There’s a growing feeling that MAUL – SHADOW LORD isn’t just another animated Star Wars project — it might be Lucasfilm’s version of what The Penguin became for Batman. Not in tone copy-paste.Not in setting. But in structure, character focus, and the kind of story being told. And the parallels are kind of hard to ignore. A Villain From a Hit Film, Finally Center Stage Both shows take a character who debuted as a secondary villain in a major movie… and ask the question: What happens after the fall? Neither story is about a polished crime boss at the top.They’re about ambition in motion. These are ground-level crime empire origin stories — messy, violent, strategic, and personal. Maul isn’t ruling.He’s building. And that’s where the tension lives. A Key Female Character Inside the Empire Another major similarity is the introduction of a central female figure tied directly to the criminal…
Star Wars Actor Noshir Dalal Praises Writer Aaron Contreras for “Unparalleled Love” for the Franchise
Actor Noshir Dalal, known for his role as Bode Akuna in Star Wars Jedi Survivor, had high praise for writer Aaron Contreras — calling his passion for Star Wars “unparalleled.” The comment came in a recent interview discussing Contreras’ history with the franchise, including his work on Star Wars Jedi titles and his new role as narrative lead on Star Wars Zero Company. From Survivor and Fallen Order to Zero Company Contreras has become one of the most talked-about writers in Star Wars gaming due to his work on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Both titles have been widely praised for their narrative depth, character development, and ability to expand Star Wars lore in game form. Now, Contreras has shifted roles to lead the narrative vision for Star Wars Zero Company, a project slated for release in 2026 that is already generating buzz within the…
Report: Dave Filoni’s MandoVerse Crossover Movie May Be Reworked Into a Disney+ Series
A new report suggests that the planned Dave Filoni–helmed crossover project set in the so-called MandoVerse may no longer be moving forward as a theatrical film. According to industry scooper DanielRPK, the project is being reworked into a limited series for Disney+ instead of a feature movie. At this stage, the information should be treated as unconfirmed, as Lucasfilm and Disney have not issued any official statement. What Was the MandoVerse Crossover? The project, first announced during Lucasfilm’s broader film slate reveal, was intended to bring together story threads from: Filoni was set to direct the crossover event, which was positioned as a culmination of the interconnected storytelling built across these Disney+ series. Why a Shift to Series Could Make Sense If the report is accurate, moving the project from film to limited series wouldn’t be unprecedented in the modern franchise landscape. The MandoVerse storyline is already structured like long-form…
Daisy Ridley Says Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit Would Not Change Her Role in Star Wars
As leadership conversations continue around Lucasfilm, Daisy Ridley has addressed how Kathleen Kennedy potentially stepping away would affect her own future in Star Wars. Her answer was simple and direct. “It won’t affect me going forward if it were to be true.” Ridley, who is set to return as Rey in the upcoming New Jedi Order film, suggested that whatever happens at the executive level would not alter her involvement in the franchise. Separating studio leadership from character stories Ridley’s comment highlights a reality of modern franchise filmmaking: creative projects often operate on long development tracks that extend beyond individual leadership tenures. While Kathleen Kennedy’s role at Lucasfilm has been central to the modern era of Star Wars, Ridley’s perspective indicates that actor commitments and story plans for major films like New Jedi Order are not automatically tied to executive shifts. In other words, from her standpoint, the direction of…
SWTOR Game Update 7.8c Goes Live With Cartel Market Additions, UI Improvements, and Bug Fixes
BioWare is taking Star Wars: The Old Republic servers offline to deploy Game Update 7.8c, with an estimated downtime of 4 hours. While this is a smaller point update, 7.8c delivers a wide range of bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, UI customization options, and a new Cartel Market addition inspired by Star Wars: Visions™. Below is a breakdown of what players need to know. Update Highlights New Cartel Market Items A brand-new Shadow Sentry Lightsaber, dualsaber, and armor set, inspired by Star Wars: Visions™, has been added to the Cartel Market. Mac Launcher Update A new version of the Mac launcher has been released.This update resolves an issue where some Mac players were getting stuck on a black screen after launching the game. Subscriber Event Removed The Subscriber Event tokens and vendor have now been fully removed from the game. Major Bug Fix Categories Game Update 7.8c is heavily focused on…
Disney and Lucasfilm Bring Star Wars to Kids’ Mindfulness and Movement with GoNoodle
Disney, Lucasfilm, and GoNoodle are teaming up on a new initiative designed to introduce Star Wars characters and themes into everyday life through movement, mindfulness, and play for children. The collaboration blends GoNoodle’s popular developmental content with beloved figures and storytelling elements from the Star Wars galaxy in a way that parents, educators, and young fans can use together — in classrooms, at home, or in learning spaces. Mindfulness and movement with the Force The first video in the series, titled “Balanced Breathing with Grogu,” is now available. It features Grogu, the fan-favorite character from The Mandalorian series, guiding kids through a playful breathing exercise rooted in Jedi-style training. In the video, Grogu leads children through mindful breathing and simple motion, helping them slow down, focus, and build self-regulation skills — abilities that can support emotional control, attention, and healthy daily routines. GoNoodle content has long been used in schools…
