In the realm of Star Wars films we have been getting sporadic updates on the spin off movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, including that Darth Vader will be appearing (read more about that here), but we have not heard much about the next film in the main story line Star Wars: Episode VIII, which is scheduled for release in December 2017.
Actress Daisy Ridley, who played the kick butt heroine Rey in Episode VII, posted a photo on Facebook with her in costume and holding a blue lightsaber. The caption for the photo is “And that is a wrap on Star Wars Episode VIII. My heart is brimming #reyout“.
Well Daisy, our hearts are also brimming with anticipation. Star Mark Hamill also posted an Instagram photo a few days ago from the wrap party with the caption “Saying goodbye is hard when you’ve had the time of your life. I can’t thank the cast and crew enough, I couldn’t have done it without you. Loads of love.”
In terms of cast we do know that most of the actors from the last film are returning for the sequel and will be joined by Benicio Del Toro (Sicario) and Laura Dern (The Fault in Our Stars). One of the best things about Star Wars is speculation about a new film so, with a SPOILER ALERT for the Episode VII, here are five things I would like to see in Star Wars Episode VIII:
#1 Keep the practical/CGI mix
One of the aspects of Episode VII: The Force Awakens I appreciated was a return to practical effects after George Lucas went CGI overboard in the prequel trilogy. Though some of the practical designs looked a bit off it was great seeing things that had weight and heft and did not look like something out of a video game. I do hope this trend of blending special effects continues with the next entry.
#2 Lots of Luke
It is probably a given but we are likely to see a lot more of Jedi Master Luke Skywalker after just a cameo in the last one. We know for the new film they shot at Skellig Michael island in Ireland, where we last saw Luke and Rey, so we can expect some training in the ways of the Jedi. But I am hoping that he leaves the island and joins in the major battle against the First Order rather than just training Rey and sending her on her merry way with a “may the Force be with you”.
#3 Fill in the gaps
While the last film was quite enjoyable there were quite a few unanswered questions and some ambiguities. Now while I don’t expect EVERYTHING to be answered in this second film we do need some things to be cleared up. I want to find out exactly how the new crop of Jedi was destroyed, who exactly are the Knights of Ren, what exactly is the relationship between the New Republic and the Resistance and how big is the First Order. They can probably save the revelation of Rey’s parents for Episode IX though.
#4 No more plot homages
The major complaint about Episode VII is that they copied too much from A New Hope and I agree they went a bit overboard. Now while the odd wink and call back is fine I do hope this new film launches into its own direction and brings us a completely new story. So please, no more Super Duper Uber Death Stars.
#5 We want Lando!
But what do I want most in this movie? Lando “smoothest smuggler in the galaxy” Calrissian of course. Even if it is just for a cameo seeing Lando again would bring a smile to my face and to the faces of a host of fans. And don’t you want us to be happy Disney?
So what would you most like to see in Episode VIII? Feel free to comment below.
For my post about Darth Vader in Rogue One you can click here and for more posts about a galaxy far, far away you can follow me on Twitter @suprememango012. May the Schwartz be with you. l8rs
NB – All photos courtesy of Lucasfilm
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