Star Wars Movies

Rick Moranis Returns from Retirement as Dark Helmet in Spaceballs 2

Rick Moranis in full Dark Helmet costume from the original Spaceballs movie.

Big news for fans of intergalactic parody: Rick Moranis is officially coming out of (nearly three decades of) retirement to reprise his iconic role as Dark Helmet in Spaceballs 2. This return is especially significant given Moranis’s long hiatus from live-action films. His last on-screen appearance was back in Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves (1997). Since then, he’s largely stepped away from acting to focus on his family, preferring behind-the-scenes work and occasional voice roles. What We Know About Spaceballs 2 Cast & Returnees Production & Format Why Moranis’s Return Matters Iconic Role, Iconic Actor Dark Helmet is arguably one of Spaceballs’ most recognizable figures—an absurd parody of dark lords in sci-fi lore. Having Moranis return restores a major part of the film’s charm and continuity. World-Building & Nostalgia Longtime fans have long hoped for Moranis’s return. Mel Brooks himself had previously stated he would not make a proper sequel unless…

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Spaceballs 2: The Table Read Awakens — A Return to the Galaxy of Parody

Black-and-white photo of the Spaceballs 2: The Table Read Awakens cast and crew seated in a large circle during the script table read.

The Spaceballs universe may be gearing up for a comeback. The news of Spaceballs 2: The Table Read Awakens has stirred excitement among fans, promising either a sequel, a special event, or a reenvisioned revival anchored by a “table read.” The concept leans into nostalgia, meta commentary, and the kind of satirical wit the original film embodies. While details are still limited, here’s what seems to be on the table: Why a Table Read? The idea of staging a table read is clever for several reasons: What Fans Are Hoping For Here are some aspirations (realistic or not) from the fandom: The Bigger Picture: Parody, Legacy, and Media Trends Spaceballs was never just a goofy parody—it was a razor-sharp satire of entertainment trends and franchise obsession. In 2025, that lens is even more potent: If Spaceballs 2 leans too hard into old jokes or plays it safe, it risks feeling…

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Ludwig Göransson Officially Returns to Score The Mandalorian & Grogu

Composer Ludwig Göransson with musical instruments alongside The Mandalorian and Grogu movie logo.

The galaxy far, far away just got its soundtrack secured. Ludwig Göransson, the Oscar-winning composer who gave The Mandalorian its unmistakable musical identity, is officially back to score the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu. The Sound That Defined a Series From the very first notes of The Mandalorian’s theme in 2019, Göransson’s music stood apart from traditional Star Wars scores. That combination became as iconic as any blaster sound or lightsaber hum. Why His Return Matters Göransson’s involvement in The Mandalorian & Grogu—set for theatrical release on May 22, 2026—is more than just a familiar name on the credits: A Composer at the Peak of His Powers Göransson’s resume has only grown since The Mandalorian debuted: Bringing that momentum back to Star Wars guarantees a score that blends his inventive sonic palette with the grand tradition of galaxy-wide adventure. The Bigger Picture for Star Wars Music John Williams set…

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First Look: The Mandalorian & Grogu Trailer Is Here

Star Wars The Mandalorian and Grogu official movie logo on a starry space background.

Disney and Lucasfilm have released the first official trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu, the cinematic follow-up to the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian. Set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026, this movie marks a major push from Lucasfilm to take the story of Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his apprentice Grogu from the small screen to the big screen. Key Details from the Trailer & Announcement Here are the main takeaways: Why This Trailer Matters Why is this a big deal in the Star Wars universe now? What We’re Curious About There are still a lot of open questions and areas of interest: Bottom Line The trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu hits just the right mix of comfort and curiosity. We get Din Djarin and Grogu doing what we love, but also stepping into something bigger. With new cast members, returning creators, and a movie scale that…

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“Star Wars: Starfighter” First Look: Gosling & Gray at Sea

Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray aboard a water vessel on location in Sardinia filming Star Wars: Starfighter

Shawn Levy has just dropped an intriguing teaser for Star Wars: Starfighter. The director shared a photo via Instagram showing Ryan Gosling and newcomer Flynn Gray aboard what looks like a sea vessel, with the Mediterranean waters near Sardinia, Italy, in the background. It’s an unusual moment for a Star Wars set—water scenes aren’t super common in the live-action films. This shot could hint at some fresh terrain for the franchise. What We Know So Far Here’s the breakdown of what’s confirmed — and what we can read between the waves: Why the Sea Shot Matters That image of Gosling and Gray on a boat is more than just postcard scenery. It suggests: Vis dette opslag på Instagram Et opslag delt af Shawn Levy (@slevydirect) What We’re Curious About Bottom Line The first look at Star Wars: Starfighter—with Gosling, Gray, and a Mediterranean backdrop—is already raising eyebrows (in a good…

