I was just about to post that Hamill quote myself lol.

It would be pretty great to have him back as Luke (I know the quote says nothing about that, but still). Others may not agree, but considering when I grew up my two favorite things were Star Wars and Batman: The Animated Series, more Mark Hamill can only be a good thing.

Don't hold out hope for the EU surviving this new era of Star Wars. I don't know how they could possibly present a new story and bring in Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and possibly Harrison Ford without having to skip ahead 30 or so years after ROTJ without trampling over the New Jedi Order series. I can see elements of the EU incorporated, as has been the case for the prequel trilogy, and maybe fan favorite characters being introduced, but not beholden to their current backstories. But if Lucas has story ideas already brewing, then you can be assured they are his own and will be little influenced by the current stock of Star Wars stories that do exist. Though he is quoted as saying there is a "treasure trove" of Star Wars available (including the novels and comics) I think those will be used as inspirational points rather than straight up adaptations.

I could be wrong, but if Disney is looking at this new Star Wars era with an "Avenger's style universe" where characters will get their own spin-off movies, then it's anyone's guess as to what they are planning. Capt. America, Hulk, and Iron Man were already known the world over by comic fans, so giving them stand-alone movies makes sense, there is already an audience built in. If we are introduced to a new central Star Wars cast over the course of a trilogy, I'd be skeptical of the success of spin off movies for untested, new characters. Granted, it IS still Star Wars, but would anyone after the Prequel Trilogy want to see a Jar Jar Binks movie? That's why I think we will still be getting a Boba Fett movie that was circling the rumor mill months ago. It's a brave new era for Star Wars fans, and I'm ready to get things started!

How about Luke helping start a new Jedi Academy in a newly explored part of the galaxy, or even another galaxy itself. Say, the Rishi Maze. All new characters, with Luke and maybe a handful of EU characters along for the ride. Maybe they find the Sith are already there and building a massive fleet... Keeps the EU intact, while introducing new planets, technology, characters, but with a few familiar faces. At the end of Empire that is the "Star Wars" galaxy in the back ground. So they have the ability to leave their current galaxy.

I believe there is potential for a one-off movie, centered on one of the most popular EU characters, to jumpstart the next trilogy. Any Trek fans here? If so, you'll remember a DS9 episode titled Trials and Tribblations. With ILM's expertise and Disney's pocketbook, elements of RotJ can be seamlessly intercut with new footage to place this character in Jabba's Palace where her backstory has her tracking down her quarry under an assumed identity. Enter Mara Jade.

This could be a fantastic femme fatale story which brings more female power to the SW movies. It also draws in fans of the OT as elements of RotJ will be used and Jabba's Palace intrigue can be fleshed out. In addition, many of the JP characters can be used in added JP scenes rather easily. This story also hooks the EU fanatics with serious screen time for one of the biggest EU characters. Finally, this introduces a character that can be integral in a followup trilogy farther down the timeline.

I watched a video of the Disney chief executive talking about the Star Wars universe and its "Thousands of Character" and "Hundreds of Worlds" or something to that affect. He wouldn't get to these numbers without the EU. Makes me believe that they intend to use the Expanded Universe, hopefully in their new movies. I hope they use the Avengers model (which is working pretty well for Disney so far) A major trilogy, with smaller movies in-between, focusing on other characters in the Universe. They've also been pretty faithful to the Marvel material with the characters they have the legal rights to use. Hopefully this new lady in charge of the Star Wars will work like Kevin Fiege who oversees all of the Marvel stories and makes sure they all intertwine seamlessly. Personally, I can't wait. A few days ago, I believed I would never see a Star Wars movie on the big screen ever again, now there is.. A New Hope. (heh)

I agree with this about the smaller stories, which is why I think the Ben/Vestara plot line opened up in Fate of the Jedi has movie potential. It's epic in scope (even greater than who rules the galaxy), and it ties all the way back to the Episode I prophecy about Anakin.

But partially, that's probably just me hoping that the new movies don't undo the whole EU.

Well on the plus side, New movies=new characters=New characters for the Vsets. So not all bad.

Have to agree on whats been said about the EU star wars stuff, it has probably has no chance been represented in the new films. sure there might be the odd character or name mentioned in passing but that's about it.

As for when I think it will be set, I think 20 years after ROTJ is about right. That's about the same time difference between ROTS and ANH.

Than again they could just remake the OT.

Well at the moment they are saying E7-E9, but they now have the rights to do what ever they want which includes remakes. Was not saying they would, just that they could.

Some of you take what has been said to much to heart, GL said he was making a live action T.V show as well as the Clone Wars cartoon. This never happened did it? As I said things do change. So my point is, not saying E7 wont be made just saying that all the talk about E7 is just that "Talk" at the moment. Hopefully it will become reality, but its not set in stone at this point in time.

Disney is having a pleasant track record with acquiring properties without ruining it(see EA for details on how to ruin a franchise).

The most profitable venture would definitely be Knights of the Old Republic with Revan and all his greatness, either Mandalorian wars, or the Jedi Civil War; only because there is a lot of people who only care enough about SW as long as KOTOR involved. These people combined with the average and greater fan would do the best.

Where as a plot as original and entertaining as the Yuuzhan Vong war or a great story like Thrawn Trilogy, while great for those of us who know of them, wouldn't make AS MUCH money. If I mention in passing to several friends both Thrawn and Vong, maybe 2 will know who they are; but if I walk up to the same friends and mention Revan/Kotor suddenly they are huge Star Wars fans.

Personally, I am game for anything EXCEPT Republic era, and even then I'd go see and hopefully enjoy the film.

The number really has never been a factor for Star Wars, or any other franchise really.

But as for the new stories, personally I feel it's better to take an already great story and adapt it to the big screen. Rather than running the risk mediocre writers straining themselves to create something new.