There are plenty of villains in Star Wars, but few strike the same nerve as Dedra Meero. Introduced in Andor as a mid-level bureaucrat in the Imperial Security Bureau, Dedra isn’t your typical dark-side enforcer. She doesn’t choke subordinates or twirl a cape. Instead, she builds power the old-fashioned way: one well-documented memo at a time. And that’s what makes her terrifying. But also, strangely… relatable? Who Is Dedra Meero? Dedra Meero is an ISB officer who quickly rises through the Imperial ranks thanks to her intellect, ambition, and complete devotion to authoritarian order. She sees connections where others see paperwork, detects rebellion where others see petty theft, and, unlike most of her superiors, actually does her job. Played by Denise Gough, Dedra is a walking case study in how fascist regimes thrive on obsessive overachievers. She’s not evil because she enjoys pain (though she tolerates a fair amount). She’s…
Author: Soeren Kamper
The Tragic Case of Tay Kolma: Star Wars: Andor’s Unsung Casualty
When “Andor” introduced Tay Kolma, the reaction was mixed. Here was a new character who wasn’t a soldier, a spy, or a senator. He was a banker from Chandrila, a friend from Mon Mothma’s past who offered a lifeline for her financial rebellion against the Empire. Yet Tay’s story would turn out far more complicated—and devastating—than it first appeared. Who is Tay Kolma in Star Wars: Andor? Tay Kolma, portrayed by Ben Miles, is not your typical Star Wars character. He’s no Jedi wielding a lightsaber or bounty hunter with a jetpack. Instead, he’s a relic of Mon Mothma’s safer, more naive days—before political subterfuge and galactic rebellion swallowed her life whole. A childhood friend turned financial fixer, Tay agrees to help Mon create a “foundation” to move funds covertly to the Rebellion. At first glance, Tay seems like a useful if slightly worn-out ally. But as the story unfolds,…
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Celebrates Its Second Anniversary – A Look Back at the Game That Redefined the Galaxy
On April 28, 2023, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor officially launched, and two years later, it’s still holding its lightsaber high as one of the most beloved Star Wars games ever made. Winning hearts, minds, and even a GRAMMY Award (yes, a Star Wars video game soundtrack now has Grammy-level bragging rights), Jedi: Survivor proved that single-player storytelling in a galaxy far, far away is alive, well, and filled with plenty of wall-running. Today, we’re looking back at what made this game an instant classic, where the story is headed next, and how you can still pick it up if your saber skills are feeling a little rusty. Why Jedi: Survivor Is Still One of the Best Star Wars Games Ever Described by many critics and players alike as the best Star Wars video game of all time, Jedi: Survivor took everything great about its predecessor (Jedi: Fallen Order) and cranked…
SWCJ 2025: 14 Big Reveals From Hasbro’s Star Wars PanelSWCJ 2025: 14 Big Reveals From Hasbro’s Star Wars PanelSWCJ 2025: 14 Big Reveals From Hasbro’s Star Wars Panel
Hasbro hit hyperspace at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, unleashing a barrage of reveals that triggered equal parts joy and wallet-related anxiety. From video game icons to Expanded Universe throwbacks, the Hasbro panel felt like a well-timed turbo blast straight to collectors’ hearts — and their shelves. Here’s a full breakdown of the biggest reveals from the panel, now with 25 figures strong and absolutely zero chill. Jedi Survivors and Fallen Heroes 1. The Black Series Nightsister Merrin and eerie green magick translate beautifully into this detailed figure. She comes fully equipped with a dual-ended staff and an impressive burst of green energy magic — a translucent effect piece that captures her Nightsister powers mid-cast. The figure features stunning articulation and an updated head sculpt that captures her ghostly complexion and silver-white hair. The sculpted details on her jacket and layered tunic give her a gritty Jedi: Survivor look, blending…
What to Expect at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Panels, Merch, and Cultural Mashups
Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 is right around the corner, landing in Chiba from April 18 to 20 at the iconic Makuhari Messe. For fans across the galaxy, this is more than a convention—it’s a cultural fusion of East and West, Jedi and samurai, with major announcements, exclusive merchandise, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. This is our fifth and final article in our Star Wars & Japan series, leading up to Celebration Japan. If you’ve been following along—thank you. If you’re just joining us, you’re in for a galactic finale. Whether you’re attending in person or planning to catch the live stream from hyperspace, here’s your ultimate Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 guide. 1. Big Panels & Major Announcements One of the biggest reasons fans gather for Celebration? The panels—and this year’s Star Wars Celebration schedule is packed with headline-grabbing reveals and insider deep dives. Friday, April 18 Highlights: Saturday, April 19…
