#Cumberwatch: Benedict Cumberbatch Responds to Rumors that he's the Voice in the Trailer

By: Dominic Jones

Raise your hand if when you heard the voice in the Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens teaser trailer say "There has been an awakening" you had the thought (however fleetingly) that it sounded like Benedict Cumberbatch was doing the voice over.  I know I did (though I quickly realized as the trailer went on that it it wasn't him).  Apparently enough people had that thought, and the Sherlock star had to respond to the rumors.  While out promoting his new film The Imitation Game, Cumberbatch was asked about the trailer and he said, "I mean, I am NOT the voice of the Star Wars trailer, nor am I the hooded character with the rather cool new lightsaber, so...no. No, no."  He also reiterated that he would not be in the film at all (despite visiting the set, and many, many rumors to the contrary).  You can see his response to the question towards the end of the video below,

This is no real surprise.  We know that the voice in the trailer was almost certainly that of Andy Serkis.  Still, it's funny how these rumors continue to follow Cumberbatch everywhere he goes!  And they likely will continue until such a day when he is cast in a future Star Wars film, as we here at The SWU hope comes sooner rather than later.

Source: Comic Book Movie

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#Cumberwatch: Benedict Cumberbatch to Have a Cameo in Episode VII?

 

By: Dominic Jones

Another week, another #Cumberwatch rumor!  Star Wars Episode 7 News is reporting that Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch has indeed filmed a cameo for Star Wars Episode VII.  According to their source this took place "a week ago." Cumberbatch did say on a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show that he visited the set, though he wouldn't answer a question about filming a cameo.  Unfortunately the source doesn't have any info on what his cameo might be.

Their source also states that Warwick Davis, who is officially in the film, will be playing a "cantina musician", and that Simon Pegg (who has also visited the set) filmed a scene where he gets his arms ripped off by Chewbacca.  Obviously, we're big fans of Cumberbatch here at The SWU (we have a whole segment of our website and podcast dedicated to rumors about him being in Star Wars!) and would therefore love to see him in the film.  However, seeing Chewbacca rip Simon Pegg's arms off would be worth the price of admission alone!

As always, if you choose to share this story on any of the various social media sites, be sure to use the hashtag #Cumberwatch. 

Source: Star Wars Episode 7 News

 

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#Cumberwatch: Benedict Cumberbatch Says he's Been on the Episode VII Set (UPDATED!)

By: Dominic Jones

UPDATE: The BBC has a released a clip from the episode featuring Benedict Cumberbatch answering fan questions, and naturally the Episode VII question was asked.  As we speculated, the "no comment" remark was given jokingly.  What was left out of the original story was the fact was he said "of course I'm not" after jokingly saying no comment about being in Episode VII.  But he did talk about what it was like to visit the set.  (And he does his Jar Jar impression).  Check out the video for yourself below,


ORIGINAL STORY:
Just when we thought was over (for real this time), #Cumberwatch makes its triumphant return!  Benedict Cumberbatch appeared on The Graham Norton Show this week and naturally Graham couldn't resist bringing up the topic of if the Sherlock star will be in Star Wars Episode VII.  Cumberbatch admitted to being on the set of the new movie saying, "I went to the set.  It was incredible.  I probably shouldn’t be saying these things."  He then added a "No Comment" about if he's actually in the film. 

Keep in mind, he could very well have been there just to visit the set, like Daniel Radcliffe did.  But his reluctance to deny being in the film does make you wonder if he filmed a secret cameo or if JJ Abrams was able to find a small part that was a good fit for him.  There were reports that Cumberwatch was going to have a major role in the film, but the role wound up going to Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie when the decision was made to gender-swap the part.  Also, it bears keeping in mind that we don't know all the details about what kind of tone there was on stage when the question was asked.  (The episode hasn't aired yet, but the folks over at Merto.co.uk got their hands on the quotes in advance of the episode).  Remember when Harrison Ford was on The Graham Norton show and word got out before the show aired that he told Graham he hadn't made up his mind about being in the film.  It turns out he gave that answer in response to a joke question from the host.  So, we should watch the episode before passing judgement on this.

