J.J. Abrams to Write & Direct Star Wars: Episode IX, Film Pushed Back a Few Months:
The man behind "The Force Awakens" will now take the reins for the final film of the Star Wars saga in Episode IX. J.J. Abrams will now direct the film after last week Colin Trevorrow was let go as director of the film last week. Abrams will also co-write the film with Chris Terrio.
"Star Wars: Episode IX" will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Abrams, Bad Robot, and Lucasfilm.
“With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy.
The film which was scheduled to be released on May 24, 2019 has now been pushed back to December 20, 2019.
A new poster has been released for Disney Pixar's "Coco" today. A new trailer for the film will be released tomorrow, September 13 at 12 p.m. EST/ 9 a.m. PST. Check out the poster below:
Carrie Fisher, known for quick wit and her amazing personality, has become one with the force. Fisher passed away earlier today days after suffering a massive heart attack on a plane coming back from London to Los Angeles. Carrie Fisher, is most notable for the role of everyone's princess, Princess Leia in the Star Wars Saga. She was 60 and leaves behind her mother Debbie Reynolds and her daughter, Billie Lourd.
“Carrie and I have been friends most of our adult lives. She was extremely smart; a talented actress, writer and comedienne with a very colorful personality that everyone loved. In Star Wars she was our great and powerful princess – feisty, wise and full of hope in a role that was more difficult than most people might think. My heart and prayers are with Billie, Debbie and all Carrie’s family, friends and fans. She will be missed by all.” – George Lucas
“Carrie holds such a special place in the hearts of everyone at Lucasfilm it is difficult to think of a world without her. She was Princess Leia to the world but a very special friend to all of us. She had an indomitable spirit, incredible wit, and a loving heart. Carrie also defined the female hero of our age over a generation ago. Her groundbreaking role as Princess Leia served as an inspiration of power and confidence for young girls everywhere. We will miss her dearly.” – Kathleen Kennedy, President, Lucasfilm
“Carrie Fisher was one-of-a-kind, a true character who shared her talent and her truth with us all with her trademark wit and irreverence. Millions fell in love with her as the indomitable Princess Leia; she will always have a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans as well as all of us who were lucky enough to know her personally. She will be sorely missed, and we join millions of fans and friends around the world who mourn her loss today.” – Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company
"Carrie was one-of-a-kind.....brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life bravely...My thoughts are with her daughter, Billie, her Mother Debbie, her brother Todd, and her many friends. We will all miss her." - Harrison Ford
There are no words for this loss. Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered. I will miss her dearly. pic.twitter.com/GgIeYGeMt9
Carrie besides being an extraordinary actress was also a prolific writer. Her books included: Postcards from the Edge, Delusions of Grandma, Wishful Drinking, and recently released The Princess Diarist, which were based on diaries she wrote while filming: "Star Wars: A New Hope" in 1977. Fisher had been promoting the book in London when she was coming back home to Los Angeles. Carrie, our princess, will be deeply missed.
'Force Awakens' Makes Estimated $238M Domestically; $517M Globally
The Walt Disney Studios announced today that Star Wars: The Force Awakens has set a new all-time domestic debut record with an estimated $238M. With a five-day international debut of $279M, the film has taken in $517M globally.
“Our sole focus has been creating a film that delivers that one-of-a-kind Star Wars experience, and director J.J. Abrams, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, and the Lucasfilm team have outdone themselves,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “To all of the fans around the world who not only came out in Force to make this such an exciting and astronomical debut but who treated this film as their own and helped preserve the experience for their fellow fans by not spoiling it – thank you, we do.”
En route to this galactic launch, the film has smashed several all-time domestic box office records, including:
Biggest Thursday preview gross with $57M.
Biggest Friday and biggest single-day gross with $120.5M.
First film ever to post a single day over $100M.
Fastest film to $100M and $200M.
Biggest December debut (nearly 3 times previous record of $84.6M).
Biggest IMAX Thursday night preview ($5.7M), single-day ($14M, Friday), and weekend ($30.1M).
Highest theater average for a wide release ($57,568).
Star Wars: The Force Awakens debuted day-and-date internationally in nearly every market (except Greece and India, which open Dec. 24, and China, which opens Jan. 9) and set records in many. Highlights:
Biggest opening weekend of all time in UK (4-day), Australia, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Austria, Poland (3-day), Denmark (5-day), Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland, Serbia, New Zealand. Second biggest opening weekend in France, Belgium, Israel, Chile.
