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Tag: Star Wars

  • What to Expect from Lucasfilm at D23 Expo 2022

    What to Expect from Lucasfilm at D23 Expo 2022

    Disney’s second Studios Showcase at D23 2022 looms large as both Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm are set to roll out first looks and announcements for their upcoming slates. We’ve taken a shot at predicting what Marvel Studios might get up to on stage in Hall D23, now it’s Lucasfilm’s turn.

    Big Indy Energy

    Perhaps the biggest news expected to come out of the Studios Showcase surrounds James Mangold’s Indiana Jones film. After a number of setbacks over the years, Indy V is set to release in theaters on June 30, 2023, nearly 4 years after its original target date. An all-star cast surrounds the legendary Harrison Ford in this one, so bringing them onstage to reveal the official title of the film and a teaser (there have been rumors that one is in the works) would make for a big splash for one of Lucasfilm’s largest non-Star Wars properties.

    Bad Batch Bash

    the bad batch season 2 premiere

    A second season of The Bad Batch is coming soon, but how soon? Originally, it was expected that the sophomore season of the animated series would drop on Disney + on September 28th; however, much has changed since then that could impact the series, most notably, the Star Wars live-action series Andor saw its release date pushed back nearly a month. With that change and no official word from Lucasfilm about when to expect the Batchers’ Season 2 exploits, fans aren’t entirely sure what to expect. That should all change at D23. An updated trailer and a release date are entirely reasonable expectations for a series that is all but a lock to premiere before the end of the year.

    The Further Adventures of Willow Ufgood

    The Disney Plus streaming series Willow was rolled out at Star Wars Celebration back in May and hasn’t been heard from since. Currently set to debut on the service in November, Willow has to be in the plans for D23. The first trailer was pretty nostalgic, so a second trailer that provides a bit more of an idea of what the series is all about is probably in order. It wouldn’t be too surprising if the star of the series, Warwick Davis, were on hand for something. Davis has a wonderful relationship with Lucasfilm, so if there’s an opportunity for him to be there, he certainly would be.

    Mando and Ahsoka Updates

    It is probably far too early for publicly released teasers/trailers for Season 3 of The Mandalorian and/or Ahsoka and those two projects were front and center at Star Wars Celebration back in May, but that doesn’t mean fans at D23 won’t be seeing something! Expect footage to be shown from both series and HOPEFULLY some target windows for release. These two series are among the Crown Jewels of Lucasfilm’s properties and you can expect the studio to show them off and generate hype around them whenever possible.

    Who’s on the Crew?

    Production on Jon Watts‘ streaming series, Skeleton Crew, has been underway for over a month now and short of Jude Law, the cast of the coming-of-age story is completely unknown. In fact, everything about the series is wrapped up in mystery and short of a few decent rumors and leaks, fans just don’t have a lot of information about the show. One thing that is known, however, is that it’s filming in California, making it possible for that unknown cast to swing into Anaheim and be introduced to the D23 crowd. Even if they don’t take a break from filming to pop in, however, it seems fair to expect some sort of update on the series.

    Double Visions

    star wars visions 2

    Season 1 of Star Wars: Visions, a non-canon animated anime-inspired anthology, became an overnight sensation when it streamed on D+. A second season of the series was announced at Star Wars Celebration and rumors have indicated it may still stream in 2022. The new season will expand its menu of cultural influences beyond anime and continue to introduce new characters, locations and stories. An announcement of a release date along with either a trailer or some concept art doesn’t seem like too much to expect.

    Tales Teasers and Timeline

    star wars tales of the jedi

    Expected to stream on D+ sometime this Fall, Tales of the Jedi has no official release date and no official trailer, though one did leak online along with the plots of all six episodes. Since the series was first shown off back in May, it’s commandeered quite a bit more attention than anyone probably expected. A trailer, which would be made public, and a release date certainly seem in order.

    Answers about The Acolyte

    the acolyte star wars

    The Acolyte is one of Lucasfilm’s most mysterious and most talked about streaming projects. Even though it’s set to begin principal photography in October, there’s been next to no official news about the project. As of now, only the series lead, Amandla Stenberg, has been officially revealed by the studios. All this means that the series could have a fairly major presence in the Hall D23 presentation, introducing the cast and giving fans a little better idea of what to expect and either confirming or shooting down those Darth Plageuis rumors.

    Announcements

    If everything listed above happened at D23, not only would it fill Lucasfilm’s portion of the 2-hour time slot, but also please even Star Wars fans. However, there are a couple of other pieces of low-hanging fruit that Lucasfilm could pluck that would really send fans away in a frenzy. A second season of Obi-Wan Kenobi is as sure of a thing as any Star Wars project, so why not announce it? Now that Taika Waititi has fulfilled his obligations to Marvel Studios around Thor: Love and Thunder, how about some information on his Star Wars film? Three titles were recently trademarked(The Great Circle, The Galactic Circle, and Circle of Resistance.) that fans believe are Star Wars-related and COULD indicate an announcement is imminent. Could one of them be Waititi’s film? And of course, there’s always the element of surprise and the option that something entirely new pops up, whether Star Wars-related or related to another one of Lucasfilm’s major IPs.

    No matter how you slice it, D23 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for fans of Lucasfilm’s many properties.

