Now that they have confirmed the new trilogy will focus on the third Skywalker generation, I think it's necessary to look at the entire Star Wars universe.
First, George Lucas was very methodical and deliberate in creating his universe and time line. Every comic book story, video game story, and novel story all required his stamp of approval. He had dedicated people committed to keeping the time line and stories operating in a smooth and flawless flow. His script writing skills aside, GL created well defined and organized universe that is, in essence, his favorite child.
Now, all that said, here is one guarantee: GL did not relinquish his child without safe guards and guarantees in place that the integrity of the universe and time line would be maintained. So, with that being understood, we move forward.
Second, the Expanded Universe, despite movie purist types, is the heart of the SW universe. The movies are the soul. The soul lives forever but, the heart keeps it going. So, it is from the EU that you will see all future SW endeavors evolve. Thus, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with it all.
Me, I'm a SW lifer, original member of the original SW Fan Club with every autographed picture they sent in a nice album. I have every movie, cartoon, comic book, video game, and novel. I am unbeatable on SW Trivia. When I get my first turn, nobody plays again. Seriously. That includes EU Trivia. I say all that to set up point three.
Three, Episode 7 will feature Luke, Leia, and Han but, only for a small amount of screen time. Why? It's about continuity. Obi-Wan, Lars, and Beru moved the story forward with their deaths. So will it be with the big three and any other carry overs from 4 thru 6.
Due to the size, scope, and detail of the EU, the only point they can go from is the last novel unless they plan to put the new trilogy smack in the middle of the timeline and go through every bit of continuity to maintain its integrity. Yes, they could, but they will not want the headache. Trust me, GL did not walk away without insuring his child would not be corrupted.
So, you can expect to see Luke, Leia, and Han exit the stage as heroes. You will also get references to Chewbacca, Mara Jade-Skywalker, Anakin Solo, Jacen Solo/Darth Caedus, and more. For, ultimately, it will be about two.
In 1 thru 3, it was about the parents, Anakin and Padme. In 4 thru 6, it was about the twins, Luke and Leia. For 7 thru 8, it will be about the cousins, Ben Skywalker and Jaina Solo.
The new trilogy will have more grit and darkness to it thanks to the EU and the state of the universe there. Expect to see the new Jedi Order, sleeker vessels, political complexities, and darker plot points. In all, it will truly be epic.
Fourth, yes, it will be the continuation of the Saga of C3P0 and R2D2. It is, after all, what GL said the movies are really all about.
Besides, could it really be a SW movie without them!
Fifth, the villain of the new trilogy is, for many, not seeming to be as important as the fact the new movies are on the way. However, the villain has been the crux of the story since 1977. Darth Vader was never the villain. Neither was the Empire or the dark side. No, through it all, the villain has been the greatest manipulator ever.
That being said, look for a younger and more powerful, albeit perfect clone inhabited, Darth Sidious! Yes. Seriously. His primary cloning facility was destroyed in the novels. His first perfect clone was destroyed in the comics. His original body was destroyed in the movies. His plan, however, was to live forever. To that end, he always had back up plans in place. He even alluded to it in the comics. No, the saga of Darth Sidious is not over.
It will begin with the deaths of the children of his greatest failure. It will end at the hands of their children.
In conclusion, a 20 year gap seperated 3 and 4. It will be about a 30 yr gap, if my math is right, between 6 and 7.
I know many of you will say, "Well, that's your opinion" "Well, that's what you'd like to see" "Well, that's an interesting prediction" "Well, you're dead wrong" etc, etc, etc.
However, there is no doubt. Bookmark this page. When it all is revealed, this article will prove me right. Actually, that's the only way to prove me wrong. I know the SWU inside and out, front to back, and every which way there is.
What I have written will come to pass, in one form or another, but it will, in essence, be exactly as I have written.
However, if I am proven wrong, I will admit I was wrong. I won't be though!