "it's good for a [big-budget genre here] film." No reason why we shouldn't be able to put Star Wars and Gone With the Wind (the two best selling films of all time anyways) against one another. The summer blockbuster did not exist before Star Wars and Jaws; Lucas and Spielberg just went out to make a good films; that's exactly how this should be approached.



Disagree with the bolded, but other than that, you're off to a good start.

First off- Gone with the wind existed in an era where films could stay in theatres for YEARS. It's a completely different animal than anything made decades later. Second, I'm not saying star wars wasn't a "good" film, because it was. It's just not a "Great" film in the sense that lawrence of arabia, pulp fiction, or the shawshank redemption is.

I'm not going to kid myself that any new star wars films are going to be made to be thought provoking masterpieces that make a social statement. LOTR **almost** got away with this, but owes it to the strength and longevity of the source material. Star wars doesn't have this advantage.

You COULD make a film like that that appeals to everyone, but it would be damn hard. Disney knows this (as does every other major studio) so summer "popcorn" films aim to entertain first and foremost- usually via expensive CGI and witty one liners.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Avatar as a single film is bigger than any one Star Wars film in box office but Star Wars is a far far bigger franchise, theatrical box office is just a sliver of what makes Star Wars such a huge franchise.

The cultural impact of Star Wars is gigantic, Avatar's has been rather minimal. When is the last time you saw someone quote avatar or dress up as a avatar character? The 3 year period when Episode IV was the only Star Wars film Star Wars was still literally everywhere. Avatar disappeared from public very quickly after it's theatrical run. Star Wars is a gigantic marketing powerhouse. Avatar tie-in's flopped and disappeared quickly after the film was out.

It is not even comparable. To call Avatar bigger than Star Wars is mad.

That's true, however, Cameron won't be making anything on merchandise of a Star Wars movie and only be making money of off the movie itself or whatever contract he would make with Disney which most likely won't include profits of the merchandise.

 

[Medalion]

I always thought Disney and modern era Lucasfilm are perfect for each other

but I dunno how I feel about a new Trilogy so soon after the prequels

 

[Corran Horn]

Do it off X-wing series...plz disney

 

[BlackGhost]

Lucas looks scared in this picture, like he's being forced to sign it.

 

[Medalion]

Lucas looks scared in this picture, like he's being forced to sign it.

Just a Disney mind trick

 

[jtb]

First off- Gone with the wind existed in an era where films could stay in theatres for YEARS. It's a completely different animal than anything made decades later. Second, I'm not saying star wars wasn't a "good" film, because it was. It's just not a "Great" film in the sense that lawrence of arabia, pulp fiction, or the shawshank redemption is.

I'm not going to kid myself that any new star wars films are going to be made to be thought provoking masterpieces that make a social statement. LOTR **almost** got away with this, but owes it to the strength and longevity of the source material. Star wars doesn't have this advantage.

You COULD make a film like that that appeals to everyone, but it would be damn hard. Disney knows this (as does every other major studio) so summer "popcorn" films aim to entertain first and foremost- usually via expensive CGI and witty one liners.

Star Wars is a great film. (And for that matter, the Shawshank Redemption really isn't.) I'm not saying it needs to be "thought-provoking" (whatever that means or entails). I'm saying it needs to be a great film, in the way that the summer blockbuster formula simply won't allow.

I know Disney will aim to make "popcorn" formula films. And I'm saying that's a huge fucking mistake.

 

[jdl]

This pretty much says it all.

 

[Zilch]

Star Wars is "for kids". That's why you fell in love with it when YOU WERE A KID. Not when you were 26.

 

[Razgriz-Specter]

I bet the new episodes will be a hilarious romp through space with whimsical characters and their crazy antics much like Pirates of the Caribbean.

As long as it isn't like AWE then thats fine.

 

[ScreenSplitter]

Star Wars is a great film. (And for that matter, the Shawshank Redemption really isn't.).

I'm sorry, such injustice can not go without punishment. I will throw you in the Rancor pit. And first you'll hate it. Then you'll get used to it.

That's institutionalized.

 

[Sirpopopop]

George Lucas looks pretty sad for someone about to be billions of dollars richer.

 

[Extra Sauce]

I hate that distinction so much. I know you're talking in terms of money and stuff, but Star Wars is just a good film—period. We shouldn't have to say "it's good for a [big-budget genre here] film." No reason why we shouldn't be able to put Star Wars and Gone With the Wind (the two best selling films of all time anyways) against one another. The summer blockbuster did not exist before Star Wars and Jaws; Lucas and Spielberg just went out to make a good films; that's exactly how this should be approached.

Words of wisdom.

 

[ReBurn]

Can one of those movies deliver some Kyle Katarn action hero stuff, please?

George Lucas looks pretty sad for someone about to be billions of dollars richer.

I doubt he needed the money. I'd probably be sad to let it go, too.

 

[Trojita]

You can't bring up the Star Wars EU and act like that is going to be more of a basis for this trilogy than the Marvel comics are for those movies. That tiny fanbase is going to be so mad if they are expecting much acknowledgement, it's going to be way more than changing Nick Fury's skin colour.


I don't think they will go too far down the kid road considering how much money Nolan has made from making serious Batman and a film about dudes in suits.

About that.....

 

[Medalion]

George Lucas looks pretty sad for someone about to be billions of dollars richer.

He could make that back by rewhoring the saga over and over till he dies

 

[Extra Sauce]

I always thought Disney and modern era Lucasfilm are perfect for each other

but I dunno how I feel about a new Trilogy so soon after the prequels

10 years is too soon?

We're going to die one day. Stop this silly "too soon" crap.

 

[Buddha Beam]

People writing fanfictions must be going crazy right now.