The Graham Norton Show featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, as well as Miranda Hart, Timothy Spall and Maroon 5 airs tonight at 10:35pm in the UK on BBC One and tomorrow (Saturday) at 11:00am in the US on BBC America.

As always, if you choose to share this story on any of the various social media sites, be sure to use the hashtag #Cumberwatch. 

Source: Metro

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#Cumberwatch: Benedict Cumberbatch Does a Jar Jar Impression

By: Dominic Jones

One of our favourites here at The SWU is back with more Star Wars goodness, and this time it's not an Episode VII rumor!  Benedict Cumberbatch spoke with MTV's Josh Horowitz recently and the notorious gungan Jar Jar Binks was brought up, prompting the Sherlock star to bust out his best impression of the character.  Check it out below,

Not quite as good as his Chewbacca impression, but still pretty good!  (Though I must admit it hurts me a little to hear that he doesn't like Jar Jar...)

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In Case You Missed It: July 26th - August 2nd, 2014

By: Benjamin Hart

ICYMI is back! This week the fallout from San Diego Comic Continues, Harrison Ford walks solo, soundtracks, #CumberWatch, Wrestlers and Baseball! Read on and get caught up:

Episode VII Filming Taking Place on Skellig Michael
A small, mountainous island of the coast of South Kerry, Ireland is the newest spot where Episode VII filming is happening. And some familiar faces were also involved in the shoot. Read more...  Read more...

Six Weeks After Leg Injury, Ford is Walking
Harrison Ford back and on his feet! After suffering a leg injury just mere weeks ago, the actor appears ready to go back to work. Read more...

Simon Pegg Skirts Around Comments Alluding to Role in Star Wars
Dengar himself is back in the news thanks to Benedict Cumberbatch re-igniting a slew of ongoing rumors about Pegg being cast in Episode VII. Read more...

Rian Johnson Talks Episode VIII
Although he has yet to be officially announced as the director for the film, Johnson talked extensivly about his new gig. Read more...

Steve Blum Talks Zeb & 'Star Wars Rebels'
From seeing Star Wars for the first time, to developing the voice of his new character, the veteran voice actor had a lot of interesting things to say. Read more...

Kevin Kiner: Clone Wars Seasons 1-6 CD Soundtrack Coming
Finally!! After years of wishing and hoping, Clone Wars fans are finally get series' soundtrack on disc! The composer confirmed, along with some other interesting tidbits about Rebels. Read more...

Dave Filoni Interested in Directing A Stand-Alone Film
The Clone Wars Supervising director and Rebels executive producer has publicly put himself in the running to helm a future Star Wars film. Read more...

StarWars.com Counts Down the Top 10 Droids
The editors of the site did a nice run down of the best Droids from the films and Clone Wars. Read more...


Rumors

Where Is Luke Skywalker & Who's Flying The Millennium Falcon In Episode VII?
Grab your salt, this new rumor gives more details as to why Luke is missing and Han & Chewbacca aren't flying the Falcon.   Read more...

WWE Wrestler Sheamus to Play Darth Vader in Episode VII
We've heard many times that Darth Vader could return in the Sequels, but we certainly didn't expect this. Read more...


Also check out....

• In the latest SWU Podcast features Chris talking SDCC, Ashley Eckstein discussing Her Universe and shenanigans involving the EU. It's a must listen!
• Darth Daddy takes a look at the works of Darth Dusty in his latest Customizing Corner.
• This week we said goodbye to friend and influential fan Darryl Roberts.

Tidbits

• A talented fan puts a Star Wars spin on some of your favorite Major League Baseball teams.

