Now that the wait for the next Star Wars film can be counted in months rather than years, the time has come to seriously think about what elements are going to be included in Episode VII: The Force Awakens, due out on December 18, 2015. Looking back through the last 6 films (ignoring the two 1980s Ewok movies and the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special), there are clearly several time-honoured clichés that fans expect from the franchise. To be honest, if these clichés aren't included, fans may feel like Episode VII isn't a "proper" Star Wars adventure at all. From the short teaser that's already been released, fans are reassured by the glimpses of iconic elements like the Millennium Falcon, X-Wings, and stormtroopers. In fact, fans are more than reassured; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they're "squee-ing" with joy, and rightfully so. Director J. J. Abrams is plainly aiming to infuse his film with as much Star Wars flavour as he can manage. But what are the elements that are so intrinsically Star Wars that to not include them would be a crime? Without any delay, let's take a look at the 10 Star Wars elements that Episode VII absolutely must include.
Mike has lived in the UK, Japan and the USA. Currently, he is based in Iowa with his wife and 2 young children. After working for many years as a writer and editor for a large corporation, he is now a freelancer. He has been fortunate enough to contribute to many books on Doctor Who over the last 20 years and is now concentrating on original sci-fi & fantasy short stories, with recent sales including Flame Tree, Uffda, and The Martian Wave. Also, look for his contribution on Blake's 7 to "You and Who Else", a charity anthology to be released later this year.
You can find him on Tumblr at https://www.tumblr.com/blog/culttvmike
