There’s surviving a Star Wars fan war—and then there’s thriving through it while writing your next hit murder mystery in a bathrobe. Rian Johnson, the director who divided the galaxy with The Last Jedi, sat down with The Independent and, as always, brought his blend of intellect, charm, and just enough self-deprecating humor to remind us why he’s still one of the most interesting creatives in Hollywood. In case you missed it: yes, Johnson’s Star Wars trilogy is still technically in development. No, there are no confirmed release dates. And yes, he still very much cares about the franchise, even if portions of the internet continue to wield pitchforks over Luke Skywalker’s moody hermit phase. Star Wars: The Great Fan War (Episode ∞) Let’s address the nerf-herder in the room: The Last Jedi. Johnson, ever the diplomat, likens the franchise’s heated history to actual world wars. “We experienced our own,”…
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No Underwear in Space: The Iconic Star Wars Costume Anecdote of George Lucas and Carrie Fisher
Setting the Stage: Star Wars, 1977 and Princess Leia’s Costume In 1977, a 19-year-old Carrie Fisher donned Princess Leia’s flowing white gown on the set of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. This now-iconic dress was long, shapeless, and undeniably white. Fisher later confessed she wasn’t a fan of the outfit – “I wore that damn white thing for the whole first movie!” she quipped, lamenting that it was the only costume Leia got to wear. The young actress’s frustration is understandable; the dress was not only plain but also presented some unique wardrobe challenges. Despite Star Wars being a space fantasy, creator George Lucas was oddly concerned with certain “realistic” details. One such detail was the matter of undergarments (or lack thereof) in outer space. The costume’s thin fabric and the bright studio lighting made traditional underwear problematic – any visible lines or straps would have disrupted…
Star Wars Rebels Is Slowly Being Uploaded to YouTube – Here’s How to Watch
In a galaxy not so far away — in fact, just a few clicks away — Star Wars Rebels is making a surprising new journey: straight onto YouTube via the official Star Wars Kids channel. That’s right. One of the best animated entries in the Star Wars universe is now streaming free, episode by episode, for anyone who wants to watch daring Jedi escapes, high-flying space battles, and the galaxy’s sassiest droid. There’s no need for a Disney+ subscription to enjoy this classic… although you will need a little patience, because it’s being uploaded slowly. Think of it as the Jedi way of teaching you patience through streaming. Where Can You Watch Star Wars Rebels for Free? The full episodes of Star Wars Rebels are being uploaded directly to the Star Wars Kids YouTube Channel. And before you ask — no, this isn’t just a 30-second clip labeled “full episode.”…
Star Wars Celebration 2027 Returns to Los Angeles for 50th Anniversary
The Force is bringing Star Wars Celebration back to Los Angeles in 2027, just in time to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope. Announced during the closing ceremonies of Celebration Japan 2025, the next galactic gathering will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from April 1–4, 2027 . 📍 A Return to the City of Angels This marks the first time since 2007 that Los Angeles will host the Star Wars Celebration. While nearby Anaheim has seen its share of lightsabers and droids in recent years, LA is ready to reclaim its spot in the galaxy far, far away. 🎉 Celebrating Half a Century of Star Wars The 2027 event isn’t just another convention; it’s a milestone. Fifty years ago, A New Hope introduced audiences to a universe of Jedi, Sith, and starships. Expect the Celebration to honor this legacy with retrospectives, exclusive merchandise,…
SWCJ 2025: 14 Big Reveals From Hasbro’s Star Wars PanelSWCJ 2025: 14 Big Reveals From Hasbro’s Star Wars PanelSWCJ 2025: 14 Big Reveals From Hasbro’s Star Wars Panel
Hasbro hit hyperspace at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, unleashing a barrage of reveals that triggered equal parts joy and wallet-related anxiety. From video game icons to Expanded Universe throwbacks, the Hasbro panel felt like a well-timed turbo blast straight to collectors’ hearts — and their shelves. Here’s a full breakdown of the biggest reveals from the panel, now with 25 figures strong and absolutely zero chill. Jedi Survivors and Fallen Heroes 1. The Black Series Nightsister Merrin and eerie green magick translate beautifully into this detailed figure. She comes fully equipped with a dual-ended staff and an impressive burst of green energy magic — a translucent effect piece that captures her Nightsister powers mid-cast. The figure features stunning articulation and an updated head sculpt that captures her ghostly complexion and silver-white hair. The sculpted details on her jacket and layered tunic give her a gritty Jedi: Survivor look, blending…
