The Star Wars Saga

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FYI...

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Inside the new Disney+ docuseries, 'Light & Magic' l GMA
Good Morning America   Jul 30, 2022

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Saturn Awards Nominations: ‘The Batman’, ‘Nightmare Alley’, ‘Spider-Man’, ‘Better Call Saul’ Top List
By Armando Tinoco   August 12, 2022
https://deadline.com/2022/08/saturn-awards-2022-nominations-list-movies-tv-1235089636/ 

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EXCLUSIVE: The Saturn Awards have unveiled nominations for their 50th anniversary edition, with organizer the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films saying that the ceremony to reveal winners is set for October 25 in an event that will be livestreamed on ElectricNOW.
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Lucasfilm and Disney’s Star Wars franchise also scored big with 10 nominations overall, behind series’ like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Star Wars: The Bad Batch.

Edited August 15, 2022 by tv echo

[tv echo]

Warning: spoilers...

Exclusive look at Han and Leia's Star Wars wedding on Endor
By Dalton Ross    August 16, 2022 
https://ew.com/books/han-leia-wedding-star-wars-princess-and-the-scoundrel/ 

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In the new Star Wars novel The Princess and the Scoundrel, written by Beth Revis and out today, readers travel with Han Solo and Princess Leia Organa to the forest moon of Endor, where the Scoundrel in question pops the question, leading to — with apologies to Anakin and Padmé — the most famous wedding to take place in a galaxy far, far away.
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The wedding takes place at the Great Tree — an Ewok temple of great significance on Endor — and is officiated by none other than Tosche Station connoisseur Luke Skywalker! (Although Ewok shaman Logray does step in to make sure the happy couple partakes in some local marriage customs.)

But Luke and Logray are not the only familiar faces to play a big part in the wedding. Most of the arrangements were made by none other than Mon Mothma herself, while Lando Calrissian (who skillfully finds a way to trick Han into wearing a nice jacket) serves as best man. Evidently, judging by the art, droids are not welcome on the dais, so C-3PO and R2D2 have to slum it out in the audience with the Ewoks.
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An excerpt from The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis, courtesy of Random House Worlds

The tree the temple was built into was called the Great Tree, according to C-3PO's translation, and it was something of a god itself to the Ewoks.

"The Great Tree is a part of their origin mythology," C-3PO had explained when Han and Chewie had arrived there that morning. "It gives life and connects them to their land. They say the roots of all the trees in the forest intertwine with the Great Tree's roots. Each tree on the entire moon is both a unique individual and a part of the Great Tree." C-3PO had seemed to consider his translation for a moment. "It is rather confusing," he allowed.

But it made for a great spot to get married, Han had to admit. Separated from the main village, the Great Tree had an air of solemnity to it that didn't really exist anywhere else on the forest moon. And the Ewoks had outdone themselves in decorations. Flower garlands wove around the entire outer perimeter of the temple built high into the Great Tree. C-3PO had tried to explain what each flower symbolized, but Han hadn't even known how to distinguish the different varieties, much less that the yellow bloom wrapped around the pink one was supposed to be a blessing of the forest for many children. Or much food. One of those. C-3PO wasn't exactly clear on the distinctions.

But the furballs really had gone above and beyond, tucking tight little buds of flowers between each wrung of the ladder Han had climbed to get to the temple. And it was even better inside.

Not only was the temple the biggest building in the entire village, it incorporated the Great Tree into its design. Standing in the center of the open space, the Great Tree's branches spread wide. Below the temple, stretching to the ground, there was one solid trunk, but behind the walls, the trunk split off into three different directions. Han wasn't sure if the tree had grown like that naturally or if some patient Ewok had bent the branches to form the interlacing design. The three different splits curved around, intertwining and creating a hollow space in the middle of the trunk before they shot off in three different directions, forming the main beams that supported the temple's roof.

------

Luke looked between Han and Leia at the crowd gathered in the temple, then turned to Leia.

"Ready?" he asked softly. She nodded, and then Han did.

Luke started speaking. His words were soft, but everyone in the tem­ple heard him. It was a simple speech really—about love and unity and trust. But truth lay in simplicity. He spoke sincerely, and Leia felt every­thing fade away as her brother's words wrapped around her and Han, a comforting promise that they—all of them—were a family, and that this moment would last well beyond this day.

"When I saw Leia for the first time, she spoke of hope," Luke said. "And that is what she has always embodied for me."

