Lawrence Kasdan keeps ‘Hope’ alive in 7th ‘Star Wars’ installment

Somewhere along the line, Lawrence Kasdan — he of the scripts rollicking (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”), lustful (“Body Heat”) and throwback fun (“Silverado”) — became the wise old man of the “Star Wars” universe.

When it’s pointed out that might mean he’s in line to be killed and disappear, he immediately comes back with, “But if I’m struck down, I’m more powerful than ever.”

Kasdan, 66, who co-wrote “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” was cajoled by Lucas and producer Kathleen Kennedy into coming back to write the upcoming movie on the origin of Han Solo, his favorite character “by far,” he says.

[...] they also persuaded him to “consult” on Episode VII, Star Wars:

Can you put the individual stamp of ‘Star Wars’ on something after all that interference?

The writer not only enjoyed returning to familiar characters (including Solo), but relished the opportunity to study the effect of the passage of time on them.

In the 32 years between “Jedi” and “Force Awakens,” Kasdan has been nominated for four Oscars and collected the Writers Guild of America’s Laurel Award for screenwriting achievement.

When asked if he wanted to continue any of his other movies, say, “Grand Canyon,” Kasdan offers the tag line: “It’s deeper and wider.”

The ‘Star Wars’ saga is so much about fathers and sons and generations. …

Would it take you back to the excitement you felt in ‘A New Hope’ or ‘Empire’?

Are the more serious elements there, but in their proper place?

Because it’s mainly fun.