It definitely feels premature to even talk about “Star Wars: Episode VIII” when “Episode VII” is still more than a year away, but dammit if I’m not already excited to see what Rian Johnson can do in that universe.
To the point, the “Looper” director appeared on the “Girls in Hoodies” podcast (via /Film) to vaguely discuss his experiences so far working on a sequel to a movie that’s still filming, and I’m hanging on every word. Johnson spoke briefly about how the whole process has been more fun than stressful (rub it, why don’t you) and how uncomfortable it was to visit the “Episode VII” set without a job to do.
Related: Why Aaron Paul Needs To Be In ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’
“Visiting a set you’re not working on, though, I always feel kind of uncomfortable,” Johnson said. “Not because anyone makes you feel uncomfortable at all, but if you don’t have a job on the set, it’s a really strange place to be.”
But what the true “Star Wars” fans will want to hear is what Johnson had to say about the use of practical sets and effects in the new trilogy. “They’re doing so much practical building for this one, it’s awesome.” Summing it up, he said, “They’re doing it all right.”
It’s Johnson’s feeling that culture is “coming back around” to more practical special effects, but he also wonders if that’s his generational bias.
“I think more and more people are hitting a critical mass as far as the CG-driven action scene, lending itself towards a very specific type of action film, where physics go out the window and it becomes so big so quick, and I probably sound like a grumpy old man talking about it,” Johnson said. “I do wonder, kids are growing up watching those and that’s the thing they love now. So I don’t know if it’s a generational thing.”
This falls in line with what we’ve been hearing from Lucasfilm and what J.J. Abrams has teased from the set. This is by no means confirmation that the new trilogy will be a total throwback, but it’s another welcome quote that maybe we’ll see a more concrete “Star Wars” universe when “Episode VII” hits screens next December.
“Star Wars: Episode VII” opens in theaters on December 18, 2015.
Kevin P. Sullivan
Writer/editor for MTV. If it involves cowboys, spies, or hitmen, I’m there. All three would be ideal.
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