Leia almost laughed aloud. That message had been sent to Obi-Wan, a formal, yet desperate, call into the void that she had no idea her long-lost twin brother would find. He labeled her the symbol of hope? No—she did not embody it.

She had been seeking it.

And, somehow, she had been heard.

Leia's hands tightened in Han's, and he met her eyes. Okay? he mouthed. She nodded silently, smiling.

Maybe Luke was right. Maybe, to be the embodiment of hope, all she had to do was seek it.

Star Wars: The Princess And The Scoundrel Invites You To The Wedding (And Honeymoon) Of Han Solo And Princess Leia
BY BRYAN YOUNG   AUG 16, 2022
https://www.slashfilm.com/966699/star-wars-the-princess-and-the-scoundrel-invites-you-to-the-wedding-and-honeymoon-of-han-solo-and-princess-leia/ 

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When Han Solo fumbles his way through a marriage proposal to Leia Organa and she says yes, a quick ceremony is thrown together and the Ewoks are all too glad to help. When Mon Mothma suggests Leia take a break for her honeymoon, the Princess has a hard time believing that it's possible. It could be a good photo-op for the Rebels, though, so she agrees to take a trip aboard the Halcyon to celebrate her marriage. Han is interested in taking it easy, but Leia manages to turn the trip into a classic rescue adventure to foil the plans of the Imperials.
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Perhaps the most touching detail in the book arises from the Ewoks who provide the organic wedding rings for Han and Leia, drawing a straight line to the ring we see Leia wearing in "The Last Jedi." Seeing her put the ring back on after Han's death in the sequel trilogy makes it hit so much harder. Knowing that the shadow of Han is there for Leia as she struggles with the hardest time the Resistance ever has is powerful stuff and makes an already great film like "The Last Jedi" even better.
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For those familiar with the Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World resort, this part of the book is going to be nothing short of a delight. Han and Leia head to Chandrila to depart for their honeymoon voyage aboard the Halcyon and find themselves in a very familiar setting to fans who have made the trek to the interactive cruise experience. Characters that you're able to interact with on the ship play minor roles in the book and give you even more things to talk to them about. The captain of the ship at the time of your boarding is assigned to Leia here in the book and shows her political leanings early on, decades before guests in our world set foot in the Star Wars universe. Having been on the ship, I can attest to the fact that the level of detail between the book and the ship itself is stunning and would make going aboard even more magical the next time. Though some could argue that including the Halcyon in so much of the storytelling (from this and "The High Republic" all the way to "LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation") is a cynical commercial designed to get people to want to spend the money on the hotel. That's fair.
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For the Alliance to Restore the Republic, the political landscape after "Return of the Jedi" is tenuous. Much of the Empire doesn't believe the Emperor is dead. Operation Cinder —Palpatine's equivalent of a Nero Decree — has not been yet been put into motion. And the galaxy is about to plunge into a power vacuum that would see a ragtag Rebellion need to transform into a full-fledged government.

Mon Mothma, who we'll see again soon next month on the Disney+ series "Andor," is a minor player in the book, but a major force in the politics of the galaxy. As the de facto political leader of the Rebel Alliance, she has to find a way through the struggle of governance to actually affect change in the wake of the Empire's destruction. She's looking for anything to help turn the tide, whether it's a decisive victory or the right photo-op to sway public opinion.
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Something explored heavily here that I think needs to be addressed is the difficult nature of coming to terms with a monster of a father. Thanks to "The Princess and the Scoundrel" we're able to see the contrast in approach between Luke and Leia where Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker are concerned. Luke is very much interested in the good in Vader, but Leia was tortured by him and forced to watch as he destroyed her real family. Both responses are correct and the book touches on this heavy topic in very interesting ways. What do we owe those who gave us life, regardless of the evil they perpetrate? Anything? It's an answer that is going to be different for every person and whatever answer they come up with is going to be correct for them.

 

Edited August 17, 2022 by tv echo

[andromeda331]

It'll be hard to be Courtship of Princess Leia but I'll give it a try.

[absnow54]

6 hours ago, andromeda331 said:

It'll be hard to be Courtship of Princess Leia but I'll give it a try.

That was such a fun book! And this is such an obvious, money grabbing advertisement for Disney's space cruise, that it's really cringe worthy. 

