A new character in Star Wars: Episode VII may hint at a darker direction for the franchise

Many fans have been hoping that the new trilogy of STAR WARS movies would finally deliver on the epic movies they have envisioned since RETURN OF THE JEDI. With J.J. Abrams at the helm, you can assuredly expect the film to be reverent towards the Original Trilogy, especially if Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and Harrison Ford all return for another round of space opera. But, will the new films harken to the same B-movie inspiration as the prequels did or will we be getting a darker, more modern version of George Lucas‘ tales?

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII may be leaning towards the latter if the new character being written for the story is any indicator. The Hollywood Reporter says that when J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan took over scripting duties from Michael Arndt that it included the introduction of a new character to the story described as “a 40-something military man a la Matt Damon in ELYSIUM”.

With no further context than that, it is hard to imagine exactly how big or small the character’s role will be or even if it is a major part. Needless to say if they are casting it now the chances are that it will be a substantial part. Also, referencing ELYSIUM could be just a visual cue or possibly hints that Abrams is looking to take a darker perspective with STAR WARS: EPISODE VII. I would like to think that this film is going to still have the hope of the original films but also not shy away from the darker aspects of the tale. With Kasdan involved, you know there is a chance for the Dark Side to come out to play.

While many hoped that there was a chance that Neil Blomkamp might direct STAR WARS: EPISODE VII, it should be somewhat comforting to know that his film served as a sort of inspiration for the movie. ELYSIUM is a gritty and dystopian portrait of the future and there is definitely room for some of that in a STAR WARS movie, I just hope not too much.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII will open everywhere on December 18. 2015.