New “Force For Change” Video. New X-Wing Revealed!
J. J. Abrams has posted another status update from London regarding the Force For Change initiative, and this time we get a look at the new Episode 7 version of a very familiar old starfighter…
In this latest Force For Change video, J.J. expresses how proud and grateful he is for the support that tens of thousands of fans have been able to contribute to the philanthropy drive. Over the course of the Force For Change campaign, donations have poured in to UNICEF from people in 119 countries – as a frame of reference, that’s more than half of the nations on Earth!
But we’ll let J.J. tell you the rest…
As with the original Force For Change video, J. J. teased setpieces from the new movie. This time, instead of getting a good look at Tatooine, we get a behind-the-scenes look at a new spaceship (complete with an automatically-opening-and-closing cockpit) on the backlot of Pinewood Studios. Although the ship looks a lot like a Z-95 Headhunter – the predecessor to the T-65 X-Wing from Star Wars Legends – Star Wars.com officially confirmed in a tweet this morning that this is, indeed, an X-Wing.
@CDCanimation It is in fact an Episode VII X-wing, not a Z-95.
— Star Wars (@starwars) July 21, 2014
(Oh, yeah, and there’s also a Mouse Droid.)
Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.
Impressive… keeping the design of the OT while updating it in a way that works. Really pumped now.
Great design. I think a lot of us are thinking that some of these props (mouse droid; rebel flight suit guy) are going to be in the film. Maybe, they are just dangling carrots to bolster fan interest? Either way I cannot wait to see Luke’s dead light saber clutching hand survive re-entry into Morriband’s atmosphere.
JJ would have to change his name and go into hiding if he showed us the mouse droid, the rebel pilot, or any props from OT then not have them be in the new movie. Since he is a fan of the OT I can image he will throw in as much nostalgic props as he can get away with. When all is said and done I just want a movie with a good story and interesting characters.
https://twitter.com/starwars/status/491196351422554112
Confirmed to be an X-Wing, not a Z95.
Definetly, they are doing things well…
Now, i will change my pants…
WOAH! That was a pleasant little surprise for the morning 😉
Looks like that X-wing’s seen some action!
I’m curious as to why so many of you believe the rumor that was posted yesterday….
Yes I agree! I’m even more pumped to see Episode 7!
the only way this could have been better was if luke himself walked out and got in the fighter…. excellent battle damage authenticity as well. way to start a monday!!!
I’m so excited. I’m at work and forgot my headphones at home so I had to watch with the sound turned down. Was that mostly CG?
Its funny looking back at the Jedi Star-fighters from Ep. II and III I know they were built on a set in a studio they were real yet they still look like CGI to me. Just goes to show you.
It’s because of how they processed the models in post… I just watched the start of episode III last night to test out my new subwoofer 🙂 What I noticed is that they used artificial lighting, like to get the highlights more pronounced. Plus the million other things going on that are CGI.
Yes, some people pretend they can tell CG from “real” but they can’t really.
They have their reality set by the OT and can’t get unstuck off that. So that’s why the OT which is so studio bound looks “real” to them while the PT which has so many scenes that couldn’t possibly be done in a traditional studio is “fake” looking because they know it’s not simply a set built in a studio.
They also think that it’s all CG which of course is total nonsense but suddenly practical miniatures which are all over the PT now are “not real” because “real miniatures” can’t have that kind of camera movements available when shooting.
I don’t think you understand how post production works. The vast majority of models built for the prequels were actually miniature sets that were superimposed in the backgrounds. That’s why it looks a little funny, because real world sets have dynamic lighting that isn’t static. The matte paintings from the OT were done by very good painters who could fool people into thinking they were real locations… I wasn’t aware until I looked at the Star Wars art books how much of what I was seeing was paintings.
CGI can’t replicate that, it will someday I’m sure, but it’s not quite there yet. As a painter myself, I’ve never seen a digital artist who could replicate reality as well as a painter could… there is a reason for that. Traditional painters are trained to see things that usually go unnoticed to an untrained eye, and spend a lot more time working with models (drawing from life) than a CGI student would. I got 3 solid years worth of life drawing in school and the digital artists only got a year’s worth usually. That makes a big difference!
According to the SW twitter page, this is an X-wing, not a Z95. the wings to fold out, it’s just different from the way the old one used to do it. Basically this design, the main wing consists of two smaller ones placed one in front of the other instead of one on top of the other.
Looks like it’s been battle tested.. proving the theory that the empire still exists???
and the mouse droid??
Smart
It looks almost exactly like McQuarrie’s original X-Wing design. This is only a very small piece of the greatness we’ll see in VII. Thank the maker!
Lots of McQuarrie designs in the upcoming Star Wars Rebels show too.
Or so they say…
The mouse droid was awesome.
