star wars news

Harrison Ford Thanks George Lucas in Emotional SAG Lifetime Achievement Speech

Harrison Ford SAG Lifetime Achievement Award speech honoring George Lucas

Legendary actor Harrison Ford used his moment in the spotlight to honor one of the people who helped define his career — Star Wars creator George Lucas. Ford, known to generations as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, was presented with the Screen Actors Guild – SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards on March 1, 2026. During a heartfelt and frequently humorous acceptance speech, the 83-year-old film icon took time to publicly thank Lucas for giving him his first breakthrough role. A Career in Film Honors Its Roots Introduced by longtime friend Woody Harrelson, Harrison Ford reflected on a prolific decades-long career and the unlikely journey that brought him to Hollywood’s highest honors. Ford joked that receiving a lifetime achievement award “at the half-point of my career” felt unusual because he still considers himself a working actor. But even in his self-deprecating moments, he didn’t forget the…

Read More

MAUL – SHADOW LORD Timeline Revealed — And It Starts Right After The Clone Wars

Maul Shadow Lord set after The Clone Wars cinematic header image with burning Mandalore

We finally know exactly when MAUL – SHADOW LORD takes place. According to Star Wars Insider #236, the upcoming Maul story is set immediately after The Clone Wars Season 7 — placing it right in one of the darkest and most chaotic moments in the entire Star Wars timeline. For fans who have followed Maul’s long and brutal journey across the galaxy, that timing is a big deal. Picking Up Right After Order 66 The final episodes of The Clone Wars showed the Republic collapsing, Order 66 unfolding, and the galaxy transforming almost overnight into the early Empire. Maul survived — but just barely. Now we know Shadow Lord begins right after those events. That means the story will likely explore: This is one of the most unstable periods in Star Wars history, where former Sith, Jedi survivors, and crime syndicates were all trying to find their place in a…

Read More

LEGO Star Wars Magazine #133 Just Dropped With a Night Trooper Minifigure

LEGO Star Wars Magazine issue 133 with Night Trooper minifigure promotional header

A new issue of the LEGO Star Wars Magazine has officially landed, and Issue #133 might be one of the more interesting recent releases for collectors and army builders alike. While each monthly issue usually flies under the radar unless you’re a dedicated LEGO or Star Wars fan, this one comes with a minifigure that’s likely to get attention — especially if you’ve been following the post-Ahsoka era of Star Wars storytelling. Here’s what’s included and why Issue #133 is worth a closer look. A Night Trooper Minifigure Leads the Pack The headline addition in LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue #133 is the included Night Trooper minifigure. For anyone keeping track of recent Star Wars designs, Night Troopers quickly became a fan favorite thanks to their worn, battle-scarred look and strong ties to Grand Admiral Thrawn’s forces. Their darker aesthetic and ties to newer Star Wars stories make them stand…

Read More

The Final Issue of Star Wars Insider Is Coming — And It Marks the End of an Era

Star Wars Insider issue 237 final edition cover featuring C-3PO and Lucasfilm Fan Club tribute artwork

After decades of behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive interviews, and deep dives into a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars Insider is officially coming to an end. The long-running official magazine will release its final issue in 2026, closing the book on one of the most important publications in Star Wars fandom history. For many fans, this isn’t just another magazine release. It’s the final chapter of a publication that helped shape Star Wars culture long before social media, YouTube breakdowns, and daily franchise news cycles existed. And fittingly, the final issue is designed as a full-circle moment for the franchise. When Does the Final Issue Release? While excitement around the final issue is already building, it’s important to note that the magazine isn’t out just yet. The final issue of Star Wars Insider — issue #237 — is currently available for preorder, but its official release is scheduled for May 2026….

Read More

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disneyland Paris — What You Need to Know (and Cast Member Tips!)

