With the biggest films of the year expected to hit theaters sooner rather than later, it’s probably fair to start anticipating the production of Star Wars: Episode VII. Star Trek Into Darkness director J.J. Abrams is currently making the press rounds, where he is naturally being bombarded with questions about the upcoming continuation of George Lucas’ beloved sci-fi epic. One voice we haven’t heard from though is that of Simon Kinberg – the man tasked with penning the fabled Star Wars spin-offs with veteran writer/director Lawrence Kasdan.
Speaking to the L.A. Times, Kinberg had this to say:
“I think the reason that they’re different than other science fiction or other genre movies is because George created a universe of people that you wanted to go back and see over and over again, that’s why it’s spanned and spawned so many different mediums, so many different generations, every different language. You want to go back and see those characters, like I did when I was a kid.”
I’m behind this approach completely. Kinberg is right when he says that the characters are what bring the fans back to the theater to see every film. Despite his shortcomings as a writer (with a history of god-awful dialogue), his strength in character development is astoundingly effective. I also believe that Kinberg has a firm grasp on what it takes to write a true-blue Star Wars film. If he didn’t, then I doubt Disney would have hired him. (Kneel before Disney!)
Rumors surrounding the possible plot of the new films have run wild with the fanboy-faithful cross-referencing every piece of Star Wars literature they can get their hands on. I include myself in that group of course, don’t judge me. As of now though, nothing has been officially confirmed.
Star Wars: Episode VII is set for a 2015 release, so expect to hear story and casting details as they unfold. In the meantime, I leave you with a question. Do you like what you’re hearing from Kinberg about Star Wars? Tell us in the comments below.