Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

By: Corona's Coming Attractions
Date: Friday, November 05, 2004

Genre:
Science Fiction/Action/Sequel.

Studio:
Twentieth Century Fox.

Production Company:
Lucasfilm.

Project Phase:
Released.

Who's In It:
Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi); Natalie Portman (Padmé Amidala); Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker); Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine); Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu); Christopher Lee (Count Dooku); Jimmy Smits (Senator Bail Organa); Bruce Spence; Bai Ling; Genevieve O'Reilly (Mon Mothma); Joel Edgerton (Owen Lars); Jay Laga'aia (Captain Typho); Rena Owen (Taun We); Kee Chan; Christopher Kirby; Warren Owens; Chantal Freer; Kristy Wright; Rebecca Jackson Mendoza; Rohan Nichol; James Earl Jones (Darth Vader, voice) has publically stated that Lucas told him he would need his vocal talents for the third film.

Who's Making It:
George Lucas (Director, Screenwriter); Rick McCallum (Producer); Gavin Bocquet (Production Designer); Trisha Biggar (Costume Designer).

Premise:
As the galaxy awaits the final outcome of the Clone Wars, the Sith Lord Darth Sidious stands on the verge of toppling the Republic by means of a military coup and by crushing the Jedi Knights. Meanwhile, the rift between Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his padawan, Anakin Skywalker, builds towards a final confrontation between master and student that will destroy one man and change the course of the galaxy forever.

Release Date:
May 19, 2005.

Comments:
None.

Scoop Feedback:

June 11, 2003... WARNING! Possible EPISODE III SPOILER information is contained in this story!

So remember the news that the man inside the Wookiee suit, Peter Mayhew, would be reprising his character again in EPISODE III? There's a tantalizing rumor over on The Force.net that, if true, could drive some fans of the original STAR WARS movies a little nuts.

The Force.net scooper claims to have been a member of the audience for a Star Wars Weekend held at the MGM Studios in Orlando, FL. this past weekend. According to the scooper, actors Peter Mayhew and Jeremy Bullock (Boba Fett) were on hand and took questions from the audience. Apparently (and remember, this report remains unconfirmed) the interviewer prodded Mayhew to expand upon his role as Chewbacca in EPISODE III, to which the actor gave the reply "Chewbacca rescues and delivers the two children to Ben Kenobi."

I did some checking to see if Force.net scooper's story could be true. It does look like Mayhew and Bullock were the two STAR WARS cast members participating this past weekend at Orlando's Star Wars Weekend event. While that doesn't necessarily confirm that Mayhew said what he's alleged to have said, it does mean at least part of the scooper's story has checked out.

So did Ben Kenobi and Chewbacca really know each other before meeting in that dim cantina in A NEW HOPE? Was Chewie instrumental in helping save Luke and Leia from their father? Find out in 2005 when George Lucas brings us EPISODE III: DAYS OF OUR LIVES. [Source: The Force.net.]

June 19, 2003... In other casting news, the official
STAR WARS website has mentioned that Australian actor Bruce Spence (he played the glider captain in THE ROAD WARRIOR and will be seen as a mysterious homeless man in THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS) has landed a part in EPISODE III playing "a helpful alien". Meanwhile, the Moviehole website reports THE CROW actress Bai Ling has also won herself a part in the sequel. No details were mentioned about what character Ling is playing in George Lucas' new movie. [Star Wars.com, Moviehole.]

June 20, 2003... The official STAR WARS website has announced that actress Genevieve O'Reilly will play the character of Mon Mothma. Originally introduced to audiences in RETURN OF THE JEDI and played by Caroline Blakiston, she presented the briefing about the Empire's second Death Star and is the defacto leader of the Rebel Alliance. It's very likely the character will be introduced as a Senator in EPISODE III.

O'Reilly has had roles in BEASTMASTER and the sci-fi action flick AVATAR as well as an upcoming part in THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS. [Source: Star Wars.com.]

June 23, 2003... Ever since George Lucas announced his plans to make new STAR WARS movies, fans have speculated what the titles of EPISODE I, II and III could be. Before Lucas revealed the title for EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, dozens of would-be candidates were mentioned -- but all were far from what the actual title turned out to be. When production began on EPISODE II, the same fury and speculation arose once again on the internet...but once again Lucas proved them all to be wrong when we learned it was to be ATTACK OF THE CLONES.

