It seems to be the week of Star Wars: Episode VII, as we’re finally starting to hear some news that’s a bit more official than what’s been rolling out. First up, we reported on the potential casting of Jesse Plemons in the lead role. Now we’re being told that some bigger names are circling the film too as according to THR, Michael Fassbender, Adam Driver and Hugo Weaving (who is wanted to play an Imperial Commander) are all being eyed for roles in the upcoming sequel.
The report also says that things have really changed since scribe Michael Arndt departed the project. Apparently, he wanted the film’s focus to be on the offspring of Luke, Han and Leia. Abrams, on the other hand, wanted more of a focus on the three aforementioned characters, rather than their children.
“Arndt is said to have focused on the offspring of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), with the original trilogy heroes taking on supporting roles. Abrams, however, wanted Episode VII to focus on the classic trio of characters, so audiences could have one more chance to enjoy them before a fitting send-off. The new characters, the offspring, will now be in supporting roles, according to these sources, and take center stage in Episode VIII and IX. Some characters have disappeared from the Arndt script and new ones are being drafted.”
So, it looks like we’re moving from the rumor phase to the official news phase with Star Wars: Episode VII, which is nice to see as I was starting to get sick of all the speculation. Personally, I’m a fan of all three names being discussed here, especially Michael Fassbender. The man is one of the most brilliant actors of his generation and I’m thrilled to see that he might be taking on a role in a film like this. Driver and Weaving are great, too, but it would really be Fassbender who would get me excited for this one.
Tell us, do you want to see Michael Fassbender, Adam Driver and/or Hugo Weaving join the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII? And what do you think of focusing more on the classic trio rather than their offspring? Let us know in the comments section below.