J.J. Abram’s “Star Wars Episode 7” production could be threatening the wildlife in the Irish island of Skellig Michael.
The Guardian reports wildlife conservationists are concerned filming would interrupt breeding season for the puffins on the island. Dr. Steve Newton of BirdWatch Ireland explained the production should begin filming in September when the matting season is nearing an end, according to Radio Kerry.
"It would have been preferable if filming took place out of the breeding season, in September, when I believe it was originally scheduled," Dr. Newton said. "But it is very hard. Skellig is only open to the public really between May and sometime in September. But I would have preferred the filming to take place in September than in July, when we have a lot of breeding birds still."
However, the shoot off on the Irish island will be over by Wednesday, July 30, according to Cinema Blend. Click here to view photos of the island. “Star Wars Episode 7” will be released to theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.
In other “Star Wars” news, actor Simon Pegg is reportedly taking a role in J.J. Abrams production. Pegg admitted to Vulture he frequents the “Star Wars Episode 7” set, but couldn’t confirm if he’d landed a role in the film.
“Well, J.J. uses me in different roles, and we’re good friends,” Pegg said. “I feel like my face in Star Wars would pop people out of the movie. Look, I love Star Wars, and I don’t want people to watch and go, Oh, there’s Simon Pegg’s face. The film is cleverly cast with these amazing, unknown actors.”
“Of course I visited the set,” Pegg added. “It’s amazing, and I love Star Wars. I want to see everything happening. It looks wonderful, and you need to believe those characters. Any type of stunt casting might just pop you out of the movie.”
