Your Evening Linc: Episode VII rumors, Clone Wars Team Disbanded, Clara on Craig and More!

So there's been a lot of really interesting Star Wars news and I couldn't wait until tomorrow to share it. Punch it, Chewie!

This is my Chewie, and today is his birthday.

1. Han Solo Might Return To Face a Disciple of Palpatine With His Kids

In an interview with WGN, Harrison Ford sounded confident that everyone's favorite smuggler turned Rebel will return for Episode VII. This jives pretty well with what George Lucas said in a Bloomberg a few weeks ago. And, according to a source for Cosmic Booknews (yes, the Cosmic Booknews....) Han will be joining his kids in an adventure 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. The Jedi Order has been rebuilt with Luke at its head, and a "disciple of Emperor Palpatine aims to rebuild the Sith Armies of the Old Republic and destroy the Jedi." Moreover, the Skywalker/Solo children must confront their dark lineage and exactly what it means to be the grandchildren of Anakin Skywalker.

"I am so, so sorry." - Shmi Skywalker

This actually sounds like a pretty cool storyline. First, we won't have a resurrected Emperor, and so it is completely conceivable (especially when considering the EU) that Darth Sidious would have a few acolytes in the wings just in case Darth Vader proved unworthy. I also like the idea of the next generation having the shadow of Anakin cast over them. How do you deal not only with having famous parents, but an infamous grandfather?

By the way, I encourage you to take this great big heaping grain of salt with any rumor until Lucasfilm/Disney confirms anything.

2. Clone Wars Team Disbanded?

Another rumor that makes the Truth-O-Meter go all wonky is the one coming from Rebelscum.com that the entire team of the Clone Wars (cast, crew, janitors) has been completely disbanded and dismissed.  This dramatic downsizing will result in further projects being handed over to existing Disney television operations.

Ahsoka has been seen begging on the streets of Coruscant.

What this means for the Season 6 material we were promised, I have no idea. What's for sure is that this is one crazy, turbulent time for Star Wars. More on this as it develops.

3. Jenna-Louise Coleman Chats with Craig Ferguson

Now turning once again to the world of Doctor Who, new companion Jenna-Louise Coleman stopped by Craig Ferguson where he labeled her the "sauciest ever companion". Check out the whole interview here, including Jenna-Louise schooling Craig on having to update his TARDIS:

 

4. Been Testing Out The New Facebook Design....And It's Pretty Cool

Before the wailing and gnashing of teeth commence when Facebook fully switches over to its new design, allow me to say this: It's actually really cool.



From a user standpoint, I think it eliminates the clutter of the current home page. Most of the real estate is taken up by the Newsfeed, with statuses and especially pictures coming in much bigger and more clearly. Everything else you need is in a convenient sidebar. I switched over this morning and it only took a few minutes to really get used to the layout. There is a much more natural flow to the page and it actually feels more intuitive.

Now, I can't stop everyone from bemoaning the death of Facebook as they know it (which is not how they first knew it), but hopefully this will ease the transition a little.

Until next time, friends!

-Joe

Star Wars Episode VII News: Lucas Confirms Hamill, FIsher, and Ford. Iger Talks Disney Plans

Big news from the source himself! (Although, here, take this grain of salt...) George Lucas, in an extensive article on Star Wars in BusinessWeek has unofficially confirmed that we will see Luke, Han, and Leia back on the big screen. According to Lucas, contracts for Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford have all but been finalized. I can't wait to see how they will feature in the Sequel Trilogy!

Chewie is still holding out for his medal.

Quote The Maker:

"We had already signed Mark and Carrie and Harrison - or we were pretty much in final stages of negotiation." He then quickly added: "Maybe I'm not supposed to say that. I think they want to announce that with some big whoop-de-do, but we were negotiating with them."

Also, Disney chief Bob Iger talks about his plans for the future of Star Wars attractions, merchandise, and movies:

"Iger is busy readying the machinery that will crank out Star Wars-related toys and theme park attractions and whatever Disney deems as appropriate franchise exploitation. He says he's looking to expand sales of Star Wars merchandise overseas and that ABC and Lucasfilm are discussing a live-action TV series. At the same time, Iger says he doesn't want to do anything that might detract from the upcoming movies. 'I don't want to overcommercialize or overhype this,' he says, 'It's my job to prevent that.' "

I'd watch this.

I am more confident than ever that Star Wars is in good hands with Disney. What do you think? What are you looking forward to seeing in the coming years? One thing's for sure...there's never been a more exciting time to be a Star Wars fan!

MTFBWY,

-Joe

Star Wars: Episode VII - Han and Leia's Kid and Grandkid Introduced

I'll never forget where I was when I heard the news. I was sitting in my dark kitchen listening to the radio after Hurricane Sandy when I first learned about Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm and the plans for Episode VII and beyond. I was so excited that, unable to post about it, I drove directly to my friend Joe's house to tell him.

Well now, thankfully, I can share all the hints and rumors with you! According to inside sources for Nerdvana, there are a few new interesting tidbits about the first installment of the Sequel Trilogy. I of course caution everyone to take these with a big heaping grain of salt (or its galactic equivalent) until we hear anything from Lucasfilm/Disney:

Rumor I: They're Getting the Band Back Together

Replace blasters with walkers

It looks like Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford are all on board to reprise their roles as Luke, Leia, and Han! Many believe this will be in an advisory capacity similar to Ben Kenobi in A New Hope.

Rumor II: We Will Meet Han and Leia's Kid and Grandkid

Fanboy Revolt in 3...2...1

According to this source, we will be introduced to the child and grandchild of the Solos. Any even casual reader of the Expanded Universe will know about the Solo's three kids: The twins Jacen and Jaina and the youngest, Anakin. They've become some of the most popular characters in the franchise, so what will this announcement mean for them?

Rumor III: No Go on Yoda Movie

He was just as shocked as you

Good ol' George has apparently squashed the rumor that one of the spinoff movies will be about our "little green friend". He claims that Yoda was always meant to be a supporting character. I agree with this. Yoda is amazing and seeing him in action in Episodes II and III were a fanboys dream, but his origins have always been shrouded in mystery. I think keeping him out of the spotlight will help to sustain Yoda's appeal for generations to come.

Rumor IV: JJ's In It For the Long Haul

This is why I love the fans

The source reports that JJ Abrams has been contracted to direct all three movies. If you listen closely, you can hear the steam come out of a Trekkie's ears.

Rumor V: Timothy Zahn Will Pen Sequel Trilogy Novels

The original Sequel Trilogy

While the source doesn't say exactly what the novels will be about, when coupled with the rest of the rumors I can speculate that they will be novelizations of the films. This will go over extremely well with fans of the EU (no sarcasm, I promise) who credit Zahn with relaunching the Star Wars franchise in the wilderness years of the early 1990's. Zahn is an incredible author and I cannot wait to read anything he puts out!

Well, there you have it, gentlebeings! Sound off in the comments below and add your own thoughts to the swirling mix of Episode VII rumors. Just remember: "Always in motion is the future."

MTFBWY

-Joe