On this day six years ago, Star Wars Battlefront II received one of its most memorable post-launch updates — the BB Update. It was the patch that added BB-8 and BB-9E as playable heroes, bringing some of the most unconventional — and surprisingly tactical — gameplay the game had seen up to that point. And yes, people absolutely underestimated the droids at first. The Day Support Heroes Stole the Spotlight BB-8 and BB-9E weren’t traditional blaster or lightsaber heroes. They were fast, low-profile support units built around: BB-8’s cable spin and support skills made him a chaos machine in tight objective modes, while BB-9E excelled at debuffing enemies and backing up frontline villains. They didn’t just “feel different” — they changed how teams approached choke points and close-quarters objectives. Sequel Era Supremacy Expands The update didn’t just add heroes. It also expanded Supremacy into the sequel trilogy era, letting players…
Josh D’Amaro Named New CEO of Disney — What His Star Wars History Tells Us
Disney leadership just shifted in a major way. Josh D’Amaro has officially been named the new CEO of The Walt Disney Company, with his tenure set to begin on March 18. While this is corporate news on the surface, D’Amaro’s background makes this especially interesting for Star Wars fans — because his fingerprints are already all over some of the franchise’s most ambitious real-world experiences. From Parks Chief to Disney CEO Before stepping into the top role, D’Amaro served as Chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing parks, resorts, cruise lines, and consumer products. Under his leadership, Disney leaned heavily into immersive, tech-forward environments rather than just traditional attractions. That approach had a direct impact on how Star Wars moved from screen to physical space. His Biggest Star Wars Contributions Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World D’Amaro helped lead development on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the massive Star Wars lands…
New Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Funko Pop Collectibles Revealed
Star Wars collectors and Funko Pop fans have a new reason to get excited. A fresh lineup of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Funko Pop vinyl figures has just been revealed — and preorder links are now live for anyone who wants to secure them early. This wave of collectibles dives into one of the galaxy’s darker corners, bringing to life characters and aesthetic elements from the Shadow Lord era with the signature vinyl stylization Funko enthusiasts love. Pop Figures That Capture the Shadow Lord Era Funko’s latest Star Wars releases lean into richly detailed designs, pulling from the visual palette of Maul’s rise and conflicts in the expanded universe. While Funko Pop figures are known for their stylized proportions, these releases layer in thematic touches that resonate with fans who follow Maul – Shadow Lord storylines. This isn’t just another Funko wave — it’s a piece of expanded…
Disney+ to Feature AI-Generated Content by September 2026, Bob Iger Confirms
Disney’s streaming service Disney+ will introduce AI-generated short-form videos by the end of September 2026, CEO Bob Iger confirmed during the company’s recent first-quarter earnings call. The new content will be powered by OpenAI’s Sora, enabling the creation of 30-second videos featuring beloved characters from Disney’s vast library. This marks one of the most ambitious applications of artificial intelligence within a major entertainment platform, blending fan-driven creativity with Disney’s storytelling heritage across franchises like Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. What the Sora Integration Means for Disney+ The integration revolves around OpenAI’s generative video model, Sora, which can produce short video clips based on text prompts. Under the licensing agreement between Disney and OpenAI — part of a multi-year, multi-billion dollar partnership — users will be able to prompt Sora to generate AI-driven videos up to 30 seconds long using a selection of over 200 Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars…
Disney Board Reportedly Favors Josh D’Amaro to Succeed Bob Iger as CEO
The board of directors at The Walt Disney Company is reportedly aligned behind Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, to become the company’s next chief executive officer, according to a new report from Bloomberg. If approved, D’Amaro would succeed Bob Iger, who has led the entertainment giant in two separate stints and is expected to step down before the end of his contract in 2026. 👉 Read the full Bloomberg report here A Parks and Experiences Leader Takes the Lead Josh D’Amaro, 54, has overseen the Disney Experiences segment — which includes the company’s globally recognized theme parks, resorts, cruise operations, merchandise, and consumer products — since 2020. During his tenure, that division has become a significant revenue driver for Disney, even as other business segments like streaming and traditional entertainment face headwinds. According to the Bloomberg report, the board is expected to vote on the leadership transition as soon…
Trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu Set to Debut During the Super Bowl
A new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu is expected to premiere during Sunday’s Super Bowl broadcast, according to industry reporting from Deadline. That puts the first major new look at the next big-screen Star Wars story in one of the most high-profile TV slots of the year — right alongside major studio tentpoles and blockbuster campaigns. For Star Wars fans, that’s not just a trailer drop. That’s a statement. Star Wars Returns to the Biggest Stage in Entertainment The Super Bowl has become as much a movie marketing event as a sports one. Studios use the broadcast to launch: Positioning The Mandalorian and Grogu in that lineup signals Disney sees this film as a flagship theatrical event, not just an extension of streaming storytelling. This is the movie that moves the Mandalorian era from Disney+ to the cinema — and the marketing push is clearly scaling up to match….
