Typically, Star Wars and movie fans refer to each individual film by its number in the saga. The original 1977 Star Wars is often called “Episode I,” though it also has the title of “A New Hope.” The 1999 Star Wars prequel (if you choose to acknowledge its existence) is “Episode IV” in the overall story, but also titled “The Phantom Menace.”
The latest Star Wars project, directed by J.J. Abrams, has been referred to as “Episode VII” until now. But Disney announced the movie’s official title via Twitter on Thursday.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens has completed principal photography. #StarWarsVII #TheForceAwakens pic.twitter.com/mFTP9YbKNN
— Star Wars (@starwars) November 6, 2014
Besides the Twitter announcement, the studio made the title even more official by registering the web domain www.theforceawakens.com for the movie. Movie studios often snap us such web addresses earlier, but with movie bloggers and film sites looking for any clues or news bits about blockbuster franchises, those domain purchases can often hint at what projects are in development or the title of a particular film.
Trying to interpret what that title means is to risk spoilers, something certain members of our staff would prefer to avoid. But it’s not a stretch to speculate that a great power could develop for a new character. Perhaps the Force grows out of control or lead to corruption for a familiar face. Could it mean a villain believed dead is coming back? Or maybe it’s just a catchy title.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is scheduled for a Dec. 18, 2015 release.
