J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy Came Up with “The Force Awakens”.
According to an interview by Bloomberg TV with Bob Iger current CEO of Disney , JJ Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy came up with the title for Episode VII…
In the interview Mr. Iger is asked how the newly released title for Star Wars episode VII “The Force Awakens” Was created. Mr. Iger states:
It was a decision that was made by a few people involved in the process, Kathleen Kennedy who runs Lucas film for us, and J.J. Abrams who is directing The force Awakens… I was gonna say Star Wars VII but now there’s a new name.
We are involved in the decision. We feel great about the film. We can’t wait until it comes out. We are only one of many that can’t wait.
I love the franchise. I remember going to the first in 1977. it’s an experience i will never forget. That is exactly what we are hoping to do again what the force awakens in 2015.
So there you have it the highly anticipated and newly released title was created by Abrams and Kennedy. It makes sense that they came up with the title as they were both very active participants and the most important people on the film.
A link to the interview can be found HERE. The Star Wars talk starts at 10:26. Most of the interview is about cable networks and business information.
Thanks to Cantina member VegetaFett.
Founder of SWNN, MNN and The Cantina forums.
Born on April 24, 1980.
Love the title and JJ. We are in good hands people!
A TFN Forum Member Predicted The Force Awakens’ Title Two Years Ago:
http://www.theforce.net/story/front/A_TFN_Forum_Member_Predicted_The_Force_Awakens_Title_Two_Years_Ago_160778.asp
and… she posted it on December 18! 2012… lol… that’s crazy!
Was that the only title she posted?
I can imagine that it was made by one of them…
or maybe it was the Doctor, having a bit of a laugh
Well I for one Love the title “The Force Awakens” even if I’m in the minority (which I’m used to BTW because i like the Prequels).
I didn’t mind the prequels either. Honestly, The Force Awakens fits well with the other Star Wars titles. I mean, they all sound a little silly without context, but that’s part of what makes it so great!
I love the title(and prequels as well)!
I’m not sure about the title.
But I like the OT too.
I kind of forget how crazy this whole thing is. I mean the 30th October 2012 when the news hit we would be getting a new trilogy, kind of seems like it was yesterday, and now we’re here. The principle photography is done, we have a title, a mother freakin’ teaser is supposedly going to drop any day now. I don’t want to sound annoyingly over-sentimental but it’s really all so crazy this is actually happening. Love it.
I hope that JJ knows that he will have to face hordes of enraged fans if he indeed does kill off Luke in the movie!
#dontkillluke
There is no death,
There is only
The Force
Yes, it would be senseless to kill off Luke from a money perspective, which is why I doubt it will happen. I think its more likely that Luke will be bearded and crazy for most of the film, then will ‘come right’, for the last part..
I agree. Saved by his friends. That is the entire point of Star Wars…the love and bond between friends and the faith that your friends will be there for you. Together you can accomplish anything. This is the entire theme of Star Wars.
omg :D:D:D:D
he cant live forever ….. and so what if fans get upset , if it works for the story(like bens death) thats all that matters , you cant go round being scared to tell a good tale just because it may upset some people who want you to tell your story their way.
You better be. Remember what happened when Ronald D. Moore killed off Captain Kirk in Star Trek Generations. Up to now he is the guy who killed Kirk. I believe he did get death threats for this, too.
Does JJ really want to be the guy who killed off Luke forever?
never change your mind because of the reaction you might get .
if people are issuing death threats then they are obviously suffering from a serious mental illness, get the police involved , its just a film, a death threat is a massive over reaction .
and if anyone here feels that way , i would advise them to seek profesional help.
I heard Lucas had titles for all the films, the fact they changed it worries me, now every director can name the film they are working on?
Yup. Cuz guess what…Star Wars isn’t his anymore!
If Lucas was making these movies I would have no intrest. The prequels proved he lost it.
I seriously doubt that.. Not his style.
In other news, the sky is blue.
It will grow on me. I’m perfectly fine with it.
The article says JJ and Kathleen Kennedy came up with the title together. It does not make any sense to me that such a short title could be invented by two people at the same time.
A more likely scenario: a person accidentally came up with the title in a forum. JJ and Kathleen later decided on taking it, claiming it as their own finding. After all they could not have said that the title had been found out by some unknown forum guy, that would have ruined the whole myth.
I found i video on Youtube explaining the story. They got a response from her, saying something along the lines of—” I knew i had to be 3 words because the first entry to both trilogies had 3 word title and I just figured it had to do something with the force, seeing as they would probably bring back Luke and he is the last remaining Jedi and would probably be a Yoda or Obi-won Character.” Her explanation is super interesting.
I see what you mean but it is possible that JJ and Kathleen co-created it and that the lady who predicted the title 2 year ago was just lucky, based off of her explanation its a pretty logical way of going about it.
