As these rumors originate prior to the LucasFilm sale to Disney, I put it in the “flimsy” category, but Latino Review reveals two working titles Lucas had for Episode VII,  Every report says Lucas is working closely with Abrams, so who knows.

Our friends at Jedi News are reporting that October 23rd is the date we will hear the first major Episode VII casting announcement.  The report is in British, so I can’t fully translate.  Click through for the full report.

Aint It Coll News discovered this tidbit.  While addressing investors, IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond hinted that they are talking to J.J. Abrams about shooting Episode VII in IMAX.  If true, I’ll be driving a little further to go see Episode VII.

An unusual casting call has gone out to UK talent agencies asking for a “Tall Man (Male, 21 - 60) Male, 7 ft to 7.3 ft tall with a slim/thin build and upright posture. Not too worked out or too ‘thick set’ especially in the shoulders. Broad facial features would be a bonus.”

Given that the original Chewbacca is unfortunately not as ambulatory as he had once been, this is sparking speculation of a walking carpet appearance in Episode VII.

Latino Review chimes in again with two more actors who have “taken meetings” regarding Episode VII and one who met with JJ Abrams personally.

Latino Review chimes in with more information on the New Mexico shooting location, the identity of an actress who read for an unknown part, and most importantly they assert that a recent casting denial is all a smoke screen.

According to the site oneheadlightink, New Mexico joins London and Los Angeles as shooting locations for Episode VII.  Part of me wonders if the rumors for the one off films are starting to getting muddled with Episode VII rumors, but if the commitment to “on location” shooting is true, you would have to imagine that New Mexico would make for decent Tatooine exteriors.

The fact that the original OT cast is returning for Episode VII is the worst kept secret in the history of Hollywood.  So much so that most fans don’t realize that the return of Hamill, Fisher and Ford isn’t official yet.  In fan circles it’s mostly discussed as a fait accompli.  Adding to the unofficially official pile is this tidbit about a workout routine that Mark Hamill’s close friend, Robert “Freddy Krueger” Englund, dropped at the Nashville Comic Expo.

The first rumored title for Episode VII has been reported. They are also saying that the Millennium Falcon set, Cantina set, and a power planet set are being constructed at Pinewood.

The Lucas Film public relations portal, Obi Wants To Know Me, is soliciting feedback on the rumors of the casting of Rachel Hurd-Wood and Alex Pettyfer.  Membership is via invite only.  I tried to join to tell them it feels like they’re turning Star Wars into Twilight.

Benedict Cumberbatch’s representative confirms to the New York Times that the British actor will not be appearing in Episode VII.  For what it’s worth.

According to the UK website Film Chronicles, Benedict Cumberbatch, the man who brilliantly played Khan Noonien Singh in Star Trek:  Into Darkness, is joining the Episode VII cast in an unspecified role.

Latino Review aren’t always completely reliable, but they’re reporting that both Rachel Hurd-Wood and Alex Pettyfer have auditioned for roles in Episode VII. Hurd-Wood is supposedly trying for the role of the Solo daughter, and it’s unknown who Pettyfer is reading for. They speculated that it’s Luke’s son. They also report that LFL will officially announce some casting news very soon, possibly even today. So…stay tuned with your grains of salt.

Latino Review has learned that principal photography for Episode VII will begin on January 21st, 2014. This delay in production unfortunately backs up the December 2015 release timetable.

Episode VII forgo digital recording and use traditional film in an effort give the new trilogy more of an original trilogy feel.  I sincerely hope that Disney elects to remake the PT at some point.