Andor Writer Dan Gilroy Reveals the Historic Roots Behind Mon Mothma’s Senate Speech
One of the most talked-about moments in Andor wasn’t a battle, a betrayal, or a spy operation — it was a speech. Now, writer Dan Gilroy has shed light on just how carefully that moment was constructed, revealing that Mon Mothma’s Senate address was inspired by some of the most significant political speeches in modern history. A speech built like history Gilroy pointed out a striking detail: Mon Mothma’s speech measures 269 words — just three words shorter than Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. That comparison wasn’t accidental. The speech’s structure and tone draw directly from Lincoln’s rhetorical style, particularly the moral clarity and sense of historic urgency found in his first inaugural address. A blend of global voices But Lincoln wasn’t the only influence. Gilroy explained that Mon’s words also echo the oratory traditions of: That combination of voices helps explain why the scene carries such weight. Rather than sounding…
Star Wars: Starfighter Aims to Recapture the Joy of the Original Films, Says Screenwriter
Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter is being positioned as both something new and something deeply familiar. According to screenwriter Jonathan Tropper, the film is designed to tap back into the sense of adventure, excitement, and pure cinematic joy that defined the original Star Wars experience for many viewers as kids. “The joy we felt as little kids” Speaking about the project, Tropper described the creative goal behind Starfighter in terms that longtime fans will immediately recognize. He explained that audiences should expect: “Something new and different, but in very much the spirit of the original Star Wars movies. We really wanted adventure, excitement, wish fulfillment and the joy that we felt as little kids seeing those first versions of the movies.” That framing suggests a tonal direction focused less on dense lore and more on emotional immediacy — the kind of storytelling that prioritizes wonder and momentum. Balancing mythology with…
Let’s Talk About Star Wars Jedi 3 Release Rumors — And Why It’s Too Early
Lately, you may have seen headlines suggesting that the next Star Wars Jedi game could arrive in the first half of 2026. Let’s slow down for a moment. There has been no official release window announcement from EA, Respawn, or Lucasfilm Games. None. And in the current state of the industry, that detail matters more than ever. Where the 2026 talk is coming from The speculation seems to be built on production timelines and assumptions about how long AAA sequels usually take. On paper, that can make sense. Fallen Order launched in 2019. Survivor followed in 2023. A 2026 target doesn’t sound impossible. But “possible” is not the same thing as confirmed. Right now, EA’s marketing focus has shifted away from Jedi: Survivor and toward Star Wars: Zero Company — a title that is officially slated for 2026 and still doesn’t have a specific release date. If a game already…
STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER Will Not Feature Any Legacy Characters, Says Screenwriter
Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter movie is shaping up to be a fresh start for the franchise — and that includes no appearances by legacy characters from previous films. According to screenwriter Jonathan Tropper, Starfighter is intentionally distancing itself from familiar faces like Luke Skywalker, Rey, or other established heroes and villains. Instead, Tropper says the story will entirely focus on new characters and a new chapter of the galaxy far, far away. “No legacy characters” means a clean slate In a recent comment addressing rumors ahead of the film’s planned 2027 release, Tropper confirmed the decision directly: “I think it’s known that we have no legacy characters. You’re not going to see any of the characters you’ve seen in the other movies.” That’s a significant creative choice, especially in a franchise that has often tied new projects closely to its past. Why this matters for Starfighter In recent years,…
Rian Johnson Says He Wants New Star Wars Stories Following Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit
Filmmaker Rian Johnson is looking ahead with optimism for the future of Star Wars, expressing excitement about fresh creative voices entering the galaxy far, far away following Kathleen Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm leadership. Johnson, who directed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, shared his perspective in a recent interview, focusing on what he sees as the most thrilling possibility in the post-Kennedy era: new storytellers and new stories. “Fresh voices” driving the future of Star Wars “As a Star Wars fan,” Johnson said, “the most exciting thing for me is always seeing when they bring in fresh voices and fresh filmmakers to come in and tell new stories in that world. That’s what I am looking forward to seeing more happen.” His comments emphasize a creative approach that values diversity of perspective over repetition of familiar formulas — a sentiment shared by many within the industry as leadership at Lucasfilm transitions….
