‘Star Wars’ First Photo Of J.J. Abrams, R2-D2 Hits Twitter
The first photo of new Star Wars director J.J. Abrams and original cast member R2-D2 has hit Twitter.
The photo, courtesy of Abrams’ production company Bad Robot, shows the Star Trek Into Darkness director posing with the famous little guy, who stole millions of hearts in the original trilogy.
Abrams is not only in charge of bringing to life the sequel to one of the world’s most successful franchises, but is also working on the script alongside The Empire Strikes Back writer Lawrence Kasdan.
The tweet says the photo was taken at the “workshop” for the film in which sets and props will be made.
R2-D2 is the loyal droid (not to be confused with a phone) who stores critical information that helps Luke Skywalker and his friends, Princess Leia and Han Solo, destroy the death star which threatens that galaxy far, far away.
The robot has appeared in all films that make up the original trilogy, as well as in the three prequels. This photo implies that it will once again delight fans with the adorable squeaking noises and good humor.
Star Wars director Abrams is hard at work with the script, after Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3) departed the project.
“It became clear that given the time frame and given the process and the way the thing was going that working with Larry in this way was going to get us where we need to be and when we needed to be. Working with Larry Kasdan, especially on a Star Wars movie is kind of unbeatable.” Abrams told Deadline about the decision to change script writers.
Hi from the workshop! #StarWarsVII pic.twitter.com/9R7JGSfxlC
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) November 14, 2013
With announcement of open casting calls in the US and the UK, as well as online auditions, Disney is moving forward in the process of casting Episode VII. Filming will begin next year in the United Kingdom.
The new photo of J.J. Abrams with the iconic R2-D2 adds to the excitement the new installment has already generated around the world.
Original main characters played by Mark Hamill (Luke), Harrison Ford (Han), and Carrie Fisher (Leia) are expected to return, though no official casting announcement has been made yet.
Star Wars Episode VII will open in theaters on December 18, 2015. We will have much more news between now and the beginning of production.