“Impressive… Most impressive.”
Such a beautiful thing to see in this morning! I’m really happy now!
Wait! You’ve also seen Yoda’s Morning Glory!
Wow this has made my day. I hope I win
That fighter, x-wing or not, is 100% real thing thing. I love how the production is embracing practical effects! CGI can do amazing things, but cannot compare to the real thing.
Oh and I am glad there will be mouse droids. I love those little guys.
It can totally compare to the “real” thing but really VII is doing EXACTLY the same thing the prequels did.
In fact unlike the PT they really don’t have any great need to do all the models and miniatures the PT did. So one wonders if they will have any if they don’t really need them?
I doubt they will broadcast that information if they in fact don’t use miniatures.
Great video and cause. Yoda’s Morning Glory either sounds like a drink at a bar or something far more offensive. I’d have a drink with Yo. But I wouldn’t want to see his Morning Glory! Does anybody think they would have gotten more money donated if a familiar character got in the cock-pit or Chewy/3PO were there to wave good bye to the pilot? Something simple goes a long way when it comes to production of a SW’s movie…from the fans perspective. I’m not complaining though. Love the video.
“When 900 years old you reach, be as potent, you will not.”
lol, Yoda in a bar, knocking back green tea shots.
I have to say that the ST will mess very well visually with the OT movies. If they can make an interesting story and hopefully the new characters connect with the audience, it could be a nice addition to the OT.
At least it has a retractable ladder unlike Luke’s. Just throw it on the ground when you are done with no way to get it back. Looks like the are paying a lot of attention to detail.
I thought the same thing
To anyone wondering how this X-wing’s S-foils fold out. here’s a coloured diagram showing the 2 “wings” in the s-foil design.
http://www.starwars-union.de/bilder/news_2014/20140721-x-wing-fluegel.jpg
Wow, that’s a really cool design decision. I’m glad that the architects put so much thought into reinventing this ship.
It’s actually based on the original Star Wars concept.
http://d2tq98mqfjyz2l.cloudfront.net/image_cache/1289596383724611.jpeg
What a piece of junk!
@Retrotek:
“Watch your mouth kid or you’ll find yourself flying home!”
floating ………………..
If you look close you can see a severed hand clutching the mouse droid…
I hope this unoriginality doesn’t set a precedent for the rest of the film.
I don’t think JJ is going to show us anything new or original, as he is going to save that for the movie so we are suprised. The trailers and all of these updates are going to be more retro OT stuff to wet our appetites. This is more political right now by JJ & Disney just to show the fans they are going old school and this wont be the CGI-fest like the Prequels. This is sort of like damage control to many OT fans who bailed after the PT.
How pathetic can you get?
That x wing is awesome.
It looks almost just like the X wings that has been around since 1977. I don’t like the unoriginality in the design, same for the fight suit.
Everything you don’t like about it I love about it.
Sigh.. 🙁
So you just want a rehash?
It’s Star Wars. I expect Star Wars vehicles to be featured in a Star Wars movie.
If that’s rehashing then yes it’s what I want!
Seriously I wouldn’t expect a totally new and original design to everything. I expect lightsabers, blasters and a theme of good vs evil to be present as well.
The original movie back in 1977 brought original and amazing designs. I think this movie should too.
No reason to reinvent the wheel so to speak.
It’s Star Wars, many of the themes repeat….George Lucas said that.
And that to me is the biggest reason as to why so many fans bailed during the PT. Episode 1 did not have nothing that looked like Star Wars till way into the film. Even then it was just the Planet they were on………
In 20-30 years many things change. But just as many things stay the same.
And I fully expect Episodes 7-9 to be a rehash of Episodes 1-3.
Many of the themes repeat, but sometimes have different outcomes….Anakin’s right hand got cut off, so did Luke’s, and so the same will happen in the ST.
You’re obviously not paying as much attention to detail as Abrams, Duke.
How so?
There are some noticeable differences between the flight suit in this video and the flight suits in the OT, although the overall color scheme and fit of the uniform may not have significantly changed. The vest is a lot bulkier and seems more armored, the helmet design has changed and the orange color of the suit is much darker. As for the X-wing, the differentiation is pretty self-explainitory.
If the empire does still exist and has withheld a majority of their firepower since the conclusion of ROTJ, we wouldn’t expect the rebels to spend as much time making technological advancements in warfare as they would trying to stay hidden from the empire, while at the same time wiping out what remains of their forces. As we know, technology in the Star Wars universe moves very slowly. 35 years would certainly not be enough time for them to have built brand new star fighter designs, especially during an era of turmoil (assuming the conflict is still going strong). The differences aren’t entirely obvious, but that leads me to believe they’re paying more attention to story and character development, which makes me all the more excited for this film 🙂
The helmet is a mix in between the episode 3 clone pilot helmet and an episode 4-5-6 rebel alliance helmet. The color of the suit is only slightly a different shade and the vest has a little bit more surface area and a little bit thicker. As for the X wing its like comparing a 2000 corvette to a 2014, sure they look somewhat different but its still the same car. If the empire is still around and is just as much as a threat as they were in the original movies it cheapens the events that took place in those movies. “As we know, technology in the Star Wars universe moves very slowly”. Where did you get that idea? In between episode 1-2 the clone wars show 3-4-5-6 tons of new stuff was being made.
