J.J. Abrams: “Amazing, but true: the world awaits this film.”

jj-noteI’m not quite sure where this leaked originally (it’s not on any of the expected official accounts, though it’s certainly not giving away any spoilers or other sensitive information) but ScreenCrush has a note from J.J. Abrams to the cast and crew of Episode VII. (Apparently, from the copy of script supervisor Dawn Gilliam.) The translation:

Dearest Cast and Crew, What an honor it is to work beside all of you, on Star Wars Ep VII. I can’t thank you enough, for all work past and future. Let’s take good care of not just ourselves, but of each other. Amazing, but true: the world awaits this film. Let’s give ‘em something GREAT. xo JJ

Rumor: TWO more young women to be cast for Episode VII?

Buried under some ‘Han Solo is going to die’ blah blah blah, Latino Review claims that additional Episode VII roles may go not only go to the previously-rumored Maisie Richardson-Sellers, but also to another young British actress, Katie Jarvis. Two more women is one more than we were expecting, so that’s hopeful.

They also say Adam Driver is definitely not Solo offspring and that John Boyega and stormtrooper armor are headed for Abu Dhabi. Or maybe Orlando.

Rumor: Episode VII starts filming in Abu Dhabi Friday?

sequel-bug-tatGulf News claims that filming for Episode VII will begin in Abu Dhabi tomorrow (on a Friday?) and last for two weeks. That’s contrary to previous reports that they would begin Tuesday… But The National claimed a three-week shoot, which does seem a very short period to deal with the many set pieces they say have been built.

Oscar Issac said later this month, and it seems that Carrie Fisher was still in Los Angeles as of Wednesday night. I sure hope Lucasfilm will let us know when first unit shooting has actually begun…

Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis talk Episode VII; Who stole Simon Pegg’s parking space?

A few Episode VII tidbits floating around lately: Oscar Isaac said recently that he starts shooting at the end of May, while Andy Serkis has praised the cast and script:

“It’s a wonderful, wonderful cast, really beautiful director, great atmosphere… Star Wars was my childhood, so it’s fantastic,” he said.

The 50-year-old also said security around the script is “very tight”.

He added: “You can’t wander off with it.”

He also called Daisy Ridley “an amazing choice.” (via)

Meanwhile, at Elsetree, a familiar name has apparently stolen Simon Pegg’s parking space.