J.J. Abrams doesn’t want to release an extended edition of The Force Awakens
Director J.J. Abrams has made it clear that he doesn’t want to release an extended edition of Star Wars: The Force Awakens…
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If you were hoping that an extended edition of Star Wars: The Force Awakens would be released when the film comes out on DVD/Blu-Ray/Streaming, then don’t hold your breath, because the AP is reporting that J.J. Abrams has made his feelings clear that he does not want to add deleted and extended scenes to the film.
Speaking to the director in Los Angeles, California, the AP was able to get some information on those scenes from the trailers that never made it into the actual film, itself.
"“It’s a fairly common occurrence when you’re working on a movie, and it’s a year or six months out. We were still editing, refining and adjusting the film. That evolution process is something that’s hard to predict.”"
This is in reference to the now infamous scene that nearly broke the internet, when Kylo Ren staggered into the snowy forest, back to the camera, and ignited his uniquely crafted crossguard lightsaber. By the way, according to the newly released Star Wars: The Force Awakens Visual Dictionary, that lightsaber that brought down the wrath of nerds everywhere was crafted with a cracked Kyber Crystal, giving the blade it’s chaotic nature and making it necessary to have venting quillons on either side…because of this, the lightsaber is actually referred to as a plasma blade.
Abrams also mentions that Maz Kanata originally returns to the Resistance base with Han Solo and Finn to hand General Leia the Skywalker Lightsaber herself (another scene from the trailers that did not make it into the film). The director says that it was unnecessary and that it felt stronger to skip over the moment. Here’s to hoping we see more of Maz in Episode VIII. As for the possibility of an extended editon of The Force Awakens, here’s Abrams’ exact words on the subject:
"“I’m not a huge fan of directors’ cuts and modifications to a movie. I feel the movie that comes out is the movie that should be the intended final product.”"
Now, that’s not to say that Abrams will have the final say on the matter, once it’s time for the DVD/Blu-Ray/Streaming release of the film in hopefully April or May, because Disney may very well step in and decide to get every penny out of The Force Awakens, as possible…and I don’t blame them. In fact, I personally hope we do get an extended version of the film, because I’m a sucker for all the deleted and extended scenes from my favorite films…you should see my Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit collection.
We want to hear from you. On which side of the fence to you land? Do you agree with Abrams? Or, would you prefer an extended version of Star Wars: The Force Awakens? Let us know in the comments and on Social Media.