Actor and former professional wrestler Dave Bautista isn’t just a fan of blockbuster action — he’s also openly shared his love for one of the most influential films in cinematic history. In a recent interview detailing his five favorite movies of all time, Bautista listed Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope — the original Star Wars — as a top pick. Reflecting on why the film holds such a special place for him, he said: “It may have just been the time when I saw it, the time it was, with childhood, but everything about that film just makes me feel good. I never get tired of it.” A Fan for Life Bautista’s appreciation of A New Hope goes beyond casual interest. The movie wasn’t just a film he saw — it was a defining experience. He credits the emotional impact of seeing it at a formative time…
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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Andor Writer Dan Gilroy Reveals the Historic Roots Behind Mon Mothma’s Senate Speech
One of the most talked-about moments in Andor wasn’t a battle, a betrayal, or a spy operation — it was a speech. Now, writer Dan Gilroy has shed light on just how carefully that moment was constructed, revealing that Mon Mothma’s Senate address was inspired by some of the most significant political speeches in modern history. A speech built like history Gilroy pointed out a striking detail: Mon Mothma’s speech measures 269 words — just three words shorter than Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. That comparison wasn’t accidental. The speech’s structure and tone draw directly from Lincoln’s rhetorical style, particularly the moral clarity and sense of historic urgency found in his first inaugural address. A blend of global voices But Lincoln wasn’t the only influence. Gilroy explained that Mon’s words also echo the oratory traditions of: That combination of voices helps explain why the scene carries such weight. Rather than sounding…
Rian Johnson Says He Wants New Star Wars Stories Following Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit
Filmmaker Rian Johnson is looking ahead with optimism for the future of Star Wars, expressing excitement about fresh creative voices entering the galaxy far, far away following Kathleen Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm leadership. Johnson, who directed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, shared his perspective in a recent interview, focusing on what he sees as the most thrilling possibility in the post-Kennedy era: new storytellers and new stories. “Fresh voices” driving the future of Star Wars “As a Star Wars fan,” Johnson said, “the most exciting thing for me is always seeing when they bring in fresh voices and fresh filmmakers to come in and tell new stories in that world. That’s what I am looking forward to seeing more happen.” His comments emphasize a creative approach that values diversity of perspective over repetition of familiar formulas — a sentiment shared by many within the industry as leadership at Lucasfilm transitions….
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….
Tom Hardy Says He’s “Up For Doing More Star Wars” After His Last Jedi Cameo
Every once in a while, Star Wars drops one of those weird little crossover facts that feels like it should be bigger news. This week’s version: Tom Hardy says he’d love to do more Star Wars — and yes, he already technically has… thanks to his stormtrooper cameo in The Last Jedi. In a recent interview, Hardy didn’t just say he likes the franchise. He said he’d be “well up” for returning — and even revealed his all-time favorite character. “I love Star Wars. My favourite character is Han Solo… I’ve always wanted to be in a Star Wars film. So playing a stormtrooper was fantastic.” Honestly? Extremely relatable. Tom Hardy’s Star Wars Cameo Was Real (But It Was Cut) If you didn’t remember Hardy showing up in The Last Jedi, don’t worry — you didn’t miss him. His cameo was filmed but did not make the theatrical cut, later…
Kathleen Kennedy Looks Back on The Last Jedi Nine Years Later: “One of the Best Star Wars Movies”
Nine years after The Last Jedi hit theaters and permanently split the Star Wars fandom into factions, Kathleen Kennedy isn’t backing away from it. In a new Deadline exit interview, the outgoing Lucasfilm president not only praises Rian Johnson’s film — she calls it one of the best Star Wars movies — but also suggests the online backlash left a lasting impact on Johnson’s future in the franchise. Why this matters now This isn’t just “old Star Wars drama” being rehashed. Kennedy is stepping away from Lucasfilm leadership, and these interviews are essentially her final on-the-record reflections on the modern Star Wars era — including the moments that shaped it, and the projects that changed the studio’s relationship with fans. And no movie defines that tension more than The Last Jedi. What Kathleen Kennedy said about The Last Jedi Kennedy didn’t hedge her opinion. She directly praised Rian Johnson’s work:…
Kathleen Kennedy Gives Major Updates on Star Wars Movies — Including Mangold “On Hold” and Kinberg’s “New Trilogy”
Star Wars isn’t short on announced projects — it’s short on clarity. But Kathleen Kennedy just delivered one of the most direct “here’s what’s actually happening” updates we’ve had in a while, giving status checks on multiple major in-development films. Some projects are alive. Some are stalled. And at least one is being framed as the next real centerpiece of Star Wars on the big screen. Why this matters now With Kennedy stepping away from Lucasfilm leadership and the studio shifting into a new structure (Filoni on creative direction, Brennan on business), fans are asking a simple question: Which Star Wars movies are real — and which ones are just names on a whiteboard? Kennedy’s answers don’t confirm release dates across the board, but they do confirm what’s moving forward, what’s paused, and what’s still possible. The big update: Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi is “on hold” Kennedy confirmed that…
Kathleen Kennedy Addresses Sexism in Star Wars Fandom: “They Unfairly Get Targeted”
Kathleen Kennedy’s exit interview tour isn’t just about movies, shows, and leadership structure. It’s also about something Star Wars has wrestled with for years — and too often refuses to talk about directly: the harassment and sexism aimed at women in the franchise, both on-screen and behind the camera. In her new Deadline interview, Kennedy speaks candidly about what female Star Wars actors and filmmakers face, and why she doesn’t sugarcoat it when new women enter the franchise. Why this matters now Lucasfilm is in the middle of a major transition — Kennedy stepping down, a new leadership structure forming, and Star Wars preparing for its next big era. But as that next era arrives, one thing hasn’t changed: women who become visible in Star Wars projects are still disproportionately targeted online. Kennedy putting that reality into words matters, because it’s not a fan theory or a vague PR statement….