[andromeda331]

16 hours ago, absnow54 said:

That was such a fun book! And this is such an obvious, money grabbing advertisement for Disney's space cruise, that it's really cringe worthy. 

It's one of my favorites. Han kidnapping Leia, Dathomir, such a fun adventure that ends with their wedding.

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Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau on What's Next for 'Star Wars' | Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly   Aug 19, 2022

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D23 Teases Big Star Wars, Marvel Announcements in Official Poster
BY BRAD LANG    AUGUST 31, 2022
https://www.cbr.com/d23-poster-star-wars-marvel-announcements/ 

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Disney dropped an official poster for its annual D23 event, spotlighting many beloved films, characters and franchises.

... Eagle-eyed fans will be able to make out various Star Wars ships, including Boba Fett's Firespray, Din Djarin's modified N-1 Starfighter and an X-Wing, as well as Grogu floating above one of the towers. ....
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Beginning on Sept. 9 and running through to Sept. 11, D23 is Disney's annual event used to announce new projects or provide key updates on upcoming films and series. While the company has yet to confirm what it will be showing off in 2022, many fans are expecting first looks at several Star Wars and Marvel Cinematic Universe productions.

Edited August 31, 2022 by tv echo

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Tons of U.S. Babies Are Now Getting Named After Marvel & Star Wars Villains
By Aeron Mer Eclarinal    September 3, 2022
https://thedirect.com/article/marvel-star-wars-villains-babies-names

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Based on a new study from OrganicBabyFormula.com, via Comicbook, several Marvel and Star Wars villains have prospered on the rising popular baby name list of children born in the United States. 
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Quill, who is based on Chris Pratt's Peter Quill, is the name that has jumped the most on the leaderboard, with a whopping 8,457-spot increase. The names after Quill are Kristoff, Rey, Aladdin, Merida, Belle, Simba, and Olaf. 

On the villain front, Thanos has risen to 2,892 spots while Star Wars names Kylo and Anakin grew similarly with 2,344 and 1901 spots, respectively. At the lower end of the spectrum, Loki has risen to 71 spots.

 

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Schedule for Disney's D23 Expo, September 9-11, 2022, has been posted...

https://d23expo.com/schedule 

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SEP 10
SATURDAY
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Studio Showcase, Day 2: Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios
10:00 am - 12:00 pm PT

Welcome all multiversal, intergalactic, and world-spanning adventurers as Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios preview upcoming titles, including sneak peeks and special guests.

Printable Schedule:
https://d23expo.com/D23Expo22_pdf-schedule.pdf

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Star Wars and Lucasfilm Presentation Highlights | D23 Expo 2022
IGN   Sep 11, 2022

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Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy presented the company's future Star Wars projects at D23 Expo 2022 -- including Andor, Skeleton Crew, Tales of the Jedi, The Bad Batch Season Two, and The Mandalorian Season 3 -- as well as the Disney+ series Willow.

[BetterButter]

Disney pulls Patty Jenkins’ Star Wars movie from the schedule

[Anduin]

43 minutes ago, BetterButter said:

Disney pulls Patty Jenkins’ Star Wars movie from the schedule

The one that I was most looking forward to. Can't they find another interested director?

[WritinMan]

On 9/15/2022 at 7:22 PM, Anduin said:

The one that I was most looking forward to. Can't they find another interested director?

Despite the article making it sound like Jenkins just can't seem to find the time, I don't think that's the real problem. It doesn't seem like Disney is too eager to make Star Wars movies at the moment.

[starri]

I mean, the most interesting thing they showed off at the D23 Lucasfilm panel was Willow.

[andromeda331]

That stinks. I was looking forward to that one too.

[Anduin]

In quite worrying news, Damon Lindelof is writing a Star Wars movie script. Seriously? Is there a sudden shortage of competent screenwriters?

I've long thought Kathleen Kennedy's strategy was to go with who's popular right now, but this is someone who really isn't popular! Or good! It's a completely baffling choice.

This is why we need Rian Johnson back, pronto.

[Cobalt Stargazer]

3 hours ago, Anduin said:

In quite worrying news, Damon Lindelof is writing a Star Wars movie script. Seriously? Is there a sudden shortage of competent screenwriters?

I've long thought Kathleen Kennedy's strategy was to go with who's popular right now, but this is someone who really isn't popular! Or good! It's a completely baffling choice.

This is why we need Rian Johnson back, pronto.

