Pablo Hidalgo Reveals the Original Title of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Pablo_HidalgoEver wondered what the title of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens nearly was? Pablo Hidalgo, the maestro of the Lucasfilm Story Group, just revealed what the biggest contender was for a long period of time in the movie’s production (and no, it’s not the terminally-corny The Ancient Fear).

 

 

 

Given how vague details on what the “Awakening” actually was within the context of the film (aside from a few vague hints), I almost feel as though Shadow Of The Empire would have been a more fitting subtitle than The Force Awakens. Nonetheless, The Force Awakens has more of a sense of revival to it, and it’s for the best that they didn’t end go with the original title, since that would have created a bunch of confusion among EU fans.

 

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Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.

Grant Davis (Pomojema)

Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.

101 thoughts on “Pablo Hidalgo Reveals the Original Title of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

  • December 27, 2015 at 12:43 am
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    “Given how vague details on what the “Awakening” actually was within the context of the film (aside from a few vague hints)…” It isn’t vague, the “Awakening” is the awakening of the Force in Rey. Unless you mean before the film was released. But I liked the vagueness of it.

    • December 27, 2015 at 2:25 am
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      I thought the title was a good tie to the movie as well. The Force Awakens in Rey.

    • December 27, 2015 at 4:15 am
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      No offense, but I seriously doubt that the title is exclusively referring to Rey. In the same conversation, Snoke places a greater emphasis on Han Solo than any other character, which would be counterproductive if the “Awakened Force” was someone that just hopped aboard the ship.

      – Pomojema

  • December 27, 2015 at 12:52 am
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    The Force Awakens is the best title in the series since the original Star Wars (without New Hope) imo. Its simple, catchy and defines the movie pretty well. And also its pretty much the attitude of fans all around the world. After a period when we thought there will be no more star wars, there was an awakening… The worst title on the other hand was The Phantom Menace. I mean, wtf were they smoking when they come up with that?

    • December 27, 2015 at 1:25 am
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      The Phantom Menace is actually a great title of a good core story that had much promise…we all know how the execution turnout though.

      Within the context of the story, a growing evil of a puppet master behind the scenes, TPM as a title was quite appropriate, in my opinion.

      I’m sure most will agree that as a title (and film), Attack of the Clones was the biggest failure.

      • December 27, 2015 at 12:37 pm
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        Attack of the clones as a title feels clumsy and bit goofy to me, but its ok I guess, nothing special. But Phantom menace? Was that really the best they could come up with for the new Star Wars movie after 16 years? For me it feels too poetic, and stupid, but still void.

        • December 27, 2015 at 4:24 pm
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          Too poetic? When has that been a bad thing?

          • December 27, 2015 at 4:43 pm
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            You mean since when? Well I think it just dosent fit. Like the dialogue in epsiode II: ,,I’ve been haunted by the kiss that you should’ve never given me” ,,You’re in my very soul, tormenting me” This isnt Romeo and Juliet, this supposed to be two regular people talking…

    • December 27, 2015 at 4:23 pm
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      What’s wrong with “The Phantom Menace”? And so great about “The Force Awakens”? TFA is an incredibly vague and tame title, not to mention derivative of “The Force Unleashed”. It’s the worst of the films so far, and there are better titles even in the EU.

      • December 27, 2015 at 4:45 pm
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        In terms of Star Wars movie titles The Force Awakens is the best since the original Star Wars imo. ESB, ROTJ are nothing special, AOTC sound very clunky and ROTS is just a rehash of ROTJ. And TPM is just terrible.

  • December 27, 2015 at 12:54 am
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    good title for the sequel…replace empire with dark side…star wars: shadow of the dark side

    • December 27, 2015 at 3:02 am
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      Can’t see a shadow in the dark, just sayin’.

      • December 27, 2015 at 5:05 am
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        So… Shadow of the light side?

        • December 27, 2015 at 7:42 pm
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          mmm….light doesn’t create shadows unless there is something in the way.

          Star Wars: Shadow of the Light Side Because Something is in the Way.

