Star Wars VII combines icons with newcomers

When Star Wars VII began shooting last May 16, it was also accompanied by a subtle announcement on director JJ Abrams’ Twitter account with a clue ridden photo of a clipper board across which is written in thick black marker Star Wars. All on the set are sworn to secrecy, but the fans remain hungry and the Internet is rife with clues and theories revolving around each new day’s tweets, posts and updates.

The new film is due to open in theaters December, 2015, equivalent to many light years away for those waiting with bated breath. Disney, that newly acquired the franchise, has included newcomers and relative unknowns with the stalwart icons whose characters have since become legendary. Again, speculation is rife while all facts remain shrouded inside a closed set. The Star Wars Saga is known for skyrocketing actors into the realm of legend and the lucky cast voice in unison disbelief and honor for being part of cinematic history.

“It’s the maddest thing in the world,” admits Domhnall Gleeson of Hogwart’s fame, “and I’m incredibly excited about it.” Gleeson who had played one of the Weasley brothers never saw it coming. The Tony Award nominee, whose character is rumored to be the son of Luke Skywalker, admits he is struggling to come to terms with his character in the story.

Another almost decorated actor in the line-up is the swarthy Oscar Isaac, who received rave reviews and numerous awards for his role in the film Inside Llewyn Davis which won the Grand Prix in Cannes in 2013. Isaac explains to the British Sunday Times that he “could not be more excited to be part of what is destined to become cinematic history.” Star Wars was a big part of growing up, he confessed, together with collecting toys, throwing themed parties. “We had a big one for Return of the Jedi. I came as a gonk droid!” The Guatemalan-American actor also starred in the Bourne Legacy which made uproarious headlines when filmed in Manila just a few years ago.

John Boyega is a very fresh face to the acting scene having first appeared onscreen in 2011 in the film Attack the Block where he received several nominations for his role as Moses. Rumored to be the new episode’s hero, the up-comer has a new film opening in June called 24: Live Another Day. The London native born to Nigerian parents is only 22 and studied performing arts at South Thames College where, in 2010, he played the lead in Othello.

Adam Driver was the first of the Abrams’ line-up to confirm his role in the latest Lucas lockdown. He’s known for his role in HBO’s Girls and is expected to play the Star Wars Saga’s newest villain. The Emmy-nominated actor has had roles in the F Word, Lincoln and Inside Llewyn Davis.

Daisy Ridley is the sole female who made Abrams’ April list. Speculation places the actress as Han Solo and Princess Leia’s love child. In fact, the 21 year old sat between Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher in last month’s photo release of the cast on couches during a script read. Daisy has played in a handful of shorts and spots on British TV.

Our imagination is pushed to the limit with the casting of Andy Serkis whose claim to fame includes Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Cesar in the Planet of the Apes. He reprises the role later this year in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Max Von Sydow’s role promises to be one related to the Dark Side. The cinematic legend is known for the classic Exorcist and Three Days of the Condor.

Star Wars’ veil of mystery is efficient marketing prowess. Driven by social media, each tweet is voraciously devoured by a fan base hungry for news. And we find ourselves sharing the empty table with them. We hope to update you with more news from a galaxy far, far away very, very soon.

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