Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi | |
---|---|
Directed by | Rian Johnson |
Written by | Rian Johnson |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Steve Yedlin[1] |
Edited by | Bob Ducsay[1] |
Music by | John Williams[2] |
Production company | |
Distributed by | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures |
Release date |
|
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is an upcoming American epic space opera film written and directed by Rian Johnson. It will be the second installment in the Star Wars sequel trilogy following Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). The film is produced by Lucasfilm, will be distributed worldwide by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, and stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, and Andy Serkis in returning roles. New cast members include Benicio del Toro, Laura Dern, and Kelly Marie Tran in unconfirmed roles. It is Fisher's final film role following her death in December 2016. Johnson has stated that the story resumes immediately after the events of The Force Awakens.
The film was announced after Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in October 2012. It is produced by Ram Bergman and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. John Williams, composer for the previous seven films, returns to compose the score. Scenes that required shooting at Skellig Michael in Ireland were filmed during pre-production in September 2015, with principal photography beginning at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom in February 2016 and ending in July 2016. The Last Jedi is scheduled to be released on December 15, 2017. A sequel, Episode IX, is scheduled for 2019.
Cast
- Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, a powerful Jedi Master who has been in self-imposed exile on the planet Ahch-To.[3][4]
- Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa, twin sister to Luke, former princess of Alderaan, and a general in the Resistance.[4] The Last Jedi is Fisher's final film role after her death of cardiac arrest on December 27, 2016.[5] Fisher had completed her work on the film before her death.[6][7]
- Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, Supreme Leader Snoke's loyal servant who is strong with the dark side of the Force and leader of the Knights of Ren. He was born Ben Solo, the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, nephew of Luke Skywalker, and the grandson of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala.[4]
- Daisy Ridley as Rey, a highly Force-sensitive scavenger from the desert planet Jakku.[4]
- John Boyega as Finn, a former stormtrooper of the First Order who defected to the Resistance.[4][8]
- Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, an X-wing fighter pilot in the Resistance.[4][9]
- Lupita Nyong'o as Maz Kanata, a pirate and longtime friend of Han Solo and Chewbacca.[4]
- Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux, the former head of the First Order's Starkiller Base.[4]
- Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, a humanoid protocol droid in the service of Leia Organa.[4]
- Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma, the commander of the First Order's stormtroopers.[4][10]
- Andy Serkis as Supreme Leader Snoke, the leader of the First Order and Kylo Ren's master.[4]
- Benicio del Toro[1][11]
- Laura Dern[1]
- Kelly Marie Tran[1]
Other cast members include Peter Mayhew and Joonas Suotamo, both returning to portray Chewbacca,[4][12][13] Mike Quinn as Nien Nunb,[14] Timothy M. Rose as Admiral Ackbar,[13] Billie Lourd as Lieutenant Connix,[15] and Simon Pegg as Unkar Plutt, all of whom are reprising their roles.[16] Jimmy Vee will play R2-D2.[17] Tom Hardy and Gary Barlow will make cameo appearances as stormtroopers.[18][19] Gareth Edwards, director of the Star Wars Anthology film Rogue One, has a cameo in the film.[20] Warwick Davis[21] and Noah Segan have been cast in unspecified roles.[22]
Production
Development
In October 2012, Star Wars creator George Lucas sold his production company Lucasfilm, and with it the Star Wars franchise, to The Walt Disney Company. Disney announced a new trilogy of Star Wars films.[23] J. J. Abrams was named director of the first episode in the trilogy, The Force Awakens, in January 2013.[24][25] In June 2014, director Rian Johnson was reported to be in talks to write and direct Episode VIII and to write a treatment for Episode IX, with Ram Bergman producing both films.[26][27] Johnson confirmed in August 2014 that he would direct Episode VIII.[28] In September, filmmaker Terry Gilliam asked Johnson about what it felt like to take over something that was made famous by another filmmaker, to which Johnson responded:
I'm just starting into it, but so far, honestly, it's the most fun I've ever had writing. It's just joyous. But also for me personally, I grew up not just watching those movies but playing with those toys, so as a little kid, the first movies I was making in my head were set in this world. A big part of it is that direct connection, almost like an automatic jacking back into childhood in a weird way. But I don't know, ask me again in a few years and we'll be able to talk about that.[29]