5 Star Wars Characters That Would Be Right at Home in Feudal Japan
Because some Jedi were already halfway to samurai. As we continue our 5-part series leading up to Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 (happening April 18–20 in Tokyo), we’re diving into the cultural and visual DNA that connects Star Wars to Japanese history. The connections run deeper than lightsabers and robes—at its core, the galaxy far, far away shares archetypes, values, and mythologies with the world of feudal Japan. The Jedi echo the discipline of the samurai. The Sith carry the tragic pride of fallen warlords. Even the Force itself resonates with Zen-like duality and cosmic harmony. This time, we’re going full speculative fiction: imagining iconic Star Wars characters reimagined as figures from feudal Japan. If George Lucas drew from Kurosawa’s lens, let’s step all the way through the torii gate and recast the galaxy as if it were ruled by shogun and shinobi. We’re not just swapping outfits—we’re reinterpreting these…
Star Wars in Japan: How the Galaxy Far, Far Away Found a Home in Tokyo
From Shibuya to Akihabara, the Force is strong here. As Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 approaches (April 18–20 at Makuhari Messe), it’s clear that the Force isn’t just visiting Tokyo—it’s already made itself at home. Japan has long had a deep-rooted connection to Star Wars, not just through its influence on the franchise’s aesthetics and philosophy, but through its passionate and ever-growing fanbase. In this third installment of our 5-part series leading up to Celebration, we dive into how Japan became a uniquely vibrant part of the Star Wars universe—from exclusive merch and cosplay culture to exhibitions and fan traditions you won’t find anywhere else in the galaxy. The Early Days of Star Wars in Japan Star Wars first touched down in Japan in 1978, a year after its U.S. release. While the franchise had already started reshaping global cinema, in Japan it found not just an audience, but a…
Top Star Wars Moments That Feel Straight Out of a Samurai Movie
From Kurosawa’s Shadow to the Edge of the Outer Rim As we gear up for Star Wars Celebration Japan (April 18–20, 2025), we continue our 5-part editorial series exploring the roots of Star Wars in Japanese culture. This installment is all about what you feel when watching a lightsaber duel unfold in silence, when a Jedi lowers their blade instead of striking, or when a warrior stands alone against impossible odds. These moments aren’t just cinematic choices—they’re spiritual, philosophical, and visual echoes of samurai storytelling. Drawing deeply from Akira Kurosawa’s films, Bushidō ethics, and Zen Buddhist principles, these scenes resonate with the ancient traditions of Japan. Let’s examine the most powerful Star Wars moments that feel straight out of a samurai movie—and why they still hit just as hard today. The Samurai Legacy That Reached Hollywood Before we dive in, it’s worth remembering that Star Wars didn’t emerge in a…
How Japanese Culture Shaped Star Wars: From Samurai to Sith
As Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 approaches, there’s no better time to revisit a truth that’s long been encoded in the DNA of the galaxy far, far away: Star Wars is deeply influenced by Japanese culture. Before the Jedi donned robes and raised their lightsabers, before Darth Vader became the face of cinematic villainy, and before the first spaceship ever roared across a silver screen, Star Wars was already drawing from a rich and ancient source: Japanese culture. As Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how deeply the saga is rooted in Japan’s artistic, philosophical, and martial traditions. Because Star Wars isn’t just an epic space opera—it’s a cultural fusion. A mythic tale told through the lens of samurai ethics, Zen philosophy, and the cinematic brilliance of Akira Kurosawa. From the silent strength of Darth Vader’s armor—shaped by samurai design—to the spiritual weight…
SWGOH Kit Reveal: CC-1119 “Appo” Enters the Galaxy With Order 66 and a Whole Lot of Drama
Every now and then, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes drops a character kit so packed with cinematic flair and brutal synergy, you can almost hear the Imperial March playing in the background. Enter CC-1119 “Appo”, a Dark Side Clone Trooper who’s not here to mess around—or let you revive your Jedi. Straight out of Operation: Knightfall, Appo’s kit is a loving (or terrifying?) tribute to one of Revenge of the Sith’s most unforgettable sequences. With synergy built around Lord Vader, Order 66, and the now-legendary Knightfall armor, Appo is primed to take control of the holotable—and possibly your soul. 🧬 Appo’s Role and Core Mechanics Let’s not sugarcoat it—Appo exists to make your life miserable if you’re not prepared. He summons reinforcements, strips buffs like he’s peeling stickers off a pod racer, and plays an essential role in executing Order 66… literally. ⚔️ Key Abilities and Strategy Highlights Here’s a…
