Carrie Fisher Page 8

Interviews with the cast and crew of the upcoming eighth Star Wars film, The Last Jedi, have revealed that the late Carrie Fisher would have been “at the forefront” of the next and final film.

Kathleen Kennedy, the head of LucasFilm, said in a preview piece for Vanity Fair ahead of The Last Jedi’s release this December, said the original plan had been for Fisher's Princess Leia to have had a much more prominent role in the ninth and final episode of the saga.

“She was having a blast,” said Kennedy. “The minute she finished, she grabbed me and said, ‘I’d better be at the forefront of IX!’ Because Harrison was front and centre on VII, and Mark is front and centre on VIII. She thought IX would be her movie. And it would have been.”

Continue reading: LucasFilm Exec Hints Princess Leia Would Have Been The Focus Of 'Star Wars: Episode IX'

Mark Hamill has for four decades now been a staple of the 'Star Wars' franchise, bringing his role as Luke Skywalker to fans for the first time in 'Episode IV: A New Hope' and still remaining with the series to-date.

Mark Hamill returns as Luke Skywalker in 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'

This past weekend, 40 years of the property was celebrated at the official Star Wars Celebration in Florida, where Hamill himself got involved with proceedings and helped bring further hype and excitement to the event.

Continue reading: Mark Hamill Recalls How First 'Star Wars' Trailer Was Heckled

The world was stung with another pair of jarring losses from the world of entertainment back in late December of 2016, when both Carrie Fisher passed away on December 27, with her mother Debbie Reynolds then dying the day after on December 28.

The late Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher

Fisher is of course best known for her role as Princess-turned-General Leia in the 'Star Wars' franchise, having taken up the role back in 1977 and playing it throughout the series of films that have been released to-date. 

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher Won't Be In 'Star Wars: Episode IX'

The late Carrie Fisher will appear as her iconic character Princess Leia in the ninth and final instalment of the Star Wars franchise, according to her brother.

Todd Fisher said that he and Billie Lourd, Carrie’s daughter, have given Disney and Lucasfilm permission to use recent footage of Fisher in the movie, he told the New York Daily News at the opening night of the TCM film festival in Los Angeles on Sunday night (April 9th).

Carrie Fisher pictured in 2016

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher Will Appear In 'Star Wars: Episode IX' Without CGI

Sean Lennon has unveiled the demo for an enchanting new song entitled 'Bird Song', that he claims was co-written by his good friend Carrie Fisher before she died. While they never got to record the song together, he has now teamed up with Willow Smith to unveil it in Carrie's memory. 

Carrie Fisher wrote a song with Sean Lennon

The son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono was hit hard by the death of the 'Star Wars' actress in December, but his fond memories of her have led him to share a sensational new tune that they worked on together a few years ago. It's a beautiful piano led duet that is as mournful as it is uplifting, and was recorded in a matter of hours. 

Continue reading: Willow Smith Features On 'Bird Song': A Song By Sean Lennon And Carrie Fisher

James Blunt has opened up about the death of his ‘American mother’ Carrie Fisher.

The two, somewhat unlikely, friends met before Blunt began work on his debut album Back to Bedlam, and the actress suggested he come live with her in LA during the recording.

The singer said Fisher was an inspiration to him at the time, and when he welcomed his first child, a son, last year, he made the actress godmother.

Continue reading: James Blunt Says Friend Carrie Fisher "Went Out With A Bang"

Nearly a month after the terrible news of her death that caused the world to mourn her loss, Carrie Fisher’s one-time fiancé Dan Aykroyd has penned a moving essay about his friend and former lover for the latest issue of Empire magazine.

64 year old Aykroyd, star of comedy classics such as Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers, proposed to Fisher on the set of the latter film back in 1980. However, the engagement ended when she reconciled with her former boyfriend Paul Simon.

He and Fisher remained friends after that, however, and in the essay he reflected on their time together, their plans for marriage and even their occasional recreational drug use.

Continue reading: Dan Aykroyd Writes Moving Essay About Former Fiancee Carrie Fisher

The title of the next chapter in the Star Wars saga has finally been revealed.

The news was announced to fans in a tweet from the official Star Wars account, which read: “It’s official. STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is the next chapter of the Skywalker saga. This December.#TheLastJedi”

Continue reading: 'Star Wars Episode VIII' Will Be Titled The Last Jedi

LucasFilm has moved to dismiss widespread rumours concerning the future of Princess Leia’s character in the Star Wars universe following Carrie Fisher’s death, saying that CGI special effects will NOT be used to restore her in future movies.

