OF SEQUELS AND SPIN-OFFS. MORE 'STAR WARS' NEWS...

J.J. Abrams and new friend: background alien Bobbajo.

22nd May- The first, so far untitled, spin-off is announced:  Gareth Edwards and Gary Whitta Onboard for Star Wars Stand-Alone Film | StarWars.com

Spin-Off Writer Gary Whitta Loves Star Wars So Much He's Not Putting Up With The Prequels Or Special Editions - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movies and TV News and Rumors

AFICIONADO opinion: Welcome to the STAR WARS film universe, Mister Whitta, though we hope you'll be a little more appreciative and considerate of George Lucas and his film efforts now that you're part of their tightly-knit family. Your highly charged, sometimes quite insulting comments about Lucas and the Prequels these past few years are not likely to be forgotten by the fan base!

EPISODE VII related news:

▶ Star Wars: Force for Change - A Message from J.J. Abrams - YouTube
Harrison Ford talks Star Wars VII
Carrie Fisher interview: The secrecy around the new Star Wars film 'is like D-Day' - Telegraph
Carrie Fisher on Star Wars Episode 7: 'I'm fighting to keep the hair buns' - Movies News - Digital Spy
Why ‘Star Wars: Episode VII’ Decided to Shoot in Abu Dhabi (EXCLUSIVE) | Variety
'Star Wars: Episode VII' Filming in Abu Dhabi - Hollywood Reporter
Star Wars 7: Jim Henson's Creature Shop Not Involved
Wedge Antilles actor rejected 'Star Wars: Episode VII' role because it would 'bore' him | The Verge

On the opposite side to Gary Whitta, I have to say that I'm very pleased at the creative and personal tone that J.J. Abrams is setting in realising this new STAR WARS adventure, as seen in this apparent personal letter to cast and crew...