You mean like Lucas unfreezing and resurrecting Walt Disney to have a torrid homosexual affair with him?

 

[Medalion]

10 years is too soon?

We're going to die one day. Stop this silly "too soon" crap.

LONG TIME AGOOO IN A GALAXY FAH FAH AWAI

 

[Manmademan]

Star Wars is a great film. (And for that matter, the Shawshank Redemption really isn't.) I'm not saying it needs to be "thought-provoking" (whatever that means or entails). I'm saying it needs to be a great film, in the way that the summer blockbuster formula simply won't allow.

I know Disney will aim to make "popcorn" formula films. And I'm saying that's a huge fucking mistake.

It means that there are some movies that are made with the goal of making a statement, or social commentary first and foremost. They're looking to INFLUENCE the audience, not just entertain them. (think maybe..to kill a mockingbird) Some of them seek to change the way films are made and thought of (Think, seven samurai). Audience entertainment is a secondary goal. when they succeed, these are usually referred to as "great" films, or "thought provoking" films. Star wars doesn't really do this. That's never been it's goal.

That's not to say it's not a good movie- but it's not looking to expand discussion of the world around you, or change the way films are made- except perhaps in the area of special effects of the 1970s.

 

[Cheebo]

That's true, however, Cameron won't be making anything on merchandise of a Star Wars movie and only be making money of off the movie itself or whatever contract he would make with Disney which most likely won't include profits of the merchandise.

Oh no I agree Cameron won't be involved and he shouldn't, he isn't really a good fit. but the idea Avatar is bigger is just plain crazy. Star Wars is on a completely different plane than Avatar. Avatar had a huge box-office success but its cultural impact, marketing impact, merchandise impact were extremely minor compared to what Star Wars did. Even with just the first Star Wars film.

 

[Hot Coldman]

George Lucas looks pretty sad for someone about to be billions of dollars richer.

That's pretty much his last act as a businessman. Whatever you think of the guy, it's the end of an era for him.

 

[Wiggum2007]

George looks so sad in all these pictures its making me upset guys

 

[FOOTE]

Been trying to digest the news and I'm having a hard time. Still shocked.

 

[bill0527]

Star Wars is "for kids". That's why you fell in love with it when YOU WERE A KID. Not when you were 26.

I call bullshit.

That's the line Lucas tried to use while defending the prequels when he started getting a backlash.

So tell me exactly how is cold blooded murder of children, watching a man burning alive in molten lava, and a political story so confusing that most adults have trouble understanding it,...how is that exactly 'kid stuff'?

Go read the opening crawl of The Phantom Menace and then tell me with a straight face how any 5-7 year old can understand what the fuck they just read.

 

[Cheddahz]

That's pretty much his last act as a businessman. Whatever you think of the guy, it's the end of an era for him.

Well he could just start a new studio and make a bunch of movies sorta like American Graffiti or something, small time indie movies

 

[Medalion]

I would almost pity the guy in the Jar Jar costume at Disney World, he would get wailed on like nobody's business

 

[Chie Satonaka]

I enjoyed the prequels (with the exception of episode 2, good god, what a turd) and I'm always okay with more Star Wars.

I'm looking forward to this, and can't wait for more news.

 

[Manmademan]

Well he could just start a new studio and make a bunch of movies sorta like American Graffiti or something, small time indie movies

Lucas is 68, and audiences and critics have savaged the last 5 films he's been involved in (all three prequels, crystal skull, red tails).

what on earth would make him think that starting a new studio with new movies would be a great idea?

 

[jtb]

It means that there are some movies that are made with the goal of making a statement, or social commentary first and foremost. They're looking to INFLUENCE the audience, not just entertain them. (think maybe..to kill a mockingbird) Some of them seek to change the way films are made and thought of (Think, seven samurai). Audience entertainment is a secondary goal. when they succeed, these are usually referred to as "great" films, or "thought provoking" films. Star wars doesn't really do this. That's never been it's goal.

That's not to say it's not a good movie- but it's not looking to expand discussion of the world around you, or change the way films are made- except perhaps in the area of special effects of the 1970s.

We'll agree to disagree because I vehemently disagree with that definition of a "great" film. Regardless, Star Wars did change film—you mentioned it yourself; where do you think those formulas for big-budget blockbusters came from in the first place?

Don't take my word for it; Ebert: "Like The Birth of a Nation and Citizen Kane, Star Wars was a technical watershed that influenced many of the movies that came after."

 

[Cheddahz]

Lucas is 68, and audiences and critics have savaged the last 5 films he's been involved in (all three prequels, crystal skull, red tails).

what on earth would make him think that starting a new studio with new movies would be a great idea?

Honestly, I have no idea, what else is he going to do with all that money?

 

[bill0527]

It means that there are some movies that are made with the goal of making a statement, or social commentary first and foremost. They're looking to INFLUENCE the audience, not just entertain them. (think maybe..to kill a mockingbird) Some of them seek to change the way films are made and thought of (Think, seven samurai). Audience entertainment is a secondary goal. when they succeed, these are usually referred to as "great" films, or "thought provoking" films. Star wars doesn't really do this. That's never been it's goal.

That's not to say it's not a good movie- but it's not looking to expand discussion of the world around you, or change the way films are made- except perhaps in the area of special effects of the 1970s.

Star Wars was a complete backlash to everything you just said and thats what made it great. It brought some goddamn fun to the theaters for once instead of trying to beat you over the head with high brow social commentary. What made it great, and why it, along with Jaws, helped usher in the summer blockbuster, was the fact that it showed you could actually have fun going to the movie theater. Also, it broke ground in its own genre as it was the first sci-fi movie that actually had some life to it by not being so sterile and lifeless,