Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Star Wars Movies

  • Ugly Sonic Replaced Jar Jar Binks in ‘Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers’

    Ugly Sonic Replaced Jar Jar Binks in ‘Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers’

    It’s always interesting to get a look behind the scenes at how and what may have changed throughout production. The Disney+ Original Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers is filled to the brim with Easter eggs and familiar characters, but it looks like the infamous Ugly Sonic, the original design for Sonic the Hedgehog, cameo almost was carried by another icon that faced similar ridicule back in his day, Star Wars Episode 1: Phantom Menace‘s Jar Jar Binks.

    Storyboard artist Simeon Wilkins took to his personal Instagram account and shared a look at some sequences from the film. In it, he also included the Fan Expo chase sequence but with the original plans of having Jar Jar Binks appear. Sadly, he doesn’t mention what led to him getting replaced with Ugly Sonic, but it’s likely due to them getting the chance to include him as he’s a character owned by Paramount appearing in a Disney film.

    It must’ve been a blast storyboarding this film and pitching ideas on who may appear in what capacity. Who knows how many other characters had to get switched out throughout production due to rights discussions and generally what best fit the story. The film is one of those rare meta films that manages to connect with audiences.

    In a way, it even gave Ugly Sonic his own fanbase after being ridiculed out of a film. It would’ve been nice to see Jar Jar get a bit more positive feedback as Ugly Sonic did but who knows if they might tackle a sequel where he gets his chance to shine.

    Source: Instagram

  • SWCA: ‘The Mandalorian’s Volume Was First Used on 2018’s ‘Solo’

    SWCA: ‘The Mandalorian’s Volume Was First Used on 2018’s ‘Solo’

    The Mandalorian was a landmark project that pushed the technology known as The Volume. Instead of using a green screen, they create digital assets put on actual LED screens surrounding the actors and their performance. Since its first use, the technology has evolved quite a bit and even became a staple for big-budget films like The Batman and the upcoming Thor: Love and Thunder. Yet, it turns out that the initial version of the technology has its origin back in 2018, as it was used in Solo: A Star Wars Story.

    Our very own Hunter Radesi has shared some insights from a press conference with Ron Howard during the Star Wars Celebration event. There, the director revealed that the technology that would eventually become one of The Mandalorian‘s hallmarks was briefly used in that film. The only difference was that they didn’T use it for a 360° shot but rather just in the Millenium Falcon’s cockpit.

    It seems that they wanted the actors to experience what it was like going into hyperspace while sitting in the cockpit, which was the first use of the Volume within the Star Wars franchise. It definitely is an interesting surprise and it’s crazy to think just how far the technology has come since those days. It’ll also be interesting to see what the future has in store for it as it continues to evolve and potentially become an essential tool for modern filmmaking.

  • Lucasfilm Decided to No Longer Recast Characters After ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’

    Lucasfilm Decided to No Longer Recast Characters After ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’

    Here’s an odd statement, but it looks like Lucasfilm may have learned the wrong lessons from 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story. The film was generally positively reviewed and people highlighted the casting of Alden Ehrenreich as a highlight of the film. It sadly didn’t perform like other entries in the franchise, but still pulled in a respectable $393M worldwide.

    Yet, it seems that something was missing for Lucasfilm and it is the reason they didn’t recast Mark Hamill‘s Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian‘s second season finale. In the new Vanity Fair piece, Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy had the following to say on what they’ve learned from that film:

    There should be moments along the way when you learn things. Now it does seem so abundantly clear that we can’t do that.

    Kathleen Kennedy

    It seems they believed that Ehrenreich didn’t quite capture the “swagger” that made Harrison Ford‘s take on the character stand out as much as it did throughout the years. Yet, one could argue that there were other factors that had a negative influence on the film’s performance and it’s strange to focus on the recasting.

    While it’s special to see Mark Hamill return to the role of Skywalker, the technology still has its limitations, especially with a smaller budget than film production. It still had many excited when he arrived in The Mandalorian, but there were still some aspects that may feel like it’s part of the uncanny valley. Plus, it also highly restricts what stories they can tell with characters that would otherwise have lived during that era.

    Source: Vanity Fair, Rotten Tomatoes

  • Patty Jenkins’ ‘Rogue Squadron’ Delayed After All With Taika Waititi’s Untitled ‘Star Wars’ Film to Arrive First

    Patty Jenkins’ ‘Rogue Squadron’ Delayed After All With Taika Waititi’s Untitled ‘Star Wars’ Film to Arrive First

    While Star Wars has been pushing forward on its Disney+ expansion, there has been a bit of a dry spell when it came to its cinematic releases. Rise of Skywalker was the last film that we saw in theaters all the way back in 2019, but it looks like we’re still going to have to wait a bit longer. In a new feature by Vanity Fair, they offered an update on when we might expect their next cinematic installments.