Johnson stated that the story would begin immediately after the last scene of The Force Awakens.[20] Johnson had the story group working on the film watch films such as Twelve O'Clock High, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Gunga Din, Three Outlaw Samurai, Sahara and Letter Never Sent for inspiration while developing ideas.[20][30] He felt it was difficult to work on the film while The Force Awakens was being finished.[20] In December 2015, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy admitted that "we haven't mapped out every single detail [of the sequel trilogy] yet". She said that Abrams was collaborating with Johnson and that Johnson would in turn work with Episode IX director Colin Trevorrow to ensure a smooth transition.[31] Abrams is an executive producer along with Jason McGatlin and Tom Karnowski.[32]
Casting
In September 2015, Disney shortlisted the female cast members to Gina Rodriguez, Tatiana Maslany, and Olivia Cooke.[33] Later that month, Benicio del Toro confirmed that he will play the villain in the film,[11] and Mark Hamill was also confirmed.[3] In October 2015, Gugu Mbatha-Raw was rumored to have been cast in the film.[34] In November, Jimmy Vee was cast as R2-D2.[17] In November, Kennedy announced at the London premiere for Star Wars: The Force Awakens that the entire cast would return for Episode VIII, along with "a handful" of new cast members.[4] In February 2016, at the start of filming, it was confirmed that Laura Dern and Kelly Marie Tran had been cast in unspecified roles.[1]
Filming
Second unit photography began during pre-production at Skellig Michael in Ireland on September 14, 2015, due to the difficulties of filming at that location during other seasons. It would have lasted four days,[35][36][37] but filming was canceled for the first day due to poor weather and rough conditions.[38] In November 2014, Ivan Dunleavy, chief executive of Pinewood Studios, confirmed that the film would be shot at Pinewood,[39] with filming also occurring in Mexico.[8] In September 2015, del Toro revealed that principal photography would begin in March 2016;[11] however, Kennedy later stated that filming would begin in January 2016.[4] The production began work on the 007 Stage at Pinewood Studios on November 15, 2015.[40] Rick Heinrichs served as production designer.[41]
In January 2016, production of Episode VIII was delayed until February 2016, due to script rewrites.[42] Additionally, filming was potentially in danger of being delayed further due to an upcoming strike between the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television and the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union.[43] On February 10, 2016, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that principal photography had begun,[44] under the working title Space Bear.[20] Additional filming took place in Dubrovnik from March 9 to March 16, 2016,[45][46] as well as in Ireland in May.[47] Malin Head in Donegal County and a mountain headland, Ceann Sibeal in County Kerry, served as additional filming locations.[48] Principal photography wrapped on July 22, 2016,[49] though as of early September 2016, Nyong'o had not filmed her scenes.[50]
Music
In July 2013, Kennedy announced at Star Wars Celebration Europe that John Williams would return to score the Star Wars sequel trilogy.[2][51] At a Tanglewood concert in August 2016, Williams confirmed he is scheduled to start scoring Episode VIII.[52] Williams said he would begin recording the score "off and on" in December 2016 until March or April 2017.[53]
Release
In January 2015, Disney CEO Bob Iger stated that Episode VIII would be released in 2017,[54] and in March, Disney announced a release date of May 26, 2017.[55][56] In January 2016, Episode VIII was rescheduled for December 15, 2017.[57] On January 23, 2017, Lucasfilm announced the release title, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.[58][59]
Sequel
Episode IX, the final installment of the sequel trilogy, is scheduled for a 2019 release. It will be directed by Colin Trevorrow, with a story treatment by Johnson.[60] Production is scheduled to begin in 2017.[61] Variety reported that Carrie Fisher had been expected to appear in Episode IX before her death in December 2016.[62][63]
References
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- ^ a b Siegel, Lucas (December 14, 2015). "Two More Actors Confirmed to Return for Star Wars Episode VIII". ComicBook.com. Retrieved December 14, 2015.
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- ^ Chitwood, Adam; Cabin, Chris (December 4, 2015). "This 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Character Will Be Back For 'Episode VIII'". Collider.com. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
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- ^ a b Valverde, Michael (February 6, 2016). "Nien Nunb Will Return For Star Wars: Episode VIII". Dork Side of the Force. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
- ^ Libbey, Dirk (February 5, 2016). "This Classic Star Wars Character Will Be Returning For Episode VIII". Cinema Blend. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
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- ^ Sokol, Tony (March 17, 2016). "Simon Pegg Negotiating to Join Ready Player One Adaptation by Steven Spielberg". Den of Geek. Retrieved March 18, 2016.