Biggest IMAX global debut of $48M.
The Force is strong with critics and audiences, whose enthusiastic reactions have powered a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and an excellent A CinemaScore, with an A+ among women and younger audiences, for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, that's how Star Wars began in 1977 and once again last night when "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opened in theaters breaking Thursday night release records by making $57 million on the first night alone. My showing at 10:10 last night was sold out like thousands of others last night. Let's get on to the film itself though, as 'The Force Awakens' has caused an awakening that fans have been longing for since 'Return of the Jedi'.
Fans for years have been waiting to see if J.J. Abrams and Disney would ruin the films as we know it after the let down of Episodes 1-3. I know I wasn't disappointed as J.J. took the helm of "The Force Awakens" and brought the greatness of Star Wars back. The story line was perfect and the new characters in Rey, Finn, Poe, Kylo Ren, and BB-8.
Rey's story is the focus and she blossoms throughout the movie into a strong female character that leads us into waiting for Episode VIII. Yes, the way the film ends Episode VIII will be just as anticipated as "The Force Awakens." Daisy Ridley played Rey like she was in the films before. Kylo Ren is one dark character who's story is just beginning. It seems like his story is a lot like Darth Vader's. Finn's story is just beginning as well, John Boyega played the role perfectly.
Harrison Ford does an amazing job as an older and wiser Han Solo. Han is seen as just as he was found in "A New Hope" but more wiser as he even still brings the comedic input of the film as he mentors both Finn and Rey. Then Leia who has aged but is also wiser and shows how strong she can be throughout the film. The questions of where is Luke are answered but you'll have to see the film to find out. There are even more questions to be answered that will hopefully answered in the coming films in the future.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was perfect and I literally felt like I was watching the original films. The film brought cheers throughout the whole film because it was just that great. Star Wars is back and in the words of Han as he tells Chewbacca as they enter into the Millennium Falcon once again, "Chewie, We're Home." Star Wars fans are right at home again and all is right in the world. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" gets 5 out of 5 Lightsabers and if I could give it a higher rating I would because the film was amazing. Episode VIII can't get here fast enough.
1900 Park Fare to Offer Brunch During Holiday Weeks:
During the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, the Grand Floridian's 1900 Park Fare will be offering brunch during the busy holiday season. It will operate from 12:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. during the weeks of November 22-28, 2015 and December 20, 2015 through January 2, 2016. The usual character dining restaurant for breakfast and dinner will not have any characters for the brunch.
The menu will include Carved Herb-roasted New York strip loin, made-to-order omelets and eggs, carved Floribbean Jerk Turkey Breast, Breakfast Burrito Bar, Vanilla French Toast, Peel-N-Eat Shrimp, Mickey Waffles, and Bread Pudding.
Pricing will be $23.99 for adults and $12.99 for children ages 3-9. Reservations can be made now by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting www.waltdisneyworld.com/dine.
Where's Luke? J.J. Abrams Answers Sort Of:
Last week, when the final "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" trailer was released many Star Wars fans including myself asked the question, Where's Luke? Well, director J.J. Abrams answered the question sort of.
During an appearance at an event for Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network in Los Angeles, Abrams replied, "These are good questions to be asking," as he was prodded with questions of where Mark Hamill's character was during the trailer. He added that it was "no accident" that Luke didn't appear in the trailer and when someone pleaded with him with what the meant he replied, "I can't wait for you to find out the answer."
So Abrams didn't really answer the question and it is being rumored there won't be any more new footage released before the film. There are even reports that the film won't screen for critics until the day before the release. He did however not deny that Luke was actually in the trailer as his metal hand appears to be touching R2-D2. While questions still remain, it won't be much longer as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens in theaters, December 18.
Final Trailer for Star Wars Battlefront Released:
We are just 3 weeks aways from probably the most anticipated game release in a long time. EA's Star Wars Battlefront releases on November 17 and today, the release trailer was launched. Check it out:
We are just 159 days away from the premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and we just got a little more excited for it after the panel that ended at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. With J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, and Lawrence Kasdan taking the stage along with the 9 main characters of the film, the panel was outstanding. Yes, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and yes Harrison Ford were all there.
The panel began with host Chris Hardwick taking the stage along with Abrams, Kasdan, and Kennedy. Abrams told the crowd they are currently cutting and editing the film and saying, "We're working hard to make the movie what it wants to be." There was no trailer or new scenes released but, a behind the scenes reel was shown.