          • December 28, 2015 at 3:27 am
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            But which infamous gungan could be standing in the way of the light side, casting a shadow of darkness?

          • December 28, 2015 at 3:27 am
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            Clearly Boss Nass

          • December 28, 2015 at 5:23 pm
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            Ah, Star Wars: Meesa Strikes Back

    • December 27, 2015 at 6:58 am
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      I’d simplify that.

      Star Wars: Shadow of Darkness

    • December 27, 2015 at 8:27 am
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      My suggestion for Episode 8: Triumph of the Order

  • December 27, 2015 at 12:59 am
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    the force awakens is great but I did like the rumoured ancient fear title. I’m so glad that they dident go with shadow of the empire. As of so far no word in the title have been repeated.

  • December 27, 2015 at 1:00 am
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    Episode 8: Shadow Of The Order

    • December 27, 2015 at 1:03 am
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      shadow of the dark side

    • December 27, 2015 at 1:09 am
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      The Order Strikes Back

  • December 27, 2015 at 1:08 am
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    When I saw the crawl, I thought “Ashes Of The Empire” made for an interesting title.

  • December 27, 2015 at 1:10 am
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    At least The Shadow Heir sounds cool, while being narrativley relevant.
    Wait, spoiler alert…….I mean, it’s not a spoiler, only a working title.
    #VIII

  • December 27, 2015 at 1:11 am
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    I would have preferred Episode VII: Plagueis Don’t Live Here Anymore

    • December 27, 2015 at 1:15 am
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      Or

      There’s Something about My Rey

  • December 27, 2015 at 1:17 am
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    Would have been a great title, but it was smart to not reuse an EU title. That would just cause confusion.

    • December 27, 2015 at 1:35 am
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      that book/game came out like 20 years ago, though. a decent amount of the people going to see ep VII probably weren’t even alive then… which really makes me feel old.

  • December 27, 2015 at 1:38 am
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    Star Wars Episode VII: Raiders of the Lost Luke.

    • December 27, 2015 at 5:00 am
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      Star Wars Episode VIII: The Phantom Menace of the Empire Awakens

      • December 27, 2015 at 8:45 pm
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        Star Wars VII: A Fun Popcorn Flick Without Backstory

    • December 27, 2015 at 8:08 pm
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      haha that was smart. i loled

  • December 27, 2015 at 2:01 am
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    “An old novel”? An old novel??!! Oh, go so to hell, Pablo – SotE was sold to us as a massive multi-media corssover, that was an official part of the SW story. Games, books, albums, toys – this was more than ‘an old novel’, and good or bad, trying to discount the importance LFL placed on Shadows is BS.

    • December 27, 2015 at 2:31 am
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      ??????

    • December 27, 2015 at 2:49 am
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      Dude, calm yourself. Yeah, Shadows of the Empire was awesome, but an offhand comment on TWITTER (140 character limits are a bitch) is not worth getting all agitated.

    • December 27, 2015 at 4:58 am
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      It is an old novel. It was a multimedia test for the prequels, of which the novel was the centerpiece.

    • December 27, 2015 at 8:57 am
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      Actually the title used for the media crossover was “Shadows otE” (plural) which apparently is why P. Hidalgo pointed out that the working tiltle used the singular form. But i agree it was much more than a simple book. Maybe him saying “so many books” has to be read like “so much stuff already existing using the SotE title”.

    • December 27, 2015 at 9:45 pm
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      Um… it *is* old. Plus Shadows was very derivative, with Dash Rendar only existing because, “Oh! Han Solo is unavailable for his role… Quick! Make another one!” It also suffers from having to play to status quo. It has absolutely no reason to exist.

  • December 27, 2015 at 2:31 am
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    Seriously people listen and follow this man! Then you can actually LEARN something and use your BRAINS for once.

  • December 27, 2015 at 2:36 am
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    I’m glad they changed it as I actually like The Force Awakens better. It sounds more unique as Shadow of the Empire, well, yeah, it was taken, plus it just sounds too much like previous titles in the films. Plus, it has too dark a title for the film.