The studio took an unusual but perhaps necessary step of confirming on Saturday (January 14th) that they will not use technology to restore her character.

Publishing a blog post via the StarWars.com site, the Disney-owned company acknowledged that “we don’t normally respond to fan or press speculation,” but were making an announcement to assure fans that there are “no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa.”

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher Will NOT Be Digitally Re-Created For Any Future 'Star Wars' Movies

Disney and Lucasfilm have denied reports they are negotiating with the estate of Carrie Fisher to digital recreate the actress’ image in future Star Wars movies.

Earlier this week a report on BBC’s ‘Newsnight’ claimed that Disney was negotiating with Fisher’s estate for the rights to use her likeness in future films, much like how the late Peter Cushing appeared in Rogue One.

Lucasfilm say they will not be digitally recreating Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia

Continue reading: Lucasfilm Is Not Planning To Digitally Recreate Carrie Fisher In Future 'Star Wars' Movies

Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie Reynolds were laid to rest on Friday morning during at private ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles.

Fisher had been cremated shortly after her death and on Friday some of her ashes were buried with her mother in their family plot. At the ceremony Fisher’s brother Todd was seen carrying an urn shaped liked a giant prozac pill.

Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds have been laid to rest

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher's Ashes Were Placed In Giant Prozac-Shaped Urn

A little under a fortnight after the tragic death of Carrie Fisher, an online petition has sprung up to demand that her Star Wars character Princess Leia be made into an official Disney princess.

Cody Christensen, an American father of five daughters, launched a petition via Change.org following Fisher’s death on December 27th.

“After the tragic loss of Carrie Fisher, we feel that it is only fitting for Disney to do away with the rule that an official Disney princess must be animated and make Leia a full-fledged princess,” the petition reads.

Continue reading: Petition Calls For Princess Leia To Be Made An Official Disney Princess

HBO have released the first trailer for Bright Lights, the upcoming documentary following Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie Reynolds.

The film was initially scheduled to be shown in March, but the network moved the air date to January 7, following the tragic deaths of Fisher and Reynolds, a day apart from one another.

Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie Reynolds

Continue reading: HBO's 'Bright Lights' Trailer Shows The Incredible Bond Between Debbie Reynolds And Carrie Fisher

Hollywood is still reeling from the passing of the Oscar nominated star Debbie Reynolds on Wednesday (December 28th 2016) just hours after the death of her daughter Carrie Fisher. Tributes continue to pour in from everywhere, with Ryan Gosling just the latest to add his comments to the tragedy.

Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher died over the Christmas holidays

The 'La La Land' star was accepting the Vanguard Award for his new film directed by Damien Chazelle at the Palm Springs Film Festival yesterday (January 2nd 2017), where he commented on how he drew inspiration from Reynolds' most famous film - 1952's 'Singin' In The Rain' co-starring Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor - for his performance in his latest movie with Emma Stone. 

Continue reading: Tributes Roll In For The Late Debbie Reynolds

As tributes continue to pour in, the family of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds hope to organise a joint memorial service for both daughter and mother, it has been reported, after they died within 24 hours of each other this week.

Fisher’s brother Todd told the New York Daily News that arrangements were being made, but that a joint service for his mother and sister was “likely”. “It’s what we want to do, but we’re still working on the mechanics. We like the idea, if it’s at all possible. I think it’s appropriate.”

Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds at the 2015 SAG Awards

Continue reading: Joint Memorial Service Planned For Carrie Fisher And Debbie Reynolds

Hollywood screen legend Debbie Reynolds has died at the age of 84, just one day after the death of her daughter Carrie Fisher, it has been confirmed by her family.

Reynolds’ son, Todd Fisher, told the Associated Press that the death of her daughter had been too much for her to bear, and that, in her last words, she said that she wanted to be with Carrie.

According to initial reports by TMZ, Reynolds had been at her son’s house in Beverly Hills discussing funeral arrangements for Carrie on Wednesday (December 28th) when she was taken ill with a suspected stroke.

Continue reading: Debbie Reynolds Dies At 84, The Day After Her Daughter Carrie Fisher

The cast of Star Wars have been paying tribute to co-star Carrie Fisher who passed away on Tuesday, four days after suffering a heart attack on a flight home from London.

