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Tag: Star Wars TV

  • ‘Andor’ Creator on Making a Star Wars Series About “Real People”

    ‘Andor’ Creator on Making a Star Wars Series About “Real People”

    Tony Gilroy has undertaken quite the challenge as he’s giving us a prequel to Rogue One focused on Diego Luna‘s Cassian Andor. Not only would it give us a more grounded storyline in the Star Wars universe, but it also has to compete with one of the franchise’s most visually compelling stories. As it turns out, Gilroy always had a very set idea on how to tackle it as he wanted to make this Disney+ series “about real people” as revealed in an interview with Variety.

    I wanted to do it about real people. They’ve made all this IP about the royal family, in essence. It’s been great. But there’s a billion, billion, billion other beings in the galaxy. There’s plumbers and cosmeticians. Journalists! What are their lives like? The revolution is affecting them just as much as anybody else. Why not use the ‘Star Wars’ canon as a host organism for absolutely realistic, passionate, dramatic storytelling?

    Ton Gilroy

    He goes on to highlight that he wants people to watch this show in a way that doesn’t require your knowledge from any previous entry in the franchise but still offers something for the hardcore Star Wars fans out there looking for those details that others might not notice.

    You should be able to watch the show and not give a shit about ‘Star Wars’ ever, or [have ever] seen any ‘Star Wars. The show should work on its own. The hope, the dream, is that the really hardcore ‘Star Wars’ community will embrace the show in a new way — that they’ll be thrilled to have someone come in and completely uncynically get down molecularly in their world and treat it like a real thing

    Tony Gilroy

    He also goes on to highlight that while Star Wars has mostly been about adventure, this new entry isn’t made for “9-year-olds” but is his attempt at the first real adult storyline in the franchise.

    I don’t think it’s a show for 9-year-olds, probably. Which is not to say the series doesn’t embrace its “Star Wars” roots. We are an adventure story. We are a thriller. And in a really abundant way, we’re creating a lot of IP. Some of it’s ground level: products and TV shows, all kinds of things. They’re all brand new.

    Tony Gilroy

    So, if you’ve been hoping to get something a bit more grounded and adult in the Star Wars franchise, Gilroy may be the one offering you exactly that.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Star Wars Visions’ Producer on Going Beyond Anime With Volume 2

    ‘Star Wars Visions’ Producer on Going Beyond Anime With Volume 2

    Many were relieved when it was announced that Star Wars Visions would return for a second season. The animation anthology became quite the hit with its unique take on the iconic franchise. Not only did it offer small stories that each brought something new to the table, but it also included some truly fantastic animation. Many were surprised when the announcement dropped that the second volume would go beyond Japan, but it seems that is exactly the intention of executive producer James Waugh.

    The first anthology is anime because we all loved the style of it, but personally my intention for Visions was to always let it be a more broad palette, because there’s so much great animation work going on in the world. There’s so many interesting voices in all sorts of other mediums that are really focused on animation right now. And we really wanted it to be, in a way, a “sub-brand” that allowed for different creators to come celebrate Star Wars from their own unique cultural perspective.

    James Waugh

    The animation varies from country to country, and opening up the possibility of other countries contributing does add something that’ll make the next season stand out.

    And so Visions volume two is sort of a global tour of some of the most interesting animation studios on a global level. We have studios from Africa, Chile, England, Ireland, France, India… and the guiding light there was that we wanted their storytelling to be a reflection of what Star Wars meant in their culture, but also a reflection of the myths and stories that could only come out of their cultural context. Spring next year is currently where we’re targeting and I think it’s an absolutely beautiful anthology.

    James Waugh

    Luckily, spring isn’t too far away anymore and it’ll b exciting to see what stories will get explored, especially how the individual mythologies play into the storytelling approach. It also opens up the possibility of many more new stories to join the anthology over many years to come, which is always an exciting prospect for this varied galaxy far far away.