Kelly Marie Tran Calls Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit From Lucasfilm “Such a Loss”
As Lucasfilm prepares for a new chapter, Kelly Marie Tran has shared her thoughts on Kathleen Kennedy stepping away from the company she led for more than a decade. Speaking in a recent interview, Tran described Kennedy’s departure as “such a loss,” while also expressing happiness for the personal changes Kennedy is making in her life. “Historic” leadership at Lucasfilm Tran emphasized the importance of Kennedy’s role not just as a producer, but as a long-standing leader in an industry where women at that level have historically been rare. She highlighted Kennedy’s career as both exceptional and historic, noting that her presence at the head of Lucasfilm represented more than a single executive position — it symbolized longevity, capability, and visibility in a space often dominated by men. For Tran, that context matters as much as the films themselves. A measured response, not a political one Notably, Tran’s comments were…
Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon Offers a First Listen with Exclusive Audio Excerpt
Fans of Star Wars literature can now get an early taste of what’s to come from the soon-to-be-released novel Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon — complete with an exclusive audio excerpt featuring main characters Jaylen Vrax and ND-5. An audiobook snippet has been made available ahead of the official launch, giving readers a unique first look at this Star Wars Outlaws prequel and its gritty, character-driven narrative. What the Audio Excerpt Reveals The exclusive audio preview, narrated by Eric Johnson and Jay Rincon, focuses on pivotal early moments in the story. It introduces Jaylen Vrax — a former heir stripped of wealth and status — alongside the reprogrammed battle droid ND-5, whose loyalty and sense of purpose have become central to their survival. In the excerpt, we hear how Jaylen is forced into a new life after tragedy strikes his family, and how the unlikely partnership with ND-5 becomes…
Maul – Shadow Lord Shows a Galaxy Tightening Under Imperial Control
As Maul – Shadow Lord takes shape, new comments from executive producer Matt Michnovetz offer a clearer picture of the political and psychological landscape the series will explore. According to Michnovetz, the galaxy at this point in the timeline is not yet fully crushed by the Empire — but it’s well on its way. The Empire is expanding, quietly and relentlessly Rather than depicting a galaxy already living in open rebellion, Maul – Shadow Lord is set during a period of consolidation. The Empire is spreading outward from the core worlds, tightening its grip system by system. Many in the galaxy don’t yet fully understand what the Empire represents. Some see it as stability. Others view it as distant authority. That uncertainty is part of the tension the series aims to explore. Power is growing — but not always visibly. The Inquisitorius operates in the shadows A major element of…
Sean Kiner and Deana Kiner Confirmed as Composers for Maul – Shadow Lord
Lucasfilm has confirmed that Sean Kiner and Deana Kiner are composing the score for Maul – Shadow Lord, the upcoming animated Star Wars series centered on Darth Maul. The announcement immediately signals a familiar musical direction for longtime fans of Star Wars animation, as the Kiners have been responsible for much of the franchise’s modern animated soundscape. A familiar musical signature for Star Wars animation Sean and Deana Kiner’s previous work spans nearly every major animated Star Wars project of the past decade. Their credits include: Across those series, the Kiners developed a musical identity that blends orchestral Star Wars tradition with darker, more modern textures — an approach that feels particularly well-suited to a Maul-centered story. Why the score matters for a Maul series Darth Maul has always been a character defined as much by mood as by action. From his silent menace in The Phantom Menace to his…
Taika Waititi Wants His Star Wars Movie to Feel Fun Again — Like the Originals