Yeah, so you just answered your own question…
That photo does make it a lot easier to see the pilot, thanks Duke! You’re right, I think a lot of the judgement I was making was based more on my computers poor resolution, my apologies. I don’t think you’re a negative nancy, I just think you’re a self-respecting Star Wars fan who wants this movie to be as great as it can be, like the rest of us. Personally, I really like the subtle changes to the X-Wing they’ve made in respect to McQuarrie’s original design, but I can understand you’re looking for more new, less rehashing.
You said “You’re obviously not paying as much attention to detail as Abrams, Duke” when i am. By the way go to http://www.businessinsider.com/ to the entertainment part to get a better look at the suit and helmet with better lighting.
Here is a CU of the pilot
http://imgur.com/4CgbCTR
Duke is just a negative Nancy he does this often, just ignore him Why Wing?…May the force be with you always.
Ignore me when i’m just trying to have a valid reasonable civil discussion, but sure just write me off as a “negative Nancy”.
Yep.
The phrase “negative Nancy” is sexist!
The new movies take place only 30 years after the OT. We (America) were using 30+ year old ships in WWII. We still use B-52s and they’re about 60 years old.
Not to mention that Star Wars is in a fantasy universe where technology doesn’t advance a whole lot over time.
We’re using the same a few of the same Capital ships. The design of fighter jets has changed drastically, so I fail to see what point your trying to make by saying that. And, as previously stated, it’s flat out untrue that technology advances slowly in the Star Wars Universe. Look at the differences in tech design in ep II and III. There’s a notable advancement, which continues throughout the Rise of the Empire. Duke is right, they’re being lazy, and you’re being nostalgic.
star wars con firmed its a star wars 7 x wing and not a 795
http://prntscr.com/44vto3
I have gay tendencies.
I aways knew it LongDuckDong.
Best comment ever.
Quick! Cast him in SW7 and make the announcement so we can check another off the list!
If nothing else it seems as though JJ will deliver the visual aesthetic much loved in the original Star Wars movies. I admire the attention to detail shown so far, it seems they are going all out to deliver a great new episode. Succeed or fail I don’t think you can deny they are putting the effort into doing it right.
Everything is clearly in place visually and I’m sure audio will be great too with John at the helm again.
Now all we need is a decent story with great characters! *Crosses fingers knocking on wood while kissing a rabbits foot*
C’mon plot ol’ buddy, don’t let me down!!!
At first I thought the flightsuit was just a gag, but I watched the clip on a higher res and it looks like somewhat of a new design as well. The white flight vest is a little bit more contoured than the ESB flightsuits and the helmet is a different design, it almost looks like one of the clone fighter helmets from ROTS without the hoses. Pretty subtle and pretty cool.
I’m surprised nobody commented on the lack of astrodroid in the rear of the main body of the new X-Wing?
Overall I like the design, I like that the designs so far seem to be remeniscent of the OT McQuarrie/Johnston designs rather than more of a stylistic departure like the prequels. Doug Chang is also working on Ep7, so it’ll be interesting to see how his choices are different on this next wave of movies.
Here is a CU of the helmet from Biz Weekly photo:
http://imgur.com/4CgbCTR
Is that pilot Boyega?
Almost positive it is. He posted a 25 second video on Instagram of the pilot climbing into the cockpit. That is what makes me think it is him.
It would be fun if they added a contest and the winner got to be the pilot of that ship in a space battle. How cool would that be.
Good job Pomojema!
Credit should also go to Viral Hide and DEKKA129; although their names don’t appear as co-authors of this article, they updated the page with the confirmation that this is the new X-Wing (I was in the middle of class, so I couldn’t do it myself). Still, thanks!
how old are you guys?
As old as my toes, and a little older than my teeth.
Let’s say Pomojema and dandino are the young blood of the team. The rest of us are…. well let’s say above 30. 🙂
I’m twenty. It feels odd knowing that I’m more than half as old as this franchise.
Oh no! AGEISM!!!!
Adavanter mentioned ‘John’s Audio’ above. For me one of the biggest things missing from PT was more of a link to the OT sound. For me the most exciting part of EP 11 was when there was a hint of the imperial march as the star destroyers took off towards the end. I bought the soundtrack CD for Sith and the best part of that is Vaders transformation. Blaster sound and spacecraft weapon fire also had a much cooler sound in the OT. I am surprised this subject has not been discussed more….
