MTV: J.J. Abrams' 'Star Wars 7': What Will It Look Like

[talk show host]

Actually, Hamill has made a good career as a voice actor.

I hope you realize why i find your statement hillarious. He was Luke EFFING Skywalker, arguably the most iconic character in the history of cinema. But since then he's had a "good career as a voice actor."

Thats like saying, "yeah, he was President of the United States, but since then he's had a good career as a Middle School Principal." Get real.

Hammill is fat? Can't remember the last time he was on the big screen, but he's done a ton of animated work, mainly being the voice of The Joker in the Batman animated series/movies.

In all honesty, maybe they don't really need him. Maybe they cn just have the characters pay homage to his legacy or something, years after he was killed by some rogue Sith or something.

I'm pretty sure they wouldnt have Luke killed off screen between movies. the character is too important to the star wars saga to do that. Hamill aside, I could easily see Harrison Ford giving a lackluster effort as Han Solo. I would honestly find the inclusion of Fisher, Hamill, or Ford in the movie "distracting" to say the least, especially if they were only in the movie briefly as a "cameo." I think the best solution would be to recast the roles with new actors.

Still, at this point we're all merely speculating on the story. we know it will center on the skywalker family, but thats it. I would imagine Luke Skywalker would be a central figure in rebuilding the Jedi Order. perhaps he would be the head of the Jedi counsel, like Mace Windu was before. Regardless, its likely the movie will center on Luke and/or Leia's offspring and their Jedi adventures. whatever role Luke/Leia/Han play, it will probably be a supporting role and the story will focus on new characters. THe last thing we want to see is a 70 year old Han solo going on an adventure, Leia blabbering in the Senate, or Luke limping around with his lightsaber.

[Mr. Sinister]

I dunno. I don't see how it could work recasting the originals, when the roles they will be playing could potentially be old mentors to begin with.

I'll say this: If Luke, Leia, and Han's characters were to be included in the new trilogy, and were to be featured, I agree 100 % that it would take away from the new actors, and take the steam out of the trilogy alltogether, making it completely ridiculous. My thing is, if they have minimal roles, I don't think it would work with all new actors, who have no connection whatsoever to the trilogy that everyone considers to be the dominant one, and won't give off the same nostalgiac feel, other than the fact that you look in the credits and their names are Lei Organa, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo. I don't think that would get a good reception.

I think that if they are to be included (in minimal roles) that they should either bring them all back, or go with another story.

[HSW]

They need to move on into the past so to speak... There is SO much great material dealing with the Jedi/Sith before the whole Skywalker time line.

[Jumbo]

No to Hammil, Ford (who I still like) or Fisher. No. Not under any circumstance, for any reason. It would be one of the stupidest things they could do no matter what else they do. Hammil an Fisher are negative distractions on screen these days, in any context. But since Abrams couldn't resist using Nimoy (to me a barely allowable choice due to plotline and his ability to at least resemble his original character in a movie i still rate well--though Nimoy had too much screen time) he may feel a need to repeat such a choice. Using Ford in limited fashion could be the least offensive, and comparable to the Nimoy use, if he feels compelled to do such.

[Larry]

As to Nimoy, I tend to think that the main reason he was on screen so much was so that when (new actor paying classic character) shows up, Nimoy can look at them and say "Why, you're (classic character)".

[zoony]

Would like to see Boba Fett escape the Bantha and kick ass. That would be a good first step

[Mr. Sinister]

They need to move on into the past so to speak... There is SO much great material dealing with the Jedi/Sith before the whole Skywalker time line.

I remember reading a book when I was a kid (a little after the release of Episode I), that sort of revolved around the maturation of Obi Wan under Qui Gonn's tutelage, and the feud they had with one of his former padawans that went to the Dark Side. I thought it was pretty good. The prequels are what they are, but I thought that Liam Neesons role as Qui Gonn Jinn was one of the few bright spots, and I've always felt like they could do more with that character.

But, I think for there to be a trilogy that Disney would want to carry weight, and be viewed in a better light than the prequels, they need to go a little darker, and continue the storyline past ROTJ. I wouldn't mind a Boba Fett spinoff, or a KOTOR-esue spinoff, where you can go far enough back to where people won't know how the story ends though. I also think they'll tone down the CGI, and go for actual real life locales.

Lucas always said that he felt frustrated at the fact that he was limited technology wise, and kind of had to resort to "Smoke and mirrors" with the first trilogy in some shots, so I guess it's kind of understandable how he said "**** it" and let loose like a crackhead that just hit the jackpot in the second trilogy.

[DM72]

I hope you realize why i find your statement hillarious. He was Luke EFFING Skywalker, arguably the most iconic character in the history of cinema. But since then he's had a "good career as a voice actor."

It's simple. Mark Hamill really wasn't a great actor and he didn't have those leading man qualities like Ford. Christopher Reeve was a decent actor and he wad Superman. What else is he known for? Let's face it, he didn't have the bad boy qualities either. Actors like Hamill and Ralph Macchio (Karate Kid) are one in the same. They're pretty boys with average acting ability. That's why both are remembered for one role. Plus they're roles were iconic. It's hard to shake that.

[Mr. Sinister]

Yeah... forgot about that part. As successful as the Star Wars saga has been, imo, Luke Skywalker is a very far cry away from being even arguably the most iconic figure in the history of cinema. Not even remotely close.

[Warhead36]

A KOTOR spinoff would be amazing.

[RansomthePasserby]

A KOTOR spinoff would be amazing.

Yes! Make it happen, Disney.

[Titaw]

Would like to see Boba Fett escape the Bantha and kick ass. That would be a good first step

The Bantha would be easy it's that pesky Saarlac that would be the issue .