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From Westeros to the Galaxy: Daniel Ings Joins Star Wars: Starfighter

Cinematic Star Wars starfighter battle artwork with X-Wings, TIE Fighters, cosmic explosions, and title overlay announcing Daniel Ings joining Star Wars: Starfighter.

The galaxy just added another star. Daniel Ings—best known for his roles in The Crown, Lovesick, Black Mirror, and the recent A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms series—has officially joined the cast of Star Wars: Starfighter. With his blend of charisma and dramatic weight, Ings is stepping into one of the most anticipated projects in the franchise’s modern era. A New Face in a New Era While Ings’ exact role is still under wraps, his casting is already fueling speculation. Star Wars: Starfighter takes place a few years after The Rise of Skywalker and, unlike past films, it isn’t tied to the Skywalker Saga. That means brand-new characters, unexplored stories, and a blank canvas for actors like Ings to make their mark. Given his range—switching from comedy to dark drama with ease—he’s primed to bring something fresh to the galaxy far, far away. Fans are already wondering if he’ll play…

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Matt Smith Joins Star Wars: Starfighter as the Galaxy’s Next Great Villain—Opposite Ryan Gosling

Matt Smith and Ryan Gosling in a Star Wars: Starfighter promotional image with title text and galactic background

Matt Smith is finally going to the dark side of the galaxy—officially. The Doctor Who and House of the Dragon actor has landed a major villain role in Star Wars: Starfighter, a brand-new feature film from Lucasfilm starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Shawn Levy. With a 2027 release on the hyperspace horizon, this one’s already shaping up to be the most buzzed-about project in the post-Skywalker cinematic era of Star Wars movies. And yes, it’s completely original—no recycled Jedi, no Palpatine clones, and not a single Skywalker in sight. What Is Star Wars: Starfighter? Let’s start with what it’s not:It’s not a sequel to The Rise of Skywalker, not a Rogue Squadron reboot, and definitely not a Disney+ spin-off turned feature film. Instead, Starfighter is a standalone theatrical release, set five years after Episode IX, and focused on a brand-new set of characters navigating a freshly unsettled galaxy. Ryan…

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Temuera Morrison Wants Back In — and He’s Asking Star Wars Fans to Make It Happen

Temuera Morrison in armor with bold text urging Star Wars fans to support his return

Temuera Morrison—the man who gave a face (and voice) to the clone army, Jango Fett, and modern-day Boba Fett—is making a very specific request:Send a fax. Or an email. Or a handwritten note, if that’s your vibe.Because according to Morrison, if you want to see him and Daniel Logan return to the Star Wars galaxy, the time to act is now. In a recent panel appearance at Tampa Bay Comic Con, Morrison addressed the crowd with equal parts gratitude and frustration. The gratitude? For the legacy he’s been able to build across Star Wars movies, video games, comics, and shows. The frustration? He’s still waiting on that call to return. Fax the Force: Temuera Morrison’s Surprising Call to Action Yes, Morrison actually said it: “All of you need to send a fax, or a letter or an email to those powers that be at Lucasfilm.” Why? Because he and Daniel…

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Star Wars: A New Hope Returns to Theaters for Its 50th Anniversary—Here’s When You Can See It Again

Star Wars: A New Hope 50th Anniversary theatrical re-release graphic with red space background and bold yellow lettering, April 2027.

The Force is about to awaken in theaters once more. Star Wars: A New Hope—the film that launched a galaxy of movies, books, comics, video games, and obsessive trivia contests—is making its triumphant return to the big screen in April 2027 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Yes, it’s been half a century since Luke stared longingly at Tatooine’s twin suns, and we all signed up for a lifetime of space drama. Starting April 30, 2027, the legendary space opera will screen in select theaters worldwide, kicking off a limited run that’s bound to sell out faster than you can say “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” When and Where to Catch the 50th Anniversary Re-Release Lucasfilm hasn’t dropped the full map of participating theaters just yet, but what we do know is this: Ticket sales haven’t opened yet, but get ready to mash that refresh button in late 2026…