The 60-year-old actress was loved the world over for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise and just last year she had reprised the role in The Force Awakens.

Fisher as Princess Leia in The Force Awakens

Continue reading: Harrison Ford Leads 'Star Wars' Cast In Paying Tribute To Carrie Fisher

The iconic Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher has passed away in hospital at the age of 60, just a few days after suffering a serious heart attack aboard a United Airlines flight last week.

On Tuesday morning (December 27th), her family’s spokesman, Simon Halls, released a statement on behalf of Fisher’s daughter Billie Lourd which confirmed the sad news.

Carrie Fisher pictured at LAX in October 2016

Continue reading: 'Star Wars' Actress Carrie Fisher Dies Aged 60 Following Heart Attack

The brother of Carrie Fisher has confirmed the actress is currently in the Intensive Care Unit of UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, after suffering a reported heart attack.

Tom Fisher said there was “no good news or bad news,” about his sister’s condition, but told the Hollywood Reporter she had been moved from the emergency room to the ICU.

Carrie Fisher is reportedly now in an Intensive Care Unit in Los Angeles

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher Moved To ICU After Medical Emergency On Flight

Carrie Fisher has confirmed she did have a secret affair with Harrison Ford on the set of Star Wars in 1976, confirming a 40-year-old rumour.

Speaking to People magazine, the actress opened up on the whirlwind three-month romance, which took place when she was 19 and Ford was a 33-year-old married father of two.

Carrie Fisher has opened up on her affair with Harrison Ford

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher Confirms 40-Year-Old Rumours Of An Affair With Harrison Ford

While Star Wars: The Force Awakens may have smashed box office records around the globe, star Carrie Fisher has had to deal with some online trolls, who have criticised the actress’ appearance in the new movie. But taking to twitter on Tuesday, the actress hit back, telling the trolls they could ‘blow us’.

Carrie Fisher has hit back at internet trolls who criticised her appearance.

‘Please stop debating about whether OR not I aged well. Unfortunately it hurts all 3 of my feelings. My BODY hasn’t aged as well as I have. Blow us,’ Fisher tweeted. The actress then went on to retweet some positive and negative comments she had received about her appearance in the film.

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher Respond To Internet Critics Over Her Appearance In 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'

Star Wars: The Force Awakens was still pulling in big audiences at theatres over the Christmas weekend and has now passed the $1 billion mark at the global box office. The film is now the fastest ever to reach $1 billion worldwide, doing so in just 12 days.

Daisy Ridley as Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Previous record holder Jurassic World took 13 days to reach $1 billion globally when it smashed records earlier this year. In the US, The Force Awakens racked up $153.5 million at the festive box office, bringing its US total so far to over $544.5 million.

Continue reading: 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Becomes Fastest Movie To Hit $1 Billion

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has just missed out on setting the world record for a box-office opening by $7.9 million, according to early estimates. Although the film smashed records around the globe it’s $517m worldwide box office gross puts it second to Jurassic World’s $524.9m record, achieved earlier this year.

Harrison Ford returns as Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The Force Awakens suffered a disadvantage as studio Disney had failed to score a timely release for the film in China. Back in June, Jurassic World arrived on US and Chinese screens over the same weekend, bringing up it’s opening weekend gross.

Continue reading: 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Misses Out On Breaking Box Office World Record By $7.9M

With the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens just weeks away, Carrie Fisher, aka Princess Leia, is getting reflective on her character’s history and how much things have changed since she first appeared on screen in 1977. But while Fisher might not agree with Leia ‘slave’ action figures being banned, she does admit that at times her character was too much of a damsel in distress in the original trilogy.

Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“I would have liked that lightsaber moment, very much yes. But there was no precedent (at the time),” Fisher told the New York Daily News when asked about Leia’s lack of heroic moment in the original films.

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher Talks Her Return As Princess Leia In 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'

Carrie Fisher, who came to international fame when she played Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy, says that she was pressured into losing over 35 lbs in order to reprise her role in The Force Awakens.

The 59 year old star criticised the producers behind the new movie, which comes out in just over a fortnight, but said that very little has changed since she first started out in the industry 38 years ago.

“They don't want to hire all of me – only about three-quarters!” she told UK magazine Good Housekeeping. “Nothing changes, it's an appearance-driven thing. I'm in a business where the only thing that matters is weight and appearance. That is so messed up. They might as well say get younger, because that's how easy it is.”

