If you love Star Wars lore, reference books, behind-the-scenes world-building, or collectible merch, you’ll want to mark your calendar. Pablo Hidalgo, one of the key architects behind modern Star Wars canon, is offering signed copies of his books as part of the upcoming Thank the Maker: The Force Awakens 10th-anniversary event. Hosted in Fordingbridge on December 7, 2025, this celebration honors a full decade since The Force Awakens relaunched the saga for a new generation. And now, fans have the chance to take home a signed piece of Star Wars history. What Is Thank the Maker: The Force Awakens? Thank the Maker is part fan event, part creator panel, and part deep dive into the making of Episode VII. It’s built around celebrating the film’s 10-year legacy — from the comeback of Han Solo and Chewbacca to the introduction of Rey, Finn, Poe, and BB-8. The event promises: For lore…
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Sir Tom Stoppard Has Died — Remembering the Secret Star Wars Writer You Never Knew You Loved
When news broke that Sir Tom Stoppard had passed away at 88, most headlines focused on his legendary theatre career — Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Arcadia, The Real Thing… the list goes on. But for Star Wars fans, there’s another layer to his legacy that rarely gets talked about publicly: 👉 Stoppard quietly helped shape Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Yep. One of the greatest playwrights of the last century also helped polish one of the most pivotal films in the saga — and he did it all uncredited. And that’s not all. Before Lucasfilm brought him into the galaxy far, far away, Stoppard had already left fingerprints all over Indiana Jones and a stack of Hollywood classics, again as the film industry’s most elite “script doctor.” So today, as we remember the man, let’s talk about the Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and blockbuster-writing legacy…
Claudia Black Reveals She Won’t Return as Mother Klothow in Ahsoka Season 2 — Here’s Why
Claudia Black has confirmed she will not reprise her role as Mother Klothow in Ahsoka Season 2, and the reason has nothing to do with story direction, creative disagreement, or performance. It comes down to something far more real: logistics and livelihood. In an honest, heartfelt explanation, Black revealed that although Lucasfilm initially intended for her to return, the studio ultimately couldn’t meet the financial needs required for her to participate — especially as a single parent based in Los Angeles while production moves overseas. “I’m going to be transparent. They picked up season two, picked me up with it, and then Disney, which is structuring things differently these days, could not pay me what I needed to be paid as a single mother to keep all my responsibilities going at home in Los Angeles, because they were filming in London. It was not something that they could make happen,…
Shawn Levy Says John Williams’ Themes Won’t Be Used in STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER — And That’s a Bold Move
Shawn Levy is charting a new musical course for Star Wars: Starfighter.The director has confirmed that the upcoming film will not feature remixes, re-orchestrations, or direct lifts of John Williams’ legendary themes. No Imperial March. No Force Theme. No Williams cues repurposed for nostalgia hits. According to Levy, the goal isn’t to erase the legacy — it’s to avoid leaning on it. “It’s not going to be remixes of Williams’ cues. It may be inspired by some of that, but I needed a bighearted score from a composer who, like John Williams, doesn’t shy away from themes.” This is a creative swing — and maybe exactly the kind of swing Star Wars needs right now. A Massive Win: Thomas Newman Is Scoring a Star Wars Movie This is huge news. Thomas Newman is one of the greatest film composers alive — and now he’s doing a Star Wars movie. The…
When You Can’t Copy the Master: How Doug Chiang’s Design Philosophy Shapes the Visual Future of Star Wars
When Doug Chiang openly admits that “only George truly knows what Star Wars design is,” and adds “I do my best, but I don’t always get it 100 per cent right,” he’s not issuing a humble shrug — he’s stating a core creative principle. Read his words here That philosophy is quietly, but profoundly, shaping how Star Wars looks today: from TV to games to new films. Because when you accept that there is no perfect template — only spirit, evolution, and reinterpretation — you give yourself permission to adapt, innovate, and keep a decades-old galaxy alive. The Weight of Legacy: Why Recreating “Classic Star Wars” Is a Trap A. The Original Aesthetic Was Implied, Not Codified George Lucas defined Star Wars design through practical sets, costumes, and visual practicality — before reference artbooks, prequel CGI uniforms, or decades of expanded lore. That original aesthetic was organic: lived-in, functional, and…
