Star Wars Bits: Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Judi Dench, Boba Fett, 'Star Wars Rebels'

Mark Hamill still won't confirm his Star Wars Episode VII casting, but he doesn't have to because Carrie Fisher has already done it for him. Also after the jump:

  • Judi Dench is the latest actor hit with Episode VII rumors
  • The Boba Fett spinoff may change a few things from Episode II
  • Animation on the first episode of Star Wars Rebels is complete
  • Disney doesn't have the Star Wars 1313 trademark anymore
  • Here's how to win a trip Skywalker Ranch and help Make-A-Wish
  • In fact, she already has some ideas about her character's look. "I'd like to wear my old [cinnamon buns] hairstyle again — but with white hair," she joked. "I think that would be funny." [Belfast Telegraph]

    Meanwhile, her co-star Hamill is having much better luck keeping his mouth shut. Asked during a Reddit AMA session whether he might return, he responded, "The only character I know for sure is returning is my friend R2-D2. He hasn't stopped beeping about it." He later added, "I'm not being coy, really. When I find something out, I'll let everybody know. But nothing has been decided yet."

    Perhaps he's so good at ducking questions because he already has so much practice keeping George Lucas' secrets. Hamill recounted the time Irvin Kershner told him about Darth Vader's true identity.

    Irvin Kirshner brought me aside, and said "I know this, George knows this, and you'll be the third person who knows. If it goes out we'll know you leaked it." So i was terrified of being the one to ruin it. I remember when they screened it, Harrison turned around and said "I didn't know that! Why the f*&^ didn't you tell me?!"

    Hamill also said that he hates spoilers and likes being surprised. "I beg people, please lets keep it a surprise!" he said. "Don't you want to be surprised? I know I do." [Reddit]

    Moving on to less plausible casting rumors, the latest word going around is that Judi Dench is being discussed for the role of Mon Mothma, played by Caroline Blakiston in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.

    It's worth taking this one with a huge grain of salt, but it doesn't seem altogether impossible. Dench has no aversion to big-budget franchises, as proven with her involvement in the Bond films. But if they're so intent on bringing the character back, why not just give Blakiston a call? She's still a working actress, mostly in TV. [Full of Sith via AICN]

    While we're on the subject of rumors, here's another interesting one. The Boba Fett spin-off could essentially rewrite the character's history as seen in Episode II, according to a new report. Apparently, writer Lawrence Kasdan isn't a fan of the prequels and didn't care for the explanation that Boba Fett is a clone of Jango Fett.

    So the new film will supposedly start with a stranger offing the Boba Fett we saw in Episode II and taking his armor and name. As for who'll bring this new version of Boba Fett to life, Joe Johnston is said to be on the top of Disney's list. [Latino Review]

    Now let's change gears. Disney XD's upcoming series Star Wars Rebels is making some good progress, as revealed by Lucasfilm Animation Supervisor Keith Kellogg.

    — Keith Kellogg (@Keith_Kellogg) January 18, 2014

    Set in the years between Episode III and Episode IV, Star Wars Rebels follows the rise of the Rebel Alliance. The show will get a special one-hour premiere on Disney Channel this fall before moving into its regular home at Disney XD. [via Jedi News]

    It's time to let go of any lingering hope that Disney might revive LucasArts' Star Wars 1313. The trademark for the planned video game expired last month, according to records from the US Patent and Trademark Office. [High-Def Digest]

    If you've read this far into Star Wars Bits, it's a safe bet you're a Star Wars fan. And if you're a Star Wars fan, you're probably a fan of George Lucas, even if you're still kinda pissed about those prequels. Well, there's a chance that you could hang out with him and help out sick kids in the process.

    Omaze is hosting a contest that gives one winner (plus a friend) the opportunity to meet Lucas at Skywalker Ranch, and then fly down to LA to meet Mark Hamill. Proceeds from the sweepstakes will benefit Make-A-Wish. Entries start at $10 a pop and can be purchased here between now and February 14. Head to their website to register.