Jump To

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Simon Pegg Skirts Around Comments Alluding to Role in Star Wars

By: Lillian Skye

The flame behind the ongoing rumor that Simon Pegg will have a role in J.J. Abrams' Episode VII continues to be fueled by offhand comments, skillfully crafted answers, and well timed pauses.

This past week, Benedict Cumberbatch may have confirmed Pegg's involvement in Episode VII:

“I think J.J. is very good at creating something original out of something known," Cumberbatch told MTV News when he was asked about a possible involvement with the Star Wars franchise, "and I think apart from his continuing use of Simon Pegg — and who can blame him, frankly — it made sense not to do it.”

Whether or not Cumberbatch was simply pointing out the fact that Pegg has been involved with many of Abrams' recent projects such as Star Trek and Mission: Impossible, the rumors continue to flourish that the Spaced actor will be in Episode VII.

"J.J. uses me in different roles, and we’re good friends," said Pegg in response to Cumberbatch's comments. "I feel like my face in Star Wars would pop people out of the movie. Look, I love Star Wars, and I don’t want people to watch and go, Oh, there’s Simon Pegg’s face. The film is cleverly cast with these amazing, unknown actors.

When asked if he wasn't going to be in the movie, Pegg brought up his visit to the Episode VII set. "It’s amazing, and I love Star Wars. I want to see everything happening. It looks wonderful, and you need to believe those characters. Any type of stunt casting might just pop you out of the movie."

Last month, Episode VII actor Andy Serkis confirmed that his Imaginarium will be used for Star Wars. If Simon Pegg claims that his face would be too distracting in a Star Wars film, then perhaps he would be a useful candidate to play a motion capture character? Only time will tell.

Sources: Jedi News, MTV, Vulture

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#Cumberwatch: Benedict Cumberbatch Rules Himself Out of Episode VII

By: Dominic Jones

It's time for Cumberwatch!  The most persistent Star Wars Episode VII rumor was brought up again this weekend when  Benedict Cumberbatch spoke at the Oz Comic Con.  Naturally the prospect of the Sherlock star appearing in Episode VII during his Q&A.  Sadly his answer isn't quite what we were hoping for.  Cumberbatch told the audience, "I would've liked a part in JJ's new Star Wars but it won't happen, sadly."

His response is pretty much par for the course when it comes the Cumberbatch/Star Wars rumors.  That being said, every time we thought we ruled out Cumberbatch, it was met with a new rumor stating that he is in the film (I put the over/under at two weeks for the Cumberbatch next rumor).  But the biggest piece of evidence suggesting that he really is out of the running is that he is slated to appear in another film which films at the same time as Episode VII.

As always, if you choose to share this story on any of the various social media sites, be sure to use the hashtag #Cumberwatch.

Source: Radio Times

You can follow Dominic on Twitter: @DominicJ25

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Rumor: Five Actors In The Running For Episode VII Lead Role

(L to R)John Boyega, Jesse Plemons & Ed Speleers.

By: Benjamin Hart

After an overabundance of news concerning both Star Wars Rebels and The Clone Wars, it seems star Wars Episode VII may once again take center stage soon! Today, Variety is reporting that Director J.J Abrams and his team are currently considering at least five actors for the lead role in Episode VII. Variety claims that their sources indicate that John Boyega(Attack The Block), Ed Speleers(Downtown Abby), Mathew James Thomas, Ray Fisher and previously rumored Jesse Plemons(Breaking Bad). Variety adds that "these actors have moved to the top of the list in recent weeks", though some sources say the selection process is still ongoing. The also claim that the part is said to be that of a Jedi Apprentice.

So, how does this work with previous rumors we've heard, which claimed Han, Luke and leia would the lead characters? Could this "Jedi Apprentice" be a student of Luke Skywalker, or perhaps his son or nehpew? Let us know what YOU think in the comments below, or on Facebook and Twitter!

Source: Variety

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Rumor: Twins in Episode VII, Indy 5, #Cumberwatch and More

By: Dominic Jones

The blog Market Saw is reporting a number of new rumors from their source, who (supposedly) told them of the sequel trilogy back in 2009.  There are several rumors regarding the cast and story, as well as something for all the Indiana Jones fans.  