Jeremy Allen White Had No Idea Who Rotta the Hutt Was Before Being Cast in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Jeremy Allen White — the Emmy-winning star of The Bear and longtime favorite from Shameless — is joining the Star Wars galaxy in one of the most unexpected ways imaginable: by playing Rotta the Hutt. And according to a new interview, he had absolutely no idea who that was before he got the role. Source Yes. The man cast to voice Jabba the Hutt’s son learned about the character after being hired. And honestly? That might be the coolest part of this entire story. A “Wait… Who?” Casting Moment In the interview, White openly admits that he didn’t know Rotta even existed until the creative team walked him through the character. That’s right: no Clone Wars memories, no deep Hutt lore, no childhood trauma from the 2008 animated movie. Just a director telling him:“You’re going to play a Hutt.”And White going:“Great! …What’s a Hutt’s kid like again?” In a franchise…
Hayden Christensen Proudly Picks His Favourite Star Wars Films: A Look at His Choices
Hayden Christensen, the actor revered (and debated) for his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker, recently shared a pair of standout picks when asked about his favourite films in the Star Wars galaxy. From the original trilogy and into the new era, here’s what he chose—and what it tells us about the man behind the suit. 🎬 His Picks Why The Empire Strikes Back Tops His List The Empire Strikes Back has long been hailed by many fans (and critics) as the pinnacle of the Star Wars saga: darker tone, richer character arcs, the unforgettable moment of “I am your father,” and a cliffhanger that changed the way sequels were made. It makes sense that an actor like Christensen—who himself lived through one of cinema’s most infamous sequel arcs—would connect strongly with this film. For someone deeply invested in Skywalker lore, choosing this film signals admiration for its risk-taking, emotional stakes, and…
Lucasfilm Tells Shawn Levy: “Do Something New” for His Star Wars Movie
It looks like Lucasfilm is finally ready to chart a new course for Star Wars films — and director Shawn Levy just gave us the clearest confirmation yet. In a new interview with KCRW’s The Business, the Starfighter director revealed that Lucasfilm has specifically encouraged him not to use existing Star Wars characters in his upcoming movie. According to Levy, every time he’s floated the idea of borrowing a familiar face from the films, he gets the same answer: “Every time I’ve asked, ‘Should I use this character that was maybe in that movie?’ Every time it’s, ‘You know what? People have seen that. Do something new.’” Source That’s a surprising — and frankly refreshing — creative directive. For years, new Star Wars projects have often leaned heavily on legacy characters, cameos, and nostalgia-driven storytelling. Whether it’s Luke Skywalker showing up in The Mandalorian or familiar Clone Wars characters weaving…
Rian Johnson’s Star Wars Trilogy Is “Effectively Dead,” Says The Hollywood Reporter
It’s the end of a long-running Star Wars mystery:Director Rian Johnson’s planned Star Wars trilogy — announced all the way back in 2017 — is now “effectively dead,” according to The Hollywood Reporter’s new profile on the filmmaker. While Johnson is currently busy celebrating the premiere of his new film Wake Up Dead Man, the article finally gives us a clear update on the trilogy many fans assumed had quietly vanished into hyperspace. Now, we have confirmation: it’s not happening. And maybe never really was. From The Last Jedi to “What Could Have Been” Johnson’s relationship with Star Wars began with The Last Jedi (2017), one of the most talked-about and debated films in the franchise’s history. THR notes that Johnson created TLJ in what he describes as a “beautiful, fearless little bubble,” focused entirely on the creative work and not the outside noise. That noise, of course, arrived later…
The Acolyte Creator Leslye Headland Says She Has “No Regrets” — And Why That Matters for Star Wars
After nearly a year of silence following the cancellation of Star Wars: The Acolyte, series creator Leslye Headland has finally broken her silence in a new and remarkably candid interview with The Wrap. And if there’s one thing she makes clear from the start, it’s this: “I love my show, I have no regrets, and I know that it was wonderful.” For a series that sparked passionate debate across the fandom, Headland’s comments offer the clearest picture yet of what went into the show — and what ultimately led to its abrupt cancellation. “The Acolyte Was Always a Major Risk” Headland doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that The Acolyte was a gamble from day one. Rather than leaning on familiar Star Wars elements, the show plunged into the High Republic era, a timeline that had never been depicted in live action before. “It was a new part of the timeline….
