EPISODE II MOVIE NEWS


PLOT:
Set ten years after the first prequel (and thus 22 years before Episode IV: A New Hope film), Star Wars: Episode Two has been described by George Lucas as the most romantic chapter in the saga, likely paying a good deal of attention to the love that brews between Anakin Skywalker and Queen Amidala. But don't think Lucas is getting all mushy on you, Star Wars fans. The clone Wars will likely rage on in Episode Two, While Darth Sidious continues his relentless drive to take over the galaxy. By movie's end, expect to see Amidala wed a Jedi knighted Anakin and the Empire born the ashes of the Republic thanks to Chancellor Pulputine's Hitler-like rise to a self-fashionedImperial Throne.

PLAYERS:
Leonardo DiCaprio as Anakin Skywalker (unconfirmed)
Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi
Natalie Portman as Queen Amidala
Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu
Frank Oz as Yoda
Anthony Daniel as C-3PO
Kenny Baker as R2-D2
Ian McDiarmid as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine
Pernilla August as Shmi Skywalker
Ahmed Best as Jar Jar Binks
Hugh Quarshie as Captain Panaka

CREW:
George Lucas: Director, Screenwriter and Executive Producer
Rick McCallum: Producer
John Williams: Music Original Score
ILM: Special Effects
20th Century Fox: Distributor

STATUS:
Pre-Production

RELEASE DATE:
May 2002

LAST UPDATES NEWS:
January 17, 2000
George Lucas has publicly declared when shooting will start on the next Star Wars film. While talking to CNN after receiving an award from the American Jewish Committee last Wednesday, Lucas revealed, "We start shooting in June, and ... hopefully, it will be finished by October."

January 17, 2000
Last Friday night saw Leonardo DiCaprio confirming one big rumor and debunking another about his possible participation in Star Wars: Episode Two. While appearing on Friday’s Entertainment Tonight program (via TheForce.net), DiCaprio addressed some of the rumors. DiCaprio revealed that he had discussed the possibility of taking on the Anakin role with George Lucas while out at Skywalker Ranch, which confirms a longstanding rumor often denied by Lucasfilm. DiCaprio also added that he would be interested in the role. Regarding the second film’s script, in spite of rumors suggesting DiCaprio thought the script was bad, the actor revealed that the script wasn’t finished at the time he was there.

December 27, 1999
Although George Lucas insists that casting for the role of Anakin in the next Star Wars movie will not begin until January 1, a couple candidates seem to have stepped forth, confirming recent rumors.
According to the Dark Horizons website both Jonathon Jackson and Jonathon Brandis are being considered for the role. Jackson had a small role in The Deep End of the Ocean as well as enjoying a continuing part in TV's General Hospital. Jackson's publicist has apparently confirmed rumors the actor is being considered for the role. Jonathon Brandis is probably best known for his co-starring role in TV's Seaquest DSV and has also appeared in the feature film Ride with the Devil. In a recent interview Brandis said: "'I have been reading for the role of Anakin in the new Star Wars movie. It'd be great to be a part of that."

December 16, 1999
It might be best not to jump to any conclusions regarding casting of the all-important Anakin Skywalker role for the next two Star Wars prequels. While appearing on Wednesday night’s Entertainment Tonight program, SW big kahuna George Lucas shot down most talk of who may getting the role when he said, "The chances are extremely good that whoever plays Anakin is going to be somebody no one's ever heard of." (Thanks to JediNet for the lead!)

December 2, 1999
Months after Anthony Daniels revealed that he was leaving April open to do work on SW2, the tipster known as ‘TrueFan’ checked in with JediNet on the actor’s casually dropped comment. Here’s what he/she revealed:
"I did a little checking on the supposed April 2000 filming date. What I found out is that ‘voice over’ work could start as early as the middle of 2000 IF Lucas has a completed script. So, that may be why Daniels was quoted as saying he was keeping part of April free..."

December 2, 1999
George Lucas is clearing the air of recent casting rumors as well as revealing what he likes least about the creative process that will result in Star Wars: Episode Two. While talking to Popcorn, Lucas revealed that he’s been pretty removed from the casting rumor mill of late, adding, "We won’t start casting until January." Regarding what’s been taking up his time, Lucas is still writing the script for SW2, saying, "I lock myself in a room and have to write, so I'm not sure what the rumors are."
When asked if writing was his favorite part of the process, Lucas answers, "No, definitely not. I'm in the middle of it, but I wish I were finished."

Novmeber 23, 1999
As previously reported, producer Rick McCallum is currently down under at Fox Studios Australia prepping Star Wars: Episode Two with plans to start production in June. While talking to the national Australian newspaper, McCallum dropped a couple of tidbits of what we can expect in the next two films of the Star Wars saga, saying, "We start to learn the reasons why he turns towards the Dark Side… [including] his character, his environment, narcissism. What is it, basically, that makes people do terrible things to each other, especially people that they love?"

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