While it’s understandable why there may be a lot of trepidation among fans as to how Disney will work with Star Wars, so far they’ve managed both the Pixar and Marvel acquisitions right, essentially integrating them but making them their own identities, brands and positions, and it’s looking like Star Wars will get the same, but with some much needed new blood. The recent news of having the original cast back to launch the new trilogy and move it forward is a hugely positive sign for many and that Abrams and others are taking the time to really nail it down.
now we’re getting more tidbits coming out about how Disney intends to spread things in terms of the tone and feel, something that was complicated during the prequel run for a whole host of reasons. There are some insider leaks” that are talking about how they’re really trying to go more for the swashbuckling adventure and optimism that surrounded the 1977 classic, both for the new feature and for Star Wars Rebels.
According to Simon Kinberg, producer on Star Wars Rebels, they’re really going for more than just the thematic look that Ralph McQuarrie designed. They want that sense of hope that came from it as well.
“The world we’re creating is an Imperial world. You’re seeing the impact of the Empire, of stormtroopers around the galaxy, abusing and oppressing people. Thematically and politically, it goes to some dark places. But for the tone of the show we took our cues from the original movies, which had fun and adventure and swashbuckling with emotion and grounded human characters. We took all our cues from the original films. Obviously there are slight tonal differences between New Hope, Empire and Jedi. But I think the closest intended voice of the show is A New Hope.”
The Hollywood Reporter is adding to this as well, talking about original Episode VII screenwriter Michael Arndt’s differences in approach as he wanted to go with the new cast while Abrams wanted to go elsewhere, ”to focus on the classic trio of characters (Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia) so audiences would have one more chance to enjoy them before a fitting send-off.” According to the Reporter, Episodes VIII and IX will concentrate on the exploits of the next generation of “rebels.”
[Source: Entertainment Weekly]