Happy 62nd Birthday to Ming-Na Wen — The Voice, the Warrior, and the Legend
Today, we celebrate the birthday of an absolute Star Wars icon: Ming-Na Wen, who turns 62 years old and continues to be one of the most unstoppable forces in the galaxy — on-screen and off. Whether you know her as Fennec Shand, the elite assassin from The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and The Bad Batch, or as the voice behind legendary characters in Disney and Marvel projects, Ming-Na Wen has carved out a career that spans generations, fandoms, and entire cinematic universes. Quite literally — she’s one of the few actors who has appeared in Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney animation, earning her the nickname “The Queen of Franchise Multiverses.” That’s power. That’s range. That’s Ming-Na Wen. Fennec Shand: The Elite Assassin Fans Can’t Get Enough Of Ming-Na’s role as Fennec Shand instantly captured the attention of the Star Wars fanbase. Sleek, deadly, fiercely loyal (when she chooses…
Daisy Ridley to Lead Action-Thriller ‘The Good Samaritan’ — But What It Means for Star Wars Fans
The ever-versatile Daisy Ridley — best known to Star Wars followers as Rey — has signed on to star in an upcoming action-thriller titled The Good Samaritan, directed by Pierre Morel (of Taken fame). theplaylist.netIn the film’s logline: Ridley plays Dr Rosalind Carver, an entrepreneur who rescues a wounded man off the coast of Indonesia, only to find herself thrust into a deadly conspiracy involving pirates, corrupt officials and disappearing yachts. Punch Drunk CriticsProduction is expected to begin spring 2026 on the Gold Coast / Australia. GeekTyrant Why Star Wars Fans Should Care We know Daisy Ridley as Rey — the woman who helped reshape the Skywalker legacy in the sequel trilogy. Her pivot into hard-edged action-thrillers shows a career evolution that goes beyond the galaxy far, far away.But for fans of the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker era and the upcoming next chapter (whatever timeline it lands in),…
Happy Birthday to the Man Behind the Mask of Kylo Ren: Adam Driver Turns 42!
Today we celebrate the birthday of one of the most compelling actors to join the Star Wars galaxy in the modern era—Adam Driver, the man who brought Kylo Ren to life with a mix of rage, vulnerability, and that unmistakable, simmering intensity that made the character unforgettable. Whether you loved Kylo as the conflicted villain of the sequel trilogy, admired Ben Solo’s final heroic turn, or simply appreciated Driver’s raw acting power, there’s no denying the impact he’s had on the franchise. Few modern Star Wars performances have sparked as much debate, analysis, and “wait… is he actually hot?” discourse across the fandom. A Complex Villain for a New Era Kylo Ren could have easily been a one-note character—a masked dark side enforcer trying too hard to be Darth Vader 2.0. But thanks to Adam Driver’s ability to balance anger, insecurity, and emotional depth, Kylo became something else entirely: a…
Rosario Dawson Teases a Lighter, More Joyful Ahsoka Season 2
If you thought Ahsoka Tano was all gravitas, lightsabers and stoic Jedi-resolve in Season 1 of Ahsoka, you’re in for a fresh twist. In a recent interview, Rosario Dawson revealed that the character will be entering Season 2 with more joy, connection and community than ever before. SFFGazette.com Dawson explained: “She had more of a strong gravitas at the beginning, and she was a little bit more unflappable. And I’m liking that she’s relaxing, she’s kind of getting back into her joy. I think those moments with Hayden and Anakin were so important for her to heal something so she could be more present.” SFFGazette.comAnd she added:“I’m really glad that we get to add more joy into her life and see her relax a little bit more and work in community a little bit more than she has.” LRMonline Here’s why this shift matters — both for the story and…