And perhaps the fans (and the online movie website community) have learned their lesson because the level of speculation as to what the title of EPISODE III will be has been far less than it has been for the previous two STAR WARS prequels. Maybe we've learned that trying to anticipate what Lucas has in store for us isn't as easy as we once thought it would be six or seven years ago.

And that is why you should take today's scoop with a heavy dose of salt. Even though the information comes from a trusted source working in the entertainment business the fact remains that, to date, no one individual or website has broken the title of any STAR WARS film in advance of the Lucasfilm announcement. In short: while we trust our source and they haven't steered us wrong in the past, we still wouldn't bet the farm on this one. If there's one thing learned reporting about the STAR WARS films it's that Uncle George's mind is about as hard to read as a Jedi performing one of their mysterious mind tricks.

Still with me? If so, here it is:

A source for Coming Attractions has informed us that the title being used for EPISODE III (and allegedly by Lucas himself) is REVENGE OF THE SITH.

Our source, whose identity and position within show business we will keep anonymous, told us where they heard this information and in what capcity the alleged title has been used. Without breaking our source's confidence and being aware to not jeopardize the jobs of any other individuals, there exists the possibility that the REVENGE OF THE SITH title may be valid. Nevertheless, it again bears repeating that, even with the high standing that we give our source, we cannot guarantee that this will be the final title used for EPISODE III. In fact, the REVENGE OF THE SITH title has even been floated out there as a fan favorite for possible SW3 titles (along with a dozen others.) The only thing that separates our rumor from any others is that we can say that there are individuals working on aspects of the production that have been told that REVENGE OF THE SITH is what the third prequel movie will be called -- but nothing is for sure until you see the movie poster itself. Who knows? George could be telling his people one thing but in fact he's going to announce STAR WARS EPISODE III: THAT'S ALL FOLKS sometime this year. Is REVENGE OF THE SITH misinformation, disinformation or the biggest inside leak yet?

Before we let speculation commence about this tantalizing and unconfirmed piece of gossip, it should be noted that the original title for EPISODE VI was in fact REVENGE OF THE JEDI. As we now know, before the movie's release in 1983 the title was changed to RETURN OF THE JEDI. Depending upon who's telling the tale, the JEDI title was changed because it was similar to another science fiction movie in production at the same time (STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN was originally called THE VENGEANCE OF KHAN); or the other story, Lucas changed the title because he felt that Jedi don't seek a cold-blooded thing like revenge. Indeed, it sounds just like something a Sith would do.

Ultimately, time will tell if the Dark Lords will have their revenge in the title credits or not.

[Our thanks to our anonymous source for relaying the info. May the Force be with you!]

June 26, 2003... The official STAR WARS website has once again updated its recast listings, confirming that three actors who appeared in ATTACK OF THE CLONES will be reprising their roles in EPISODE III.

The three returning cast members are Joel Edgerton (Owen Lars), Jay Laga'aia (Captain Typho) and Rena Owen (Taun We).

In addition to confirming the return of these supporting characters, the site also mentions an additional seven new faces: Kee Chan, Christopher Kirby and Warren Owens (Senators), Chantal Freer and Kristy Wright (handmaidens), Rebecca Jackson Mendoza (a royal leader, likely Naboo's new queen) and Rohan Nichol (a young captain). In typical style for the website, the names and precise details of the characters are being kept hush-hush.

Shooting is about to start in Sydney, Australia. [Star Wars.com.]

June 30, 2003... Over on Hyperspace, the subscription service of the official STAR WARS website, the studio webcam picked up an image of what appears to be Hayden Christensen in his EPISODE III costume. The image was on a monitor at the moment the webcam captured it.

We can't show the image in question because it's copyrighted by Lucasfilm but it shows Christensen with shoulder-length hair looking off-camera. One of his arms is outstretched and he's pointing at someone/something -- and his hand appears to be wearing a dark colored or black glove. The foreshadowing of Darth Vader? [It came from Hyperspace!]

August 1, 2003... The official STAR WARS website is offering its subscribers to Hyperspace the chance to pick Obi-Wan's droid in EPISODE III. Starting yesterday and ending this coming Sunday, August 3, Hyperspace subscribers will be able to choose from four different Astromech droid designs, with the top choice being constructed by Industrial Light + Magic and used as the droid that will help pilot Obi-Wan Kenobi's Jedi starfighter in the third and final STAR WARS prequel.