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The Phantom Gets a Parental Upgrade: BBFC Reclassifies Star Wars: Episode I

Exploring The Legacy of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace – Popularity & Impact Analysis

A long time ago, in a galaxy that apparently had more lenient film standards, The Phantom Menace earned itself a squeaky-clean Universal (U) rating in the UK. But in 2024, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) looked back at the podracing, politics, and Darth Maul dismemberments—and decided: “Yeah, maybe not for unsupervised five-year-olds.” As of its 25th anniversary, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is officially rated PG in the United Kingdom. No new footage. No gritty reboot. Just a modern reassessment of a classic space opera under today’s classification guidelines. Because even in hyperspace, standards evolve. What Triggered the Rating Change? Let’s break it down: Sure, we’re not talking R-rated material here, but it’s no episode of Bluey, either. So What Does PG Actually Mean? For the BBFC, PG stands for Parental Guidance. That means children of any age can still watch, but some scenes may…

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How Unreal Engine Is Changing Star Wars, Theme Parks, and the Future of Movies

Respawn's New Star Wars Strategy Game Powered by Unreal Engine 5: What We Know So Far

Lightsabers? Old news. Space battles? Expected. What’s truly transforming the Star Wars galaxy today isn’t some Force power—it’s Unreal Engine. Yep, the same tech that powers Fortnite, Jedi Survivor, and a thousand modded saber duels is now the backbone of Disney’s real-world Star Wars experiences—and it’s quietly rewriting the rules of filmmaking and theme park design while it’s at it. Forget green screens and foam backdrops. We’re entering a new era where real-time rendering, interactive environments, and video game engines are powering the galaxy far, far away—in ways that’ll blow the thermal exhaust port off your expectations. The Rise of Virtual Production: From Game Engine to Movie Magic Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, isn’t just for gamers anymore. In recent years, it’s become the Hollywood go-to for virtual production, most famously through ILM’s StageCraft system—aka “The Volume.” If that rings a bell, it’s because that’s what brought the environments…

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The Last Jedi Skipped Mark Hamill’s Tragic Luke Skywalker Backstory — And It’s Heartbreaking

Mark Hamill interviewed about The Last Jedi, seated and discussing Luke Skywalker’s character evolution

Long before The Last Jedi hit theaters, Mark Hamill had crafted a deeply personal—and profoundly dark—backstory for Luke Skywalker. One that never made it to screen. While Rian Johnson’s version of Luke shows a disillusioned Jedi Master in exile, Hamill imagined a man crushed by personal tragedy, not just failure. This alternate backstory was so emotionally heavy that it would have changed everything we knew about Luke’s motivation in the sequel trilogy. A Devastating Family Story That Was Never Canon During an interview on NPR’s Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, Hamill revealed that he created a psychological framework to understand why Luke would abandon the Jedi and retreat to Ahch-To. His reasoning? Love, grief, and unimaginable loss. “I thought, what could make someone give up a devotion to what is basically a religious entity, to give up being a Jedi? Well, the love of a woman.”— Mark Hamill via Nerdist In…

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Rey’s New Jedi Order Is Taking a Time-Out

Hooded Jedi with blue lightsaber at temple ruins under starry sky with caption “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…

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Kathleen Kennedy Is Plotting a New Star Wars Strategy — And It Might Just Work

Kathleen Kennedy Teases More Standalone Star Wars Films Like Starfighter

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy has never been afraid to stir the pot in the galaxy far, far away. Her latest comment? A tease that’s caught the hyperspace lane of every Star Wars watcher: more standalone films like the upcoming Starfighter could be on the way. So yes, while the Skywalker saga may be retired (again), and Disney+ is drowning in Jedi side quests and bounty hunter brooding, it looks like Lucasfilm is preparing to take more creative risks on the big screen — and it might actually be the most strategic move they’ve made since reviving Darth Maul’s legs. What Did Kathleen Kennedy Say? In a recent interview, Kennedy praised the creative potential of Starfighter — a film still shrouded in mystery, but reportedly more character-focused, intimate, and unburdened by galactic prophecy. “It’s not just about trilogies anymore,” she said. “Standalone movies give us freedom to tell stories that don’t…

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Spaceballs 2 Officially Announced – Original Cast Set to Return!