Wait, don't we hate Rian Johnson? Or has the tide turned and The Last Jedi is now being hailed as a timeless classic?

If it helps, IMDB says that Johnson has been named as writer/director for an untitled SW project, but it's still in Development Hell and won't start filming until at least 2024. He must have tended to his ulcer* from the last time he dealt with this franchise, or he has a selective memory. I get being a professional and all, but damn.

*I'm kidding about the ulcer. Probably.

[absnow54]

5 minutes ago, Cobalt Stargazer said:

Wait, don't we hate Rian Johnson? Or has the tide turned and The Last Jedi is now being hailed as a timeless classic?

Okay, but imagine Knives Out in Space (signed a person who disliked The Last Jedi so much, they've only watched it once.)

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Secret ‘Star Wars’ Film From Damon Lindelof And Lucasfilm Sets ‘Ms Marvel’s Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy As Director
By Justin Kroll  October 23, 2022
https://deadline.com/2022/10/star-wars-damon-lindelof-lucasfilm-ms-marvel-sharmeen-obaid-chinoy-1235152896/ 

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EXCLUSIVE: Following months of speculation, Deadline is now hearing from several sources close to the project that not only is Damon Lindelof developing a new Star Wars film for Lucasfilm but that Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has been set as director. Lindelof is co-writing the project, though it is unknown at this time who his writing partner might be. Insiders say the script is still being written which means production is likely far out. That said, sources add it was important to Lucasfilm and Lindelof that a director be brought on so that person’s own vision for where they see this story headed gets included in the script.

Lucasfilm and reps for Obaid-Chinoy could not be reached for comment.

As for what the film is actually focused on, that will remain a under wraps as this project remains one of more guarded secrets in all of Hollywood. As for when we will see this film, while it still seems a ways off, the feeling is given how pro-active execs were in finding a director for this film, that this Star Wars feature seems to have the most momentum out of all all the films currently in development at the studio. 2019’s Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker was the last film to bow in theaters with the studio focusing on its TV projects over recent years since then. That said they have a number of films in development including this one and Lucasfilm has been pretty clear they want to make sure the next series of films has a story they are happy with and don’t see a need to rush out that next franchise.

[Kel Varnsen]

1 hour ago, Anduin said:

In quite worrying news, Damon Lindelof is writing a Star Wars movie script. Seriously? Is there a sudden shortage of competent screenwriters?

Do you think the guy who created The Leftovers and the Watchmen tv series couldn't come up with a decent Star Wars movie? Or are you just basing this on Lost?

Edited October 24, 2022 by Kel Varnsen

[andromeda331]

2 hours ago, Kel Varnsen said:

Do you think the guy who created The Leftovers and the Watchmen tv series couldn't come up with a decent Star Wars movie? Or are you just basing this on Lost?

He is what created the part of Once Upon a Time I actually liked. So I'm tempted to give him a chance. I did like The Last Jedi. Of course nothing it ended up meaning anything. Why don't we give Dave Filoni a shot? He does a great job with the various TV series especially the Clone Wars.

[Hiyo]

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Do you think the guy who created The Leftovers and the Watchmen tv series couldn't come up with a decent Star Wars movie?

I'd say both were overrated. Also, Prometheus was a big disappointment (some good acting and visuals, though). So, yeah...a bit worried here.

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Wait, don't we hate Rian Johnson? Or has the tide turned and The Last Jedi is now being hailed as a timeless classic?

I don't hate Johnson, but TLJ is definitely not a classic.

[WritinMan]

The last thing Star Wars needs is Damon Lindelof or more Rian Johnson.

[Anduin]

6 hours ago, Cobalt Stargazer said:

Wait, don't we hate Rian Johnson? Or has the tide turned and The Last Jedi is now being hailed as a timeless classic?

If it helps, IMDB says that Johnson has been named as writer/director for an untitled SW project, but it's still in Development Hell and won't start filming until at least 2024. He must have tended to his ulcer* from the last time he dealt with this franchise, or he has a selective memory. I get being a professional and all, but damn.

*I'm kidding about the ulcer. Probably.

I always loved TLJ. Sure it's wonky in parts, but what isn't? It tried to go above and beyond the retread of TFA and do something new, different, and interesting. Only a lot of people wanted another retread. Combine that with all the racists who hated Finn and Rose and were looking for a reason to be negative, people on YT finding out that hate gets the clicks, and just plain old trolls, and you have a recipe for toxicity.

