For months since the passing of our beloved princess, Carrie Fisher, it has been speculated whether she would appear in Star Wars Episode IX. At first, it was said she definitely would not appear. In recent weeks leading up to Star Wars Celebration Orlando, her brother Todd revealed that she would be appearing in the final film of the saga.
However today, in an exclusive interview with ABC's Paula Faris, LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Carrie Fisher will not appear in the film. Here is the part of the interview where Kennedy is asked about Fisher's role in the final film:
First Poster and Trailer of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Released:
Finally, today the long awaited first trailer of "The Last Jedi" was released along with a new poster during Star Wars Celebration Orlando. Director Rian Johnson, LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill showed off the trailer today during the amazing panel detailing the film. Here is the poster:
The poster shows off Rey holding a lightsaber up flashing with half of Luke's face and half of Kylo Ren's face. Now here is the trailer:
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters December 15, 2017.
Several Stills Released for "The Last Jedi" Revealed:
Also during today's panel several stills from the film were released, check them out below.
I am so excited for this film and I know most are just as excited. December cannot get here fast enough.
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.
Star Wars - Season of the Force Coming to Disneyland Paris:
Star Wars - Season of the Force is making its way over to Disneyland Paris at least for a limited time in early 2017. While it is a limited time it is coinciding with the parks update of Star Tours to Star Tours - The Adventures Continue. Here is the press release:
Soon, in a future not so far away, Disneyland Paris will awaken the Force with an all-new and exclusive celebration of the Star Wars saga featuring live characters and stunning entertainment.
For a limited time only, in early 2017, Disneyland Paris will be gripped by the Season of the Force:
The Walt Disney Studios Park will present a giant night-time spectacular, which will transport guests into the heart of the Star Wars saga. This show, only available at Disneyland Paris, will combine live entertainment, breathtaking special effects and an epic sound and light show projected on the Park’s most iconic architecture.
Throughout the day, guests will also come face to face with heroes from the Star Wars universe. Encounter a patrol of Stormtroopers (similar to Disney’s Hollywood Studios), face some of the most powerful members of the Dark Side or join the rebellion with the friendly Chewbacca.
This experience is guaranteed to dazzle everyone, from the youngest Padawan to the wisest Jedi. From 14 January to 26 March 2017, come to the Walt Disney Studios Park and let the force be with you with Star Wars,Season of the Force. More information coming soon.
Star Wars is slowly invading every Disney Park across the globe.
Mark Hamill Confirms He'll be in Episode IX?:
Mark Hamill has been quite the character these days and making sure no secrets get out about Luke Skywalker and his fate for Episode VIII. Hamill who has frightened fans months earlier saying he was out of work, really though he had just got done filming Episode VIII.
Yesterday, however he may have let the cat out of the bag when he tweeted a video of him shaving his beard. In the tweet he said, #ByeByeBeard (at least until Episode IX). Here is the tweet:
The question still remains though, What is the fate of Luke Skywalker? Star Wars fans everywhere sure want to know soon.
Go Rogue and Win a Trip to See 'Rogue One' at Lucasfilm:
Fans now have a chance to win a trip to attend a screening of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" at Lucasfilm in San Francisco. It is your turn to #GoRogue as fans can create a 2-minute video inspired by "Rogue One" for a chance at the grand prize of seeing your video on the big screen before the screening. Here is a video that also shows a preview of the new 'Rogue One' merchandise that will be available in stores soon.
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.
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.
