"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Trailer Gets Re-Imagined...Again

After the recent release of the official trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the internet has seen quite a few different takes on it. If you search Google, or your feelings, you will know this to be true.

So far it has been re-imagined with Lego, Space Balls, as a Wes Anderson movie and, an unfortunately hilarious Michael Bay version. However, this new one is actually brilliant. It is a shot for shot remake of the new trailer using footage from the original series, cut with the voice over from Episode VII.

Take a gander and let us know what you think, and thanks to the Chicks With Lightsabers Facebook page for sharing this! 

-Nowal Massari

Official Teaser Trailer for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'

For those of you who can't hit the limited theaters or don't have access to iTunes, here is what many of you have been waiting for...the exclusive trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Check it out and let us know if a nerdgasm was had. The J.J. Abrams film heads into theaters on December 18, 2015.



-Larissa Mrykalo

'Star Wars: Episode VII' Adds Two New Cast Members

Pip Andersen and Crystal Clarke, Courtesy Star Wars Official

Remember that "Star Wars: Episode VII" open casting call at the end of last year? Remember how you wished you could be a part of the new film and how awesomely fantastic it would be? Well, it was announced today on the official "Star Wars" site that two new cast members were added as a result of that massive call. The site clued us in on just how fortunate these two actors were, "The casting calls spanned 11 cities across the US and UK and over 37,000 hopefuls attended, with a further 30,000 submitting applications online."

So who will be embarking on one of the coolest jobs they'll ever have? Here's part of the announcement:

Crystal Clarke is an American actress studying in Glasgow, UK, who has both stage and screen acting experience and is soon to be seen in her first feature, The Moon and the Sun (to be released in 2015). British actor Pip Andersen is a skilled practitioner of parkour, a discipline that involves propelling oneself through any given environment with incredible grace and agility. Pip recently demonstrated this remarkable skill in a Spider-Man ad for Sony.

Producer and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, commented on the new additions to the family, “The Star Wars universe has always been about discovering and nurturing young talent and in casting Episode VII we wanted to remain absolutely faithful to this tradition. We are delighted that so many travelled to see us at the open casting calls and that we have been able to make Crystal and Pip a part of the film."

Gwendoline Christie and Lupita Nyong'o Cast in 'Star Wars: Episode VII"

Courtesy Star Wars Official

The official site for "Star Wars" just announced the addition of two new female leads to "Star Wars: Episode VII." Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o ("12 Years a Slave") will join Gwendoline Christie of "Game of Thrones" in a that galaxy far, far away. Below is the official announcement from the site. Let us know what you think of these additions and what roles you hope they'll be playing.

Lupita Nyong'o joins the recently announced cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. This year, her breakthrough performance in 12 Years a Slave earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Gwendoline Christie, currently starring in the hit television series Game of Thrones as Brienne of Tarth, has also been cast in the production. She can next be seen in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.

"I could not be more excited about Lupita and Gwendoline joining the cast of Episode VII," says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. "It's thrilling to see this extraordinarily talented ensemble taking shape."

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the Saga Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Cast for "Star Wars: Episode VII" Finally Revealed

First Official Cast Photo Provided by StarWars.com

"Star Wars" fans, we've got some huge news for you! The official site of the franchise has officially released the cast list for the upcoming installment. The cast will introduce some new faces, but more importantly, it will bring back some familiar ones.

New to the "Star Wars" Universe are actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow. Returning to the far, far away galaxy will be Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker. The newest edition of the "Star Wars" saga will be directed by J.J. Abrams, with a screenplay co-written by him and Lawrence Kasdan. Abrams, Bryan Burk and Kathleen Kennedy are producing the film, and John Williams will be returning to compose the score.

Of the new project, Abrams stated, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

"Star Wars: Episode VII" is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2015.

-Nowal Massari

Peter Mayhew to Reprise His Role as Chewbacca

Courtesy THR

It's been in the news quite a bit that production has already begun on "Star Wars: Episode VII" despite the reports that it wasn't supposed to begin until May, and casting news has been hard to come by. One bit of great news is that we're getting our original Chewy back. A source has confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that 69-year-old Peter Mayhew will be returning to play one of the most iconic characters from the franchise.