🚨 Trump Announces Tariffs on Disneyland: “The American People Deserve Better Than $219 Lightsabers”
WASHINGTON D.C. — In a fiery statement from the Rose Garden this morning, President Donald J. Trump officially announced the United States will be imposing full economic tariffs on Disneyland, declaring the California-based theme park “a rogue nation operating inside our great American homeland.” Trump, now serving his second term in office, accused Disneyland of engaging in predatory trade practices, currency manipulation, and what he called “woke ideological warfare.” The new tariffs are being described by White House officials as a “necessary step to protect American families from economic exploitation and cultural collapse.” 💬 “They’ve Built a Borderless, Woke Disneyland — And We’re Paying for It” “They say it’s a theme park,” Trump said, speaking to press while standing next to a scale model of Disneyland with tiny red warning flags posted across Galaxy’s Edge. “But let me tell you, folks — it’s not just a theme park. It’s a…
BREAKING: Star Wars KOTOR Movie Leak Reveals Brie Larson as Revan, Ryan Gosling as Carth, and More
In a galaxy not so far, far away—from the Star Wars Celebration Japan website’s staging server, apparently—a massive leak has sent the Holonet into a frenzy. With Star Wars Celebration Japan just around the corner (April 18–20, 2025), we’ve got what may be the biggest scoop since the Death Star plans got misplaced in a droid. A live-action Knights of the Old Republic movie is in the works. And the cast? Well… it’s either brilliant casting or a force-fueled fever dream. Sources say this announcement was set to be the showstopper of Celebration Japan’s opening day. But as with many secret rebel transmissions, it found its way into the wild early. Here’s everything we (supposedly) know so far. 🎬 KOTOR: The Movie – What’s Actually Happening? After years of rumors, half-confirmed reports, canceled remakes, and Reddit theories held together with hope and duct tape, Knights of the Old Republic is…
How Old is Han Solo? Decoding the Age of Star Wars’ Legendary Smuggler
When it comes to Star Wars icons, Han Solo ranks pretty high on the list. He’s the fast-talking, blaster-wielding, bantha-avoiding smuggler with a soft spot for rebellions and Wookiees. But as the timeline jumps between trilogies, flashbacks, and sequels, it’s fair to wonder: How old is Han Solo throughout the saga? The man’s been through a lot—Kessel Runs, bounty hunters, carbonite freezing, family drama, and lightsaber-induced tragedy. Let’s break down his age from scoundrel beginnings to his final curtain call. 📅 Quick Reference: The Star Wars Timeline Before jumping into the numbers, here’s a refresher on the galaxy’s timekeeping system. Star Wars dates are often measured in BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) and ABY (After the Battle of Yavin)—with the destruction of the first Death Star in A New Hope marking Year 0. Han Solo was born in 29 BBY, which puts him a full decade older than Luke…
How Old Is Luke Skywalker? A Timeline Across the Star Wars Galaxy
Few names in pop culture are as iconic as Luke Skywalker, the wide-eyed Tatooine farm boy who turned into a galactic legend. But while his journey from moisture farmer to Jedi Master is well documented across the Star Wars saga, there’s one question that keeps popping up: How old is Luke Skywalker at each point in the timeline? Turns out, tracking Luke’s age is a bit like piloting through an asteroid field—but with less screaming and more math. Let’s walk through it. 📅 The Galactic Timeline: A Quick Refresher Star Wars uses the Battle of Yavin (BBY/ABY)—the destruction of the first Death Star in A New Hope—as a central point in the timeline. Events before are marked as BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin), and events after are ABY (After the Battle of Yavin). Luke was born in 19 BBY, the same year Revenge of the Sith takes place and…
Celebrating Julian Glover at 90: The Man Who Faced Vader, Indy, and a Giant Spider