33 Years Later, X-Wing Still Defines Star Wars Space Combat
Star Wars: X-Wing turns 33 years old, and honestly? A lot of modern space games still live in its shadow. Released in February 1993 on good old-fashioned floppy disks, this wasn’t just another licensed Star Wars title. It helped define what Star Wars flight combat should feel like — tense, tactical, and very, very deadly if you got cocky. For many players, this was the first time the fantasy of sitting in the cockpit of an X-wing felt real instead of arcadey. The Game That Took Star Wars Into True 3D Space Back in the early ‘90s, most space games still leaned heavily on sprites and tricks. X-Wing went another direction. It became one of the first games to use 3D polygon graphics for spacecraft, meaning ships were fully rendered objects in space, not flat illusions. That sounds basic now, but in 1993 this was cutting-edge stuff — especially on…
John Williams Wins Grammy for Music by John Williams — Another Milestone for the Composer Behind Star Wars
Legendary composer John Williams and the creative team behind Music by John Williams have won the Grammy Award for Best Music Film, adding yet another accolade to one of the most celebrated careers in film history. And for Star Wars fans, this one hits especially close to home. A Career Defined by Iconic Scores Music by John Williams explores the life and work of the composer whose music has shaped the emotional backbone of modern cinema. From triumphant fanfares to intimate character themes, Williams’ work has defined how audiences feel about the stories they watch. His career includes music for: But it’s Star Wars where his influence is arguably most deeply felt. The Sound of the Galaxy When Star Wars premiered in 1977, Williams’ score didn’t just accompany the film — it helped create the mythology. The bold opening fanfare, the Force theme, Leia’s theme, the Imperial March — these…
Two Years Later — Remembering Carl Weathers and His Impact on Star Wars and Beyond
Today marks two years since the death of Carl Weathers, a beloved actor whose influence stretched across film, television, and — for many fans — the Star Wars galaxy. While Weathers may be best known to some for iconic roles outside of Star Wars, his impact on genre storytelling and the entertainment community at large continues to be felt and remembered. A Versatile Career in Film and TV Carl Weathers was a multi-faceted talent — an actor, director, and storyteller whose career spanned decades. Long before his association with Star Wars, Weathers endeared himself to audiences as: His work connected with multiple generations, making him both a recognizable face and a respected figure in Hollywood. Star Wars and the Mandalorian Connection While Weathers didn’t play a role in the main Star Wars films, many genre fans remember his involvement in The Mandalorian — where he appeared as Greef Karga, a…
That 2003 KOTOR Ad That Made Revan Look Almost Live-Action
Long before cinematic game trailers were standard, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic was already being marketed like a film. One of the most striking examples is a 2003 print advertisement built around the phrase “Choose Your Path.” Instead of showing gameplay or ships, the ad centers on a hyper-realistic human face split down the middle — half heroic, half Sith. And it still looks wild today. A Face Between the Light and the Dark The ad’s design is simple but powerful: This wasn’t just cool art. It was a visual summary of what made Knights of the Old Republic revolutionary in 2003: your choices shape who you become. Is That Revan? Yes… and No Fans often look at this ad and ask: “Is that supposed to be Revan?” Marketing-wise, yes. Literally, no. Revan in KOTOR is a player-defined character, not a fixed face. The person shown in the…
Wagner Moura’s Character in MAUL – SHADOW LORD Revealed as Former Bounty Hunter Turned Cop
New details have emerged about Wagner Moura’s character in MAUL – SHADOW LORD, and he may be one of the most grounded figures in the series. According to information shared via IGN, Moura plays Lawson — a man with a past in the underworld who now walks a very different path. “Lawson used to be a bounty hunter. Now he’s a cop and a single dad doing the best he can in a lawless territory. He’s a good man who pushes limits and breaks rules.” That description immediately sets him apart from the usual Star Wars archetypes. A Man Between Two Worlds Lawson’s backstory as a former bounty hunter suggests deep familiarity with crime, survival, and the moral gray zones of the galaxy’s underbelly. But his present role as a cop — and a single father — reframes him completely. Instead of a hardened mercenary, he’s now someone trying to…
