6:50 pm PST

Next, Johan Stockholm from Sweden sent us the following report. We have no way to confirm if the report is true or not, but it makes for interesting reading.:

I thought I'd write you a couple of lines about something I recently stumbled over, regarding the casting of episode 2. The article originally was published in the Swedish weekly magazine "veckorevyn", (389.000 readers - rather big among young people (preferably girls), compared to the Swedish population of roughly 9 million), July 23, 1998. The following is a rough translation which I hope will give you a chance to evaluate the level of interest.

"Thomas ready for 'Star Wars'?"

"Thomas Mild, Sweden's most handsome man 1997 according to the readers of veckorevyn, has big things coming his way. A couple of months ago, he was walking down Oxford Street in London when a bearded man in his 50's stopped him. We'll let Thomas tell the rest:

tm: 'He asked me if I'd done any acting, and said that he was interested in working with me. I didn't know what to believe, and I suspected that he might be a bit weird, so I just walked away and didn't bother to call him.'

tm: 'A couple of months later he somehow had managed to get my phone number. He presented himself as George Lucas, and explained that he was working on the new "Star Wars" movies. Then he asked me if I would be interested in participating in film number two, yet to be produced.

vr: 'And your answer was...?'
tm: '"Yes", naturally. so I went there for an audition, and it turned out great. This is of course a huge opportunity for me, although a lot of things have to pull through before everything is set. I have to see a dialogue teacher to remove some of my Swedish accent.'

vr: 'have you done any acting before?'
tm: 'Nope, not a bit. So there will probably be lessons and stuff, but I'll be glad to do it.'

vr: 'Which part is it that George has in mind for you?'
tm: 'Large parts of these movies will be in the shape of flashbacks, and when the main character Luke Skywalker look back on parts of his life in retrospect, hopefully the audience will see me.'

vr: 'Great fun! Good luck!'
tm: 'Thank you very much.'"

Errr....Luke Skywalker? Flashbacks? Sounds like old Thomas might have got his wires crossed somewhere. After all, Terence Stamp said he was playing "President of the Universe". Maybe we have a similar mix up here, if he's got a part at all. In any case, this was just for your amusement. We'll hopefully see more details soon.

---

7/31/98 - The British Film Commission has a listing of the cast for Episode 1. While not complete, it did add a couple of names we haven't heard before. The first is Bronagh Gallagher. She was in Pulp Fiction and The Commitments. The second is Dominic West. He was in Spice World and Richard III. No word on who, or what, either of them is playing.

HAL WALMSLEY

JAMES EARL JONES IN EPISODE 3
Ghent, 3:15pm MST

On Monday, April 20, 'Buzz Lightyear' attended a lecture by James Earl Jones at Colorado State University. Afterward, there was a lengthy question and answer period where it was asked, "Is your voice going to be in any of the prequels?". To which Mr Jones replied, "I just spoke to Mr. Lucas recently, and he said there's about a 5 minute part for me in the 3rd installment."

Not only is this great confirmation, but it should send you speculators wild on the means and timing of the transformation from Anakin to Vader.

---

11/04/97- VARIETY PREQUEL PRODUCTION LISTING
Scott 9:51 am CST

Brent Lynch sent us the following from Variety's October 31st, 1997 FILM PRODUCTION CHART LISTING FOR EPISODE I :

UNTITLED STAR WARS PREQUEL (JAK Prods.)

6/26 Italy, England, Tunisia. Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, MADISON LLOYD, Samuel L. Jackson, Kenny Baker, ANTHONY DANIELS, FRANK OZ, Pernilla August, Ahmed Best, Ian McDiarmid, Terrence Stamp, Oliver Ford Davies EXP. George Lucas PROD Rick McCallum DIR-SCR George Lucas AD: Chris Newman CAM David Tattersall ED, Paul Martin Smith PD David Brown COS Trisha Biggar CAST Robin Gurland P: Lynne Hale

The interesting thing to note is that this confirms what we've reported about Madison Lloyd and Anthony Daniels both being in it. Thanks Brent!

