From a Post Ardnt 4th draft rewrite

Out of respect for the fans/film makers , no narrative arc will be noted.


Again, [Spoiler Caution]


Villain(s) / Max Von Sydow - Darth Plagueis

While Max has been announced as a cast member, he won't actually make an appearance in this film. Disney had an outline for the entire trilogy from the beginning and knew about Plaguies being vital to the story (how do you top the Emperor, anyway.) Due to his age, most of Max's scenes would be filmed during Ep. 7, since his availability may be limited (or non-existent) in future episodes. He'll likely be seen via holograms in the next film (ala ESB) before finally appearing in the flesh by Ep9...his death being the climax (and likely filmed with stunt doubles.)


Sith Protectors

Lupita Nyong'o - Vena [in early script]
Christina Chong - Ova [early script]


The dichotomy of two (Master/apprentice) will be slightly different in this film, due the shift in mythological themes. A single underlying evil remains, though is surrounded by 'protectors', who also serve as spies/liaisons. The classic aesthetic of these film's can't be overstated and they've referenced early McQuarrie art for The Plaeiguies lair. Early draft had him immaterial, communicating through the force to susceptive minds (see Vodemort.) Since the dark side in this film is more stratified, several key characters fall victim to Plaeiguies' scheme.


Empire/Rebels

Gwendoline Christie - General Vos [early script]

Despite the passage of time, and much like real world politics, the Galaxy is still not at peace. Even though the Empire as we knew it has been overthrown, several individuals [factions] have split, remaining loyal to the prior regime. In a sense, there are rebels on both sides. Since they lack a dictatorlike leader, the Imperials basically operate as a police state, headed by General Vos. It's important to note that the relationship here is less good and evil and more a tense rivalry [think a more vitriolic Republican/Democratic dichotomy] with both sides adhering to a core understanding (Rebels even use old Imperial ships for reconnaissance, for example.)


Jedi / Offspring and Old Friends


Mark Hammill - "Master Luke"
Daisy Ridley - kira
Adam Driver - Jona [early script]
Harrison Ford - Han Solo
Carrie Fisher -Leia Organa


Not surprising, Luke is a recluse. Having done his duty, he has taken abode on Tatooine, his home world and is uncle and mentor to.....Kira. Even though frustrated by life on this planet, she adores Luke and heeds his wisdom. Kira is sister to Jona, a New Republic pilot who spends most of his time serving in the Rebel Fleet. They are both the offspring of Han and Leia. Arndt originally had Jona on Tat and Kira with her parents, but that was since switched. To JJ's credit, this was an incredibly brave move. Han and Leia are estranged and never married.


Contemporaries / New Comers and Tragedy

Oscar Isaac - Kane [early script]
Andy Serkis - Orgo
John Boyega - Ren

Leia is the equivalent of Chancellor. She wanted Jona[now Kira] to lead a simpler life and not get caught up in the bureaucracy of New Republic affairs. She also was subconsciously concerned about her well being since kira is apparently more powerful than her brother. On Tatooine Kira is best friends with Orgo, a cyborg border guard. Han is commander of the Rebel Fleet. Kane Is co-pilot and inherits the Falcon when Han & Leia......perish (heroically.) Though tragic, their deaths serve an inevitable and necessary plot point: Kira now is thrust onto a new path and will be trained by Luke (naturally.) Kane travels to Kashyyyk and in an endearing exchange (admittedly, I shed a tear) Chewie supplants Han as co-pilot, continuous his life debt. Jona is overcome with grief and disappears for the rest of the film, presumably to avenge their deaths. He will likely be the fallen hero throughout the trilogy, though this isn't really made made clear in this draft.

Ren, a fellow pilot and friend of Jona, arrives on Tatooine to relay the bad news, though Luke has already felt it. With the aid of Orgo, they navigate the remote wilderness enroute to Mos Eisely to get off world. The emphasis is mainly on Kira now. There is sensual tension between Kane and Kira (I'm sure you can sense where that's headed.)


Plot Outline
During an important Galactic Forum, when both sides are close to an agreement on unification, it is learned that a massive weapon has been built into the surface of Coruscant [This apparently was an early alternative to the Death Star and was abandoned follwing the events of TPT. It is suggested that the 'ruined' part of the planet seen in AOTC was an early construction site, and has since been refurbished for this new super weapon.) This was a masterful move by DP, having learned from the faults of a stand alone Death Star. It's made all the more ominous due to the fact that Coruscant can't be destroyed to solve the problem. The NRSenate is outraged, though it is unclear who is responsible. The Imperial faction is blamed and a war ensues.



Locations.

Tatooine (Mos Espa makes makes an appearance in this film [one scene], though it isn't a space port.)

Dantooine (a Rebel Mainstay)

Coruscant (New Republic Alliance)

Kashyyyk (Brief scene)

Mustafar (Plaguies Lair)

Cyrene (Training Locale)


A Few Other Notes

-Contrary to popular assumption, the Jedi are not plentiful in this film (there is substantial dialogue that explains this.)
It also serves the story by having the protagonist go through an ordeal (loss, epiphany, adventure, growth) which is a universal structure (i.e. If the prime characters were fully seasoned Jedi already, that wouldn't leave much room for a a story arc.) Film is also very female heavy (this is also explained).
-Film will mark the first time we see the construction of a light saber on screen (though this may have been cut from final script.)
-This film is saturated in CT references (production and dialogue wise) though it never comes across as gratuitous.
There are several scenes that parallel A New Hope.
-There is a key flashback scene towards the beginning of the film featuring the actor Domhall Gleeson, Billie Lorde, Pip Anderson and others.
- Early draft titles were A New Threat and The Shadow Heir (the latter being moved to the second film for story purposes