For some time leading up to the Star Wars Episode VII panel at the San Diego Comic Con, expectations were growing to a fever pitch. Fans were speculating if there would be a trailer? would they show new footage? what did Disney have in store? Although, they did not show a new trailer, they still wowed the crowd. Harrison Ford, absent from the public since he crash landed (epically,, I might add) his plane on a golf course in March of this year surprised the crowd with his appearance. Walking with a lightsaber cane no less, Ford said it was good to be back as Han Solo. That's right, soak it in. Han Solo has truly returned. New characters were revealed, Domhall Gleeson is General Hux. Commander of Starkiller base, an homage to Lucas' original draft for Star Wars featuring Anakin Starkiller. The entire main cast was assembled. We also got our first look at Princess Leia or, Queen Leia these days. Whatever she goes by, she looks in charge. One notable missing character was Luke Skywalker, leading to numerous rumors of the character's fate. Did he turn to the dark side? Is he part CGI as rumors state? The fate of the beloved Jedi master remains unknown.
It didn't matter that we didn't see Luke or, we didn't get a full new trailer. Fan's ate up the collectibles at the show. One Hasbro action figure, exclusive to the show until it hits retail in normal packaging later this fall caused chaos and near riot conditions. The line for the figure went out the door, to the bay. The $20 figure now sells for up to $1000 online.
This only proves the fanbase Star Wars has is as hot as ever. One big debate we have at Milwaukee Movie Talk is, where will Episode VII land in the record books? Will it de-throne James Cameron, who we assume sold his soul to The Devil at some point. Owning the top two spots on the box office charts, Cameron stands heads and shoulders above the rest.
We expect to see a new Episode VII trailer and, new information at D23, the Disney celebration next month, August 14th - 16th. Fingers crossed, we see a glimpse of Luke Skywalker and, get a hint of his fate. Come on Disney, the fans are waiting!