[Kel Varnsen]

2 hours ago, Anduin said:

I always loved TLJ. Sure it's wonky in parts, but what isn't? It tried to go above and beyond the retread of TFA and do something new, different, and interesting. Only a lot of people wanted another retread. Combine that with all the racists who hated Finn and Rose and were looking for a reason to be negative, people on YT finding out that hate gets the clicks, and just plain old trolls, and you have a recipe for toxicity.

There was a bunch of stuff in Last Jedi that was pretty interesting and some stuff that was kind of dumb (although you could probably say that about every Star Wars movie, even Empire). I do appreciate someone swinging for the fences which is why I think Lindelof is an interesting choice. Since you might end up with something like Watchmen or the season 1 Lost finale, but at the same time you might also end up with the secret of Jack's tattoos (I know he didn't write that one but he was still the guy in charge). That to me is way better than playing it safe and hiring someone who is just consistently mediocre.

[absnow54]

3 hours ago, Anduin said:

I always loved TLJ. Sure it's wonky in parts, but what isn't? It tried to go above and beyond the retread of TFA and do something new, different, and interesting. Only a lot of people wanted another retread.

I wasn’t a fan of TFA, because it was such a retread of the original, but I understand it’s appeal for drawing the audience back in with something familiar. And I didn’t mind Rian Johnson trying something different. The sequel trilogies main weakness was that there was no overarching story planned out to tie the three movies together, and instead it turned into the last guy repeatedly trying to undo what the guy before him did. At least these standalone movies allow for one creative team to work a cohesive story from end to end. 

[Anduin]

23 minutes ago, absnow54 said:

I wasn’t a fan of TFA, because it was such a retread of the original, but I understand it’s appeal for drawing the audience back in with something familiar. And I didn’t mind Rian Johnson trying something different. The sequel trilogies main weakness was that there was no overarching story planned out to tie the three movies together, and instead it turned into the last guy repeatedly trying to undo what the guy before him did. At least these standalone movies allow for one creative team to work a cohesive story from end to end. 

Apart from when writers or directors get canned half-way through, as happened with both standalones and TROS. Bit of bad luck there.

[absnow54]

14 minutes ago, Anduin said:

Apart from when writers or directors get canned half-way through, as happened with both standalones and TROS. Bit of bad luck there.

Ha! I forgot about that. I actually liked both of the standalone movies! But Star Wars is really better off sticking to television for the time being. The movie production has been a mess!

[Anduin]

14 minutes ago, absnow54 said:

Ha! I forgot about that. I actually liked both of the standalone movies! But Star Wars is really better off sticking to television for the time being. The movie production has been a mess!

I really like the movies and the first season of the Mandalorian. After that, I haven't been enthused. I believe Star Wars belongs in the cinema, and regard everything else like the salad with your meal. Nice, yes. But it's not why I'm here.

[starri]

On 10/24/2022 at 2:24 PM, andromeda331 said:

Why don't we give Dave Filoni a shot?

Because he doesn't have that great of a hit-to-miss ratio, at least in Live Action.

[tv echo]

The Hollywood Reporter’s 2022 Women in Entertainment Power 100
BY MIKEY O'CONNELL, EDITOR      DECEMBER 7, 2022 8
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/the-hollywood-reporters-2022-women-in-entertainment-power-100/ 

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Kathleen Kennedy
...
President , Lucasfilm

With features momentarily dormant, Lucasfilm’s TV outfit picked up the slack with The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor and Willow. Obi-Wan notched Disney+’s most watched opening weekend, while Andor scored with critics. Kennedy and George Lucas this year received the PGA’s Milestone Award, as she continues to work as a co-founder of the Hollywood Commission to eliminate sexual harassment and advance equality in the entertainment industry.

Edited December 9, 2022 by tv echo

[tv echo]

[Fool to cry]

ANDOR is the best Star Wars property in a long time not just because it has good writing for Star Wars(which isn't really difficult) but great writing for any current show. It's funny when it was first announced people weren't interested in the character from Rogue One but one of the reasons it works is Cassian Andor isnt put on a pedestal by fans. You can show him flawed and not perfect sometimes. It's clear to me now there are only 4 characters that unless they're shown to be in the best light, fans will reject it. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Darth Vader and Boba Fett.

