The Star Wars news keeps trickling out – with the latest being a potential spoiler about the background of one of the main new characters who will be introduced in Episode VII: The Force Awakens. When asked during an interview on Japanese television about the important role that family continues to play in the films, Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey in the new movie – which is directed by J J Abrams and was partly filmed in Abu Dhabi – said: "I'm not sure how much I can say. I guess because I have said that I am 'solitary', that's how I begin – that is probably a big clue as to what it is." This appears to confirm long-standing rumours that Rey is the daughter of Han Solo (played by Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher). Or, Ridley could be deliberately trying to throw us off the trail by misleading us all. Either way, we'll find out when the film is released on December 17. – The National staff
World War Z sequel release date is set
The sequel to blockbuster zombie movie World War Z has been given an official release date. Although the 2013 original film received mixed reviews – not least for straying so far from the acclaimed novel by Max Brooks on which it was based – it went on to earn about half a billion dollars at the box office. The plot is still a secret, although scriptwriter Steven Knight has said that the sequel will be a "clean slate". What this means in storyline terms – and for the possibility of the first film's star Brad Pitt returning – is unclear. And we have a while to wait before we find out – the film is due out in the US on June 9, 2017. – The National staff
Tributes paid to B B King at Memorial
A standing ovation for B B King and more cheers than tears marked a family-and-friends memorial for the late blues legend in Las Vegas. More than 350 people attended the service at the Palm Mortuary chapel. The musician's closed casket was framed by an array of floral arrangements and two of his guitars. "Why don't you put your hands together for the King of the Blues, B B King," said pastor Pamela Myrtis Mason. King's granddaughter Landra Williams described him as "the backbone of our family". More than 10 of King's 35 grandchildren and eight of his 11 surviving children spoke during the two-hour service. Several sang a cappella versions of King classics. "To everyone else, he was a legend," said Williams. "But for us, he was love." – AP
Omar Sharif has Alzheimer’s
Lawrence of Arabia star Omar Sharif is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The legendary Egyptian actor’s only son, Tarik El Sharif, said that his 83-year-old father struggles to remember the names of his most famous films. “He knows who he is, but not necessarily the reason people greet him,” he said. “When someone sees him in the street and approaches him, he often thinks it’s someone he used to know whose name and face he’s forgotten, when most of the time it’s just a fan. He still knows he’s a famous actor.” – The National staff
Veteran Oscars TV director dies
Marty Pasetta, a television veteran who directed the Academy Awards broadcasts for most of the 1970s and 1980s, has died at the age of 82. He directed 17 Oscars telecasts between 1972 and 1988. He also directed several Grammy Awards broadcasts, Elvis Presley's 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert, and numerous TV specials. His work earned him eight Emmy Awards. He died on Thursday in La Quinta, California, after being hit by an unattended car. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. – AP
