Further Confirmation Of Our Exclusive: Mark Hamill Says Original Cast In Talks...

Yes - Mark Hamill has chimed in on the story we broke back in November that the original cast will be back for the third trilogy, the real possibility of including the Skywalker offspring as characters and that the tone of the new trilogy will be much closer to Ep IV, V and VI then I, II and III.

I've been paying very close attention to franchise developments especially since we broke the story that there will indeed be a new STAR WARS trilogy and that it will be in 3D. In fact, Steve Sansweet even had the gall to to call our story ignorant and stupid. One of the beautiful things about the Internet is that it never forgets :-)

Anyway, Hamill had a few things to say on the subject:
(On whether he will appear in STAR WARS VII):  "They're talking to us. George [Lucas] wanted to know whether we'd be interested. He did say that if we didn't want to do it, they wouldn't cast another actor in our parts – they would write us out. … I can tell you right away that we haven't signed any contracts. We're in the stage where they want us to go in and meet with Michael Arndt, who is the writer, and Kathleen Kennedy, who is going to run Lucasfilm. Both have had meetings set that were postponed -- on their end, not mine. They're more busy than I am."

(On the tone he would like to see used with STAR WARS VII): "I said to George that I wanted to go back to the way it was, in the sense that ours was much more carefree and lighthearted and humorous – in my opinion, anyway. And another thing I'd want to make sure of is are we going to have the whole gang back? Is Carrie and Harrison and Billy Dee and Tony Daniels, everybody that's around from the original [returning]? I want to make sure that everybody's on board here, rather than just one. I guess I'll have to tune into your show to figure out who's on board."

"I'm assuming, because I haven't talked to the writers, that these movies would be about our offspring -- like my character would be sort of in the Obi-Wan range [as] an influential character. ...'Well, I'm going to wind up like Sir Alec [Guinness]. I'm going to be a lonely old hermit living out in some kind of desert igloo with a couple of robots.'"

"I hope they find the right balance of CGI with practical effects. I love props, I love models, miniatures, matte paintings -- I'm sort of old school. I think if you go too far in the direction of CGI it winds up looking like just a giant a video game, and that's unfortunate. … If they listen to me at all, it'll be, 'Lighten up and go retro with the way it looks."

So a fair amount of things to say with the end result being bang on with what we presented. I'll have more information on the new trilogy and hopefully the spinoffs when I get in touch with our magnificent source with knowledge of the situation!

Source: ETOnline

EXCLUSIVE: More Secret Details Revealed From My Original STAR WARS Source! SKYWALKER Returns Again!!

Ok guys, by now you know of my history with this particular source and the stellar information that has been given us about STAR WARS way back in 2009. We remain in touch to which I am deeply grateful. Again this source has spoken up about what we can now expect from the Disney / Lucasfilm tandem in the coming years, and it is all very, VERY exciting.

Here is what my source has told me, some segments and some word for word, from his email I just received:

"Disney now has the power to make STAR WARS films, and everything else in the Lucasfilm archives. The movies I told you about are indeed the primary focus. Luke Skywalker is a primary focus, as are many of the original trilogy cast. Disney also realised that George Lucas and STAR WARS are one and the same, so George will certainly have a voice on any angle taken, in fact I believe it's one of many stipulations. However he will no longer have creative control, and as I said before George was already looking at other creative talents to bring his canon to life back before Disney and Lucasfilm really started negotiating (or at least to the best of my knowledge)..."

Hit the jump for more...

 

"Way back when I told you about the new movie trilogy planned, I never explained to you that they were being rewritten from previously secret drafts from way back during the making of the original trilogy. The main problem was the age of the cast, and the tone of the story. Now I do believe that Walt Disney intend on playing to the cultural significance of that original trilogy. You will see a tone more in line with the original trilogy, and specifically featuring that cast, if everything shakes out as intended. Which it will, I promise you.

You can expect to hear more news on the live action TV show in the near future, as the scripts already written will be absorbed in some way into a TV format. The nature of the show and the technical requirements needed to meet a TV budget and schedule are pretty ambitious. Basically they are 45 minute long feature films. With concepts that are very ambitious and the fact that it focuses on characters that are not known and are completely different to what people may have in mind about a STARWARS TV show. This was the problem at the time, and I am pretty sure this is still a problem. At least on the live action front. I am told that soon there will be some kind of material released relating to shot footage and tests on that concept. So look out for that.

A NEW DAWN.

I don't believe the empire was completely destroyed by the end of Return of the Jedi.

Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, C3PO and R2D2 are I am assured to feature prominently in the new trilogy, as was always the idea. Apparently some have already been approached. Quite a while back too to my understanding. Hamill is a certainty.