Here's the story arc that I see happening:

- Republic being rebuilt
- Jedi Temple resurrected and introduction of new Jedi Masters/Padoine
- Young Padoine finds a book in the dark recesses of library, discussing how to "live forever" (tie into Palpatine telling Anakin about Darth Plaguis and his discovery)
- Palpatine begins to appear like Obi-Wan did for Luke
- Follow young Padoine's journey to the dark side while still training to be a Jedi
- During the trials Jedi Masters notice questionable tactics (those only used by the Sith)
- Movie climaxes when the Journey to the Dark Side is complete and the young padoine becomes the new Sith Lord
- Main Jedi Master character concludes the movie with the rule of two, a Master and an apprentice

If it is going to be a true Trilogy that follows basic Start Wars lore, we need to see how the Sith basically rise from the dead because without the Sith the Jedi have no meaning. Basically like without "The One" Mr. Smith has no use.

[Mr. Sinister]

The Bantha would be easy it's that pesky Saarlac that would be the issue .

Here's the story arc that I see happening:

- Republic being rebuilt
- Jedi Temple resurrected and introduction of new Jedi Masters/Padoine
- Young Padoine finds a book in the dark recesses of library, discussing how to "live forever" (tie into Palpatine telling Anakin about Darth Plaguis and his discovery)
- Palpatine begins to appear like Obi-Wan did for Luke
- Follow young Padoine's journey to the dark side while still training to be a Jedi
- During the trials Jedi Masters notice questionable tactics (those only used by the Sith)
- Movie climaxes when the Journey to the Dark Side is complete and the young padoine becomes the new Sith Lord
- Main Jedi Master character concludes the movie with the rule of two, a Master and an apprentice

If it is going to be a true Trilogy that follows basic Start Wars lore, we need to see how the Sith basically rise from the dead because without the Sith the Jedi have no meaning. Basically like without "The One" Mr. Smith has no use.

Damn, that actually sounds pretty good.

[talk show host]

No to Hammil, Ford (who I still like) or Fisher. No. Not under any circumstance, for any reason. It would be one of the stupidest things they could do no matter what else they do. Hammil an Fisher are negative distractions on screen these days, in any context. But since Abrams couldn't resist using Nimoy (to me a barely allowable choice due to plotline and his ability to at least resemble his original character in a movie i still rate well--though Nimoy had too much screen time) he may feel a need to repeat such a choice. Using Ford in limited fashion could be the least offensive, and comparable to the Nimoy use, if he feels compelled to do such.

Here's the delima I see.

Luke Skywalker is the most natural OT character to have a large role in the new movies - but Mark Hamill is the actor i'd least like to see for the reasons you outlined.

Leia is the most natural character to have a cameo (perhaps as leader of the New Republic), but, as you mentioned, Carrie Fisher would be a distraction.

Harrison Ford is a good actor, but Han Solo is a character whose arc has been completed and whose purpose in the story has been served. There's really no reason for him to have any role in the new movies. Han was only interesting becuase he was a scoundrel and a smuggler, but by the end of ROTJ, he'd fallen in love and turned over a new leaf. The last thing i want to see is a 65 year old "respectable" Han Solo as a politician or general.

---------- Post added January-30th-2013 at 10:23 AM ----------

The Bantha would be easy it's that pesky Saarlac that would be the issue .

Here's the story arc that I see happening:

- Republic being rebuilt
- Jedi Temple resurrected and introduction of new Jedi Masters/Padoine
- Young Padoine finds a book in the dark recesses of library, discussing how to "live forever" (tie into Palpatine telling Anakin about Darth Plaguis and his discovery)
- Palpatine begins to appear like Obi-Wan did for Luke
- Follow young Padoine's journey to the dark side while still training to be a Jedi
- During the trials Jedi Masters notice questionable tactics (those only used by the Sith)
- Movie climaxes when the Journey to the Dark Side is complete and the young padoine becomes the new Sith Lord
- Main Jedi Master character concludes the movie with the rule of two, a Master and an apprentice

If it is going to be a true Trilogy that follows basic Start Wars lore, we need to see how the Sith basically rise from the dead because without the Sith the Jedi have no meaning. Basically like without "The One" Mr. Smith has no use.

That would be pretty good. On the surface, I like that you have Palpatine resurrected as a ghost, because, he'd probably know that trick, but there's nothing in the 6 star wars movies that indicate that SIth can come back as ghosts. We've only seen Jedi come back. And, when Anakin comes back as a ghost, its as his younger self before he turned to the dark side (according to the Special Editions). That kind of implies that only Jedi come back.

Still, i wonder if Christen Hayden's Anakin, Obiwan, and Yoda ghosts will be in the movies. In the star wars novels, jedi ghosts can only stick around for a few years before they have to "move on" but thats not cannon.

If Luke and Leia are prominent in the movies, id really be interested in seeing both of them as Jedi Masters on a revived Jedi counsel (maybe with some other stragglers who'd been hiding since the Purge). From a logical perspective, it would make sense for Leia to be a Jedi as opposed to a politician - There are plenty of politicians who could help rebuild the republic, but not many force-users to rebuild the Jedi. I'd be even more interested in seeing one of Leia's kids turn to the dark side and Luke have to kill him/her (kind of like obiwan being willing to kill anakin).

[TD_washingtonredskins]

That's a cool story arc but it seems very similar to what we've already seen in the prequel trilogy. It would be interesting if they got away from the narrowly focused episodes that we've grown accustomed to. I wouldn't mind zooming out and following something else. There is more in the Star Wars universe than a handful of Jedi and their friends.