    Source: Deadline

  • ‘Rogue One’ Returns to IMAX With ‘Andor’ Sneak Preview

    ‘Rogue One’ Returns to IMAX With ‘Andor’ Sneak Preview

    It looks like Lucasfilm found the perfect way to promote the upcoming release of Andor. While it was postponed to September 21st, it does look like they will build up to its release with a re-release of the Star Wars film, Rogue One. It is currently eyeing an August 26th release in select IMAX theaters as revealed by Fandango, which included the following tease as it’ll also include a special preview of the Disney+ series Andor.

    Experience Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in select IMAX theatres. Plus, get an exclusive look at the new Disney+ Star Wars series, Andor! In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

    Image

    So, it’s quite the treat for fans of Rogue One that are excited to see what the upcoming prequel series has to offer. Andor will explore the earlier days of Diego Luna‘s character Cassian Andor. There are still no exact details on how the story will evolve, but the first trailers have teased that they are sticking to a similar vibe from the spinoff film.

    It’s still crazy to think that we haven’t had a film release in the franchise since 2019 and there is currently not a single one in production. Lucasfilm has focused all its efforts on Disney+, which still offers some exciting and sometimes even experimental projects but it does feel like something is missing when it comes to whatever their plans are on expanding the franchise.

    Source: Fandango

  • ‘Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order’ Star Plays Coy on Potential Live-Action Appearance

    ‘Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order’ Star Plays Coy on Potential Live-Action Appearance

    If there ever was a rumor that followed almost every Star Wars Disney+ project it was that Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order‘s Cal Kestis would make his live-action appearance at one point. Obi-Wan Kenobi was the latest project where the rumors seemed to have heavily tried to make the case that Cameron Monaghan would make Kestis’ live-action debut in some project in the near future. Luckily, Screen Rant got a chance to sit down with the actor where he potentially teased that something is brewing.

    In the interview, he doesn’t say that he’s attached to any project but that there’s definitely an interest. With Jedi Survivor on the horizon, a direct sequel to the iconic game by Respawn Studios, it does seem like a potential appearance is something that was discussed, especially with how Monaghan plays coy on “that’s about all I can say” on any future appearances.

    Well, of course there’s interest. That’s about all I can say.”

    Cameron Monaghan

    A live-action appearance of Cal Kestis would be quite interesting, especially if they plan to make it part of the canon of the games. It might be a little tough to play around with where he fits into the Star Wars timeline with the sequel not acknowledging the events that unfolded. Andor is on the horizon and we could see him in the back as it takes place before A New Hope, but it would potentially just add more questions than answers that the appearance could otherwise provide. With no clear plans, we can only theorize for now.

    Source: Screen Rant

  • REVIEW: ‘LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation’ is All About Letting Go

    REVIEW: ‘LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation’ is All About Letting Go

    LEGO adaptations have been breathing new life into the Star Wars franchise for nearly two decades, and LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation is a lovely way to carry on the tradition. The project is the latest in a yearly string of comedic animated short films that began with 2020’s The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, and is the kind of delightful storytelling that makes a person hope Lucasfilm never stops producing this joy-inducing series. Summer Vacation has something for everyone, as long as they’re open to it, and an almost weirdly good handle on what specifically makes the world of Star Wars and all its characters so great. It also may be a bit deeper than its wacky exterior implies.

    Maybe the nicest aspect of the LEGO Star Wars shorts are their place outside of the franchise canon. Most Lucasfilm content these days, whether it be on the big screen or on Disney+, finds itself almost immediately bogged down by questions of legitimacy. Internet arguments break out over the most minute choices and details, and the hostility often spills over into the real world. It can make it hard to simply enjoy what one enjoys, with the constant threat of having to defend an opinion looming around every corner. With Summer Vacation, there is no such stress. It’s just good vibes from beginning to end. The movie’s existence within a separate, goofier, brick-filled timeline allows the story to be as silly as it wants without breaking any unwritten rules of the fictional universe it takes place in. It’s frankly sort of freeing, and truthfully, that may be exactly what Summer Vacation is all about.