There are two trilogies planned, all following an original overview by Lucas, which was always planned as a multi generational saga. Movies 10 - 12 are from my understanding
about the offspring of the Skywalkers, set many years later with the surviving cast playing much older versions of themselves and featuring a female protagonist named Skywalker. This is something
that I understand is being discussed as the latest trilogy may end up being an amalgamation of the two using themes and ideas from both, but still keeping the general story, also allowing for continuity of cast.

The movies from what I understand will adopt the Harry Potter model, and will be aggressively brought to the forefront of popular entertainment once again with consistent installments. This is just for starters though, especially for those who hold the original trilogy in high regard, they should be happy. You can expect lovingly restored prints of the original trilogy to surface in the near future. That's a no brainer. I along with the rest of the world want those movies in their original glory. Disney are all over that, believe me.

From my understanding the movies that follow will be far more in line with the original trilogy in regards to tone and method, and from the few names I have heard being banded around I am very excited, as they are all choices that I think people will get behind.

- Steven Speilberg, who may actually get to direct his episode of STARWARS after all.

- Neil Blomkamp, District 9, Elysium.

- Alfonso Cuarón, Children of Men, Gravity (which is a masterpiece by the way) When I was told this name, I said that's the guy.

- Matthew Vaughn. Kick Ass, First Class.

- Darren Arnofsky, The Fountain, Noah. (very popular candidate) and has been for a while.

- Joss Whedon. Serenity, The Avengers. That could work as Joss is currently overseeing Marvels next onslaught under the Disney Banner, but don't hold your breath for a directing gig for many years down the line. He may well have his part to play though ;-)

So very exciting times ahead if you are a STARWARS fan, and especially if you are an original trilogy fan.

Watch this space."

WOW. VERY interesting!! HUGE opportunities for the franchise and look at the names being considered at the top of Lucasfilm!

You can count of this information as being 100% accurate as of NOW. Of course things can change over time, but the main thrust remains - just look at the info given to us 3 years ago - it all still happened: Next trilogy in 3D in development and Lucas not directing.

So you can discount those rumors of a complete detachment from the original trilogy with the sequels 7, 8 and 9... and even 10, 11 and 12 with the second generation of Skywalkers! Stay with the best source for STAR WARS information on the interwebs today: MarketSaw!!

More the second I get it!

Let's Talk A Little AVATAR 2!

Got an AVATAR 2 update that many of you have been screaming to me about and yes, you are right - it is time to talk some AVATAR again!

Firstly, from one of my best sources, it is true that there is no final script or breakdown yet. There is a breakdown of the Jake / Warrior King story arc however. Further, entire sequences and situations that were developed during the production of AVATAR that were intended for the sequel(s) or simply couldn't make it into original are queued up too.

I have this confirmed from three top sources. Another source said "Yeah no ready script at all. What I've heard it's more of a pitch. But the storyline and where the characters go is already there and quasi discussed. I don't know where he (Cameron) is, but he's not in the states."

Yet another source said: "News will start to gather soon on Jim's next adventure into another world "or two", I do have news for your readers, I have heard Jim wants to push the Alien world further into the abyss. Pandora best prepare for all war, because I promise you it's on it's way."

And don't forget what we already think will take place: AVATAR 2 will continue several years after the events of the original. The oceans play a key role. It will also lay the groundwork for the other moons in the system. Things are going to get quite "weird" to the point of becoming somewhat abstract! Each movie will stand on its own and there will definitely be NO shooting the sequels back to back. Trilogy? Actually no. The sky is no limit for this universe - the plot lines are endless.

And of course don't forget this AVATAR 2 SPOILER ALERT: This is verbatim from my source...
"Oh and Pandora has a lot of shit coming its way. Break out the space marines, looks like some bugs need a stomping."

The first two quotes are from this week and those last two quotes were from late April / early May and things can change of course, especially as JC has not finalized a script but it certainly is VERY interesting. More when I get it guys. It is very hard to acquire anything that isn't there yet! But as you know we have the best internal sources for AVATAR right here and when I get - you will get it!! Hang on, it will be a heckuva ride in the coming months.

Incidently, that Neytiri pose is actually what Sideshow will be using for their upcoming Neytiri collectible. Can't wait for that one! I have not managed to get an AMP Suit to review, but I will be reviewing another 3D property soon that you will find very interesting. :-)

Exclusive Weta Update! MORTAL ENGINES In 3D, DISTRICT 10 Shooting This October AND AVATAR 2 Spoiler!!!

*EXCLUSIVE*

Jim here. What's new in Weta world?? I have got the goods for ya from two of my top embedded sources!

MORTAL ENGINES is definitely a GO! And it WILL BE in stereoscopic 3D!! It is extremely hard to get any information on this project at all - but you know us, we are in there digging all the time :-) Peter Jackson is both Director and Producer on this project. Mortal Engines is based on a series of five books by Phillip Reeve set in a devastated post annihilation world. Huge floating cities roam the skies and do battle with one another.

