It seems that Star Wars is not immune to cronyism–Just days after the well-received appointment of Rian Johnson to the director’s chair for Episodes VIII and IX, based on his great directing and producing skill, we have Tom Cruise in talks for a cameo, based on his being pals with JJ Abrams.

The story broke in The Sun (“Fan Tom Menace”, brilliant headline!), who’s source claimed:
“Tom has been in London for over a week and met up with JJ and some other people from Star Wars at the weekend…On Saturday evening five of them met up for dinner and drinks at the Belgravia Hotel. JJ produced M:I5 and loves working with Tom whenever he gets the chance.”

 

 

 

According to the newspaper, the film’s producers have time to create a role for Cruise due to the free time created by Harrison Ford’s recent injury, their source adding: “Losing Harrison is going to set things back a little scheduling wise and there’s some time to play around with.”

Abrams and Cruise are actually a decent Hollywood pairing, Abrams having directed Mission Impossible 3 and produced M:I4: Ghost Protocol. However Cruise’s films in recent years have seen as many misses as hits, though his most recent outing in Edge of Tomorrow has proved a critical success.

Star Wars originally used new acting talent effectively; this trilogy looked to be on track to do the same. As long as his role really is a cameo, and I mean screen time that is counted in seconds, there shouldn’t be much of an issue. Make him an Ewok and keep him in the background, he’ll fit the costume at least.

 

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The writer of this piece was: Lewis “Daft Vader” Campbell
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