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher Reveals She Was Told To Lose 35 Lbs In Preparation For New Star Wars Movie

Star Wars: The Force Awakens director Jj Abrams stopped by ‘The Howard Stern Show’ on Monday to talk about the much anticipated sequel. Speaking to the shock-jock, Abrams discussed criticisms over the casting of black actor John Boyega as a Stormtrooper, while also revealing why fans haven't seen Luke Skywalker in any of the film’s trailers yet.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams.

Discussing those who have criticised the film for casting Boyega as a black stormtrooper, Abrams said: 'All I know is John Boyega is extraordinary in the new movie. I think the people who are complaining about that probably have bigger problems than there's a black stormtrooper.’

Continue reading: JJ Abrams Talks John Boyega Playing A Stormtrooper And Making 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' More Female Friendly

Director Josh Trank has announced his departure from a standalone Star Wars project. The Chronicle director was supposed to direct a spin-off film, similar to Star Wars: Rogue One which is currently being developed by Gareth Edwards. Trank, who has also directed the upcoming Fantastic Four remake, announced he was leaving the Star Wars project on Friday (1st May) via the film franchise's website. 

The upcoming Star Wars film, The Force Awakens, is due to be released in December.

Read More: Star Wars Spin Off Rogue One Will Feature Death Star Heist.

Continue reading: Director Josh Trank Leaves 'Star Wars' Spin-off, Citing Personal Reasons

It's finally here! The teaser trailer you've all been waiting for: 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens', and while it's not really giving anything away, it looks pretty intense. Vehicles have updated, the stormtroopers are looking shinier and R2D2 appears to have evolved.

Star Wars returns in December 2015

Since George Lucas announced his retirement from the franchise, there's been all sorts of speculation about what differences could be expected from an updated sequel: though it's difficult to tell from the less than one and a half minute trailer. Everyone seems to be in a rush (especially, in a comical fashion, R2D2) and there's some brand new faces, who all look a little nervous as a voiceover booms out: 'There has been an awakening. Have you felt it? The dark side and the light.'

Continue reading: The REAL 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Trailer Is Now Here [Trailer + Pictures]

Finally, after decades of success in the industry, Debbie Reynolds will get recognized by the Screen Actors Guild for her contributions to the business. Reynolds (82) will receive a Lifetime Achievement honour at next year’s ceremony in January. The award is meant to recognize Reynolds’ success as an actor, singer and dancer, as well as her numerous humanitarian efforts. The latter include The Thalians, an organization she helped found in 1955 to fight the stigma of mental illness in children and adults.

Reynolds has more than six decades of work in the industry under her belt.

Her acting work includes starring roles opposite many of Hollywood’s best known leading men – Reynolds held her own. She held her own while sharing the screen with a lineup of 50s and 60s stars, including Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis and Fred Astaire.

Continue reading: On Her Seventh Decade In The Business, Debbie Reynolds Will Receive A Lifetime Achievement Honour At The 2015 SAG Awards

Now that director Rian Johnson has officially been named as Disney’s Star Wars: Episode VIII  writer and director of choice, let’s take a look at his sci-fi and fantasy credentials. Johnson, 40, first came to prominence with 2005’s Brick, on which he also took writing and directorial duties, as well as 2008’s The Brothers Bloom. His big break came with the well-received 2012 sci-fi action flick Looper, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis. Looper told the story of a hired gun in the future, who travels through time to kill potential threats in the past.

The transition to Disney management has been rough for the Star Wars franchise.

The Star Wars contract is by far the biggest project of Johnson’s career so far, but the choice doesn’t really come as a surprise, given the amount of young talent involved in the new trilogy so far.

Continue reading: Rian Johnson To Write/Direct "Star Wars: Episode VIII." Is This A Good Thing?

It might be age, it might be the strong Abu Dhabi sun, but Carrie Fisher thinks her old Star Wars cohorts are looking melted. Still, she was quick to point out how happy she was that they were all back together again as filming continues for J.J. Abrams’ hugely anticipated reboot.

“We all look a little melted. It’s good to see other melted people,’ she said. “And it is good to have us all in a room because it’s unique. I mean, I don’t suppose they have reunions for the Gone With The Wind gang.”

