Star Wars spin-off receives an official title

Gareth Edwards' Star Wars spin-off now has a confirmed leading lady and an official title. Star Wars: Rogue One is currently set for a December 16, 2016 release and will star Oscar-nominee, Felicity Jones.

Many are speculating, including myself, that the Rogue One title isn't necessarily referring to a single character but to a ship. Originally the rumor was that the film would focus on a young Han Solo, but with Felicity Jones being cast in the lead role I don't think it will have much to do with Solo. The title also could be referencing the "Rogue Squadron" within the Rebel Alliance. Let's not forget Luke was the "Rogue Leader" for a while.

In addition to this news, Disney also announced today that Star Wars: Episode VIII will be released on May 26, 2017 with Rian Johnson directing. It appears the studio wants to get back to the May tradition Star Wars has always carried.

Felicity Jones to lead Star Wars spin-off

We learned last week that Oscar-nominee Felicity Jones was competing for the lead female role in Gareth Edwards' Star Wars spin-off. She was up against Rooney Mara and Tatiana Maslany but in the end Jones has won the role and will appear as Edwards' leading lady.

The plot for this film is unknown, but we do have a December 16, 2016 release date set by Disney. The second spin-off being directed by Josh Trank is not currently related or unrelated to this film, but it's assumed they will either tie into the original films or they will tie into the new trilogy.

I say welcome to the Star Wars universe, Felicity Jones. I'm sure you'll fit in just fine.

Who's up for Gareth Edwards' Star Wars?

Pre-production on Gareth Edwards' Star Wars spin-off is now underway as The Force Awakens is now fully in post-production and casting rumors are starting to surface already. Rumor has it that Rooney Mara, Felicity Jones, and Tatiana Maslany are in various testing stages for the female lead.

You might recognize Maslany from the BBC America hit series, Orphan Black. I personally have never seen this show but I do know who she is. Felicity Jones is fresh off an Oscar nomination for her role in The Theory of Everything and was absolutely fantastic alongside Anton Yelchin in Like Crazy. Finally, Rooney Mara is by far the most famous choice as she is also an Oscar nominee (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and led the way in the reboot of A Nightmare on Elm Street. She's also appeared in The Social Network, Her, Side Effects, and will appear as Tiger Lily in Pan.
According to the rumor, the frontrunner is currently Felicity Jones but there could potentially be scheduling conflicts because she is set to film Inferno this spring/summer, but we should all take excitement that this film seems to be female driven. Female characters have never been a strong part of the Star Wars films (yes, even with the love stricken Leia Organa) so if we have an actual female led film it should be exciting. It would be even better with a great actress leading the way.

This will all happen rather soon as Edwards' Star Wars film is set for a December 16, 2016 release. We will also get two more spin-off films from Rian Johnson (December 2017) and Josh Trank (likely 2018).

Click to enlarge photo. From left: Rooney Mara, Felicity Jones, and Tatiana Maslany

Sam Taylor-Johnson to direct Fifty Shades of Grey

Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy) has been tapped to direct the adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey, the erotic story of a college student who enters a risky, relationship with a young business executive. You probably don't know who this woman is but she entered more spotlight after marrying a man 23 years younger than her after he starred in her movie (aka, Aaron Taylor-Johnson from Kick-Ass). It is speculated that they have brought her in to try and give more to the story other than make it the raunchy, BDSM story that it is. Trust me, I managed to read the entire book.

Along with this news, there are more rumors swirling around the casting now that the picture has a director. The given is, of course, that Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been singled out as a contender for the role of Christian Grey but the word is he probably won't pursue the role. The other rumor is that Felicity Jones (Like Crazy) is in the running for Anastasia Steele.