Even if the prequels had better writing and direction the fans didn't want to see Darth Vader as a little kid or whiny teen. People would rather see a CGI version of young Luke kicking ass than see real Mark Hamill giving a great Oscar worthy performance as old and bitter Luke. I liked the depiction of young, brash Han in SOLO but he wasn't played by Harrison Ford so audiences stayed away. And Boba Fett? Fans didn't want to know that being the best bounty hunter doesn't automatically make you a good crime boss and that there is a learning curve!

I think any future movie that doesn't involve those 4 again has a good shot of being a hit or at least won't have a chance for fandom to riot.

[tv echo]

Ron Howard says no current plans for ‘Solo’ sequel but “never say never”
By Alex Flood    30th December 2022
https://www.nme.com/news/film/ron-howard-solo-2-sequel-update-plans-3372626

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Speaking to NME during his exclusive Absolute Scenes interview, which you can watch in full above, Solo director Howard provided a discouraging update on the proposed sequel.

“The only discussion that I’m aware of about a sequel for Solo is coming from the fans at this point,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a Lucasfilm priority, as I understand it.”

He added: “But there’s some great characters launched, and the folks from Lucasfilm love the fans and really do listen so I would never say never – but I’m not aware of any concrete plans right now to extend the story or deal with that particular set of characters.”

Edited December 30, 2022 by tv echo

[Fool to cry]

I like SOLO but I guess what Siskel & Ebert's said of Butch and Sundance: The Early Days (1979) starring Tom Berenger and William Katt instead of Paul Newman and Paul Redford applies here too. Wikipedia:

"Roger Ebert gave the film 2.5 stars out of 4 and said it was "technically fine ... But as we listen to the freewheeling dialog, as we watch young Butch and the Kid blunder through their first adventures and finesse their later ones, there's a nagging question bouncing about in the backs of our heads: Why are we in this theater at this time? Did we want to know about the early days? Now that we're here, does the movie make us care? Not really."[7] Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune also gave it 2.5 stars, writing that "Fox succeeded in getting the actors but failed to provide them with a really fine script. Which is not to say that 'Butch and Sundance: The Early Days' is a bad picture. On the contrary, it's pleasant enough, but that's about all."

Edited January 24, 2023 by Fool to cry

[tv echo]

Star Wars Celebration 2023 Announces First Wave of Actors Set to Appear
By Savannah Sanders    January 23, 2023
https://thedirect.com/article/star-wars-celebration-2023-actors-appearing 

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Star Wars Celebration revealed its initial line-up of talent for this year's convention in April.

Spanning from April 7-10, this year's multi-day event is being held in London where it's expected to highlight Lucasfilm's 2023 slate, such as The Mandalorian Season 3, Ahsoka, and The Skeleton Crew.

 

Daisy Ridley Reflects on Life After ‘Star Wars’ and Overcoming Social Anxiety
BY MARLOW STERN      JANUARY 23, 2023
https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/daisy-ridley-life-after-star-wars-fandom-retconning-the-last-jedi-sundance-1234665342/ 

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How did you feel about The Rise of Skywalker and the way the films ended? Because that film retconned almost all of what transpired in The Last Jedi, as far as Rey’s parentage and a bunch of other things. The message of The Last Jedi appeared to be that anyone can be extraordinary. But then that message was erased in the final film.
Well, J.J. [Abrams] was the one who was like, she is of no one, so it wasn’t just The Last Jedi where that was the message. What was interesting about the last one, for me, was that you can be a hero and not come from anywhere or you can be a hero and come from literally the worst person in the universe. You’re not your parents, you’re not your grandparents, you’re not your bloodline and you’re not the generations before you. So, I always was like, sure. But it’s beyond my pay grade. I say the words, do the thing. I do love the version of, you can be anyone you want to be, but I also love the version where you can rectify wrongs and can’t help what you’re born into.

Edited January 25, 2023 by tv echo

[tv echo]

More guests have been announced for this April event...

Gwendoline Christie, Joonas Suotamo, and Ming-Na Wen to Appear at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023
StarWars.com Team    February 6, 2023
https://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2023-celebrity-guests

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StarWars.com is thrilled to announce that Gwendoline Christie has joined the guest list for Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 in London this April. The actor first played Captain Phasma, the chrome-armored commander of the First Order in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and returned for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

She’s not the only sequel trilogy celebrity headed to the show floor. Joonas Suotamo has been confirmed to attend. The actor played the role of Chewbacca in the most recent Skywalker saga films and Solo: A Star Wars Story, after learning at the knee of the master, the late performer Peter Mayhew. Suotamo most recently reunited with Solo writer Jon Kasdan to play The Scourge in the Willow series on Disney+.

