The Empire’s Got a New Name?

What’s in a name? Outside of a galaxy far, far away, this probably would not be news. But, of course, when it comes to the “Star Wars” franchise, everything is.

The Australian, a newspaper from, um, down under, reports today that “Star Wars: Episode Two” — the second installment to George Lucas’ prequel trilogy — now has a bigger, longer, title.

And (drumroll, please), it will be called “Star Wars: Episode Two — The Rise of the Empire.”

But hold on, not so fast — since the people from Lucasfilm has denied the report.

The flick began production in Australia back in July. Along with returning stars Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor, the film also features newcomer Hayden Christensen as a pubescent Anakin, aka young Darth Vader.