Walt Disney Studios at CinemaCon: Extended Look at The Mandalorian & Grogu Likely — Starfighter Less So

Walt Disney Studios has confirmed its presentation at CinemaCon on April 16, and Star Wars fans are already speculating about what Lucasfilm might reveal at the event. With The Mandalorian & Grogu now less than two months from its theatrical release, an extended look at the movie could be part of the showcase. The presentation comes at a key moment in Disney’s promotional calendar — CinemaCon is one of the first major film industry gatherings of the year, where studios often unveil new footage, extended trailers, and exclusive clips ahead of summer movie season. The Mandalorian & Grogu Is a Big Disney 2026 Release The Mandalorian & Grogu is already one of Lucasfilm’s most anticipated releases, scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 22, 2026. Directed by Jon Favreau and co-written with Dave Filoni, the movie brings the beloved characters from the Disney+ series to the big screen. So far,…

Read More

The Mandalorian & Grogu Will Be “A Lot Bigger Than the Series,” Says Lateef Crowder

The scale of The Mandalorian & Grogu just got a little clearer. According to Lateef Crowder, the upcoming Star Wars film isn’t simply an extended episode of the Disney+ series — it’s something much bigger. “I want people to be surprised. One thing I will say is there’s a lot of great action, a lot bigger than the series.” Crowder shared the comment during a recent interview, offering a rare on-the-record hint about what fans should expect when Din Djarin and Grogu make the jump from streaming to the big screen. Full video interview: “Bigger Than the Series” Is the Key Phrase Here That specific wording matters. The Mandalorian already delivers cinematic action by TV standards, but Crowder’s comment suggests the film is leaning fully into theatrical-scale storytelling — not just in visuals, but in action design. In other words:this isn’t a “Disney+ movie.” It’s a Star Wars movie. What…

Read More

MAUL – SHADOW LORD Used Hand-Painted Glass Art to Create the City of Janix

One of the most striking elements in MAUL – SHADOW LORD isn’t a lightsaber duel or a Sith monologue — it’s the city of Janix itself. According to new behind-the-scenes information, the city was created using a surprisingly old-school technique:artists physically painted the city on pieces of glass and canvas, then used those paintings as background elements in the series. Yes — actual paint. Actual glass. In 2026. A Practical Technique in a Digital Star Wars Series Rather than building Janix entirely in 3D, the art team chose to lean on a method with deep roots in film history. The process involved: The result is a city that feels layered, distant, and slightly surreal — perfect for a story centered on Maul’s shadowy rise. Why Glass Paintings Still Matter This technique isn’t new. It’s a classic filmmaking trick used long before CGI became dominant — and Star Wars itself has…

Read More

Star Wars: Propaganda and Truth — What the Video Breaks Down

A new cinematic video titled “Star Wars: Propaganda and Truth” examines how the Star Wars saga portrays the forces of persuasion, power, and information — and how those in charge shape reality to control the galaxy. The video isn’t a plot recap — it’s more of a montage and thematic exploration, pulling together scenes from across Star Wars to show how messages are shaped, narratives are controlled, and truth becomes a weapon in its own right. “Propaganda” as a Storytelling Device in Star Wars At its core, Star Wars is as much a story about information and influence as it is about lightsabers and space battles. Whether it’s the messaging used by the Galactic Republic, the Republic’s enemies, the Empire, or the Rebel Alliance, the way the saga frames truth and persuasion is a recurring theme that the video highlights: In Star Wars, such narrative battles complement physical ones: winning…

Read More

On This Day in Battlefront: The Darth Tyranus Update Dropped 7 Years Ago

If you were playing Star Wars Battlefront II back in its glory days, you probably remember exactly where you were when this happened: The Darth Tyranus Update released 7 years ago today. And it wasn’t just another patch — it was one of those updates that instantly changed the feel of the game, mainly because it finally brought in one of the most requested prequel-era villains. Yes… Count Dooku arrived. Count Dooku (Serenno’s Sith) Entered the Battlefield The update was headlined by Serenno’s Count Dooku, aka Darth Tyranus — smooth, brutal, and absolutely built for people who enjoy deleting enemies with elegant lightsaber swings and zero mercy. Dooku didn’t just feel like “another hero.” He felt like a statement:Battlefront II was going all-in on the Clone Wars era. And honestly? That era is where the game truly started to shine. Geonosis Expanded Into More Modes The update also brought Geonosis…

