Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

News for January-March 2001

27 March, 2001

As expected, Lucas and crew headed back to the studio for a second round of shooting. This will take place at Ealing Studios in England from March 24 to April 8. Producer Rick McCallum commented on the new sets. "The England shoots will be mostly in front of bluescreen," says McCallum. "Though we've been really busy since we wrapped in September, it's always exciting to get back in front of the cameras."

On hand for these shoots were actors Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Christopher Lee, Oliver Ford Davies and Samuel L. Jackson.

These shots were planned from the beginning. The last several months have been spent assembling a rough cut of the film. This has made it obvious where extra material is needed to fill in holes and create entirely new scenes.

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1 March, 2001

George Lucas wrote the introduction to the book Christopher Lee: The Authorised Screen History. He had this to say, "When it was time to cast the role of Count Dooku in Star Wars: Episode II my casting director suggested Christopher Lee and I jumped at the opportunity to work with him. I knew that I needed someone who could convey evil. But in addition, I needed someone to bring stature, strength and wisdom to the role. His villainous résumé speaks for itself."

So that makes the name of that character official. It had been rumored for a long time now but this confirms it. Lee himself was a bit dodgy on the issue when talking to Empire Online, "If George has revealed it, that’s where I leave it. I don’t want to get into trouble with George because there’s number three, don’t forget!"

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23 February, 2001

The official Star Wars website is pretty much the coolest of all time. Want proof? Then check out the latest Episode II Select photo (click on it for the full version). No information identifies those two figures but there's no doubt that's the Fett family. Jango Fett is on the left and his young son Boba is on the right. Presumably they're sitting at the controls of Slave 1.

21 February, 2001

The rumor mill turned out a couple of beauties recently. This is totally unsubstantiated rumor but for once it doesn't sound recycled so we'll mention it. Two sites have offered up potential names for this movie. AICN has posted a rumor that the title will be The Shadow Falls. At the same time, Episode X is predicting that the title will be The Rebellion Rise Forth. Both titles make sense as far as what is known about the story but until further evidence appears, this is just rumor.

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16 February, 2001

Here's an interesting tidbit of information regarding the connection between Episodes II and IV. The report below was sent in by a trusted source to theForce.net Highlight the area to read as it contains spoilers.

One of the great prequel clues from A New Hope is the sequence between Luke and Obi-Wan where the old man is talking about Luke's father. He opens a small box to reveal to the future Jedi that inside is a lightsaber to be given him at the right time. He identifies it as a gift from his father.

Luke brandishes the weapon and eventually helps destroy the Evil Empire with it. There's plenty more irony once you discover this:

I can tell you in full confidence that in Episode II, Anakin is using that same exact lightsaber. I don't know if he builds it or what, but it is making its debut on his belt and in his hands in this movie.

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12 February, 2001

George Lucas is not one to rest on his laurels. According to pre-visualization effects supervisor David Dozoretz, Lucas is always pushing them to higher levels.

Asked if they ever used the same techniques over and over again, Dozoretz replies, "We never 'stick' to any technique previously used, because we're always looking for better and faster ways to do things. But we did establish a lot of fantastic techniques and procedures for Episode I. I'd say that we're building on those techniques. And without question, George is greatly pushing us and ILM to new levels. He really is amazing that way -- each time we think he can't push it any more, he raises the bar to a new level. It's exhilarating to work in that environment."

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6 February, 2001

The official site has released several photos of highly detailed busts that will serve as the basis for a number of the toys and products for the movie. Included are Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, Padme, Christopher Lee's "charismatic separitist" (aka Count Dooku) and Temuera Morrison's still officially un-named bounty hunter (aka Jango Fett). One look at the bust and full figure shots of Morrison's character though and you will have little doubt as to his identity. I think it's pretty funny the way that the official site plays coy with these details even though they know we know.

The cast and many of the props were scanned with a precision laser to digitally recreate their likeness. This ensures that the next wave of toys will likely be a lot more accurate than we've previously seen.

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1 February, 2001

The good folks over at TheForce.net have what they believe to be the text for the opening scroll of Episode II. This may change between now and the movie's release but for the moment this is believed to be accurate. This is spoiler material so swipe the area with your mouse to read.

There is unrest in the Galactic Senate. Several hundred solar systems, under the leadership of the Rebel Leader, Count Dooku, have declared their intentions to secede from the Republic.

This separatist movement has made it difficult for the limited number of Jedi Knights to maintain peace and order in the galaxy.

Senator Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo, is returning to Coruscant to vote on the critical issue of creating an army to assist the overwhelmed Jedi...

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5 January, 2001

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