Millie Bobby Brown Considers Tattoo of Han & Leia’s Iconic “I Love You” / “I Know” Exchange
What happens when a major pop culture actress, a Star Wars classic line, and a meaningful personal moment collide? The result: Millie Bobby Brown revealed she’s seriously thinking about getting a tattoo of the legendary exchange from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back — the moment when Han Solo tells Princess Leia “I love you,” and she responds “I know.” The actress says the line is “so cute,” and that she and husband Jake Bongiovi even play-quote it to each other. EW.com Why This Tattoo Idea Resonates Brown already wears her fandom openly — with a growing tattoo collection that includes the number 11 (a nod to her TV character), butterflies, a rose, and her husband’s initials. So the fact that she’s considering immortalizing a Star Wars line makes perfect sense: it blends personal meaning, pop-culture fandom, and relationship connection. She explained: “Star Wars. ‘I love you.’ ‘I know.’ ……
Is Mark Hamill Playing the King of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda Movie? Here’s What We Actually Know
A rumor is sweeping across social media faster than a cucco on caffeine: Mark Hamill is reportedly playing the King of Hyrule in the upcoming The Legend of Zelda live-action movie.It’s the kind of casting news that instantly sounds right. Hamill has the voice, the gravitas, the geek-culture royalty status, and the energy to rule Hyrule with authority (and probably a few well-timed dad jokes). But here’s the important part: this casting has not been officially confirmed by Nintendo or Sony. So let’s break down what’s real, what’s speculation, and why fans are already celebrating anyway. The Legend of Zelda Movie: What’s Official So Far Nintendo’s live-action Zelda film is very real — and very high-profile. Here’s what has been confirmed: The project is massive, and for good reason. After The Super Mario Bros. Movie shattered the box office, Nintendo clearly wants another cinematic hit. Where the Mark Hamill Rumor…
John Boyega Says He Knows Nothing About the New Jedi Order Movie — And Drops a Perfect Tom Holland Joke
John Boyega is back at it with the best Star Wars energy imaginable.During a panel at Liverpool Comic Con, the actor behind Finn was asked—again—whether he knows anything about the upcoming New Jedi Order movie starring Daisy Ridley as Rey. His answer?Peak Boyega. Peak chaos. Peak honesty. “Trust me I’m like the Tom Holland of Star Wars, once I know something I’ll let you know.” Somewhere out there, Lucasfilm PR felt a disturbance in the Force. Boyega’s “Tom Holland of Star Wars” Quote Is Instantly Legendary If there’s one thing Boyega has mastered over the years, it’s turning every interview into a mix of sincerity and stand-up comedy. Comparing himself to Tom Holland—the king of accidental Marvel spoilers—is perfect. He’s basically saying: Honestly, respect. But the bigger takeaway?Boyega insists he knows nothing about the film… at least not yet. So What Does This Mean for Finn in the Post-Episode IX…
John Boyega Wants Finn and Poe Back – But Only on the Big Screen
The sequel trilogy bromance might not be over just yet—but according to John Boyega, there’s only one place he wants to see Finn and Poe reunite: the cinema. Speaking at Liverpool Comic Con, Boyega made it clear that while he loves the idea of stepping back into Finn’s boots, there’s a condition attached. A big one. “Me and Oscar are very stubborn and we believe the bromance should only be on the big screen.” And honestly? That might be the most Finn-and-Poe statement ever. The Finn–Poe Bromance: A Highlight of the Sequel Era If there’s one thing all Star Wars fans can agree on, it’s that Finn and Poe had chemistry—real chemistry. From the moment Poe handed Finn his jacket and said, “It looks good on you,” the fandom collectively lost its mind. Their dynamic brought levity, charm, and genuine warmth to the sequels. It felt natural. It felt fun….