    • December 27, 2015 at 4:17 pm
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      First thing that came to mind when I originally heard the title: The Force Unleashed. Not very original.

  • December 27, 2015 at 2:50 am
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    As neat of a title as that would be, and for the fun way it stokes some old EU feelings, I’m glad that the title was changed. A 4th “of the” title would have drawn some serious groans.

  • December 27, 2015 at 3:26 am
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    Star Wars: Rey the Badass?

    • December 27, 2015 at 4:16 pm
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      *Rey the Mary Sue

      • December 27, 2015 at 5:06 pm
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        Both could work…

      • December 27, 2015 at 8:43 pm
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        I don’t think she’s a Mary Sue. That argument is getting old.

      • December 27, 2015 at 9:42 pm
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        She’s not a Mary Sue. Mary Sues show up only to make the main characters look bad. But she *is* the main character, like it or not. The original actors are not; they are here because they have to be in order to continue the original story.

  • December 27, 2015 at 3:30 am
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    Star Wars episode VIII Revenge of the phantom menace
    Or just revenge of the menace.
    Implying that Snoke is Plagueis and that Plagueis was..indeed..THE phantom menace..

    • December 27, 2015 at 7:42 am
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      star wars: patriarch

    • December 27, 2015 at 8:43 pm
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      Star Wars VII: Now We Have A Profitable Franchise That Doesn’t Rip Off Theme Park Rides And Lord Of The Rings.

  • December 27, 2015 at 3:51 am
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    Somewhat unrelated to this post topic, but I just saw the movie for a second time and wanted to comment on something in particular, something other people have mentioned already quite a bit. First thing, upon second viewing i do find that I appreciate the film even more for those things it does right and some of those plot holes I thought were there the first time are cleared up upon second viewing; at the same time I find myself dumbfounded by certain decisions Abrams made, most particular I wonder why Abrams felt the need to make Snoke motion capture. These are the scenes (amongst the scene with the tentacle monsters) that most take me out of the movie and leave me wondering what the hell am i watching all of a sudden. Some of us remember a recent comment Abrams made about about how wise of a decision it was to make Yoda a puppet in Empire and how even his friends 5 year old could tell the difference between what looks real (i.e. Yoda from Empire) and what looks unrealistic (i.e. Yoda from prequels). Abrams genuinely seemed sincere when he said this. So the thought of him sitting in the editing room, going over these scenes with Snoke, and NOT noticing that this character looks out of place in this film is baffling to me. Maybe he knew it wasn’t entirely working but it was too far along in the process to go back and get a real actor to play the part, which without a doubt would have made this film better (the argument that he is 7 feet tall and thin and so can’t be a real actor doesn’t hold up for me). To me, when Snoke entered into this picture is when the picture began to become unhinged. Think about this, this character is just sitting in a chair in a barely lit room and he looks like a piece of animation; just imagine how ridiculous he is going to look fighting a Jedi, say Luke Skywalker. I personally do not want to see Luke fighting a cartoon. We didn’t wait 30 years for that. I wonder if Disney put some pressure on Abrams to include cgi characters because “but all the blockbusters have them…how can we not?” I do not mean to be too harsh, because I think JJ did a pretty good job on this film. But moving forward, I am more than a little worried that a cgi Snoke is going to diminish the gravity of these films. Look at the Empire Strikes Back: every f**cking scene has weight to it…gravity. A movie like that is within reach again.
    I propose someone (I wouldn’t know how to get it started) starting an ONLINE PETITION for a living breathing actor to take over for the role of Snoke. How many people would sign that? I certainly would. It may sound like an over-the-top, overreacting proposal, but just keep in mind the image of Luke conversing and fighting a character straight out of a Harry Potter film. And it is obvious that Disney is listening to the fans for input…to a certain degree.

    • December 27, 2015 at 4:01 am
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      We only see Snoke in the form of a hologram. What if he is like the Wizard of Oz and doesn’t actually exist as he appears?

