As "Star Wars' fans look forward to the premiere of J.J. Abrams' "Episode VII- The Force Awakens' in theaters, Disney continues to make the headlines by incorporating standalone projects, such as the 2016 "Star Wars: Rogue One,' in between these upcoming "episodes.'
The second one of these films, which will reportedly hit theaters in 2018, was recently reported to have been left off without a director as Josh Trank exited the project. Now, the movie's storyline is said to be focusing on Boba Fett's origin story; interestingly, he will also be joined by a number of Original Trilogy favorites.
Screen Rant has learned that Han Solo will also be appearing in the second anthology film, which will take place between the stories of "Revenge of the Sith' and "A New Hope'. The film will also look into the conflict that occurs between the bounty hunter and smuggler, which was only briefly highlighted in the past films. Aside from Han, favorites such as Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian and Bossk are also expected to make an appearance in the film.
Meanwhile, in other "Star Wars' news, Disney is reportedly in negotiations with Ewan McGregor for an "unknown project" that will focus on a new trilogy of films with the actor making a comeback as his character Obi-Wan Kenobi from past "Star Wars' films. If such project proves to be the second anthology film that will tell Boba Fett's origin story, McGregor will take on the role of Obi-Wan who will serve as a guide for a younger Luke Sywalker with the appearances of Owen Lars and Darth Maul.
If all these speculations are confirmed, it can then be suggested that Disney will have a total of nine films in their "Star Wars' plate in the coming years.
What remains certain is the release of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens' that will hit cinemas on Dec. 18, 2015 and will see the return of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Kenny Baker as R2-D2 and Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca.
Other cast members include Adam Driver ("Girls'), Oscar Isaac ("A Most Violent Year'), Andy Serkis ("Avengers: Age of Ultron'), Domhnall Gleeson ("Ex Machina'), Lupita Nyong'o ("12 Years a Slave'), John Boyega ("Attack the Block'), Gwendoline Christie ("Game of Thrones'), Miltos Yerolemou ("Game of Thrones'), Max von Sydow ("The Exorcist') and Christina Chong ("24: Live Another Day'). Newcomers Crystal Clarke and Pip Andersen have also signed on to the film.
Meanwhile, "Star Wars: Rogue One' makes its way to the big screen on Dec. 16, 2016 while "Star Wars: Episode VIII' has been scheduled for May 26, 2017.