Spaceballs 2 Officially Announced – Rick Moranis, Mel Brooks, and Bill Pullman Are Back in Action

Buckle up, we’re going plaid again. Spaceballs 2 is officially in development, and the original stars are returning to hyperspace. Comedy legend Mel Brooks is producing and reprising his roles as Yogurt and President Skroob, Rick Moranis is stepping back into the infamous oversized helmet of Dark Helmet, and Bill Pullman returns as Lone Starr. The Schwartz is real—and it’s back for a sequel nearly four decades in the making. A Joke Turned Reality: Spaceballs 2 Is Really Happening What started as a punchline—“Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money”—has become a legitimate movie project. The long-teased sequel to the beloved 1987 sci-fi parody has officially entered development. Mel Brooks is once again involved creatively, ensuring the comedy will retain its original chaotic genius, satire, and irreverent charm. While Brooks hasn’t revealed whether this new entry will stick with the original subtitle, you can bet the movie will still mock…

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Star Wars: A New Hope Landed on Home Video 43 Years Ago — And the Galaxy Was Never the Same

Vintage Polaroid photo of a 1980s family watching Star Wars Death Star trench run on a CRT TV

Forty-three years ago this month — in June of 1982 — Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope finally made the jump to hyperspace… and into people’s living rooms. After five years of theatrical dominance and rewatches limited to dollar theaters or vague childhood memories, George Lucas’ space opera arrived on home video and changed the galaxy of entertainment forever. This wasn’t just a VHS release. It was the VHS release. The one that turned rewinding tapes into a Force-enhanced ritual. So, fire up your nostalgia cores and let’s rewind the tape on this iconic piece of home entertainment history. 📼 The VHS That Launched a Thousand Obsessions Back in June 1982, the idea of owning a movie — any movie — was still kind of wild. VHS players were luxury items. Renting tapes was more common than owning them. But A New Hope wasn’t just any film. It…

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Mia Goth Joins Ryan Gosling in ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ – A New Era Begins

Star Wars: Starfighter – Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth Concept Art

The galaxy far, far away is expanding once again. Mia Goth has been cast alongside Ryan Gosling in the upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy. Scheduled for release on May 28, 2027, the movie promises to usher in a fresh chapter in the Star Wars saga. A Fresh Take on the Star Wars Universe Set approximately five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars: Starfighter aims to explore new narratives within the beloved universe. With a screenplay penned by Jonathan Tropper, known for his collaboration with Levy on The Adam Project, the film is expected to introduce original characters and storylines, moving beyond the traditional Skywalker arc. Stellar Cast and Creative Team Ryan Gosling’s involvement was confirmed earlier this year, bringing his dynamic presence to the franchise. The addition of Mia Goth, acclaimed for her roles in psychological thrillers, adds depth to the…

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Mark Hamill Officially Bows Out of Star Wars—And Here’s What That Means for the Galaxy

"Mark Hamill's Force Ghost: Will He Reappear in Daisy Ridley's 2025 Star Wars Film?"

Well, it’s finally official. After decades of lightsaber duels, force ghost cameos, and one unforgettable moment with a carton of blue milk, Mark Hamill has confirmed he’s done with Star Wars. That’s right—the man behind Luke Skywalker is hanging up his Jedi robes for good, and he’s not looking back (unless it’s in a documentary narrated by Werner Herzog, maybe). Hamill’s recent comments during a press appearance didn’t leave much room for interpretation. Asked whether he’d ever return to the Star Wars universe, his answer was crystal clear: No plans. No desire. No more Force ghost cameos.If you’re feeling reflective, check out The Impact of Luke Skywalker and Mark Hamill on Our Society Will Never End—a book that dives deep into how a farm boy from Tatooine helped shape pop culture and beyond. 🌠 Mark Hamill and the End of a Jedi Era Let’s rewind for a second. Mark Hamill…

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Star Wars Just Had Its Biggest Month on Google in 5 Years — Here’s Why That’s a Big Deal

Star Wars Google Trends spike in futuristic sci-fi theme

Charting the Galaxy’s Search Domination from Mandalorian Hype to Andor’s Firestorm If you thought Star Wars was fading into the outer rim of pop culture, think again. According to Google Trends data for the United States, Star Wars just hit its highest search interest in the past five years—beating even the December 2020 spike during The Mandalorian Season 2. Yes, we’re talking peak Jedi Google-fu here. Star Wars: Back On Top of the Search Galaxy So, what’s fueling this meteoric spike in search traffic? It’s not just one thing—it’s the culmination of several events all going supernova at once. Let’s break it down like a lightsaber through a blast door. 1. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith Theatrical Re-Release Anakin’s descent into darkness? Back in theaters? Yes please. With the special anniversary theatrical re-release of Episode III, nostalgia hit hyperspace speeds. Memes, tweets, reaction videos—you name it. Everyone wanted to…

