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Posted by Ben Huber on Feb 15, 2015 in Star Wars
The Star Wars Celebration convention isn’t too far off: April 16thto the 19th, to be exact. It’ll be at the Anaheim Convention Center, and we now know it’ll be kicked off by The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams and producer & Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. The exact quote from the official site is that they’ll start “the show in a big way” and “this will be a day long remembered.” I don’t know about you, but given the speculation that a the first real trailer for The Force Awakens will premiere at Star Wars Celebration… that sounds pretty likely if both Abrams and Kennedy are there, doesn’t it? Read more…
Tags: J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, The Force Awakens
Posted by Bob Muir on Jul 22, 2014 in Cinema, Star Wars
The contest to be in Star Wars Episode VII — a fundraiser for the Force for Change charity — is still continuing, with people from around the world sending in a ton of entries. J.J. Abrams is reminding fans to get their entries in, but what’s more important immediately are the teases Abrams has had in his clips: trickles of information to whet your appetite for Star Wars. The latest is an X-Wing from the movie, and it’s looking good. There’s now one big engine on each wing that looks like it splits with the wings, while the design is sleeker. And unlike the prequels, this ship looks worn down and used, like it actually exists in the world. Good news, right? Read more…
Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Wars, x-wing
Posted by Bob Muir on May 22, 2014 in Cinema, Star Wars
One of the best parts of the original Star Wars trilogy were all the practical effects, mixed with worn elements to give the impression of a realistic, lived-in world. One of the biggest failings of the prequel trilogy was tossing that out the window in favor of clean cities and cartoon aliens, all rendered in fake-tacular CGI. Director J.J. Abrams has previously expressed his plan to use practical effects in Star Wars Episode VII (as well as shoot on film). In a video today, we got our first peak at a new alien — and he’s a puppet! Read more…
Tags: Disney, Episode VII, J.J. Abrams, Puppets, Star Wars
Posted by Ben Huber on May 17, 2014 in Star Wars
It looks like it’s not all secrets and smoke on the set of Episode VII. Bad Robot tweeted out two pictures today from the first day of filming for the new Star Wars film. One is of the clapboard and the other is of the outside of Pinewood Studios, which features a large sign that says “VII Now Filming.” Yes, it’s finally happening. Now let’s hope they do a good job. I also hope that this is a sign that J.J. Abrams, Bad Robot, and Disney will be a tad more open about the whole process of filming. If you share photos, people are less likely to go hunting for leaks. At least, I am! Read more…
Tags: Episode VII, J.J. Abrams
Posted by Ben Huber on May 5, 2014 in Star Wars
Here’s a few interesting bits from the May the Fourth festivities. J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan took the time to create a (very) short little video saying hi to their families and fans. It definitely appears that Kasdan is heavily involved in more than just the script. Abrams also mentions that casting announcements will continue, so we have some more of those to look forward to! Also released was the new trailer for Star Wars Rebels, which gives some more context and story info, as well as a better look at the various characters. It looks pretty neat, and it’s great to see the classic Stormtroopers and hear the original music again. Check it all out below. Read more…
Tags: J.J. Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan, Star Wars: Rebels
Posted by Bob Muir on Apr 30, 2014 in Cinema, Star Wars
After much speculation, we now know the stars who will be warring in Star Wars Episode VII. As expected, Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Kenny Baker (R2-D2) all return. The newcomers are John Boyega (Moses, Attack the Block), Daisy Ridley (an unknown), Adam Driver (Adam Sackler, Girls), Oscar Isaac (Llewyn Davis, Inside Llewyn Davis), Andy Serkis (Gollum, The Lord of the Rings), Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), and Max von Sydow (who’s been in tons of stuff). Read more…
Tags: Disney, Episode VII, J.J. Abrams, Star Wars
Posted by Ben Huber on Apr 11, 2014 in Star Wars
Here’s another rumor for the rumor mill: Maisie Richardson-Sellers, a relatively unknown actress from Oxford, may be up for a lead role in Star Wars Episode VII. She has no film credits, but has received acclaim for her stage performances. The Hollywood Reporter says she is one of several unknown actors that J.J. Abrams is looking at. Given that several leads in the original Star Wars trilogy were unknowns at the time, I can see why Abrams may want to replicate that feeling. I also am really happy to see such a varied and diverse collection of actors and actresses up for roles. Let’s hope we finally hear some news soon — who wants to bet on May 4th? Read more…
Tags: Episode VII, J.J. Abrams
Posted by Ben Huber on Apr 7, 2014 in Star Wars
In a recent interview with the chairman of Disney Studios, Alan Horn, he confirmed something many had suspected: filming for Star Wars Episode VII had already begun. Now don’t get too excited — it’s probably just scenic shots and vistas. We haven’t heard of any actors performing, so it’s probably just background material they’ll need for later. In fact, rumors were that J.J. Abrams wanted some plates (master shots) from Iceland, so perhaps that’s all that’s really happening. Current theories say that May 4th would be a perfect time to announce the cast, since filming proper is rumored to start May 14th. Rumors, rumors, and more rumors! Good job locking this down, Disney. Let’s hope we find out everything in May! Read more…
