Lucas says 'Star Wars' trio returning for new film
NEW YORK (AP) - It appears the Force is still strong with Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher.
In an interview posted online Thursday, George Lucas said the trio from the original "Star Wars" trilogy will reprise their iconic roles of Hans Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia in the new "Star Wars" film.
Lucas told Bloomberg Businessweek that all three were signed for the new "Episode VII" film in advance of Lucasfilm's $4 billion purchase by Disney.
"We had already signed Mark and Carrie and Harrison - or were pretty much in the final stages of negotiation," Lucas said.
He added: "Maybe I'm not supposed to say that. I think they want to announce that with some big whoop-de-do."
In an interview posted Wednesday with Florida's Palm Beach Illustrated, Fisher said that she'll be coming back as Princess Leia.
Disney's Lucasfilm was coy in response. In a statement, a spokesperson for the company said, "George couldn't say whether they were signed or not and neither can we. As Yoda said, 'Always in motion is the future.' Stay tuned."
The Walt Disney Co. is producing a new "Star Wars" trilogy to take place after Lucas' original three space epics. J.J. Abrams is directing the first film. The 70-year-old Ford, the 61-year-old Hamill and the 56-year-old Fisher are expected to play smaller, supporting roles.
A representative for Ford declined to comment. Hamill's representatives didn't immediately return requests for comment.
In an interview posted online Thursday, George Lucas said the trio from the original "Star Wars" trilogy will reprise their iconic roles of Hans Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia in the new "Star Wars" film.
Lucas told Bloomberg Businessweek that all three were signed for the new "Episode VII" film in advance of Lucasfilm's $4 billion purchase by Disney.
"We had already signed Mark and Carrie and Harrison - or were pretty much in the final stages of negotiation," Lucas said.
He added: "Maybe I'm not supposed to say that. I think they want to announce that with some big whoop-de-do."
In an interview posted Wednesday with Florida's Palm Beach Illustrated, Fisher said that she'll be coming back as Princess Leia.
Disney's Lucasfilm was coy in response. In a statement, a spokesperson for the company said, "George couldn't say whether they were signed or not and neither can we. As Yoda said, 'Always in motion is the future.' Stay tuned."
The Walt Disney Co. is producing a new "Star Wars" trilogy to take place after Lucas' original three space epics. J.J. Abrams is directing the first film. The 70-year-old Ford, the 61-year-old Hamill and the 56-year-old Fisher are expected to play smaller, supporting roles.
A representative for Ford declined to comment. Hamill's representatives didn't immediately return requests for comment.
Curious if they will create a Star Wars similar to the original, with adventure, grit and a touch of mystery. The last three movies were glorified kids movies written for children.
I wonder if Hollywood can produce a good movie that can keep an audience's attention rather than the 100 minute modern theme oozing, dripping and gagging with heart pounding emotion.
Oh yes, do away with Jar Jar, and by all means Hayden C.Â
Harrison Ford is a huge hero in the aviation community for his leadership within the general aviation community, replacing Chuck Yeager as the VP of the Young Eagles program.
Mark Hamill illustrated a comic book for Dark Horse out of Gladstone and did voices for a bunch of video games and movies.
It'll be great to see them in character again.
Trio of senior citizens. Never realized that Mark Hamill is 61.. the poor kid got old.
The saddest part is picking J.J. Abrams as director. He will undoubtedly destroy the franchise like he did with the crappy Star Trek movie. I've never understood the fascination with him.
Hopefully Jar Jar Binks is the next person to sign up. His career has been in the tank these last 10 years.