And Ming-Na Wen, the actor who brought elite assassin Fennec Shand to life on The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Star Wars: The Bad Batch, is also slated to appear.
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StarWars.com is excited to announce that Hayden Christensen will attend Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 in London this April. The actor played the pivotal role of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005), as the noble Jedi Knight turned to the dark side and became Darth Vader. In 2022, Christensen made a long-awaited return to the role in Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+, starring opposite Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi. Christensen's Celebration appearance in 2022, his first in many years, received a thunderous welcome.
*  *  *
Katee Sackhoff, the actor behind Mandalorian warrior Bo-Katan Kryze, will make her second Celebration appearance in London. Sackhoff portrayed Bo-Katan in the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, before bringing the character to life in live-action in The Mandalorian. And joining Sackhoff at Celebration will be another veteran of Star Wars animation.
*  *  *
James Arnold Taylor, voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, is also heading to London. Taylor has long been an integral part of the saga, giving voice to stormtroopers, aliens, Imperials, and more in films including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

In addition, Mads Mikkelsen, who played scientist Galen Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, is set to attend.

Finally, Denis Lawson will also land at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023. Lawson portrayed the fan-favorite rebel pilot Wedge Antilles in the original Star Wars trilogy, making a welcome return to the role in 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
*  *  *
Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 will be held April 7-10, 2023, at ExCeL London in England.

Edited February 8, 2023 by tv echo

[tv echo]

Harrison Ford: “I Know Who the F*** I Am”
BY JAMES HIBBERD     FEBRUARY 8, 2023
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/harrison-ford-interview-shrinking-indy-5-1923-1235318736/

Quote

That reminds me of your casting for Han Solo, a tale that’s been told many times. You were merely helping George Lucas during the casting process, running lines with actors who were auditioning for the leads, and he eventually realized you were right for Han. Wasn’t there a point during that process, when you’re sitting there reading Han’s lines, where you started to think: “Hey, I could do this”?

No. Never thought about it.

Really?

I don’t remember ever having thought about it. I was doing this thing. I had no idea why they would ask me to do this thing, and then they actually cast me.

Edited February 8, 2023 by tv echo

[tv echo]

Billy Dee Williams to Appear at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023
StarWars.com Team    February 9, 2023
https://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2023-celebrity-guests

Quote

As revealed on This Week! in Star Wars today, Billy Dee Williams has been confirmed to attend Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 in London this April. The actor portrayed the debonair Baron Lando Calrissian in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He returned to the role as the rebel general and occasional spy at Jabba’s Palace in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Most recently, Williams donned the cape once more and took the helm of the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

And just yesterday Rosario Dawson was announced to make an appearance at the convention. Dawson first brought Ahsoka Tano to live action in The Mandalorian, reprising the role of Anakin Skywalker’s former Padawan in The Book of Boba Fett for a meeting with her mentor’s son, Luke Skywalker. She’ll return to play the Togruta as the lead in the forthcoming Ahsoka series headed to Disney+ later this year.
*  *  *
Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 will be held April 7-10, 2023, at ExCeL London in England.

Edited February 10, 2023 by tv echo

[tv echo]

Ewan McGregor Confirmed to Attend Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023
StarWars.com Team   February 13, 2023
https://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2023-celebrity-guests

Quote

StarWars.com is delighted to announce that Ewan McGregor has joined the guest list for Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 in London this April.
*  *  *
He’ll be joined by Andy Serkis, the actor who most recently played Kino Loy, the Narkina 5 foreman in Andor leading the charge to freedom shouting “One way out!” Serkis has been a part of the Star Wars galaxy since 2015, when he inhabited the role of the mysterious Snoke, leader of the First Order and Kylo Ren’s dark side teacher in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and later Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Finally, Ian McDiarmid will return to Star Wars Celebration Europe. McDiarmid has portrayed Emperor Sheev Palpatine in live-action and animation, beginning with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, which turns 40 this year. He has recently reprised the role in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, and Star Wars: The Bad Batch.
*  *  *
Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 will be held April 7-10, 2023, at ExCeL London in England.