Read More

The Acolyte Finale Originally Included an Osha and Qimir Kiss (According to The Art of The Acolyte)

Well… this would have changed the vibe. A new behind-the-scenes detail from The Art of The Acolyte reveals that an original version of the finale reportedly featured Osha and Qimir kissing. That moment didn’t make it into the final cut — but the fact that it was even considered tells you a lot about what the show was aiming for with their relationship. What Was Cut From the Finale? According to the information shared in The Art of The Acolyte, the creators explored a version of the ending where: ✅ Osha and Qimir kiss❌ The kiss was ultimately removed from the finished episode So no, it wasn’t “canon romance” on screen… but it was on the table at some point in production. And honestly, the finale we got already walked right up to that line. Why This Detail Matters Osha and Qimir wasn’t a simple “hero meets villain” dynamic. The…

Read More

Sam Witwer Confirmed for Washington State Summer Con (June 19–21, 2026)

If you’re anywhere near the Pacific Northwest next summer, this is a Star Wars guest announcement worth circling on the calendar. Sam Witwer has been confirmed as an attending guest at Washington State Summer Con, taking place June 19–21, 2026 at the Washington State Fair and Events Center in Puyallup, Washington. And yes — that’s the Sam Witwer Star Wars fans instantly recognize. Why This Is a Big Star Wars Guest Booking Witwer is one of the most beloved multi-era Star Wars performers, known for: With MAUL – SHADOW LORD arriving in 2026, his con appearances are about to get even more attention than usual. Vis dette opslag på Instagram Et opslag delt af Washington State Summer Con (@wasummercon) Event Details: Washington State Summer Con 2026 Here’s what’s confirmed: The convention is known for bringing in genre guests across sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture — and Star Wars names tend…

Read More

98th Academy Award Nominations: ILM, Skywalker Sound, and Star Wars Alumni Show Up All Over the List

The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards are in — and once again, Star Wars is all over the technical side of the industry… even when Star Wars itself isn’t the movie being nominated. Because when the Oscars get to categories like Visual Effects and Sound, two names keep showing up behind the scenes: In other words: Star Wars craftsmanship, still quietly carrying half of Hollywood on its back. ILM’s Presence at the Oscars Is Basically a Tradition Now Even when there isn’t a Star Wars film in the race, ILM is usually involved in multiple projects getting Academy recognition — and the 98th Oscars are no different. The Academy’s process for Visual Effects typically includes a shortlist/bake-off stage before final nominees are locked in, and ILM talent is involved across a wide range of major titles competing in the category. If you’ve ever watched a modern blockbuster and thought…

Read More

Disney+ Has Turned May the 4th Into a Star Wars Release Tradition (Now 6 Years Running)

May the 4th used to be mostly about memes, marathons, and people posting the same Vader GIF like it was brand-new information. Now? It’s basically a release date. Because 2026 marks the 6th year in a row where Disney+ debuts a new Star Wars project on May the 4th — and at this point, it’s clearly not an accident. 6 Years of Star Wars Releases on May the 4th (Disney+) Here’s the streak: That’s six straight years where May 4th wasn’t just “Star Wars Day.” It was also content drop day. Why This Matters (Even If It Sounds Like a Fun Little Trivia Fact) This isn’t just a cute calendar coincidence. It says something pretty obvious about Disney’s current Star Wars strategy: May the 4th is now a marketing anchor Disney+ doesn’t need to explain May 4th releases anymore. The date sells itself. Animation is carrying the tradition Notice the…

Read More

MAUL – SHADOW LORD Release Schedule: Full Disney+ Episode Dates (April–May)