      • December 27, 2015 at 6:04 am
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        This is obviously the intention behind the hologram trickery. He may look similar but i am absolutely positive there is a good reason for the CG, especially considering how many costume/makeup aliens were in the film, even when it looked rather awfully outdated like some of the denizens of Maz’ castle.

    • December 27, 2015 at 4:57 am
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      Online petitions are the worst. Trust in the artists. They might have a reason for doing this that you haven’t thought of.

      • December 27, 2015 at 6:02 am
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        Why are online petitions “the worst”? Granted they are often not effective, but they provide a way for those outside of the process to advocate for something with greater integrity. and with all due respect, in regards to “trust in the artists,” I think that is the problem: I am not sure I entirely trust the artists in this case, hence why I think it would be wise to advocate for something better.

        • December 28, 2015 at 8:43 am
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          Because they aren’t often effective and they are usually used for something silly, like this. With so many pointless petitions being used for petty things, the effectiveness of the entire endeavor has been lessened.

          And if you don’t trust the artist, don’t support them. But they can make what they want.

          • December 28, 2015 at 3:43 pm
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            eh, I disagree…Uncle Deadly. And i think it would be arrogant and dictatorial for a director to come into a franchise like Star Wars and think he or she can do whatever he or she wants. It’s a relationship, between the creators and the fans. No fans, no Star Wars. And in the grand scheme of things (i.e., wars, poverty, etc.) such a petition is meaningless, but that doesn’t necessarily means it is “silly.” In the world of people who are trying to enjoy a good movie, that will prove the test of time, it could be quite meaningful. It is all relative.

          • December 29, 2015 at 5:42 am
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            A director isn’t coming into Star Wars and doing whatever he wants. A story group, under direction of the owners, with the help of a man who wrote two of the movies, is forging a new path. Nothing arrogant or dictatorial there at all.

        • December 29, 2015 at 1:52 am
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          Fundamental misunderstanding of Democracy. First off no one cares what you think. At all. Let alone to withstand a vote on your desire…
          Next I think its important to restate whatever art you wish to express/insert couldn’t be organic because your not involved
          Next cinema is unique in that its collaborative and intently financially demanding… Just because you can opine doesn’t mean you should nor expect anyone to want to endure it… The financial constraints of every film are considered just as intently as the script… like it or not. Your not vested frankly. Heart isn’t a currency.
          Petitioning is the least common denominator of expressed choice esp. since you’re not given any…

          WAHHHHH my way is better ! look these 5 dorks think so too

    • December 27, 2015 at 6:07 am
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      this is one of several ways that abrams handicapped the future directors of future saga installments- shame.

    • December 27, 2015 at 6:15 am
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      Not only has TFA received an exceptional number of positive reviews, it’s made more money over its initial week-plus in theaters than any movie in history. With that kind of success, Disney has no incentive to change anything, petition or not.

      • December 27, 2015 at 6:54 am
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        True. But they like pleasing people.

        • December 27, 2015 at 8:42 pm
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          No, they don’t. Disney likes pleasing themselves.

          (CARS 2.)

          • December 29, 2015 at 1:45 am
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            who doesn’t. Disney is our friend stop being a douche. If you had your way we’d still be reading about Mara Jade and pretending Luke Skywalker isn’t a homosexual

    • December 27, 2015 at 1:35 pm
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      He’s just a hologram is this movie. I’m sure he will be much more up to par in the flesh.

    • December 27, 2015 at 1:40 pm
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      He might be live action when he’s not a hologram?

    • December 27, 2015 at 2:43 pm
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      I wouldn’t sigh it.

    • December 27, 2015 at 8:46 pm
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      Very strange decision, I have to see in again but it threw me too. They could have pulled that off without CGI easily

    • December 27, 2015 at 11:57 pm
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      True – this and the tentacle monsters – two really bad (and cartoonish) CGI were the only thing I really hate about the movie. And I don´t understand this desition….

