A new report is coming out of the LucasFilm camp that directorGareth Edwards' spinoffRogue One: A Star Wars Storyis in serious ‘crisis mode’. Apparently, Disney is panicked after poor test screenings. Now, extensive and very expensive reshoots are demanded, and will take place throughout the summer. No one from Disney nor Lucasfilm have confirmed these rumors at this time.
The initial report comes fromPage Six, who claim that Disney’s top brass are not satisfied with the first cut ofRogue Onerecently turned in byGareth Edwards. The movie is arriving on December 16, with Disney already releasing the first teaser trailer. Here’s what one unidentified Hollywood insider had to say about the so-called doomed production.
“The execs at Disney are not happy with the movie, and ‘Rogue One’ will have to go back into four weeks of expensive reshoots in July.”
Fans were happy with theteaser trailerthat dropped in early April. The movie stars an impressive ensemble line-up that is lead byFelicity Jones,Mads Mikkelsen,Ben Mendelsohn,Forest WhitakerandDiego Luna. The first ever big screen spinoff of theStar Warsfranchise,Rogue One’s the story takes place between the events seen inRevenge of the SithandA New Hope. A group of Rebel fighters embark on a daring missing to infiltrate the Emperial Army and steal the plans to the dreaded Death Star before it can become a fully activated killing machine.
It is expected thatRogue Oneis much darker than previousStar Wars movies. The latest report backs up claims that Darth Vader is a central character, which was confirmed by a leaked book containing photos of the villain. It is also once again stated that the movie will introduce the younger version of Han Solo played byAlden Ehrenreich, but that has never been confirmed by anyone associated with the movie, with the actor coming on after the movie wrapped. It is possible that the character could be part of these reshoots.
It was announced recently that directGareth Edwardshad stepped away from directing the upcoming Warner Bros. and Legendary sequelGodzilla 2. He will instead focus on ‘smaller films’. The unnamed insider says this.
“Gareth’s work on the first ‘Godzilla’ [which came out in 2014] shows he can handle a big studio blockbuster. But ‘Rogue One’ has fallen short of what J.J. Abrams did with ‘Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.’ So Disney has ordered reshoots.”
It is being reported thatEdwardslikes to keep studio interference to a minimum, but Disney is refusing to take a back seat on this precious property. The studio is demanding these reshoots because the movie hasn’t been ‘testing well’. Reps forEdwardsrefused to comment.
It is noted that Disney usually sets aside time for reshoots and additional shooting, along with time for extra second unit work needed to make the film the best it can be. The actors are aware of any additional shooting well in advance. But coming off of the home run that wasThe Force Awakens, Disney now has the bar set very high. And they have a ‘responsibility to the franchise’ and fans to deliver the ‘best possible movie’ the studio can.
