A new book full of short storiesfrom a Galaxy Far, Far Away was announced for release on in October. It will feature tales spun by the likes of Paul Dini ("Batman: The Animated Series" writer), Ashley Eckstein (voice actor of Ahsoka Tano), Gary Witta (screenwriter of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"), and many more talented authors. They've all forgone any compensation for their work to give it to non-profit First Book, which provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to educators and organizations serving children in need. Actor Jon Hamm ("Mad Men") is even lending his voice as Boba Fett for the audio book coming out the same day as the hardcover.
Twitter user Heath Williams keeps posting these humorous "memes" (or fake ads) for the book. This was my favorite one so far.
Lucasfilm is so sure that we'll all want to return to the casino planet in the upcoming "The Last Jedi" that they've already announced a book focusing on the hive of scum and villainy. "Journey to 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Canto Bight" is hitting bookshelves on December 5th. StarWars.com announced "a collection of four interconnected novella-length adventures of the exotic aliens and creatures who frequent the locale." Writers of the book include Saladin Ahmed, Rae Carson, Mira Grant, and John Jackson Miller. They also posted the cover art by Matt Taylor, which can be seen above.
Auction house Profiles in History will be auctioning off Carrie Fisher's scripts for the "Star Wars" movies, complete with her handwritten notes. The original "Star Wars" script alone has over 1,000 words personally penned by her. Four scripts will be included in the auction - one early draft of "Star Wars" entitled “The Adventures of Luke Starkiller as taken from the ‘Journal of the Whills’ by George Lucas (Saga I) Star Wars;” two from "The Empire Strikes Back," which feature the most notes written by Fisher; and one for "Return of the Jedi."
Each script is signed by George Lucas and the "Jedi" one features a message reading, "For Carrie Easy to say lines George.” The different scripts are estimated to rake in about $20,000 to $50,000 a piece. Get that GoFundMe set up, kiddos!
You can read more about the auction and scripts right here.
It looks like "Star Wars" is making the move back to December after the announcement that J.J. Abrams is taking over as director and writer for "Episode IX." I"m sure most fans will be upset as it looked like for a while that release dates for new "Star Wars" films was being moved back to the month of May. May is basically known as "Star Wars" Month now, with the whole May the Fourth Be With You Day and Revenge of the 5th.
All of the original trilogy and prequel trilogy movies were released in May. The Untitled Han Solo Movie is coming out on May 25th, 2018 and "Episode IX" was originally planned to come out on May 24th, 2019. It's obvious Lucasfilm and Disney were trying to move back to the traditional May timeslot for "Star Wars" movie releases.
I do understand that it would be cool to get everything about "Star Wars" moved to one month and really solidify the idea of it being "Star Wars" Month. However, I'm fine with the move. It made me feel like I was getting an extra Christmas present. Here's the announcement via the "Star Wars" Twitter account:
"Star Wars: Episode IX is scheduled for release on December 20, 2019."
I would be lying if I didn't say that this news is a bit disappointing. I was really hoping for someone else to take the reins on Episode IX. It was too much to hope for Rian Johnson to do it and we all knew in our hearts George Lucas or Steven Spielberg wouldn't come on board. I really hope J.J. thinks outside of the box on "Episode IX."
I loved the nostalgic feel of "The Force Awakens" and thinks it totally worked to reboot the franchise. However, we need to move past the nostalgic factor and get into some new territory. I"m not being a doomsayer, I just don't want the series ending like "Lost" or feeling like a retread of what we've already seen. Here's the announcement straight from StarWars.com:
"J.J. Abrams, who launched a new era of 'Star Wars' with 'The Force Awakens' in 2015, is returning to complete the sequel trilogy as writer and director of 'Star Wars: Episode IX.' Abrams will co-write the film with Chris Terrio. 'Star Wars: Episode IX' will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Michelle Rejwan, Abrams, Bad Robot, and Lucasfilm.
“With 'The Force Awakens,' J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy."
Ron Howard loves sharing behind-the-scenes images from the filming of the Untitled Han Solo Movie. His latest picture looks like something you'd see out of an intergalactic racing movie. Possibly a strange blend of "American Graffiti" and "Star Wars."
Could this picture be from inside the cockpit of some type of pod racer or other racing vehicle? We've already seen and heard hints of a racing scene in the film, so none of this should come as a surprise. It's still cool to get to see the inside steering wheel and dash up close and personal. Definitely keeps the retro look you would expect from a movie taking place before the original "Star Wars."
