Corona | Coming Attractions

Today it was announced that the Pepsi company has signed an exclusive promotional deal allowing the company use of the Star Wars characters beginning in the Star Wars Special Edition movie in February 1997 through to the opening chapter of the new trilogy in 1999 - for two billion dollars. A deal of this size is unprecedented. The deal is apparently global in scope, and covers PepsiCo's affiliates such as Taco Bell, KFC, Frito-Lay and Pizza Hut. No word if the Falcon will have a new CGI-placed Pepso logo on it's bottom plates.

In the words of our scoop reporter: "Information is interesting but calorie content is high." Warning has been given:

Rumors have it that Carrie Fisher is not only interested in script-doctoring the female roles in the new trilogy, but that she's also interested in directing one of the new films, possibly Episode II. This development is supposidly very remote and also depends on whether or not another female director (who some call a "perfectionist") is interested in the directing chores. Another rumor has actress Carol Channing portraying Moffina Delantreos, a whirling-dervish matriarch of House Delantreos, who controls the commercial aspects of the Old Republic. Another rumor has it that Stephen Sondheim or the songwriting team from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame to write a song for the Moffina to sing. Uh, right.

Also, expect the spacecraft to incorporate sweeping fins and other aspects from the early pulp adventures from the 1920s-1950s. The weapons are rumored to be less refined but more explosive looking, staying away from the thin sliver lines of laser fire from the original trilogy.

The Olympic Theme from 1996 written by John Williams is rumored to have been originally intended for the Mandalorian Warriors March theme but Lucas rejected it, wanting some more darker and sinister. The droids in the new films are reported to be 70% functional.

A secondary character from the new trilogy is rumored to be 'facing the same fate' as a secondary character from Episodes 4-6. This new character may be reduced in scope or written out entirely, or may evolve into the Boba Fett character. Depending on how the new trilogy does at the box office, the Fett character may be brought back for Episodes 7-9.

It should also be noted that this source mentioned that Lucas is considering 'updating' the Howard the Duck film with CGI effects. Consider that as you digest these rumors.

On the Shadows of the Empire musical CD are enhanced tracks that you can read on computer systems, supposedly showing preliminary design sketches for new vessels to appear in the new film. Of these are images of Coruscant and the Ord Mantell shipwreck yard. Doug Chiang is credited as head of the art department of the new trilogy at Lucasfilm.

One source from ILM says that Kenneth Brannagh has been signed to star as a young Ben Kenobi, as well as looking to develop parts for Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher to play. Again, nothing official has been announced.

One of our readers girlfriend's sister's friends (you see how rumors get started?) was apparently cast as the child version of Jennifer Jason Leigh's character in Dolores Claiborne. When the girl was asked what movie she may be working on next, she cryptically said that she had auditioned for a role in the "new Star Wars movie". Even our source added, "...take this how you will."

Construction of a 'new' Millennium Falcon may have been already finished months ago. Apparently, the ship has been built on a 1:1 (one-to-one) scale - meaning true size, and over fifty feet in length. It apparently has working hydraulic leg rams, a voice activated ramp, and complete internal wiring and design features. The model has been used for the past two-three months in computer mapping for CGI work with ILM. The ship is scheduled (or has already been?) to be moved to a new British studio for principle photography around the end of the year. No word if the ship comes with a standard new-car warranty or air-conditioning, though.

Casting calls are underway for two lead roles to be played by young actors. Taken from the audition requirements:

ANAKIN SKYWALKER (DARTH VADER): Caucasian, 8-9. Anakin is a handsome young boy with extraordinary charm. He has a vulnerability and earnestness that makes him totally disarming. His amazing aptitude for things mechanical together with his quick wit and physical fitness make him a natural pilot at an early age, maturing into a fighter pilot of exceptional talent. Anakin's resourceful imagination and inventive mind already set him apart from others. OBI WAN KENOBI is later to recognize his innate gifts, becoming his friend and mentorm teaching him the attributes of a Jedi Knight. Anakin is a role model of the highest order, someone every boy would like to be...LEAD.

THE QUEEN: Eurasian/Latina girl 13-14. An enchanting young girl, already showing signs of blossoming into a sensual, exotic, darkhaired beauty. By contrast she has, however, the reserve, political acumen, poise and bearing of a queen and ruler, together with a natural wisdom and sensitivity that cannot be taught. A strong, spirited and highly intelligent girl, she is quick to learn the principles of justice and honor. She is a great leader and it is apparent to all...LEAD.

This information, to a lesser format, has been reported by the media this past week. These may be the two roles producer Rick McCallum spoke about last year. No additional information, such as the name of 'The Queen' is known at this time.

Unconfirmed and speculative is the rumor that Eric Lloyd (Tim Allen's son in The Santa Clause) could be the front-runner for the Anakin role. The story goes that Lucas himself asked for a personal casting call from the young actor - however Lucasfilm remains tight-lipped about any casting operations.

An undisclosed informant reports of 'bumping' into a ten-year-old child actor auditioning for the role of a young Luke in Northern California in Summer '94, almost a year-and-a-half ago. Two young character roles will be in the new features, and preliminary casting has begun - but only two months ago, reports producer Rick McCallum.