You can check out the four different droid designs on the STAR WARS website but only subscribers of Hyperspace, Lucasfilm's premiere content service, can register their votes. Interested readers can sign up with Hyperspace and then sound off on which droid design is their favorite. [Hyperspace.]

August 12, 2003... Filming on STAR WARS EPISODE III is now slightly more than halfway complete. Cast members who have finished work on the production include Samuel L. Jackson (Jedi Master Mace Windu), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Jimmy Smits (Senator Bail Organa), Christopher Lee (Count Dooku/Sith Lord Tyranus) and Rena Owen (Taun We). Natalie Portman (Padmé), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and Jay Laga'aia (Captain Typho) are finishing their work this week.

Recently the official STAR WARS website said that Temuera Morrison will be seen in EPISODE III. Morrison played Jango Fett in ATTACK OF THE CLONES and with a little thought it makes sense how Morrison's visage could make an appearance in EPISODE III. [Star Wars.com.]

August 29, 2003... The most recent Hyperspace web chat revealed the news that next week Hayden Christensen will be playing the part not of Anakin Skywalker but of Darth Vader on the EPISODE III set in Sydney, Australia. As costume designer Trisha Biggar preps the Vader costume (exactly how much -- or little -- of the EPISODE IV - VI Vader armor we'll get to see remains a mystery), this week director George Lucas has been busy filming a mean lightsaber battle between Anakin and his former master Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Also mentioned is the admission we'll get to see a character from the "expanded universe" of STAR WARS (meaning the novels, video games or collectable card games) at some point in EPISODE III. Could it be Grand Admiral Thrawn back when he was a lieutenant? It can't be Mara Jade unless she was a baby; after all she's roughly the same age as Luke Skywalker.

Meanwhile, the inside sources working for The Force.net swear that we'll also get to see the return of another classic STAR WARS character, that being Tarkin, the future Grand Moff and Death Star commander. The site also has a report about what kind of injuries Anakin sustains during the course of EPISODE III, and where at least one of those battle-scars is sustained. Here's a hint: it's hot there. [Hyperspace, TheForce.net.]

September 2, 2003... As filming continues on STAR WARS: EPISODE III, spy reports that have been appearing on The Force.net are concurring with what our sources have been telling us: that the progression of Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader will happen in stages over the course of EPISODE III.

First, let's tell you the latest of what Force.net is reporting -- stop reading at this point if you don't like SPOILERS with your Wookiee cookies.

Force.net's latest spy report indicates that Anakin's duel with Obi-Wan will result in the loss of one of his legs up to his knee. This, coupled with the apparent addition of a facial scar suffered sometime during Skywalker's time spent fighting in the Clone Wars as well as his mechanical hand (seen during the closing sequence of EPISODE II) means that the man is becoming more of the machine as time passes. Force.net's source also mentioned that the recently filmed lightsaber fight between Obi-Wan and Anakin was photographed using red light -- the glow from flowing lava, perhaps?

Now, onto our sources. One of our field reporters told us that the costume department was recently busy fitting a double to wear the full armor of Darth Vader. According to our source, the original actor who was the frontrunner to wear the Vader armor was dismissed by Lucasfilm for an unusual reason. "He kept freaking out in a
fanboy way about the fact that he was wearing the original costume," our spy said.

Unfortunately that's all our mole could get. We don't know how long we'll get to see Vader in full Dark Lord mode in EPISODE III. It could be a quick appearance, perhaps no longer than a scene or two near the end of the picture. But what another spy tells us is that there are plans to show Anakin Skywalker in transformation towards Darth Vader in EPISODE III, with more injuries, damage and reconstruction happening to Skywalker as the story progresses. Again, this information matches up with the reports that Force.net has been receiving, and it sounds like those scenes showing a scarred Anakin are yet to be filmed.

In other EPISODE III news, the official STAR WARS website mentions that we'll get a second chance to see some of Padme's family in EPISODE III. Claudia Karvan (who played Padme's sister Sola) and Hayley Mooy and Keira Wingate (who played Pooja and Ryoo, Sola's daughters) will reprise their roles in the new film. If you don't remember seeing these characters in ATTACK OF THE CLONES, don't worry, you're not losing your memory; their scenes were cut from the theatrical release of EPISODE II but were included with other deleted scenes on that film's DVD.

