Star Wars is no stranger to drama, but this time the conflict isn’t happening in a galaxy far, far away. It’s happening in a courtroom — and the ripple effects could change the way Hollywood handles digital likenesses forever. The headline?A 1993 contract involving the likeness rights of Peter Cushing — Grand Moff Tarkin himself — has resurfaced, and it’s raising big questions about how Lucasfilm and Disney can legally use digitally recreated actors. And yes, this could rewrite more than Star Wars history. The Legal Twist No One Saw Coming The story revolves around Rogue One (2016), where filmmakers digitally recreated Tarkin using CGI. The performance was impressive, controversial, and apparently… not entirely settled legally. According to reporting, a 1993 agreement may give the actor’s estate more control over the use of his likeness than previously assumed. The contract is now being dissected in a London court, with lawyers…
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A Newly Restored Star Wars Is Returning to Theaters in 2027 — Just in Time for the 50th Anniversary
It finally happened.After decades of debates, edits, re-edits, and “Han shot first” arguments echoing across the galaxy, Lucasfilm has confirmed that a newly restored version of the original Star Wars (1977) will hit theaters February 19, 2027 to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary. Yes, you read that correctly: Star Wars — the one that started it all — is coming back to the big screen. And not just dusted off, but restored, polished, and prepared for a theatrical return worthy of a galactic milestone. This is not a drill. This is not another rumor. This is happening. Why This Re-Release Is a Big Deal Star Wars fans have been asking for years — decades — for a modern theatrical re-release of the original film. The announcement confirms what many hoped for but few expected: Lucasfilm is opening the vault. A restored version means: For many younger fans who discovered the…
Vecna’s Entrance in Stranger Things 5 Was Inspired by Darth Vader — The Duffer Brothers Confirm the Star Wars Connection
Stranger Things has never been shy about paying homage to iconic horror and sci-fi moments, but Season 5 takes that love letter to cinema to a whole new level. According to the Duffer Brothers, Vecna’s dramatic entrance in Episode 4 (“Sorcerer”) was directly inspired by Darth Vader’s legendary hallway scene in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. And once you see the comparison… yeah. It’s unmistakable. The creators break down Vecna’s redesign, his rebuilt form, and his entrance in the official Netflix Tudum episode guide — which is absolutely worth the read. The Vader Inspiration: How Star Wars Shaped Vecna’s Return For Episode 4, the Duffers wanted Vecna’s reappearance to feel mythic — not just another monster reveal, but a moment with cinematic gravity. Vader walking through that smoke-filled corridor in Rogue One has become the modern gold standard for “unstoppable villain enters the chat.” So they borrowed the emotional…
McDonald’s Celebrates Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary With 70 Toys — Including 9 Star Wars Collectibles
McDonald’s is celebrating 70 years of the Disneyland Resort in the only appropriate way:by dropping a massive set of 70 different Happy Meal toys, each one themed to a moment, character, or attraction from across Disneyland’s history. Yes — 70 toys.Yes — collectors everywhere just felt a disturbance in the Force. But the biggest headline for us galaxy-far-far-away people? McDonald’s included nine Star Wars toys in the lineup. Between Disneyland history, Star Tours nostalgia, and Galaxy’s Edge hype, this crossover practically writes itself — and it’s already shaping up to be one of McDonald’s biggest collectible promotions in years. Celebrating 70 Years of Disneyland Magic Disneyland opened in 1955, and since then, the resort has evolved into a multi-generation dream machine full of classic attractions, land expansions, and big IP crossovers. McDonald’s is tapping into that legacy by releasing: This isn’t just a kids’ meal promotion — it’s a full-scale…
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art to Open September 22, 2026 — A Dream Years in the Making
