It's been a little while now that we've known that Episode VII is quickly approaching on the horizon, but it's been since 1983 that fans have been waiting too see what the future of Star Wars saga would hold. Today we found out who'd be sharing that future with.
Here are some quick thoughts on who we'll be seeing on screen not so far, far away...
John Boyega
Best known for playing the lead in Joe Cornish's Brit sci-fi adventure Attack the Block, the 22 year old John Boyega is definitely a fascinating addition to the cast. The film is an absolute indie joy, and Boyega gives a charismatic and powerful performance at it's heart which is no small part of the praise that the film received. An actor who can give such an impressive and captivating turn in their screen debut should bring some great promise to this one.
Daisy Ridley
All I know about Daisy Ridley is that she was in an episode of the first series of Channel 4's Toast of London. And that is good enough for me!
Adam Driver
The rumor of Girls star Adam Driver appearing in the new Star Wars film has been floating around on the internet for some time now and the fact it is true is something that I couldn't be happier about! He is truly one of the finest talents currently out there and it's an amazing prospect to think what his energy and enthusiasm could add to the saga.
Oscar Isaac
Oscar Isaac gave a pitch perfect performance in the Coen Brother's latest film Inside Llewyn Davis, and the fact that the film and his performance were so overlooked at this years awards season was criminal. Perhaps it's how smart, subtle and quiet this turn was that meant that it got lost behind some of the year's bigger performances but what it does show is how interesting a choice Isaac is and what other levels he could bring to a blockbuster like this.
Andy Serkis
Andy Serkis is a name that all film fans will be very familiar with following a string of brilliant character performances for directors including Spielberg, Jackson and Nolan. People seem to be assuming that Serkis will be donning the type of mo-cap suit that has brought him so much screen sucess so far, but any way that he makes it onto screen, it'll be us who benefit.
Domhnall Gleeson
It's already been a good year for Domhnall with roles in festival favorite Frank and critically acclaimed Calvary playing opposite his father, Brendan. And talking of his dad we've already seen the younger Glesson show his big studio frnchise abilities as Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter series, so i'm sure he'll be right at home amidst this ensemble.
Max von Sydow
From Peter Cushing to Alec Guiness and Christopher Lee, every Star Wars film needs an appearance from a cinema legend, and Max von Sydow certainly fits that category. From the Knight in Ingmar Bergman's 1957 classic The Seventh Seal to the geeky delights of Flash Gordon, he is a performer who has been lighting up silver screens for decades, and that doesn't look like it'll be stopping any time soon.
Oh, and let's not forget...
Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter
Mayhew, and Kenny Baker
However exciting the prospect of those new names in the mix are, it'll be these returning names that bring us to the theaters next December. And I'm sure you're all remember with this bunch of rebels and scoundrels.
Till then, see you in the stars.
Chris x.
