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Okay, simmer down. That wasn't the single most spoilerific headline in movie history, we have absolutely no proof. Just a nagging sense of worry following comments made by 'Star Wars' producer Kathleen Kennedy in the new edition of Empire. Kennedy flat-out denied that there could be any follow-up to the standalone movie, which follows the adventures of a band of Rebel spies sent in to steal the plans to the Empire's new battle station, the Death Star.
Of course, it could be argued that the sequel to 'Rogue One' already exists: it's called 'Star Wars' (or 'A New Hope' if we're being anal) and it came out in 1977. 'Rogue One' director Gareth Edwards makes a jokey reference to this very issue in the same Empire piece, saying that 'any sequel will be directed by George Lucas'.
But it does give us a little reason for concern. We already know at least one major character isn't going to make it, following an inadvertent on-stage outburst by actor Jiang Wen at this summer's Star Wars Celebrations convention. And think about it, knocking off the entire cast would explain why none of them ever showed up at later Rebel Alliance briefings. They could all go out in a blaze of glory, Butch and Sundance style, surrounded by enemies but safe in the knowledge their mission was complete...
But we're getting ahead of ourselves. After all, if she's dead, how is Felicity Jones's character Jyn Erso going to give birth to Daisy Ridley's Rey from 'Episode VII', as some have suspected? It wouldn't be the first time a 'Star Wars' movie had a downbeat ending - 'The Empire Strikes Back' started that trend 36 years ago - but it'd be a lot darker than we're used to. Let's hope at least one of them makes it. Because hey...
And this isn't the only bit of gossip floating round the 'Star Wars' universe this morning - on the Rebel Force Radio podcast, journalist Antony Breznican said he'd heard rumours that Obi-Wan Kenobi might be returning in a future 'Star Wars' saga instalment, rather than the long-rumoured standalone Kenobi movie. Could Ewan McGregor be set to appear as a floating blue-tinged Force Ghost? Could rumours that Rey is actually related to Old Ben prove true? Are we overthinking this waaaay too much? Answers on an ewok to the usual address.
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