Oscar Isaac Says He’d Return to Star Wars—But Only If Disney “Figures Out” Its Free-Speech Issues
When Oscar Isaac last appeared in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, he looked like a man ready to put the galaxy behind him. And now, years later, it seems he really meant it. The actor has made it clear he’s not coming back to a galaxy far, far away — at least not until Disney gets its house in order when it comes to, as he puts it, “free speech.” The Galaxy According to Oscar Isaac In a recent chat on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Isaac opened up about his post-Star Wars outlook and didn’t shy away from some pointed remarks about Disney. When asked whether he’d ever return as the lovable Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, Isaac didn’t dance around it: “I think I’d have to see Disney figure out its free speech problem before I’d consider going back.” That’s about as subtle as a thermal detonator. The comment follows…
Rian Johnson Says Star Wars Fandom Division Is “Part of the Fun”
Star Wars fans have argued for decades — about prequels vs. sequels, Luke vs. Rey, or even the correct viewing order — but according to director Rian Johnson, that’s not a problem. In fact, he believes it’s part of what makes the fandom so special. Speaking recently, Johnson reflected on the passionate, often divided nature of the Star Wars community. “The notion that Star Wars has been this kind of Shangri-La, united fandom, and that nothing could split that apart is false,” he said. “The reality is Star Wars has always been something that has meant different things to different people. And I think that’s part of the fun and the passion of it as fans — arguing about it respectfully.” It’s a statement that feels especially relevant as the franchise nears its 50th anniversary. Star Wars Has Never Been One Thing Johnson’s comments cut to the core of what…
John Williams to Score His 30th Steven Spielberg Film – A Legendary Collaboration Continues
Hollywood legends John Williams and Steven Spielberg are teaming up once again — this time for Spielberg’s upcoming UFO-themed film set for release in 2026. This project marks their 30th collaboration, extending a creative partnership that has defined the sound of cinema for nearly half a century. A Partnership That Defined Movie Magic The story of Williams and Spielberg’s collaboration began in 1974 with The Sugarland Express, and since then, the two have become an inseparable part of Hollywood history. Together, they’ve shaped the emotional and musical tone of generations through unforgettable scores such as Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and Schindler’s List. Now, at 93 years old, John Williams continues to compose with the same brilliance and energy that made him a five-time Academy Award winner and one of the most decorated composers in history. Spielberg’s next film — still untitled — will explore themes of…
The Canceled The Hunt for Ben Solo: A Star Wars What-Could-Have-Been
When Adam Driver revealed that he and Steven Soderbergh had quietly developed a new Star Wars film centered on his character Ben Solo, fans sat up and took notice. But what started as one of the most anticipated continuations after the sequel trilogy turned into one of the most frustrating “almosts” in Star Wars lore. The working title: The Hunt for Ben Solo. The story: Ben Solo alive and missing after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, his fate’s a mystery, and the galaxy’s obsession is on. The team: Soderbergh directing, Driver starring, and Scott Z. Burns penning a reportedly finalised script. What’s shocking is how far the project got before it died. Reports say the script was complete, the budget and start date proposed, Lucasfilm had approved internally—but when it hit the desk of Bob Iger and Alan Bergman at Disney, it was rejected. Their reason?…
Rian Johnson Still Loves Star Wars — and Says He’d Be “The Happiest Person” to Return
A Filmmaker’s Renewed Affection for the Galaxy In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Rian Johnson opened up about his affection for the Star Wars universe—despite stepping away from it after directing The Last Jedi. According to the talk, Johnson remarked: “I love Star Wars. And if someday it makes sense to come back to it, for both of us, it would be the most wonderful thing in the world.” That statement comes amid a creative moment for Johnson: he’s prepping his next project, a ’70s-style paranoid sci-fi thriller, but he clearly hasn’t shut the door on a Star Wars return. What’s Next for Rian Johnson Though Johnson is currently focused on brand-new genre territory—he describes his upcoming film as “light sci-fi” with a nod to classic thrillers—he emphasizes that the Star Wars “cog” in his head remains turning. Here is what that means in practical terms: What This Means…
The Hunt for Ben Solo: The Canceled Star Wars Sequel That Nearly Redeemed Kylo Ren
In a galaxy full of untold stories, one nearly made it past the Disney gates: The Hunt for Ben Solo — a bold, character-driven Star Wars sequel that would have resurrected Adam Driver’s conflicted Jedi-turned-Sith-turned-savior for one final redemption arc. According to newly surfaced details and fan discussions lighting up X (formerly Twitter), this project was meant to pick up right after The Rise of Skywalker, diving deep into Ben Solo’s survival, guilt, and search for peace. But in true Star Wars irony, the same studio that brought back Emperor Palpatine with a single line — “somehow, Palpatine returned” — decided this resurrection was a step too far. Now, The Hunt for Ben Solo has become the greatest Star Wars film never made. What Was The Hunt for Ben Solo? Imagine this: Ben Solo — son of Leia Organa and Han Solo, grandson of Darth Vader — awakens in the…