Industrial Light & Magic is pulling back the curtain on its creative process. A new behind-the-scenes feature highlights the work of ILM artists who helped bring Star Wars: Beyond Victory to life — offering a closer look at how the studio designs worlds, characters, and environments for its growing lineup of immersive Star Wars experiences. And yes, it’s as detailed (and nerdy) as you’d hope. A Look Inside the ILM Art Department The spotlight focuses on artists from ILM’s San Francisco studio who contributed concept art and visual development to Star Wars: Beyond Victory, the mixed-reality playset released in 2025. The feature showcases selected artwork and commentary from the team, giving fans a rare glimpse at how early designs evolve into fully realized interactive Star Wars environments. Rather than just showing finished assets, the breakdown highlights: In short: the raw creative stage where Star Wars visuals are born. What Is…
Author: gingetattoo
Jon Favreau Calls The Mandalorian & Grogu a “Culmination” of His Star Wars Work
Seven years in the making. In a new interview, Jon Favreau described The Mandalorian & Grogu as a personal milestone — calling it a “culmination” of his time working in the Star Wars galaxy. “I’ve been working on Star Wars now for seven years and to be able to step up to doing it as a film feels like a culmination of what I’m working on.” That’s not casual phrasing. From Streaming Gamble to Theatrical Event When The Mandalorian launched in 2019, it wasn’t just a new Star Wars show — it was the flagship title for Disney+. It introduced: Now, Favreau is taking those characters to the big screen. Calling it a “culmination” suggests this isn’t just a spinoff movie.It’s the payoff of an entire creative era. Seven Years of World-Building Favreau has helped shape: Moving from streaming to theatrical format feels symbolic. It’s the franchise saying:This era matters….
Jon Favreau Confirms Din Djarin Gets the Same Model Razor Crest in The Mandalorian & Grogu
The Razor Crest is back. Well… almost. In a new interview, Jon Favreau confirmed that in The Mandalorian & Grogu, Din Djarin is flying the same model of Razor Crest he originally had in the Disney+ series. “He’s in a Razor Crest now, which is the ship that he originally had. He’s in the same model of ship.” That wording matters. Not The Razor Crest — But the Same Model Fans will remember what happened to Din’s original Razor Crest in Season 2. It was obliterated. What Favreau is clarifying here isn’t a resurrection of the exact same vessel — but a return to the same ship class. In other words: Just not the exact same hull. And that distinction is important for canon consistency. Why Bring Back the Razor Crest Design? After Din briefly piloted the N-1 Starfighter, the aesthetic shift was noticeable. The N-1 was fast. Sleek. Almost…
Jon Favreau: “We Gotta Up Our Game” for The Mandalorian & Grogu — and Grogu Has Leveled Up
The jump from Disney+ to cinema isn’t being treated casually. In a new interview with Screen Rant, Jon Favreau explains that The Mandalorian & Grogu required a fundamental shift in scale and ambition. “We gotta up our game now for the movie theater,” Favreau said. And he meant it literally. Built for IMAX, Not for Pausing Favreau made it clear the film isn’t just a stretched-out TV episode: “We gotta up our game now for the movie theater, and that means taller aspect ratios for IMAX, building sets that take full advantage of…. We want to take you on an adventure, and that adventure has to fill up the screen and has to be something where people at this moment in time when so much is competing for your attention, that you’re gonna stop what you’re doing and you’re gonna go to a movie theater, and you’re gonna sit down…
Star Wars: Galactic Racer Unveils Official Gameplay Trailer and New Key Art
