George Lucas' popular intergalactic space film series is going strong. It has been reported that as the JJ Abrams-directed "Episode VII" is already in the works, an 8th one has already been commissioned. Here are the top three things hardcore followers should watch out for.
Release Dates
Latin Post reported that despite Harrison Ford's injury and delay on production, the famous film franchise is currently in production for "Star Wars: Episode VII" will still be released on schedule on December 18, 2015. Hallels said that the release date for "Star Wars 8" will be two years, which means the film will debut in 2017.
JJ Abrams Out? New Director And Cast
According to Deadline, J.J. Abrams will no longer be directing the 8th film. "Looper" and "Breaking Bad" director Rian Johnson will be taking over both script-writing and filmmaking duties for "Star Wars 8." Johnson is no stranger in filmmaking, as he is known for his indie film "Brick," which starred a young but dark Joseph Gordon-Levitt. As for the cast, original cast members Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford will reportedly not be in the 8th film after as it has been claimed that their characters will be given a proper send-off in "Star Wars: Episode VII". Fans, however, should look forward to seeing new faces that would grace the screens in the 8th film. Although there has been no casting announcements yet for "Star Wars 8," "Episode VII" will showcase actors like Adam Driver from HBO's hit television series "Girls," "12 Years A Slave" Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o, and veteran actor Max Von Sydow.
"Star Wars" Spinoffs
According to the Star Wars website, there will be two spinoffs after the 8th film. Directing the spinoffs will be Gareth Edwards, who is known for giving a fresh new take on "Godzilla," which was released this year, and Josh Trank, who directed "Fantastic Four". Trank said in a statement, "The magic of the Star Wars Universe defined my entire childhood. The opportunity to expand on that experience for future generations is the most incredible dream of all time".
Edwards' "Star Wars" spinoff is set to be released in December 2016, The Huffington Post said. There is no word yet on when Trank's spinoff will be released.
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