Tags: Episode VII, J.J. Abrams
Posted by Ben Huber on Jan 13, 2014 in Star Wars
We haven’t heard much from JJ Abrams recently, and that’s probably because he’s got his nose to the grindstone cranking out a new Star Wars script with Lawrence Kasdan. We’re just now getting the first rumors coming out of the big script changes after kicking Michael Arndt out. Apparently Abrams really wanted the focus of Episode VII to be on Luke, Han, and Leia for one last time before passing the torch to a new generation, which is what prompted these changes. Another big change is that Abrams is reportedly looking for a 20-something mixed-race or black woman to play the daughter of Obi-Wan. Of all the rumors, I actually really like this idea, especially if she’s one of or the main character in the next films. Also up? Michael Fassbender, Hugo Weaving, and Adam Driver. Weaving is reportedly being looked at for an Imperial Officer role, which is so perfect I can’t even handle it. Read more…
Tags: Episode VII, J.J. Abrams
Posted by Ben Huber on Nov 16, 2013 in Star Wars
Oh, who else did you expect? Yup, here’s a picture of JJ Abrams and crew standing with R2-D2 in the Bad Robot offices. Nothing too earth-shattering, but if you wanted real proof that new Star Wars movies are happening, then this is it! The real question is: will Kenny Baker return? I sure hope so. It wouldn’t be R2 without him! I also considered Anthony Daniels as C-3PO a given as well, so while that isn’t confirmed, I think that a Star Wars movie without the pair would be poor choice. They’re the real main characters, after all! Read more…
Tags: Episode VII, J.J. Abrams
Posted by Ben Huber on Nov 9, 2013 in Star Wars
I told you, Disney. I told you that you needed more time. Thankfully, they agreed, and the release date for Star Wars Episode VII has been set to December 18th, 2015. This is a bit further back than the original May 2015 date they wanted, but given the script troubles they’ve been having, it’s a good decision. Take any extension you can get, J.J.! Speaking of J.J., the director spoke about avoiding reading fan theories online, because he doesn’t want to accidentally use anyone’s ideas. He also mentioned that he knows that no one wants him to “mess with” their childhood, so he’s being very careful about what he does with this new trilogy. I hope hew and Lawrence Kasdan can work out a good script in time! Read more…
Tags: Episode VII, J.J. Abrams
Posted by Bob Muir on Oct 1, 2013 in Cinema, Star Trek
J.J. Abrams often gets mocked for how much lens flare he put into Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness. But while comments about the lens flares in his reboot movie didn’t make him stop using them in the recent sequel, he says that he was actually being more conscious of how they affected the film. In fact, he claims that he actually reduced the lens flare! Read more…
Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek Into Darkness
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 22, 2013 in Cinema, Star Trek
Are you excited yet for Star Trek Into Darkness? We’ve got another new international trailer showing up today, and while some of it is recycled footage that you’ve seen before in other trailers, much of it is new. The more I see of this movie, the more comfortable I feel about JJ Abrams taking over Star Wars. But as for Star Trek, it looks pretty impressive. I sure am hoping that the Enterprise crashing isn’t the climax of the movie, because that’d be a terrible thing to spoil. I hope Kirk can hold up against Sherlock Holmes! Watch the new trailer below. Read more…
Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek Into Darkness
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 10, 2013 in Cinema, Star Trek
I doubt this needs much introduction at this point: here’s the latest Star Trek Into Darkness trailer that’s running in front of Oz the Great and Powerful. It looks fantastic, and they’re still keeping Benedict Cumberbatch and his definitely not known, so very secret character to the background. He certainly looks imposing and threatening for the 5 seconds he’s in the trailer, though. It also looks like there will be plenty of falling in this film. Very very fast falling. From space. I must also say, I love the visual look of the first scene shown – I can’t wait to see that on the big screen. Check out the trailer below. Read more…
Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek Into Darkness
Posted by Ben Huber on Feb 8, 2013 in Cinema, Videogames
The other day at DICE, J.J. Abrams and Gabe Newell got up on stage together to give a presentation about their discussions on storytelling in games and film. If you’ve been paying attention, you may know that Gabe and J.J. have been buddies for a while, and have frequently mentioned their love for each other’s works. So now, on the cusp of Abrams getting the Star Wars gig, they have announced that they’ll be working on creating content together. Namely, Abrams wants to create Portal and Half-Life movies, and Newell wants Abrams to collaborate on a game with Valve. Pretty exciting stuff, but Abrams said that they’re only in the “early stages” of the talks, and are going to hire a scriptwriter soon. So who knows what could change in that time. Read more…
Tags: Gabe Newell, Half-Life, J.J. Abrams, Portal
Posted by Ben Huber on Jan 26, 2013 in Star Trek, Star Wars
So by now, unless you’re living under the largest and most impenetrable rock, you’ve heard that J.J. Abrams will be directing Disney’s upcoming Star Wars Episode VII. And with one fell swoop, both Star Trek and Star Wars are now ruled by one man. The entirety of nerd culture (well, ok, maybe not) is subject to the whims of Abrams now! Some people are disappointed by this development, others are thrilled, but the overall perception seems to cautious optimism. Let’s face it, Abrams has done an excellent job with Star Trek, and the biggest bullet point you need he lives out every day: he’s a nerd just like us. Read more…
