Episode VIII wraps principal photography

viiiJust as the ancient scrolls predicted Mark Hamill told us a couple weeks ago, Episode VIII wrapped principal photography today. “Final slate of the final shot,” Director Rian Johnson said today of a video shared from the official Twitter and Facebook accounts. “VIII is officially wrapped. Thanks to the best cast and crew in the galaxy, and thanks to the fans for all the love and support through the whole process. Cannot wait to put it together and share it with you all! ”

Yes, this probably means there still isn’t a title.

Your Snoke Theory Sucks and other Celebration Europe catchup

Before you freak out on Pablo, here's what he said later: "Theorize all you want! It's cool! Just keep it out of my timeline."
Before you freak out on Pablo for having a sense of humor, here’s what he said later: “Theorize all you want! It’s cool! Just keep it out of my timeline.”
The ‘Your Snoke Theory Sucks’ sticker by the Steele Wars podcast seems to be quite the hit out of London last weekend, spotted in the hands of both Pablo Hidalgo and Rian Johnson. Steele Saunders even talked to Inverse about them, and why they proved to be so popular. Not at the con? You can still get your own in both sticker and t-shirt form.

→ IGN’s Daniel Krupa takes a look at the 6 classic movies that Episode VIII director Rian Johnson encouraged his cast and crew to watch, and how they might influence the upcoming film.

→ Dave Filoni chats Rebels S3, Thrawn and dealing with a “mass continuity” with io9’s Germain Lussier.

→ Felicity Jones talked about her big line in the Rogue One sizzle reel with Entertainment Tonight, and here’s what we learned from the Rogue One exhibit.

→ Spotted on the floor: Kelly Marie Tran, who still had filming to do!

→ As always, check out the CJ Tumblr for more photos, videos, GIFs and links from the con!

SWCE: Alden Ehrenreich confirmed as young Han Solo

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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!

Continue reading “SWCE: Alden Ehrenreich confirmed as young Han Solo”

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.

Episode VIII hints and clues: Beardwatch, photos and rumors

viii-mh-beardlessThe film may wrap on the 22, but is Mark Hamill already done? Here’s hiding his face in a recent photo, but if you look closely the beard appears to be gone. In any case: Beardwatch.

→ Director Rian Johnson’s Instagram remains vague to the point where he’s even posting actual garbage. (And more lights.) That set pic Daisy Ridley posted the other day is – as impliedone of his as well.

→ Rumor corner: What Making Star Wars is reporting regarding one of those location shoots, and how it relates to some concept art.

→ In less revealing sequel-related news, J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy are playable characters in Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens, while Oscar Isaac and John Boyega are among the record number of new people invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year.

‘Future filmmakers’ panel to close out Celebration Europe

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Star Wars directors Rian Johnson, Chris Miller and Phil Lord will join Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy, Kiri Hart and Pablo Hidalgo for the Celebration Europe’s Future Filmmaker Discussion, followed by the con’s Closing Ceremony.

Johnson’s Episode VIII is expected to wrap very soon, while Miller and Lord’s Han Solo standalone will be next up. Is it here that we’ll get the official title for VIII? Will Alden Ehrenreich be confirmed as the young Han Solo? Both, maybe? StarWars.com promises “some surprises” and ending “the weekend on a high note.”

The news was first revealed on today’s new The Star Wars Show:

Rian Johnson’s Episode VIII swag, another look at the set

Episode VIII director Rian Johnson has shared a couple relevant photos on his Instagram and Twitter. In the first, we see VIII’s “first piece of embroidered swag.” Then there’s an embroidered hat, featuring a ‘Space Bear’ – aka the film’s code name. Yet more signs that the end is nigh… But the third appears to be some sort of high-flying set shenanigans. Much less revealing than what we saw last time, but ain’t that the way.

UPDATE: And on Tuesday, he tweets “Holy cow, we’re starting to wrap main cast members.” Now, the question is: Will we get a wrap announcement (and very possibly a title) before or during Celebration Europe?