A current staple on the con scene, Mayhew's portrayal of the Wookiee represents a lot of what we awesome nerds hold dear from our childhoods...a big, furry lovable sidekick on whom you can rely. Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher also are said to be returning for their roles but there is no definite confirmation. We reported back in February that Adam Driver was being cast to play an unknown villain and we're sure that more casting news will trickle in slowly but surely.

We'll keep you posted on any new developments. "Star Wars: Episode VII" is scheduled to hit theaters Dec. 18, 2015.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Star Wars: Episode VII' Close to Signing on Adam Driver as its Villain

Driver, courtesy IMDB

According to an exclusive over at Variety,  we may have our next "Star Wars" villain cast. Indiana native, Adam Driver ("Girls") is very close to signing the deal and although exact details on the character are unknown at this point, it's reported that the villain will be similar to Darth Vader.

The is big news not only for fans but also for the 30-year-old up-and-comer who's in demand for other projects, including currently filming Warner Bros.’ “Midnight Special." He also attached to Martin Scorsese’s “Silence” starring Andrew Garfield and Liam Neeson. Driver’s name had been rumored during the casting process for the J.J. Abrams-directed film which will continue the where “Return of the Jedi” left off.

According to Variety, "Star Wars: Episode VII" is "...scheduled to shoot at London’s Pinewood Studios in April. Additional cast members will likely be announced in the next month."

Naturally, the studio is also developing theme park attractions, TV shows and a line of merchandise to go along with the release of the films.

What are your thoughts on the (distinct) possibility of Driver being cast as the main villain? Fans of his work will most likely agree that he's a great choice. We'll keep you posted on any future casting news. The film is scheduled for release on December 18, 2015.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Star Wars: Episode VII' to Begin Filming in May

Buckle up fellow nerds, for the ride has begun. Director J.J. Abrams has confirmed that filming of the latest "Star Wars" installment will begin in May 2014. According to Hitfix, Abrams has stated that filming will run from May until September, with a majority of filming taking place in the UK.

During the Television Critics Association's winter press tour, Abrams stated that a May shoot date was most likely, saying "That's the current plan,[...]We have our script and we’re full steam ahead. Have script, will travel." With a tentative December 18, 2015 release date, this means that the film could spend up to a year in post-production once filming wraps in September.

Will we be seeing these familiar faces?

Sources state that casting is nearly complete, no actual cast information has been confirmed at this time. That doesn't stop rumors from blasting through the internet, though!

Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill have all been rumored to make appearances in the upcoming film, while actors such as Dame Judi Dench, Zac Efron, Benedict Cumberbatch and Gary Oldman have all been recently linked to the project. Oldman actually confirmed via Metro that he had been approached for the film by producers, revealing "They’ve called. I’m more cynical about it now. I’ll believe it when I’m on the plane home. The deal isn’t done, but yeah, they’ve inquired." Joking, Oldman added "I mean Planet of the Apes, Harry Potter, Batman and Star Wars – bloody hell!"

As audiences are well aware of by now, Abrams is incredibly secretive about his projects and the upcoming Star Wars movie is absolutely no exception. With casting and plot completely hush-hush, it looks as though fans and detractors alike will have to impatiently wait a little longer for details.

-Nowal Massari

'Star Wars: Episode VII' Gets a Script

In a sit down with The Wrap, director J.J.Abrams reveals that a script for "Star Wars: Episode VII" has been completed. "We're working really hard and we've got our script and we're in deep prep,[...]full steam ahead, y'know."

While speaking at a press event for his new NBC show, "Believe", he also confirmed the rumor that they have been talking to actor Jesse Plemons about a role in the upcoming Star Wars sequel. On a bean-spilling spree, Abrams also confirmed that the new movie will be shot on regular film, as opposed to digital or IMAX film. He stated that IMAX cameras are "very loud ... very unreliable," are restrictive due to their reel lengths, and despite previously applauding the IMAX format, it is difficult to shoot intimate scenes with the cumbersome cameras.

The newest "Star Wars" installment will take place after the events of "Return of the Jedi," last in the original series, and is set for a December 18, 2015 release.

-Nowal Massari