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…
Month: January 2026
Diablo 4 Runes and Endgame Progression: How Players Optimize Power in Modern Sanctuary
Since its release, Diablo 4 has steadily evolved into a deeper and more flexible action RPG than many initially expected. Through seasonal updates, balance passes, and system expansions, Blizzard has reshaped the endgame into a layered experience where character power is defined not only by gear but by how well players understand and optimize the supporting systems around it. One of the most impactful of these systems in recent seasons has been runes. Runes in Diablo 4 are no longer simple stat sticks or passive bonuses. Instead, they function as meaningful build modifiers that influence skill behaviour, resource flow, survivability, and overall efficiency in high-end content. As players push deeper into Nightmare Dungeons, The Pit, and seasonal activities, runes have become an essential part of staying competitive. Understanding the Role of Runes in Diablo 4 Runes act as build amplifiers rather than replacements for core gear. While legendary affixes and…
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…
Monster Hunter Wilds – Afi Nude Mod (Transparent EBB Armor)
Modding support for Monster Hunter Wilds is still evolving, and some of the most interesting releases right now are clearly experimental in nature. The Afi Nude mod is one of those early projects that pushes visual customization in a new direction, focusing on transparency, body compatibility, and high-resolution texture support rather than a simple armor swap. This mod replaces Afi’s armor with an EBB-based transparent version, creating a semi-invisible look that works alongside high-resolution DLC textures. It’s an experimental release, but one that already shows a lot of promise for future armor remakes and body-type compatibility in Monster Hunter Wilds. Download here What This Mod Does At its core, this mod changes Afi’s armor to use an EBB body framework and applies transparency to the armor mesh itself. The goal isn’t just nudity for the sake of it, but rather testing how transparent armor materials behave in Monster Hunter Wilds—especially…
Street Fighter 6 – Nude and Thick Mai and Chun-Li Mod (Costume 1 Replacement)
Modding Street Fighter 6 continues to be one of the most active scenes in modern fighting games, and character-focused cosmetic mods remain at the center of that popularity. One of the latest community creations combines two highly requested character edits into a single package: Nude and Thick Mai and Chun-Li, a mod pack that replaces both characters’ Costume 1 outfits with fully nude PAAG body variants. This release is designed as a straightforward visual overhaul, focusing entirely on character models rather than gameplay mechanics. If you’re already familiar with Street Fighter 6 modding, this pack fits neatly into an existing setup and works exactly as expected with Fluffy Mod Manager. What This Mod Includes This mod pack contains two separate nude character replacements, bundled together for convenience: Both versions replace Costume 1 for their respective characters. No additional costume slots are required, and no alternate outfits are affected. Once enabled,…
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…
Sam Witwer Confirmed for Washington State Summer Con (June 19–21, 2026)
If you’re anywhere near the Pacific Northwest next summer, this is a Star Wars guest announcement worth circling on the calendar. Sam Witwer has been confirmed as an attending guest at Washington State Summer Con, taking place June 19–21, 2026 at the Washington State Fair and Events Center in Puyallup, Washington. And yes — that’s the Sam Witwer Star Wars fans instantly recognize. Why This Is a Big Star Wars Guest Booking Witwer is one of the most beloved multi-era Star Wars performers, known for: With MAUL – SHADOW LORD arriving in 2026, his con appearances are about to get even more attention than usual. Vis dette opslag på Instagram Et opslag delt af Washington State Summer Con (@wasummercon) Event Details: Washington State Summer Con 2026 Here’s what’s confirmed: The convention is known for bringing in genre guests across sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture — and Star Wars names tend…
Stellar Blade “Nano Suit” Mod Adds a Curvier Nano & Skin Suit Variant (Punk Top + CNS)
Stellar Blade already has a reputation for stylish combat, cinematic boss fights… and an outfit system that modders immediately saw as an invitation. And the modding scene has responded exactly as expected: by turning the game’s most iconic suits into a full-blown fashion war. The Stellar Blade – Nano Suit mod is a new adult-oriented outfit replacement that modifies both the Nano Suit and the Skin Suit with a more exaggerated, curvier look. It’s designed for fast testing and easy setup, and it targets outfit slots players actually use — making it one of those mods that can instantly become part of a bigger Stellar Blade wardrobe loadout. If you’ve been collecting Stellar Blade outfit mods (or you’re just curious how far the community is taking suit variants), this one is definitely getting clicks for a reason. What the Nano Suit mod changes This is a cosmetic-only mod. You’re not…
Marvel Rivals Rogue NSFW Mod Adds an Adult Variant (Plus Quick Install Guide)
