It’s been two weeks, and now Lupita Nyong’o tells Ellen DeGeneres that she has filmed for Episode VIII. Could this development also have something to do with Carrie Fisher having to pull out of some days at New York Comic Con?
SWCE: Alden Ehrenreich confirmed as young Han Solo
No Episode VIII title* out of the Future Filmmakers panel at Celebration Europe, but they did confirm Alden Ehrenreich as the young Han Solo and bring him out on stage. He was the first person to audition (out of 3000 people!) and won the role over 6 months. Directs Christopher Miller and Phil Lord have only just moved to London for pre-production, and they expect to start shooting in early 2017.
* Because there is no title yet.
Earlier, Kathleen Kennedy said Episode VIII director Rian Johnson “moves the camera as well as Steven Spielberg.” We learned that Johnson spent about six weeks with Lucasfilm before even starting in on the script.
The panel winded down with surprise appearances from John Boyega, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher. (Plus Gary and Millie.) It looked fun, but there was nothing really earth-shattering revealed. Check out the StarWars.com liveblog for details.
Below the cut, videos from the panel, and the interviews afterward!
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Episode VIII set shenanigans (with Instagram and Twitter)
A tweet roundup is due, but as things wind down, there’s just been so much out there on Instagram and tweet from the Episode VIII cast and crew that they’re breaking out on their own.
Daisy Ridley shared an already infamous face swap with director Rian Johnson, as well as teasing a new hairstyle. (Join me in hoping it’s not a padawan braid, please.) Johnson himself is sharing (recognizable, mostly) images of the Millennium Falcon. Also spotted: One Pablo Hidalgo, who punned.
Finishing up – or at least admitting to it – are John Boyega and Anthony Daniels.
Perhaps we were too quick to assume that Mark Hamill had lost the beard, though he does seem to be pulling double duty. (UPDATE: He’s now wrapped as well.)
And finally, your moment of zen: Gary Fisher with “his two favorite stalkers.” A weird thing happens when you start to see enough of those emoji: They start making sense. Maybe one day I’ll wake up being able to read Aurebesh after all.
Link: First look at the main stage schedule for Celebration Europe 2016
First look at the main stage schedule for Celebration Europe. It includes Rogue One, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, just-announced guest Ray Park and Rebels. But there are also hints that it’s not complete yet, so don’t despair at what you don’t see…
Sequel stuff: The fork is strong with Carrie and Mark
I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. But they are adorable, right? “The fork surrounds you, binds you, & feeds you….” Thanks, Carrie.
→ Not cute enough? Some Irish schoolkids got a visit from Chewbacca. On that note, word on the street is that they’ve finished up VIII filming in Ireland…
→ The Force Awakens editor Maryann Brandon took part in a Q&A at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
→ The teaser trailer for Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast has broken the record for 24-hour views set by the second teaser for The Force Awakens last year. I’m puzzled (the B&TB trailer is super bland,) but such is the media ecosystem.
→ And to take us out, a video highlighting the sound editing of The Force Awakens.
Episode VIII filming already done at Malin Head; Carrie Fisher at Cannes
Filming at Malin Head has already wrapped, complete with a (obligatory?) Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley pub sightings. Making Star Wars has some pictures, including a very blurry look at Rey in costume.
Meanwhile, Carrie Fisher is Carrie Fishering about in Cannes, where a new documentary about her and mother Debbie Reynolds is debuted.
Celebration Europe adds Carrie Fisher, Amy Ratcliffe
Celebration Europe has added Carrie Fisher as a spotlight guest, and reporter/podcaster Amy Ratcliffe as host of the Behind-the-Scenes Stage. She joins returning stage hosts Warwick Davis and David Collins.
Today in VIII: Carrie Fisher reveals Space Bear
Carrie Fisher tweeted out a lovely picture of Gary today, and confirming along the way that Space Bear is the codename for Episode VIII. We first heard of the bear way back in September 2014. If anyone can translate that tweet, go right ahead, as I can’t read emoji. (I’ll never make it in the Resistance.)
UPDATE: Translation via Carrie herself! (via)
→ John Boyega says “you never know,” about a possible Finn/Poe Dameron relationship. Shippers are gonna ship regardless. (Speaking of, if you’re appreciative of the Regency fan art he posted yesterday, it’s by TheRealMcGee on Tumblr, and she also did Rey and Kylo Ren.
→ There’ll apparently be drones to take out drones when VIII films in Croatia, plus a lot of guards.
→ Speaking of location shoots, Making Star Wars has a few details on shooting at another site in Ireland that’s “a very good match for Skellig Michael.”
Modern Solo Adventures may be the best thing on Tumblr right now
Tumblr user Mamalaz is mining the work of Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and more to create the modern adventures of Han and Ben Kylo. Head below the cut for a sample.
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Episode VIII begins production; Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, Kelly Marie Tran join cast
StarWars.com has the official announcement that Episode VIII has begun production at Pinewood this morning. It adds officially adds three new actors: Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran. (Entertainment Weekly takes a look at Tran’s previous work.)
Returning from The Force Awakens are Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis.
Video footage shows director Rian Johnson, Hamill and Ridley filming on Skellig Micheal in September, and a hint as to where VIII picks up…
…Or is it? Note that only one shot – Ridley holding out the saber – is actually a close duplicate to what we saw in The Force Awakens. While they may be keeping things less restrictive this time, let’s not put too much faith in what they’re willing to show us.
Meanwhile, as the day winds down…