The engines are officially roaring. Star Wars: Galactic Racer just dropped its first full gameplay trailer — along with striking new key art — and confirmed it arrives later this year on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This isn’t just a logo reveal anymore. This is a real game. And it looks fast. First Real Look at Gameplay The official gameplay trailer finally shows what Galactic Racer actually feels like in motion. And it’s not just podracing nostalgia. We’re seeing: The footage leans into pure speed. Not cinematic storytelling. Not Jedi drama. Just momentum. And that’s refreshing. A Return to Star Wars Racing Star Wars hasn’t had a dedicated racing game in decades. Yes, there was Episode I: Racer.Yes, there have been racing segments across other titles. But Galactic Racer is the first modern, fully built racing experience under the Lucasfilm Games banner in years. Developed by Fuse Games…
Rise of the Resistance Reopening at Disneyland After Refurbishment
After a temporary closure for refurbishments, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland is reportedly set to reopen tomorrow. And yes — that means boarding groups, First Order interrogations, and that massive Star Destroyer hangar moment are back on the table. The attraction, located inside Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort, has been closed for scheduled updates and technical work. While Disney hasn’t publicly detailed every change, refurbishments typically focus on ride system reliability, animatronic maintenance, and show element upgrades. For a ride as ambitious as this one, that’s a big deal. Why This Matters Rise of the Resistance isn’t just another theme park ride. It’s one of the most technologically complex attractions ever built by Disney Imagineering. The experience blends: When it works at full capacity, it’s arguably the most immersive Star Wars attraction ever created. What Could Be Updated? Disney rarely publishes detailed patch notes (imagine if they…
RUMOR: Star Wars & Marvel Crossover Comic Reportedly in Development
A major buzz is brewing in the comics world: a crossover comic pitting Star Wars characters against the Marvel Universe is reportedly in development. According to industry insider reporting, the project is said to be written by Mark Millar, the acclaimed creator behind Kick-Ass, Kingsman, and Wanted, among other high-profile titles. What the Rumor Claims The report suggests that the crossover — tentatively described as Star Wars vs. Avengers — will bring together iconic characters from both universes in a story that blends cosmic sci-fi and superhero action. While details about specific plot points or character rosters remain scarce, the involvement of Millar has already generated significant excitement among fans. Millar is best known for high-concept, blockbuster storytelling. His previous work has inspired major Hollywood adaptations and built a reputation for bold, audacious narratives — making him a provocative choice for such a crossover concept. Why This Matters Crossovers are…
Kenneth Colley, Admiral Piett Actor, Left $1 Million to a Cat Sanctuary in His Will
Kenneth Colley, best known to Star Wars fans as Admiral Piett, left behind a legacy that extends far beyond the bridge of an Imperial Star Destroyer. According to reports, Colley — who portrayed Piett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi — bequeathed $1 million to a cat sanctuary in his will. A villain on screen. A hero off screen. The Face of the Empire Admiral Piett holds a unique place in Star Wars history. Introduced as a nervous officer trying to survive the unforgiving command structure of Darth Vader, Piett went on to become one of the longest-serving Imperial officers in the original trilogy. While many officers met sudden ends, Piett’s character arc stood out for his quiet determination — even if his loyalty ultimately placed him on the losing side of the Galactic Civil War. Colley’s performance gave Piett something rare among Imperial ranks: humanity….