Maul Returns in Star Wars: Shadow Lord — A Dark Chapter Begins Again
Because being cut in half, abandoned by the Sith, and surviving on sheer rage wasn’t quite enough character development, Darth Maul is back in the upcoming novel Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord. And this time, it’s personal. Again. Announced on StarWars.com, this new adult novel is written by Delilah S. Dawson and is set to hit shelves on November 12, 2024. It picks up after Maul’s last known appearance in Star Wars Rebels, charting the dark, twisty path of one very persistent Zabrak who just can’t let the Sith dream die quietly. A New Era of Maul Maul – Shadow Lord is set in the post-Rebels period, during the height of the Galactic Civil War. Which is an especially awkward time to try rebuilding your dark side legacy, but if anyone’s going to try turning vengeance into a business model, it’s Maul. This is the Maul who has seen…
Ryan Gosling to Lead New Star Wars Movie ‘Starfighter’ Directed by Shawn Levy
The galaxy is about to get a lot more dreamy — and possibly emotionally complex — as Ryan Gosling has officially been cast as the lead in the upcoming Star Wars film titled Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy. This surprise announcement has landed like a seismic charge across the hyperspace lanes, adding a hefty dose of star power to a project that’s already generating serious buzz. As confirmed by StarWars.com, Starfighter promises a fresh, high-octane story set in a previously unexplored corner of the galaxy, with Levy (known for Free Guy, Stranger Things, and Deadpool 3) in the director’s seat. And with Gosling stepping into the cockpit, things are bound to get interesting. What Is ‘Starfighter’ All About? Details about the plot are still under tight wraps — classic Lucasfilm fashion — but the title Starfighter strongly suggests a focus on ship-to-ship combat, elite pilots, and probably a few explosions…
What to Expect at Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Panels, Merch, and Cultural Mashups
Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 is right around the corner, landing in Chiba from April 18 to 20 at the iconic Makuhari Messe. For fans across the galaxy, this is more than a convention—it’s a cultural fusion of East and West, Jedi and samurai, with major announcements, exclusive merchandise, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. This is our fifth and final article in our Star Wars & Japan series, leading up to Celebration Japan. If you’ve been following along—thank you. If you’re just joining us, you’re in for a galactic finale. Whether you’re attending in person or planning to catch the live stream from hyperspace, here’s your ultimate Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 guide. 1. Big Panels & Major Announcements One of the biggest reasons fans gather for Celebration? The panels—and this year’s Star Wars Celebration schedule is packed with headline-grabbing reveals and insider deep dives. Friday, April 18 Highlights: Saturday, April 19…
5 Star Wars Characters That Would Be Right at Home in Feudal Japan
Because some Jedi were already halfway to samurai. As we continue our 5-part series leading up to Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 (happening April 18–20 in Tokyo), we’re diving into the cultural and visual DNA that connects Star Wars to Japanese history. The connections run deeper than lightsabers and robes—at its core, the galaxy far, far away shares archetypes, values, and mythologies with the world of feudal Japan. The Jedi echo the discipline of the samurai. The Sith carry the tragic pride of fallen warlords. Even the Force itself resonates with Zen-like duality and cosmic harmony. This time, we’re going full speculative fiction: imagining iconic Star Wars characters reimagined as figures from feudal Japan. If George Lucas drew from Kurosawa’s lens, let’s step all the way through the torii gate and recast the galaxy as if it were ruled by shogun and shinobi. We’re not just swapping outfits—we’re reinterpreting these…
John Boyega Had Just £45 When He Landed His Star Wars Role — Seriously
Before he was running from stormtroopers and wielding a lightsaber, John Boyega was, well… broke. According to a recent interview reported by Far Out Magazine, the actor revealed that he had just £45 in his bank account when he found out he’d been cast in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Talk about jumping into hyperspace with no credits. Boyega, who would go on to play ex-stormtrooper-turned-Resistance-fighter Finn, shared this detail while reflecting on his early career. And while the Star Wars sequel trilogy had its share of galactic-scale drama, nothing beats the plot twist of a nearly flat-broke actor landing one of the most iconic roles in cinema history. The Audition That Changed Everything Boyega’s path to a galaxy-spanning role wasn’t paved with gold. After early buzz from his breakout role in Attack the Block, he was gaining attention, but not necessarily cash. In fact, he admitted that around the…