Star Tours The Adventures Continue at Disneyland Paris featuring Starspeeder 1000 and cast member with Sleeping Beauty Castle in background

Star Wars fans visiting Disneyland Paris have a thrilling intergalactic experience waiting for them: Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, a 3D motion simulator ride that takes guests on unpredictable journeys across the galaxy. Here’s everything you need to know before you board your Starspeeder 1000 — plus insider tips from Disneyland Paris cast members to make your ride even better. A Galaxy of Possibilities — Ride Overview Star Tours: The Adventures Continue is a Star Wars–themed 3D motion simulator located in Discoveryland at Disneyland Park Paris. It’s the updated version of the classic Star Tours attraction, originally opened in 1992 and replaced by the new simulator experience on March 26, 2017, as part of the park’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The attraction puts guests inside a Starspeeder 1000 vessel — piloted by familiar droids like C-3PO and R2-D2 — for a flight full of twists, turns, and unexpected planetary destinations. Unlike…

Read More

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Lightsaber Used by Rey Heads to Auction for Up to $100,000

Rey’s lightsaber prop from Star Wars The Force Awakens displayed at auction

A true piece of modern Star Wars history is heading to the auction block — and it’s not just any prop. The iconic lightsaber hilt used by Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens is now up for auction, with an estimated sale price between $50,000 and $100,000. For collectors and fans alike, this isn’t just a display item. It’s a genuine on-screen prop tied directly to one of the sequel trilogy’s most memorable moments. A Lightsaber With Major Star Wars Legacy The lightsaber hilt featured in the auction is the same weapon seen during Rey’s confrontation with Kylo Ren in The Force Awakens. It’s also the saber she later returns to Luke Skywalker — making it one of the most symbolically important props in the sequel trilogy. In many ways, the weapon represents the passing of the torch between generations of Jedi. Originally wielded by Anakin Skywalker and later…

Read More

Star Wars: Visions Reportedly Renewed for Volume 4

Star Wars Visions Volume 4 logo announcement banner with red cinematic background

More animated adventures from a galaxy far, far away may already be on the horizon. According to a new report circulating online, Star Wars: Visions has reportedly been renewed for Volume 4, suggesting that Lucasfilm isn’t done exploring bold new storytelling through its acclaimed anthology series. The report comes from entertainment insider Daniel Richtman (DanielRPK), who shared that the animated project is moving forward with another volume. While there has been no official confirmation from Lucasfilm or Disney yet, the rumor has quickly gained traction among Star Wars fans eager for more experimental stories set across the galaxy. A Fan-Favorite Anthology Returns? Since its debut, Star Wars: Visions has carved out a unique place within the franchise. Rather than focusing strictly on established canon, the series has allowed animation studios from around the world to tell standalone Star Wars stories in distinct visual styles and tones. Volume 1 introduced anime-inspired…

Read More

501st Legion UK Garrison Reveals New Command Staff for 2026–2027

501st Legion UK Garrison 2026–2027 Command Staff announcement graphic featuring Darth Vader and leadership team list

The 501st Legion UK Garrison, one of the largest Star Wars cosplay groups in the world, has officially unveiled its command staff for the 2026–2027 term, introducing the team that will help lead one of the most recognizable Star Wars costuming communities in the world over the next year. The announcement was shared via the garrison’s official social media channels, offering fans and members a first look at the volunteers stepping into leadership roles across events, public relations, membership, and more. According to the post, the newly announced leadership team is looking ahead to a busy year supporting members, local communities, and the broader 501st Legion worldwide. Vis dette opslag på Instagram Et opslag delt af UK Garrison (@501st_ukgarrison) Meet the 2026–2027 Command Team Leading the UK Garrison as Commanding Officer (CO) is Jo Overton, supported by Executive Officer (XO) Kevin Rankin and Rebel Executive Officer (RXO) Stephen Robb. They’ll…

Read More

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Finally Opening This September — A New Home for Star Wars History and Pop Culture

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art exterior in Los Angeles ahead of its September opening

After years of delays, speculation, and massive anticipation, the long-awaited Lucas Museum of Narrative Art finally has an opening date: September 22. For Star Wars fans, art lovers, and pop culture historians alike, this isn’t just another museum launch. It’s the culmination of a decades-long vision from George Lucas — and it’s shaping up to be one of the most unique storytelling spaces ever created. A Museum Built on Storytelling The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park and aims to celebrate storytelling across all mediums — from film and comics to painting, illustration, and digital media. The museum has been described as a “temple to the people’s art,” designed to showcase narrative storytelling as one of humanity’s most powerful cultural forces. Visitors can expect an enormous collection curated by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, featuring: The collection reportedly includes tens of thousands of items…

Read More

Patrick Stewart Dreams of a Star Wars and Star Trek Crossover: “I Would Get Such a Kick Out of That”

Star Wars vs Star Trek crossover concept featuring Darth Vader, Death Star, Millennium Falcon, Jean-Luc Picard, USS Enterprise and Borg Cube