Hardwick asked Abrams about practical effects, he responded with the first Omaze video, they were able to show a creature to prove they were doing practical effects. They then brought a new creature out on the stage named Bobbajo. Bobbajo walked across the stage with Abrams saying, "It gives actors things to respond to." Bobbajo was one of hundreds of creatures built for Episode VII.
The next question was if each film will be its own standalone or apart of an arc. Kennedy responded, "VIII and IV will be part of that arc." She also added that "Star Wars Rogue One," the first standalone film, will begin production in three weeks. After the showing of the reel of behind the scenes, the new characters of the light side took the stage: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, and Oscar Isaac.
Here are some of the responses from the light side of the cast:
Boyega on what it's like being on both sides, meaning being fan and now a part of the cast: "It's been awesome." For both Star Wars Celebration and SDCC he was walking around with a clone trooper helmet.
Ridley on what training for the movie was like: "It was amazing and I hope the look of it pays off."
Isaac said his character is carrying on the legacy of Han and Luke, "Poe was probably watching the medal ceremony saying, 'I want to be a hero.'"
Ridley on working with the original cast: "Working with legends.....was everything we could've hoped for and more."
The dark side characters then took the stage Adam Driver is playing Kylo Ren, Gwendolyn Christie as Phasma, and Domhall Gleeson will be General Hux. During the questioning it was revealed Starkiller Base will be the home of the First Order (the dark side). Star Wars also released new hashtags to be used seen below.
The dark side on what their characters are about:
Driver said he wasn't approached on whether he was good or evil on his connection to the dark side. To which Gleeson replied that he was definitely evil and he was told his character was in charge in some way. That was when Abrams stated that General Hux's home base would be Starkiller. Christie on her character, "I found it very exciting that underneath the armor is a woman. And it makes it more relevant than ever." After some fan questions the first member of the original cast came on stage, Carrie Fisher.
Fisher on what it was like to come back to the set and see it all over again, "It was like a flashback.....I didn't think it would happen again. There were times the three of were standing together and it just felt natural." That was when Hardwick introduced Hamill to the stage. "Without you guys (the fans) we're nothing," Hamill stated. He also went on to say how he's very moved when he hears from the fans - whether they named their son Luke or met their wife at the premiere of Return of the Jedi. He said you don't often realize the impact you could have on someone's life.
So with Fisher and Hamill on the stage many wondered where the last of the trio was and if he's alright. Harrison Ford finally walked on stage, his first appearance since he crashed his private plane earlier this year.
Ford: "Im fine, I walked here."
After Ford's grand entrance and on how he is doing, "I'm fine. I walked here." Ford then explained how it felt to be back where his career began, "It felt great.....the original Star Wars was the beginning of my working life..... so it was great to be back. Thank You." Abrams then took to the stage to end the panel. He invited all the guests at the panel to a private live Star Wars concert and the crowd went wild.
Let's just start off with what everyone is talking about as Star Wars Celebration began today. Today at the celebration a new teaser trailer has been released. It is jaw-dropping and every Star Wars fan will be in shock once they see it. So without further explanation here it is:
It begin with Luke's voiceover about how the force is strong in his family. His father which shows an incredible picture of Vader's mask. The trailer continues with more clips of our favorite characters and TIE-fighters, X-wings, and the newly evolved stormtroopers. The favorite however is the ending with Han Solo and Chewbacca with Han saying, "Chewie, We're Home." The internet and the Anaheim Convention Center is in a buzz with Star Wars Celebration.
This morning the original cast members of the trilogy gathered on stage for a panel on the new movie. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, and Anthony Daniels gathered on the stage being backed by the newly evolved Stormtroopers for the film. Harrison Ford was absent as he is still recovering from injuries suffered in a plane crash just months ago.
That wasn't all that was shown off in the Anaheim Convention Center for Star Wars Celebration, as the new droid form "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was on hand, BB-8. The spherical droid rolled on stage today as director, J.J. Abrams and producer Kathleen Kennedy talked about the film.
Abrams explained that originally he thought of creating BB-8 through CG but instead he found it much easier for the actors to interact with the real-life robot. BB-8 even had a arguing match with R2-D2 on stage. Here is the video of what went on:
"Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" opens in theaters on December 18, 2015. Tune in for more info about Star Wars Celebration as the celebration continues until Sunday.