As to George Lucas this will be an interesting test of the assumption that Star Wars is better with out him as many PT bashers like myself have asserted over the years. WE got the PT without the necessary creative input from others and now we will see just how necessary Lucas’ input is because now it’s a complete 180. I have since softened my views on Lucas a little and am open to giving him more credit then I have, but his new movie will certainly be the true test.
Well, he did write the treatments for each one, so it’s not like he will have no influence, just very little.
JJ & Kathleen came up with the title but were they dictated to by GL to have only 3 words the same as A New Hope & The Phantom Menace to kick off a new trilogy – there’s to much of a coincidence that all the trilogies first episode has 3 words….
Yes, it’s the coincidence of tradition.
The problem is that the exact title appeared in a forum, invented by an unknown commenter 2 years ago.
A “Queen Gimmedala”. Sounds like Disney royalty.
And then also probably noted The Ancient Fear…when that was the rumor too.
If JJ Abrams seriously thinks this is a good title, all hope for a good movie is lost.
Oh please. An opinion on a title does not dictate your ability to direct a film..
You are right, all hope is lost. I suggest when the film comes out that you not go and see it.
That’s just stupid. It’s a title stop overreacting there is nothing nothing groundbreaking about any of the ot subtitles. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with them but there is nothing about them that indicates that they would effect how moves are made ever since.
lecz się
Why the title is not “The Awakening of the Force” ?
I think it’s better.
Why not get into a controlling position at Disney or lucasfilm and chose your own title?
Omit needles words. Your idea is as stupid as “Menace of the Phantom” or “The Striking Back of the Empire”.
Awakening of the Force > The Force Awakens.
“Awakening Force” is better than your option. But it doesn’t fit with the other films, which never choose “cool” or “edgy” titles.
The Strokeback Empire.
The Force Wakes Up
Perhaps that would be too long, 8 syllables altogether.
Would suggest to watch the teaser of The Force Awakens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCjK4YTRLI8
LOL
Star Wars Episode 8: Lightsabres are Neat. – Kathleen K.
Star wars 9 – Return of the characters that boost toy sales
lol
leczcie się
It doesn’t take them long to put up fan teasers ON YOUTUBE..
I hate that.
Dear Star Wars fans,
Those who disagree are to the rebels as my decision on the title is to the empire. No broad stakeholder consultation was required, although we did settle on a title suggested by a forum as it fit neatly with the storyline and we felt was in the tradition of previous titles.
If you still remain aggrieved by the title, I propose you use the $16 or so dollars for the movie ticket (or bandwidth to illegally download it) to create your own fan-film and can call it what ever you want. e.g. “The Return of the Chubby Fan-saber.”
We think it’s pretty sweet, and the porno-spin off movies will be awesome!
Paece.
JJ.
Guess I’ll be “rebel” then and go for freedom of speech.
It is an opinion many will have and
maybe change their minds after seeing the movie.
Freedom is what the rebels stood for I think
.
I adore the title. And guys it is just a title. :-DDDDDDDD
Abrams and Kennedy came up with that title? Oh. Is that why it sucks?
It’s an excellent title. Most likely very specific and not at all random.
A good title would be the legacy of the empire. What a poor title.
Nothing wrong with the title if it connects well to the movie I guess.
The thing is if you read all the spoilers online it could really ruin your enjoyment
of the movie.
I did just that and read a lot of crazy stuff
and none of it will probably be in the movie.
I have decided to stop reading spoilers and clear my mind and try to look at things new again.
Might be pleasantly surprised..
Ok, what the heck does the Force Awakens mean??
It means that the Midichlorians have been having a “snoozy-woozy” time & now with a big yawn, they’ve woken up!!
You’ll find out December 18th when you see the movie.
It means that it will be a positive trilogy. The prequels started with “The Phantom Menace”, a title that signals the beginning of the journey to the dark side, the descent into galactic hell. “A New Hope” signals the beginning of the struggle to get out of that dark hole, until the Jedi return in Luke. Now “The Force Awakens” signals (at least for me) the beginning of a surge, the rise of something prosperous and sustainable, a renaissance of sorts. Of course with the Force there must always be room for the dark side, but I doubt that it will define the tone of the 3rd trilogy as much as it did in the prequels.
It means wake up mf, the force is back!
Movieweb.com has a good spoiler section on what the Force Awakens might mean..
But I’m trying to stop with spoilers
and didn’t want to read further.
To JJ’S ULTRA EGO
This sites not as bad as other forums I’ve read..
Just unbelievable what some of the reactions are on a lot of sites.
.Way over the top.
To be honest…. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was another false flag and that the title really is something else. This one sounds like a TV ad….
