'Star Wars: Episode 7' movie plot: The Emperor may strike back, CGI effects likely to be avoided

 [Photo credit: Star Wars Wiki]

The saga continues as fans of the "Star Wars" franchise can look forward to one of the most impressive details in the upcoming installment of the sci-fi series. "Star Wars: Episode VII" will be featuring "hundreds of Stormtroopers on set," as actor Oscar Isaac told Entertainment Weekly.

Such news may imply a number of highly interesting things, including the Empire striking back, and CGI effects not being included by director J.J. Abrams because these were perceived to have caused the last three films to be dull and lifeless. As such, if hundreds of extras portraying the Stormtroopers are on set, it is likely that the director will be putting an end to using digital effects to generate more extras.

Stormtroopers have been widely known as a clone army that was established by the sci-fi series' antagonist Emperor Palpatine. While they have gained considerable fame in the first three movies from 1977 to 1983, their comeback is expected to be greatly welcomed, especially by long-time fans.

Meanwhile, British actor Anthony Daniels who has been portraying C-3PO in the past "Star Wars" movies expressed his excitement in being able to wear a robot suit again for the forthcoming movie, as reported by The Guardian. In the more recent films, a digital version was used for C-3PO's action sequences.

Isaac further mentioned that filming has become less rigid to bolster creativity.

"What they're trying to do and what's really great is J.J.'s been loosening it up a little bit and trying to make it alive and energized," the actor said. "It's not formal. They're messy, energized people. We've all intentionally tried to do that. Just make it a little more fiery and messy."

Set three decades after "Return of the Jedi," the upcoming "Star Wars: Episode VII" features Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, and has been slotted for an official premiere date on Dec. 18, 2015.

News
Church body urges restraint in Armenian church conflict
Church body urges restraint in Armenian church conflict

Relations between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the government are currently strained.

Pastors can endorse political candidates without risking tax-exempt status, says IRS
Pastors can endorse political candidates without risking tax-exempt status, says IRS

The Internal Revenue Service agreed on Monday that pastors and other religious leaders can endorse political candidates to their congregation without threatening their tax-exempt status under a decades-old legislation called the Johnson Amendment.

Nationwide study reveals strong public support for preserving historic churches
Nationwide study reveals strong public support for preserving historic churches

A major new study by Historic England has revealed that communities across the country place significantly higher value on historic churches than on their modern counterparts—regardless of religious affiliation or church attendance.

Labour’s first year: looking back, praying forward 
Labour’s first year: looking back, praying forward 

As we take stock of the first year of this Labour administration, let’s commit to praying for good government.