---

9/23/97 - The Official Star Wars Homepage reported the following on 9/19/97 :

"Whether the same sorts of security measures are being taken with Episode I our director (not surprisingly) refuses to confirm, though we can admit that "there are rumors" of misleading scenes being filmed for the preservation of mystery, as well as multiple versions of the shooting script with alternative names and scenes. Of 'leaks,' Lucas will only say "don't count on it until you see the movie."

Well, this seems directed at some of the stuff we've posted here, eh? Well, I can tell you two things. One is that the names that are listed above ARE what they have been using while shooting. Of course it could change, but they are definitely using these names, temporarily or not. The other thing I can tell you is that I really, really, really, really hope that they are in fact changed. Like you guys, I hate all these names. They suck. I didn't believe them either until I saw the proof for myself. I now pray each night that A&M wins all it's football games, I finish my thesis on time, and that Lucas changes these names. Amen.

---

9/17/97 - Our sources have said that they are 6 months away from picking an Anakin Skywalker for Episodes 2 and 3. That's right, Jake Lloyd won't be back (Duh). Who will it be?

---

9/14/97 - Time to update on what some of the other sites are reporting. Chris Kivelehan recently got a report that the following were character names:

Liam Neeson............Qui-Gon Jinn
Jake Lloyd.............Anakin Skywalker
Natalie Portman........Padme
Madison Lloyd..........Ellie Skywalker
Dhruv Chanchani........Kister
Pernilla August........Shmi Skywalker
Kenny Baker............Artoo Detoo
Ahmed Best.............Jar Jar
Warwick Davis..........Wald
Ray Park...............Darth Maul

I have yet to hear if any of these are true, but they seem to be coming from a reliable source.

More news from Harry Knowles' spy:

"As for Tarkin, I'm not aware that he's in this film. Palpatine is, however. I am unaware the actor playing him." "Darth Maul is played by Ray Park." "Terance Stamp plays a heavily made-up (i.e. make up!) alien in the swamp sequence. The swamp itself is outside a hanger, in broad daylight, and made of pot-plants, logs and mud in front of a H U G E blue-screen. It's only being filmed at dawn, to give a dark, eerie atmosphere! And I don't think it's Dagobah. The 'green' part of the sequence (i.e. with trees and grass) was filmed in Whippendell." "Samuel L Jackson just has a couple of lines and is a very small part. There are a few extra Jedi - about 7 - in the whole film."

Again, this is all news to us, so we hope to have confirmation soon.

---

8/27/97 - In the October issue of Wizard Magazine, they interview Anthony Daniels. Still, we continue to get the definite 'maybe' about him reprising his role as C-3PO in the prequels. "I have been in fairly long discussions with [Lucasfilm]. But we'll have to wait and see." This interview was conducted by Matthew Senreich.

---

8/14/97 - Star Wars Galaxy #12 came out today and had some interesting and conflicting casting information. First off, the Insider reported that 'Cin' was going to be in Episode 1. We could not find a 'Cin' anywhere. Galaxy reported that the name was 'Gin', not 'Cin'. They also said Gin was in the Fifth Element. The only thing we could find close was Gin Clarke, one of the Diva's assistants. So which spelling is right? Well, the Insider accidentally got Pernilla August's name wrong while the Galaxy mag got it right, so I'm leaning toward the Gin spelling.

Next, Galaxy said Liz Wilson was in Jingle all the Way. There's none listed in the Internet Movie Database, but a Rita Wilson played a character named Liz in the film. Did they get mixed up? It's freakin' me out, man!

Finally, the Galaxy Magazine lists Michelle Taylor as being in The Fifth Element. However, she is not listed. Is this a flub by the Galaxy or the Internet Movie Database? We'll find out soon!