After years of anticipation, delays, and more than a few whispers across the fandom galaxy, it’s finally happening: the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will officially open its doors in Los Angeles on September 22, 2026. Founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, the museum aims to celebrate storytelling across all forms — from classical paintings to modern cinema, comic books, and concept art. And yes, you can bet there’ll be plenty of Star Wars magic inside. A Museum Dedicated to the Power of Story The Lucas Museum isn’t your typical art museum. Rather than focusing on one medium or style, it’s built around a simple but powerful idea: art tells stories. According to Lucas, the goal is to explore how narrative shapes culture — and how art, in turn, tells the story of who we are. The museum’s collections will cover everything from Norman…
New Cartel Market Additions: Dyes & Black Loth-cat Kitten Minipet (Oct 3, 2025)
Today’s Star Wars: The Old Republic update brings new style options to the Cartel Market—with eye-catching dyes and a brand-new minipet. If you’ve been waiting to freshen up your character’s look or show off a tiny companion, this update has you covered. What’s New 1. Fresh Dye Modules Several new metallic, chrome, and “vulcanized” dye modules are now available to tailor your favorite outfits. The current lineup includes: These dyes are shown applied to the Prototype Test Pilot armor set in the announcement screenshots, giving a preview of how they’ll look in-game. Also available is the Galactic Heroes Dye Bundle, which packages a selection of these new color combinations for easier acquisition. 2. New Minipet: Black Loth-cat Kitten Joining the Cartel Market today is a Black Loth-cat Kitten—a sleek, dark version of the classic Loth-cat that’s ideal for players seeking a refined, mysterious companion. Minipets are a fun cosmetic addition…
SWTOR Executive Producer Letter Q2 2025: Dynamic Worlds, Species Upgrades, and What’s Coming Next
The SWTOR development team just dropped a Q2 2025 transmission, and it’s packed tighter than a Jawa sandcrawler. From tech upgrades and new events to character customizations and long-awaited story expansions, the Executive Producer Letter reads like a greatest hits list for MMO updates. If you’ve been waiting for news on Galactic Threads, DirectX 12, or just wondering if Rattataki will ever stop looking like smudged chalk art—this is the one to read. Let’s break it all down, one update at a time. Game Update 7.6.1 – Rising Powers Back in March, Game Update 7.6.1 kicked things off with Galactic Season 8, aptly titled Rising Powers. Highlights include: Add in a few flashy rewards and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a seasonal grind that felt fresh, not forced. Game Update 7.7 – Dynamic Worlds May 28 ushered in Game Update 7.7 “Dynamic Worlds”, bringing a much-needed sense of chaos…
Rey’s New Jedi Order Is Taking a Time-Out
So, the Star Wars universe just hit pause on New Jedi Order. Daisy Ridley is still in play as Rey, and Sharmeen Obaid‑Chinoy’s directing gig isn’t canned—it’s more like a strategic intermission. Word on the street (thanks to Daniel Richtman) is that Lucasfilm is pivoting to fresh projects from Shawn Levy and James Mangold first. And with no official writer replacing Steven Knight yet, the script is still… cooking. Ridley herself emphasizes quality over speed. Having seen early drafts from George Nolfi, she’s onboard—but she’d prefer a killer script over a rushed release. So the film is alive, just not breathing yet. James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi Surges Forward Meanwhile, Mangold’s working on something big. He’s teamed up with Beau Willimon (Andor) to pen a script set 25,000 years before Episode I—the Dawn of the Jedi. Think epic origins, exploring where the Force came from and who first wielded it, with a…
Star Wars: Hunters is Shutting Down – The Sunset on Vespaara
A Bittersweet Farewell to the Galactic Arena Well, it looks like the sun is setting on yet another corner of the Star Wars universe. Zynga recently announced that Star Wars: Hunters, their competitive arena-based mobile game, is officially closing its blast doors for good. If you had dreams of dominating Vespaara’s arenas as your favorite bounty hunter or Jedi, better fire up your devices now, because this sunset is rapidly approaching. Why is Star Wars: Hunters Shutting Down? As much as we’d like to blame the Sith Lords for everything, Zynga made it clear that after careful consideration and extensive feedback, they’ve decided to pull the plug on the project. Their official announcement didn’t pinpoint a specific reason, but generally, these closures are due to declining player engagement, changing market demands, or the need to refocus resources on newer projects. Important Dates for Players Player Compensation, Arena Pass, and Refunds…