[Anonymous sources, TheForce.net.]

September 17, 2003... The French STAR WARS fansite Sith Clan.net was the first to reprint the first released image of EPISODE III's Anakin Skywalker as it appeared in that country's Lucasfilm Fanclub magazine. It's a far cry from the short-haired look the character sported in EPISODE II; in addition to sporting a longer mane of hair (created to "bridge" the gap between EPISODE III and the bigger 'do's seen in EPISODE IV), this older version of Anakin looks positively haunted in the photo.

If the French have the first EPISODE III images in their magazine, it shouldn't be long before the Star Wars Insider or the official website will have theirs. [SithClan, Lucasfilm Fanclub.]

September 18, 2003... The official STAR WARS website reports that principal photography on EPISODE III, the final STAR WARS film, wrapped yesterday at 6:42 PM local time. Producer Rick McCallum held the slateboard and marked the final scene to be shot. Surprisingly the production was ahead of its targeted completion date by five days.

Now the next phase of work begins in earnest. Director George Lucas will now return to the Skywalker Ranch and supervise the movie's extensive post-production work. As Lucas starts to assemble a working print of the film, he will look at filling in any missing parts of the story when reshoots are scheduled with the actors. That part is scheduled to happen in March 2004.

"Shooting the film is only a small part of the whole process," McCallum said on the STAR WARS website. "For George and I, this is only the mid-way point. We still have eighteen months to get through."

The still-untitled EPISODE III comes out in May 2005. [Official STAR WARS website.]

September 19, 2003... The Force.net has done it again, and this time it's a doozy. Not only did has this STAR WARS website been breaking exclusive news reports about what unrevealed characters and planets we will see in EPISODE III, but now it seems that they have confirmed for once and for all which other classic character will appear in the new STAR WARS movie.

EPISODE IV's Grand Moff Tarkin...before he was a Grand Moff and commanded the first Death Star.

An insider that was working on the Australian production gave two images to the website showing the actor selected to play a younger version of Tarkin in EPISODE III. Looking at the gaunt individual in the photo, the actor does bear a striking resemblence to what a younger Peter Cushing might have looked like playing the character 40 years earlier.

No official acknowledgement has been issued by Lucasfilm as to whether the character of Tarkin is in EPISODE III. Remember that producer Rick McCallum previously stated that another character from the classic trilogy of films would make an appearance in the final STAR WARS film, as well as a character from the expanded universe.

The Force.net has the other photo of the alleged Tarkin, said to be from a makeup session, along with a wealth of related info including the name of the actor who may be playing the character. [The Force.net has an office on Dagobah.]

October 10, 2003... With 19+ months left before STAR WARS EPISODE III opens and principal photography complete, the biggest mystery left unrevealed with the production right now is what subtitle George Lucas has chosen for the film. Our own sources as well as those for TheForce.net have said that the working title for the project is "Revenge of the Sith". Further speculation arose when Force.net discovered that the domain listing RevengeOfTheSith.net appears to be held by Register.com, and according to one of their informants, at the request of Lucasfilm.

And now we've heard from another one of our scoopers who has another angle to add to this whole affair. Let's read what "Red Five-O" has to say about the EPISODE III title talk and add what they've heard onto the pile...

"I would like to put to rest some rumors and inform you of facts. The rumor of EPISODE III being called 'Revenge of the Sith' is only in place for the purposes of a 'Blue Harvest' tactic as was done in the past, its designed and registered to throw people off the true title which again isn't revealed yet.

"Secondly, though I cannot reveal my sources for fear of certain people getting fired, I can confirm with all certainty that 'Rise of the Empire' is being stamped on all concept art for EPIII.

"Now before you get too excited, remember that back in the days of ESB, the concept art was stamped with 'EPISODE II', check the 'art of book' and From Star Wars to Indiana Jones book for proof of that.

"In conclusion, 'Revenge of the Sith' - decoy, 'Rise of the Empire' used on EPIII concept art. What is the real title of EPISODE III? Most likely something no one will ever expect."

[When he's not targeting womp rats in his T-16 back home, "Red Five-O" likes to relax with a cool, tall glass of blue milk.]

