Tuesday 29 April 2014

Star Wars: Casting News

Grayson Graves

  A long time ago, in a studio far away a film was created that captivated and captured the hearts of earths citizens. It made kids dream of galaxies far beyond their own and crave adventure. It created beloved characters who became household names and made leaps in advancement in the film industry.


  Star Wars grew and continues to grow a fan base unlike any other. With spoofs, parodies, songs, movies about the films and thousands of stories to share the Star Wars universe quickly expanded. In the time of nostalgia it seemed only fitting that a trip back to the stars was soon approaching (lightspeed kid). Earlier this year casting rumours had surfaced for a potential film. Fans filled social networking sites with story ideas, fancasting and reactions to the rumours. Official news broke today for Star Wars: Episode VII to put those rumours to rest. The film will see the return of some familiar faces : Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Kenny Baker. New cast members include: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson and Max von Sydow. The film is set to be directed by J.J Abrams and set to be released December 18, 2015. 

No doubt we are excited about the news and the cast is undoubtedly wonderful but we have to wonder...Why is Star Wars still a boys club? When rumours started about Boyega being cast in a lead role we had nothing but high hopes for the new chapter in the Star Wars franchise. He is  best known for his role as the take charge leader in Attack the Block, a British monster movie that took on cult status and gained the actor recognition. 
The actor is accompanied by a stellar and talented cast. However many female fans have been asking themselves, "Why so few ladies?" With an opportunity to create and write a fresh new story the lack of a female presence is a major let down. It seems like a step backwards. The reaffirmation that girls love the genre too is tiring. While millions of little boys get to look at the screen and pick a number of characters to choose from, little girls consistently struggle with the one female character they are given within the franchise. The question remains will we find solace in her characterization or will we be let down?

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