New Star Wars Movie Update

After taking over the galaxy of Star Trek, filmmaker J.J. Abrams now has his sight on another galaxy. One that is far, far, away.

That’s right all you science-fiction fans, Star Wars is scheduled to have a new film, Episode VII, for the series. However, it is no longer to be under the control of George Lucas.

Last fall, Walt Disney bought Lucasfilm for $4 billion. The deal included Lucasfilm’s production companies Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound. With this new addition to the Disney family, the company now owns the famous “Indiana Jones” franchise and the legendary “Star Wars” franchise.

“It’s now time for me to pass ‘Star Wars’ on to a new generation of filmmakers,” said Lucas, 68, in a statement. (NBC News)

However, Lucas fans shouldn’t worry about seeing the last of Lucas’s Star Wars creativity. The founder is working as a creative consultant for not only the new upcoming Star Wars movie, but also for future additions to come.

Another member of the Lucasfilm company has a position in the division, the former co-chairman Kathleen Kennedy. Kennedy will be hired as the division’s president and executive producer of the new films.

With Abrams as the new director, Disney is on it’s way to creating its newest Star Wars addition. The director proved successful in his reboot of the “Star Trek” franchise. The second movie, Star Trek Into Darkness is to arrive in theaters on May 17. Abrams also created the popular TV science-fiction series Lost and Fringe.

“Fan reaction was generally positive after the news of the sale, but in Abrams they are getting someone with serious nerd cred to move from Kirk and Spock to the universe of Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.” (USA Today).

Disney has also hired Michael Arndt to write the screenplay for their new film. Star Wars Episode VII is the first film to not be written by its creator. Arndt is busy writing not only Episode VII, but he and other screen writers are working on the next two installments after this one.

Lastly, to the fans’ excitement, it is rumored that Yoda will have his own spinoff film. The character’s future arrival to the screen is part of a series of plans that have been set in motion by the new president. Fans wonder what other characters will get to have their own chance of stardom for their own spinoff film.

“To start with, they’re going to focus on established characters and do solo films. The first standalone film is going to center upon Yoda. At this stage, specifics are sparse, but Kathleen Kennedy is putting together a Star Wars slate. I’ve also heard tale of a Jabba story that Lucas has floated to some of his buddies. But word is Yoda is first,” Ain’t It Cool editor Harry Knowles writes. (The Guardian)

However, fans should remember that these tidbits are just rumors. Only time will tell whether these rumors will prove to be potential new movies.

The only for sure movie that is being worked on is Episode VII. The new film is scheduled for its release in 2015.

Will the film live up to the fans expectations?

Photos courtesy of Kamikazo, David Shankbone, and istolethetv via WikiCommons.