January 13, 2004... Last week STAR WARS director George Lucas began the battle of finishing EPISODE III's special visual effects by letting the wizards at Industrial Light & Magic begin working on the film's opening action sequence, the final space battle between Republic and Separtist forces.

At the present time only 25 to 35 shots have been completed out of the massive number of 2,000 that need to be done. Producer Rick McCallum told the official STAR WARS website that he wants to meet the level of work that EPISODE II established and have 160 FX shots done by May. That would leave another year to have the remainder -- 1800 or so -- done by the film's targeted opening date in May 2005.

Reshoots will likely take place this spring in Australia, to fill in any scenes that Lucas feels is missing from his rough cut. [Official STAR WARS website.]

January 23, 2004... It appears that the Dark Side is alive and well.

Footage from a two-and-a-half minute Lucasfilm presentation for EPISODE III was filmed by someone and has now made its way onto the internet. We've been told from a source (but unable to confirm with Lucasfilm yet) that the presentation was part of a marketing meeting. The material was placed on the internet as early as last evening.

What is extraordinary is that the footage shows numerous scenes of Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor rehearsing and then filming one of the key moments in all of STAR WARS: the lightsaber duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Other scenes include Samuel L. Jackson (Jedi Master Mace Windu) in lightsaber action; Jimmy Smits holding a placement object for a to-be-added at a later time CGI character or item; Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine) and Christensen talking against greenscreen; Christensen in the cockpit of a Jedi starfighter and then later hanging for his life against a ledge suspended against a greenscreen; scenes featuring Natalie Portman (Padme), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and R2-D2 and still more. Almost all of the filmed action is set against a greenscreen backdrop.

The presentation begins and ends with material from the original trilogy of STAR WARS movies showing Darth Vader -- and the soundtrack used to convey the EPISODE III video is AC/DC's "Back in Black".

The material does seems to be unauthorized filming. At the conclusion of the short the person holding the recording device seems to drop the camera just before the lights come up.

[Anonymous with the story.]

March 11, 2004... Two new images relating to STAR WARS EPISODE III are scorching their way across the Internet today. However, if you've been following the pulse of spoiler material for this movie, chances are that you'll already have seen what's in store.

First up, the new Star Wars Insider magazine has General Grievous on the cover. This is the best look so far at the Separtist alien military leader, and the Insider will have more info about what we can expect to see from this new character come May 2005.

But perhaps the biggest news was created by London's Daily Mirror tabloid newspaper which published two images that have been whispered about in chat rooms and message boards for a couple of months. The Mirror published part of what is allegedly pre-production artwork fans have dubbed "The Birth of Darth Vader" which shows Anakin Skywalker in a sinister medical chamber being attended to by medical droids and observed by Darth Sidious. If the artwork itself is genuine Lucasfilm property that's been leaked, the Mirror may have just exposed itself to a mother of a lawsuit.

The other image is a photo of what is supposed to be Anakin Skywalker after his burning and before being placed in the Vader armor. In fact, what the Mirror has published is a composite image that one STAR WARS fan put together from multiple photos available on the Web. Anakin's mechanical hand, seen in the Mirror photo, has never materialized on the Internet and in fact was culled from the ending scenes in ATTACK OF THE CLONES. In short, it's a Frankenstein, a collected jumble of real images from different origins that, when assembled, paint what is probably a fairly accurate picture of what we will see in EPISODE III. The Mirror doesn't explain any of this in their article. According to The Force.net, the creator of the Anakin collage image was an EPISODE III insider named "Timberwolf".

Click on the photos to see a larger scan of the Insider cover, and click here to view the Mirror page image. SPOILER WARNINGS are hereby issued!

[The Force.net, Daily Mirror, Star Wars Insider.]

April 6, 2004... Lucasfilm has finally confirmed the release date for the final STAR WARS film, the much anticipated EPISODE III. You can circle Thursday, May 19 on your calendars for 2005 if you live in the United States or Canada.

Lucasfilm will continue to announce the release dates for other countries in the weeks and months to come; right now the company knows that the film will open in Japan sometime in July but it doesn't know precisely when.

The title for EPISODE III continues to remains a mystery. [Lucasfilm.]

May 19, 2004... The official website for STAR WARS EPISODE III would like to remind everyone that there is just one year left until the final film in the sci-fi series opens in theaters. Just four more seasons left to go through until we see the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader. That's 365 days until the mystery of who the real father of Luke and Leia really is...Jar-Jar Binks.