If you’re planning your Sundays like a proper Sith loyalist, here’s the one thing you need: ✅ The full Disney+ release schedule for MAUL – SHADOW LORD. Lucasfilm is dropping the series in double-episode batches, meaning you’re getting two episodes at a time — every week — all the way through early May. MAUL – SHADOW LORD Release Schedule (Disney+) 📅 April 6 Episodes 1 & 2 📅 April 13 Episodes 3 & 4 📅 April 20 Episodes 5 & 6 📅 April 27 Episodes 7 & 8 📅 May 4 Episodes 9 & 10 How Many Episodes Are in MAUL – SHADOW LORD? Based on the schedule, MAUL – SHADOW LORD is a 10-episode season, released over five weeks. So yes: you’ll be done by May 4. Which feels extremely intentional, because Star Wars doesn’t miss an opportunity to make May the 4th feel like a big moment. Why…

Read More

MAUL – SHADOW LORD Trailer Drops (And the Disney+ Premiere Date Is Set)

It’s official: the first trailer for MAUL – SHADOW LORD is here. Lucasfilm just released the very first look at the upcoming animated series, and it’s already clear what kind of ride this is going to be: darker tone, sharper edge, and Maul doing what Maul does best — building power through pure menace. Even better: the trailer also confirms the premiere date. ✅ MAUL – SHADOW LORD premieres on Disney+ on April 6. Trailer: The First Trailer Is Out — And It Looks Like “Dangerous Star Wars” This isn’t a cute side-story. The trailer sells MAUL – SHADOW LORD as a series that lives deep in the post-Clone Wars chaos — the era where the galaxy is reorganizing under the Empire, and the people in the shadows are making their moves. Which, let’s be honest… is where Maul always shines. April 6 Premiere Date Confirmed The big headline for…

Read More

Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes Update 1-21 – Broken Vader, Accelerated Batcher, and Conquest Compensation

Another day, another Galaxy of Heroes patch… and this one comes with a little bit of everything. EA just dropped Update 1-21, and the headline items are exactly the kind of chaos the community loves: Broken Vader, Batcher moved to Accelerated Characters, and Conquest compensation landing in inboxes. Plus, a handful of fixes ranging from mod recommendation issues to summon bugs, environment loading problems, and one very specific correction: Maul (Hate-Fueled) was apparently too optimistic about his size. Yes, that’s in the official update notes. Today’s News: The Big Stuff Broken Vader?! The update notes open with “Broken Vader!” — and honestly, that’s enough to make every SWGOH player stop what they’re doing. If you’re mid-GAC, mid-raid, or mid-Conquest run, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for weird Vader behavior until the dust settles. Batcher Added to Accelerated Characters ✅ Batcher is now Accelerated. That’s a big deal…

Read More

Sith Master Darth Maul Mod Turns Battlefront II’s Maul Into a Cloaked Dark Side Legend

Darth Maul has always looked like someone who should be wearing a dramatic cloak. Now he finally does. A new mod for Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017) called “Sith Master Darth Maul” upgrades Maul’s entire look by replacing his outfit with Kylo Ren’s suit and cape — creating a version of Maul that looks less like “angry murder gymnast” and more like a proper Dark Side boss fight. It’s clean, lore-friendly enough (in a Rule-of-Cool way), and honestly fits Maul’s energy perfectly. Download the mod her What the “Sith Master Darth Maul” mod does This mod replaces Darth Maul’s visual setup with a redesigned version that leans heavily into Kylo Ren’s aesthetic. According to the creator, the mod changes: It’s basically an identity upgrade. Not just a reskin, but a full “Maul has evolved” presentation. Why Kylo Ren’s outfit works surprisingly well on Maul On paper, Maul wearing Kylo Ren’s…

Read More

Brad Rau Will Supervise MAUL – SHADOW LORD (And That’s Actually Huge)

If you needed one more reason to take MAUL – SHADOW LORD seriously, here it is: Brad Rau is officially the supervising director of the series. And if that name rings a bell, it’s because Rau was also the supervising director of Star Wars: The Bad Batch. That’s not just a nice trivia fact — it’s a real creative signal about what kind of show Lucasfilm Animation is building here. Brad Rau Is One of Lucasfilm Animation’s “Trust This Person” Names Brad Rau isn’t new to Star Wars. He’s been one of the steady hands behind the modern animated era, with credits across multiple Lucasfilm Animation projects — but The Bad Batch is the big one, and the one that matters most here. If you watched The Bad Batch, you know the vibe: That’s exactly the kind of storytelling DNA you’d want in a Maul-focused series. Maul’s Timing Matters (And…