    In the film, which is hypothetically set after the events of Star Wars Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, Finn takes his friends on a galactic cruise for one last group expedition before everyone goes their separate ways. He’s accompanied by the likes of Rey, Poe, Rose, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and BB-8, and is quickly dismayed when nobody seems to understand the point of their time away from saving the galaxy. From there, Finn encounters a few familiar Force Ghosts who use tales from past vacations as a way to explain that, sometimes, you have to let go of expectations if you really want to enjoy yourself. This is maybe not a purposeful allegory to the way a lot of people now consume media, but it works all the same. If a person can let go of preconceived notions, and the seriousness that can come with them, then the adventure will be better for it. To simplify – the journey is not about anything, it’s all about the journey.

    One could say this sounds too spiritual for a children’s program, but to be fair, George Lucas has always said Star Wars is for kids, and those movies have more spiritual implications than any other blockbuster franchise there is. Thematically speaking, Summer Vacation is just as valid as any other installment in Lucasfilm’s vast catalog. It’s potentially even better, because, unlike prior Star Wars projects, this one is unafraid to show Darth Vader in a full-body swimsuit. Yes, as previously mentioned, Summer Vacation is also truly great at just being a fun time. Between the life lessons are a boatload of self-deprecating franchise jokes and insanely accurate character bits. In the same way this story understands what makes Star Wars what it is, it firmly doubles down on what fans love about their favorite protagonists. There are also references and plot points from every Star Wars timetable, except the ongoing High Republic line, that include both fairly obscure Clone Wars-era name drops and instantly recognizable Mandalorian-era needle drops.

    This is all a roundabout way to say LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation is not only fun for the whole family, but a fantastic little chapter of storytelling as well. It’s every bit as zany as oner might expect, if not more endearing than they signed up for. A nice, beach-side breeze of fresh air for a hot, hot season. Plus, Weird Al Yankovic sings an original song in the middle of it, so it’s worth watching by default.

  • ‘Andor’ Gets New Release Date, Three-Episode Premiere

    ‘Andor’ Gets New Release Date, Three-Episode Premiere

    Audiences will have to wait a little longer to see Star Wars next live-action Disney Plus series, Andor. Along with a new trailer and poster for the streaming series, came the information that the premiere date has moved to September 21st.

    Originally set to debut with 2 episodes on August 31st, Andor will now stream the first 3 episodes on the new date.

    Andor serves not only as a prequel to Rogue One but as story of the beginning of the rebellion against the Empire. As such, the new trailer showed the return on some familiar characters whose stories were told in animated series such as Clone Wars and Rebels, in addition to others who have been seen across multiple live-action and animated projects. Diego Luna returns as Cassian Andor and is joined by an expansive ensemble cast including Stellan Skarsgård, Forest Whitaker, and Adria Arjona.

  • Amandla Stenberg Confirmed for Upcoming ‘Star Wars’ Series ‘The Acolyte’

    Amandla Stenberg Confirmed for Upcoming ‘Star Wars’ Series ‘The Acolyte’

    It’s sometimes crazy to think how long it takes for official announcements to make their way online after we first hear about a story. After first being hinted at back in December, there was a story about actress Amandla Stenberg joining the upcoming Star Wars series The Acolyte. While things were quiet on the project, just as San Diego Comic-Con is making the rounds, Star Wars and Lucasfilm have confirmed her casting for the project.

    They don’t reveal any details, however, as we still don’t know what the exact story is about and what role she might be taking on in the Disney+ series. There have been a few rumors hinting that it’ll be a sith-based storyline; exciting for many wishing thee dark side of the Force getting a bit more attention.

    UPDATING

    Source: Twitter

  • ‘The Mandalorian’ Star Hints at Rick Famuyiwa Involved With Multiple Season 3 Episodes

    ‘The Mandalorian’ Star Hints at Rick Famuyiwa Involved With Multiple Season 3 Episodes

    While there have been many discussions surrounding the Disney+ shows since they started rolling out more, The Mandalorian still stands tall as the one to start it all. With a third season on the horizon, we’re still waiting for any details on the project. Luckily, Carl Weathers has us covered as he revealed in an interview with Big Gold Belt Media that director Rick Famuyiwa was involved with multiple episodes of The Mandalorian‘s upcoming Season 3.