---

7/23/97 - Update - We've been getting reports from Mathieu Poulin and Martin Laverdure, our Canadian friends, that the comedian and mime Michael Courtemanche has a part in the prequels. Here's some of their reports:

"You remember the old Michel Courtemanche rumors. He was a french canadian mime actor. Today on TV he as confirmed that he will be in the next Star Wars movies. IT was during a interview."

Martin elaborated saying that it was on a show in Quebec called Scenes de Rue. No word on what he is doing. Here's more of what Martin had to say:

"The reports of the news come from a important news Station of Montr?al. Right now, in Montr?al, it's the Just For Laugh Festival. Courtemanche is doing some gala and he's very Hot in the Town right now. He's been on several interviews. In one, he declared that he would be in the SW Prequels. No details, no characters names. I supposed that it will be confirmed soon. But, I've seen several several shows of that man. He's a crazy sort of crossover of Jim Carrey, Jerry Lewis under acid. Very crazy, I've not found any images of him. But I'm sure threre is at least a pic of him floating on the net. I'm sure he will help the ILM staff to create some new creatures. That's a opinion."

Pretty interesting, eh?(Nod to the Canadians)

---

7/23/97 - More from Mazinga in Italy:

"The Friday Press Conference will be the only Lucasfilm press conference about Episode I and there will be all the principle actors!!!!!! If I have more news I'll write you later."

Mazinga also told us that the press conference would be at 11am Central European Time.

---

7/22/97 - Mazinga just sent this in!!!:

I just want you to know that on Friday 7/25 there will be a press conference in the Caserta Palace. (Lucas and Natalie Portman arrived yesterday 7/21 in Caserta to start filming today 7/22). It will be attended by George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Natalie Portman and, it is not certain at this time, Liam Neeson. You can check everything about this press conference at www.comune.caserta.it, which is the web site of Caserta city. Unfortunately it is only in Italian so you need a translator. Besides, connecting to the site, you can write down questions for Lucas or the actors. In the weekend I will tell you as much as possible about the press conference.

We just checked the site ourselves and it appears that they ARE accepting questions in english. Sock it to 'em!

---

7/21/97 - Brian Moshe found some info on Michelle Taylor who was in Supergirl and 'You Can't Do That On Television'. Also, Liz Wilson was in Life 101, a small part as a "Morgan Hall Co-ed"

---

7/20/97 - This comes from Buck off of Harry Knowles' Reader's Forum and originated from the Star Wars Insider (call 1-800 TRUE FAN for a subscription). We have yet to confirm it with our own eyes, but it sounds legit:

"First of all, in this new issue there is no picture of a CG Yoda, but there is a picture of a sculpture of the Yoda that will be in the prequels. For the cast, it says Liam neeson will play a Jedi Master who is a mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ewan McGregor is playing young Obi Wan, Jake Lloyd is yong Anakin Skywalker, Natalie Portman is the Queen, and Pernella August is Shmi Skywalker who is Anakin's mother. Other actors that will appear in the new Star Wars trilogy are Ian McDiarmind (emperor from Jedi), Frank Oz, Samuel L. Jackson, Ahmed Best, Adrian Dunbar, Terence Stamp, Oliver Ford Davies, Ray Park, Jerome Blake (was in the 5th Element as the big roly-poly thing at the beginning), Warwick Davis, Kenny Baker (R2D2), Hugh Quarshie (was in Red Dwarf & Highlander), Cin, Khan Bonfils, Alan Ruscoe (also in 5th Element as one of the Mangalores), Michelle Taylor, Michaela Cottrell, John Fenom, Liz Wilson, Christina DiSilva, and Silas Carson. I don't know who half these people are.

