The Star Wars rumour mill continues to churn daily, especially when you have former stars of the original cinematic trilogy talking unfettered to various outlets (see Billy Dee Williams saying through his son that he’d be up for reprising his role as Lando in Episode VII).
And is usually the case in the Star Wars universe, the people who are actually in charge are keeping their lips firmly pursed … well, almost.
Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger appeared on CNBC to issue a classic non-denial denial on Tuesday in regards to the various reports about Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Williams prepping for a return to the galaxy far, far away.
“George Lucas was quoted as saying they would, but we haven’t made an official announcement yet,” Iger said.
Hmmm. Not denying that they’re going to be involved. Just saying nothing is official yet. In fact, he went on to confirm that discussions have already taken place with former cast members.
It’s an interesting tactic. Cynical folks could look at this as Iger outing Lucas for flapping his gums and giving him a roundabout chastising through the mainstream press.
Or it just could be that Iger is stating a fact.
Disney has, over the years, garnered a reputation as being a bit of a monster to work for. And as we’ve seen with the cancellation of The Clone Wars animated series and the rumoured but yet-to-be-denied cancellation of the 1313 video game (it seems Lucasfilm is anxious to kill anything that relates to the pre-Disney sale, focusing entirely on clearing the decks to build a brand around Episode VII), the House of Mouse likes to play things close to the chest.
While fans are still hurting over the demise of the Clone Wars, I’d be more than shocked if 24 hours later
Iger took to the airwaves and dashed the hopes of many OT fans by closing the door on the return of Luke, Leia and Han. That would be a kick to the geek groin that many would ever have a hard time forgetting, let alone forgiving.
All of this seems to point to the fact that Lucas spoke out of turn and that an official announcement will be made once Lawrence Kasdan, Michael Arndt, George Lucas and J.J. Abrams have broken the story and settled on an approved first draft.
* Wayne Chamberlain is the co-host of the Star Wars Book Report podcast, available on iTunes, as well as a contributing columnist and editor with Postmedia News in Canada.