Star Wars in Japan: How the Galaxy Far, Far Away Found a Home in Tokyo
From Shibuya to Akihabara, the Force is strong here. As Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 approaches (April 18–20 at Makuhari Messe), it’s clear that the Force isn’t just visiting Tokyo—it’s already made itself at home. Japan has long had a deep-rooted connection to Star Wars, not just through its influence on the franchise’s aesthetics and philosophy, but through its passionate and ever-growing fanbase. In this third installment of our 5-part series leading up to Celebration, we dive into how Japan became a uniquely vibrant part of the Star Wars universe—from exclusive merch and cosplay culture to exhibitions and fan traditions you won’t find anywhere else in the galaxy. The Early Days of Star Wars in Japan Star Wars first touched down in Japan in 1978, a year after its U.S. release. While the franchise had already started reshaping global cinema, in Japan it found not just an audience, but a…
Top Star Wars Moments That Feel Straight Out of a Samurai Movie
From Kurosawa’s Shadow to the Edge of the Outer Rim As we gear up for Star Wars Celebration Japan (April 18–20, 2025), we continue our 5-part editorial series exploring the roots of Star Wars in Japanese culture. This installment is all about what you feel when watching a lightsaber duel unfold in silence, when a Jedi lowers their blade instead of striking, or when a warrior stands alone against impossible odds. These moments aren’t just cinematic choices—they’re spiritual, philosophical, and visual echoes of samurai storytelling. Drawing deeply from Akira Kurosawa’s films, Bushidō ethics, and Zen Buddhist principles, these scenes resonate with the ancient traditions of Japan. Let’s examine the most powerful Star Wars moments that feel straight out of a samurai movie—and why they still hit just as hard today. The Samurai Legacy That Reached Hollywood Before we dive in, it’s worth remembering that Star Wars didn’t emerge in a…
How Japanese Culture Shaped Star Wars: From Samurai to Sith
As Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 approaches, there’s no better time to revisit a truth that’s long been encoded in the DNA of the galaxy far, far away: Star Wars is deeply influenced by Japanese culture. Before the Jedi donned robes and raised their lightsabers, before Darth Vader became the face of cinematic villainy, and before the first spaceship ever roared across a silver screen, Star Wars was already drawing from a rich and ancient source: Japanese culture. As Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how deeply the saga is rooted in Japan’s artistic, philosophical, and martial traditions. Because Star Wars isn’t just an epic space opera—it’s a cultural fusion. A mythic tale told through the lens of samurai ethics, Zen philosophy, and the cinematic brilliance of Akira Kurosawa. From the silent strength of Darth Vader’s armor—shaped by samurai design—to the spiritual weight…
Hondo Ohnaka Confirmed to Return in Upcoming Star Wars Project, Says Jim Cummings
Looks like everyone’s favorite space pirate might be making a comeback—and no, it’s not a smuggler’s tall tale this time. Jim Cummings, the legendary voice behind Hondo Ohnaka, has officially spilled the space beans: the Weequay outlaw is returning to the Star Wars galaxy in an upcoming project. That’s right, Hondo’s back, and he’s bringing the chaos with him. In a recent interview with ComicBookMovie.com, Cummings casually confirmed, “I did the facial recognition for Hondo Ohnaka for an upcoming project, so stay tuned [for] that.” (source) While details about the project remain securely locked behind an Imperial-level security firewall, the confirmation is enough to stir excitement across hyperspace. This development marks the first time Hondo has been confirmed for a new appearance since his role in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney Parks, and before that, Star Wars Rebels and The Clone Wars. Who Is Hondo Ohnaka, Again? For anyone…
Clive Revill, the Original Voice of Emperor Palpatine, Passes Away at 93
