Archived Rumours VI

• More rumours on Episode 2
  On the Episode 2 Front Miss Rapkin had very little to offer, saying that ILM had not yet begun work on Episode 2. But she seemed to think that the project would get underway any day now (presumably as soon as they get the script).

• News from starwars.com!
  While George Lucas is still working on the script for the next film, and the start of general casting is still several months away, several actors are already clearing their schedules to be available for filming in Australia and on location next summer.

• Casting roles for Episode 2 - Available!
  Here's an article spotted by theforce.net "DUST off your old Darth Vader helmets – the Star Wars casting director is scheduled to fly into Australia to scout for local acting talent in February or March. Producer of the Star Wars series Rick McCallum said in Sydney that most of the speaking and non-speaking parts were likely to go to Australians when the next two films in the space series go into production at Sydney's Fox Studios next year. The only exceptions are stars such as Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman, who appeared in this year's Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace."
  The article also mention the crew being 98% Australian if possible, and why Australia was chosen for the studio. Also how McCallum and Lucas aim to help train Australians in the new skills, which these technicians will then be able to apply to smaller-budgeted Australian film and television projects. Click Here! for the article

October Poll Results!!
Boba Fett turned out to be the most anticipated character to be seen in the next prequel with 46% of votes followed by Obi-Wan Kenobi with 27%. From this month onwards, E2W will run the millenium poll to choose your fave Star Wars baddie, heroes, and more! Poll is found on the bottom right of the page.

• The search for Anakin starts in January!
  The casting director, Robin Gurland, will not start interviewing actors for Episode II until the end of January 2000 at the earliest. Also, Robin cannot accept unsolicited head shots, resumes, tapes or phone inquiries. The submissions must come through an accredited agent or agency. All the actors who worked on Episode I, even the ones sometimes referred to by the public as "unknown", are professionals in the field, and all work with an agent. In addition, please note that since George Lucas is not involved in the first stages of the casting process, no submissions should be sent to him. For submission info, Click Here! Note: You must have a certified agent to have a chance...otherwise, don't bother.

• Gregory Hines and Episode 2
  On October, the movie-gossip website Ain't It Cool News reported that tap-dancing actor Gregory Hines--once rumored to be a contender for a role in Episode 1--will have a part in George Lucas' Episodes 2 and 3. “We don't know a thing about it--but from your lips to God's ear,” says Hines' spokesperson, who adds, “If George needs Gregory's home phone number, let us know.” Confirms Lucasfilm spokesperson Lynne Hale: “Totally rumor. George is still writing, and casting doesn't begin until January.”

• New Character?
  According to a source at EpisodeX, Aussie actor Russel Crowe (who has been rumoured to be in a small role for the next Prequel) will be playing a Jedi Master, possibly on the council, who's sidekick is a small alien with a purple lightsaber. He appears to be something like a cross between Yoda and a Gungan.

• Where are the LFL staff going?
  Here's another news from theforce.net: Well, you may find it interesting to know that several of the crew are planning on moving to Sydney, Australia, sometime in the near future. At the latest, December should be the mark many will have left to set up shop overseas for set construction and design to begin.

• More clues on Qui-Gon Jinn's return
  Star Wars Insider #46 features an interview with Liam Neeson. One question asked might give us another piece of the puzzle to Episode 2:
  Q) Can you explain Qui-Gon Jinn's reputation for being bold and headstrong, and on the outs with the Jedi Council?
  A) Well, The Phantom Menace is one piece of a jigsaw. There are two more films to come. I think that'll come out in the next episode or the one after, I'm not sure. -theforce.net

• Drawings of Republic Fighters and Cruisers
  This comes from EpisodeX, according to thier source, many drawings of Star Crusiers have been created, including Republic Fighters and Cruisers. One new ship has been drawn up called the "Trade Federation Manned Fighter." Nothing outrageous has been created yet, but there are some nice architectural sketches.

• Jason Patrick to play Bail Organa?
  Here's something from Darth Sinikster. According to him, there is a strong belief that Jason Patrick (Speed 2) will play Bail Organa.

• Wookies?
  We all know that Boba Fett will play an 'prominent' role in Episode 2. If you recall, Boba Fett has braided Wookie scalps over his shoulder. According to Obi2Jedi, his source at the ranch says that preproduction sketches of Wookies were done way before Episode 1 and these were not just for the Wookies we got a glimpse of in the scene in the Republic senate. He goes on to say that we can take it as that Wookies will make an appearance in Episode 2, probably showing up in the clone wars. However, there was no confirmation that chewbacca will be amongst their number

Rumour Highlight

Wookies may make an appearance in Episode 2

From E2W's October poll, Boba Fett turned out to be the most anticipated character to be seen in the next prequel with 46% of votes followed by Obi-Wan Kenobi with 27%

The 1999 Anakin casting submission information

Episode II Information

Expect return appearances by Yoda, Mace Windu, Ki-Adi Mundi, Mas Amedda, Jar Jar (briefly), R2-D2, C-3PO, and, of course, Palpatine

Episode II Spoiler

Anakin scours the Tatooine desert in search for his mother who was tending to a moisture vaporator before she went missing.