Does Star Wars and Men in Black Occur in the Same Universe?

Even though the events in the Star Wars saga took place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far way, they were so memorable they are still influencing life in this galaxy, right here on planet Earth, in modern times. At least, that seems to be the case in the Men in Black universe, where the aliens of Star Wars might possibly exist.

The 1997 film Men in Black introduced audiences to the secret MiB agency that manages and polices the affairs of extraterrestrials living on our planet, but who hide from normal humans. Starring Will Smith as rookie MiB Agent J and Tommy Lee Jones as veteran Agent K, the movie was a massive success, cemented Smith's status as an A-list movie star, and launched a franchise.

But it also revealed who the "real" aliens are among the celebrity set. During his first day of on-the-job orientation Agent J is shown a display of some of the famous faces living on Earth who are actually aliens in disguise.

SNL 'Star Wars Auditions' Sketch Features Rey and Finn

This week on "Saturday Night Live" we got a special sneak peek at Star Wars: The Force Awakens screen tests. Introduced by director, J.J. Abrams, of course. It featured not only SNL cast members playing characters such as Sofia Vergara, Chris Tucker, and a Coke Zero-obsessed George Lucas (Bobby Moynihan) but also, the real Emma Stone, Jon Hamm (Solo), Michael Bublé and of course, new stars, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. Bonus!

I may have LOLd one or two times. Did you? Anyway...here it is. Enjoy.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Preview of New Marvel Comic, 'Star Wars (2015) #1'

Courtesy Marvel

The world's of Marvel and Star Wars collide this week with the January 14 release of "Star Wars #1." Thanks to Marvel, we can get a sneak peek at some of the pages of where creators Jason Aaron and John Cassaday pick up from the events of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.

After the synopsis (courtesy of Marvel) check out the pages from Cassady...

THE GREATEST SPACE ADVENTURE OF ALL TIME RETURNS TO MARVEL! Luke Skywalker and the ragtag band of rebels fighting against the Galactic Empire are fresh off their biggest victory yet—the destruction of the massive battle station known as the Death Star. But the Empire’s not toppled yet! Join Luke along with Princess Leia, smugglers Han Solo and Chewbacca, droids C-3PO and R2-D2 and the rest of the Rebel Alliance as they strike out for freedom against the evil forces of Darth Vader and his master, the Emperor. Written by Jason Aaron (Original Sin, Thor: God of Thunder) and with art by John Cassaday (Astonishing X-Men, Uncanny Avengers), this is the Star Wars saga as only Marvel Comics could make it!

SNL Gets Geriatric with 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Parody

This week's "Saturday Night Live" not only featured James Franco but also their take on waking up the force. In an alliance between the new and (very) old, the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" trailer got the SNL treatment.

Han orders the early bird special, Leia gets frustrated with all the crazy new-fangled technology in her world, Luke attends to the disturbance in the force with his kick ass lightsaber walker and Lando sure as hell doesn't think he should have to do chores in his cape. Overall, it's pretty damn funny so give it a watch and let us know what you think.

-Larissa Mrykalo

"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

Chris Pratt Was MARVEL-ous in this Skit From the SNL Season Premiere

Pratt as Leia (screen shot)

In case you missed it, Star-Lord hosted the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" this weekend. Despite some awkward skits (for example, dead animals? no), one that depicted Marvel as a no-fail juggernaut was pretty hilarious.

I would totally see "Fancy Ghosts" and hell yes I would see "Pam" and its sequel. I'm no too excited about "Bus People" though..."Ant-Man" either for that matter. Regardless, Chris Pratt dressed as Princess Leia was worth the watch.

Check it out below and let us know what you thought of Pratt's gig and the 40th anniversary episode, in general.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Marvel San Diego Comic-Con Recap

BY DAVID BERCK

A lot of things went down at San Diego Comic Con this year. Some people on the floor said it seemed more low key, but there was still plenty of buzz happening. As one of the "big two" in comics, Marvel certainly had a good amount of announcements going on and here's a somewhat brief recap of some of what went on.