- ^ a b McEwan, Cameron (November 16, 2015). "Doctor Who actor Jimmy Vee is the new R2-D2 in Star Wars Episode 8". Metro.co.uk. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
- ^ Simpson, George (May 16, 2016). "Tom Hardy confirmed for Star Wars: Episode VIII". Daily Express. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
- ^ "Gary Barlow to star as Stormtrooper in new Star Wars film". Hello Magazine. May 14, 2016. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Breznican, Anthony (July 17, 2016). "Star Wars Celebration: Updates on Episode VIII and young Han Solo movie". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
- ^ Chung, Frank (September 30, 2016). "Warwick Davis on Star Wars: Episode VIII 'cliffhanger', possible Willow sequel". News.com.au. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
- ^ Nobile, Phil (April 19, 2016). "Who Is Noah Segan Playing in STAR WARS?". Birth.Movies.Death. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
- ^ Leonard, Devin (March 7, 2013). "How Disney Bought Lucasfilm—and Its Plans for 'Star Wars'". Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
- ^ "Star Wars Is Being Kick-Started with Dynamite". StarWars.com. January 25, 2013. Archived from the original on January 10, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
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- ^ Fleming, Jr., Mike (June 20, 2014). "'Star Wars' Bombshell! Rian Johnson To Write, Direct Next Two Films". Deadline.com. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
- ^ Shaw, Lucas (June 20, 2014). "Rian Johnson to Write and Direct 'Star Wars' 8 — But Not 9". The Wrap. The Wrap. Retrieved June 20, 2014.
- ^ McMillan, Graeme (August 18, 2014). "Rian Johnson Says Next 'Star Wars' Will Have Less CGI, More Practical Effects". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
- ^ "Rian Johnson Talks about Taking on Star Wars Episode VIII". Coming Soon. September 19, 2014. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
- ^ Collin, Robbie (July 17, 2016). "Star Wars: Episode VIII will be classic war film like The Bridge on the River Kwai, director reveals". The Telegraph. Retrieved July 17, 2016.
- ^ Prudom, Laura (December 7, 2015). "Star Wars Actor John Boyega on Finn's Past: "I've Got Some Conspiracy Theories"". Variety. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
- ^ "STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII TO OPEN DECEMBER 15, 2017". StarWars.com. February 11, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
- ^ Sneider, Jeff (September 1, 2015). "'Star Wars: Episode VIII' Shortlist Includes Gina Rodriguez, Tatiana Maslany, Olivia Cooke (Exclusive)". The Wrap. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
- ^ Goldberg, Matt (October 7, 2015). "Exclusive: 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' Casts Gugu Mbatha-Raw". Collider.com. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
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- ^ Clifford, Graham (September 6, 2015). "Skellig Michael: Is 6th-century rock star selling out to a galaxy far, far away?". Irish Independent. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
- ^ "Marine Notice No. 44 of 2015 – Filming Activity at Sceilig Mhichíl, Co. Kerry" (PDF). Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. September 11, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
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- ^ Chitwood, Adam (May 11, 2016). "'Assassin's Creed': 35 Things to Know about the Ambitious Video Game Adaptation". Collider.com. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
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- ^ "Star Wars Episode VIII Starts Shooting in Dubrovnik This Week". Croatia Week. March 8, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
- ^ Harris, David (March 26, 2016). "Star Wars: Episode VIII Filming Update: Luke in a Casino, Poe takes Charge". Dork Side of the Force. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
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- ^ "Star Wars: Malin Head locals feel the force of legendary film". BBC. May 13, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
- ^ Romano, Nick (July 22, 2016). "Star Wars: Episode VIII director Rian Johnson announces end of production". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 22, 2016.
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- ^ Dumaraog, Karissa (June 13, 2016). "'Star Wars: Episode 8' news: John Williams to score upcoming installment". Vine Report. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
- ^ McCormick, Rich (August 16, 2016). "John Williams confirms he's working on the score for Star Wars: Episode VIII". The Verge. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
- ^ Burlingame, Jon (December 1, 2016). "'Fantastic Beasts' and 'The BFG' Tap Into Magical Musical Worlds". Variety. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
- ^ Lussier, Germain (January 29, 2015). "Disney CEO Confirms Release Years for 'Star Wars Episode VIII' and 'IX', Teases More Trilogies". /Film. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
- ^ Truitt, Brian (March 12, 2015). "'Star Wars: Episode VIII' coming in May 2017". USA Today. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
Also, writer/director Rian Johnson's Star Wars: Episode VIII — to follow J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: The Force Awakens, out December 18 — is now scheduled to arrive on the big screen May 26, 2017.
- ^ Mendelson, Scott (March 12, 2015). "First 'Star Wars' Stand-Alone, 'Rogue One,' Will Have Female Lead In Felicity Jones". Forbes. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
Star Wars: Episode VIII will indeed be directed by Rian Johnson (Looper) and will be released on May 26, 2017, or around the 40th anniversary of the original Star Wars.
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{{cite news}}
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External links
- 2017 films
- 2010s action films
- 2010s science fiction films
- American sequel films
- English-language films
- Films directed by Rian Johnson
- Films produced by Kathleen Kennedy
- Films produced by Ram Bergman
- Film scores by John Williams
- Films shot in Buckinghamshire
- Films shot in County Kerry
- Films shot in Croatia
- Films shot in Northern Ireland
- Films using computer-generated imagery
- Lucasfilm films
- Films shot at Pinewood Studios
- Robot films
- Science fiction adventure films
- Space adventure films
- Star Wars films