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite Returns for 2026 — Dates, Tickets & What to Expect
Star Wars fans are getting another chance to experience the magic after park hours — because Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite is returning to Disneyland Park in 2026 with multiple nights of galactic fun, entertainment, specials and more. This separately-ticketed after-hours event invites fans of all ages to dive into a galaxy “not so far away” during four special nights in April and May 2026, complete with themed entertainment, photo opportunities, unique food, merchandise, and immersive Star Wars experiences. 📅 Dates & Time Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite will be held on these dates: Each night runs from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM, with early access granted as soon as 6:00 PM for ticket holders. 🎟️ Tickets & Presales Tickets for Star Wars Nite go on sale in stages: Tickets for each date are limited and subject to availability, so fans are encouraged to buy early before sell-outs…
Last Chance: Final Full Day for The Clone Wars Event in LEGO Star Wars: Castaways
If you’ve been meaning to jump into the Clone Wars event in LEGO Star Wars: Castaways, now’s the time. Today is the last full day to take part in the event and unlock its themed rewards before it wraps up. What’s at Stake The limited-time event offers Clone Wars–inspired cosmetics, giving players a chance to customize their characters with gear and items tied to that era of Star Wars storytelling. Once the event ends, these rewards may not return anytime soon — making this your final window to grab them. How to Participate To earn the event cosmetics: Make sure you check your progress and don’t leave rewards unclaimed. Don’t Miss It Event timers in Castaways move fast, and this one is nearly over. If you want those Clone Wars-themed unlocks, today’s your best opportunity before the event closes tomorrow. Stay connected with the galaxy’s latest updates! Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, bsky or Pinterest for…
SWTOR Reveals Exciting In-Game Events for February 2026 — Rakghoul Resurgence & Relics of the Gree
Star Wars: The Old Republic players have fresh activities to dive into this February, as the official SWTOR website has just announced two major in-game event campaigns rolling out throughout the month. Whether you’re looking to fight off biological threats or explore ancient alien mysteries, February promises variety and rewards for all types of players. Rakghoul Resurgence Returns to Tatooine (Feb 3–10) The month kicks off with the Rakghoul Resurgence outbreak on Tatooine, starting February 3 and running through February 10. This event brings back one of SWTOR’s most chaotic and rewarding seasonal experiences: a wave of Rakghoul plague activity threatening settlements across the desert world. The Hyland Organization for Rakghoul Neutralization (T.H.O.R.N.) has issued an emergency alert and is calling for volunteers to help combat the outbreak. Key features of the event include: Players will want to prepare their squads and coordinate with friends — Rakghoul outbreaks can get…
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes Launching Major Andor Update Featuring Partagaz, Dedra Meero & New Cassian Variants
Fans of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes have something exciting on the way. After more than a decade on mobile, the popular collectible RPG is preparing a major update based on the acclaimed Disney+ series Andor — bringing brand-new character versions and iconic antagonists from the show to the holographic battlefield. New Andor Characters Join the Game The upcoming Andor expansion for Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes will introduce a selection of characters directly from Disney’s hit spy drama, including: These additions expand the roster of playable figures tied to the Rebel-Empire conflict and bring fresh tactical options for players. Developers Share Behind-the-Scenes Insight According to developers at EA’s Capital Games and Lucasfilm Games, the Andor update is designed to capture the feel and tone of the series as authentically as possible. Lucasfilm Games executive producer Orion Kellogg told Variety that the team wants players to feel connected to the…
51 Years Ago Today, George Lucas Completed Adventures of the Starkiller, Episode I: The Star Wars
