Filming for Star Wars: Episode VII has been going on for a few months now, and throughout the shoot director J.J. Abrams has teased us several times by writing notes on a piece of card with something of note usually visible in the background. This time it is less obvious but his latest tease hints at the return of the Empire in Episode VII…
The message reads ‘Why do I suddenly have this desperate need to own a watch?! Damn you Apple!!! JJ’. This has no real clear significance to Star Wars but the background shows identical décor to what we saw in the Death Star. Many fans will recognise this, but here is a photo from Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope tshowing the design of the lights…
There has already been some leaks suggesting that the Empire will be making a return. Kevin Smith revealed that he had seen Stormtroopers during a set visit, while an alleged new design for the Stormtrooper helmet was unveiled on the internet, leading us to assume that the Imperials will once again be a threat. This latest message may be nothing more than a tease from the director, but surely it would make sense that the Empire is still around in some shape or form?
So, does this latest message from Abrams confirm the Empire’s return in Episode VII?
Star Wars: Episode VII is set for release on December 18th 2015 and sees returning stars Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) joined by Adam Driver (Girls), Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), Andy Serkis (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), Domhnall Gleeson (Dredd), John Boyega (Attack the Block), Daisy Ridley (Silent Witness), Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave), Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones), Max von Sydow (The Exorcist), Christina Chong (24: Live Another Day) and newcomers Crystal Clarke and Pip Andersen.
Originally published September 10, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