The idea of a crossover between Star Wars and Star Trek has lived in fan discussions for decades — and now even Patrick Stewart is openly admitting he’s imagined it too. In a recent interview, the legendary actor revealed that the thought of merging the two iconic sci-fi universes isn’t just something fans debate online. It’s something that’s come up behind the scenes among the Star Trek cast as well. “I will admit that, at least for us on ‘Star Trek,’ we have fantasized about a combined universe between ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Trek’ movie,” Stewart said. “There have been a lot of ideas thrown about on putting together two iconic universes and having all of these great characters coming into contact. I would personally get such a kick out of that.” A Sci-Fi Crossover Fans Have Wanted for Decades A crossover between Star Wars and Star Trek would be one…

Read More

Happy 80th Birthday to C-3PO Himself: Celebrating Anthony Daniels and a Galaxy of Golden Memories

Anthony Daniels celebrates his 80th birthday in a Star Wars tribute collage featuring the legendary actor behind C-3PO across multiple eras

If there’s one voice in the Star Wars galaxy that could politely panic its way through a galactic war, negotiate with Ewoks, and still remind everyone about etiquette, it’s Anthony Daniels. And today, the man behind C-3PO officially turns 80. Yes — the golden protocol droid who has been worrying about odds since 1977 is now celebrating a milestone birthday in real life. And honestly, the Star Wars universe wouldn’t be the same without him. The Only Actor in All Nine Skywalker Saga Films Anthony Daniels holds a record few actors in cinematic history can claim. He is the only performer to appear in all nine films of the Skywalker Saga — from A New Hope to The Rise of Skywalker. While other actors came and went, switched roles, or appeared only in certain trilogies, Daniels remained a constant. Through every rebellion, empire, and awkward diplomatic moment, C-3PO was always…

Read More

Tony Gilroy Shuts Down Rumors of Tension Between Him and Dave Filoni Over Andor

Tony Gilroy and Dave Filoni together as Andor creator addresses rumors of tension with Star Wars creative team

Star Wars fans love a good behind-the-scenes drama almost as much as a lightsaber duel—but according to Andor creator Tony Gilroy, the rumored friction between him and Lucasfilm creative chief Dave Filoni simply doesn’t exist. In a new interview, Gilroy addressed speculation that Filoni may have disliked Andor or had creative disagreements with the team behind the critically acclaimed series. His response? A very clear and repeated no. “No. We’ve only met a couple times, and we’ve only had a half-a-dozen conversations over the last ten years… We’ve always gotten along with those guys, and we’ve never had anything but high praise for everything that they’ve done.” Gilroy went on to emphasize that the success of modern Star Wars Disney+ content—particularly The Mandalorian—is the very reason Andor was able to exist in the first place. “We only have our show because of them, and we’ve always said that was true….

Read More

Steven Soderbergh and Adam Driver “Frustrated” After Disney Scraps The Hunt for Ben Solo

Steven Soderbergh reading a script beside Kylo Ren on a Star Wars film set with “The Hunt for Ben Solo” cancelled sign

A surprising new chapter in the ongoing Star Wars saga behind the scenes has come to light, and it involves a project many fans didn’t even know existed: The Hunt for Ben Solo. According to recent interviews with director Steven Soderbergh, the unmade film spent years in development before Disney ultimately decided to pull the plug — leaving the creative team disappointed and fans wondering what could have been. Two and a Half Years of Work — For Nothing Speaking during a Brooklyn film series interview, Soderbergh revealed that he, Adam Driver, and writer Rebecca Blunt spent years developing the project, only to see it quietly cancelled. “That was two and a half years of free work for me and Adam and Rebecca Blunt…The stated reason [from Disney] was, ‘We don’t think Ben Solo could be alive.’ And that was all we were told. And so there’s nothing to do…

Read More

How Sabacc For Charity Is Turning Star Wars Card Games Into Real-World Good

Sabacc For Charity Star Wars sabacc tournament at MegaCon Orlando with cosplayers and fans playing card game for charity

