I still remember leaving the movie theater when I was a kid. I was 7 years old and a one-handed Luke Skywalker had just been saved. On the flip-side, a frozen Han Solo had been carted away by that no-good, rapscallion Boba Fett. And well, then the credits rolled.
And the crying and confusion soon followed.
“What about Han Solo?!? The bad guys took him and he’s still frozen? I thought the good guys always win!”
I don’t remember what my mom said to me after viewing The Empire Strikes Back but she somehow calmed me down. At least long enough to catch Return of the Jedi at the Lafayette Theater in Suffern, NY. Which is still there by the way. (The theater, not ROTJ.)
I definitely remember waiting in line at midnight for release of all three Star Wars Special Editions decades later. And yes, I even recall being excited before I sat down and watched Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Like most die-hard Star Wars fans, I found the prequels “lacking” in just about everything. I won’t go off on it here but there were a few cool characters (Darth Maul!) and great special effects. The story was one long, drawn out political blah.
So when Disney bought the Star Wars franchise and everyone was up in arms, I was actually excited. Hey, I wasn’t happy with how Lucas treated the prequels, so at least Disney can try something new. Something magical. And they certainly didn’t waste any time. The long anticipated sequel to the greatest trilogy of all-time was finally announced.
And yesterday, it became super official.
From StarWars.com:
STAR WARS: EPISODE VII TO OPEN DECEMBER 18, 2015
November 07, 2013
With pre-production in full-swing, a confirmed release date of December 18, 2015, has been set for Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated Star Wars: Episode VII.“We’re very excited to share the official 2015 release date for Star Wars: Episode VII, where it will not only anchor the popular holiday filmgoing season but also ensure our extraordinary filmmaking team has the time needed to deliver a sensational picture,” said Alan Horn, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.
Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by J.J. Abrams (Super 8, Mission: Impossible III, Star Trek) and is being scripted by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi). Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, with Tommy Harper (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Jack Ryan, Star Trek Into Darkness) and Jason McGatlin (Tintin, War of the Worlds) serving as executive producers. John Williams is returning to score Star Wars: Episode VII.
Shooting is scheduled to begin spring 2014 at Pinewood Studios.
What’s the story about? Who’s in it? Will it be about Han and Leia’s kids? Will Luke take up the mantle of crazy, old Jedi guy left by Obi Wan’s death? Will it be a completely original story? Will it not suck?
I have no idea. I do know that J.J. Abrams tells a pretty rocking story. And if he can make me actually care and enjoy a Star Trek film or two, well, he’s got my vote of confidence. All I know is that I’ll finally get to see a new Star Wars movie in theaters with my kids. And that alone is worth the price of admission.
Are you excited for the new Star Wars movie?
I can’t wait to see what the box office record is when Episode VIII comes out!
We cannot wait!
i love star wars and am SO excited!!!!!
Wow that is a long time for the hubby to wait for this movie. I know he will either go see it alone, or buy the DVD for the collection when it comes out!
From one geek to another, I have a secret for you, Andrew….if you PROMISE not to tell a SOUL. I have never seen a single Star Wars movie in it’s entirety. DON’T TELL! (Although I always admired what I’ve seen of Yoda…..his ears in particular, remind me of a certain Vulcan scientist of our mutual aquaintance). Remember – don’t tell anyone! ( This is strictly between me and you, ok?)
I don’t even know you anymore…
Such an illogical, human, response…..
This is expected as it is a well-established saga that is loved by many movie goers and fanboys, including myself. I just hope they do justice to the story and they make it more like the first trilogy.
I used to really like Star Wars….but the aura is not once what it used to be. Hope this brings it back
My 8 year old is thrilled beyond belief!
I used to know the script for every one of the first 3 movies.
I had hundreds of Star Wars cards.
I waited in line for opening day of Return of the Jedi.
I am unbelievably excited about this.
What’s really cool, is now I share it with my kids and grandkids.
#AbedForEpisodeVII
Thanks for the comment, Jayne! And I must say, you are quite awesome! A grandma pumped for Star Wars? Too cool1
We are so excited to share this with our children! Hoping to pass the love to the next generation!
I’m totally psyched about it! And like you, disappointed in the prequel’s. I tried really hard to like them but they just sucked. Hard to believe the originals filmed in the late 70s and early 80s are still rockin’ today!!!
Hard to believe that those films from decades past still hold up for my kids! I thought they’d be bored by ’em.
Do you know, I have never seen a star wars movie….. I think I am missing out.
Who are you and what are you doing on my blog?!?!?
cant wait!
I’m excited to see how different this movie will be from the others!
I just hope it’s WAY different from the prequels.