Lucasfilm debunks rumors about the reshooting of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Ireland. But, the initial details revealed that J.J. Abrams and his team will be going back to the island, Skellig Michael, this month for some supplemental photography.
Lucasfilm and Disney interacted with Entertainment Weekly to amend the foregoing reports of reshoots for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. However, Lucasfilm admitted that the confusion causing fans to assume that "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is shooting in Ireland instead of the "Star Wars episode 8" came from them when they used the title 'Star Wars' in an interview before, without any specific distinction between the films.
According to an interview on RTE, Heather Humphries (Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) has confirmed that she has approved the return of Lucasfilm to Skellig Michael for their unfinished business. The minister also implemented strict environmental and ecological conditions to make certain that the filming will not damage the site and its bird life.
"I want to be very clear that my priority is to protect Skellig Michael and the UNESCO world heritage site and strict conditions are being imposed to ensure the environment is fully protected," Humphries stated.
Skellig Michael is a World Heritage site with monastic ruins from the late 12th century. It is an island with sharp-edged rocks elevated at 715 feet above sea level, covered with lush, green flora. In an article on Screenrant, the drastic environmental difference of the area plays a very important role in the storyline of the movie. Skellig Michael may be the hideout of Luke Skywalker, a Jedi, and if the fall landscape of the place is involved, it may indicate a dark future for him.
However, the statement summarizes 16 implemented measures which include the shooting time limitations until September and restrained activities to specified areas. Moreover, an ecologist and observers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the National Monuments Service were tasked to supervise the shooting. This is to ensure the preservation of the archaeological sites and wildlife habitats.
Beyond that, Lucasfilm production has acknowledged the promulgated guidelines imposed and they have agreed to honor it. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is nearing its release this year.
Join the Conversation