With all the buzz around these new Star Wars films, keeping things quiet on the set of Episode VII has proved to be challenge for J.J. Abrams.
TMZ leaked a photo of the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs – or, the Millennium Falcon for those who get outdoors.
To which Abrams playfully jabbed back, and kept people guessing with this sly note on the Twitter page of Abram's Bad Robot production company. "I wish people would stop leaking photos from Episode VII. And making ridiculous claims that the Millenium Falcon is in the movie."
CBS points out that, though the note appears to kill Falcon rumors, it's conveniently posted on what appears to be the same holographic chess set appearing in the vessel used in the original Star Wars film – Episode IV – back in 1977. (Via Lucasfilm / "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope")
At about the same time J.J. Abrams had his fun, Disney was busy filling the director's chair for one of a couple Star Wars spinoffs.
Disney signed "Chronicle" director Josh Trank to be the man behind the lens on one of the films. And, as you can see in his 2012 breakthrough film, he's certainly no stranger to the Sci-fi genre. I mean – come on – those guys are using all kinds of Jedi mind tricks. (Via The Guardian, 20th Century Fox / "Chronicle")
The 30-year-old is also currently working with 20th Century Fox on a reboot of the "Fantastic Four," which is due out in 2015. (Via Flickr / Alijah Villian)
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said Trank's skill set is impressive. Most impressive.
"He is such an incredible talent and has a great imagination and sense of innovation. That makes him perfectly suited to Star Wars, and for this new slate of movies that reach beyond the core characters and storylines of episodes I through IX." (Via The Hollywood Reporter)
Trank said in a statement that it's a dream come true. “The magic of the Star Wars Universe defined my entire childhood ... The opportunity to expand on that experience for future generations is the most incredible dream of all time.” (Via Entertainment Weekly)
Trank's signing comes just a week after "Godzilla" director Gareth Edwards traded in the green monster for a green lightsaber and will man the helm for another spinoff set for 2016. (Via Warner Bros. Pictures / "Godzilla")
Obviously, no concrete details have been revealed for either spinoff, and it looks like we'll just have to wait and see if the Millenium Falcon takes flight again when Episode VII hits the big screen in December of 2015.
