My pal at work had the pleasure of visiting a friend of his out in California last week for the 4th of July. So happens she works for Lucas Arts and was invited to the annual 4th of July celebration George Lucas throws.
I don’t know if this was for all employees or just some, but she was invited and was allowed to bring my friend.
His impressions? Well, he met George, who he said was very nice and seemed to be in good spirts, which I guess is rare. Seems George has a reputation for being a little moody. Also, he tells me that the staff is instructed not to talk/bother him on the grounds if they should happen to cross paths.
I guess he probably needs a little hiatus from people telling him daily how awesome stormtroopers are.
He also met Hayden Christensen, who’s playing Darth Vader in episode 2. In fact, Hayden was on my friend’s tug-o-war team at the picnic. What did he think of him?
“He’s really tall!” exclaimed my buddy. Nice guy too, and pretty humble it seemed. We’ll see if that lasts after the movie comes out…
Also present at the festivities was the voice/inspiration for Jar Jart Binks, Ahmed Best. Who, my friend claims, was pretty much ignored by most present.
So did my friend get any big scoops on the next movie?
Not really. But then he didn’t really want to either. He, like I, wants to wait and not spoil anything.
He was told NON-SPOILER:
that the second movie was supposed to be much better then the first. “No comparison” claimed my friend’s friend. Some of the staff have seen the movie in it’s current, rough state.
He did find out ** VERY MINOR SPOILER:**
That Jar Jar is in the next movie for all of 5 minutes “but plays a significant role”.
The less of a role he plays the better, I say.
Episode 2 sounds better already.
So there you have it. My 3 degrees of seperation from George Lucas, 4 degrees to Han Solo. Neat, huh?
Oh, and please, no unannounced spoilers here, OK?