Is Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in trouble? It certainly looks that way. A couple of days ago we learnt that the film was set to undergo reshoots, which is always a bit concerning to hear. However, it was quickly revealed that the reshoots were simply to add in a surprise cameo. Now though, the story seems to be changing again, as Making Star Wars reports that it’s not just the cameo that needs to be shot, it’s a good 40% of the film.
Apparently, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story needs about six weeks’ worth of reshoots, with 32 different sets being recreated. Not only that, but writer Christopher McQuarrie is being called back in to assist, as his work on the script “saved the story” initially and he’s needed once again to help out. J.J. Abrams was supposed to come in and supervise as well, but Making Star Wars says that he won’t be involved as he’s done with the franchise.
The main problem Disney has is that Rogue One: A Star Wars Story currently plays out more like a war movie, and thus, isn’t consistent with the tone set by The Force Awakens and previous entries into the franchise. Whether that’s director Gareth Edwards’ fault or the problem stems from elsewhere is currently unknown, but I’d definitely say that all this is cause for concern.
40% is a lot of footage to be reshot, and though it’s only June, you can’t help but to worry that the House of Mouse may have a bit of a disaster on their hands. Sure, there’s plenty of time to fix it all up before the film hits theatres, and having McQuarrie helping out is certainly a good thing, but when a movie is sent back to reshoot 40% of its scenes, the end result usually isn’t terribly positive.
But who knows? Many blockbusters have had significant reshoots and turned out just fine, and given the talent involved here, you’d have to at least hope for the best. Disney knows they can’t fumble the film, especially after the incredibly high bar set by The Force Awakens, so in all likelihood everything will turn out alright.
Either way, we’ll find out for sure when Rogue One: A Star Wars Story arrives in theaters on December 16th, 2016.