Let's start with the cast.  According to Market Saw's source,

"Ian McDiarmid, Harrison Ford (our exclusive story), Carrie Fisher (our exclusive story), Mark Hamill (our exclusive story), Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Warwick Davies, Benedict Cumberbatch and Gary Oldman. I believe Cumberbatch and Oldman were pursued for the same role, but I don't know how that will work out with the script changes, but I'm told they are both involved." 

Interesting to see Benedict Cumberbatch and Gary Oldman as a part of the cast.  We had written of Cumberbatch's involvement due to his involvement Blood Mountain, but you never know.  He could still have a small role in Episode VII to facilitate his involvement in both films.  Oldman we know has been approached about being in the film, so it's not much of a stretch to be in Episode VII.  The most surprising name, however, is Warwick Davis!  Davis, who has previously appeared in Return of the Jedi and The Phantom Menace as Wicket and Wald respectively, is not one who has not been rumored for Episode VII before.  However, given his love of the series, fan engagement, and prior experience in Star Wars, it's not inconceivable to see him in a small role.  As for the others, they're all returning members from the Original Trilogy, who have been long rumored.

Moving on to the Indiana Jones update,

"Regarding Harrison Ford, two more Indiana Jones features are in the negotiation stages as per Ford's contract clause on Star Wars, which is the primary reason he didn't 'publicly' or 'privately' commit, or so I'm told."

We had heard previously that Harrison would only do Star Wars if there would be more Indiana Jones films in the works.  However, this is first we had heard of TWO Indiana Jones films.  Would fans be interested in seeing Ford in two more Indy films?  The most recent installment, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, was not the best received by movie goers.  However, Disney does now own the rights to future Indiana Jones films, so it could be possible.

As for the story of Episode VII,
Ultimately it's about twins, and which will take a path towards darkness and which will follow in their fathers footsteps, or at least that is what it used to be, that may come later as I think changes are being undertaken to bring the original cast into the forefront of the story leading to ramifications that lead up to the next generation of Skywalkers."

This is interesting.  There has been much made about Michael Arndt leaving the project and what ramifications that might have on the story.  This seems to line up fairly well with previous rumors about the old cast being the leads in Episode VII, while the future films will be about the next generation.  Also, interesting is that, according to the rumor, the films will follow twins.  Fans of the expanded universe know that in the EU, Jacen and Jaina Solo (son and daughter of Han and Leia) were two of the main focal points for the younger generation.  While I strongly doubt these twins will Jacen and Jaina, in name or character, it would be very interesting if they choose to use that idea.

And finally what about the state of the production,

"Many Star Wars pre-production issues, an 'inadequate' central story which nobody would stamp off on, a problematic initial release date and an 'indecisive' director (J.J. Abrams) with the hardest gig in the industry. It's not going to be a cakewalk, but it will be a product shipping with the majority of its original parts."

This is where the rumors fall apart for me.  If the film has "majority of its original parts" and yet "changes are being undertaken to bring the original cast into the forefront of the story".  Those two statements don't really line up for me.   Also, I doubt Abrams would have been a apart of the project (after initially turning it down) if there really was an 'inadequate' central story.  So, at the very least, this portion of the rumor falls apart.

As always, this is just a rumor until confirmed or denied by Lucasfilm and/or Disney.

So there you have it.  What do you think of the rumors?  Fire away in the comments below, tweet us @TheSWU, or join the discussion in Club SWU on Facebook! 

As always, if you choose to share this story on any of the various social media sites, be sure to use the hashtag #Cumberwatch.

Source: Market Saw

You can follow Dominic on Twitter: @DominicJ25

 

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#Cumberwatch - Benedict Cumberbatch Out of the Running for Episode VII Casting?