For Marvel's cinematic universe, it was announced that Evangeline Lilly will portray Hope Pym, the daughter of Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), in Ant-Man. The movie is starting production this month, which is a little nerve wracking for some of the fandom, but Empire sat down with Marvel movie boss, Kevin Feige, and he reports that everything is fine, pointing to the time table for Iron Man 3 which was much more visually demanding. Corey Stoll was introduced as the villain, Yellowjacket. Interestingly enough, this character had a whole two-issue life span in the comics but is using a hero name that was a popular iteration for Hank Pym as an Avenger.

'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."

'Star Wars' Gets the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Trailer Treatment

"Guardians of the Galaxy" director, James Gunn posted this cool "Star Wars"/"Guardians of the Galaxy" mash-up trailer earlier today on his Facebook page and we think you should check it out. It's good for a laugh and of course, getting to hear the awesome music used in the recent GotG trailers.

The trailer is courtesy of The Unusual Suspect's YouTube. Have a look and let us know what you think. "Guardians of the Galaxy" hits theaters on August 1.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Gareth Edwards to Direct First Stand-Alone 'Star Wars' Film

Big news from the official Star Wars site about the future of stand-alone films! An official release just revealed that Godzilla director, Gareth Edwards will direct and Gary Whitta will pen the first of the expected multiple stand-alone films. The film is expected to be in theaters December 16, 2016, almost exactly a year after Episode VII is released on December 18, 2015.

Here is the official announcement:

In addition to the episodes of a new Star Wars trilogy, Lucasfilm and Disney have begun development on multiple stand-alone movies that will offer new stories beyond the core Saga. Gareth Edwards will direct the first stand-alone film, with a screenplay by Gary Whitta. The film is due out December 16, 2016.

Gareth Edwards blazed into the filmmaking forefront with his acclaimed work on Monsters, a film he wrote, directed and served on as cinematographer and visual effects artist. The skill and vision readily apparent in Monsters earned him the high-profile spot directing this year's smash hit Godzilla.

"Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life -- join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited and honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm," said Edwards.

Gary Whittas screenwriting credits include 2010's The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington. He is also well known as a journalist and editor in the video game industry, as well as part of the BAFTA award-winning team on Telltale Games adaptation of The Walking Dead.

Whitta states, "From the moment I first saw the original movie as a wide-eyed kid, Star Wars has been the single most profound inspiration to my imagination and to my career as a writer. It is deeply special to me,so to be given the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing legacy, especially in collaboration with a film-maker as talented as Gareth, is literally a dream come true. I'm still pinching myself."

-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

Benedict Cumberbatch Puts 'Star Wars' and 'Doctor Who' Rumors to Rest

Image Courtesy The Iris

Sorry, Cumberpeople, but it appears that everyone's favorite otter-faced actor will not be joining any new franchises in the foreseeable future. During a panel at this year's Oz Comic Con, Benedict Cumberbatch sat down to set the record straight.

For quite some time now the Internet has been swirling with rumors that the "Sherlock" star would be joining the upcoming season of "Doctor Who" as the Master, while other fans speculated that he would someday be the next madman with a box. Considering Steven Moffat serves as showrunner to both popular BBC shows, it would make a bit of sense if a cross-over occurred. Unfortunately for those Wholocked fans out there, BennyBatch told audiences that "I'm never gonna play the Doctor-and nothing to do with the Whoniverse."

As for re-teaming with "Star Trek" director J.J. Abrams for the upcoming "Star Wars" film? According to Australian entertainment site, The Iris, it's not happening- “I would've liked a part in JJ's new Star Wars but it won't happen, sadly."

-Nowal Massari

Indy or Han? Harrison Ford Heads to Reddit for 'Ask Me Anything'

Harrison Ford took some time away from being awesome to answer questions for Reddit's famous "Ask Me Anything" and some very interesting facts were revealed. Did we find out who shot first? Does he hate snakes as much as Indiana Jones? Here's a little summary to fill you in on what went down...

First, he introduced himself and revealed that it was indeed him:
Harrison Ford here. You all probably know me from movies such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. I recently acted as a correspondent for Years of Living Dangerously, a new Showtime docuseries about climate change which airs tomorrow, April 13, at 10 p.m. ET. I’ll be here with Victoria from reddit for the next hour answering your questions.