Read More

Rey Isn’t Gone Yet: Daisy Ridley Reportedly Has a Major Role in Simon Kinberg’s New Star Wars Trilogy

Rey Skywalker might not be done with the galaxy after all. According to a new report from scooper Daniel Richtman (@DanielRPK), Daisy Ridley’s Rey will reportedly have a major role in Simon Kinberg’s upcoming Star Wars trilogy — but (and this is the important part) the movies won’t actually be “about Rey.” Instead, the new trilogy is said to focus primarily on brand-new lead characters, with Rey positioned as a major supporting presence rather than the central protagonist. And honestly? That’s probably the smartest possible version of “bringing Rey back.” The Rumor: Rey Returns, But She’s Not the Main Character Here’s what’s being claimed: That’s a very specific kind of return — not a “Sequel Trilogy 2.0,” but more like a passing of the torch. It also lines up with something that’s been floating around for a while: Lucasfilm wanting Rey to remain important in canon, without asking the audience…

Read More

LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum Is Closing Soon — Last Chance to Visit

If you’ve been meaning to check out LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum… this is your final warning from the galaxy. The massive brick-built Star Wars experience is now in its final days, with the exhibition scheduled to close on January 26, 2026. So if you’re in Melbourne (or even thinking about making the trip), this is officially the “go now or regret it forever” moment. What Is LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition? This isn’t a regular “some LEGO in glass cases” museum display. LEGO® Star Wars: The Exhibition is an immersive, large-scale experience featuring: It’s a full-on Star Wars celebration — just made out of bricks instead of beskar. The exhibition was created using over 8 million LEGO bricks, built in Melbourne by Ryan “Brickman” McNaught and team, and took more than 25,000 hours to complete. When Does It Close? According to Melbourne Museum’s official listing, LEGO®…

Read More

Nia DaCosta Calls The Last Jedi “Amazing” — and Defends the Holdo Maneuver

Every few months, the Star Wars fandom gets pulled back into the gravitational field of The Last Jedi discourse. Not because anyone asked for it. But because The Last Jedi refuses to stay quiet. This time, the spark comes from director Nia DaCosta (28 Years Later: The Bone Temple), who didn’t just praise the film — she went full confidence mode: “We need to take a breath, because the movie’s great. The Holdo Maneuver is great – I don’t care… Poe should’ve shut his mouth and taken orders.” And honestly? That’s one of the most refreshingly blunt Last Jedi takes we’ve heard in a while. “We Need to Take a Breath” — A Rare Calm Take in a Chaotic Debate DaCosta isn’t coming in like a Star Wars YouTuber trying to win points. She’s coming in like a filmmaker watching other filmmakers work. And her message is basically: Can we…

Read More

First Look at MAUL: SHADOW LORD — and It’s Recreating Obi-Wan vs Maul’s Rebels Duel

Star Wars animation is about to get dangerous again. The first official promotional material for MAUL: SHADOW LORD is now out in the wild — and it’s already doing something that instantly grabbed fans by the collar: It appears to recreate the iconic Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Maul duel from Star Wars Rebels. And here’s the kicker: The official trailer debuts tomorrow. So yeah… the hype window is open, and it’s not subtle. The Teaser Image Is a Direct Callback to “Twin Suns” If you’ve seen Star Wars Rebels Season 3 Episode 20 (Twin Suns), you already know why this matters. That duel wasn’t just “fan service.” It was: It’s brief, almost blink-and-you-miss-it — but that’s what makes it powerful. This first MAUL: SHADOW LORD promo image clearly echoes that exact vibe: two silhouettes, tension, motion frozen at the moment before impact. It’s not just a reference. It feels like…

Read More

Oga’s Cantina at Disneyland Is Closing Temporarily for an Original Trilogy-Themed Refurb