Tags: Disney, J.J. Abrams
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Jun 13, 2012 in Cinema, Star Trek
We’ve all been on the edge of our seats, hoping to catch a small glimpse of Bad Robot’s next Star Trek film at San Diego Comic-Con International. Although Prometheus butcher — yeah, I said it — and Star Trek 2 producer Damon Lindelof had stated that they hoped to have something to show us by SDCC, chances of that happening are now slim to none — the safe bet being none. According to various sources, and subsequently confirmed by TrekMovie, Abrams and company have decided to wait until they’ve polished their project a bit more before showing it off to fans. It’ll be interesting to see if they opt instead for a WonderCon panel next year, but who knows. Abrams could just want to keep things under wraps for the foreseeable future. Read more…
Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Dec 21, 2011 in Cinema, Star Trek
It’ll break William Shatner’s heart to hear, but J.J. Abrams confirmed this week that none of the Original Series cast members would be making an appearance in the upcoming sequel to 2009’s Star Trek.
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Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek XII
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Dec 6, 2011 in Cinema, Star Trek
Today, Vulture published a report stating that Benicio Del Toro will not be appearing in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Trek sequel after negotiations between the actor and studio broke down last Wednesday. Read more…
Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek XII
Posted by Michael Pinto on Dec 5, 2011 in Star Trek
The details are starting to come into place on the new rebooted Star Trek II film — according to Variety Peter Weller of Robocop fame will be a co-star. Who he’ll be playing is still under wraps, but we’ll have to see how things shape out.
Tags: J.J. Abrams
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Dec 1, 2011 in Star Trek
See what I did there? There’s been a few developments relating to the upcoming Star Trek sequel, so I thought it might be a fun time to speculate a bit. It was recently announced that Alice Eve would be joining the cast in what’s reported to be a “major role.” They’re also saying that Benicio Del Toro is extremely close to signing on to play a villain that fans of the original series would be familiar with — and no, they don’t mean Khan. Finally, there’s now a rumor that one other major role has yet to be cast and is described as being “someone slightly older but related to Del Toro’s character,” or something along those lines. So who could these characters be? I have a few guesses.
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Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek XII
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Nov 24, 2011 in Cinema, Star Trek
It looks as though Star Trek 2, as it’s still tentatively titled, finally has a firm release date. Unfortunately for us, it’s over a year away. While I had been holding out hope, I’m not really surprised, seeing as they’ve taken so long to get under way. On the bright side, the film will be shot in 3D, so those of you who aren’t already over that fad, or who’ve recently purchased one of those over-priced 3DTVs are in for a treat. (Protip: Black Friday deals are great, but Cyber Monday is where its at. I recommend scouring Amazon for one if you’re interested.) Some other juicy details leaked out this weekend. Abrams confirmed the rumor that he’s been in talks with Benicio Del Toro for a role in the new film, and announced that composer Michael Giacchino will be returning for the sequel. The script is “finished,” but is currently going through its third draft of revisions. Star Trek 2 will hit theaters May 17, 2013.
Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Nov 22, 2011 in Cinema, Star Trek
With filming just weeks away, new rumors are starting to surface regarding J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Star Trek sequel. Early rumors claimed the film would focus more on crew itself rather than pitting them against as single adversary, while others seemed to suggest that the Kirk and company could match wits with a classic villain like Harry Mudd or Trelane. Sources recently claimed that Abrams had approached Benicio Del Toro to fill that void, but we’ve yet to hear anything further regarding his involvement, if it’s indeed happening. This latest rumor, however, seems to suggest that we might even see the return of the Klingons.
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Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek
Posted by Tim Sheehy on Sep 14, 2011 in Cinema, Star Trek
For those of you who’ve been holding your breath, it’s official. J.J. Abrams will be returning to direct the next Star Trek film. With so many projects on his plate, there had been speculation as to whether or not Abrams would find time to direct the picture. However, it seems the film’s numerous delays may have been a blessing in disguise, allowing him an opportunity to squeeze the sequel into his busy schedule. Unfortunately, the script still isn’t finished but should be ready by the end of the month. Assuming production starts this winter, the film may be finished in time for a December 2012 release, but with the crowded holiday market, Summer of 2013 is looking far more likely. It’s been a long wait, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it — besides, that cast could only get better with age.
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Tags: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek XII
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