DISTRICT 10 (Production title at least) is now in pre-production with filming to start in the October time frame this year. Shooting locations will be South Africa once again as well as New Zealand. There has been no word on whether it will be shot in S3D or not as of yet. You will be the first to know! Peter Jackson is again producing the sequel with Neill Blomkamp directing.

AVATAR 2 will continue several years after the events of the original. It will also lay the groundwork for the other moons in the system. Things are going to get quite "weird" to the point of becoming somewhat abstract! Each movie will stand on its own and there will definitely be NO shooting the sequels back to back. Trilogy? Actually no. The sky is no limit for this universe - the plot lines are endless.

AVATAR 2 SPOILER ALERT: This is verbatim from my source...
"Oh and Pandora has a lot of shit coming its way. Break out the space marines, looks like some bugs need a stomping."

Holy Makarov! You didn't think Weta has been sitting idly by and doing nothing but TINTIN have you? :-) I have asked for clarification on the quote I gave you about AVATAR 2 and if he can go into any detail for us. Keep in mind that things could change this early in the AVATAR 2 creative process but he felt comfortable in telling me this. It must have graduated from Lightstorm Entertainment ideas to Weta concept design. STAY TUNED!! Exciting stuff!

Exclusive: Photo Of New Weta Sound Stages Nearing Completion AND THE HOBBIT Coverage Kicks Off!!

Jim here. I am officially starting MarketSaw coverage on THE HOBBIT as of right NOW. :-)

There seems to be enough activity to warrant scaling up spy activities for our readers and may I say the wait has been arduous! WAIT NO MORE. lol.

I heard back from one of my better sources connected with THE HOBBIT and it seems that because the movie is not going to be 2D (which would have had a July'ish start), it will be ramping up in the November time frame as more prep is needed for S3D. This is not just from my source either - this is the word from the film community, set people and vfx folks. Another reason for the delay is the obvious financial issues with MGM (TORn has a good recent article on this).

The project itself is EXTREMELY quiet right now - to get this information out was very difficult. The cone of silence has definitely been lowered over this project and justifiably so; the world is holding its breath for more Middle-earth news.

That said, we can start talking about a couple of things: Sound stages AND Hobbiton - their construction is well underway. Amazing that there is no official green light as of yet on this thing because there is definitely money being spent!

The new sound stages on the film lot are almost finished and it looks like two large rooms under one roof with the potential of connecting the two.

One of our intrepid spies managed a shot of the exterior of the buildings.

Are we sure they are part of the lot? Yes! Walls are being torn down and ramps built to the central parking lot / production buildings on the opposite side.

One can almost imagine the giant green screens eventually being positioned within the new buildings to help create the dragon Smaug interacting with our adventuresome hobbits.

And what about Hobbiton? TORn has some great shots of how Hobbiton is being groomed for action! Check out one of the shots here and click on over to TORn for the rest.

Apparently a team of 60 has started work breaking new ground on Hobbit holes. Seems we may be able to actually enter these ones as they are significantly larger that the originals.

Keep it right here on MarketSaw as we activate our embedded assets in Wellywood :-) It is time to cover THE HOBBIT!!

Exclusive: PHISH 3D Photos AND Previews Sell Out FAST!

**SAME DAY UPDATE: Phish's sneak preview has SOLD OUT in EVERY market (except one where the computer ordering system went down). So they then pushed the movies to larger theaters which in turn sold out in a matter of hours! Theaters were reportedly getting hundreds of calls for tickets. Word is OUT. This will be one hot commodity the week of April 30, let me tell you. Act early if you can!

Jim here. Got some exclusive stills from the upcoming PHISH 3D movie coming our way on April 30.

Great seeing the news of the concert movie ripple through the swaths of PHISH heads around the world :-) Click to zoom. Check 'em out:

TOLDYA! Cameron CONFIRMS That AVATAR 2 Will Journey To Other Polyphemus Moons

Jim here. Thanks to Kostas2 for the heads up on this ultra cool interview with Jim Cameron! Two kids with Na'vi makeup had the chance to briefly speak with Cameron about AVATAR and in particular where the sequels may take place.

Here is what Cameron said at the 1:30m point of the clip:
"About the other moon? I can't say anything about the other moons in the Polyphemus system because that's top secret, because they're going to appear in the sequel".

We had the exclusive news that AVATAR 2 would take place OFF of Pandora back in October 2009. Gotta love our sources!

I have to say that this interview (other than my own of course) is my favorite that Cameron has given on AVATAR. Those kids were VERY GOOD! I think it is safe to say that Michael and I would love to have them on our team!! :-) Be sure to check out their whole clip right here. In 1080p no less!!