For years, Taika Waititi’s Star Wars project has existed in a strange limbo — officially announced, frequently mentioned, but rarely explained. Now, the director has offered one of his clearest statements yet about what he actually wants his film to feel like. And the key word is simple: fun. According to Waititi, the goal isn’t to reinvent Star Wars or push it into darker territory. Instead, he wants to recapture something that’s been easy to overlook in recent years — the playful, adventurous energy that defined the original films. Vis dette opslag på Instagram Et opslag delt af Variety (@variety) “Harness the fun from the original films” Waititi has described his approach as an attempt to reconnect with what made Star Wars click in the first place. Not the lore spreadsheets. Not the timeline debates. But the sense that these movies were, at their core, entertaining space adventures with heart….
How George Lucas’ Original Vision Influenced MAUL – SHADOW LORD
When MAUL – SHADOW LORD was first announced, one of the most frequent questions from fans was: What kind of story will this animated Star Wars series be? Now we’re getting an answer — straight from executive producer Matt Michnovetz. In a recent interview, Michnovetz explained how George Lucas’ original inspirations — the thrill-heavy serials that guided the creation of Star Wars itself — helped shape the tone and pacing of MAUL – SHADOW LORD. “We wanted to create an action-packed thrill ride, something that had the rush of a roller coaster, so we do a lot of homages to the classic serials of the day, which gave George Lucas the inspiration for Star Wars. And we’ve got the perfect character to drive us through this in Maul.” This insight offers an important piece of context: MAUL – SHADOW LORD isn’t just another animated project. It’s intentionally channeling the same…
MAUL – SHADOW LORD has a writer with some serious Star Wars pedigree.
Matt Michnovetz, who is writing the upcoming animated series, has quietly been one of the franchise’s most influential storytellers for over a decade. If his résumé feels familiar, that’s because many of Star Wars’ darkest, most character-driven arcs trace back to his work. A Legacy Built on the Dark Side and Moral Gray Areas Long before Maul – Shadow Lord entered development, Michnovetz helped shape some of the most unsettling and memorable moments in Star Wars animation. One of his earliest and most talked-about contributions was the Pong Krell arc in Star Wars: The Clone Wars—a storyline still debated today for its brutal look at authority, loyalty, and betrayal inside the Republic’s army. It’s an arc that didn’t offer easy answers, and that tone has followed Michnovetz ever since. The Star Wars Game That Almost Was Michnovetz was also attached to Star Wars: 1313Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, a title…
Walt Disney Studios at CinemaCon: Extended Look at The Mandalorian & Grogu Likely — Starfighter Less So
Walt Disney Studios has confirmed its presentation at CinemaCon on April 16, and Star Wars fans are already speculating about what Lucasfilm might reveal at the event. With The Mandalorian & Grogu now less than two months from its theatrical release, an extended look at the movie could be part of the showcase. The presentation comes at a key moment in Disney’s promotional calendar — CinemaCon is one of the first major film industry gatherings of the year, where studios often unveil new footage, extended trailers, and exclusive clips ahead of summer movie season. The Mandalorian & Grogu Is a Big Disney 2026 Release The Mandalorian & Grogu is already one of Lucasfilm’s most anticipated releases, scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 22, 2026. Directed by Jon Favreau and co-written with Dave Filoni, the movie brings the beloved characters from the Disney+ series to the big screen. So far,…
The Mandalorian & Grogu Will Be “A Lot Bigger Than the Series,” Says Lateef Crowder
The scale of The Mandalorian & Grogu just got a little clearer. According to Lateef Crowder, the upcoming Star Wars film isn’t simply an extended episode of the Disney+ series — it’s something much bigger. “I want people to be surprised. One thing I will say is there’s a lot of great action, a lot bigger than the series.” Crowder shared the comment during a recent interview, offering a rare on-the-record hint about what fans should expect when Din Djarin and Grogu make the jump from streaming to the big screen. Full video interview: “Bigger Than the Series” Is the Key Phrase Here That specific wording matters. The Mandalorian already delivers cinematic action by TV standards, but Crowder’s comment suggests the film is leaning fully into theatrical-scale storytelling — not just in visuals, but in action design. In other words:this isn’t a “Disney+ movie.” It’s a Star Wars movie. What…
