Star Wars Episode VII To Focus On Solo Twins

Rumour has it that JJ Abrams' upcoming Star Wars movie will focus on Han and Leia's twin children - Jaina and Jacen.

The gossip comes after an unnamed source gave Schmoes Know a draft copy of a casting breakdown.

It reportedly reads: 

"Storyline: Two 17 year old twins, a girl and a boy, are trained by their uncle Luke to be the greatest Jedi’s in the galaxy. Problems arise when the male twin turns to the dark side.

"Jaina Solo – Female, 17 years old, lead. – Jacen’s twin sister, one of the greatest Jedi’s in the galaxy, trained by her uncle Luke Skywalker

"Jacen Solo – Male, 17 years old, lead – Jaina’s twin brother, one of the greatest Jedi’s in the world. A loner who is constantly struggling with the idea of what’s right and what’s wrong. Starts to turn to the dark side. Full of conviction that what he is doing is the 'right thing'. Will eventually become Darth Caedus."

Created by Timothy Zahn for the 1994 novel THe Last Command, Jaina and Jacen are the eldest of the Solo children, eventually followed by younger brother Anakin. The twins' stories have played significant roles in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, appearing in several novels.

Whether there's any truth to the rumour remains to be seen, but it does at least lend credence to the speculated returns of original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamil.

So what do you think of the storyline? Any casting ideas?

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Rhys Meyers For Star Wars 7?

It seems Jonathan Rhys Meyers is the man of the moment.

Not only is the Irish actor set to star in upcoming TV series Dracula, and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, JJ Abrams apparently wants him for Star Wars: Episode VII, reports Latino Review.

Whether the rumours are true or not, it's unlikely we'll find out any time soon. For now, Mr abrams is keeping all details under his hat.

Star Wars Episode 7 is scheduled to arrive in 2015.

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Urban Signs Up For Abrams' Human

Dredd and Star Trek actor Karl Urban is set to make a return to the tellybox.

Last seen on the small screen in 2008 mini-series Comanche Moon (anybody?), Urban is set to appear in Human, the latest collaboration between JJ Abrams and Fringe showrunner Joel Wyman.

The series, which will also star Mackenzie Crook, is is set in a world where human police officers are teamed with android partners.

According to TVLine, Urban will play John Kennex, an emotionally closed-off human detective who is partnered with a robotic cop, played by FlashForward's Michael Ealy.

Actress Minka Kelly, will also appear in the pilot as noble police officer Valerie Stahl.

In an interview with Digital Spy, Wyman explained that the futuristic cop series explores themes of "humanity vs technology".

"I'm sort of obsessed with the idea of... humanity vs technology and what's happening to us," he revealed. "These types of things concern me and they also concern JJ.

"We're interested and we can see a great platform for us to tell a massive story that deals with all these cool things. It touches on other things we have done, but this is definitely more unique and definitely has a point of view that we've never done," he said. "If people are fans of science-fiction and fans of drama, you'll really dig this show."

Well, Mr Wyman, we're certainly intrigued.

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JJ Abrams To Direct Next Star Wars Film?

JJ Abrams - may the force be with you

This morning the internet and Twitterverse exploded when it was revealed that Hollywood’s golden boy JJ Abrams was reportedly due to take on the juggernaut that is the Star Wars franchise. 

According to numerous Hollywood based news outlets like Deadline and The Wrap, Abrams is set to direct Star Wars: Episode VII after being wooed by Disney execs. George Lucas is expected to take on a consultancy role, while writing credits go to Toy Story 3 scribe Michael Arndt. 

So Abrams is swapping his phasers for sabers eh? Can’t say we disapprove. He’s breathed new life in to the Star Trek franchise, with its sequel already tickling the anticipation of fan boys and gals world wide. 

And what with Star Wars' definite downward spiral (we’re sorry George, but we’ll never, ever be able to get past Clone Wars or that orange, flappy muppet of a CGI travesty, Jar-Jar Binks *shudder*) into – dare we say it – mediocrity, it needs some capable and experienced hands. 

He’s proved he can do it – Super 8, Mission Impossible III and the aforementioned Star Trek are all good to excellent films. But more than that, he’s a massive fan boy with what we hope is an intrinsic feel for the original magic of the first three films. 

Of course, before we get too ahead of ourselves this is all just alleged and yet to be confirmed, with both Lucasfilm and CAA, which represents Abrams, declining to comment. However, with the film already appearing on Abram’s IMDB page and lots of well-placed news sites sticking their necks out, it’s looking rather likely, don’t you think? 

GG♥SF Verdict: May the force be with you Abrams.

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Pine Promises Star Trek 2 Bromance

From Holmes and Watson to Frodo and Samwise, we love a good bromance.

So we're chuffed to bits to hear Chris Pine reveal that Star Trek: Into Darkness will concentrate on one of the greatest of all time - Kirk and Spock.

