Way back at the start of 2015, I wrote an article speculating about the content of new Star Wars films. Not Episode VII, which we know is just a few short months away. Rather, I was intrigued by the “spin off” movies that would focus on characters and events within the Star Wars galaxy, but not directly within the continuity of the major films.
Of course we now know that these “spin offs” will be called Star Wars Anthology movies. The first film we will see is “Rogue One”, directed by Gareth Edwards (Monsters, Godzilla) and centred on the adventures of resistance fighters, stealing the plans for the first Death Star.
There are also plans for a Han Solo movie, telling of his early exploits before the events of Episode IV. Those of you who read my original blog on this topic may remember that a solo Solo movie was considered back then.
So with that earlier success in mind, here are a few more ideas for Star Wars stand alone movies I would like to see:
Rogue Squadron
I’m assuming that “Rogue One” will not be related to legendary rebel pilots Rogue Squadron. A film exploring the adventures of Wedge Antilles and comrades would therefore be pretty cool. It would need to be set around the time of the original trilogy, tying into events as the Rebel Alliance fight against the Galactic Empire. No thoughts on a new Wedge yet, but I’m working on it.
Lando Calrissian
One thing that currently troubles me about Episode VII is the total lack of Lando Calrissian. The other major players are present and correct (except Denis Lawson/Wedge, but more fool him), so where’s Lando? I’d love to see how the biggest scoundrel in the galaxy managed to “acquire” Cloud City. Think Oceans Eleven style heist movie maybe? But who to play Lando…
Mace Windu
Surely Samuel L Jackson would be up for his own stand alone movie, starring the enigmatic but under used master Jedi? Hell, make it into a Clone Wars movie and get Ewan McGregor in as Obi Wan too. This one HAS to happen – we saw hardly any Clone Wars on film. Tarantino to direct.
Jabba the Hutt
Why not dive head first into the seedy Star Wars underworld with a film about intergalactic crime lord Jabba the Hutt? Intrigue and menace would be the order of the day, with the big old slug up to loads of nefarious exploits to maintain his criminal empire. Scorsese to direct; Robert De Niro as the voice of Jabba; Ray Liotta as Bib Fortuna and Joe Pesci as Salacious Crumb (obviously).
Admiral Ackbar
Just how did Ackbar get to command the Rebel Fleet, what are his experiences and motivations? This could explore the struggle against the Empire from another angle, and also show how the Rebel Alliance developed to topple it. You can guess the tagline.
Any more ideas for Star Wars Anthology movies? Who should direct or star in them? Leave a comment below if you have a suggestion…
You can read Star Wars Spin Off Movies – part 1 here.