Star Wars with occasional sarcasm
Actual shooting for Episode VIII has begun, and sure enough, pictures continue to leak. They do mostly seem to be extras, or at least unknown actors, as well as props. The most curious addition seems to be someone riding a creature. Speculation has it that the rider may be another ‘stunt double’ for an actor who isn’t (as far as we know) present.
In other news, Billie Lourd will be back, and her role will be at least a little larger this time. No word if she’ll still be sporting the hair buns.
Lucasfilm’s Pablo Hidalgo is on the latest Tosche Station, talking about The Force Awakens, his Visual Dictionary, and how Rogue One is going to change how people look at different eras of the franchise.
As a tease for the upcoming Blu-ray release, StarWars.com has posted a brief look at The Force Awakens table read, one of the behind-the-scenes features.
The footage debuted this morning on Good Morning America.
“Hard to believe we’re wrapping up week four already, it’s just flying by,” Director Rian Johnson said as he shared an Episode VIII set picture on his Tumblr this morning. The pic features cinematographer Steve Yedlin and the Millennium Falcon cockpit.
Meanwhile, there are more detailed rumors on the Dubrovnik shooting – including someone’s stunt double, which is more than a little surprising.
UPDATE: Some (apparent) extras, possibly guards or part of a police force, have been spotted.
The Derry Journal (via Jedi News) reports that Episode VIII has scouted and may be filming at County Donegal’s Malin Head in May. The area looks similar to Skellig Michael and Ceann Sibéal.
Meanwhile in Dubrovnik, detailing has been added to the Old City Centre, including a new “monumental gate or entrance.” Main Street was closed for rehearsals, with actual filming expected on Friday.
Today’s new addition to the Dubrovnik shooting is… A boat! My first instinct is to link you to a Lonely Island song, sorry. (Spoiler free!)
There’s now a a walkthrough video of the dressed Dubrovnik street, as well as a few more details. And even more details. Plus, the ‘landspeeder’ was spotted again.
Secrets of ‘The Force Awakens’: A Cinematic Journey will be available to all when The Force Awakens Blu-ray drops in April, but folks attending the South by Southwest festival will have a chance to see it on March 14 at its official world premiere. The screening will also have a Q&A with Roger Guyett, Matthew Wood and co-producer Michelle Rejwan.
→ Speaking of the Blu-ray, here’s a supposed list of the deleted scenes.
→ The Force Awakens has scored a whole pile of nominations at the 2016 MTV Movie Awards. The 11 nods include movie of the year and ensemble cast, plus performance nods for Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Andy Serkis, and Lupita Nyong’o. Kylo Ren and Rey’s face-off is up for best fight. So we (well, some of us) actually have to watch the MTV Movie Awards, but The Rock is co-hosting so hopefully it won’t be all bad. It airs Sunday, April 10, and you can vote here.
→ In other award news, the Saturn Awards bumped John Boyega’s nomination from supporting to lead after fan outcry.
→ If you’ve been pulling your hair out about why Leia and Chewbacca didn’t hug in TFA, well, J.J. Abrams has explained/apologized, /Film reports. I hope you’re happy, you little monsters.
→ Weird Al tells Rolling Stone he’s not doing a third Star Wars song. Sorry.
There’s been a ton of stuff out of Dubrovnik for Episode VIII over the past few days, including further dressing for the street scene and how they covered up the windows – at least some of it is practical, not green screen. (The street was even closed for rehearsal the other day, though apparently none of the actors are present yet.) There’s also the possibility of interiors at Rector’s Palace and a vehicle was spotted.
However, throwing a wrench in that rumor we heard earlier in the week, Daisy Ridley told the BBC’s Lizo Mzimba that she’s not going to be filming in Croatia.
Meanwhile, in Ireland, some details of what sort of scenes are to be filmed at Ceann Sibéal from The Movie Bit. Ridley and Mark Hamill are expected here, as the area is similar to Skellig Michael. Filming is expected for mid-May.
My apologies to those still clinging to the Rey Solo theories: I think Daisy Ridley just scuttled you, telling Entertainment Tonight that the parentage issue – or rather, the lack thereof – was the hardest secret to keep for The Force Awakens. Of course, knowing this fandom, the theories are just going to get even more elaborate… Here’s the video:
She also talked about the difference between J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson when it comes to secrecy, and yes, there’s stuff in this you can use, theorists. Have at it.
Rey Skywalker theorists, please be gracious. Your case may be pretty good, but nothing is set is stone just yet.
StarWars.com has The Force Awakens home release details, confirming that the Blu-ray and DVD will be out in April 5, with the digital download coming April 1. The special features include a full-length documentary and deleted scenes – including one of Kylo Ren on the Millennium Falcon.
Target, Walmart and Best Buy will have retailer exclusive packaging.