Continue reading: Star Wars Episode VII: The Old Crew Are Back And Looking Melted, Says Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher is one of the old guard returning to Star Wars for J.J. Abram’s Episode VII, and she’s spoken of her delight at the gang getting back together, claiming that every old movie should be subject to a reunion or two.

Carrie Fisher is happy to be with the old gang again

Fisher told Wenn that she plans to get Leia "right this time" when she reprises the character that made her famous. "I looked a little pretentious faking the accent," she decided, according to The Guardian.

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher: Reuniting With The Star Wars Gang For Episode VII Is "Unique"

Carrie Fisher was asked to lose 35 pounds, approximately 2.5 stone, for her upcoming role in Star Wars VII. The actress best known for her iconic role as Princess Leia revealed whilst attending an event in honour of her mother, Singing in the Rain actress Debbie Reynolds.

Carrie Fisher with her mother Debbie Reynolds at the 'Debbie Reynolds - Auction Finale' on Wednesday.

See more pictures from the 'Debbie Reynolds - Auction Finale' on Contactmusic.

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher, 35 Pounds Lighter, IS Keeping Mum About ‘Star Wars VII’ But Her Mother Certainly Isn’t!

Harry Knowles, the reliable and respected movie man at Ain't It Cool News, is quoting a source as saying Jj Abrams' new Star Wars movie is titled The Ancient Fear. Harry says his insider told him back in January that the movie would shoot in Dubai - which was accurate - and that when he took the title speculation to JJ himself, he didn't respond. Suspicious.

The Star Wars Episode 7 Script Read-Through

Knowles says that after following up the speculation with other sources, a guy close to the production claimed that the "working title" for the movie was The Ancient Fear. He also stated, "it refers to Max Von Sydow's villain who makes Pazuzu look like a pussy!"

Continue reading: 'Star Wars Episode 7' Titled "The Ancient Fear", First Images Of Chewbacca

'Star Wars VII': "Raahhgh uughguughhaahnr wrrhwrwwh!" - that's Wookiee for "That new Star Wars cast is dope, yo!" Star Wars fans of all ages were given a shot of sweaty-palmed anticipation this week when the cast of JJ Abrams upcoming Star Wars sequel, Episode VII, was announced. Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and other original cast members will be joining a host of new faces, including Domhnall Gleeson, Max Von Sydow and Andy Serkis. See the photo of the new cast and find out more here.

Clooney Bagged: The air was filled with yells of envy this week as it was announced that actor George Clooney has become engaged to Amal Alamuddin after just a few months of dating. You'd be forgiven for being sceptical towards perpetual bachelor Cloonz's happy news but this time it's different. Find out how Clooney's family reacted. Amal isn't just another attention-craving bimbo: she's an accomplished human rights lawyer with unnaturally lustrous hair. For more info, check out our profile on Amal, AKA the one Clooney wouldn't let get away.

Continue reading: A Week In News: 'Star Wars' Cast Assemble, Lostprophets Regroup, George Clooney Commits

Of course the biggest movie news this week was the official announcement that Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher will be back for Star Wars Episode VII, along with the performers behind C-3PO, R2-D2 and Chewbacca. Newcomers to the saga include Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, John Boyega, Andy Serkis, Max Von Sydow and Daisy Ridley. JJ Abrams starts filming this month in London. For all the cast info and to see the, now infamous, first cast reading photo for Star Wars Episode VII click here.

This past week in London, the Sundance London Film and Music Festival took place with a flurry of filmmakers and stars attending, including Ryan Reynolds and Gemma Arterton, who were on hand to present their offbeat serial killer black comedy The Voices. Browse our arrivals gallery for 'The Voices' screening at Sundance London.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Star Wars Cast Announced, Festivals Bring Out Stars In London And New York While Efron And Rogen Hit L.A

If Star Wars: Episode VII were any more shrouded in mystery we wouldn’t even know it was being made. Thankfully, a few small details are trickling through JJ Abrams privacy forcefield and we’re beginning to get a better idea of what we can expect. The cast has finally been announced and we all breathed a huge sigh of relief to hear that original cast members Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker and Anthony Daniels would all be reprising their roles.

Harrison Ford has been spotted in London along with his fellow Star Wars original cast members

While they has been plenty of rumours flying about that they would all be returning, nothing was set in stone. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford have all been spotted in London where filming is taking place. Coincidence? We think not.

Continue reading: Who Is Newest 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Cast Member, Oscar Isaac?