Turning 90 is a milestone by any measure. But turning 90 after spending decades portraying some of the most iconic characters in cinema and television history? That’s the Julian Glover way. Today, we celebrate the legendary British actor who, over the course of his career, has managed to get crushed by Darth Vader, outwitted by Indiana Jones, betrayed by a magical cup, and voice a spider that made an entire generation deeply uncomfortable with forests. Not bad for someone whose IMDb reads like a geek culture tour. 🛡️ General Veers: Calm Under (AT-AT) Fire Let’s start with the galaxy far, far away. Glover made his Star Wars debut as General Maximilian Veers in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). While he only had a handful of scenes, they were unforgettable. In a world where most Imperial officers got Force-choked just for clearing their throats wrong, Veers stood out. Calm, efficient, and…
The Star Wars Hotel That Couldn’t: How Disney’s Galactic Starcruiser Became Internet Legend
Once envisioned as the most immersive theme park experience in the galaxy, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was supposed to be Disney’s ultimate Star Wars offering. A two-night interactive adventure aboard the Halcyon, complete with lightsaber training, alien dinner theater, and a price tag that could fund your own pod-racing team. But just two years after opening, it quietly shut down—and now, the entire bizarre, ambitious, and short-lived story has been turned into a feature-length documentary:👉 The Galactic Starcruiser: How Disney’s $1 Billion Star Wars Hotel Failed A Bold Vision That Crashed Out of Hyperspace When Disney announced the Galactic Starcruiser, expectations went into orbit. It wasn’t just a hotel—it was billed as a live-action role-playing vacation, where guests would step into their own Star Wars story. Guests were assigned roles, participated in missions, interacted with live actors playing Resistance and First Order agents, and even got to “train” with…
George Lucas to Celebrate The Empire Strikes Back 45th Anniversary at TCM Classic Film Festival
In what can only be described as a galactic-level cinematic moment, George Lucas will make a rare public appearance to celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back at the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival. Yes, you read that right—the man behind the Force is stepping into the spotlight once again, not on a Star Destroyer, but in Hollywood. According to Dork Side of the Force, the legendary filmmaker will take part in a special screening of the 1980 sci-fi masterpiece on April 20, 2025. And while lightsabers probably aren’t allowed in the theater, the excitement is already at full throttle. A Long Time Ago, in a Screening Room Not Too Far Away… This isn’t just any screening. It’s part of the TCM Classic Film Festival, an event known for celebrating the greatest movies of all time—and now, for turning a galaxy far, far away into a red carpet…
Romance, Roleplay, and Republic Credits: Date Night in Star Wars: The Old Republic
There’s a new feature in Star Wars: The Old Republic that’s turning heads faster than a Jedi spinning in a lightsaber duel. BioWare has decided it’s time for players to stop saving the galaxy for five minutes and maybe take someone special out for a nice Corellian dinner. Yes, Date Night is officially canon… or at least canon-adjacent, depending on how seriously you take your MMO storylines. This quirky addition, detailed in Thumbsticks’ full article, brings romance front and center, with a healthy side of awkwardness and enough emotional XP to level up your feelings. What Is the Date Night Feature in SWTOR? Introduced in the 7.4.1 update, Date Night is a new mission type tailored for players who’ve locked in romantic relationships with their companions. If you’ve previously chosen to pursue a love interest during your galactic travels, you’ll now get to engage in personal story-driven scenes where the…
Disney Shuts Down Anti-LGBTQ+ Proposal—and Why That Matters in a Galaxy Not So Far Away
In a move that would make the Jedi Council nod in quiet approval, Disney has just overwhelmingly rejected a shareholder proposal aimed at curbing LGBTQ+ content across its media empire. This isn’t just about corporate policy—it’s about the future of storytelling in some of the world’s most beloved universes, including Star Wars. The proposal, brought forward by conservative activist shareholder group the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), called on Disney to limit LGBTQ+ themes, citing what they framed as reputational and financial risks. Spoiler alert: shareholders were not having it. The vote wasn’t even close. The rejection was as swift and final as Vader’s response to “Do you feel cold in that helmet?” The Proposal That Tried to Go Full Dark Side The resolution, while framed in business language, essentially took aim at Disney’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and diversity across its various brands. The pitch? That featuring…
Bit Reactor’s Star Wars Strategy Game Set for April Reveal – Here’s What We Know
