C-3PO actor suggests 'Star Wars Episode VII' might be a better sequel than 'Empire Strikes Back'

Production recently wrapped on Star Wars Episode VII and now all that's left to do is wait for the first film footage to drop. In the meantime, fans will continue to speculate wildly and gobble up any tidbits of information about J.J. Abrams' secretive project that they can find as they continue to build the Star Wars hype machine.

Consider a recent tweet from C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels then as more fuel for the speculation fire.

Daniels is telling fans who think The Empire Strikes Back is the best movie sequel that they might change their minds when Episode VII rolls out on Dec. 18 of next year. A fairly tame tweet all and all, but for Daniels to say Episode VII might be better than the film many Star Wars fans consider to be their favorite is a big deal. Also of note is that Daniels doesn't say "no Star Wars sequel is better..." but instead says "no movie sequel." That's a huge claim.

It's particularly interesting considering Daniels can't have possibly seen anything remotely resembling the final film product. Production wrapped just a few days ago. He can't have seen any of the special effects or edited footage. Daniels did spend plenty of time on set, and from photos it is clear that Abrams is using practical effects and costumes for much of the film, giving Daniels a clear idea of how the project will look.

It may be a big claim to make but Daniels is qualified to make it. He's been involved in every Star Wars movie, so he definitely knows the franchise well. There is plenty fans could read into the tweet, such as whether this means Episode VII will be "darker" like Empire. Or it could just mean Daniels is doing his job as an actor and promoting his latest film. Only on Dec. 18, when fans the world over have the chance to watch Episode VII and pass judgement on it, will we know for sure the film's quality. Until then, fans will just have to take Daniels' word for it.

Photo: Starwars.com