MAUL – SHADOW LORD Used Hand-Painted Glass Art to Create the City of Janix
One of the most striking elements in MAUL – SHADOW LORD isn’t a lightsaber duel or a Sith monologue — it’s the city of Janix itself. According to new behind-the-scenes information, the city was created using a surprisingly old-school technique:artists physically painted the city on pieces of glass and canvas, then used those paintings as background elements in the series. Yes — actual paint. Actual glass. In 2026. A Practical Technique in a Digital Star Wars Series Rather than building Janix entirely in 3D, the art team chose to lean on a method with deep roots in film history. The process involved: The result is a city that feels layered, distant, and slightly surreal — perfect for a story centered on Maul’s shadowy rise. Why Glass Paintings Still Matter This technique isn’t new. It’s a classic filmmaking trick used long before CGI became dominant — and Star Wars itself has…
Star Wars: Propaganda and Truth — What the Video Breaks Down
A new cinematic video titled “Star Wars: Propaganda and Truth” examines how the Star Wars saga portrays the forces of persuasion, power, and information — and how those in charge shape reality to control the galaxy. The video isn’t a plot recap — it’s more of a montage and thematic exploration, pulling together scenes from across Star Wars to show how messages are shaped, narratives are controlled, and truth becomes a weapon in its own right. “Propaganda” as a Storytelling Device in Star Wars At its core, Star Wars is as much a story about information and influence as it is about lightsabers and space battles. Whether it’s the messaging used by the Galactic Republic, the Republic’s enemies, the Empire, or the Rebel Alliance, the way the saga frames truth and persuasion is a recurring theme that the video highlights: In Star Wars, such narrative battles complement physical ones: winning…
On This Day in Battlefront: The Darth Tyranus Update Dropped 7 Years Ago
If you were playing Star Wars Battlefront II back in its glory days, you probably remember exactly where you were when this happened: The Darth Tyranus Update released 7 years ago today. And it wasn’t just another patch — it was one of those updates that instantly changed the feel of the game, mainly because it finally brought in one of the most requested prequel-era villains. Yes… Count Dooku arrived. Count Dooku (Serenno’s Sith) Entered the Battlefield The update was headlined by Serenno’s Count Dooku, aka Darth Tyranus — smooth, brutal, and absolutely built for people who enjoy deleting enemies with elegant lightsaber swings and zero mercy. Dooku didn’t just feel like “another hero.” He felt like a statement:Battlefront II was going all-in on the Clone Wars era. And honestly? That era is where the game truly started to shine. Geonosis Expanded Into More Modes The update also brought Geonosis…
The Acolyte Finale Originally Included an Osha and Qimir Kiss (According to The Art of The Acolyte)
Well… this would have changed the vibe. A new behind-the-scenes detail from The Art of The Acolyte reveals that an original version of the finale reportedly featured Osha and Qimir kissing. That moment didn’t make it into the final cut — but the fact that it was even considered tells you a lot about what the show was aiming for with their relationship. What Was Cut From the Finale? According to the information shared in The Art of The Acolyte, the creators explored a version of the ending where: ✅ Osha and Qimir kiss❌ The kiss was ultimately removed from the finished episode So no, it wasn’t “canon romance” on screen… but it was on the table at some point in production. And honestly, the finale we got already walked right up to that line. Why This Detail Matters Osha and Qimir wasn’t a simple “hero meets villain” dynamic. The…