SWTOR Maintenance Update: What to Expect on January 30th
Heads up, Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) players! A scheduled maintenance update is rolling out today, January 30th, bringing important backend improvements to the game’s purchase systems. This isn’t your typical patch with bug fixes or new story content—it’s a targeted update aimed at refining the commerce experience, particularly on Steam and the official SWTOR website. So, what’s changing, and how will this affect you? Here’s everything you need to know before the servers go down for maintenance. Why Is This Maintenance Happening? This maintenance is all about updating SWTOR’s backend commerce systems to improve payment processing and ensure compliance with EU 3D Secure requirements. Think of it as a digital makeover for SWTOR’s checkout system. These changes were initially planned for patch 7.6d, but after realizing they needed more time, the team opted for a separate maintenance window. The goal is to reduce friction during purchases, especially for…
Bad Luck Protection Arrives in SWTOR: Guaranteed Drops Are Finally Here
When it comes to loot in Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR), there’s one universal truth: the RNG gods can be merciless. But despair no more! In patch 7.6d, the developers are introducing a new system aimed at reducing that frustrating “Curse of Bad Luck”. Yes, guaranteed drops are officially making their way into the game. Let’s dive into the details and see what’s coming your way. What Is Bad Luck Protection in SWTOR? The Bad Luck Prevention system is a clever new feature that tracks your loot attempts on certain items. Here’s how it works: Every time you collect loot from a specific source, the system checks whether you received one of the “protected” items (a fancy way of saying the really rare stuff you’re after). If not, the system quietly counts your attempt. Once you’ve reached a predetermined number of tries, voilà—you’re guaranteed to get the item. It’s…
Sam Witwer Joins the Star-Studded Lineup for Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025
In a galaxy not so far away, Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 is shaping up to be an event of legendary proportions. The latest news? Sam Witwer—known for his stellar performances in Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series and The Force Unleashed video games—is officially joining the ever-expanding list of celebrity guests. The announcement has fans buzzing, and honestly, who could blame them? Witwer’s connection to the Star Wars universe is deep enough to rival the Sarlacc pit, and his addition to the lineup is just the kind of high-octane energy this event deserves. Who Is Sam Witwer and Why Is This a Big Deal? For the uninitiated, Sam Witwer isn’t just another name in the Star Wars credits. He’s the voice behind Darth Maul in The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, delivering a performance so iconic it redefined the character for a generation. But he doesn’t stop…
SWTOR Game Update 7.6: Dynamic Encounters and The Propagator Core XR-53
The galaxy is alive, bustling with chaotic adventures, and full of encounters both dynamic and… kitten-related? Yes, that’s the magic of SWTOR Game Update 7.6! Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of the latest update, complete with Dynamic Encounters and the menacing Propagator Core XR-53 Operation Boss. Dynamic Encounters: Adventures with a Twist Dynamic Encounters are here to make sure Tatooine and Hoth feel like living, breathing planets rather than just big sandboxes (and snowboxes). These new activities rotate their availability, so there’s always something fresh to sink your teeth into. What Are Dynamic Encounters? Dynamic Encounters are spontaneous, map-marked events that anyone can jump into, whether flying solo or with a squad. Keep an eye on your Galaxy Map to see what’s active. From there, it’s all about exploring, encountering, and completing the tasks at hand. Fun Highlights: And just when you thought things couldn’t get weirder—Hidden Chain Invasions….
