Star Wars VII, casting breakdown, can Abrams do it?, and Michael Arndt, the multitalented screenwriter

As you probably in October 2012 Disney purchased Lucasfilm, Star Wars,and other properties. It was later revealed that there would be a new planned original trilogy of the Star Wars films. Then they announced that Toy Story 3 screenwriter Michael Arndt would be penning he script. Later in January 2013 many sources have reported filming would be begin in early 2014(which wouldn't be confirmed till last month) with director JJ Abrams attached. Today I look at Star Wars VII and give my rants and thoughts on this film:

Nearly a week ago now the casting began with a breakdown of the statures and shape the people need to be in to audition. “Late-teen female, independent, good sense of humour, fit.”“Young twenty-something male, witty and smart, fit but not traditionally good looking.”“A late twentysomething male, fit, handsome and confident.”“Seventy-something male, with strong opinions and tough demeanour. Also doesn’t need to be particularly fit.”“A second young female, also late teens, tough, smart and fit.”“Forty-something male, fit, military type.”Thirtysomething male, intellectual. Apparently doesn’t need to be fit.

According to EW and other sources this may be the casting sheet for Episode VII. As a huge fan of Star Wars I can tell you I wasn't as delighted with all of the prequels but I appreciated two of them, Phantom Menace and Revenge of the Sith, only because of Ewan Mcgreggor and some of the story. I do agree these are not as good as the originals but most of us set our bar to high for the prequels to reach. So let's move on and talk about the casting. Now these seem like they may be revamping it for more then just three sequels. Of course there are going to be spin offs  but Disney will most likely make more.  This will be made to appeal both newcomers and present Star Wars fans like you and I. That leads into our multitalented screenwriter, Michael Arndt. Previous credits for this guy are Brave, Toy Story 3, Little Miss Sunshine,and this years Oblivion. With under works underway such as Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Phineas and Ferb, Inside Out,and this current project, he sure is busy as Hollywood wastes no time choosing the talented screenwriter. He has written one sci fi piece before in Oblivion which although did pretty well at the box office has failed critically said to be too generic. But Arndt isn't all to blame seeing that he was not the sole writer of the script. Other works including Toy Story 3 and Little Miss Sunshine have won him Best Screenplay Oscars. After Arndt was confirmed for the role as screenwriter Abrams followed as a candidate for director. Famous for his recent films and television series including the reboot of Star Trek, Abrams was said to be a prime candidate but then was ruled out because he was too busy with Star Trek 3. Later it was revealed he would direct and someone would have to take over for the next Trek due in theaters by 2016. Because I am more of a fan of Star Wars then Star Trek I believe Abrams may do just fine managing this film. (No lens flares included please!) I am excited because I was a humongous fan of Abrams reboot Star Trek series with Into Darkness making it very high on my all time best movies list. But as it is Star Wars is higher on my list. (Not the prequels) His style in sci-fi is great and his style is useful. Finally I ask the question, Can Abrams do it? and I believe he can.

What do you think of Star Wars VII? Do you like Abrams directing it and Arndt writing? Comment below and follow me on this excellent Oscar winning blog, Blogbuster411.

The Film Scientist