The Star Wars Anthologies will be stand alone movies set within the vast Star Wars universe, but will not be restrained by the saga's episodic structure. For example the first planned Star Wars Anthology movie titled Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One will be released December 16th, 2016. Directed by Godzilla's Gareth Edwards the movie, set before the events of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, will tell of the covert operation carried out by Rebel Alliance commandos to acquire the plans for the Empires most deadliest of weapons; the Death Star.
Rogue One is rumored to star Felicity Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Diego Luna, Sam Clafin, and Riz Ahmed, with reports that Taken 3's Forest Whitaker (pictured below) is also in talks to star in the movie. Celebrity news site JoBlo reported a list of elements said to be prevalent within the movie...
- All the Jedi are said to be in hiding; expect this story to leave them in the background.
- Stormtroopers have same armor as they do in the original films (i.e. Episodes IV – VI).
- Lots of alien life forms, Mon Calamari among them.
- New droids and aliens will be introduced. Kind of a no-brainer, but just so you know it’s not just a bunch of rebels.
- At-Ats, X-Wings, Y-wings, At-Sts are said to be present.
- Implied that some of the film will take place on Yavin-4; a lot of armies in the jungle and various battlefield locations.
- Looks like a new droid will be part of the band of rebels attempting to steal the Death Star plans.
- Felicity Jones is seen dressed as a rebel soldier ready for battle; expect her to get her hands dirty in this one.
As we have previously reported, the second Star Wars Anthology movie, which as-of-yet remains untitled and is slated for a 2018 release date, is reported to feature saga favorites Han Solo, Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian and the notorious Boba Fett. Also set before A New Hope, the movie will tell of the characters history together, likely showing how Han and Chewie won the Millenium Falcon from Lando. This second Anthology movie was to be directed by Chronicle and Fantastic Four director Josh Trank, but after the directors well publicized 'creative differences' with studio Twentieth Century Fox, Lucasfilm and Disney have decided to look for a new director.
The latest reports suggest that Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead director Michelle MacLaren (pictured below) could be in talks to replace Trank.