Edited February 15, 2023 by tv echo

[tv echo]

How Much Is Too Much Marvel and ‘Star Wars’? Disney Rethinks Franchise Output
BY AARON COUCH, BORYS KIT    FEBRUARY 16, 2023
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/marvel-star-wars-tv-shows-movies-slowdown-1235326681/ 

Quote

Star Wars is facing the opposite challenge. After being absent from the big screen since 2019 and having had false starts with Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron, which may never materialize, Disney has ramped up its efforts to return the franchise to theaters. Damon Lindelof led a writers room in July to hash out a story for a feature, and Taika Waititi is still developing his own take on the franchise. Disney is expected to unveil film plans at Star Wars Celebration, set for April in London. On top of season three of Mandalorian, shows expected to hit the streaming service this year include Ahsoka, starring Rosario Dawson, and the Jon Watts-produced Skeleton Crew. “Lucasfilm may ramp up, but it will have to abide by the same fiscal discipline as the rest of the company,” says the insider.

[Anduin]

I just want Star Wars back in the cinema. On the whole, the shows fail to move me. But I even went to see Solo twice, clearly I'm a sucker for SW movies.

[tv echo]

Carl Weathers, BB-8 Performer Brian Herring, and More Join the Party at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023
StarWars.com Team   February 20, 2023
https://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2023-celebrity-guests

Quote

The Greef Karga actor is now confirmed to attend Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 in London this April, StarWars.com is excited to announce. Weathers, already loved by a generation of moviegoers thanks to classic turns in the Rocky series, Predator (1987), and much more, became part of the galaxy far, far away as a key figure in The Mandalorian. Weathers will return to the role for Season 3, debuting March 1, and is also among the season’s directors.
*  *  *
Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 will be held April 7-10, 2023, at ExCeL London in England.

 
 

[tv echo]

Warwick Davis, Andor’s Denise Gough, and More Confirmed for Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023
StarWars.com Team  February 23, 2023
https://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2023-celebrity-guests

Quote

Marking this special occasion, Davis has been confirmed to attend Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 this April, alongside his children Annabelle Davis and Harrison Davis. Annabelle recently portrayed Willow’s daughter Mims Ufgood in the sequel series, while Harrison joined his father as Pommet the Ewok in the final film in the Skywalker saga.

And all three will be joined in London by Denise Gough, attending her first ever Star Wars Celebration. Gough brought fresh terror to the Empire’s tyranny with her portrayal of ISB Agent Dedra Meero in the first season of Andor, now streaming on Disney+.
*  *  *
Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 will be held April 7-10, 2023, at ExCeL London in England.

Edited February 24, 2023 by tv echo

[tv echo]

A documentary about the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special is scheduled to premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in March...

A Disturbance in the Force - Official Teaser Trailer (2023) Star Wars Holiday Special Documentary
IGN   Mar 2, 2023

2023 SXSW Film & TV Festival, March 10-19, 2023 (Austin, TX)
https://www.sxsw.com/festivals/film/
https://schedule.sxsw.com/2023/films/2079025

Quote

A  Disturbance in the Force at Alamo Lamar B
Mar 11, 2023    8:45pm—10:11pm

A Disturbance in the Force at ZACH Theatre
Mar 14, 2023    11:00am—12:26pm

A Disturbance in the Force at Satellite Venue: AFS Cinema
Mar 15, 2023    6:00pm—7:26pm

Edited March 3, 2023 by tv echo

[Fool to cry]

I love the novelization of Revenge of the Sith so much.

 

[tv echo]

Celebrity Guests Confirmed for Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023
StarWars.com Team   March 3, 2023
https://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2023-celebrity-guests 

Quote

Michelle Ang, the voice of Omega on Star Wars: The Bad Batch, has joined the guest list for Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023. Ang portrays the newest member of the squad alongside veteran Dee Bradley Baker in the animated series streaming now on Disney+.

And Simon Kassianides, the actor who played Axe Woves in Season 2 of The Mandalorian, has also been confirmed. Kassianides portrayed one of Bo-Katan Kryze’s dedicated warriors in the live-action series; you can watch new episodes from Season 3 streaming every Wednesday on Disney+.
*  *  *
Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 will be held April 7-10, 2023, at ExCeL London in England.

Edited March 6, 2023 by tv echo

[BetterButter]

‘Star Wars’ Shakeup: Kevin Feige and Patty Jenkins Movies Shelved, Taika Waititi Looking to Star in His Own Film