When Disney announced it had signed on Michael Arndt to pen the screenplay for "Star Wars: Episode VII," a frenzy of panic inevitably ensued. Just who was this guy? Did he have the chops to handle the genre, let alone "Star Wars"?
Lucky for us, an old video of Arndt has surfaced that should shed more light on what we can expect from his entry into the hallowed "Star Wars" universe. Having become a hot commodity in Hollywood in recent years, Arndt talks in-depth in the video about his writing process, his path to success, and writing his Oscar-winning script for "Little Miss Sunshine." The video was shot on Feb. 15, 2007 at Cody's Books in San Francisco, CA.
Little Miss Sunshine: The Shooting Script from Cody's Books on FORA.tv
Getting to know "Episode VII" screenwriter Michael Arndt
An Oscar-winning screenwriter, Arndt scored another Oscar nomination for his writing in "Toy Story 3," and also wrote the script for the upcoming "Hunger Games" sequel, "Catching Fire," which is filming now.
He's also reportedly a "Star Wars" expert, according to Vulture. A tidbit that should assuage any fans doubting "Episode VII" is in good hands. "Lost" co-creator and writer of the upcoming "Star Trek" film Damon Lindelof has said as much, his twitter reaction to the news the geek equivalent of a nine-year-old girl finding out Justin Beiber is hosting the Kid's Choice Awards.
"If this is true, Michael Arndt is the perfect choice. We're in good hands, fellow nerds!" he Tweeted.
Arndt has lectured extensively on the art of storytelling at numerous writers' retreats, like the Hawaii Writers Conference in Maui and the Austin Film Festival, always featuring a lengthy and detailed explanation of why the original "Star Wars" ending is so creatively satisfying.
Arndt's treatment "will bring the saga of the Skywalkers, the Force-imbued family comprising Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader and twins Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa, to a close in a new trilogy," said The Hollywood Reporter.
The story is said to focus on a new generation of heroes and would feature appearances by Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher in older incarnations of their beloved characters from the original Star Wars trilogy.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Sources have said not to discount the possibility that a number of characters from previous 'Star Wars' films could reappear - even the dead Jedis, who have a habit of showing up in spirit form."
According to Vulture, Arndt had been at work on the treatment long before the deal between Disney and Lucasfilm was announced.
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