    You got Rick [Famuyiwa] who’s here, who’s behind the camera, executive producing on our show, you know? Who directed me in a couple of episodes of The Mandalorian this season and I’m a huge fan.

    Carl Weathers

    It’s always great to see when an actor is excited about a director’s work on a project. Mandalorian‘s monster-of-the-week approach has been a standout among the many Disney+ shows released that seemingly follow a more cinematic format. Weathers also confirming he’ll be involved with multiple episodes could be a hint that his character will have a multiple story arc throughout.

    Of course, they could go a similar route to the second season, which saw various characters come together in the final episode to unite against a common threat. Famuiywa has been quite busy with his work on the Star Wars series, and here’s also hoping he’ll get a chance to potentially tackle another Disney project, maybe even something web-related.

    Source: Big Gold Belt Media via Bespin Bulletin

  • ‘Skeleton Crew’ Disney+ Series Budget Among ‘Star Wars’ Highest, Eyeing 2023 Release

    ‘Skeleton Crew’ Disney+ Series Budget Among ‘Star Wars’ Highest, Eyeing 2023 Release

    Star Wars has mostly become a Disney+ exclusive franchise for now, as we’re still waiting for any news on the mysterious films that were promised back during Disney’s Investors Day by CEO Kathleen Kennedy. Until now, it seems those productions are continuing to face various delays but nothing is standing in the way of their Disney+ series. Among them is Jon Watts‘ upcoming Skeleton Crew. In a new piece by Hollywood Reporter, we may have gotten our first tease of just how big this project may end up being.

    A new piece on the California tax credits gained by big projects also includes a brief statement on some Skeleton Crew details. It seems the project’s production budget is around $136M, which would put it among the highest costing series for the streaming service. The production also is receiving $20.9M in credit from California. The project by the Spider-Man: No Way Home director is currently eyeing a 2023 release but no further details on when that might be.

    There were reports that Obi-Wan Kenobi had a lower production budget than even The Mandalorian, but as we have little official confirmation, we can only theorize. So, it’s surprising we get a more exact number with Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. It’ll be exciting to see just how Watts will tackle this project and how the story of a group of kids getting lost in space might be explored. With Jude Law attached, we are still waiting for some casting announcements but if it’s eyeing a 2023 release, production ill likely start rather soon.

    Source: Hollywood Reporter, Epic Stream

  • RUMOR: New Poster May Hint at ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ Season 2

    RUMOR: New Poster May Hint at ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ Season 2

    You never know what may find its way online, especially with many eagle-eyed fans out there looking for the next hint at some of their favorite franchises making a return. With San Diego Comic-Con on the horizon, who knows what kind of announcements we might get from the various studios. There have already been quite a few teases of what Mar vel STudios may have planned in the near future, but a new poster may hint that a Star Wars Disney+ series may also make a return soon.

    As shared by Reddit user u/SomeBoredBoi, they’ve spotted a poster teasing the various Disney+ Star Wars series. Among them, there’s the listing of the various projects currently in development which also includes a tease that The Book of Boba Fett may be getting a second season. There hasn’t been an official announcement yet, especially with all eyes on The Mandalorian‘s third season, Ahsoka for next year, and even Andor later next month.

    Boba Fett Season 2 confirmed in Spanish poster?
    by inStarWarsLeaks

    We still have to take it with a bit of a grain of salt, as there have been some very well-made fake posters in the past to catch people off-guard. Still, it would make sense for a second season that builds upon the storylines slowly introduced in the first. The first season was part of Boba Fett’s origin story for what happened to him after falling into the famous Sarlacc Pit while also setting up The Mandalorian‘s third season. So, here’s hoping a second entry could keep the focus on Boba a bit more and also give Temuera Morrison some more chances to showcase just how badass he really is.

    Source: Reddit