  • ‘The Rise of Skywalker’s John Boyega Has No Interest in Returning to ‘Star Wars’

    ‘The Rise of Skywalker’s John Boyega Has No Interest in Returning to ‘Star Wars’

    It looks like we may have seen the last of Finn in live-action Star Wars, as actor John Boyega has revealed in an interview with Variety that he has no real interest moving forward. He feels his work on The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker “was good” for him as he moves on to try his hands at a more diverse line-up of projects.

    At this point, I’m cool off it. I’m good off it. I think Finn is at a good confirmation point where you can just enjoy him in other things, the games, the animation. But I feel like ‘[Episode] VII’ to ‘[Episode] IX’ was good for me. To be fair, [with] the allies that I’ve found within Joel Taylor and Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris, Viola Davis, all these people I’ve been working with… versatility is my path.

    John Boyega

    It’s no wonder that he may have not had any active interest anymore, as he had faced quite a bit of racist backlash for his initial casting. When it was hinted that he may become the face of the franchise and the next Jedi, there was a massive movement online. The prequel trilogy even led to the creation of the so-called “Fandom Menace” that has shown its fangs recently with Moses Ingram’s addition to the franchise in Obi-Wan Kenobi. He even reflects on how different the reaction to the backlash was towards Ingram in comparison to his time with the franchise.

    It doesn’t make me feel bitter at all. It makes me feel like sometimes you are that guy. And my dad taught me that. Sometimes you’re not the guy to get the blessing and sometimes you are Moses, you know, you lead the people to the mountain, but you see the destination. You don’t get to go in, you get others to go in. And that’s where you get your happiness from. And for me to see other people accepted, and then at the same time to see that the studios now are like, ‘Okay, cool. This is not an elephant in the room conversation. We need to support our Black client.’ It’s fantastic.

    John Boyega

    It’s a shame that we’ll likely not see Finn’s character return, as the potential of exploring a former Stormtrooper turning good was such a compelling storyline when the initial trilogy was started.

    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.

  • 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

  • Taika Waititi’s ‘Star Wars’ Film Reportedly Eyeing Early 2023 Production Start

    Taika Waititi’s ‘Star Wars’ Film Reportedly Eyeing Early 2023 Production Start

    There have been many theories on when we’d finally get a new Star Wars film. Lucasfilm has been solely focused on their Disney+ ventures with Andor on the horizon and the recent release of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Patty Jenkin‘s Rogue Squadron was originally going to start filming to release next year, but it looks like Taika Waititi‘s upcoming original film is the one that’ll start production sooner rather than later. In the latest Heat Vision entry for The Hollywood Reporter, they reveal that the film is eyeing a 2023 production start.

    As the piece points out, Waititi has hinted that he’s not quite done with the story and that we may not see it anytime soon, but their sources are pointing out that they’re very likely to start next year. The only thing that could postpone it is Lucasfilm, which has become a bit infamous for how it tackles its film division and has become a reason for pushing out releases.

    Waititi is jumping into his next project quite quickly, but there have been hints that he has another project on the horizon. So, he may once again be overscheduling himself, such as he revealed that he edited Thor: Love and Thunder while still wearing his costume from playing Blackbeard on Our Flag Means Death. So, we’ll see if there will be an official announcement in the near future.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Surprise Actor Opens Up on Return to ‘Star Wars’

    ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Surprise Actor Opens Up on Return to ‘Star Wars’

    Obi-Wan Kenobi has come to an end and ended on a high note for the limited series (you can read our review by clicking here for the finale). There were some big surprises towards the end but nothing had people more excited than the return of Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn. After famously stating he wouldn’t make an appearance, the final moments of the show had the former master and padawan reunite.

    In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Liam Neeson revealed what inspired his return and also why he decided to give Qui-Gon Jinn another shot after his recent statement. It seems a lot of it has to do with George Lucas and Ewan McGregor.

    I certainly didn’t want anyone else playing Qui-Gon Jinn, and I wanted to show my respect for George [Lucas] and that mythical world that he created. Plus, Ewan [McGregor] is a pal, and I loved working with him during The Phantom Menace 25 years ago.

    Liam Neeson

    This marks the first live-action appearance of the actor since he played him in The Phantom Menace back in 1999. Jinn died at the hands of Darth Maul and passed on the responsibility of teaching young Anakin Skywalker to his padawan at the time, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Sadly, we didn’t get that many interactions between the two, but perhaps they kept the door open for further exploration. For now, we’ll see what the future has in store for McGregor‘s Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise.

    Source: The Hollywood Reporter

  • Ewan McGregor Isn’t Done With Obi-Wan Kenobi Just Yet

    Ewan McGregor Isn’t Done With Obi-Wan Kenobi Just Yet

    Obi-Wan Kenobi was the first series from Lucasfilm that was highlighted as a limited series. There was much time when head writer Deborah Chow confirmed that the project was conceived with a specific story in mind. Yet, while she’s remained very strict with that approach, Ewan McGregor has a different opinion. He actually would want to return as Obi-Wan Kenobi one more time in a future project.

    I hope it’s not the last time I play him. I had such a great time doing this, I’m sure we can think of a few more stories before I turn into Alec Guinness, don’t you think?

    Ewan McGregor

    Similar to how Hayden Christensen also was hinted at making a return in Ahsoka, it seems that their grand return to the Star Wars franchisee won’t just be a one-off. It’s unclear of the storyline may set up a future where he finds himself in a new environment or we take a look during his heyday before the Empire took over. There’s a lot of wiggle room, and while it would be great to see the franchise expand into new territory. So, we’ll see where the future is leading them and if we’ll see McGregor sooner rather than later.

    Source: Radio Times