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Returned to Theaters in 3D 14 Years Ago Today
Fourteen years ago today, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace got a second life on the big screen — this time in 3D. Originally released in 1999, the film marked the beginning of the Prequel Trilogy. But in 2012, audiences were invited back to Naboo, Tatooine, and Coruscant for a theatrical re-release that brought podracers, lightsabers, and battle droids into the stereoscopic era. The First (and Only) Prequel 3D Release The 3D version of The Phantom Menace premiered in theaters on February 10, 2012, as part of a larger plan to convert all six live-action Star Wars films into 3D. That plan ultimately never reached completion, making Episode I the only saga film to receive the full theatrical 3D treatment. For fans, it was a chance to revisit iconic sequences in a new format: The added depth gave those already ambitious scenes a slightly different cinematic feel —…
ANDOR Creator Tony Gilroy on How the Show Has Helped People Process Trump’s “Cosplay Fascism”
In a recent interview, Tony Gilroy, the creator and showrunner behind Andor, shared how the critically acclaimed Star Wars prequel series has become unexpectedly relevant to contemporary political conversations — especially for viewers grappling with the rise of what Gilroy described as “cosplay fascism” during the Trump era. Gilroy acknowledged that while Andor was conceived long before recent political turbulence, its themes — particularly sacrifice and resistance — have struck a chord with audiences trying to make sense of modern realities. Andor isn’t just a galactic tale of rebellion against the Empire; it’s a narrative that invites viewers to reflect on their own moral choices. As Gilroy put it: “I do hope we have some small part to play. You know, we’re one of many pieces, one of many paddles in the water… We spent like, five years thinking about sacrifice. The whole show is based on sacrifice. You’re trying…
New The Mandalorian and Grogu Teaser Debuts During the Super Bowl — Sam Elliott Narrates, Tauntauns Return
Just when you thought the Super Bowl was only about football and snack commercials, Star Wars casually rolls in with a big-screen reminder that The Mandalorian and Grogu is on the way — and yes, it brought tauntauns with it. A brand-new teaser for the upcoming film dropped during the Big Game, and while it doesn’t spill major plot secrets, it does something arguably more powerful: it sets the tone. And that tone? Classic Star Wars adventure, emotional stakes, and a bond that just won’t quit. Sam Elliott’s Voice Brings Western Energy to Star Wars The biggest surprise from the teaser isn’t a spaceship or a blaster — it’s the voice guiding the whole thing. The narration is widely attributed to Sam Elliott, whose legendary gravelly voice instantly gives the spot a frontier, almost Western feel — which honestly fits The Mandalorian vibe perfectly. Here’s the line that’s already getting…
Rogue Squadron Screenwriter Matthew Robinson Updates Fans on Movie’s Future
The long-anticipated Star Wars: Rogue Squadron film continues to languish in uncertainty, according to comments from the movie’s screenwriter Matthew Robinson. In a recent interview, Robinson revealed that he currently has no clear direction from Lucasfilm on what will happen with the project — and that the studio’s leadership changes have added to the ambiguity surrounding its theatrical future. “Lucasfilm Is in a Pretty Big State of Flux” Robinson didn’t mince words when describing the situation. Asked about where Rogue Squadron stands, he said: “I don’t currently know what Lucasfilm wants to do with it. They’re in a pretty big state of flux at the moment, after Kathleen [Kennedy] leaving, and who knows what the future holds for them theatrically.” Those candid remarks highlight just how unsettled Lucasfilm’s movie slate has become. After the departure of longtime Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, many of the company’s planned theatrical projects — including…
SWGOH Era of Andor Overhaul: Marquee Requirements Lowered, Coliseum Reworked, and Cassian Roadmap Revealed
The Era of Andor is almost here in Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, and Capital Games is clearly reacting to player feedback from the 10th Anniversary cycle. This time, the focus is on less early pressure, smarter progression, and clearer goals — especially for free-to-play players. Let’s break down the big changes. Early Era Pressure Is Being Reduced One of the biggest complaints last Era was the “Crystal Crunch” — players felt forced to overspend early. So CG is adjusting: Lower Requirements for Early Marquees This slows the early rush and gives players breathing room. Smart Store Management Tier 8 Era Material bundles (EL 80–95) are being temporarily removed until they’re usable. Goal:➡️ Stop players from accidentally overspending➡️ Prevent buying materials gated behind Zerek Ability Modules That’s a rare “we’re protecting players from themselves” move. Coliseum Is Getting a Major Rework Coliseum is shifting from a static grind to a…
KX Security Droid Kit Reveal Guide – SWGOH Era of Andor
