More Thoughts on Star Wars Episode 7

Hey there Jundland Wastes Travelers! It's that time of year when the fall starts to wind down and the Hoth-like winter conditions are just around the corner. But it is also the start of the winter holiday season which is just a lot of fun. People start to get into better spirits, lots of tasty treats seem to be in abundance at the work office and school classrooms and the first snow of the season is always exciting to see.

But for a Star Wars fan, I think it's is even a more special time of the year. For some reason, I have always associated the winter with Star Wars. With days off from work, there seems to be more time to crack open a new Expanded Universe novel, break open some action figures to add to my display case or take a couple hours to throw in a Star Wars movie into the DVD player. And of course with all the winter holidays, there are bound to be gifts from that galaxy far, far away that brighten the season for a special Star Wars fan.

Personally, I think the holidays started a little early this year with the BIG announcement made by Lucasfilm and Disney this past week. Facebook, Twitter, emails and all social media was exploding this past week with news of the acquisition as well as the numerous mock-up pictures combining our favorite themes from Stars Wars and Mickey Mouse. But it wasn't until last night that it really hit me...and I'm not talking about the head cold that I have been fighting all week either. But around 4:00AM this morning it finally sunk in that a new Star Wars movie will be out in 2015.

A new Star Wars movie! Episiode 7! A movie that will take place after the events of Return of the Jedi! I began to imagine what it will be like to stand in line at theaters on a spring afternoon or evening to get a ticket to see Star Wars again! Just imagining being there as the lights dim and the words come across the screen, "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." And then hearing that booming beginning of the classic John Williams theme song as the Star Wars logo fades off into the blanket of space and stars.

But we know that the usual buildup to the movie will include trailers, posters and images. And novels, comic books and new figures will of course have to be part of the campaign as well.  But what will the storyline of Episodes 7, 8 and 9 entail?

My first hope is that we get to see our heroes again. Can you imagine seeing Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher reprising their classic roles of Luke, Han and Leia? The story could easily take place at a time when their actual ages match the timeframe for a post-Jedi story. And if that were the case it would be easy to include characters from the Expanded Universe that have become fan favorites over the years.

I would love to see Mara Jade in a Star Wars movie! Her character was developed incredibly well by author Timothy Zhan. And seeing Luke and Mara together as our favorite Jedi couple would balance out the tragic Anakin-Padme storyline in a sense. How great would it be seeing a movie where true love becomes an essential component to being a Jedi!

But, the possibility still remains that what Expanded Universe fans take as Star Wars cannon may not be the vision of the writers and directors of this new set of movies. Part of me would love to see some of the Expanded Universe make its way to the silver screen. But the other part would be disappointed if I did not see something new that has not been given over in a Star Wars novel or comic.

As I mentioned in my previous post, there are just too many questions right now and we will all have to wait for the answers. But the TJW Podcast and Blog are here to stay and we are really looking forward to journey ahead! The Star Wars franchise is alive and well! Star Wars movies are on there way! And regardless of the storyline, there will be undoubtedly some great Expanded Universe tales to tell as well.

Let us know your thoughts! Email us at: jundlandwastespodcast@gmail.com

Keep safe on the Wastes!
Mark
Co-host of the TJW Podcast