I see the sequel trilogy, like the Thrawn books before it, as a "logical" continuation of the story rather than a thematic one. The plot can't be as grand as what came before; prophetic themes and chosen destinies would be very hard to overshine.

Basically this is the same issue the entire EU was wrapped around. Luke and the gang obviously continue to do things in their galaxy. Good stories can still be told, but necessary? No.

This is what worries me the most. It's worried me from the very first announcement of Ep7.

Rebooting another Death Star like thing with what looks like even a trench really screams of reboot. Will it cover all the same themes from the OT? It's one thing to make super weapons in the EU but I feel it's going too far to make them the focal point of now 3 of the last 4 movies

What really bothers me is the ending to ROTJ now, celebrations across the galaxy only for the next movie to follow up with what looks like an even more dire situation than ANH. I feel like there's a lot of explaining to do to help me accept this. Of course maybe I'm wrong and I'm just worrying too much.

I don't think it's too much of a stretch. There are many examples in modern world history to draw from to help explain how removing a despot creates a power vacuum that can get filled by even more violent and chaotic players.

Just one sentence in the opening crawl would suffice: about massive chaos that insued when the galaxy sobered after celebrating the Endor victory. Because that's what happens when tyrants fall. I guess I'd be glad to see this topic covered in TFA.

Just like the original Star Wars movies were a kind of reaction to Vietnam war, this one could be an echo of what's happening in the Middle East: despots being overthrown, democracy awakens, everyone's full of hope and then suddenly hell breaks loose. I'd buy that.

About that "Death Star reboot" issue - boy, it's hard to please the SW fans . Prequels were panned for many things and one of the reasons was "too radical departure from the original trilogy". Looks like TFA is going to be criticized for sticking too close to OT .

I still believe J.J., Kasdan & Co. are not idiots. Still hope they've found a good balance between political commentary, SW tradition, humor and pure adventure. I also know that being an old fart I won't enjoy TFA quite the way I enjoyed ANH when I was a kid but still... I've got a good feeling about this .

The 2nd Death Star has been criticized many times as being a lazy rehash plot device. I guess though it's okay to rehash it a 3rd time just as long as it's not like the prequels.

The expanded universe is filled with many compelling stories that don't need a DS to convey urgency and emotion. Not to mention the best episode of the series was The Empire Strikes Back an OT story that lacked a superweapon storyline.

I get it. It's a safe bet to redo the ANH storyline, it's nostalgic reminding us of our childhood when the unstoppable empire was stunned by a small plucky group of rebels. Everyone wants those times back but it's not necessary for a compelling story.

We've seen many nostalgic sequels in cinema in the past 10 years and most have proven that it's better to break new ground than retread the past. Do you want a mildly entertaining Jurassic World? Or do you want The Empire Strikes Back level of storytelling?



Good points I just hope that it will be sufficiently explained in the movie how the rebels are still on the run 30 years later.

Again these are just things that have me concerned. Not criticisms yet because I haven't seen the movie.

Hasn't that pretty much been explained already? They aren't Rebels on the run anymore. They aren't rebelling against the Empire, because the Empire doesn't exist anymore. The former Rebels are now a Resistance who are resisting a new order, which is called The New Order, becoming a new all-powerful faction.

Of course there are similarities, but I can't imagine they would just lazily fart out a rehash of what we've already seen. But it is a Star Wars movie, and there is as always rhyming poetry in this story.

So they're not rebelling against an empire only resisting against a new all powerful faction. OK

No, they're resisting a faction that wants to be all-powerful.

Sorry when I think of a Resistance I think of the French Resistance in WW2. So it's more of 2 smaller factions vying for influence similar to the Syrian Civil War?

That's my interpretation, so far. There is no single all-powerful regime, but two factions engaged in a power struggle.

That would be interesting. They have lots of room to move creatively can't wait to see what's done.

My sense is that the First Order has the upper hand. As a form of appeasement, the Republic has allowed the First Order to appropriate a potion of the outer rim (which may include Yavin). The Resistance is just that - an insurgent militia that is attempting to overthrow the occupying power. Unfortunately, human history is rife with similar scenarios.

i highly doubt there ever was anything resembling a new republic in this timeline-
the galaxy is most likely in a state of apocalyptic anarchy. i.e no one really knows the true story
of the war..just that it ended after the collapse of the empire.

It always cracks me up when fans write "what worries me..." or "Im really worried..".

Fact is not all the worry in the world will change TFA to match what you have or want envisioned in your head. Another thing the prequels disaster taught me if your digging too deep it will just make you crazy and leave you even more disappointed.

This is scifi and its core is around conflict. No conflict no star wars. And yes, just because they celebrated the defeat of the empire in ROTJ doesn't mean something worse can't follow up. "I will finish what you started". And personally I think a little mirroring to ANH isn't really a bad thing.

You're absolutely right, being concerned or worried over a movie will not change the outcome of the storyline or what I want out of it. Still, it's natural to be concerned for things that you care about and that interest you. Just as I was concerned about Jurassic World.

Even if its disappointing and not what I had envisioned I still wont spew the hatred that others have at the Prequels, as long as people find it entertaining and engaging then that's the important part. It's not about pleasing my particular desires, its about making $ for Disney.

Just like Lucas wasn't worried about pleasing people in the Prequel Trilogy. Lucas just wanted to tell the story how he wanted to, and he got to do that and that should be respected.

Bottom line is I'll be there opening day, and if it turns out to be another Phantom Menace situation I wont be crying my eyes out and cursing JJ Abrams name on every forum and comment section on the internet like many did to Lucas.