Clive Revill, a distinguished actor with a career spanning decades, has died at the age of 93. Best known to many in the Star Wars community for voicing Emperor Palpatine in the original 1980 version of The Empire Strikes Back, Revill’s passing marks the end of a chapter in cinematic history. TMZ confirmed his death on March 27, 2025, citing natural causes. The actor died peacefully in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond a single role, but forever etched into the lore of a galaxy far, far away. A Key Voice in Star Wars History Revill’s role in The Empire Strikes Back was relatively brief, yet pivotal. Before Ian McDiarmid became synonymous with Emperor Palpatine in later films, it was Revill’s voice—layered over a visually altered portrayal—that introduced audiences to the Emperor for the first time. Appearing via hologram to Darth Vader, the character’s eerie presence…
The Star Wars Hotel That Couldn’t: How Disney’s Galactic Starcruiser Became Internet Legend
Once envisioned as the most immersive theme park experience in the galaxy, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser was supposed to be Disney’s ultimate Star Wars offering. A two-night interactive adventure aboard the Halcyon, complete with lightsaber training, alien dinner theater, and a price tag that could fund your own pod-racing team. But just two years after opening, it quietly shut down—and now, the entire bizarre, ambitious, and short-lived story has been turned into a feature-length documentary:👉 The Galactic Starcruiser: How Disney’s $1 Billion Star Wars Hotel Failed A Bold Vision That Crashed Out of Hyperspace When Disney announced the Galactic Starcruiser, expectations went into orbit. It wasn’t just a hotel—it was billed as a live-action role-playing vacation, where guests would step into their own Star Wars story. Guests were assigned roles, participated in missions, interacted with live actors playing Resistance and First Order agents, and even got to “train” with…
Han Solo’s Blaster from A New Hope Is Up for Auction—and It’s Gonna Cost More Than a Star Destroyer
There are legendary movie props… and then there’s this. The actual blaster used by Harrison Ford as Han Solo in Star Wars: A New Hope is officially back in circulation. Well, not exactly in circulation—more like available to the highest bidder. And it’s probably going to cost more than most people’s mortgages. Combined. The DL-44 heavy blaster pistol isn’t just some sci-fi pew-pew toy. This is the OG prop from 1977, the one Han fired in the Mos Eisley cantina when he definitely shot first (don’t start that debate here). After being thought lost to time, this iconic weapon has resurfaced and is headed to the auction block. So if you’ve been wondering what to do with that spare million lying around, this might just be your moment. A Piece of Star Wars History, Up for Grabs For anyone familiar with the original trilogy, the sight of Han’s blaster brings…
Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Full Panel Schedule and What to Expect
Just like on Mustafar, Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 is bringing the heat. Taking place from April 18-20, 2025, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, the event features three main stages—the Celebration Stage, Galaxy Stage, and Twin Suns Stage—each packed with exciting panels, discussions, and exclusive reveals. For those unable to attend in person, Star Wars Celebration LIVE! will stream select panels, bringing exclusive interviews, celebrity guests, and major moments straight to the screens of viewers worldwide. The Three Stages of Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 1. Celebration Stage (Makuhari Event Hall) This is where the biggest reveals happen—new movies, Disney+ shows, and behind-the-scenes insights straight from Lucasfilm. Some panels will be streamed to the Galaxy and Twin Suns Stages, ensuring everyone gets in on the action. Key Panels on the Celebration Stage: 2. Galaxy Stage (Hall 6) A premier stage featuring first looks at Star Wars projects, in-depth discussions…
The Dark Side of Desire: Lessons from Star Wars and Islamic Teachings
Introduction: The Lure of the Dark Side Anakin Skywalker had it all—strength, skill, the potential to be the greatest Jedi of all time. And yet, he fell. Hard. His journey from a hopeful young Jedi to the feared Darth Vader is a cautionary tale of how unchecked desires, arrogance, and fear can lead to destruction. If you think about it, his story sounds eerily familiar to many moral and spiritual lessons found in religious teachings, particularly in Islam. In Islamic teachings, unchecked desires, arrogance, and greed are major pitfalls that can lead to one’s downfall. The Quran repeatedly warns against these forces, much like the Jedi teachings warn about the Dark Side. So, let’s explore the parallels between Anakin’s tragic descent and the Islamic principles of self-purification (Tazkiyah), as well as what both worlds teach us about overcoming the temptations of the Dark Side. Anakin Skywalker’s Fall: A Story of…
Hans Zimmer Explains Why He Won’t Score Marvel or Star Wars Films