We almost choked on our coffee when an image from the Star Wars Episode VII script read-through hit Star Wars.com on Tuesday evening (April 29, 2014). The black-and-white photograph showed Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill relaxing on the sofas with new cast-members Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson and Daisy Ridley. But there was on actor who flew under the radar. Perhaps the finest of the talented bunch. Max Von Sydow. 

Max Von Sydow Is Set For Star Wars: Episode VII

The legendary actor, now 85, is probably best known for his performances in The Seventh Seal, The Exorcist and Three Days of the Condor. 

Continue reading: Forget Ford, Hamill - Who Will Max Von Sydow Play In Star Wars Episode VII?

Star Wars nerds, this is your time – the full cast of J.J. Abrams’ Episode VII has been announced and, while some suspicions were confirmed, there are a few new faces to look forward to. The golden trio of Carrie Fischer, Harrison Ford and Mark Hammill will return in full for Episode VII, so fans who grew up with Star Wars have that to look forward to, at the very least. At the same time, there are some very, very new actors – as in people with acting credits in the single digits.

Following the casting announcement, JJ Abrams has attracted some online criticism for the lack of diversity.

Continue reading: With The "Episode VIi" Cast, JJ Abrams Is Banking On Emerging Young Talent As Well As Franchise Veterans

There’s so many rumors about the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII that it’s pretty difficult to keep track of who might be in or out of the upcoming production. But with what’s become known as Star Wars Day (May 4th) fast approaching, fans seem to have been given a little mystery to keep them occupied. Original cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford have all been spotted in London leading to speculation that they’re soon to be filming scenes for Episode VII. So can we now say for definite that our three Star Wars favourites will indeed be back?

Harrison Ford is in London, but why?

The hush hush status of Star Wars Episode VII is at best maddening. No official cast announcements have been made and every week it seems some young actor is rumored to have a role (at last check Oscar Issac is the latest). But what about our three original heroes? Despite director JJ Abrams seemingly gagging everyone, Carrie Fisher, Princess Leia, has been joyful teasing her involvement for a while. We say teasing only because there’s been no official announcement, but in January TV Guide reported her as saying that she, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill were all expected to report to work in March or April and that she’d “like to wear my old [cinnamon buns] hairstyle again — but with white hair.”

Continue reading: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher And Mark Hamill Are All In London, But Is It For Star Wars Episode VII?

The best Star Wars Episode VII news we’ve heard so far is that Peter Mayhew will (supposedly) be getting his Wookiee on once more to reprise his role as Chewbacca. It seems only fitting that if Han Solo, Leia, Luke, C-3P0 and R2-D2 will all (allegedly) be teaming up once again in a galaxy far, far away that Chewie should be there with them! Here’s our list of reasons why Star Wars Episode VII just wouldn’t be complete without everyone’s favourite Wookiee.

7 foot 3 inch Peter Mayhew played Chewbacca in the original Star Wars films

Nobody else is fluent in Shyriiwook

Continue reading: Why Chewbacca HAS To Return For 'Star Wars Episode VII'

Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn has confirmed that shooting on Star Wars Episode 7 is underway at Pinewood Studios in London. "We have a lot of them [in place]," he said of the casting, which is yet to be disclosed, "We're just not completely done yet."

Alan Horn Revealed Further Details About Star Wars Episode 7

Horn, interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter's Stephen Galloway at Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television in Los Angeles, also hinted that running into difficulties with the script. 

Continue reading: 'Star Wars Episode VII' Begins Shooting, Despite Incomplete Cast

The Star Wars Episode 7 cast will be nearing completion behind closed doors, but fans are still none the wiser as to who will be starring in one of the biggest movies of the past 20 years. Rumors have reached boiling point, though unusually, nobody has given the slightest indication that they've signed on the dotted lines for Jj Abrams new movie. 

Gary Oldman May Well Be Joining the Empire

We know that the cast will feature both new and old faces, and Irish bookmaker Paddy Power are convinced that Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill will be reprising their roles as Princess Leia, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.

Continue reading: Odds Suggest 'Star Wars Episode 7' Cast Is Fisher, Ford, Hamill, Oldman, Driver

Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed that Star Wars: Episode 7 will begin shooting at Pinewood Studios in May and, crucially for fans, will be set 30 years after the events of 1983's Return of the Jedi, accordng to the Hollywood Reporter.