    As expected, Patty Jenkins‘ Rogue Squadron is delayed indefinitely after all, as now the Star Wars film by Taika Waititi and screenwriter Krysty Wilson-Cairns are set to arrive ahead of the Wonder Woman director’s film. He’s still been busy on Thor: Love and Thunder and if they haven’t started work on both productions, it seems very unlikely that Rogue Squadron will hit its initial 2023 release schedule. It’s only described as “further off” in the Vanity Fair piece.

    President Kathleen Kennedy does promise though that they “have a road map.” When asked if there’s an update on Kevin Feige‘s Star Wars film, which is being written by Michael Waldron, she couldn’t offer any clear updates on that either. The only statement she shared on the matter is the following:

    I would love to see what movie he might come up with. But right now, no, there isn’t anything specifically.

    Kathleen Kennedy

    Of course, there’s a chance they are trying to keep some updates for the upcoming Star Wars Celebration that’ll take place later this month. They also confirmed that Rian Johnson’s work on the Knives Out films has also delayed work on his trilogy, which has been announced quite some time ago but hasn’t seen any further development since.

    Source: Vanity Fair

  • Bryce Dallas Howard is Ready To Direct a ‘Star Wars’ Film

    Bryce Dallas Howard is Ready To Direct a ‘Star Wars’ Film

    Disney+ has given us a whole new look into the Star Wars Universe with its original series The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Those series have featured multiple episodes directed by Bryce Dallas Howard, for what many fans believe to be some of the best of both shows. For a while now, people have to say Howard deserves a shot a directing a film, we hear have even talked about how she’d be perfect for one and even recently ranked her amongst our top picks for the new Fantastic Four director.

    In an interview with Gizmodo, while promoting her newest film, Jurassic World: Dominion, Bryce Dallas Howard was asked if she was ready to take the reigns of a Star Wars feature film, and it seems like she’s onboard if someone is willing to ask her.

    Oh, my goodness, I think it would take someone asking me.

    Bryce Dallas Howard

    Howard‘s episodes of The Mandalorian are seen as some of the most memorable with “Sanctuary” seeing the first meeting of Dinn Djarin and Cara Dune. In it, the pair band together to defend a village from a group of raiders who’ve taken control of an empire AT-ST. “The Heiress” was another one of her episodes, bringing Bo-Katan and the Night Owls into live-action, previously only seen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels.

    But perhaps her most coveted work is in episode 5 of The Book of Boba Fett. In “The Return of The Mandalorian” we see the return of Dinn Djarin as he plans to visit Grogu, but is stopped by Ahsoka Tano in order to help him continue the youngling’s training. The episode also features the first on-screen meeting of Tano and Luke Skywalker, quite the monumental moment for fans of the franchise.

    While there’s no word on a possible project right now for Howard, Star Wars Celebration is rapidly approaching and we will hopefully get some news on the future there.

    Source: Gizmodo

  • Michael Waldron Provides an Update on Kevin Feige’s ‘Stars Wars’ Project

    Michael Waldron Provides an Update on Kevin Feige’s ‘Stars Wars’ Project

    In an interview with Variety, Michael Waldron discussed what his future has in store in terms of his screenplays. The Doctor Strange 2 writer has been tapped to write a mysterious film in the Star Wars franchise produced by Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige. Waldron briefly provided an update on the status of said Star Wars project.

    We’re finally into it in earnest. I mean, I’m writing away. It’s a lot of fun. I’m enjoying having the freedom on that to do something that’s not necessarily a sequel or anything.

    Michael Waldron

    After having minimal updates on this secret project beyond its initial announcement over a year ago, it’s certainly an exciting development to know there is finally progress on this highly anticipated project. In the interview, Waldron further elaborates on the differences between working on projects for both Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

    It just doesn’t have a bunch of TV shows and movies that you’re servicing on top of it, the way I did with “Doctor Strange.” So it’s nice. It feels like a different exercise.

    Michael Waldron

    The lack of a definitive, overarching connective tissue is definitely a big change in relation to being previously ensconced in the lore of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Waldron’s previous two projects. As well, it provides many questions about where this project exists in the timeline of the Star Wars franchise.

    Especially with Lucasfilm producing various projects in different eras of the timeline such as Andor, The Acolyte, and the Patty Jenkins directed Rogue Squadron film, there’ll be many questions as to where and when Kevin Feige and Michael Waldron will base their upcoming film. With the news of this film being in active development, many theories will begin to rise as to how the Marvel Studios stalwarts will influence the direction of a corner of the Star Wars universe.

    Source: Variety

  • Star Wars is a No-Show at This Year’s CinemaCon

    Star Wars is a No-Show at This Year’s CinemaCon

    Sometimes it’s the thing that isn’t said that is the most telling, as it seems that Lucasfilm and Star Wars were a no-show at this year’s CinemaCon conference held by Disney. While Marvel Studios got its own segment to show off some footage of their upcoming films and talk about plans for the next ten years, Star Wars was not even referenced. @GermainLussier shared that they did have a slate line-up that only went into early 2023. As the next film release is Rogue Squadron in late 2023, it’s still bizarre they wouldn’t offer an update or tease what the future has in store for

    While they have no immediate plans and it seems most of CinemaCon is focused primarily on 2022 as well as the beginning of 2023, you’d think they want to highlight one of their biggest IPs. Marvel Studios, Pixar, and 20th Century took the stage for a bit, but that was it. There’s been some concern about Star Wars‘ future as a film franchise, especially on how quiet Lucasfilm has been since 2019’s Investor’s Day.