Other tidbits include: everybody on the shooting crew and all the heads of the departments all worked on the Young Indiana Jones series. Right now, 500 people are working on the prequels, but most of that is construction. There will be 80 people in the shooting crew. Ian McCaig designed the look for the new costumes. Other artists include Doug Chiang, Terryl Whitlatch, Ian and Jay Schuster. Frank Oz will be playing Yoda again. He won't be fully CG, except when he walks. The majority of the time he will be controlled by Frank. R2D2 and the beginnings of C-3PO will be in the first film. Jabba the Hutt will make an appearance in the first film, but not a large one. Production and post-production will be taking place simultaneously. There are about 7 full sets built for the first movie and about 15 that are pre-fabricated. The biggest set will probably be the exterior of the capital city. That's all the news for now."

We'll be digging up more info on these other actors as time goes on. But when George said it would be mostly unknowns, he wasn't kidding. The Internet Movie Database did not have listings for any of the ones we didn't link to.

---

7/17/97 - This comes from Mazinga who is following the filming in Italy:

"I received strange news from Naples. For the extras, Lucasfilm selected more than 100 women. Those women will be filming a scene inside the Caserta's Palace. What will be the purpose of 100 women? Doesn't it sound strange that in the current trilogy there is only one female character and in the prequels for a single scene we will have more than 100 women? We know that in the Caserta's Palace they will film a "coronation scene", probably the coronation of the Young Queen, future Mrs.Skywalker. "

Curious, eh? Stay Tuned! (BTW, Mazinga has beenn sending his messages to both us and Harry Knowles, so you'll probably see this over there, too.)

---

7/16/97 - This comes from TrueFan at Prequel Watch:

"And last, but hopefully not least, Prowse (aka Vader in Ep. 4-6) is NOT going to be playing the part of Vader in the new films. As I reported before, Lucas and Prowse had a HUGE falling out. Well, I have been told by many a sources at Lucasfilm that Lucas has NO intention of contacting Prowse for the new films. I have been told that Lucas has spoken with two british actors to play the part of Vader, but no decision has been made."

---

7/14/97 - Harry Knowles is reporting that Mel Smith will be doing the voice of a creature in the prequels. Exactly who or what is still unknown. Harry says this comes from a Melbourne, Australia newspaper that interviewed the actor/director. (We have not seen it ourselves, but it sounds legit) Anyway, he has been in The Tall Guy, Bean, Radioland Murders (surprise), and directed episodes of Dream On. We'll go searching for pictures later on.

---

7/9/97 - We have just learned from Brian Linder that the next issue of the Star Wars Insider will have the ENTIRE cast list for the prequels, not just the principle actors. I'll be sitting by my mailbox. Catch ya later.

---

6/13/97 - This comes from the Prequel Watch homepage. It is reliable info, that we confirmed from our own sources:

"Liam Neeson, Ewan Mcgregor, and Natalie Portman ALL SIGNED their deals on June 1st. And here is the official breakdown: Liam Neeson will appear in most of Ep. 1 as a very good friend of Ben Kenobi's. His character is supposed to play a "pivotal" role in Anakin Skywalker's fall to the dark side. Neeson will recieve 3-4 million bucks to tackle the role of an aging Jedi Knight. Natalie Portman has signed to play Luke and Leia's Mother in Ep. 1...BUT also has a clause that could have her returning in the beginning of Ep. 2.... Portman will recieve between 500,000 and 1 million bucks to appear in Ep. 1....with a 1 million dollar paycheck if she is needed for Ep. 2.... Ewan Macgregor seems to have struck the best deal. He will play Ben Kenobi throughout the entire series (although his contract only has him signed through Ep. 2...strange?!) and will reciece 2-4 million bucks along with 2-4% off the films grosses. It took the longest time to get him signed because he also wanted control of action figures based on his likeness. Lucasfilm and Kenner would not give him this, so at this time the Ben Kenobi figure for Ep 1 & 2 will appear slightly different looking then Ewan.......hmmmm...weirdo!"

That last bit about Ewan not wanting his likeness used is true. If you'll look a few days ago, we said Ewan was holding up casting because they were 'working out contract details'. Well, those were the details. Our source asked us not to post it, but since Prequel Watch did, it ain't no secret, eh?

