Disney disappointed fans at the D23 expo after not revealing cast or plot details for "Star Wars Episode VII."
On Saturday, Aug. 9, Disney chairman Alan Horn kicked off the live action panel by sharing developments with the new Star Wars film, however, the announcement was just old news. "J.J. Abrams will direct 'Star Wars: Episode VII' from a script by Michael Arndt. John Williams, meanwhile, is back to score the next Star Wars film, which is set for release in the summer of 2015. I really wish I could tell you more. It will come soon," Horn said.
The disappointment came a day after Disney CEO Bob Iger cautioned the company wasn't ready to reveal too many details from the new movie. During the animation panel the CEO said: "We're just as excited as you are about 'Star Wars: Episode VII.' In fact, we're speechless. At least, we're going to be somewhat speechless at this expo because we aren't ready to share too many details just yet."
Despite Disney's supposed inability to elaborate on "Episode VII," fans were still expecting at least some casting news. Insiders had said that Disney would reveal the film's cast during the expo.
Fans immediately tore into Disney online, venting their frustration on Twitter.
@keith Caler said, "Disney proves they understand the modern STAR WARS fan by disappointing them and taking their money."
The Playlist wrote, "Audibly disappointed AWWWW from the crowd when Alan Horn doesn't say [expletive] about "Star Wars."
@Eric Vespe tweeted, "Audience booed Horn when he moved on from Star Wars without announcing anything of note."
@scottEweinberg stated, "So why have a press conference if you have nothing to share?"
"Star Wars Episode VII" is currently in pre-production. The film is rumored to star Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill and will be released in 2015.