The KX Security Droid enters Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes as a Dark Side ISB tank built around Overcharge stacks, Health scaling, and battlefield control. He’s not just a wall — his survivability directly fuels his damage and utility. This is a scaling enforcer that gets stronger the longer he stays active. Quick Facts Role: TankTags: Empire, ISB, DroidCore mechanics: Overcharge stacks, Rank scaling, Taunt pressurePrimary stat focus: Max HealthBest mode: Territory Wars (massive Omicron value) Core Mechanic – Overcharge Overcharge is the heart of KX’s kit. • Gained mainly from his Basic and certain reactive effects• Max 5 stacks• Each stack increases his survivability• At key Rank levels, Overcharge contributes to True Damage• Hitting 5 stacks triggers bonus effects like Shock or Blind Think of Overcharge as both fuel and payoff. Basic – Baton Deployed KX deals Physical damage and gains 1 stack of Overcharge. He also recovers Health…
Kleya Marki: Rebel Network Powerhouse in SWGOH
Capital Games has officially revealed Kleya Marki as a marquee character in the new Era of Andor for Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes. She enters the Holotables as a Rebel Fighter Attacker built around crit pressure, turn meter swings, and one of the most momentum-flipping abilities we’ve seen in this era cycle. This is not a filler marquee. Kleya is designed to be a core piece of the Rebel network squad built around Luthen Rael and other Rebel Fighters. Quick Facts Role: AttackerAlignment: Light SideTags: Rebel, Rebel FighterCore strengths: Critical damage, Undermine synergy, turn meter gainKey partner: Luthen RaelPlaystyle: Snowball damage dealer with clutch comeback potential Unique Mechanics (Passive Effects) Kleya comes loaded with built-in advantages before you even press a button. She has bonus Critical Chance and Potency, meaning her debuffs land consistently and her hits matter. She gains Turn Meter whenever Rebel Fighter allies take damage, and that…
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes Kicks Off the Era of Andor
A new themed cycle has officially begun in Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, and this time the spotlight is on spies, rebellion cells, and the gritty side of the fight against the Empire. Welcome to the Era of Andor. Capital Games has outlined the direction for this new era, which will bring Andor-inspired characters, events, and progression tweaks into the game over the coming cycle. It’s less about flashy Force users and more about boots-on-the-ground resistance strategy. What “Era of Andor” Actually Means In SWGOH terms, an “Era” isn’t just a theme — it’s a structured content phase. That means: It’s a tonal shift from Jedi vs Sith spectacle to more grounded Rebel operations. Big Change: Marquee Requirements Just Got Easier One of the most important practical updates in the announcement is a requirement reduction that directly affects player progression. For the first three Era of Andor Marquee events, the…
Disneyland Parks Hit by Global Tourism Boycott — Galaxy’s Edge Sees Impact
Disney theme parks, long a symbol of global family travel and entertainment, are currently facing a notable decline in international visitors, and a key driver appears to be political backlash tied to U.S. policies and cultural debates. While Disney has not used the word “boycott” formally, declining attendance from overseas markets — particularly Asia and Europe — is widely being attributed to overseas travelers choosing to avoid U.S. parks for political reasons. This shift is affecting even some of the parks’ biggest draws, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which was once seen as a near-guaranteed crowd-puller for international tourists. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — Still a Showcase, But Facing Changing Crowds When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida, it was one of the most ambitious and immersive themed lands Disney had ever produced. Guests could interact with the Millennium Falcon, test…
Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista Say They Want to Play Villains in Star Wars
Two of modern sci-fi’s most recognizable faces have their sights set on the galaxy far, far away. Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista recently joked that they’d love to play villains in a Star Wars project, leaning into their shared love of the franchise — and their growing sci-fi resumes. “We’re both Star Wars nerds,” the pair said, referencing their work together in Dune, the epic adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel that famously helped inspire many of the ideas that later shaped Star Wars. But apparently, Dune wasn’t enough. From Dune to the Dark Side? Both actors already have strong genre credentials. Momoa has led major fantasy and sci-fi franchises, while Bautista has built a reputation for bringing physical presence and surprising emotional range to genre roles. Seeing them lean into villain territory in Star Wars would be a natural fit, especially given: Star Wars has a long tradition of…
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…
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…
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…
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…