” the force is back dec 18 ”
” may the force be with you 2015 ”
” the force awakens dec 2015 ”
see what i mean… the title is almost like an ad. but then again, it could be me…lol
well I guess it’s better than “the Magic is Back!”
That would have been a disaster
Force Awakens is nothing, THERE ARE WORSE NAMES
What a critic!!! Lukewarm???
I guess you won’t be able to make up your mind as how you will like what you will pay money to go see, then cry about it on web sites.
Final challenge?
What a bunch of bullshit. How the fuck did BOTH JJ and Kathleen come up with the title. It had to have been one person, with the other agreeing.
It seems really unlikely they were both sitting around writing down or discussing possible titles and they both just happen to write or bring up the same exact fuckin title. Come on man, PUHLEEEZ!
Can’t wait till December 18th, woo hoo!!!!!
Holy crap, are you mr literal? You must be a joy to live and work with. Wow,
Holy crap, are you mr. dead serious? you must be a pain in the ass to be around
When 2 people brainstorm together it is possible they make lists and compare, and see what names stick around and are still liked. It’s possible they both thought it up and then agreed it was the one that seemed to match the theme of the film best.
George was the ventriloquist!
Agreed!
I found i video on Youtube explaining the story. They got a response from her, saying something along the lines of—” I knew i had to be 3 words because the first entry to both trilogies had 3 word title and I just figured it had to do something with the force, seeing as they would probably bring back Luke and he is the last remaining Jedi and would probably be a Yoda or Obi-won Character.” Her explanation is super interesting.
It is possible that JJ and Kathleen co-created it and that the lady who predicted the title 2 year ago was just lucky. Based off of her explanation its a pretty logical way of going about it.
Yes, it is possible. Likely? No.
Does anyone know if John Williams will be doing the music for the stand-alone films? If not, who the hell is going to do them? Who should do them?
I do see the rumor as Luke being kinda crazy old hermit.
Remember now in episode 4 Owen Lars calls ben Kenobi “Ben’s just a crazy old hermit…”
In and in episode 1 Qui-gon was kinda out there too.
So it fits the first of the trilogies theme. Second of the trilogies will have an attack theme too it, hence sw2 attack of the clones, sw5 empire strikes back, so expect episode 8 to be the same theme. And the third in the trilogies will a redemption type feel.
Qui-Gon was by far the most grounded normal person in the film, there was more to him than meets the eye, but he was normal.
Obi-wan is a creep. I like him but he’s got problems, especially when it comes to emotional information timing. Qui gon was very straight-forward. Just now remembering the scene where Qui-Gon is talking to Anakin about the attributes of the Jedi while dealing with Jar Jar’s fidgeting with quiet dignity and a classy amount of impatience. I wish we got to know Qui-Gon better before he was killed off. Something about the way he acted with Anakin, it’s like he had some deep struggle long ago (maybe with Dooku turning evil and all that jazz) that made him sympathetic to and understand Anakin’s inner potentially destructive struggle. Definitely untapped backstory there.
For me, Qui-Gon was the proverbial Boba Fett of the Prequel Trilogy. Now you see him, now you don’t, but you wish you could see a movie about him.
I loved Qui Gon-Jinn, he was the one part of the prequel trilogy I considered greatly written.
Very disappointing that they killed him off but Liam Neeson a great job I think.
OMG!! I cant believe all the negative comments about a title? Really? We are getting a movie that most us thought would never happen, and now we have it, done by a great director (Big Star Wars fan!) backed by most of the original cast. And I see soooo much bagging on a title? Cmon guys!!! Iam sorry but if you really are going to pass and not see this movie because of its name, then thats your loss!! Iam willing to bet that JJ is going to make this movie stand out as one of better in the series and we need to just ride with it because after all, the movie is done and no one is going to change it??? Iam Happy with the title and cant wait to see this movie!!!! May the force be with you!!!
JJ’s Star Trek films had pretty solid success. Not sure where you’re getting that.
But in contrast to his take on Star Trek, I feel like JJ really “gets” Star Wars (practical effects, adherence to classic design, etc), so I’m definitely hopeful.
Christ on a bike!!!!
The title is obviously not meant to be taken literally!
I feel like han solo will sacrifice himself fort he sake of others so during the conflict he stays behing and before he dies he stares at the screen and breaks the forth wall smirks and says “i shot first” and dies
If you reverse The Force Awakens, it reads snekawa ecrof eht. If you turn it around again, it becomes The Force Awakens. I don’t think thats coincidence
Amen
Luke Through The Looking-Glass.