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Star Wars fandom.Collecting lightsabers. Rewatching The Clone Wars. Modding your favorite games. And then there are fans using Star Wars to actually make the world a little better. That’s exactly what’s happening with Sabacc For Charity, a fast-growing community initiative that’s turning the galaxy’s most famous card game into a real-world fundraising machine for local causes. What started as casual sabacc nights among friends has evolved into one of the most interesting grassroots Star Wars charity projects we’ve seen in years. SWTORStrategies is proud to be the first Star Wars gaming site to spotlight the project as it continues to expand into major convention appearances and charity events across the community. And yes — it’s every bit as cool as it sounds. From Friendly Sabacc Nights to a Full Charity Mission Sabacc For Charity was founded in September 2023 by Jonathan Aponte and…

Read More

Star Wars: Galactic Racer Unveils Official Gameplay Trailer and New Key Art

Star Wars Galactic Racer official key art featuring high-speed racing ships

The engines are officially roaring. Star Wars: Galactic Racer just dropped its first full gameplay trailer — along with striking new key art — and confirmed it arrives later this year on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This isn’t just a logo reveal anymore. This is a real game. And it looks fast. First Real Look at Gameplay The official gameplay trailer finally shows what Galactic Racer actually feels like in motion. And it’s not just podracing nostalgia. We’re seeing: The footage leans into pure speed. Not cinematic storytelling. Not Jedi drama. Just momentum. And that’s refreshing. A Return to Star Wars Racing Star Wars hasn’t had a dedicated racing game in decades. Yes, there was Episode I: Racer.Yes, there have been racing segments across other titles. But Galactic Racer is the first modern, fully built racing experience under the Lucasfilm Games banner in years. Developed by Fuse Games…

Read More

Skeleton Crew Season 2 Reportedly in Development According to Production Weekly

Star Wars Skeleton Crew Season 2 reportedly in development according to Production Weekly listing

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew — the coming-of-age adventure that debuted on Disney+ in late 2024 — has just taken a big step toward a return. According to the latest Production Weekly Issue 1489 (Thursday, February 12, 2026), Skeleton Crew Season 2 is now listed as in development alongside other high-profile projects like The Mandalorian Season 4. This doesn’t confirm a full green-light with a public announcement from Lucasfilm or Disney+, but it’s one of the most concrete industry signals yet that Skeleton Crew could continue. Production Weekly’s listings are widely used by industry pros to track what’s entering pre-production, early development stages, or active planning — so inclusion usually reflects real movement behind the scenes. Here’s what we know — and what it might mean — for Skeleton Crew’s future. From Limited Series to a True Franchise Entry? Star Wars: Skeleton Crew premiered on Disney+ on December 2, 2024, with…

Read More

Rise of the Resistance Reopening at Disneyland After Refurbishment

Rise of the Resistance reopening at Disneyland banner with cinematic hangar interior and headline text about refurbishment return

After a temporary closure for refurbishments, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland is reportedly set to reopen tomorrow. And yes — that means boarding groups, First Order interrogations, and that massive Star Destroyer hangar moment are back on the table. The attraction, located inside Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort, has been closed for scheduled updates and technical work. While Disney hasn’t publicly detailed every change, refurbishments typically focus on ride system reliability, animatronic maintenance, and show element upgrades. For a ride as ambitious as this one, that’s a big deal. Why This Matters Rise of the Resistance isn’t just another theme park ride. It’s one of the most technologically complex attractions ever built by Disney Imagineering. The experience blends: When it works at full capacity, it’s arguably the most immersive Star Wars attraction ever created. What Could Be Updated? Disney rarely publishes detailed patch notes (imagine if they…

Read More

Dave Bautista Says the Original Star Wars Is One of His All-Time Favorite Movies

Dave Bautista with headline text about his love for the original Star Wars film

Actor and former professional wrestler Dave Bautista isn’t just a fan of blockbuster action — he’s also openly shared his love for one of the most influential films in cinematic history. In a recent interview detailing his five favorite movies of all time, Bautista listed Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope — the original Star Wars — as a top pick. Reflecting on why the film holds such a special place for him, he said: “It may have just been the time when I saw it, the time it was, with childhood, but everything about that film just makes me feel good. I never get tired of it.” A Fan for Life Bautista’s appreciation of A New Hope goes beyond casual interest. The movie wasn’t just a film he saw — it was a defining experience. He credits the emotional impact of seeing it at a formative time…

Read More

Kenneth Colley, Admiral Piett Actor, Left $1 Million to a Cat Sanctuary in His Will

Kenneth Colley as Admiral Piett contrasted with a warm portrait holding a cat

Kenneth Colley, best known to Star Wars fans as Admiral Piett, left behind a legacy that extends far beyond the bridge of an Imperial Star Destroyer. According to reports, Colley — who portrayed Piett in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi — bequeathed $1 million to a cat sanctuary in his will. A villain on screen. A hero off screen. The Face of the Empire Admiral Piett holds a unique place in Star Wars history. Introduced as a nervous officer trying to survive the unforgiving command structure of Darth Vader, Piett went on to become one of the longest-serving Imperial officers in the original trilogy. While many officers met sudden ends, Piett’s character arc stood out for his quiet determination — even if his loyalty ultimately placed him on the losing side of the Galactic Civil War. Colley’s performance gave Piett something rare among Imperial ranks: humanity….

