More STAR WARS - TV series and 3D films go to production

[BJ_M]

Rick McCallum, co-producer of the STAR WARS prequel trilogy, appeared at a press conference in Japan earlier today. He talked about the future of STAR WARS, specifically about the 3D updates of all six films and the upcoming TV series.

With regards to the 3D versions, McCallum said that they would be released within two to three years. It wasn’t made clear if he meant all six films would be ready by then, or if the first of the six would be released. Creator George Lucas has previously said that the 3D films would premiere once a year for six years until all of them are released. This was being done apparently, in order to give the company converting the films into 3D enough time to finish the much older and traditionally filmed original trilogy.

Star Wars on TVAs previously mentioned, McCallum confirmed that the TV series (and future DVD sets) will take place during the 20-year time period between EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH and EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE. He also said the show would reveal how certain characters ended up together, he didn’t get into specifics about which characters though. He might’ve been talking about Han and Chewie or Jabba the Hutt and Boba Fett, but at this point its all speculation. Previous reports indicated the TV series would follow the exploits of lesser-known characters in the STAR WARS universe, so only time will tell on the validity of this bit of news. Finally, McCallum explained that the TV series would chronicle the younger years of Luke Skywalker. The plan is for the show to start production next year (after Lucas finishes his work on the new INDIANA JONES flick) and will have 100 hours of material produced. No details about what network the show will call home, or if it would be a syndicated series (ala STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION and BABYLON 5).

Rumors about casting for the show have already begun making the rounds on the net, with the recent tidbit that Australian actor Matthew Newton (QUEEN OF THE DAMNED, FARSCAPE TV series) is being looked at for a staring role. Apparently the young actor was on a short list of candidates when Lucas was testing for Anakin Skywalker in EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES. Obviously he wouldn’t be playing Anakin here.


Source: www.www.mainichi-msn.co.jp.com

Lucas talks more on this:
http://www.flixnjoystix.com/index.php?p=348

[adam]

Cool stuff.

But the younger years of Luke Skywalker? I got the impression that his life was pretty boring prior to Ep. IV.

[lordsmurf]

I get the feeling there is more to Luke wanting to be a rebel fighter and "feeling" certain things prior to the movies. This was always alluded to, but never direct explanations. It'll likely be a subplot, if anything, short segments you see from time to time.

[paulw]

Episode IV would be nice to see in 3D. Anyone know how this will be done??

[Mr_khyron]

I have a bad feeling about this

[guns1inger]

http://www.worldenteractive.com/lucas.htm
http://www.worldenteractive.com/rickmccallum.htm
http://www.ew.com/ew/report/0,6115,1039275_10_0_,00.html

[CaptainVideo]

3D??? That is discrimination towards people who are blind in one eye!!!! I smell lawsuit!

Adam what are my chances?

As for the TV series, great he can continue to further destroy the franchise unless he somehow has nothing to do with it and he lets other people have control.

[mazinz]

It would be really great if the 3d versions (using the lcd shutter) would eventually find their way onto dvd, keeping the shutter process and not converting them to something more "mainstream". Then again knowing Lucas, he might package them with the shutter system itself. At the same time it worries me because the current lcd/shutter glasses will not work with hi-def, lcd screen tvs due to the refresh rate. Ehh, i guess it is just a matter of waiting to see what they come up with...

[hudsonf]

I hope the tv show is true. Most new shows today suck big time. What ever you do George; Don't make it "Star Wars the Reality Show"

[BJ_M]

It would be really great if the 3d versions (using the lcd shutter) would eventually find their way onto dvd, keeping the shutter process and not converting them to something more "mainstream". Then again knowing Lucas, he might package them with the shutter system itself. At the same time it worries me because the current lcd/shutter glasses will not work with hi-def, lcd screen tvs due to the refresh rate. Ehh, i guess it is just a matter of waiting to see what they come up with...

LCD shutter glasses can be two types, one will not work with plasma , but the other works fine .. a polarized system can look actually better than improperly done shutter system ....

the crystal graphic systems you see with monitors dont have near the 3D aspects of the better true 3D systems ... a lot of controversy about that company also which makes an interesting history.

the 3d spy kids and lava girls movies look like crap 3D wise, but it is cheap way of doing it ..

[AlecWest]

The plan is for the show to start production next year (after Lucas finishes his work on the new INDIANA JONES flick) and will have 100 hours of material produced.

Glad to see the film (Indy 4) is now on track, officially. However, the Summer 2006 release date mentioned on some sites seems to be more like wishful thinking. The script, while completed, is still being "tinkered" with and filming is not set to begin until next year. Christmas 2006 is more likely.

[honorarybrutha]

I have a bad feeling about this

just trust the force

[GreyDeath]

I have to agree with Mr_Khyron.

Oh yes, since TV is crap Star Wars will make it all better?? :P