By: Dominic Jones

We've been covering the Benedict Cumberbatch/Star Wars rumor saga (#Cumberwatch, as we like to call it) for several months now and it seems we may finally have an answer.  And it's not the answer we were hoping for.  Variety is reporting that Cumberbatch will be starring in the upcoming thriller Blood Mountain from director Sergei Bodrov, which is set to begin filming in April in Morroco.  

This seems to take Cumberbatch out of the running for Episode VII, which is slated to begin filming in May in England.  With the the two films shooting at practically the same time, it's difficult to imagine Cumberbatch being in both (though it could be possible). 

Well, it was fun while it lasted.  And hey, there's always Episode VIII....

As always, if you choose to share this story on any of the various social media sites, be sure to use the hashtag #Cumberwatch.

Source: Variety

 

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#Cumberwatch: Benedict Cumberbatch Denies Episode VII Rumors (Again)

 By: Dominic Jones

Another day, another denial for the rumor that won't go away (not that we want it too, at all!  We have a whole segment about it on our podcast!)  Benedict Cumberbatch addressed the rumors surrounding him and Star Wars Episode VII in a recent interview with GQ UK saying,

"Urgh! I mean, I think everyone is talking about it apart from JJ and me! Look, I mean, maybe when there's a script we'll know for certain, but from what I understand the heroes are really, really young, so that's late teens early twenties, and then I don't know, maybe there's a baddie in there? But I think both JJ and I realise we've just done that with another massive sci-fi film, so that obviously hinders things a bit. I mean, there's a possibility, of course there is, and JJ knows how much I would love to be a part of it, simply because, more than Star Trek, it really was something I grew up with. It does make me want to do it even more as well [that people want him to do it]. I don't know. It would be terribly disappointing I suppose if I didn't, but I completely understand what the reasoning might be, which is that this is too close to what we've already done, and what it is that I could do in this film. I mean, JJ and I are yet to have that discussion and I don't even know how many of them he is developing at the one time. I'm pretty sure he's working up one part of three and the spin-off films, there's a shit load more."

That sounds like the kind-of-denial-but-leave-the-door-open stuff we've heard since the beginning.  The quote makes it clear that the Sherlock star would like to be in the film, and he seems to know a fair bit about the film.  He joked on Conan, recently, that he had been hinting to director JJ Abrams that he'd like to be in the film, perhaps there was a degree of truth to that.  One might even suggest that if sounds like he has some sort of gentlemen's agreement with JJ that if they can find a part for him they'll let him know asap (that is 100% pure speculation).  Or he could be just like any other Star Wars fan and be following the news intently online.  The fact that he references the spin off films seems to nail home the fact that he wants to be in a Star Wars film.

We've been following the #Cumberwatch saga of rumors here at the The SWU since the beginning, and we will continue to follow until such a day that Benedict Cumberbatch is cast in a Star Wars film!  As always, if you choose to share this story on any of the various social media sites, be sure to use the hashtag #Cumberwatch.

Source: MakingStarWars.net

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#Cumberwatch - Benedict Cumberbatch Discusses Episode VII Rumors on Conan

By: Dominic Jones

One of our favorites here, Benedict Cumberbatch went on Conan last night to promote his upcoming film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and naturally the topic of JJ Abrams and Star Wars came up.   When asked by Conan if he had been lobbying JJ for a part in the film Cumberbatch replied, "I would just leave really causal messages on his phone as a lightsaber".  He went on to describe how he "auditioned" for the role of Chewbacca during his recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show (with Harrison Ford).

You can watch the episode with Cumberbatch (Star Wars talk begins at about 20 minutes in) here (in the U.S) and here (in Canada).

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#Cumberwatch: Episode VII Rumors a Smokescreen to Hide Cumberbatch's Involvement in a Marvel Project?

