First of all, Happy 4th of July! Second of all, I know what you’re thinking. Seriously, casting for a Star Wars remake? Why even discuss such a horrible idea? Because I am nerd. And I spend time thinking about frivolities like this when I should be writing my paper on John Wesley for seminary.
Granted, I think the Original Star Wars movies are amazing, timeless pieces of American film history and I do not think they need to be remade in the slightest. But George Lucas, the creator of these incredible films, has in no small way sullied the name his own franchise with the prequel films and even gone back into his original movies and made changes (twice!), so I wouldn’t put any of this past him. So if we look at it that way, I am just giving him ideas…
But let’s not look at it that way. Let’s be positive. Let’s look at it as if no Star Wars film has been made, and it’s 2011. We are in an alternate reality where nerds have had to do without Star Wars for the last 35 years. Up until now, it’s been a glimmer in George Lucas’ eye. It’s a new franchise. SO… Who would we get to play the iconic roles?
Without further ado, I submit to you my cast picks for the 2011 version of STAR WARS (and its sequels)
LUKE SKYWALKER
James McAvoy
Yeah, I know. Young Professor X. What can I say. The dude won me over in X-Men First Class. I was impressed with his character’s transformation from a somewhat-carefree, playboy type character to the leader he had to be. I could see him pulling off the transformation Luke Skywalker’s character has very well. And I think he would look awesome in the part. True, McAvoy is 32, but he has a boyish face that can both hide and show his age when it needs to.
HAN SOLO
James Franco
Wild card, is it not? I really do think that even for all of Franco’s goofiness that he is an incredibly versatile actor. You might think he is a little young for Han Solo. But he’s 33, just two years younger than Ford was when he first stepped into the role. Franco definitely could pull off Solo’s swagger and attitude. And I think he would have great chemistry with my choice for…
PRINCESS LEIA
Jamie Alexander
She’s a relatively new kid on the block. This is Andrea’s pick, and I think it’s an inspired choice. Alexander is probably best known for her role as Sif in this Summer’s THOR. Sif is somewhat similar to Leia’s warrior princess character. Alexander earned a lot of praise for her portrayal, and she definitely has the look for the part of Leia as well. She could definitely portray a believable sister for McAvoy’s Luke.
C-3p0 (Voice)
Simon Pegg
Never mind that he is already Scotty in the reboot of Star Trek. In this alternate universe, who knows what Pegg would be doing. But all things being equal, lets all just acknowledge that Pegg would do a wonderful job voicing this role made famous by Anthony Daniels. He doesn’t have the build to actually fit in that tiny suit, but I don’t think that’s actually necessary.
OBI-WAN KENOBI
Russell Crowe
Probably my favorite choice (sorry about the spacing — couldn’t get the pictures to cooperate). While Crowe is a little young for the part, if you go by Obi-Wan’s appearance (and age) in the prequels, Alec Guiness was too old! So I didn’t have a problem re-imagining the mentor role a bit to make room for another heavy-weight like Crowe, even if he is a bit younger. I think Crowe can have the wise sorcer0r-mentor character. He hasn’t really done that yet, but he would do great. Plus, he sort of looks like an older Ewan McGregor.
DARTH VADER (VOICE)
James Ear Jones Can't Be Beat
If it ain’t broke… Since this character requires a deep, menacing voice, I am still opting for Jones since he is still with us and working.
LANDO CALRISSIAN
Idris Elba
It’s hard to beat Billy D. But if I had to cast Lando for 2011, it would be Idris Elba. You may or may not have recognized Elba as Hymdal, the guardian of the Rainbow bridge in Thor. He has also been acting for television with roles in HBO’s The Wire, the BBC series Luther. He is a big up-and-comer in the film world as well, with several upcoming roles for large films. He has shown himself to be a very versatile actor, and although it’s not a huge role, it is important that we get a Lando that can hold his own against Franco’s Han. Elba wouldn’t disappoint.
EMPEROR PALPATINE
Anthony Hopkins
Gotta have at least one knighted actor in Star Wars. So I opted for Sir Anthony Hopkins. Ian McDiarmid’s Palpatine is one of the greatest villains of all time. So is Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter. I really think McDiarmid’s raspy, cackling voice is hard to beat, so I went with a voice that’s equally chilling. Hopkins has the range necessary, and he certainly has proven that he can be a terrifying villain. All he needs is the robe.
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I am sure there are other potential options that I have overlooked. If you have some other ideas, post them in the comments! Hopefully, this discussion will remain one for the internet and not give George any ideas 
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ONE MORE THE CHEATER WAY.
Though this time I will say a couple things. Sunday AM was a great morning. We sang Hans happy birthday. We had room in the service to some extra response time through song. It was awesome. I had a great team on deck, and I think the set tied into Dr. Steve’s message well, which was from 2 Peter 3:1-10 entitled “Silencing Second Coming Scoffers.” Needless to say, throughout this series, we have done several songs together that highlight Christ’s Return and this Sunday was no exception. Here are the songs we sing:
Sunday Morning Set List
And for Sunday night, we had (as has been the case almost every week) a unique Summer Team on deck for Refuge. Drew and Taylor were both out, so staffer and Refuge Band Alum Corey O’Quin stepped in and helped me lead on electric, and our very own token girl singer, Hope Tuttle, strapped on an acoustic and did a phenomenal job. It was a fun night with a great cover of the Fleetwood Mac Tune “Go Your Own Way.” Pass that here, dude.
Refuge Set List
This set also served as great compliment to the challenge Critter laid out for us from Acts 1 & 2 regarding the Holy Spirit empowering us to do the work of ministry.
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Yeah, I know it’s lazy… but it works.
Sunday Morning Set List
And…
Refuge Set List -- but we didn't play "Arms Open Wide"
There you have it. A whole blog entry done via screen shots from Planning Center
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This past Sunday was a great week. We had a killer team on deck, and even the 9:00 AM service felt fuller than usual for the Summer. It was a great morning worshiping the King together. Dr. Steve Johnson resumed his series on 2 Peter. This week, he taught on the second half of chapter 1, dealing with the foundational truths of the Gospel, culminating in the Return of Christ.
There was no Refuge due to VBS set up this week, so it was just the AM services.
Here were the songs we sang together:
Opening Song: “Your Name” by Paul Baloche & Glenn Packiam
“We Crown You” by Eddie Kirkland & Steve Fee
“Forever Changed” by Eddie Kirkland
“On Christ The Solid Rock” by John Bacchus Dykes, Edward Mote, & Jeff Johnson
I chose this updated arrangement from Jeff Johnson to serve as a lead in for Dr. Steve’s message. The Gospel is summed up in the Person of Jesus Christ. If our hope is found in anything else, it is misplaced. It also tied in nicely to the passage’s emphasis on the Return of Christ in verses 16-18. From verse 4 of “On Christ The Solid Rock”:
“When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne”
Amen!
Message: “Faith’s Firm Fondation”
2 Peter 1:12-21
Steve Johnson
Song of Response: “Glorious Day” by Michael Bleeker & J. Wilbur Chapman
So I wanted to bookend the teaching with this great song that has become a staple for our congregation both in the AM services and on Sunday night. Singing of the work of Christ and his return, we declared the truth of Peter’s words:
“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16
Christ’s return was not something made up to make the Gospel more impressive or win converts. Peter, James, and John saw the sneak preview on the mountain of the Transfiguration. The Glorified Christ in majesty and power! The very same who will return and finish the work begun on Calvary and make all things new! In the words of John the Revelator:
“AMEN! Come Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20)
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