Oh, Star Wars: Episode VII. On one hand, how can one not be impatiently anticipating the release of the J.J. Abrams (Star Trek) directed return to the saga, yet on the other, it's not exactly easy to be excited about a movie we know nothing about. Like any other J.J. Abrams project, the development of the upcoming film has been shrouded in mystery since the moment it was announced, yet here and there we get bits of casting news and story details that may or may not end up being true in the long run. But in the grand scheme of things, how could we miss out on following all the rumors and leaks of one of the most anticipated films of this decade. Well now we can safely bring about some pretty official news, as it seems the seventh film will in fact be returning to Tatooine, and an unknown actress may land a key lead role in the film.
Following the news last month that Girls star Adam Driver was in talks to play the lead villain of the film, there's been several key bits of information dropped about Episode VII in the last few weeks. For one thing, we now have confirmation that the film will in fact take place 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. There's been several new stars mentioned to be in contention for the leads of the film, which is believed to be a new trio of heroes. We also have also finally gotten one official confirmation from an original cast member that they'll be returning, which is none other than Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew.
Although most of the series' original cast will more than likely be confirmed to return some time in the near future, we still have yet to hear about who will in fact be playing the new leads of the series. There's been a number of names rumored and mentioned to have had meetings for a part in the film, the most recent batch of big names being Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years A Slave), John Boyega (Attack The Block), and Jesse Plemons (Breaking Bad) among many others. But according to THR, the studio may in fact be looking a much lesser known actress in the form of Maise Richardson-Sellers, who only has one film to her credit. It's possible Richardson-Sellers in in contention for the part of Obi-Wan Kenobi's decedent who is described as a young black or mixed race woman.
In yet another quick bit of Star Wars casting news, it seems Benedict Cumberbatch (The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug) has confirmed that he seemingly won't be involved with the film after months of speculation. Lastly, THR has also confirmed that the crew of Episode VII has headed to Abu Dhabi to film scenes on Luke Skywalker's home planet of Tatooine. It's not too surprising that Abrams will be returning the franchise back to Tatooine, specifically considering the fact that it's served as the intro setting for the start of both Star Wars trilogies thus far (Phantom Menace and A New Hope).
So what do you think of Star Wars: Episode VII returning to Tatooine? Are you happy they're looking to go with an unknown actress for the lead, or would you prefer one of the other actors considered? Let us know below!
