Disney has reportedly allocated over $4 million in its attempt to carry out security procedures during the shooting of the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ sequel. As a means of preventing unauthorized leaks, a "special team with drones" will be present at the new site, together with 600 guards and day-and-night security.
‘Star Wars: Episode 8’ already began filming at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, with shooting reportedly scheduled for a relocation to Croatia this month. The new movie will be the next installment in the ‘Star Wars’ saga, following ‘The Force Awakens’ that soared to the top of the box office upon its release last year.
Cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Adam Driver are set to reprise their roles and return for ‘Episode VIII,’ together with new co-stars Benicio Del Toro (‘Sicario,’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy) and Laura Dern (‘Wild,’ ‘Jurassic Park’). ‘Star Wars: Episode 8’ is expected to hit theaters in December 2017. It will be preceded by a spin-off film titled ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,’ to be helmed by ‘Godzilla’ director Gareth Edwards.
Fans who are planning on purchasing digital movies may not have to wait for a longer time for the ‘Star Wars’ film saga.
On a recent entry on Bluray.com, ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ is said to be released on iTunes on March 15, although Disney is yet to confirm such date.
As such, the film is then expected to be released before the physical version is distributed. This has already been a trend over the years because movie studios tend to generate incentive for customers to purchase digital copies over their physical form.
Also, 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' can be accessed through downloads via Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere starting Apr. 1, with the Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD to be released on Apr. 5.
Bonus features in J.J Abrams‘s chart-topping movie will include materials that will take fans behind-the-scenes, giving a more detailed look at the film’s production. This will include deleted scenes, special footage and exclusive interviews with the actors and filmmakers. Fans can look forward to a feature documentary titled ‘The Force Awakens”: A Cinematic Journey,’ the creation of BB-8, an in-depth look at the lightsaber battle between Kylo Ren and Rey, and several deleted scenes, among others.
Actor Peter Mayhew, who takes on the role of Chewbacca in the ‘Star Wars’ movies, has already taken to social media and posted images of his original ‘Star Wars’ script, stating that he will carry on in doing so as it leads up to a huge announcement.
Other ‘Star Wars’ news have also graced the headlines, including new details about the expansions of Star Wars Land onto Disneyland and Walt Disney World, such as a virtual reality ride aboard the classic Millennium Falcon- the spaceship flown by Han Solo(Harrison Ford) in the films. Chief Executive Robert Iger already stated at the company's annual shareholders meeting that the new attraction "will be great."