The Star Wars Universe Introduces a Transgender Clone Trooper: A New Frontier in Representation
A galaxy far, far away just took a bold step towards inclusivity! In the latest addition to the Star Wars universe, a transgender clone trooper has been introduced, sparking conversations about representation, diversity, and inclusivity within one of the world’s most beloved franchises. This new character, a clone trooper known as “Sister,” marks a significant moment not only for the Star Wars lore but also for fans and advocates pushing for more diversity in media. Who Is “Sister”? “Sister” is the codename given to this new clone trooper, who identifies as female, in a story set during the Clone Wars era. Like her fellow clones, she was created from the DNA of Jango Fett. However, unlike the other clones, Sister’s gender identity and journey stand out, providing a different perspective on what it means to be part of the clone army. This unique character challenges the traditional portrayal of clones…
Remembering Shawna Trpcic: The Visionary Behind Iconic Star Wars Costumes
The Star Wars community mourns the loss of Shawna Trpcic, the Emmy-nominated costume designer whose creative genius brought to life some of the most iconic costumes from series like “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” and “Ahsoka.” Lucasfilm expressed deep sorrow over her passing, acknowledging the indelible mark she left on the Star Wars universe. Read also: SHAWNA TRPCIC: Designing Dreams Across Galaxies, The Legacy of an Emmy-Nominated Costume Visionary, Her Rise to Fame, Cause of death and all you need to know (1967-2023) Kindle Edition A Storied Career Born in Artesia, California, Shawna Trpcic’s journey in the world of costume design began in 1990. Over the years, she contributed to numerous productions, both big and small, before joining Lucasfilm productions in 2019, starting with the second season of “The Mandalorian.” Trpcic was not just a designer but also an ardent Star Wars historian. She delved deep into the making…
The Future of Elstree Studios: A £150m Investment Needed
Elstree Studios, the historic film complex that served as the filming location for iconic productions such as Star Wars and The Crown, is in dire need of at least £150m for necessary renovations, according to a council report. The report, issued by Hertsmere Borough Council, the owner of the studios, highlighted the urgent need for funds to replace “life-expired buildings” and address safety issues, including the presence of asbestos. The council report revealed that some of the studio’s infrastructure is “at least 100 years old and past its useful life. It also noted that some walls were not expected to last more than 10 to 15 years. During asbestos remediation efforts, contractors discovered that the roofs over stages seven, eight, and nine were in a “dangerous state”. Despite the evident need for investment, the council stated that it could not “afford to continually invest” in the Borehamwood film complex. This…
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Confirmed to Span Eight Episodes on Disney+
The Star Wars universe continues to expand and evolve, with the latest installment, “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” slated to make its debut on Disney+. Recently, the upcoming series caught the attention of fans worldwide when it was revealed that its first season would consist of eight episodes. An Eight-Episode Adventure in the Galaxy Far, Far Away Following in the footsteps of other Star Wars television series like “The Mandalorian,” “Ahsoka,” and “The High Republic” series “The Acolyte,” “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” joins the eight-episode club. This consistency in episode count demonstrates Disney+’s commitment to a format that provides ample screen time to develop characters, narratives, and the rich universe that Star Wars fans have come to love. The Journey Ahead with Skeleton Crew “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” promises an intriguing premise – a ragtag group of lost children attempting to find their way home. The series will feature Jude Law…
Ray Stevenson, Noted ‘Thor’ and ‘Star Wars’ Actor, Passes Away at 58
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a great talent today, as British actor Ray Stevenson, known for his roles in Marvel’s ‘Thor’ and the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, has passed away at the age of 58. Born in Northern Ireland and raised in England, Stevenson made a name for himself with his robust performances and indomitable on-screen presence. Best known for his role as Volstagg in the ‘Thor’ franchise, Stevenson’s charismatic performances left an indelible impact on audiences worldwide. His portrayal of the jovial yet mighty warrior in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) was met with widespread acclaim. Stevenson’s contributions to the ‘Star Wars’ universe were equally significant. He lent his voice to Gar Saxon in ‘Star Wars Rebels’ and ‘The Mandalorian,’ bringing the character to life with an intensity and depth that perfectly captured the essence of the ‘Star Wars’ universe. His performances across these two franchises highlight his…
Natalie Portman Open to Reprising Role as Padmé Amidala in Star Wars
