C-3PO reportedly admits to change in Star Tours this year
Screamscape.com has an interesting rumor today regarding a long discussed update to Star Tours. This particular rumor is unlike almost any other one you will find, because it is actually sourced…
The latest information however comes right out of the mouth of Anthony Daniels (C-3P0) himself. According to a Screamscape reader who attended the Adventure Con comic book convention in Knoxville last Saturday, someone from the crowd asked him if he had ridden Star Tours during the Q&A session. “He responded by saying yes and he just got finished filming the new digitalized upgrade for the ride. He said this update will start up around the end of the year and from what he has seen it looks very, very exciting.” That was all they could get out of him apparently. So there you have it, right from the mouth of 3-CP0 via the internet.
If this is absolutely correct, and that is a big if, then the famed Star Tours 2 will be here sooner rather than later. The mistake most people seemed to be assuming is that if Daniels is correct than this is only a slight change, perhaps just an upgrade to the film technology. I wouldn’t jump to that conclusion. The great advantage of a simulator ride is that you can change the entire story of the ride by uploading the next film and reprogramming the movements of the simulator itself. This would not take a year of down time to accomplish.
For those who think this most be wrong because we have no other information floating around confirming it, let me just remind you that George Lucas is perhaps the most secretive filmmaker around. If he wants to shield this until the last minute, then that’s what will happen.
Jeff Pepper said,
June 6, 2007 @ 3:23 am
Check out John’s comments on the Disney Blog about this. He has some interesting observations about how much of the ride mechanics and technology would need to be redone and/or upgraded.
David said,
June 6, 2007 @ 1:19 pm
Well, Jeff I don’t really agree with what he has to say. Even if they want to change to an HD screen, even one that is 3D, that doesn’t mean they need change the interior of the cabin nor do they need to drastically change the movements of the sim itself. There is a challenge in the old technology, but I have heard they can still work with it.
Either way, both possibilties exist. They can re-do the whole smack, or simply update the film to a clean and slightly different story. From what Daniels says, it is hard to say for certain.
Matt said,
June 6, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
While I really want to believe this rumor, we have to keep in mind two things. First, this is from Screamscape, which for those who don’t know, isn’t the most reliable source of rumors out there. Second (and more importantly) we’ve had “credible” sources before. Anyone remember the article that ran in the Orlando Sentinel confirming from Lucas that Star Tours 2 was a go? No? Well, here it is: http://www.mgmstudios.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=1830
I hope it’s true, but I’m not holding my breath either.
David said,
June 6, 2007 @ 1:39 pm
I do like to throw Screascape stuff up as a topic starter for conversation, but this one is a bit different Matt. It is actually sourced. That’s why I treated this one with a bit more seriousness. This isn’t coming from an unnamed source who is probably a bus driver or Jungle Cruise skipper.
Mike said,
June 6, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
I sort of agree with Matt. I’ll believe it when I see it. I actually hope its not true. I would prefer the add to the area not change it. I like the use of the old trilogy better than having something from the new. Although with the new Clone Wars series coming, I would doubt it.
John Frost said,
June 6, 2007 @ 4:15 pm
The source for my comments about upgrading the mechanics for the attraction came from an Imagineer, no longer with the company, who was looking into it back in the late 90s. They may have figured out a way around the problem, I don’t know. But essentially todays motion simulator technology is much farther advanced than the platforms pioneered by WDI that not upgrading would be noticed by todays more savvy audiences.
Eric said,
June 6, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
How about keeping the original and filming a new movie, so guests have two experiences to choose from? This would likely give a boost to the attraction’s attendence numbers and increase re-rideability. I think the vehicles themselves are fine, but a new film would be welcomed, IMO.
Biblioadonis said,
June 6, 2007 @ 6:58 pm
Since Lucas is in the throes of creating a new animated and live-action Star Wars, this might be a great time for a tie-in.
It would be an easier route to use the CGI animated TV show footage to do a new ride. It should still work with the old simulators.
I am all for an upgrade.
If you want to see the new Clone Wars trailer, head over to starwars.com
Star Tours 2 Rumors Flare Again « Broke Hoedown said,
June 7, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
[...] Head to MouseExtra for the scoop, including a link to the original Screamscape article. There’s also some good discussion in the MouseExtra comments, so keep reading past the break. The Disney Blog has weighed in too. And take this rumor with a serious grain of salt because goodness knows we’ve heard it all before. [...]