OK, maybe that last part ain't true, but there really is just one year left before it's May 19, 2005 and EPISODE III is upon us. The STAR WARS site informs that ILM is in the thick of post-production, striving to meet a hard April 1, 2005 deadline to complete more than 2,000 effects shots. Reshoots are scheduled to take place in August but some second unit work, such as addition shots of Wookiee for background usage, are being done this week, and director George Lucas will be overseeing dialogue recording sessions for Bruce Spence and Temuera Morrison via high-speed phone connection to Australia.

The site also lets us know two key ingredients for the film's publicity campaign will be coming before the close of the year, namely EPISODE III's teaser poster and the first trailer. Will we get to see a quick glimpse of crispy fried Anakin? [Star Wars.com.]

June 15, 2004... USA Today uncovered an unexpected STAR WARS scoop straight from the films' creator, George Lucas. While attending a charity event that raised money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Lucas was spotted by the USA Today reporter and asked when the title of the next STAR WARS film would be known. Lucas replied that it would be known in November when the first teaser trailer would also appear, but rather than leaving the discussion at that, he added that fan websites had already guessed what the title was.

The reporter then asked if RISE OF THE EMPIRE was it, but Lucas said no. What about REVENGE OF THE SITH? Interestingly, the director simply smiled and said "That's a possibility. Lots of titles out there..."

Could it be that our scoop that we first reported last year is correct? Will the title of the final STAR WARS film really be EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH? [USA Today.]

June 23, 2004... The Force.net's spies are at it again, pulling in information from sources as disparate as the U.K. version of STAR WARS magazine and ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT.

It looks like we now have a great new shot of General Grievous' mug, courtesy of that aforementioned STAR WARS mag. The shadows and light add a menacing atmosphere, as do those deep-set eyes, don't you think?

E.T. ran a first look at EPISODE III tonight, and some of TFN's spies sent in reports and screen grabs. Some of the shots included in the preview are Obi-Wan and Anakin rehearsing their duel, and Lucas' art department recreating one of the greatest icons of modern-day fantasy: Darth Vader's mask.

You can check out more information about these news bits, as well as a different shot of Grievous, at The Force.net's EPISODE III page. [TheForce.net.]

July 24, 2004... Today at the San Diego Comic Convention, at the Lucasfilm STAR WARS panel, the official title for EPISODE III was revealed to fans: REVENGE OF THE SITH. The title confirms what an industry insider first reported to us a year ago, back in June 2003, and what STAR WARS creator George Lucas meant when he said that the title had already been guessed by fans.

"For

some time now, the naming of a new STAR WARS movie has taken on some special meaning among core fans, who love to take part in guessing games before a title is announced, and then engage in debate once it is," said Steve Sansweet, Director of Content Management and Head of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm at the panel. "Let the debates begin."

For a short time the working title of EPISODE VI was REVENGE OF THE JEDI before it was switched to RETURN OF THE JEDI, and now the final films in each trilogy share a connection. The now-revealed EPISODE III title alsoharkens to a line mentioned by Darth Maul in EPISODE I -- THE PHANTOM MENACE: "At last we shall have our revenge."

STAR WARS: EPISODE III -- REVENGE OF THE SITH will be released worldwide on May 19, 2005.

July 29, 2004... If you can't stand the wait until the opening day of STAR WARS: EPISODE III, then you better own a video game console. LucasArts has announced plans to release the official tie-in video game for REVENGE OF THE SITH two weeks ahead of the premiere of the new STAR WARS movie. That means that the EPISODE III video game will go on sale beginning May 5, 2005 while the movie opens in theaters on May 19.

The third-person action-adventure game will see players act out the battle scenes from EPISODE III using either Obi-Wan Kenobi or Anakin Skywalker. Both Kedi Knights can be used although each character has different Force abilities; if you use Anakin, he can manipulate the Dark Side of the Force while Obi-Wan is a user of the Light Side. LucasArts is promising that the EPISODE III game will feature the most authentic lightsaber combat gameplay ever, complete with original fight choreography by the film's stunt coordinator, Nick Gillard.

A special preview of the EPISODE III game will be included in the STAR WARS TRILOGY DVD set slated for release on September 21, 2004. The preview will show the game developers visiting the Australian set of REVENGE OF THE SITH and working directly with Gillard, actor Hayden Christensen and the film's director, George Lucas. [LucasArts.]