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Ryan Reynolds Wants an R-Rated Star Wars—Just Not With Himself in It

Cloaked figure in a dimly lit sci-fi alley with neon Star Wars signage

In a galaxy not so far from the Deadpool cinematic universe, Ryan Reynolds has done the unthinkable: he pitched an R-rated Star Wars project to Disney. No lightsaber-slinging Merc with a Mouth, no profanity-laced Yoda spinoff (yet), just a serious—albeit bold—idea to take Star Wars storytelling somewhere deeper, darker, and maybe just a little more grown-up. On a recent episode of The Box Office podcast, Reynolds dropped this little hyperspace bomb: “I pitched to Disney, I said, ‘Why don’t we do an R-rated Star Wars property?’ It doesn’t have to be overt, A+ characters. There’s a wide range of characters you could use.” In typical Ryan Reynolds fashion, it wasn’t about shock value. It was about emotion. He pitched the R rating as “a Trojan horse for emotion,” not just for dropping F-bombs in front of droids. And honestly? That’s probably the most Ryan Reynolds way to describe it. Not…

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The Mandalorian & Grogu Movie Trailer (Video) — Full Breakdown & Release Date Revealed

The Mandalorian & Grogu Movie Trailer (Video) — Full Breakdown & Release Date Revealed

Lucasfilm just pulled the curtain back on the next chapter in the saga of everyone’s favorite beskar-armored dad and his Force-wielding green companion. The trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu is officially out in the galaxy, and it’s giving big-screen energy with a runtime of 2 minutes and 14 seconds — and a release date locked in for May 22, 2026. A Galaxy Worth the Wait It’s been a hot minute since a Star Wars movie graced theaters (looking at you, The Rise of Skywalker), but that dry spell is coming to an end. The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau, makes the leap from the comfort of Disney+ living rooms to full-blown cinema screens. Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) is back, Grogu is cuter and more capable than ever, and yes — there’s action, drama, and Force-flipping galore. The trailer, which debuted during Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, wastes…

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Ryan Gosling to Lead New Star Wars Movie ‘Starfighter’ Directed by Shawn Levy

Star Wars: Starfighter

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…

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Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars Movie Might Drop Sooner Than Expected — According to the Writer

Ryan Gosling Rumored to Headline Shawn Levy’s Star Wars Movie: What We Know So Far

Ryan Gosling. A galaxy far, far away. And now… possibly not that far away. According to screenwriter Jonathan Tropper, the much-rumored Star Wars movie from director Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling could arrive “sooner than you think.” And for a project that’s had more mystery than a Jedi prophecy, that’s a pretty big deal. While the film has been quietly in development behind the scenes, this is one of the first times a creative directly attached to the project has publicly teased momentum—and it’s enough to spark speculation across the Outer Rim. Here’s what we know, what we’re guessing, and what could be heading toward hyperspace. 🚀 A Star Wars Movie with Ryan Gosling? Yep, That’s Real The idea of Ryan Gosling starring in a Star Wars movie sounds like the result of an ambitious fan cast, but it’s actually been circulating for a while now. Director Shawn Levy,…

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The Unaltered Star Wars Trilogy Returns (Sort Of) – UK Fans Get a Rare Treat

Original Star Wars Theatrical Cuts Returning to UK Cinemas – May 2025 Screening Event

There are moments in life that make people stop, gasp, and whisper, “It’s happening.” For Star Wars enthusiasts, this is one of those moments. No, George Lucas isn’t handing over the original trilogy on 4K Blu-ray with a handwritten apology. But for the first time in decades, the original theatrical cuts of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi are being screened publicly—in the UK, no less. Yes, the versions without awkward CGI Jabba, Hayden Christensen’s surprise cameo, or Darth Vader screaming “Nooooooo!” during an emotional climax. These are the versions that defined cinematic history and launched a pop culture empire—complete with matte lines, grainy space battles, and the cantina scene before it got crowded with digital weirdos. Where, When, and Why You Should Care The BFI Southbank in London will host these rare screenings as part of its “Cinema Unbound: The Creative Worlds of…

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