Kathleen Kennedy Names the Lowest Point of Her Lucasfilm Era — and It’s About Fan Expectations
Kathleen Kennedy has said a lot over the years about Star Wars, leadership, pressure, and the sheer chaos of steering one of pop culture’s most emotionally-owned franchises. But in her latest Deadline interview — released as her Lucasfilm exit becomes official — she finally puts words to what she considers the low point of her time running the studio. And it’s not a box office number. Not a cancelled movie. Not a particular show. It’s the impossible math of trying to satisfy everyone. Why this matters now Kennedy stepping away from Lucasfilm isn’t just a management shuffle — it’s the end of a defining era for modern Star Wars. So every line from her exit interview matters, because this is the version of the story that will stick: what she felt went right, what went wrong, and what she believes the franchise actually struggled with. And her answer here touches…
Hayden Christensen Reveals He Wore Wigs While Playing Anakin in Revenge of the Sith
Every Star Wars era has its behind-the-scenes secrets. Some are massive lore decisions. Some are wild production challenges. And some are… hair. At a recent appearance, Hayden Christensen revealed that he wore wigs while portraying Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith — and he even kept one of them. “I kept one of the wigs from Episode III,” Christensen said, before adding: “Full disclosure, that’s not my real hair.” That’s the kind of Star Wars fact that’s both hilarious and completely believable. Why this matters now Hayden Christensen has been having a major Star Wars renaissance in recent years. Between his return as Anakin and his growing presence at fan events, there’s been a noticeable shift: he’s not just revisiting the role — he’s owning it. And moments like this are part of why. Fans don’t just love new story content. They love the human details — the kind…
Mia Goth on Star Wars: Starfighter: “It Was Incredible”
There’s a kind of joy that can only come from being part of a big, collaborative movie set — and Mia Goth says Star Wars: Starfighter delivered exactly that. Speaking with Collider about her experience working on the film, Goth didn’t hold back when describing what it was like to step into the Star Wars galaxy. She called it “incredible” and “the most fun on a film set” she’s had — high praise from an actor with a wide range of acclaimed roles. Not just another gig What makes her comments stand out isn’t just enthusiasm — it’s specificity. Goth highlighted director Shawn Levy as a big part of what made the experience special. She described him as “electric,” praising his energy, his connection with the cast and crew, and how that vibe shaped the atmosphere on set. That kind of rapport isn’t always visible to audiences, but it’s often…
Star Wars: Starfighter Is Built Around a Father-Son Dynamic
Early reporting on Star Wars: Starfighter has been tantalizingly cautious—tight-lipped about plot specifics and character details. But one theme director Shawn Levy confirms is central to the story: it’s anchored in a father-son dynamic. That might sound simple on its face, but in a franchise defined by legacy and lineage, this choice resonates in a very Star Wars way. Building a Star Wars story on emotional grounding Levy has a long track record with emotionally centered adventure films, and his past work often circles relationships between adults and younger characters. That sensibility appears to be shaping Starfighter too. In a recent interview connected to his New York Times profile, Levy discussed how moments of intergenerational connection have drawn him back again and again in storytelling. While the full plot is still under wraps, the fact that Starfighter is described as being built around paternal bonds suggests we might see a…
Shawn Levy Recalls How a Stranger Things Scene Led to His First Contact With Lucasfilm
Careers don’t always intersect with major franchises through formal pitches or long-planned meetings. Sometimes, they cross paths because of a single creative question that needs an answer. For Shawn Levy, that moment came during the making of Season 1 of Stranger Things, years before he became attached to a new Star Wars project. The scene that raised a problem While developing the first season of Stranger Things, the creative team planned a scene in which Eleven uses her telekinetic powers to levitate the Millennium Falcon. It was meant as a brief but recognizable pop-culture reference. That idea immediately ran into a legal and rights issue. Levy explained that Netflix informed the production they would need permission to reference the Millennium Falcon. The response came back quickly—and decisively. The answer was no. The show would need to replace the object with something else. Reaching out directly At that point, Levy had…
Mark Hamill Names the One Actor He’s Always Wanted to Work With