Mayhew praises Boyega while comparing Daisy Ridley to Portman's work (which was terrible) in the PT. He literally calls her wooden.



bmag.com.au /you-said-it-chewie-an-interview-with-peter-mayhew-2/

I take what Mayhew says with a grain of salt. He was also a gigantic dick when I met him at Wondercon.

Ridley has shown more emotion in the trailers than we saw from Portman in 3 movies. We'll know in two months, I suppose.

Less than two months now. Wow.

And yes, I agree with you.

Except that he didn't. He said she was solid.

Her agent told her to not be too stiff in public. Big deal.

Well if you enjoyed the prequels then more power to you my friend. I really really dislike them. Still to this day I find them to be unwatchable. Its not like I want an Oscar winning movie. Just you know, personally I dont like being ok with Mediocre narrative in movies. Call me a snob or an older nostalgic fool if you will. Is it too much to at least expect a decent story?

For all the money and time they had, I sure hope they came up with something cool. Thats all I want. And yes, I have my tickets for the 18th right here! While im no JJ fan I still think he can pull it off. Maybe not Empire good but at least something that gives these next few movies a better solid ground. IE it should be all about the characters. Nothing else.



From the looks of her in the trailers, her expressions alone are much more relaxed and real than anything Portman did in the prequels. Im not worried about either one of the new leads. They do indeed look 'solid'.

Yeah I agree what's most important about the film is setting up a solid base for the future narrative. JJ won't be running the show much longer either way.

Are we going to feel ripped off if Luke doesn't kick some sort of ass in this movie? I really think this might be number 1 on the long list of things people would actually want to see in the ST.

We've waited 32 years to find out what happened to Luke Skywalker. He's got to fuck shit up, doesn't he?

This a million times.

Watching Luke kick some serious ass would be amazing and would make up for any other deficits the film has.

But if he doesn't, I won't be disappointed. If this movie is to set up more things to come, then perhaps Luke will have a larger role again in Eps.8 and 9.

Holy fuck, I'm out (technically, I've been out since the third and final trailer was released)! See you on the flip side, guys!

I suspect this'll be like kickin' the dope as the weeks progress. I was an unabashedly flagrant prequel spoiler whore. But I have hope. I've grown far more mature and disciplined.

May the Force be with us all!

Stay strong!

All this material, and no Luke; it's kind of fun. I think it would be awesome if he arrives at the end of the film when everyone is in trouble, and Rey looks up and says "Who are you?"

"I'm Luke Skywalker. I'm here to rescue you."

It would be absolute fan service but would also be incredibly boner-inducing.

This is the fan service I'm interested in. Already fantasizing the possibilities.

If I was all powerful, the only person I would have trouble "destroying" would be my own child. What if JJ uses the opposite McGuffin and has Luke unable to defeat the bad guy due to it being his son. The exact opposite scenario of RotJ.

That may be his only weakness?

Love this idea!

Dumb question. I'm not sure where else to ask this, so I'll just put it here.

The first two trailers were essentially directed by J. J., right? And they feature original music from John Williams?

Whereas the newer trailers are Disney marketing creations.

Just curious. I'm not making commentary on the quality of the trailers or anything like that, and I'd be very thankful if anyone knows.

huh? The force Awakens was directed by JJ. Trailers and teasers are edits from the movie obviously. Some of the earlier trailers did SW themes but not recorded by JW. YOu can google it. From what ive read, all the trailers and teasers are edited by JJ.

Press junket interviews ...

"...practical sets and also miniature work... JJ is bring that back..."

Jesus Fucking Christ. Enough of that talk already. The PT had sets and miniatures too.

LOL. Yes, I know that.


I've read that the music for the first two trailers was composed by JW specifically for them. I also doubt that JJ has the time to personally edit every single TV spot and international trailer. I'm pretty sure he just did the first two, but I'm seeking clarification.

I have Googled this topic and did not find satisfactory results. Hence, I came here.

Huh? (again)

JJ has said on numerous interviews that he oversees everything. While he surely doesn't sit down and 'edit' them himself, he will sign off on them. Im not sure why you are a) doubting that considering that this movie is his baby and b) why is it so important to know who exactly editing them? They all rocked so what else is there to say?

The first teaser (wasnt a trailer really) was indeed custom composed by Williams. No one knows if the 2nd teaser was as well. The later full trailers where custom created by other people using Williams themes.

Well, there's no need to be a cunt about it. I was merely curious.

Check out this interview from last week. JJ talks a little about the trailer-making process: viewtopic.php?f=2015&t=9794

Meh this is the internet. Dont be butt hurt so fast for no reason.

I need more hype please.

My kids and I saw Star Wars apples the other day. This at least makes sense.

Literally everything has Star Wars on it. Disney is really making a push for TFA to be the biggest movie ever.

What character does the apple represent?

Still waiting on an officially-licensed flamethrower, just to complete the Spaceballs merchandising prophecy.

Greedo's or Yoda's testicles.....

I saw Darth Vader on the bags. No fucking clue how they relate to the Sith; the bag had more than two apples.

No those are the Star Wars grapes.

I cannot believe I've stayed spoiler free this long. I was a fiend during the PT, especially Revenge of the Sith. I think I owe the great marketing a lot for keeping everything under wraps. I have no idea what this movie is even about. I think I know the opening moments, but beyond that I have no clue. Looking forward to it!

I will step away from the internet starting tonight, after the LA premiere. See you on the other side, MF!

Looking back, I got a few things right about TFA a year before the release:

- Cold War of sorts between Republic and First Order
- First Order has a super weapon
- Kylo Ren is Han/Leia's kid
- Luke in isolation

TBD Rey's origin obviously.