5. Ill Need You Around 2012
So the three big stars of Star Wars are rumoured to be returning to Episode VII - in fact George Lucas himself has recently confirmed the negotiations with Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill are all but done but some question that their return is no more than an marketing ploy to bring in fans. This does not seem to be the case at all, at least for Mark Hamills return as Luke Skywalker. This, once again feels more like a long burning idea that Lucas has been holding onto for 30+ years. Mark Hamill stated in 1976 that while filming the original Star Wars, Lucas told him that four Star Wars trilogies were planned. Thats right folks, four. But it doesn't end there. Lucas suggested Hamill could have a cameo role in Episode IX, which might be filmed in 2001. Also Mark Hamill also tells the story of asking for a small spot in Episode I in 1999 but was turned down by Lucas and told that he would actually need him for sequels around 2012.Of course a lot of this could be put down to fun between friends but given the history of these sequels its now seeming a little like George Lucas had them pencilled in for around about this point (2012-2015) in time isn't it. The plot thickens further with Time magazine's story in March 1978, quoting Lucas, as he hinted that there would be 10 further Star Wars films after Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and that Gary Kurtz was also aware of proposed story elements for Episodes VII to IX before 1980. 1976 and 1980? This sequel trilogy (and more) is feeling like a much longer term plan now right? So what did George himself have to say about the matter?