 By: Dominic Jones

Of all the twists and turns this story has taken, this is by far the most surprising.  The Daily SuperHero is reporting that an inside source has told them that the rumors about actor Benedict Cumberbatch's involvement in Star Wars Episode VII are actually false rumors put out by Disney...to hide the fact that he's been cast in an upcoming Marvel Studios project! 

Rumors of the Sherlock star's involvement in Episode VII have been circulating for months, due in large part his relationship with director JJ Abrams, whom he worked with on Star Trek Into Darkness.  The idea that Disney is manufacturing these rumors about Episode VII to hide the truth about another project does seem like a stretch.  However, in this age where even the slightest hint can get blown out of proportions on the web, creating false rumors as a smokescreen is not entirely impossible either.  

There is a case to be made for  these Marvel rumors, as Cumberbatch did recently visit Marvel Studios (with Sherlock and Dr Who Executive Producer Steven Moffat).  No reason was given for their visit and naturally speculation had begun about their involvement in an upcoming project.  Some Marvel fans are even speculating that the actor could be cast as Dr. Strange for an upcoming film.

In a perfect world, I would hope both rumors are true.  I make no secret of the fact that I'm a huge fan of Cumberbatch's and would love to see him in both Star Wars and the Marvel universe.  While that may seem far fetched, remember that he's already been in multiple franchises, playing Sherlock Holmes, Khan in Star Trek, and the dragon Smaug in The Hobbit Trilogy, so anything is possible...

As always, we'll keep you posted on all the latest Benedict Cumberbatch/Star Wars news and if you choose to share this story on any of the various social media sites, be sure to use the hashtag #Cumberwatch.

 

And don't forget, this is just a rumor until confirmed (or denied) by Lucasfilm, Disney, or in this case Marvel.

Source: The Daily SuperHero

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Caption Contest Results | 12/6/13

By: Benjamin Hart

We're back with more captions! This week we featured this photo of Darth Vader having some fun on our Facebook page and asked our fans to caption it. The hilarious results are below!


1st Place | By: Andrea Kristina

2nd Place

They see me rolling ... They choking ...

By: Rebecca Abel

I find your lack of speed disturbing.

By: Jimmy Cumbest

Disney cutbacks, new Death Star.

By: Mike Fallon

Join me, and together we can rule the Serengeti as father and son!

By: Jason Jenkins

And here we see a lone Vader, stalking his prey.

By: Dave Hicks

3rd Place

"Now this, is better than podracing."

By: Daniel James Hurtado

I'm on the leader...

By: Chris Boetjer

I find your lack of speed disturbing.

By: Chris Britcher

Geez, you lose a couple Death Stars and they won't trust you with anything important...

By: Adam McGlynn

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who participated! Look for more caption contests every week on our Facebook page.

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#Cumberwatch - Benedict Cumberbatch Talks Episode VII

By: Dominic Jones

Crave Online Canada has released a new video interview they conducted with Benedict Cumberbatch during last month's Toronto International Film Festival.  While the video focuses primarily on Cumberbatch's role in The Fifth Estate, the interviewer, of course, brings up the rumors surrounding Cumberbatch and Star Wars Episode VII.  When asked about Episode VII Cumberatch first talked about his love for the franchise (and for working with JJ Abrams), and then added, "No offers have been made to anyone, apart from obviously the regulars who are returning. That would be amazing, it would be amazing."

While this is by no means a confirmation, it is a far cry from a denial as well.  Notice that, as usual, Cumberbatch uses the phrase "No offers have been made", indicating to some that he could still be in talks about appearing.  In addition, Cumberbatch's appearance on The Graham Norton Show has added fuel to the #Cumberwatch fire, as Cumberbatch was unusually quiet regarding the film regarding the film.

Plus it's always great to hear Benedict discussing his love for The 'Wars!

As always, we'll keep you posted on all the latest Benedict Cumberbatch/Star Wars news and if you choose to share this story on any of the various social media sites, be sure to use the hashtag #Cumberwatch.