October 11, 2004... TheForce.net has published a spoiler description of the first trailer for EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH, the final STAR WARS film. The site seems sure that this is a 100% legit breakdown of what we can expect to see on movie screens in not too long, and so as such you should go into reading it aware it contains slight spoiler material.

The scooper says that the trailer contains a wealth of EPISODE III imagery albeit that the shots appear on the screen in a rapid fire pace. There is one moment that clearly changes the tempo of the trailer, and it's of a scene that fans have been waiting for a long, long time...

"...About 40 seconds into the trailer do we see the face of Anakin. He is partially covered with a dark hood, looking positively evil.

"This is followed by the shot of erupting volcanoes, then some sort of volcanic field with crab-like creatures and then darkness, all accompanied by Vader breathing. Then the following is heard:

Sidious: "Lord Vader..."

Vader: "Yes?"

Sidious: "Rise."

You want to know what comes next? Hit it and discover for yourself, padawan.

[The Force.net.]

October 14, 2004... TheForce.net has published what looks like an authentic image of the first promotional theatrical banner for STAR WARS, EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH. If it's a fake, it's a very nicely done fake.

The banner shows the silhouette of Darth Vader standing in what appears to be a corridor that could easily be inside a Star Destroyer or even the Death Star: dark, with a reflective floor and background lights on the walls. Mist swirls around the helmet of Vader, but instead of seeing the breathing apparatus of the Dark Lord, we instead can make out the shaded figure of Anakin Skywalker in his Jedi robes.

As we said, if it's a fake, it a very, very good one. It's generally felt that Lucas will release the first trailer for EPISODE III sometime next month, possibly on November 2, and if that's the case a poster campaign will also be shortly upon us. This may very well be it. [TheForce.net.]

October 19, 2004... According to one of our oldest, must trusted sources, the wait is finally almost over. They have told us that the long-awaited teaser trailer for STAR WARS, EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH will be playing on theater screens come Friday, November 5 -- but that plans are afoot for the trailer to run at least one day beforehand...and on television.

Our source has informed us that the STAR WARS trailer will be "placed" with THE INCREDIBLES, the new Disney/Pixar animated film also being released on 11/5. However, just because the EPISODE III may be shipped with the film cans of THE INCREDIBLES or suggested to play in front of that film doesn't necessarily mean that every theater screen will show the SITH trailer before THE INCREDIBLES. "Due to the kind of length for an animated film, two hours (with Boundin' short) running time and the IMMENSE number of studios vying to get placement on the film, expect some exhibitors to not play it with INCREDIBLES, though most should, if not on all screens of the film," our source told us last evening.

Furthermore, while our source could confirm the plans for releasing the EPISODE III trailer by November 5, the shipping title of the trailer and any posters and banners has not become known as of yet. Companies usually ship this kind of promotional material for highly anticipated movies under codenames to deflect any potential theft of the goods by those looking to make a quick buck using the buzz of the film.

We were also told that there is a plan to have the world premiere of the EPISODE III trailer the evening before it begins playing in theaters on the Thursday, November 4 showing of Access Hollywood, the syndicated entertainment television news program. We have not been able to confirm this news with a representative of AH but again, our source tells us that the promotion of said event should be happening very shortly, if it hasn't already begun.

Whether the EPISODE III trailer would be ready for online downloading around the same time as its debut on Access Hollywood or the next day remains unknown. Our source hazards a guess: "Typically studios break 'world premiere' agreements with media outlets like ET and Access Hollywood if they do online debuts, so it's likely it will be simultaneous to the first televised airings at best." That also makes sense to us.

Finally, does the trailer description scooped last week by TheForce.net sound like what we'll get to see next month? "The summary of it that appeared on theforce.net is legit from what I've been told," writes our man on the inside. "As to the purported teaser poster image they posted, it was an abandoned concept photo, though I'm told the actual image is in the same vein."

[Our very special thanks to a dear friend. We're very glad that you were off-planet when Alderaan got smucked.]

October 21, 2004... The official STAR WARS website has confirmed our scoop that the trailer for EPISODE III will indeed bow in theaters on November 5.

Members of STAR WARS.com's Hyperspace pay service will be able to download a QuickTime format of the trailer sometime in the afternoon of November 4. For the rest of us, the EPISODE III trailer won't be released to the general online community until the following Monday, November 8.

