Star Wars with occasional sarcasm
“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.
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.
We’ve had a few rather shaky rumors that Benicio del Toro and Carrie Fisher might be part of the scenes to be filmed on the newly neoned streets of Dubrovnik, but a new report from Mos Croatia names Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley. It’s certainly a lovely place for a staring contest.
On the Oscars red carpet last night, Daisy Ridley told MTV News that Episode VIII does indeed pick up where The Force Awakens left off, and about working with Mark Hamill.
(This may not be exactly VIII related, but since we’re here: Fashion bloggers Tom & Lorenzo and the Fug Girls on Ridley’s dress.)
→ A curious dome-shaped building has been spotted at Pinewood. It’s similar to those found at the monastery at Skellig Michael.
→ The Dubrovnik street set now lights up, and not for nothing – it looks like they’ll be doing some night filming.
→ It seems the film may also be scouting for caves in Mexico.
Mark Hamill joined the Space Bear photo squad with a picture this morning of an “Exotic Alien Creature” – aka his daughter’s dog. Does Gary Fisher have a posse at Pinewood? Also: #Beardwatch.
→ Another picture and even set construction video from the streets of Dubrovnik. Also, on the more spoilery side, here’s a rumor of what kind of scene they may be filming.
Over the past arbitrary time period, Episode VIII started filming, Pablo started a Tumblr phenomenon by giving General Hux a pet, and The Force Awakens continued to rake in the bucks. But let’s get to it.
Episode VIII director Rian Johnson marked the beginning of the second week of filming with the crossword puzzle in the International New York Times. SPOILERS! (For the crossword.)
Now, debate: is that a First Order control board or some sort of actual film equipment? A good catch by Justin LaSalata from The Force Awakens Visual Dictionary. (Note a lot of the Starkiller Base sets were reused for the Finalizer.)
→ There are sets in Dubrovnik, dates for filming, and rumors that Benicio del Toro – and maybe Carrie Fisher – will be there.
→ Moviepilot is generally not a site I trust (at all,) but they are claiming that Danish actress Birgitte Hjort Sørensen (Pitch Perfect 2, Game of Thrones) has been cast as a Knight of Ren. Be aware.
→ I joined Bryan and Amy at Full of Sith for their latest episode, where we discussed what we know of Episode VIII (well, what we knew as of Saturday, anyway.)
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.”