    For now, it seems like we shouldn’t expect too much on the film side even going into this year’s Star Wars Celebration ceremony. It seemed like the perfect point to tease that something is brewing, but they may have also purposefully not mentioned anything to build-up to the suspense once something drops, especially as they already accidentally leaked the reveal of The Tales of the Jedi‘s animated series.

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘Watchmen’s Damon Lindelof May Be Working on a ‘Star Wars’ Film

    ‘Watchmen’s Damon Lindelof May Be Working on a ‘Star Wars’ Film

    While Star Wars has been dominating Disney+, Lucasfilm has seemingly felt a bit aimless when it came to their film ventures. We’re still waiting on any update for any of their announce films, especially with many rumors hinting that Patty Jenkins‘ Rogue Squadron is being postponed indefinitely. Well, according to The Ankler it seems that Lost co-creator and the mastermind behind HBO’s Watchmen series may be working on an unnamed Star Wars film.

    Keep in mind, that we’ve had a variety of announcements or hints at projects that never ended up picking up steam over at Lucasfilm. Rian Johnson had a new trilogy planned before it was just forgotten. Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss were also going to take control over an unnamed project that was also left on the wayside. So, even if he is brainstorming a project it sadly isn’t a definite moving forward.

    The only other confirmed film based in a galaxy far far away would be the one in development by Taika Waititi. Outside of a short logo tease during Disney’s Investor’s Day back in 2020, we’ve heard barely anything on the project. While they have been starting production on various Disney+ series, here’s hoping that they might finally get into the flow of letting projects enter some form of production. A recent reveal has hinted that Rogue Squadron may still be eyeing a 2023 release, but there’s no word on when production starts. So, here’s hoping we get an update sooner rather than later.

    Source: The Ankler via IGN

  • ‘Rogue Squadron’ Still Eyeing 2023 Release After All

    ‘Rogue Squadron’ Still Eyeing 2023 Release After All

    Lucasfilm has been quite busy expanding its Star Wars franchise through Disney+. Yet, some have noticed that there is a distinct lack of films from the franchise. Even news surrounding their projects announced during Disney Investor’s Day has gone silent. Suddenly, rumors started making the rounds that Patty Jenkins‘ Rogue Squadron may have gotten postponed until 2024. Yet, it seems it is still eyeing a 2023 release.

    Shortly after, the project was postponed indefinitely without any real update on where the project was heading. Jenkins’ already had quite a few projects and may be used the time for the script to get to where it needed to be. Disney has now shared their upcoming cinematic release schedules that go as far back as 2028, and Rogue Squadron is seemingly still eyeing a release on the 22nd December 2023. It may add some hope that the film is still on track to release on time after all.

    We still know very little about Lucasfilm’s plans or the cinematic future of Star Wars. There were rumors that they are considering a new trilogy, but we’ve also heard nothing on Taika Waititi‘s upcoming live-action film. While they have been pushing out series after series on Disney+, it’s still strange to think how little we know about the franchise’s future.

  • RUMOR: Disney Exploring a New Post-Sequels ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy

    RUMOR: Disney Exploring a New Post-Sequels ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy

    The future of Star Wars has been somewhat of a mess. The sequel trilogies, which kicked off with Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, weren’t met with the fanfare that Disney may have hoped for. While the first entry did welcome a generation back into one of the most popular franchises, its two sequels managed to sour the experience. Luckily, Disney+’s launch alongside The Mandalorian opened a new gateway for fans of the originals in a series that felt like a true embrace of what made the franchise a classic. As some projects are getting announced and suddenly shelved, it seems that some plans exist for a new post-Sequel era trilogy.

    On the podcast, The Ringer, former Vanity Fair reporter Joanna Robinson revealed that there is some interest in tackling a new trilogy that takes place after The Rise of Skywalker. She even hinted that Disney is actively looking into establishing it and there are even some first hints at what the story might be about. It seems that the interest is to revive the Jedi Order, one that avoids the “absolutes” of its earlier incarnation to allow people attachment. Surprisingly, that concept is currently being explored through the eyes of Grogu on The Mandalorian and its recent spinoff.

    It wouldn’t be too surprising that Disney wants to return the franchise to cinemas, especially as projects like Rogue Squadron seemingly lost any steam shortly after its announcement. Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have been spearheading the current iteration on Disney+. So, they might be likely candidates to potentially tackle a new trilogy, especially given Favreau‘s experience in the cinematic landscape. The franchise might benefit from unshackling itself from the nostalgia that tied down the sequel trilogy to take a completely new direction and explore a very different galaxy, far far away.

    Source: The Ringer via DisInsider