The Idea that JJ might have intentionally gone with a fan suggestion for the film title concerns me a bit. I’m sure we all hope the thoughts we post on these forums will be heard and heeded by the film makers and it’s definitely good for them to be in touch with what fans fundamentally want from the Star Wars experience but it’s important for film makers to take fan ideas meerly as additional options to be applied only if they strongly appeal to the film makers own artistic sensibility. This is especially true with specific details. Otherwise you end up with a product arrived at by crude patchwork speculation about other people’s tastes rather than by inspiration. Also, in the end there are no points for using a fan generated idea because fans can’t stand each others ideas.
If the movie is good, the title won’t matter. It is still EP7 to me.
Yeah, TESB is the worst of them all, like a C-production movie of the fourties.
Never tell me the odds.
Huh? I mean really HUH?? I have been a Star Trek fan for 30 years; the JJ Abrams Star Treks have been excellent, AND very successful.
YES a lot of us Trekkies were mad about the story line of the last movie being a basic rehash of Star Trek II, but that does not take away from the awesome action and visuals of the film, not to mention the awesome new cast….
JJ will do a good job on Star Wars.
Oh by the way, watch Super 8. Another hugely successful JJ film.
Super 8 was brilliant; visually, stylistically and atmospherically, with characters who were likeable and heroic and had a super villain. Exactly what The Force Awakens requires.
I didn’t know that the force goes to sleep. I thought that it “surrounds us and binds us”
Well, its obvious with this title that there still may be WAAAAY more to learn about the force than we thought
I think the force will be changed into something else and be more like the Force in the originals.
Something mysterious and nothng to do with the prequels.
Trailer is out
http://youtu.be/Z8MYUyYUJ78
Is this for real or fan made???
Because I was just reading on how JJ Abrams
likes to keep it all secret before the movie
is released.
Doubts rising…please don’t let it be fanmade again.
This is why I dislike the use of official
on youtube.
Its fan made.
Thanks…
it looks cool though for fanmade.
But the image of Harrison Ford almost had me convinced it was real.
MUPPET!
I think they’re having an affair.
The Force embiggens the smallest man…
Its perfect title for a fresh look on the saga.Already grown. The force is awaked now, In good hands, good crew this film is
First Triligoy: The collapse of the republic and corpution of Anakin
Second: The struggle against the empire and redemption of Anikin
Third: The rise of a new republic and fulfillment of the prophecy?
LOL that’s NOT what Iger says. He says that they were “involved with the decision”. The decision was probably “Are we gonna use the title that’s on GL’s treatment?”
About that ULTRA EGO commenter
I don’t think that was JJ POSTING HERE.
peace not paece seems like a fan posing as him.
And the fanmade teaser trailer videos come from members on this site.
The fan made teaser was taken from youtube and then posted as the official trailer.
Don’t believe everything you see as official until Disney announces it.
the best!!! making history
The “trailer” got me creeped out for some reason,
I could immediately tell it was fake, but they were using footage and imagery that’s either leaked or took a very long time to composite on the computer.
SO glad it’s fake though, if this were real I would lose hope in JJ’s film. That thing with Daisy spontaneous opening and closing her eyes for NO REASON. WTH? Did they actually film that because it looks like a horrible scene to watch.
This has more the look of a After Effects demo reel (what with the color grading and film quality as wells as the cinematography) it looks pieced together, like Harrison in front of a desert JPG with spotlight + lens flare effect pieced together. Luke’s beard is way too short, the dude looking off into the distance with a blaster in his hand is obviously from a videogame, maybe from Star Wars 1313 which had a trailer, but was cancelled while in alpha. Lightsaber screams student graphics. Still not sure who the funky space barbarian standing at the edge of a tunnel is, don’t really care.
There’s probably (maybe) leaked / legit’ footage in there, but this is someone showing off their mad computer skills more than anything else.
Hey! We all know Disney likes false flags, the Real title will be much worse, vote on Facebook for the title of STARWARS 7 “LEGACY OF THE EMPIRE” it’s old school and edgy and suggests the remnant and lasting effect of previously being under an imperial dictatorship.
YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE!!!!!!
John Williams “For the funeral scene, I had my own words, ‘. Death’s long sweet sleep,’ translated into Sanskrit too.”
What is the opposite of a long sweet sleep?
What happened to Qui-Gon at the end of the first episode?
What happened to Anakin at the end of the last episode?
What will happen in the new trilogy?
You could have footage of just a bowl of fruit, and with John Williams’ music under it, it would be soul-stirring.
I actually dont like the title, “The force awakens?” was it sleeping? Is it alive? It is not a god so how is it awakened?
There is a HUGE christian / Jedi sub culture. The force awakens is a way to introduce the religious theme of the force as a deity to appeal to this audience.
WHY….WHY WOULD THEY EXCLUDE THE “EPISODE VII”???? This makes it seem as if it is a standalone trilogy which it isn’t… its a continuation of the original. Wrong decision hopefully they fix that!!!