Jj Abrams Met With Lupita Nyongo Recently, About A Role in Star Wars Episode 7

Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger told Disney's annual shareholder's meeting in Portland, Oregon, that the film "will star a trio of new young leads along with some very familiar faces." 

Continue reading: 30 Years After 'Return Of The Jedi', 'Star Wars' Is Set For Episode 7

With the sheer size of the Star Wars franchise, Episode VII was always going to be a big deal. J.J Abrams took on a daunting task when he agreed to helm the reboot following Disney’s acquisition of LucasFilms, but have the casting rumors got you excited?

Zac Efron is the latest name attached to the Star Wars franchise

The latest of those rumours concerns a certain former Disney employee, who has attempted to shake off his teen heartthrob reputation by doing, actually, very little at all. He stoked the fire when he confirmed a meeting with Disney and J.J took place.

Continue reading: POLL: Are You Happy With The Star Wars Casting Rumors? Zac Efron?

David Oyelowo, the British actor best known for the BBC series Spooks, is reportedly the first actor to be signed up for Star Wars Episode VII.

The actor has been rumored heavily as of late, though the reliable fan site Jedi News say Oyelowo has not signed on the dotted line for the Jj Abrams movie.

A shadowy source known only as Jedi Master SQL told the site: "Just confirmed the first signed and sealed casting. He's British, and Jedi News have already reported it twice! And no, it's not Sherlock [Benedict Cumberbatch]."

Continue reading: And The First Actor Cast In Star Wars Episode VII Is...The Guy From Spooks?

You might think it isn’t fair for one man to get to direct both Star Trek and Star Wars in a single lifetime, but due to recent plot twists, Jj Abrams is getting to do just that – and he has some big plans. Or so everyone assumes, since both Abrams and Lucasfilm are keeping annoyingly quiet about the future of the franchise. "We are, most likely, if all goes as planned, going to be moving to London at the end of the year for the 'Star Wars' movie," Abrams said Saturday at the Producers Guild of America's Produced By conference in Los Angeles.

But we knew that already – well, at least that episode VII will be shot in England. Additionally, Abrams made some comments about his strategy for taking over the franchise, without alienating hardcore fans. In a remarkably uninformative statement, he said that "the key to moving forward on something like this is honoring but not revering what came before." If we’re reading this correctly, it would mean that this will definitely be Abrams’s and not Lucas’ Star Wars. Fans are yet undecided on whether this is a good thing.

Something that has been known for a while though, is the fact that alumni Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher will reprise their original roles as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia, respectively, as well as the film’s release date – end of summer 2015. Probably. Until then, Star Wars fans are left to do what they do best – wait and dread the coming changes.

Continue reading: A New Age Dawns For Star Wars, With JJ Abrams At The Helm

Forget Star Wars Episode 7! A new continuation of the classic sci-fi saga will be hitting screens before Jj Abrams new movie in the form ofStar Wars Rebels, an animated series for the Disney Channel. The series comes as Lucasfilm Animation winds down the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which premiered in 2008.

According to The Wrap, X-Men: First Class' Simon Kinberg will executive-produce and write the first episode of Revels, which will premiere in the fall of 2014. Set two decades between Star Wars Episode 3 and 4, the animated series finds the Empire hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a small band of revels united against it. Lucasfilm are on-board to produce the show, with fans attending Star Wars Celebration Europe will get the first exclusive look. "I couldn't be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe," said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. "I think 'Star Wars Rebels' will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars."

Making up the crew will be executive producer Dave Filoni, who fan-boys will recognise as the director of The Clone Wars. Greg Weisman, of The Spectacular Spider-Man, is also executive producing. 

Continue reading: Who Needs JJ? Star Wars Animated Series 'Rebels' To Debut In 2014

It has already been rumoured that Disney’s plans for future Star Wars releases may include spin-offs for individual characters and today, The Sun reported that Yoda could well be amongst those to get the special dedicated movie treatment. Disney bosses have reportedly confirmed that they will release a series of Star Wars movies, at a rate of one per year, starting in 2015.

It’s a tall order for Disney, who will be under pressure to please Star Wars fanatics (and, of course, to convert a new breed of movie lovers into Star Wars fanatics). The new trilogy will continue the story of the space saga and it is understood that some of the original stars, including Harrison Ford will be reprising their roles. In between those stories, however, will be two stand-alone movies, centred on characters from the Star Wars universe and it’s thought that Yoda could well be one of those very characters. 