Long before A New Hope changed cinema, Star Wars existed in a very different form. On this day 51 years ago, George Lucas completed the second draft of his screenplay titled: Adventures of the Starkiller, Episode I: The Star Wars It’s one of the most fascinating “what if” moments in film history — a version of Star Wars that looks familiar, strange, and wildly ambitious all at once. A Galaxy That Almost Was This draft wasn’t just a stepping stone. It was a radically different blueprint for the saga. Elements that would later define Star Wars were already present: But nearly everything was shaped differently. Names, relationships, and roles shifted constantly in this era. Characters we now know as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Obi-Wan Kenobi existed in early forms — but not yet as the figures fans recognize today. “Starkiller” Before Skywalker One of the most famous relics from…
Star Wars: Starfighter Writer Says Shawn Levy Made a “Phenomenal Movie”
We still don’t know much about Star Wars: Starfighter, but the people making it sound seriously confident. Screenwriter Jonathan Tropper has shared new comments about the project — and the tone suggests this isn’t just another familiar saga chapter. It’s aiming to be something new. Speaking about the film, Tropper praised director Shawn Levy and the creative direction of the movie. “Gosling is amazing to watch and I’m super excited to just bring new characters and new worlds to the franchise. You know, we’re doing something totally new and that’s really exciting.” He also made it clear he believes Levy delivered in a big way. Levy “made a phenomenal movie.” That’s strong language — especially for a franchise entry that’s stepping outside the usual legacy character orbit. A Focus on New Characters and Worlds The biggest takeaway from Tropper’s comments is the emphasis on originality. Star Wars projects often balance…
The Acolyte Creator Confirms The Stranger Was Meant to Be the First Knight of Ren
One of the biggest lingering mysteries from The Acolyte just got a major lore twist. According to series creator Leslye Headland, The Stranger wasn’t just another dark side wildcard — he was designed to be the first Knight of Ren. The reveal comes from The Art of The Acolyte, which dives into the deeper creative intentions behind the show’s characters and mythology. A Sith Rule Problem… and the Solution Headland explains that the character’s role had to work within established Sith canon — specifically the Rule of Two. “It was in the design of the character, as well as knowing that we were going to introduce Darth Plagueis, who has to end up with Palpatine as his apprentice. Following the Rule of Two – a precept that limited the Sith to just two at any given time, a master and an apprentice – one way to keep it going is…
15 Years Ago Today, The Mortis Arc Changed Star Wars Lore Forever
Fifteen years ago today, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired an arc that felt strange, symbolic, and almost disconnected from the main war narrative. Now? The Mortis arc looks less like a side quest and more like one of the most important mythology pillars in modern Star Wars. Spanning three episodes — Overlords, Altar of Mortis, and Ghosts of Mortis — the story temporarily leaves behind the Clone Wars battlefield and dives headfirst into the cosmic side of the Force. In hindsight, this storyline appears deeply tied to Ahsoka’s larger journey and possibly the spiritual backbone of Dave Filoni’s evolving “Mandoverse.” Star Wars Steps Into Mythology Before Mortis, most Star Wars storytelling treated the Force as mystical but still grounded in Jedi philosophy, Sith ambition, and personal destiny. Mortis changed that perspective. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka are drawn to a mysterious realm powerful in the Force. There they meet three…
Star Wars Scores Big at the Saturn Awards with Andor Leading the Charge
The nominations for the 53rd Annual Saturn Awards are out, and Star Wars is very much in the spotlight. Between Andor, Skeleton Crew, and Tales of the Underworld, the franchise picked up multiple nominations across major television categories — plus recognition for actors and Industrial Light & Magic in the film awards. Here’s how the galaxy far, far away is showing up. Andor Dominates the TV Nominations Andor leads the Star Wars pack with recognition in top-tier categories, reinforcing its status as one of the franchise’s most critically respected series. Nominations include: That’s a strong showing for a series that leaned into political tension, grounded storytelling, and character-driven drama rather than traditional space fantasy spectacle. Skeleton Crew Breaks Through as a New Series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew made its mark in the genre newcomer space and acting categories: It’s a sign that Lucasfilm’s newer storytelling directions are getting attention beyond…
MAUL – SHADOW LORD Could Be Star Wars’ Answer to The Penguin
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…