Check out the full interview below:

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#Cumberwatch - Benedict Cumberbatch and Harrison Ford Talk Episode VII on The Graham Norton Show

By: Dominic Jones

Two of our favourites here, Benedict Cumberbatch and Harrison Ford, made an appearance on The Graham Norton Show this week and, as expected, both were asked about appearing in Star Wars Episode VII.  And (surprise, surprise) neither gave a real answer.  Harrison just started mumbling (as Benedict tried to convince him to just admit he's in the film), while Benedict wouldn't give any details away either.  The most interesting part, however, is that neither denied their involvement.  While that's no surprise coming from Harrison, who we have come to expect those sort of answers from, the fact Benedict didn't completely deny his involvement continues to lend credence to the rumors that he will be involved in some way.  

Check out the video below (and pay special attention at 50 seconds in, you'll hear Benedict do a pretty dang good Chewbacca impression!):

Also Check out these other hilarious clips from the show.  First, see Harrison Ford recreate a classic scene from 'Empire' with a member of the audience:

Second, watch Benedict Cumberbatch discuss how big a fan of Harrison Ford he is:

So there you have it, while it's not confirmation by any stretch, it was at least fun.  And Benedict's non-answer means #Cumberwatch continues! (If you choose to share this story on any social media outlets, be sure to include the hashtag #Cumberwatch).  If you enjoyed The Graham Norton Show, be sure to tune in next week when Star Wars alum Natalie Portman makes an appearance.

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Harrison Ford and Benedict Cumberbatch to Appear on 'The Graham Norton Show'

By: Dominic Jones

I know, I know this sounds like the start of a really bad joke, "Han Solo and Khan walk on to a talk show set and...", but I promise you it's not.  Harrison Ford, Han Solo himself, and Benedict Cumberbatch, Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness and the source of many Episode VII rumors, will be appearing on the British talk show, The Graham Norton Show on BBC One this Friday at 10:35 pm BST.

While I wouldn't expect any breaking news from the show but, with all the rumors surrounding those two, surely Star Wars will be brought up at least once.  And knowing The Graham Norton Show, hilarity will ensue.

Other guests on the show include Jack Whitehall and James Blunt.

#Cumberwatch

Source: BBC One

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JJ Abrams Discusses Episode VII Casting

By: Dominic Jones

While fans anxiously await the first official casting announcement for Star Wars Episode VII, director JJ Abrams has this update (sort of) when it came to casting the film.

"We're working our asses off trying to get things in place with casting."

Well there's nothing really Earth shattering there, but it's good to know that they're working hard and taking things seriously.  Hopefully this means we can expect some official announcements soon!  On a slightly more intriguing note, JJ was also asked about actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who's been rumored to appear in the next film.  His response:

"I love that guy."

While that's hardly a confirmation, it's definitely not a denial.  JJ had the opportunity to put those rumors to bed once and for all and he didn't.  This could just be classic Abrams misdirection, or it could mean (as we have long speculated) that Cumberbatch is in talks to appear in the film, however no contracts have been signed and thus no one can talk about it.

Source: LA Times Reporter Yvonne Villarreal (@villarrealy) on Twitter

JJ Abrams on #StarWars: "We're working our asses off trying to get things in place w/ casting." Benedict Cumberbatch? "I love that guy."
— Yvonne Villarreal (@villarrealy) September 20, 2013

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Episode VII Rumors: Saoirse Ronan, Benedict Cumberbatch & New Mexico Details

By: Benjamin Hart

Getting tired of all the Episode VII rumors? Well, tough! Because here comes some more!

Kellvin Chavez and the Latino Review strike back with a host of new possible details about Episode VII. Firstly, they have more to add to the recent reports about filming happening in New Mexico:

"Over the past couple of days, the talk of New Mexico being used for the new Star Wars movies has been pretty constant. What wasn’t mentioned is where in New Mexico they would choose to film. Today we have our answer: The City of Crosses, Las Cruces... According to my source, very little will be shot in Las Cruces along with Los Angeles and 90% will be done in London when filming gets underway in 2014."