The Force is strong with this one! Bit Reactor and Respawn Entertainment are finally ready to unveil their long-anticipated Star Wars strategy game, and it’s all happening at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 on April 19. If you’ve been dreaming of commanding a squad of Stormtroopers or orchestrating Rebel ambushes in a turn-based battlefield, this might just be your golden ticket to galactic domination. The First Look: What’s Happening at Star Wars Celebration Japan? This upcoming title has been in the works since 2022, when Electronic Arts and Lucasfilm Games first announced the project. Bit Reactor, a studio formed by former XCOM developers, is leading the charge, while Respawn Entertainment—known for hits like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Titanfall—is backing them up. With that pedigree, expectations are soaring higher than an X-wing in hyperspace. The grand reveal will happen during the “Bit Reactor Developer Panel featuring Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm…
Andor Season 2: Tony Gilroy’s Live Q&A Breaks Down Season 1 and What’s Next
With Andor Season 2 just around the corner, Tony Gilroy and other key figures from the series recently joined a special live-streamed Q&A to discuss Season 1 and tease what’s coming next. The event was a deep dive into the intricate storytelling, world-building, and character arcs that made Andor a standout in the Star Wars universe. If you missed it, don’t worry—here’s everything you need to know! A Look Back at Andor Season 1 During the live event, Gilroy and his guests revisited the gritty, grounded storytelling that set Andor apart from traditional Star Wars fare. Unlike the usual Jedi vs. Sith spectacle, Andor focused on the raw political and personal struggles of the Rebellion’s early days. Key topics included: The discussion wasn’t just a rehash of Season 1, though. Season 2 hints were sprinkled throughout, teasing even bigger stakes, new threats, and the long-awaited formation of the Rebel Alliance….
Marvel Rivals: Skimpy Storm Goddess of Thunder Mod – A Bold Take on a Classic Hero
Marvel’s Storm is one of the most iconic heroes in the franchise, known for her majestic presence, incredible weather-controlling abilities, and powerful leadership skills. But if you’ve ever thought her traditional costume needed a more daring twist, the Skimpy Storm Goddess of Thunder Mod brings a bold new redesign to her character in Marvel Rivals. This mod transforms Storm’s default outfit into a more revealing, high-fashion take on her Goddess of Thunder aesthetic, giving her an extra edge of fierce warrior energy while still keeping her electrifying abilities intact. If you love character customization and adding a unique flair to your heroes, this mod is a must-have addition to your mod collection. What is the Skimpy Storm Goddess of Thunder Mod? The Skimpy Storm Goddess of Thunder Mod is a visual rework of Storm’s character model, introducing a sleeker, more stylized costume that embraces a bold and confident design. While…
Star Wars Battlefront II: The Chosen One Update Turns Six
Six years ago, Star Wars Battlefront II players witnessed the arrival of one of the most highly anticipated updates in the game’s history: The Chosen One Update. This patch didn’t just bring any Jedi—it introduced the legendary Anakin Skywalker, alongside the elite 501st Legion and Coruscant Guard. With the addition of the Emote Wheel, clone legion updates, and multiple quality-of-life improvements, this update became a defining moment for the game. Anakin Skywalker: The Most Powerful Hero? One of the biggest highlights of this update was the arrival of Anakin Skywalker, voiced by Matt Lanter. Unlike any other hero in Battlefront II, Anakin had unique abilities that set him apart: With these abilities, Anakin quickly became one of the most dominant heroes in the game—so much so that he later required balance adjustments to keep things fair. His damage output and tanky nature made him an unstoppable force, leading to many…
Andor Season 2: Disney+ Unveils an Unconventional Release Schedule
The highly anticipated second season of Andor is set to hit Disney+ on April 22, 2025, but with a release strategy that’s shaking things up in a galaxy far, far away. Unlike the traditional weekly episode drop, Disney is rolling out all 12 episodes within four weeks, delivering three episodes per week until May 13. Andor Season 2 Release Schedule If you’re used to the usual slow drip of content, buckle up—here’s how the episodes will be released: That’s right—this isn’t a leisurely stroll through Cassian Andor’s journey. Instead, it’s a full-on sprint, packing each week with tightly connected narrative arcs. Why the Unusual Release Structure? Disney’s decision to bundle episodes into four-week arcs rather than stretch them out over three months is certainly an interesting choice. The strategy allows for a more immersive experience, keeping the momentum high and making sure viewers stay engaged. The first season of Andor…