Continue reading: Could Yoda Land His Own 'Star Wars' Movie Spin-Off?

Changes to marriage in Scotland could pave the way for Star Wars Jedi's to perform ceremonies. The Free Church of Scotland said the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill will allow groups promoting a belief to marry couples. Various groups promote interest in the Jedi, including the Jedi Knight Society, which offers lessons from Master Yoda.

The Scottish government said the change was relevant to such bodies as humanists, who are classed as religious rather than non-religious. Church spokesman, the Reverend Iver Martin told BBC Alba, "The third category is quite astonishing because it is the so-called belief category without really defining what belief means.There are loads of people in a diverse society like this for whom belief can mean virtually anything - the Flat Earth Society and Jedi Knights Society - who knows?" 

Jedi Knights are characters in the Star Wars franchise, which Disney recently purchased with the intention of releasing further movies. A Jedi school in California offers training in key skills, such as the use of light sabres. The Flat Earth Society - also mentioned by Rev Martin - promotes the theory that the Earth is flat, largely basing its ideas on literal interpretation of passages in the Bible.

Continue reading: Star Wars Jedi's Free To Perform Wedding Ceremonies In Scotland

The movie casting rumour mill has gone into overdrive this week when Carrie Fisher seemed to confirm that she will indeed be back for Star Wars Episode VII. And then George Lucas chimed in to say that all three stars - Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill - are on board to reprise their iconic characters 30 years after 1983's Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Nothing is official yet, but we can probably expect a big announcement soon.

Meanwhile, Ford has joined the cast of the comedy sequel Anchorman: The Legend Continues, which is currently filming with Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and Christina Applegate. And Halle Berry has officially rejoined the X-men for Days of Future Past, along with her original trilogy costars Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman and Anna Paquin, plus the cast of First Class.

Continue reading: A Week In Movies: Star Wars Episode VII Shapes Up, Harrison Ford Joins Anchorman: The Legend Continues And Oz The Great And Powerful Hits Theatres

Carrie Fisher is the latest of the original Star Wars actors to announce their involvement in JJ Abrams’ forthcoming Star Wars movie. We already know that Harrison Ford is down to return to his role of Han Solo and now Carrie, 56, has told Palm Beach that she’ll be playing Princess Leia once more. She even revealed to the publication how she imagines her character to be, in the updated version.

Carrie Fisher: The Star Wars star will be returning to JJ Abrams' fothcoming Star Wars movie

Continue reading: Good News For Princess Leia Fans: Carrie Fisher Will Return For Star Wars VII

Carrie Strikes Back: Great news for Star Wars fans this week, with Carrie Fisher confirming that she'll reprise her role as Princess Leia in J.J. Abrams' forthcoming movie Star Wars Episode 7. Fisher, 56, joked that her age might make things a little tricky this time around.

It's A Girl! Or Is It? Did Kate Middleton inadvertently give away the gender of her baby this week? During a public appearance in the UK, the Duchess of Cambridge told one well-wisher that she would give a gift to her d..before stopping short. 

Continue reading: A Week In News: Carrie Fisher Is Princess Leia, Kate Middleton Having A Girl, Harrison Ford Joins Anchorman 2!

Reports that Carrie Fisher was drunk during a recent cruise ship performance have been denied by her representative, who explained that her odd behaviour was in fact caused by her bi-polar disorder. The 56 year-old actress was performing on the Holland America Eurodam, in the Caribbean and in a YouTube video, can be seen singing a little off-key. TMZ report that the actress cleared up after her dog, after it messed on the stage, though frankly, we’d say that was more in the realms of ‘polite’ behaviour, rather than ‘bizarre’ behaviour, no? Though admittedly, stuffing the paper towel behind the sofa cushion afterwards was perhaps a little much.

Carrie’s rep told TMZ that she had to be hospitalized to adjust her medication, whilst on the cruise: “There was a medical incident related to Carrie Fisher’s bipolar disorder. She went to the hospital briefly to adjust her medication and is feeling much better now,” though she added that it was unclear whether or not Carrie would be returning to perform on the cruise ship. Reports that Carrie was drunk during the performance, though, appear to be unfounded.

Continue reading: Carrie Fisher Not Drunk On Cruise Ship, Actress Hospitalized For Bi-Polar Disorder