Having previously been shot primarily in the UK (at Elstree and Shepperton) Episode II moved the bulk of the production to Fox Studios in Sydney, and no disrespect to the Antipodeans, but there is an overwhelming feeling that shooting at Pinewood is Star Wars making a return to its spiritual home. It's difficult to say if the crew and studios themselves had any bearing but it can be said with certainty that using Australian and New Zealand background actors gave Episode II and III a different feel to the other films. The early promotion of the film seems to be playing upon the idea that this is a return to the Star Wars we know and love, so it makes sense the producers would choose to strengthen that connection to the past by shooting the film in England.
15. The Millennium Falcon
With new spy pictures emerging of the Falcon set-build at Pinewood, everybodys favourite hunk o' junk is now all-but guaranteed to return in Episode VII, and given that Han Solo is reported to have a hugely significant role, the ship will no doubt also be central to the action. It may even be used to reflect the themes of age that apply to the original cast. The Millennium Falcon is one of the key motifs in Star Wars that was so sorely missed in Episode I-III. Its return seems to be more evidence that J. J. Abrams is looking to satisfy the expectations of long term fans in a way that the prequels neglected to. The thought of Han and Chewie taking their rightful seats in the cockpit of the Falcon is just one more reason to get ridiculously and unrealistically excited. Not to mention the new and old characteristics of the ship we will see, and the adventures and battles it partakes in.
As well as the odd article, I apply my "special mind" to scriptwriting for Comics, Films and Games... Oh and I cut down trees, I skip and jump, I like to press wild flow'rs, I put on women's clothing, and hang around in bars.
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