Wednesday begins principle photography of Star Wars: Episode IX to conclude the current trilogy of stories. Ahead of that Disney announced the cast of the film. The key surprise castings is Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Carrie Fisher (General Leia Organa). The former didn't survive the end of the movie while the latter tragically died unexpectedly. While probable Luke will appear as a force ghost, the return of Leia is less obvious.
“We desperately loved Carrie Fisher,” director J.J. Abrams said in announcing the news on StarWars.com. “Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie [Lourd], we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”
The use of previous footage was also approved by her brother Todd with Hamill tweeting "It’s bittersweet facing my final chapter without her-She is simply irreplaceable. I’m finding solace in the fact that she won’t BE replaced & would love the worldwide outpouring of affection from those who loved her when they heard the news."
Joining the pair will be returning cast members Daisy Ridley (Rey), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Issac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong'o (Maz Kanata), Domhall Gleeson (General Hux), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO). New cast members (so far) are Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Naomi Ackie (role unknown), and Richard E Grant (role unknown).
Disney has announced the release date of Solo: A Star Wars Story for digital and Blu-ray along with the below trailer. The digital release is set for September 14 for around $20 or wait another two weeks for the Blu-ray and DVD release on September 25 and get a physical and digital copy for about the same price.
The special features are the usual behind the scenes/sales pitch with director, cast interviews, deleted scenes, and more but sadly no commentary track. Below is the details on the special features with the movie.
DIGITAL AND BLU-RAY BONUS MATERIAL (may vary by retailer):
Solo: The Director & Cast Roundtable – Sit down with director Ron Howard and the stars for an intimate and entertaining discussion of the film’s making.
Team Chewie – See what it takes to bring your favorite Wookiee to life in this lighthearted look behind the scenes.
Kasdan on Kasdan – Iconic Star Wars screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and son Jonathan share what it was like to write the movie’s script together.
Remaking the Millennium Falcon – Track the transformation of the most famous ship in the galaxy, from Lando’s swank and impeccable pride and joy to Han’s stripped-down hot-rod freighter with “special modifications.”
Escape from Corellia – Get behind the wheel for the making of this high-octane chase through the streets of Corellia.
solo-bluray
The Train Heist – Explore the challenges and thrills of creating this action-packed sequence, including its remote location and spectacular effects.
Becoming a Droid: L3-37 – Meet the newest droid—and the talented actor who helps bring her to life.
Scoundrels, Droids, Creatures and Cards: Welcome to Fort Ypso – Take an in-depth tour of the rough-and-tumble bar where strangers mix and gamblers risk all in the legendary card game, Sabaac.
Into the Maelstrom: The Kessel Run – Join Han and Chewie at the controls of the Millennium Falcon to see how this legendary moment in Star Wars history unfolds.
Deleted Scenes
Proxima’s Den
Corellian Foot Chase
Han Solo: Imperial Cadet
The Battle of Mimban: Extended
Han Versus Chewie: Extended
Snowball Fight!
Meet Dryden: Extended
Coaxium Double-Cross
The Millenium Falcon: From Page to Park – An exclusive look at the history of the most famous ship in the galaxy, its origin and development, and how it will translate in one of the most anticipated expansions in Disneyland’s history.
We might have had a new Lando in Solo: A Star Wars Story but the original isn't done with the character. Billy Dee Williams has signed on for Episode IX to reprise the role of Lando Calrissian. He is essentially the last original trilogy human character standing. Details on the role or really anything about Episode XI remains on lock down. We know the movie will exist for a December 20, 2019 release date and that's about it.
