PEOPLE
NEW YORK — Keri Russell says that when J.J. Abrams sent her his version of the script for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” it overwhelmed her.
“When I read his script that he wrote I cried,” she told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “I mean who knows what it will turn out to be and I hope it remains true to what he originally wanted.”
Abrams directs the film which is the final chapter in the Skywalker story that started with 1977's “Star Wars.”
Russell says Abrams is the right person to finish the saga because he cares.
“He's not trying to change it to be something else,” she said. “He really respects what it is.”
Russell plays a new character named Zorri Bliss. She can't reveal much about the character except that she loves the costume.
She recalled Abrams told her she would need to wear a helmet. “I was like, 'That is my dream job. I can see everyone. No one can see me. Hello. Amazing!”'
PARIS — Elton John, a newly awarded Legion of honor pinned to his suit, joined a call Friday by French President Emmanuel Macron to fund AIDS research and treatment.The world-acclaimed singer spoke alongside Macron before thousands of people packed into the presidential Elysee Palace courtyard for an event of the annual Fete de la Musique.John was clearly moved at receiving France's highest award, pinned on him by Macron in a private ceremony, attended by the singer's husband David Furnish and their two children, among some 20 people in his entourage present.The president saluted the virtuoso musician as “an icon that knew how to set an example,” the Elysee Palace said.“To receive this decoration the day of the Fete de la Musique makes it even more special,” John said later in the palace courtyard.
NEW YORK — An auction of David Gilmour's guitars has raised a lot of “Money” — to combat climate change.Christie's auction house says it raised $21.5 million Thursday, selling off more than 120 guitars owned by the Pink Floyd guitarist, singer and songwriter. Proceeds went to ClientEarth, a nonprofit fighting climate change.The items included guitars by Fender, Rickenbacker, Ovation, Gibson, C.F. Martin and Gretsch, including guitar cases, a banjo and amps.A black Stratocaster — dubbed the “Black Strat” — was the top item and was snatched up for $3,975,000, a new world record for a guitar at auction.Gilmour tweeted: “We need a civilized world that goes on for all our grandchildren and beyond in which these guitars can be played and songs can be sung.”By Associated Press