The episode 1 soundtrack was as good as the original movies, but it was different in some ways.
From my personal perspective, I never felt an emotional tug in EpI like I did during the scene where Luke walks outside on Tatooine and looks out over the sunset in EpIV. That was quite a moment.
Well on the quality level it is, but i would say duel of fates is as good as any of the other Star Wars tracks. It made those scenes much better than they were.
Here’s a good way to look at the problem: Think about when people sing OT music, most notably the Imperial march… I mean it’s instantly recognizable even if the person singing it can’t sing. Can we say the same for anything from the prequels? *Maybe* duel of fates…. but any other theme then people will be confused. None of those other themes really stuck with us.
Perhaps Williams didn’t really feel inspired with the prequels, I really only remember a few themes from the prequels. He’s also VERY old, not that I think anything less of him… but I think most people don’t realize Williams is almost 90! I worry at that age if he still has the passion to do those OT-tug-at-the-heart-string themes. On the other hand Harry Potter themes were very nice… those give me the chills… I think He’s still got it, He just needs good material to work with.
The Ep II theme when padme and anakin skywalker is pretty recognisable. In fact each film really has its own theme except VI, I can’t think of a unique tune for that apart from the later addition of the ending party song with the ewoks
Um, he’s 82..
Woops my mistake… still though… if you think about it, He’ll be 87 when IX comes out right? Certainly not young… well either way I’m impressed.
Y’know, I felt somewhat that way about the sound and music in the PT too.
I actually watched ROTS a couple times over the past few weeks after not having seen it in quite awhile. One thing that I noticed that I really don’t understand the reason for is the fact that the movie was packed with “Alvin and the Chipmunks” noises. Especially any time there was a droid onscreen.
Okay, I get it, the Federation droids were lightsaber fodder. But why voice them all with this high-pitched baby talk? Why not have lightsaber fodder that at least sounds like it might be at least mildly threatening?
I will also never understand why Anakin’s first time leading his troops as Darth Vader (against the Jedi Temple) was accompanied by ANYTHING other than the Imperial March. That always just feels completely wrong to me.
Agreed on the droid voices. I thought they were cool in episode one, where they had a distinctly monotone robotic sound(Roger Roger). Then for some reason they switched it for EP2 and 3.
The monotone synthetic voice was in Attack Of The Clones. I don’t think they talked that much in Revenge Of The Sith outside of the opening thirty minutes or so.
Makes me wonder what the new TIE Fighters are going to look like
my sources tell me that the globes now have smiley faces on them
I think the soundtracks for all 6 episodes were fine. As far as episode 7 goes we have seen enough to know that the effects and props are closer to the ot in style as opposed to the pt. the big unknown is the story. Meaning is the script good and how does the story arc Fit in with ot and pt and future movies. I am optimistic. But this is the area JJ and co are keeping a very tight lid on. Coincidently the info we most want is what we can’t have. That being said the tidbits we have lead me to believe that 7 is going to be great. Hopefully a hat tip to he ot but a great movie in its own right. Please don’t “f” this up JJ…….. My heart can’t take another let down like the prequels. Because in my opinion they were a big let down
America………FUCK YEAH!!!!!
#MURICA
Of course, what would REALLY have been impressive would be that pilot not just crawling into the cockpit, but actually taking off!
Heck — since the opening/closing of the cockpit is a functional mechanism, why not go all the way and …
The PT wasn’t near as much as a CG fest as anyone thinks it was. It was a digital fest which is exactly what the ST will be.
This is not going to be some analog movie and JJ is smart to cater to the small hard core vociferous audience who despise the PT so much.
It’s so easy to throw a few bones to them like a ship and puppet and know exactly how they will react like Pavlov’s dog so when they finally go to the movie they will accept the “PT-like CG fest” that he will throw at them.
It’ll not actually be different from the PT but they will think that it is and he’ll have hooked them into believing it was more “practical.”
That would be awesome if they shot models in front of blue screens and moved the camera given the illusion the models are moving like in the old days (before the dark times). However since JJ is shooting the movie on film I hope Ep VII looks and feels more realistic then the PT and less digital.
The Phantom Menace was shot mostly on film and it is by far the best looking of the prequels in my opinion.|
I reckon they filmed this video using the same cameras as the new film too. Looks nice.
[Partial Spioler Alert]
Since they’re about to make a big hooplah about it tomorrow, suppose it doesn’t matter anyway. Force For Change is the title of the film. It was hidden in plain sight all along. Surprised no one noticed. To his credit, it was JJ’s idea.
No, just no.
That’s dumb……next
Slave 1 is in this video.