Disney CEO Discusses ‘Star Wars’ Future
Lucasfilm is notoriously tight-lipped about Star Wars, but apparently no one told the boss because he let a few secrets slip at a recent conference.
Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed details about the future of the Star Wars franchise. He discussed everything from the Han Solo movie to Carrie Fisher’s passing.
First on Iger’s mind is what will happen after the release of Episode IX.
“We’re starting talk about what could happen after Episode IX. About what could be another decade-and-a-half of Star Wars stories,” said Iger.
Considering the enormous box office success of the new films, it makes sense that the company would want to continue the stories as long as possible.
Carrie Fisher as General Leia and Harrison Ford as Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
For fans, a serious question has been what will happen with General Leia in the wake of Carrie Fisher’s death.
“When we bought Lucasfilm, we were going to make three films — Episodes VII, VIII and IX,” said Iger. “We had to deal with tragedy at the end of 2016. Carrie appears throughout VIII. We are not changing VIII to deal with her passing. Her performance remains as it is in VIII. In Rogue One, we had some digital characters. We are not doing that with Carrie.”
This is a relief for fans who were worried filmmakers would try to use technology to somehow alter the actress’ final Star Wars appearance.
Iger also revealed that Han Solo will have the character aged from 18 to 24 and feature him meeting Chewbacca, finding the Millenium Falcon and how he got his name.
The cast of the young Han Solo movie as it began production.
When Disney purchased Lucasfilm, everyone knew it was only a matter of time before there was an increased Star Wars presence in the theme parks. In 2019 that dream becomes reality when Star Wars Land opens in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The new lands will include a ride where guests can pilot the Millenium Falcon.
The young Han Solo movie starring Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Woody Harrelson, Joonas Suotamo and Thandie Newton is scheduled to open May 25, 2018.
Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Issac, Adam Driver, Mark Hamil and Carrie Fisher return in Star Wars: The Last Jedi Dec. 15.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