Sometimes the most interesting Star Wars moments happen far away from a movie set. In a recent interview, Mark Hamill was asked a deceptively simple question: which actor has he always wanted to work with? His answer didn’t involve a new collaboration or an unexpected pick from another franchise. Instead, Hamill pointed backward. “Well, in the sequel trilogies, Harrison Ford.” It’s a line delivered without irony, and it carries more weight than it might first appear. Context matters here Hamill and Harrison Ford are inseparable in the public imagination. Luke Skywalker and Han Solo helped define Star Wars together, and their on-screen chemistry shaped the original trilogy’s tone as much as the story itself. But the sequel era didn’t really give them a shared runway. Ford returned as Han Solo in The Force Awakens, and later appeared again in The Rise of Skywalker—not in a sweeping reunion, but in an…
Daisy Ridley Says the New Jedi Order Movie Will Be “Wonderful”
Speaking recently with ComicBook.com, Daisy Ridley offered an update on the long-gestating New Jedi Order film—and her words land somewhere between optimism and caution. Ridley described the story as “wonderful,” but the more telling part of her comments wasn’t the praise. It was the restraint. “I am six years older. I am in a different moment,” Ridley said.“I think the wait will be worthwhile. I think it will be a discovery, as all roles are, of where Rey is when we meet her again.” That doesn’t sound like someone promising a victory lap. It sounds like someone aware of how much has changed—both personally and within Star Wars itself. A Return That Carries Real Risk Bringing Rey back is not a neutral decision for Lucasfilm. Rey remains one of the most debated figures of the sequel era, praised by some as a symbol of hope and criticized by others as…
Bryce Dallas Howard Says Directing Ahsoka Season 2 Was “The Most Fun” of Her Adult Life
When Bryce Dallas Howard describes a job as “fun, fun and more fun,” Hollywood usually listens politely and moves on. When she adds that directing episodes of Ahsoka Season 2 was “the most fun that I have had in my adult life”—and calls the experience “magical”—that’s a different signal entirely. This isn’t hype. It’s a seasoned filmmaker talking about a creative high point inside one of the most closely watched productions on Disney+. And for Star Wars fans, it offers a revealing look at why Ahsoka continues to feel both confident and playful as it expands its corner of the galaxy. A Director Who Knows This Galaxy Howard isn’t a guest passing through Star Wars. By now, she’s one of the franchise’s most reliable behind-the-camera voices. Her work on The Mandalorian—including fan-favorite episodes like “Sanctuary” and “The Heiress”—earned her a reputation for balancing emotional character beats with clean, readable action….
Finn Wolfhard Calls The Last Jedi “Underrated” in Recent Interview
Every few years, Star Wars: The Last Jedi finds a new defender. This time, it’s coming from someone who knows a thing or two about pop-culture pressure. Finn Wolfhard, best known for Stranger Things, recently spoke about his love for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, calling it “so good and underrated.” His praise wasn’t vague or polite, either. He singled out the film’s willingness to take risks. “I loved that movie,” Wolfhard said. “I think that movie is so good and underrated. At least there was a thing like let’s take a swing and try some new ideas.” The comments come via Vanity Fair, and they land in a familiar fault line of modern Star Wars conversation. Why this still matters Nearly a decade after its release, The Last Jedi remains one of the most divisive films in the franchise. Some viewers see it as a bold, character-driven shake-up. Others…
Tony Gilroy Pushes Back on Claims That Andor Is a Left-Leaning Show
Andor has often been described as one of the most politically grounded Star Wars series ever made. That framing has led some viewers to label it as explicitly left-leaning. According to Tony Gilroy, that interpretation misses the point. In a recent interview, Gilroy addressed the assumption head-on, making it clear that while his own political beliefs lean left, Andor was never designed to argue for a specific political program. Why This Conversation Keeps Coming Up Andor arrived at a moment when audiences are primed to read politics into everything. The show deals with authoritarian power, surveillance, bureaucracy, and rebellion—topics that naturally invite real-world comparisons. But Gilroy’s position is that Andor isn’t interested in policy debates. It’s interested in pressure. That distinction matters, especially as Star Wars storytelling has increasingly been filtered through modern political lenses rather than narrative intent. What Gilroy Actually Said Speaking on a podcast interview, Gilroy explained…