Star Wars Episode VII: 7 Things We Learned In 2013

5. Michael Arndt, Lawrence Kasdan & JJ Abrams Have All Worked On A Screenplay

Even though 2013 would end with Michael Arndt exiting the project, much of the year was filled with him contributing a first draft to the film with Lawrence Kasdan. Arndt is best know for his work on Toy Story 3 and the Hunger Games: Catching Fire, whereas Kasdan is no stranger to the galaxy far, far away with his work on the Empire Strikes Back and other LucasFilm franchise Raiders of the Lost Ark. Kasdan has been linked to a number of Star Wars duties since the Disney buyout and it is comforting to know that many facets of the franchise are in his capable hands. The Internet was pretty hot when news broke of Arndt's depart from the project and it was speculated that production of the film was in crisis mode, what with the tight deadline. It is important to remember that it isn't uncommon for films to see multiple treatments done when it comes to screenplays, though: simply because Arndt moved on does not mean that his departure occurred due to any kind of negativity, bad blood or possible problems with film executives. That being said, with Abrams coming in to work with Kasdan on finalising the screenplay, it can only indicate that the script may still be going through the process of being completed.