Rogue has always been one of those Marvel characters modders cannot leave alone. And now, Marvel Rivals gets yet another Rogue-focused release — this time an NSFW Rogue mod that swaps in an adult variant for players who want a more “uncensored” look in-game. The mod is simple, direct, and built for the standard Marvel Rivals mod workflow (Signature Bypass + ~mods folder). No fluff — just Rogue, upgraded. What this Rogue NSFW mod does This mod adds an adult-themed Rogue appearance variant in Marvel Rivals. It’s primarily a visual/character skin-style replacement, meaning: If you’re collecting Rogue mods (or building a curated modlist for Marvel Rivals), this is basically a no-brainer add. Download the mod You can download it here How to install (Marvel Rivals) To install this mod, you’ll need Signature Bypass first. Installation steps Steam\steamapps\common\MarvelRivals\MarvelGame\Marvel\Content\Paks\~mods That’s it. If your Rogue isn’t changing in-game after install, double-check: Best Rogue…
Boost Your Party Vibes with a Creative New Year Template
A certain energy that permeates both our personal and professional lives is brought about by the start of a new season. Reflection, joy, and the bold drafting of future courses characterize this time. The way we express our thoughts becomes as crucial in this dynamic environment as the ideas themselves. Whether you are speaking to a group of friends or stakeholders in a boardroom, the visual story you deliver sets the tone for all that comes after. This is where a top-notch New Year template becomes a crucial tool for any presenter hoping to leave an impression. A well-crafted presentation does more than just display information; it captures a mood. When you choose a creative New Year template, you are choosing to elevate the collective spirit of your audience. At AiPPT, the collection of holiday-themed designs is curated to ensure that your message is wrapped in an aesthetic that resonates…
98th Academy Award Nominations: ILM, Skywalker Sound, and Star Wars Alumni Show Up All Over the List
The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards are in — and once again, Star Wars is all over the technical side of the industry… even when Star Wars itself isn’t the movie being nominated. Because when the Oscars get to categories like Visual Effects and Sound, two names keep showing up behind the scenes: In other words: Star Wars craftsmanship, still quietly carrying half of Hollywood on its back. ILM’s Presence at the Oscars Is Basically a Tradition Now Even when there isn’t a Star Wars film in the race, ILM is usually involved in multiple projects getting Academy recognition — and the 98th Oscars are no different. The Academy’s process for Visual Effects typically includes a shortlist/bake-off stage before final nominees are locked in, and ILM talent is involved across a wide range of major titles competing in the category. If you’ve ever watched a modern blockbuster and thought…
Disney+ Has Turned May the 4th Into a Star Wars Release Tradition (Now 6 Years Running)
May the 4th used to be mostly about memes, marathons, and people posting the same Vader GIF like it was brand-new information. Now? It’s basically a release date. Because 2026 marks the 6th year in a row where Disney+ debuts a new Star Wars project on May the 4th — and at this point, it’s clearly not an accident. 6 Years of Star Wars Releases on May the 4th (Disney+) Here’s the streak: That’s six straight years where May 4th wasn’t just “Star Wars Day.” It was also content drop day. Why This Matters (Even If It Sounds Like a Fun Little Trivia Fact) This isn’t just a cute calendar coincidence. It says something pretty obvious about Disney’s current Star Wars strategy: May the 4th is now a marketing anchor Disney+ doesn’t need to explain May 4th releases anymore. The date sells itself. Animation is carrying the tradition Notice the…
MAUL – SHADOW LORD Release Schedule: Full Disney+ Episode Dates (April–May)
If you’re planning your Sundays like a proper Sith loyalist, here’s the one thing you need: ✅ The full Disney+ release schedule for MAUL – SHADOW LORD. Lucasfilm is dropping the series in double-episode batches, meaning you’re getting two episodes at a time — every week — all the way through early May. MAUL – SHADOW LORD Release Schedule (Disney+) 📅 April 6 Episodes 1 & 2 📅 April 13 Episodes 3 & 4 📅 April 20 Episodes 5 & 6 📅 April 27 Episodes 7 & 8 📅 May 4 Episodes 9 & 10 How Many Episodes Are in MAUL – SHADOW LORD? Based on the schedule, MAUL – SHADOW LORD is a 10-episode season, released over five weeks. So yes: you’ll be done by May 4. Which feels extremely intentional, because Star Wars doesn’t miss an opportunity to make May the 4th feel like a big moment. Why…
MAUL – SHADOW LORD Trailer Drops (And the Disney+ Premiere Date Is Set)
It’s official: the first trailer for MAUL – SHADOW LORD is here. Lucasfilm just released the very first look at the upcoming animated series, and it’s already clear what kind of ride this is going to be: darker tone, sharper edge, and Maul doing what Maul does best — building power through pure menace. Even better: the trailer also confirms the premiere date. ✅ MAUL – SHADOW LORD premieres on Disney+ on April 6. Trailer: The First Trailer Is Out — And It Looks Like “Dangerous Star Wars” This isn’t a cute side-story. The trailer sells MAUL – SHADOW LORD as a series that lives deep in the post-Clone Wars chaos — the era where the galaxy is reorganizing under the Empire, and the people in the shadows are making their moves. Which, let’s be honest… is where Maul always shines. April 6 Premiere Date Confirmed The big headline for…