In a recent development that has excited Star Wars fans worldwide, Natalie Portman, who played Queen Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, has expressed her openness to return to the iconic role. This comes despite her character’s death in “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith,” which marked a pivotal moment in the series, pushing Anakin Skywalker to abandon the Jedi path and succumb to the dark side of the Force. The Disney+ Star Wars shows have revisited earlier timelines in the Star Wars universe, with actors like Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reprising their roles as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin/Darth Vader respectively. However, Padmé Amidala has not yet made an appearance. While the character of Padmé was not necessary for the narrative of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, and it’s hard to envision a new spin-off or prequel focusing on her, Natalie Portman has shown interest in returning if…
The Closing of Disney World’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
In a surprising turn of events, Disney World’s highly anticipated immersive experience, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, will be closing its doors. The announcement, reported by CNBC on May 18th, 2023, comes as a major disappointment to Star Wars fans worldwide. The Galactic Starcruiser was a unique, immersive experience that promised guests a two-night adventure aboard a luxury spaceship filled with characters and stories from the Star Wars universe. Although the exact reasons for the closure have not been fully disclosed, it appears the decision has come about as a result of several converging factors. From the outset, the Galactic Starcruiser experience was pitched as a high-end offering, with prices reflecting this exclusivity. However, the hefty price tag led to criticisms from guests who felt the cost was not reflective of the value offered by the experience. Despite its unique concept and the incredible attention to detail that went into creating…
Embrace the Force with Fanatical’s 80% Off Star Wars Game Bundle
Star Wars Celebration brought an incredible amount of excitement to fans last weekend, with the highly anticipated sequel Star Wars Jedi: Survivor set to release on April 28th. Fans can continue to immerse themselves in the galaxy far, far away with a 14-game Star Wars bundle on Fanatical, available at a massive 80% discount for a limited time. The Star Wars Collection, typically priced at £76/$100, is now available for just £16/$21. With this purchase, you’ll receive 14 Steam codes to redeem these thrilling games. However, don’t wait too long, as this deal ends on April 16th. Below is an overview of the 14 Star Wars games included in the bundle, showcasing the incredible variety of genres available, ensuring there’s something for every Star Wars fan. Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) is a classic role-playing game (RPG) developed by BioWare. Set 4,000 years before the Galactic Empire, players assume…
How to Watch Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 at Home
Can’t make it to London for Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023? Don’t worry, you can still be a part of the galaxy far, far away from the comfort of your own home. The event, taking place from April 7-10, will provide fans with a range of ways to stay updated and engaged. Here’s how you can participate and enjoy the event from home. Live Streaming: Lucasfilm’s official live stream, Star Wars Celebration LIVE!, will be your gateway to the event. Tune in on the StarWars.com homepage or YouTube.com/StarWars at the following times: The live stream will feature select panels, celebrity guests on the LIVE! stage, exclusive interviews, and much more. News and Features: For the latest news, features, and updates from Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023, be sure to visit the StarWars.com homepage and the News + Features section. This will keep you informed of all the breaking news and…
Redemption Arc for Jar Jar Binks’ Actor in Star Wars
Ahmed Best, the actor who once portrayed the much-maligned Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequels, is set to make a triumphant return to the franchise in a new Mandalorian spinoff series. Best will step into the role of Jedi Knight Beq, a character who has already won fans over in the Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge series. Ahmed Best first became a household name with his portrayal of Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The character, however, proved to be divisive among fans, with many criticizing the Gungan’s antics and comic relief role as detracting from the overall tone of the films. Despite the backlash, Best has remained an active participant in the Star Wars community and has embraced his part in the series’ history. His new role as Jedi Beq in the upcoming Mandalorian spinoff presents a chance for Best to showcase his talents…
Wookieepedia Takes a Step Forward in Inclusivity with Latest Update
Wookieepedia, the go-to online encyclopedia for all things Star Wars, has taken a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity in the Star Wars community. In its latest update, the site has added the option for users to specify their preferred pronouns. The feature, which allows users to add their preferred pronouns to their profiles, is a small but important change that demonstrates Wookieepedia’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all Star Wars fans. The move is part of a growing trend among online communities to provide users with more control over their personal information and how they are represented. By including the option to specify preferred pronouns, Wookieepedia is sending a message of acceptance and support to those who identify as non-binary, gender non-conforming, or transgender. It’s a recognition of the fact that gender is a complex and personal aspect of identity, and that everyone deserves to…