---

6/12/97 - This comes from the Summer '97 issue of Sci-Fi Invasion. It is from an interview with Anthony Daniels by Matthew Senreich:

HAVE YOU BEEN APPROACHED BY LUCASFILM ABOUT PLAYING C-3PO IN THE STARWARS PREQUELS?

"Yes. I have been in fairly long discussions with them. But we'll have to wait and see. [laughs] People keep asking me that sort of question. I met Rick McCallum when I did an episode of "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles." There I was in the men's room in the middle of the Czechoslovakian countryside on the set, and I was dressed as a sort of scientist with great black hair, a mustache, little funny glasses and some makeup on. Rick walked in and I kind of looked at him and smiled. He clearly had not the slightest idea who I was, because I was in disguise. And I think it made him nervous to be smiled at in the men's room. After a while of standing there, I said, "So, is Threepio going to be in the Prequels?" And [after hearing my voice], Rick zipped up his fly and said, "Life is good, Anthony. Life is good." And then he walked out, leaving me to ponder, did he mean good for him or good for me? [laughs]."

In that same issue, Marc Shapiro interviewed Mark Hamill. He asked him if he knew anything about the prequels:

"I've been contacted by George, but not about anything concerning the next three films [which precede the original "Star Wars" trilogy, storywise]. He asked at one time if I would be interested in playing the Obi-Wan type character in the last three films [which follow the second "Star Wars" trilogy.]"

---

6/10/97 - The Official Star Wars Homepage said the following today: "June 9, 1997: We can now confirm that Natalie Portman and Jake Lloyd have been signed for Episode I! Keep watching the casting page for updates."

So why no Ewan McGregor? Could it possibly be that the contract problems with the lawyers we heard about last week are still holding things up? Who knows, but we'll find out soon enough!

---

6/5/97 - 8:04pm Central Time. We have just heard from various places that casting is currently being held up by one actor - Ewan McGregor. As of a couple of days ago, lawyers were still working out the last of the contract details with this actor. Things should be worked out soon, though. But below he's saying he already has the part! Reliable sources also said he has the part! So what's the deal?! Well, I guess they were so close before they ran into problems that they thought it was a done deal. Hmmm.

Also, we have been told that we can expect to see pictures of the cast IN COSTUME within two months.

Finally, we have been told that Natalie Portman will play Mrs. Skywalker. Doesn't she seem a little old for Jake Lloyd?

Though this info comes from a very reliable source, we are listing it as rumor just in case.

---

5/19/97 - Natalie Portman has in fact signed on and WILL be in the prequels. It's a fact! Our sources just confirmed it for us, but the official announcement will be made May 25th.

For more on Natalie Portman, check out Natalie Portman

We were also told that they have hired on a black actor for a major role in the film. We asked if it was Howard Antony (see below) but our source did not know. Stay Tuned!

---

5/7/97 - It is a FACT!!! Our Inside source contacted us on 5/6/97 and said that Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor have officially signed on to be in the prequels! It is a done deal!!

For more on these two actors and everything leading up to their casting, check out the following links!

Liam Neeson

Ewan McGregor

---

2/7/97 - "No one has yet been cast for prequels, although they've narrowed it down to ten boys to play Anakin in first movie. Cast will mostly be unknowns." (Quote from Bruce Handy - TIME Magazine 2/6/97))

Harry Knowles is reporting that James Earl Jones will do the voice of Darth Vader again in the prequels. Here's his report...

Well, super-spies are doing some excellent work. According to a well placed spy James Earl Jones will provide a certain deep timbre voice in the prequels. James said, "I met George out in Idaho recently. I asked him whether I'd get to work on the new trilogy. He said when Darth Vader becomes bionic at the end of the third episode then I get to work. I was very happy to hear that." Well make of that as you will, it did come from the man himself. Enjoy the high you are now feeling. I am.

starwars@theforce.net