On the Set of ‘Star Wars’

While we were waiting for the premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, we were treated to a rare glimpse into the making of the film. Fans had the opportunity to see the process from beginning to end as director J.J. Abrams hosted a special set visit for select journalists and bloggers. During the visit, we were able to speak with many of the cast and crew about their experiences on set and in the edit bay.

Veteran Director

One of the biggest surprises during the set visit was the revelation that George Lucas, the creator of Episode IV and director of the original trilogy, had initially considered directing The Rise of Skywalker. Abrams expressed excitement that George, the filmmaker who brought the franchise to life, would be a part of this last installment of the saga:

“It’s an honor to be able to work with him [in a capacity] that I’m not really used to. He’s usually the guy who gets coffee for the crew, but he’s going to be working with us through the whole movie. So to actually be able to work with him on a project that I’ve been dreaming about and hoping for is something that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”

New York City Through the Lens of a Filmmaker

The city seen through the lens of a Hollywood filmmaker is a world of its own. With skyscrapers as the predominant feature, it’s an unforgettable place full of exciting opportunities for any aspiring filmmaker.

If you’ve never been there, it’s time to add it to your bucket list. The city has a fascinating energy which you can’t truly experience anywhere else. You’ll walk, shop, and dine in a way that feels uniquely cinematic.

An Opportunity To Reflect On The Past

One of the great things about The Rise of Skywalker is that it provided an opportunity to reflect on the past while looking towards the future. Several cast members, including Mark Hamill, pointed to this as a unique trait amongst the saga’s installments:

We get to see a lot of different things in the movie, but it’s not just about the action or the explosions. It’s about showing the characters’ growth and change throughout the story. It’s been quite a journey for Luke Skywalker over the years, and it’s nice to finally see how he finishes the journey. While we’re sad about finishing off the main characters and the world that we’ve grown to love, it’s exciting to know that the future of Star Wars is full of life and adventures ahead.