Next, Chavez talks about another actress who has supposedly auditioned for a role:

"About two weeks ago I got a phone call about who else went in to read for an unknown part, I was just told to hold off till it happened and so it did.... I also got it confirmed with other solid sources before the whole denying comes into play... The girl that went in for a read is…Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan recently passed on the role of Wanda Maximoff, The Scarlet Witch, in The Avengers: Age of Ultron, so you can speculate all you want since Star Wars and Marvel are under the same Disney brand.... I tried to find out what Ronan went in but they wouldn’t tell me. During the conversation what was very interesting was that there will be a female villain part as well. NOW I’m not saying Ronan went in for that part, for all you know Ronan went in for the Solo daughter."

There's nothing really definite here. They're only claiming that Ronan auditioned for a role, not cast. Nevertheless, a villainess in Episode VII, played by anyone, is an intriguing idea.

And finally, Latino Review resurrects the one rumor that just won't go away(Not that we want it to): 

"DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE ABOUT BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH NOT BEING IN STAR WARS. HE IS IN THE MOVIE! In fact, he will be in all three Star Wars films! It’s all a smoke screen. Folks, remember when Cumberbatch denied being Khan for over a year? Same situation here. At least give us the benefit of the doubt hence why we are bringing this up. Point is, he lied before and he can lie again. Google it. One more time because it is worth repeating, Benedict Cumberbatch will be will in the upcoming Star Wars movies. I don’t care if he denies it till opening day. We were right before about him playing Khan, and we will be right again on this one. Technically, his part in Episode VII is very small but the role is much bigger in Episode VIII and Episode IX."

This is a very bold claim, considering many sites denounced an earlier claim by Film Chronicles that he had been cast. And not long after Cumberbatch's representatives denied the rumors. We shall see who's right in the coming months(& years).

Be sure to check out the full article on the Latino Review's site. And as always, get your salt in hand and wait for the offical word from Lucasfilm. 

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Benedict Cumberbatch on Episode VII: No Offer has Been Made

By: Dominic Jones

It's the rumor that just won't go away (not that we necessarily want it to).  Despite Benedict Cumberbatch's representative denying the rumors that the British actor had been cast in the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII, it seems the rumors have found new legs.  Cumberbatch spoke with Access Hollywood at the red carpet premiere of his new film The Fifth Estate at the Toronto International Film Festival and naturally the subject of the Star Wars rumors came up.  When asked Cumberbatch responded with the following,

"This is the simple truth. J.J. [Abrams] and I have worked together before. I would love to work with him again.  No offer has been made. That is that. And that is that."

Cumberbatch late expanded on this to the Toronto Sun saying,

"As I've said, no offers have been made (about Star Wars) - apart from the regulars who are returning, obviously (Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill)."

Cumberbatch's choice of words, specifically "No offer has been made" rather than a more definitive no, makes you wonder if he is, in fact, in talks to appear in the film and that they are still working out the details of his contract.  Many have also pointed out over the last few days that Cumberbatch's rep's response was similarly vague and merely denied that Cumberbatch had been cast, not whether or not he was in talks.

Additionally the fact that he tells the Toronto Sun that "the regulars" are returning seems to point to him knowing more about the production of the film than he's letting on.  Granted Cumberbatch could be following the production of the film online like everyone else, however the official status of the old cast returning is clouded and he seems to be pretty certain that they're in.

Cumberbatch certainly is a talented actor and would make a great addition to the Star Wars family, especially given his love for the franchise.  Looking back at the casting call released in June, I feel, assuming he is cast of course, that he could fit into either of the "Forty something male, fit, military type" or "Thirty something male, intellectual. Apparently doesn’t need to be fit" roles, but that is pure speculation on my part.

So what do think?  Is Cumberbatch (and his rep) hinting at something by not flat out denying the rumors?  Or are we just reading too much into this?  Let us know in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

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