"The writer of Marvel's highly-anticipated series discusses what comes next for the First Order captain. StarWars.com caught up over e-mail with writer Kelly Thompson about her goals for the series, learning more about who the captain is beneath the armor, and how the First Order leader feels about trash compactors overall." - via StarWars.com
"Fans hoping that this December's 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' will shed some light on the backstory of the new bad guy Supreme Leader Snoke are in for a disappointment, with director Rian Johnson saying that, as far as he's concerned, there's nothing really interesting exploring the character's past.
'I wasn't interested in explaining where he came from,' says director Rian Johnson of the First Order's boss." - via The Hollywood Reporter
The new picture above is courtesy of Topps Trading Cards.
StarWars.com broke the news that Colin Trevorrow is no longer helming "Episode IX." A news release stated, "Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon." Read more after the jump.
A new Black Series figure unearthed at a Walmart in Fort Smith, Arkansas has finally given confirmation as to who Snoke REALLY is. "Star Wars" collector Rickie Raye Jim Bob Hogg III uncovered the figure while frantically sifting through the new release toys at a Force Friday midnight event. After the jump, you'll get your first look at who we're VERY sure is Snoke!
A new trailer for "Star Wars Rebels" Season 4 has been released and gives us quite a few hints as to what we're going to see. We'll dig deeper into Sabine's Mandalorian roots and see how they will join in the battle between the Rebellion and the Empire. Ezra is going to be making some tough decisions. Saw Gerrera, Tarkin, and Bo-Katan Kryze return. Admiral Thrawn's henchman, Rukh (voiced by Warwick Davis), will be introduced and it sounds like we might get an appearance from Krennic as we move ever closer to the events of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." It's certainly going to be interesting seeing how everything wraps up and connects.
All paths come together when "Star Wars Rebels" Season 4 premieres Monday, October 16 on Disney XD.
"This Lego model definitely looks like it can make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs — provided you have the space and money for it.
Meet Lego's outrageous new Ultimate Collector's Series Millennium Falcon. It is the largest and most expensive set in the company's history, clocking in at 7,541 pieces and sporting a $799.99 price tag. (The previous record holder was the 5,922 piece Taj Mahal)." - via The Hollywood Reporter
New "Star Wars" items are now available for Force Friday II on Fandango’s first-ever movie merchandise online store, Fandango FanShop. Check out more after the jump.
Note: Spoilers to the season are included in the review.
THE SET-UP
In season three of the hit Disney XD series, the crew of the Ghost faces a new villain: the Empire's Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose strategic genius threatens the entire Rebel Alliance. For Kanan, the mysteries of the Force grow, thanks to a wise old creature with a knowledge of the Light and Dark Side. Ezra explores the Dark Side, with his reckless actions with a Sith Holocron. Finally, a familiar face returns seeking a final showdown against an old nemesis.
Following the global phenomenon of Force Friday in 2015, Disney and Lucasfilm announced Find the Force, a global augmented reality (AR) event rolling out on Force Friday II (September 1) to commemorate the worldwide launch of new products inspired by "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."
The pop-up AR treasure hunt aims to unite fans around the world in the battle against the dark side in a unique three-day event at over 20,000 retail locations across 30 countries. As fans turn up to take home new "The Last Jedi" products, they will have the opportunity to activate a unique augmented reality experience featuring "Star Wars" characters, including fan-favorites and new surprise additions from the film.
Madness Games and Comics in Plano, TX is becoming well known as not only a great comic book and pop culture collectible store, but as the place to go to meet celebrities from different movies and TV shows. A few months back, they hosted some of the cast and crew from "Star Wars: Clone Wars," "Star Wars Rebels," and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," as well as a few of the original "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" actors. Galactic Productions are the ones putting together these mini comic-cons and they didn't fail to impress at their latest event.
Force Friday II is this Friday, September 1st, and there are a ton of stores participating. You've got your typical ones like Walmart, Target, The Disney Store, and Toys"R"Us. However, there's some "interesting" ones as well. Bed Bath and Beyond, Pottery Barn Kids, and Staples are getting in on the action this year, too. StarWars.com has a listing of different midnight openings, events, special exclusive deals, and stores you can go to and celebrate Force Friday II right here.
"Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three" drastically ups the ante when it comes to tying together the events of "Rogue One" and the Prequels to the original trilogy. It also threw expanded universe fans a bone by introducing Grand Admiral Thrawn to the new canon of a Galaxy Far, Far Away. Blend all those bits and pieces with solid storytelling and an impressive development of the "Star Wars" mythology and you have a volatile mix of drama, excitement, and intrigue.
If you're a Star Wars Funko collector, you know you need Bodhi to complete your Rogue One set. Since he was a San Diego Comic Con exclusive, he isn't the easiest to find. Never fear, however - the way to get one is here!
If you're in the Dallas, TX area, you might want to head out to Madness Games and Comics in Plano, TX tomorrow (Saturday, August 26th) to meet "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" motion capture actor Invild Deila. She played Princess Leia in the pivotal last scene in the movie and doesn't make many live appearances. Other Star Wars actors in attendance for the event are Jerome Blake and Cliff Alliston. Blake appeared in "Star Wars" Episodes I, II, and III as well as "The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy." Alliston appeared in the forests of Endor in "Return of the Jedi" where he played a role in the Rebel forces attempting to infiltrate the Imperial station. Alliston's character in "Return of the Jedi" is also speculated to be Captain Rex by not only fans but "Clone Wars" and "Rebels" Creative Director Dave Filoni himself. You can get more info about autograph prices and store info after the jump.
The Ghost crew is on a collision course with destiny as the action brings them closer to Rogue One and the original Star Wars trilogy in "Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three," available on Blu-ray™ and DVD August 29th
My feelings of disgust and hatred for the Ewoks might have just been trumped by the newest cute critters from the "Star Wars" universe. The porgs are creatures that look like a mix between a hamster and a penguin. Their big dopey eyes add a Beanie Baby cuteness to them that will either melt your heart or, in my case, make you throw up in your mouth a little. They were inspired by a real animal found in Skellig, Ireland called puffins. Rian Johnson shares how they came about.
"If you go to Skellig at the right time of year, it’s just covered in puffins, and they’re the most adorable things in the world. So when I was first scouting there, I saw these guys, and I was like, oh, these are part of the island. And so the Porgs are in that realm,” he told EW.
I totally understand from a business standpoint that you need something cute and doughy-eyed to market and sell to the kids. The porgs definitely fit that description every disgusting way possible. However, that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'm going to have to buy one of these things for my daughter and listen to it's obnoxious screeches for hours on end.
If these little rats end up somehow defeating the First Order as they come to Ahch-To to capture Luke Skywalker and Rey, I'll just absolutely lose it and probably have to be carried out of the theater. Maybe they'll just chirp at them and they'll decide to leave the planet on their own from the annoyance. You can check out their maddeningly irritating sounds in the video below.
If you think they're cute and already can't get enough of them, the "Star Wars" YouTube channel posted a "Star Wars Blips" showing us what sort of mischievous antics we can expect from these things. Check it out below.
While millions of people worldwide celebrated the first total eclipse in 100 years yesterday, one viewer uncovered a terrible secret while taking pictures through a specialized solar camera. While scientists were telling us it was the moon moving in front of the sun, Mike Lewis snapped a photo of what the government doesn't want us to know. It's no moon, it's a space station - the Death Star to be exact! After the jump, you can see the proof for yourself.
Gwendoline Christie fans already know that the actress made her name playing Brienne of Tarth on the hit HBO series 'Game of Thrones.' Viewers of that show are still buzzing about her character's sword duel with Arya Stark (played by Maisie Williams) a few episodes back. And now, someone has added LIGHTSABERS.
2017 marks the 90th Anniversary of the opening of probably the most famous high school in the world thanks to a little show by the name of "Beverly Hills 90210." The school in that show, "West Beverly Hills High," was actually based on a real one which hosted some pretty famous graduates (and dropouts - ahem, we're looking at you Nicolas Kim Coppola). Beverly Hills High School boasts a roster of alumni that include Rob Reiner, Lenny Kravitz, Angelina Jolie, Jamie Lee Curtis, Scott Caan, Joely Fisher, Rain Pryor, Betty White, Lana Turner, Shaun Cassidy, and even Monica Lewinsky.
So what does any of this have to do with "Star Wars?" you ask? After the jump, we'll tell you!