He was indeed asked how he feels about snakes and responded:
I actually like snakes! When I was young, I was a boy scout nature camp counselor, and one of our projects was collecting snakes and creating an environment for them, so I'm quite familiar with snakes and think they'r fantastic creatures.

Here are some other great questions and his responses:

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

A Letter From Sir Alec Guinness to His Wife Reveals Ghostly Encounter

Courtesy dailymail.co.uk

In a private letter to his wife published for the first time on February 15, 2014, it was revealed that Sir Alec Guinness (who, of course, portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars") was once visited by a ghost. It was in 1984 during the filming of David Lean's "A Passage to India" in Bangalore, that the 69-year-old Guinness wrote to his wife Merula about the encounter.

According to the Daily Mail UK, Guinness, a devout Catholic and an apparently superstitious gentleman, wrote to her:

Last night I heard my bathroom door click open. I was immediately awake and called, “What’s that?”
A very conventional white ghost appeared, an elderly... woman in grey white and heavily veiled.
I couldn’t make out her face. She moved... with dignity down the side of my bed and as I clicked on the light she disappeared.

Guinness's official biographer, Piers Paul Read claims he was not aware of the letter and stated, "Alec was quite superstitious... In the Navy he also had a premonition about being drowned in an oncoming storm. I don’t think he claimed to be psychic but he was open to the idea."

Another "premonition" Guinness had lead him to warn James Dean not to drive on the day the young "Rebel Without a Cause" star died in that fateful car crash in 1955.

Guinness passed away in England on August 5, 2000 at the age of 86.

-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' Struts Into New York Fashion Week

Images courtesy Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Some out of this world fashion debuted today during New York Fashion Week. From wild and playful designer, Rodarte, came five really beautiful and deliciously nerdy gowns featuring iconic "Star Wars" images/characters.

C-3PO, Yoda, Luke, Tatooine and the Death Star were represented and would look gorgeous on any Princess. Not sure how much these dresses cost but a girl can dream, right? Check them out individually (after the jump) and let us know what you think!

-Larissa Mrykalo

'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

'Star Wars'- Style 3D Hologram Phone Becoming a Reality?

Is this in our future?

A Polish telecommunications company with the clever name Leia Display System, is working to make science fiction into science fact. According to The Mirror UK, a 3D hologram phone just like the one in used in the 1977 film, "Star Wars," may be on the market in as little as five years (we want it now!).

Here is what the company's chief executive, Marcin Panek, revealed about the technology,  “Our holograms will take video phone calls to the next level. We are on the frontier of technology that was imagined in movies 40 years ago - it is science fiction becoming science fact. It will be as if loved ones, friends and family are standing right in front of you while you talk with them halfway across the world. At the moment, our holograms are made using machines that are more than six feet high but we are designing smaller versions that can be set up on a coffee table in a living room. It’s incredible. Ten years ago people would have been astounded at the idea of tablet devices but now they are everywhere. It will be the same with holograms. It is still early days but we hope to sell hologram telephone devices within the next five years.”

Boba Fett Getting His Own Movie

Everyone's favorite Mandalorian bounty hunter, Boba Fett, is finally getting his own movie. "Metalocalypse" director Jon Schnepp sat down for an interview with AMC Movie Talk to discuss the Disney "Star Wars" spinoff films, where he revealed "one of them is Boba Fett. It is. I know. I know for a fact. [...] I'll never reveal my source, but it is the one written by Lawrence Kasdan."

Kasdan co-wrote "The Empire Strikes Back," which introduced Fett's character, as well as "The Return of the Jedi." Currently, Kasdan is working on a script for Disney's "Star Wars Episode VII," alongside director J.J. Abrams. While there is no information regarding a release date for the bounty hunter's spinoff, "Star Wars Episode VII" will be blasting into theaters on December 18, 2015.

Watch the following AMC Movie Talk video at around the four-minute mark for the confirmation as well as more details about the upcoming "Star Wars" films.



-Nowal Massari