With the internet buzzing with the forthcoming premiere of the trailer for STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE AWAKENS, we may be hearing our first scoop on the events of the first standalone STAR WARS (2016) set to debut in just a couple of years. Directed by GODZILLA’s Gareth Edwards, not much is known about the film aside from the fact it is being scripted by Gary Whitta.
Set before the events of the Original Trilogy, the standalone STAR WARS (2016) would actually be a significant moment in the franchise as it would directly impact the events of A NEW HOPE. The film is said to be about a group of bounty hunters hired to steal the plans of the first Death Star, events teased by Mon Mothma at the end of the original film. As for tone, how does this sound?
As rumor has it, the story follows a group of bounty hunters who were hired for the job — think the Seven Samurai or Suicide Squad meets Ocean’s Eleven in the world of Star Wars.
The rumors also suggest the Millennium Falcon will be a part of the film but Han Solo will not. Since the theft of the Death Star plans takes place just before A NEW HOPE, I am not sure how this would work. But, even suspending disbelief for a moment, does this mean we could be seeing Lando Calrissian or Boba Fett headlining the film? The source also suggests the main character in this standalone film will be introduced in STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE AWAKENS, making one wonder if Max Von Sydow’s mysterious character will be that figure.
STAR WARS (2016) is currently slated for release on December 16, 2016.