George Lucas may have sold his company to Disney, but he still offers his advice to new Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy on one aspect of the film franchise he created. She shared with Entertainment Weekly what his main concern is when it comes to a Galaxy Far, Far Away.
"...he’ll whisper in my ear every now and then. Usually it’s something specific or important to him about Jedi training. Things like that.”
It brings a tear to my eye that he still cares (for real). Kennedy also commented on Lucas's difficulty in stepping away from his creation.
“I think he’s starting to settle into this and just be a fan. It’s taken a while. It’s hard to let go, after 40 years. That’s a lot of expectation and things he thought a lot about. Suddenly that next generation, that whole thematic idea he came up with, is in process.”
The Force is with an unusual fruit bat that looks a lot like everyone's favorite Jedi Master, Yoda. The bat has a rounder jaw than most other fruit bats and looks like it's smiling. The bat lives in a remote rain forest in Papua New Guinea. It was formally registered as a newly identified species and is now named the happy (Hamamas) tube-nosed fruit bat. University of York biologist, Dr. Nancy Irwin stated, "Since most remote Papuans have never seen 'Star Wars,' I thought it fitting to use a local name.”
Well, somebody needs to get a generator and big-screen TV out to these people so they can get acquainted with a Galaxy Far, Far Away!
Check out a picture of the Yoda Bat after the jump.
Yeah. Believe it or not, seeing Jar Jar Binks run around an entire movie in his birthday suit was a possibility. Original concept art by artists Iain McCaig and Terryl Anne Whitlatch shows a Jar Jar sans any clothing. Apparently, he was going to be neutered as he appears to be as smooth in the crotch-area as a Ken doll. I don't know whether to consider this post NSFW or not. Maybe it should be NSFA? Not Safe for Anyone. Check out Jar Jar in the nude after the jump.
An argument over whether Star Wars was better than Star Trek got out of hand in Oklahoma recently. By the time the confrontation was over, punches were thrown, people were choked, and someone was slashed with a knife.
A recent post on The Hollywood Reporter website places all the blame on Billy Dee Williams for spoiling a major plot point in "The Empire Strikes Back" when he did an interview for "Today!" in 1980. I would disagree, saying that the host of the show is more to blame than Williams is. She omes right out and calls Lando Calrissian (whose name she mispronounces several times) "evil." Williams comes to Lando's defense stating that "He's not evil. He's just a guy caught in a situation. I mean, there's Darth Vader, there's his best friend and there's his situation. And he's got to figure out how he's going to deal with all this."
The video clip is an interesting look back on the promotions done for "The Empire Strikes back" in 1980. You can check it out after the jump.
Mark Hamill is pleading with President Donald Trump to at least wait until after the release of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" to rain down "fire and fury" on North Korea. Hamill took to his Twitter account and posted the hashtag #WaitForVIII along with a link to an article about Trump's threats of war against North Korea. Could "The Last Jedi" have that much of an impact on humanity that it could bring world peace? I guess that all depends on how badly Trump or the North Koreans want to see what happens in "Episode IX" when it's released on May 24th, 2019.
Shoemaker Sperry is releasing a line of "Star Wars" kicks in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the movie franchise. They go on sale starting August 10th. Ralph McQuarrie's artwork is showcased on the pair I would be most interested in. Other images on the shoes include R2-D2 and C-3PO, Han Solo and Chewbacca, and the Imperial and Rebel logos. You can check them out after the jump.
Two new "Star Wars" comics got the Marvel classic cover variant treatment. Mace Windu #1 is an homage to April 1968's Strange Tales #167 featuring Nick Fury on the cover. This pairing makes sense, seeing that Samuel L. Jackson played both Windu and Fury in the Mrvel and "Star Wars" Universes. Captain Phasma #1 is a tribute to issue #69 of Invincible Iron Man from August 1974. You can check out the covers after the jump.
Fans of "Star Wars" in the UK have even more incentive to join the military now that Special Air Services soldiers will soon get to wear what are being called the "Boba Fett helmet." As you can see above, it really does look similar to everyone's favorite bounty hunter's helmet. The hi-tech headgear uses heat-seeking technology to hunt down enemies in the war against terror. Another big benefit you get wearing the "Boba Fett helmet" in the field is that it's bulletproof AND air-conditioned!
“For years the defence industry has been trying to find a way of protecting the head and this is the next development," a military source told The Daily Mirror.
You can read more about this awesome new tech at The Sun.