If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge anytime soon, here’s a heads-up Star Wars fans actually need to know: Oga’s Cantina is set to temporarily close for a refurbishment — and the theme is reportedly shifting toward the Original Trilogy era. So yes… your favorite place to sip a weird green drink while DJ R-3X does his thing is about to get a little makeover. And if the rumors are true, it’s going to lean more into the classic Star Wars vibe. Oga’s Cantina: Still One of Galaxy’s Edge’s Best Experiences Oga’s Cantina is one of the most “Star Wars” places you can visit without stepping onto a movie set. It’s loud, chaotic, packed, and borderline illegal-feeling — which is exactly what a real cantina should be. For years, the setting has been locked into the sequel trilogy era, consistent with the original Galaxy’s Edge concept: But lately,…

Read More

Everything We Know About Dave Filoni’s “Mandoverse” Crossover Movie (So Far)

Dave Filoni’s Star Wars crossover movie has been talked about for years now — and yet it still feels like the most “Schrödinger’s Star Wars project” imaginable. It exists… but it also kind of doesn’t. It was announced as the cinematic event meant to tie together the Disney+ Star Wars era built around The Mandalorian — and it’s still expected to deliver a large-scale crossover featuring multiple shows. So what do we actually know right now? Let’s break it down into: confirmed, reported, and still speculation. What Is the Filoni Movie Supposed to Be? This is the important baseline: ✅ The film is designed as a crossover event for the interconnected Star Wars Disney+ timeline often nicknamed the “Mandoverse.” That includes the era after Return of the Jedi and before The Force Awakens, where Lucasfilm has built a shared story across multiple series. The original concept has long been described…

Read More

Disney Is Expected to Name Its Next CEO Next Month — Here’s What That Could Mean for Lucasfilm and Star Wars

Disney is reportedly preparing to make one of its biggest leadership decisions in years. According to the Los Angeles Times, Disney is expected to name its next CEO next month, as Bob Iger’s contract continues toward its scheduled end. For most Disney fans, this is obviously a massive corporate story. But for Star Wars fans (and anyone watching Lucasfilm closely), it’s also something else: A reminder that Star Wars doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it’s tied directly to Disney’s broader leadership strategy, budgets, and long-term priorities. Disney Has Been Here Before — and It Didn’t Go Smoothly The LA Times notes that Disney can’t afford another “succession implosion,” referencing the previous transition plan that backfired and led to Iger returning. That context matters, because the next CEO decision won’t just be about: It’s also about how Disney manages its crown jewel IP, including Star Wars and Marvel. Four Internal…

Read More

Andor Broke the Star Wars Template — and Filoni Wasn’t Involved

Whether you think Andor is the best Star Wars Disney+ series ever made, or just “not your vibe,” one thing is hard to argue: It doesn’t feel like the rest of modern Star Wars. And according to The Wrap, there may be a very specific reason why. In a recent explainer, The Wrap reports that Andor was one of the rare live-action Star Wars projects to have “zero input” from Dave Filoni. That’s not a knock on Filoni. But it is a fascinating insight — because Andor is also one of the rare Star Wars shows that felt like it came from a totally different creative universe. Filoni’s Fingerprints Are Everywhere — Except Here For the last decade, Filoni’s presence inside Star Wars has only grown. If a Star Wars project involves: …there’s usually a Filoni silhouette somewhere behind it. So when you hear that Andor had no Filoni involvement…

Read More

Genndy Tartakovsky Turned Down a Lucasfilm Leadership Role in 2005 — and That’s How Dave Filoni Got His Shot

Star Wars history is full of “what if?” moments. But this one might be one of the biggest, because it quietly shaped everything that came next — from The Clone Wars to Ahsoka to the entire Disney+ era. According to an explainer from The Wrap, Genndy Tartakovsky (creator of the 2003 Star Wars: Clone Wars) was offered a leadership role at Lucasfilm in 2005 — and he turned it down. That decision reportedly led George Lucas to bring in someone else instead. That person? Dave Filoni. And yeah… the rest is basically Star Wars TV history. The Clone Wars Before Filoni: Genndy’s 2003 Series Was the Prototype Before The Clone Wars became a full CG series with seasons, arcs, and a fanbase that fights like Mandalorians in comment sections… There was Genndy Tartakovsky’s 2D animated microseries, Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003–2005). It was fast, stylish, and aggressively iconic — and…

Read More

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…

Read More