The new reality: Star Wars is getting a reboot

Disney CEO Bob Iger and George Lucas

The events of the past month have made it clear that Star Wars is undergoing a major shift, and it’s made a lot of fans question the Disney sale.  And those words – the “Disney sale” – are part of the problem.  The sale is over and done with.  What we’re going through now is more jarring, and a lot more ambitious.  We’re going through a Star Wars reboot.

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Yes internet, there really is a Jedi mind meld (but we doubt the president knew that.)

Solo kids demonstrate the 'Force meld.'A moment of levity struck the internet earlier today, when in a speech on the otherwise deadly-serious (and completely off-topic here) subject of sequestration, President Barack Obama used the term “Jedi mind meld” – crossing the streams of Star Wars and Star Trek and igniting the internet in geek ‘rage.’

Of course, as anyone who made the slog through the New Jedi Order novels will tell you, there actually is a Jedi mind meld. Bloomberg went to the master, Lucasfilm’s Pablo Hidalgo:

And though Hidalgo — chuckling throughout the entire interview — suspects it was probably a mixup of of Star Wars and Star Trek, he can’t be 100 percent sure. While there’s no evidence the president of the United States reads or has read Star Wars books, or is conversant in extended Star Wars lore, Hidalgo said, “he may have tipped off deeper knowledge than anyone may have suspected.”

Hey, you’d laugh, too. At this, if nothing else:

As for the White House, they wasted little time marrying the two Star franchises with their message. If only the political forces were so compatible.

Video: First look at Star Trek Into Darkness

Paramount released a new featurette video: a first look video at the upcoming Star Trek Into Darkness, with director J.J. Abrams describing the film as ‘upping the ante’ and ‘everything I’ve ever done, wrapped into one movie’ while Chris Pine calls it ‘relentless’. And a handful of clips, mostly from the previously-released trailers, though there are a few new shots. At least, I don’t recall someone dropping some antacids into water in earlier teasers. And some BWAAAAAAAANH! BWAAAAAAANNHH!

Shatner calls Abrams a ‘pig’ for taking Star Wars gig

ShatnerYou can always count on Crazy Fandom Grandpa William Shatner to fan the tired old Star Wars vs. Star Trek flames.

“He’s being a pig,” Shatner told Movie Fanatic. “He’s probably the most talented director of that ilk we have. But, he’s gone too far this time.”

Looks like Abrams is going to get a real tongue-lashing from the Captain next time they meet up… Maybe he should draft Shatner’s ‘nemesis’ Carrie Fisher for backup?

So we have Abrams… What does it mean for Star Wars?

Vader Into Darkness

Naturally, it seems like everyone has thoughts on J.J. Abrams directing Episode VII. Overall, I’m pleased – I think he has the specific skill set that Star Wars needs to go forward – but I’m no expert on the man or his works, so let’s ahead on to the links.

Or: Sick of analysis already? The Internet Photoshoppery Guild has been busy.

io9’s Charlie Jane Anders asks if Abrams can – or should – do for Star Wars what he did for Star Trek. “Abrams reliably brings a lot of energy and a sense of fun to whatever he tackles, along with a commitment to personal drama in the middle of huge set pieces. I’ve never been bored watching something Abrams was directly involved in. Even if you hated Abrams’ Trek, you have to admit it packed in some powerful emotional moments, and was way more entertaining than the best moments of the last two TNG movies put together.”

HitFix’s Drew McWeeny on why Abrams is the right choice for Star Wars, and ponders on what he thinks might have made him change his mind.

Author John Scalzi has a nice (if reluctant) rundown of the qualities that make Abrams a good choice for the job.

Entertainment Weekly’s Darren Franich has 14 things we can expect, while Vulture’s Margaret Lyons and Gilbert Cruz go beyond the lame lens flare jokes for seven things. Listacles. Whoo.

Over at Tosche Station, Emily gives us a Trekkie’s take on why Abrams will be good for Star Wars.

Tricia Barr thinks the Abrams’ resume means good things for those hoping for more diverse protagonist.

Kevin Smith is very excited. Of course.

And Hollywood.com’s Christian Blauvelt talked to Bonnie Burton, TFN’s Eric Geller and me about the choice.

Whatever your opinion, I have to admit I’m relieved to have one of the big questions answered, but there’s one thing we can count on, from a man who won’t even reveal the name of his next movie’s villain – there will be no lack of big secrets going forward.