The Man, The Myth, The Maestro… But No Star Wars? Hans Zimmer, the musical genius behind some of the most iconic film scores of all time, has made it clear: He’s not interested in composing music for Marvel or Star Wars movies. Yes, the same guy who gave us the pulse-pounding soundtracks of The Dark Knight, Inception, and Dune has decided that the galaxy far, far away and the superhero-filled Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) just aren’t his thing. But why? What could possibly make a composer of his caliber pass on two of the biggest franchises in Hollywood? Let’s break it down. Zimmer and Marvel: A Case of “Been There, Done That” Hans Zimmer has already dipped his toes into the superhero world—multiple times. He’s crafted unforgettable scores for: So, when Marvel Studios came knocking, Zimmer essentially said, “What more do you want me to do? Score Ant-Man’s pet ant?”…
The Star Wars Show That Could Have Changed Everything – Rick McCallum Reveals All
Imagine a Star Wars show so dark, so gritty, so wildly ambitious that it made executives break into a cold sweat. That was Star Wars: Underworld, the long-lost TV series that George Lucas and producer Rick McCallum spent years developing—only for it to never see the light of day. Now, thanks to McCallum spilling the details in a recent interview, we finally have a clearer picture of what could have been. And honestly? It sounds like it would have been insane (in the best way possible). Star Wars: Underworld – What Was It? Set in the seedy underbelly of Coruscant, Star Wars: Underworld was meant to explore crime, corruption, and power struggles in the galaxy’s biggest city. Think The Godfather meets Star Wars, but with bounty hunters, smugglers, and a whole lot of moral gray areas. Over 60 scripts were written, detailing stories that would have shattered everything we thought…
Star Wars Celebration Japan Reveals Main Stage Panels – What You Need to Know
Every few years, the galaxy far, far away gets a little closer to home. The next Star Wars Celebration is landing in Japan in 2025, and with it comes a lineup of main stage panels that could shake the very foundations of hyperspace. Whether you’re a die-hard lore expert or just someone who enjoys watching space wizards swing laser swords, there’s something in this event for everyone. And guess what? The main stage panel lineup has been revealed. Let’s break it all down, and yes, there will be no unnecessary introductions—straight to the juicy details! The Force Is Strong with This Lineup Four of the main panels have been announced for Star Wars Celebration Japan, showcasing some of the biggest upcoming projects in a galaxy far, far away. The Panels: These panels will highlight major upcoming projects and could feature exclusive reveals, behind-the-scenes insights, and maybe even some surprise guests….
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith 20th Anniversary Theatrical Re-Release Set for April 25, 2025
Get ready to relive one of the most pivotal moments in Star Wars history—on the big screen! To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Lucasfilm has announced a limited theatrical re-release starting April 25, 2025. The iconic final chapter of the prequel trilogy will return to select theaters in the U.S. and international markets for one week only. A Cinematic Experience Like Never Before: 4DX Comes to Star Wars This re-release doesn’t just bring Anakin Skywalker’s descent into darkness back to theaters; it elevates the experience to a whole new level. For the first time ever, Revenge of the Sith will be screened in 4DX format, offering an immersive experience that syncs on-screen action with physical effects like motion-enhanced seats, air blasts, water sprays, and even scents. From the adrenaline-pumping battle over Coruscant to the climactic duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi…
Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Everything You Need to Know (Yes, Tickets Are Sold Out!)
The Force Is Strong in Japan—And So Is the Demand for Tickets If you were hoping to grab a last-minute ticket to Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, there’s some bad news: they’re officially SOLD OUT. Every. Single. One. Even the Jedi Master VIP passes (which were as exclusive as getting into the Jedi Temple without a midichlorian test) are gone. For those lucky enough to have secured a ticket, April 18-20, 2025, is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. And for everyone else? Time to start scouting for livestreams, exclusive merch drops, and possibly a hologram transmission from the event floor. Why Is Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Such a Big Deal? This isn’t just another comic convention with a few Star Wars booths. Star Wars Celebration is THE ultimate event for everything related to a galaxy far, far away. It’s where major…