Felicity Jones to star in Star Wars' first spinoff film, 'Rogue One'

 

Much speculation has surrounded the films that will fill the years between the individual episodes of the next Star Wars trilogy. Most assumed these would be standalone films featuring Boba Fett, a young Han Solo or even the early years of Darth Vader's hunt for the Jedi.

 

But at an annual shareholders meeting in San Francisco, Disney and Lucasfilm made the official announcement of 'Rogue One,' the first in a "unique series of big-screen adventures that explores the characters and events beyond the core Star Wars saga." Plot details remain unknown, but the film will be directed by Gareth Edwards ('Godzilla'). 

 

Edwards' involvement in 'Star Wars' was announced in May last year. Josh Trank ('Chronicle') is also developing a 'Star Wars' spinoff for Lucasfilm and is currently wrapping up production on 'The Fantastic Four.' It remains unclear as to how both films will connect with 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' which opens Dec. 18 this year.

 

'Rogue One' will be written by Oscar nominee Chris Weitz ('About a Boy') replacing Gary Whitta ('The Book of Eli') who took a crack at the first draft last year. The story idea is credited to John Knoll, the chief creative officer at Industrial Light & Magic, who will also serve as one of the executive producers on the project. 

 

The first actress cast is Felicity Jones, whose performance in 'The Theory of Everything' received critical acclaim. Rumors have indicated that 'Rogue One' could center around bounty hunters involved in some kind of heist, possibly to steal the plans to the Death Star. If true, then it remains to be seen exactly how many Bothans died to get them. 

 

'Star Wars: Rogue One' is aiming for Dec. 16, 2016 for release, in the year between 'The Force Awakens' and the as yet to be titled Episode VIII. — TJD, GMA News