STAR WARS EPISODE VII Cast Revealed

     The hype and anticipation over who will be cast in J.J. Abrams forthcoming trilogy in the Star Wars franchise can come to some ease as the cast has finally been revealed. Nothing really shocking and no big "WOW" names, but overall an interesting, good cast. The first billed actor is Attack the Block star John Boyega and I assume he might be the lead Jedi of some sort. The lead female role will be played by relative unknown Daisy Ridley (Mr. Selfridge) who could be playing the daughter of Han and Leia. The rest of the new cast members are quite interesting with the presumed main villain to be played by Adam Driver ("Girls") and the possible rebel leader of some sort to be played by the excellent Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis). Another Jedi part might go to Domhnall Gleeson (About Time) and I am interested to see what role Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings) will play, whether it is live or motion capture. The legend/elder statesman role goes to the legendary Max von Sydow (The Seventh Seal) and will he be heroic or villainous. He can play both quite well.
    With all the new cast members, the original cast is returning as well. Harrison Ford - Han Solo, Carrie Fisher - Princess Leia, Mark Hamill - Luke Skywalker, Anthony Daniels - C-3PO, Kenny Baker - R2-D2 and Peter Mayhew - Chewbacca, will be reprising their roles in this first film, and maybe more. Supposedly, Han Solo has a very significant role in Episode VII, but there are so many rumors out there nothing will be known for awhile.
     No official title has been announced and there is still plenty of time before we might find out which characters the new cast members will be playing. All-in-all, I am rather pleased with the initial cast and intrigued for what comes ahead. I am especially pleased with the casting of Isaac, Driver and von Sydow, as well as Gleeson. And whatever role Serkis plays, he, or it, will be fantastic. I am very intrigued to see how Boyega and Ridley do and whether they breakout big or falter like Hayden Christensen. The only thing I am concerned about is how many damn lens flares will Abrams use? Please, chill on that shit! I like Star Wars and am looking forward to the film, but I am not geeky about it and if it was 15 years ago, I would be doing cartwheels. No matter what, it is going to make billions and billions. They all getting rich. Only time will tell if the end product is good, as Star Wars Episode VII will be released on December 18th, 2015.

Photo credit by ropeofsilicon.com