Last week I spoke about just how wacky Comic-Can can be, and it definitely wasn’t a let down!
The jewel in the crown of the entire weekend had to be the fantastic Star Wars panel, where we got a real peek at what’s to come this December.
We’ve already seen a couple of trailers, but the panel and show reel really were something else. The panel opened with J.J. Abrams, along with Executive Producer Kathleen Kennedy and writer of Episodes V, VI and VII (as well as the recently announced young Han Solo spin-off film), Lawrence Kasdan. Having Kasdan along for the ride really shows that they’re bridging the gap between the original trilogy and this new one.
As well as Kasdan, we’re also seeing (or hearing) the return of esteemed Star Wars Composer John Williams, as well as series creator George Lucas acting as Creative Consultant.
However, the series’ roots are no more apparent than some of the actors who will be appearing on screen. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, who came out to join the panel, will be reprising their roles as Luke, Leia and Han respectively, alongside Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO).
But it’s not only the personnel that hark back to the good old days! From the show reel, it’s very evident J.J. Abrams and the team are going for a distinct look, with lots of practical effects and very little green screen, something I’m sure fans will be delighted with.
It wasn’t all about the past—much of the cast is looking distinctly to the future, with a lot of young, unknown talent. Joining the rest of the panel were The Force Awakens heroes John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, and Oscar Isaac; and the villains Adam Driver, Gwendoline Christie and Domhnall Gleeson. Gleeson is particularly interesting, as he revealed he’d be playing General Hux, a First Order commander in charge of Starkiller Base, which any Star Wars fan worth their salt will know comes from Luke Skywalker’s original name, Annikin Starkiller.
All in all, I’m extremely excited for what’s to come! Let’s just see if it can all live up to the hype!
