Star Wars Rumors: Lando? 3D? Full Scale Millennium Falcon?

All we have to go on when it comes to STAR WARS: EPISODE VII are rumors and conjecture. We could fill each day with the glut of theories and fan information that ends up being debunked. Trust that when we do report on rumors about J.J. Abrams film that it is only to promote conversation. Whether it turns out to be true or not no one will know until Disney releases official confirmations.

STAR WARS fansite Jedi News has an inside source known as Jedi Master SQL who has provided numerous Lucasflm scoops over the years and dropped some pretty intriguing information about STAR WARS: EPISODE VII. The site's disclaimer indicates that the source will never reveal plot details, characters, or anything of the like but will share news related to the production and licensing that could help illuminate what we know of the film. With that in mind, what does this so-called Jedi Master know of STAR WARS: EPISODE VII?

In regards to the casting of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill:

It would not surprise me if they did not all come back for Episode VII but maybe came back at varying points in the new trilogy. The script will determine their status, but the script must be story driven, and if the natural story includes them all I will be ecstatic – but I don’t want a script to be written to ACCOMMODATE them all. If they are back, it must be of substance.

What about Billy Dee Williams?

I’m not the only one to adore him, and expect big things from him on multiple platforms in the future. Everyone loves working with him, and thus everyone wants to create work for him…

Will we hear any casting announcements soon?

I would suggest that the whole principal cast would be announced in a group. It creates a natural shield of scrutiny for any young or new talent (or at least delays or spreads it out) as everyone has a mass of stories to write at once. Judging by the history of PR releases to date, this may be a simple black and white press release on The Official Star Wars Site with a photo of the group.

What other actors have been linked with roles in STAR WARS: EPISODE VII?

Just this past two weeks I have heard the names of Emmanuelle Chriqui, Alexis Dziena, and Taissa Farmiga all linked with roles – all exceptionally talented actresses. Whether any of them are cast is still unknown, but if you consider the quality of the people they are looking at – you can see the quality of the effort.

Any hints for how the story will connect with the Extended Universe?

Very little, but one small hint. Star Wars The Old Republic has added a planet that has long been mentioned but never seen on film…

There does not seem to be any indication that STAR WARS: EPISODE VII will be filmed in 3D, but the source does go on to say that it does not rule out post-conversion at all.  While I would assume there is little chance of EPISODE VII not being released in 3D, it still remains to be seen.  There is apparently a lot of news that could be released at any time but Lucasfilm, Disney, and Bad Robot are keeping as much quiet as possible.

From another source, it sounds like the rumors of a full scale Millennium Falcon being constructed for production at Pinewood Studios may be true. But, this is not just a mock-up for external shots, from the sound of it.

“A full-scale 1:1 Millennium Falcon has been built as well as the interiors of the ship for filming,” they explained. “The Falcon is done – inside and out. The sets were built off-site, ready to move when Lucasfilm/Bad Robot were ready to move into Pinewood.”

This would be amazing if it ends up being true. A full scale Millennium Falcon could be used for all three films plus the rumored Han Solo spin-off origin film. I would imagine if they crafted the entire thing it would be to get their money’s worth through multiple films.

Again, these are just rumors, but they are damn cool ones. I am not surprised at all that Fisher, Hamill, and Ford are not all signed yet. Spreading them over the trilogy means we won’t be getting the kitchen sink thrown at us in STAR WARS: EPISODE VII which is fine by me. Develop a great movie and don’t try to do everything at once.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII opens on December 18, 2015.