The characters might not have got along famously in JJ Abrams first film, but the actor has promised that the relationship between the pair will play a key role in the upcoming sequel.

"The definition of who these two people are definitely comes to bear in this film. It's central to what happens in the story," he told MTV.

"Spock is a logical man of cold reason who is run by laws, regulations and prescriptions. Kirk is a guttural, by-the-heart, instinctive and impulsive guy. Those two ways of looking at the world are central to these characters and their journey."

Zachary Quinto went on to reveal that Benedict Cumberbatch's villain John Harrison is a formidable foe for the heroes of the Enterprise.

"There's reason to worry," he warned. "There is an insidiousness and ruthlessness and fierce intelligence to him that almost undermines the interconnectivity of the crew. The stakes are much higher."

And for his part, Abrams is convinced we'll be weeping by the time the credits roll.

"The goal of this movie is to make you cry," he said. "If the movie does its job, then by the end of the movie, you will have had a reaction involving the eyes. If the movie works, then there's definitely an emotional component.

"[It is] very much about hope, about love, about romance, and about facing something that is truly terrifying and finding a way through the connection of your family and surviving and being stronger afterwards."

Star Trek Into Darkness will be released on May 17.

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Stark Trek: The Cumberbeast Gives Good Villain

Empire subscribers have been treated to an extra-special cover this month, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch.

The actor, in his latest guise as Star Trek: Into Darkness big bad John Harrison, looks positively scrumptious as he graces the limited edition version of the magazine, sporting slicked back hair, a hefty pair of handcuffs, and a smouldering glare. 

Speaking about his character, Cumberbatch told Gya O!: "He's someone who has enormous physical strength. He's someone who is increadibly dangerous, both as a physical entity and through the use of various technologies and weapons and who performs acts of what I would describe as terrorism.

"He's also a psychological master. He manipulates the minds of those around him to do his bidding in a very, very subtle way."

As if we weren't in love with the Cumberbeast enough already.

Director JJ Abrams, meanwhile, has also been waxing lyrical about his villain, telling I09: "So this movie doesn't require you have seen the first movie.

"The characters are a group of people who have recently come together and find themselves up against this incredibly terrifying force.

"His name is John Harrison and he is sort of an average - that is what makes him so scary - he is just an average guy who works in an organisation called Starfleet, and he turns against the group because he has got this backstory and this kind of amazing secret agenda.

"After two very violent attacks, one in London and one in the US, our characters have to go after this guy and apprehend him. And it is a far more complicated and difficult thing then they ever anticipated. Into Darkness is very much about how intense it gets and really what they are up against."

But Abrams went on to say that the film isn't dark in tone, and even hinted at a happy ending.

"I don't like going to the movies to feel bad," he said.

"I don't like going to the movies to feel depressed and feel diminished. The reason you go to the movies is to feel bigger and stronger and happier.

"So this is a movie that they certainly go 'Into Darkness', but I would be the wrong director if it was about characters staying there.

"This is very much a movie about hope, about love, about romance, and about facing something that is truly terrifying and finding a way through the connection of your family and surviving and being stronger afterwards."

Star Trek Into Darkness is due to be released in UK and US cinemas on May 17, 2013.

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The Cumberbeast Talks Star Trek

Benedict Cumberbatch's Star Trek villain 'John Harrison' has been cloaked in much mystery, but the actor couldn't help giving a few hints about the character in a recent interview with MTV.

“The whole thing, not just his backstory, but his agenda, his plan, his secret, all that is what, for me at least, makes him such a frightening and cool villain," said the actor.

“Also, the real villains - when they’re not just two-dimensional, angry vengeful types - don’t see themselves as the bad guy. They are the good guy and have complete rationale and motivation.

“He’s a terrorist; he operates as a terrorist. He has extraordinary physical powers, but also mental powers. He can sow an idea, which is as powerful as gunshots or close-hand combat, which he’s masterful in.

 “He tears into the fabric of both the world and the Enterprise family, and he leaves behind him a trail of devastation. It’s quite exciting to watch.”

Producer JJ Abrams, meanwhile, has praised the star, revealing it was the BBC series Sherlock which inspired him to cast The Cumberbeast.

"One day, Damon Lindelof texted me and said, 'You should check out Sherlock'. And I watched Sherlock, and was completely blown away, there was this absolute undeniable feeling about it," he said at a recent press conference.

"Certainly it was important to hear the words come out of this actor's mouth, and so we got Benedict the pages and he sent an iPhone-taped audition to us, but it was almost a little bit of a formality."

Abrams went on to suggest that Cumberbatch's presence had raised the standard of performances across the board.

"Being on the set with him... I think everyone was bringing their absolute A-game. I think, frankly, in a way, [his] presence sort of elevated everything," he added.

"Time and again, every scene, Benedict brought a surprising, unexpected, grounded, real and often terrifying aspect to the role. So we are incredibly grateful, all of us."

Star Trek Into Darkness will be released on May 14, 2013.

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