Word of super secret live action production in Hollywood!

Rumors about updates to the STAR TOURS attraction at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios are over a decade old now, with various sources making claims that a new ride film was already in the can, or that an entirely new ride system was being developed.

As of this week, Slashfilm has word that actual live action footage for the attraction is underway.

Our source reveals that the revamp will incorporate prequel characters (like Naboo citizens and Geonosians) along with many aliens from the original trilogy (Aqualish. Bith, Rodians, etc). In the action sequence, the Star Tours vehicle is now going to be chased by Boba Fett. C3PO and R2-D2 are still the hosts, and Anthony Daniels will be recording his parts this week. Admiral Ackbar holographically communicates with the Star Tours vehicle. Right now they’re shooting mostly green screen footage, as it is the middle part of the production timeline.

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The web is already abuzz, with some "in-the-know" claiming that the footage is part of reshoots for a ride film that was completed months ago, and other speculating the footage is for pre-show videos.

EDITOR'S COMMENTARY: My guess is that the footage is indeed part of the ride film, perhaps for the boarding or pre- or post-flight portion, while the vehicle is on level ground. If the speculation about a 2010 launch is correct, it's likely the actual in-space footage has alreay been shot, or is just going through some polishes.