No mention was made on the STAR WARS site of the EPISODE III trailer making its television debut on Access Hollywood on 10/4, but one of the contributors for the Filmrot website has seen the entertainment news program mention that they will be broadcasting the trailer during that week.

[Star Wars.com.]

October 26, 2004... Thanks to the same source that first told us of the plans to release the EPISODE III trailer on November 5, we have now learned of the trailer's running time: the REVENGE OF THE SITH trailer is precisely one minute and forty-seven seconds long. Copies of the trailer will ship next week with prints of THE INCREDIBLES, the new Disney/Pixar animated film.

We have also confirmed that the first EPISODE III onesheet poster will indeed be shipped next week to theaters along with promotional banners. There has been much speculation as to what the final image will be on the EPISODE III poster, with one reported design being the outline of Darth Vader merged with that of Anakin Skywalker. If someone doesn't leak the poster design to a website between now and Friday of next week, all you'll need to do to answer the question is take a trip to your local theater and see it for yourself.

[Anonymous.]

America Online's Movies division and Moviefone.com have announced that they will host the online premiere of the trailer for EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH on November 4, one day before the trailer begins playing in theaters. Apart from the pay subscription service of Lucasfilm, Hyperspace, this will be the only other online destination where one can watch the SITH trailer before its available for general online viewing the following week.

"Millions of fans look forward to every new STAR WARS installment with great anticipation," said Steven Yee, Vice President and General Manager of AOL Movies and Moviefone, in a company issued press release. "As one of the largest online movie destinations, we are excited about giving our growing audience a first look at the REVENGE OF THE SITH trailer, and we look forward to working with Lucasfilm to feature additional exclusive elements of the STAR WARS universe."

Added Jim Ward, Vice President of Marketing and Distribution for Lucasfilm, "After more than 25 years, the STAR WARS saga continues to exhilarate people around the globe, and this amazing teaser trailer is just the tip of the iceberg for millions who have been eagerly awaiting the release of the episode that finally answers all the burning questions on the minds of STAR WARS fans. It's great to work with AOL Movies and Moviefone to give our fans more access than ever to awesome footage from REVENGE OF THE SITH and the entire saga."

[America Online.]

October 29, 2004... The official website for STAR WARS has unveiled the teaser poster artwork for EPISODE III. While it's not too much of a surprise, it should be noted that the official poster design is different from the alleged poster design art that hit the web two weeks ago save for the central idea of a very Dark Side-looking Anakin Skywalker and the suggestion that the birth of Darth Vader is imminent.

The poster will start making its appearance in theaters starting next week along with EPISODE III promotional banners that utilize the same art. [Star Wars.com.]

Early morning, November 4, 2004... As we first told you about exclusively last month, today Access Hollywood will premiere the trailer for the final STAR WARS film, EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH. Starting tomorrow the trailer will begin playing in movie theaters and be available online for the general public the week after. However, if you just can't stand to wait these final few hours until the trailer is shown on TV, you can grab a taste of what's to come here, on the web.

Last evening Access Hollywood featured a short promo for tonight's show and the EPISODE III broadcast, and during that preview the show aired a very brief montage of video from the trailer. The Star Wars Fan website was among the first to post screen captures from AH showing our very first look at Sith Lord Darth Sidious in lightsaber combat. Also, somehow these guys also landed a quick look at Anakin Skywalker locking 'sabers with Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) while Chancellor Palpatine looks on from his seat. That flash of Darth Sidious is especially freaky, with the Sith looking more like a hooded vampire than the wizened Emperor we remember from RETURN OF THE JEDI.

Not content on staying out of all the fun, The Trades website has linked to digitized versions of the Access Hollywood footage so you can see it for yourself. [Star Wars Fan, The Trades.]

Late morning, November 4, 2004... Members of STAR WARS.com's Hyperspace premium service and America On-Line can now download the new trailer for EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH. Remember, the new trailer is only available online via Hyperspace and AOL until next week when it becomes open for the general public.

If you're not a member of those two places, the only other place to catch the EPISODE III trailer is by watching Access Hollywood tonight or by seeing it playing in front of a movie (likely THE INCREDIBLES) beginning tomorrow.

Official Web Site:

www.starwars.com/episode-iii