Digital Filming           2-22-00        TheForce.net

SPY REPORT: Everything Filmed Digitally?
Tue, Feb 22, 00 06:44:47 PM EST

In The Know checks in after seeing several reports on the tidbits about digital filming and the blue screen tests going on at ILM recently. Apparently, what the direction will be for the second prequel is still undetermined. Here's the goods: To be quite honest, nobody knows quite what to expect this time around. It's not even certain that the whole movie will be shot digitally. There are many tests still going on. It's also quite possible that a percentage of the movie may still be shot on film stock. In all reality, it's simply too early to tell, everyone is kind of in a "wait and see" mode for now. There's a good point in here. While Episode I was exciting because it's amazing special effects and new sound system, Episode II may change the way movies are made. More soon.

Prowse and Ep3            2-22-00        TheForce.net

Prowse Talks Episode 3's Vader
Tue, Feb 22, 00 11:45:15 AM EST

Since early this morning our friends in Great Britain have filed numerous reports with us about David Prowse's interview on "London Today", a local news show. SW fans know Prowse as being "the body" of Darth Vader in the original trilogy, while James Earl Jones provided the Dark Lord's voice. But before Vader, Prowse was "the Green Cross Code Man", a character who taught kids about road safety in an ad campaign during the '70s.
Prowse was speaking about his return as the Green Cross Code Man, and he talked about his role as Vader. When asked if he would be recalled for Episode 3, he said that he didn't know about himself, that he hadn't been recalled as yet. But he also confirmed that James Earl Jones had been contacted to return as Vader's voice and that Jones would have seven minutes of dialogue to record.
Seven minutes? That's much more than the five we've been hearing about over the past few years. Thanks to Phillips Kate and Bartholomew Boreaz for the heads up, and thanks to Kim Heise for pointing us to the story about Green Cross Code Man!

Other Casting             2-21-00        TheForce.net

Episode 2's OTHER 'Mystery Casting'
Mon, Feb 21, 00 11:00:59 PM EST

As the myriad of theories about the next Anakin reaches legendary proportions, many fans are wondering about that other "man behind the mask": the younger incarnation of Boba Fett. Apart from knowing that he will be appearing in Episode 2, we've heard next to nothing about his role or who will inherit the armor from Jeremy Bulloch.
At the LA Sci-Fi And Comic Book Convention on Sunday, guest of the day Jet Li participated in a Q&A with the audience...
Jet Li stated that he had read about the rumors that he was playing Boba Fett in Episodes 2 and 3 but he has not been approached although he would still love to play Fett.
Thanks to Brian Koukol at CHUD.com for the lead. Jet Li in action as Boba Fett? The mind spins with the possibilities...

Preliminaries             2-21-00        TheForce.net

SPY REPORT: Preliminary Tests For SW2
Mon, Feb 21, 00 04:26:28 PM EST

Insider Sonnyboo presents us with details of some additional work going on inside the super-secretive walls of ILM in preparation for the digital filming for Episode II. This spy material comes from friends inside the effects facility, with more information to come:
As you've reported on earlier last week, they are doing tests with the new digital cameras. But here's the good part: there beginning to work with blue screen now. ILM guys are dressing up in costumes and doing blue screen/green screen work during the test run. Then the footage is being uploaded and composited against the background plates of the Phantom Menace to see how it looks. This is one of the preliminary tests for Episode II.

Hugh Quarshie in          2-18-00        TheForce.net

Hugh Quarshie confirmed for Episode 2
Fri, Feb 18, 00 11:18:54 PM EST

We found out recently that Hugh Quarshie is now definitely on board for Episode II. Captain Panaka will be back for sure! He was confirmed to be returning.
So this means Anakin casting is in progress and some of the previous cast are being locked in to return. More news should be coming soon!

Plo Koon to Return?       2-14-00        TheForce.net

SPY REPORT: Plo Koon to Return?(theforce.net)
Mon, Feb 14, 00 12:15:42 AM EST

Informant Dash Toasters tells us that the actor who portrayed Jedicouncil memeber Plo Koon in The Phantom Menace (Alan Ruscoe) is being connected to Episode II casting as well. Supposedly, there is still some ongoing discussions with LucasFilm over the details of the return, but it does look like this character is going to at least make an appearence in the prequel-sequel. To which we say "excellent" ... now let's see him in action.

Set Construction?         2-11-00        TheForce.net

SPY REPORT: Set Construction(theforce.net)
Fri, Feb 11, 00 11:34:30 PM EST

With the report of Rick McCallum now residing in Australia in preparation for Episode II, we get one of the first reports about set construction for the new movie. While we cannot confirm it, it would certainly fit the timetable given Rick's arrival and the near completion of the script:

According to my source, he has a cousin in Sydney who works as a set carpenter on films there, and he told him that he has got the prestigous job of working on the second episode of Star Wars. Construction is due to begin in MARCH. Thanks to ivan choe of Episode2Watch for the lead.

Casting Call              2-11-00        Starwars.com

February 11, 2000(starwars.com) -- Some of you may have heard news in the press this week about an article that originated in Variety regarding casting of Episode II. I wanted to take a moment to set the record straight. George is still working on the script for Episode II so at the moment Robin Gurland is only casting for Anakin. Thus far, Robin has seen 700 tapes and submissions and met with 300 candidates. She does not have a short list yet and is still exploring many possibilities. I know there have been many reports of actors saying that they have met with George Lucas and have done readings for him, or are the number one choice for Anakin. These are false rumors (but fun to read!).

Jonathan Jackson          2-10-00        E!Online

Jackson talks Episode II
10th February

E!Online recently interviewed Jonathan Jackson. Obviously he was asked about Episode II:(Episode-II.co.uk)
Have you talked to George Lucas or his people about it?
No. I haven't met with them.
What do you think about all of the hype surrounding who will be the next Anakin?
Yeah, I know. It's crazy. The fans are really cool. They did a vote, and they voted a lot for me, which really surprised me. That was really nice of them.
Do you think this role is too much to live up to?
I think it would just be a cool movie to do. But there's always a danger with things that big--being stereotyped. So, that's why it's not something I necessarily think I need. It's just like if it happens, then great. But if it doesn't work out, I'll find something else.
Why would you want to do it?
When you do high-profile projects, you get a chance. It opens doors to other things you would like to do. And you know, I think they're good movies, and overall, they have a good message for people. So, really, there's not many reasons not to do it.
See the full interview at E!Online. (Thanks to Sevaan for spotting the article!)