    • December 29, 2015 at 1:43 am
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      omg your an ______ or I am for reading tha. He’s a hologram first off… Continuity is a planned art not an editing one and he’s a Munn or is a ruse intended to obfusicate

      • December 31, 2015 at 5:23 pm
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        Clean up your language and then maybe you’ll be taken more seriously.

  • December 27, 2015 at 5:14 am
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    Definitely happy they didn’t go with the original title!

  • December 27, 2015 at 5:50 am
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    Star Wars Episode VII: The Reminder of the Cause

  • December 27, 2015 at 5:57 am
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    Some of my ideas (no disrespect, just good fun…I LOVED TFA):
    – Star Wars: How Jar Jar Got His Groove Back
    – Star Wars: Greedo’s Bastard’s Revenge
    – Star Wars: So Long George, and Thanks For All the Fish

  • December 27, 2015 at 6:49 am
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    STAR WARS EPISODE VII:
    BILLIONS OF FULL PORTIONS

  • December 27, 2015 at 7:42 am
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    if snoke is plagueis

    STAR WARS: PATRIARCH

    • December 27, 2015 at 8:43 pm
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      That’s no Muun

  • December 27, 2015 at 9:31 am
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    SW: EP 8: DARK SIDE DESTINY

  • December 27, 2015 at 9:31 am
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    shadoe of the empire? But there’s no empire here?

    • December 27, 2015 at 1:21 pm
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      Shadow -OF- the empire. That would be the first order being that they rose from the ashes of the old empire.

      • December 27, 2015 at 9:32 pm
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        Maybe “Ashes of the Empire”?

      • December 28, 2015 at 12:13 am
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        yeah yeah… “Heir to the empire” gives the idea better

  • December 27, 2015 at 9:45 am
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    I would have preferred it had Shadows Of The Empire not already existed.

  • December 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm
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    Star Wars Episode VII: Dennis the Phantom Menace

  • December 27, 2015 at 3:53 pm
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    Star Wars Episode VII: A newer hope

    • December 27, 2015 at 4:54 pm
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      A new new hope

      • December 27, 2015 at 8:40 pm
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        Star Wars VII: A New Hope 2.0

  • December 27, 2015 at 7:39 pm
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    Star Wars Episode VII: The Rey of Light Awakens
    Star Wars Episode VIII: The Dark Knights of Ren Rise
    Star Wars Episode IX: ROYGBIV of the Jedi

  • December 27, 2015 at 8:36 pm
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    would have been a way better title….especially since the force doesn’t ”sleep”

    • December 27, 2015 at 9:30 pm
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      No, but it does awaken in individuals, just like it did with Luke Skywalker. He had no idea he had any potential with the Force until Ben Kenobi awakened it in him.

    • December 28, 2015 at 12:38 am
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      yea its a symbolic title.

  • December 27, 2015 at 8:43 pm
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    Episode VII: The Emperor’s New Hope

  • December 27, 2015 at 9:46 pm
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    Well it also going to be called “A New Dawn” , according to Abrams. I’m guess that was before the titled changed they had to pick between Force Awakens and A New Dawn. But who cares, the titles are always weak (insert crap about Title generator Engine online), etc.

    And this fulfills your one news story a day requirement. Keep up the good work.

    • December 28, 2015 at 2:15 am
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      The titles are meant to be silly, silly.

  • December 27, 2015 at 11:53 pm
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    my god thanks to the maker it didn´t call Shadow of the Empire!!!!!!!

  • December 28, 2015 at 6:34 pm
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    Star Wars VII: A New Hope, again…

  • December 28, 2015 at 9:10 pm
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    SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE may be a non-canon Legend now but it is still my favorite Expanded Universe story ever so I’m happy its’ title was not ripped off and paraphrased for a movie release.

  • December 28, 2015 at 11:07 pm
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    I think force awakens is good title because the force is back. Episode 8 should be called shadow of the empire. It makes sense because the resistance has been damaged so they are like a shadow of the empire and also it would be like empire strikes back

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