Read More

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Is the Lowest-Budget Star Wars Movie Disney Has Ever Made

The Mandalorian & Grogu

Disney’s newest entry in the Star Wars franchise, The Mandalorian and Grogu, has achieved something unexpected: it’s now officially the lowest-budget feature film in Star Wars history under the Disney era. According to production figures, the total production cost for The Mandalorian and Grogu landed at $166.4 million — a remarkably modest sum compared to the blockbuster budgets of previous entries in the galaxy far, far away. A Lean Approach in a Blockbuster Era To put that in context, most modern Star Wars films — especially theatrical releases under the Disney banner — have hovered well above $200 million in production costs, even before marketing. That makes The Mandalorian and Grogu’s $166.4 million figure stand out, not just within the franchise but among big-studio tentpoles in general. This leaner price tag could reflect a number of production decisions: Not a Sacrifice, Just Smart Spending Being the lowest-budget movie in the…

Read More

Lucasfilm Clarifies The Mandalorian & Grogu Super Bowl Ad: A Playful Nod to Classic Big Game Spots

Grogu reaching up toward a creature in a scene from The Mandalorian and Grogu promotional footage

Lucasfilm has cleared up confusion surrounding the recent Super Bowl commercial for The Mandalorian & Grogu, and the explanation reveals the spot was designed as a deliberate tribute to iconic ads of the past. According to Ryan Stankevich, Lucasfilm’s marketing brand lead, the creative team intentionally leaned into a familiar Super Bowl advertising style — one that longtime viewers of the Big Game would instantly recognize. “Our creative and marketing team landed on a unique concept that gave a nod to classic Big Game spots of years past. It captured the warmth, humor, and emotional connection between these two beloved characters and was the perfect next step for our campaign as we lead up to their big screen debut this summer.” Rather than focusing on plot reveals or spectacle, the ad centered on the heart of the franchise’s most popular duo: Din Djarin and Grogu. The goal wasn’t to expand…

Read More

Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista Say They Want to Play Villains in Star Wars

Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista with Star Wars logo in banner about actors wanting villain roles

Two of modern sci-fi’s most recognizable faces have their sights set on the galaxy far, far away. Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista recently joked that they’d love to play villains in a Star Wars project, leaning into their shared love of the franchise — and their growing sci-fi resumes. “We’re both Star Wars nerds,” the pair said, referencing their work together in Dune, the epic adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel that famously helped inspire many of the ideas that later shaped Star Wars. But apparently, Dune wasn’t enough. From Dune to the Dark Side? Both actors already have strong genre credentials. Momoa has led major fantasy and sci-fi franchises, while Bautista has built a reputation for bringing physical presence and surprising emotional range to genre roles. Seeing them lean into villain territory in Star Wars would be a natural fit, especially given: Star Wars has a long tradition of…

Read More

Josh D’Amaro Named New CEO of Disney — What His Star Wars History Tells Us

Josh D’Amaro holding a realistic lightsaber on stage during a Star Wars presentation

Disney leadership just shifted in a major way. Josh D’Amaro has officially been named the new CEO of The Walt Disney Company, with his tenure set to begin on March 18. While this is corporate news on the surface, D’Amaro’s background makes this especially interesting for Star Wars fans — because his fingerprints are already all over some of the franchise’s most ambitious real-world experiences. From Parks Chief to Disney CEO Before stepping into the top role, D’Amaro served as Chairman of Disney Experiences, overseeing parks, resorts, cruise lines, and consumer products. Under his leadership, Disney leaned heavily into immersive, tech-forward environments rather than just traditional attractions. That approach had a direct impact on how Star Wars moved from screen to physical space. His Biggest Star Wars Contributions Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World D’Amaro helped lead development on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the massive Star Wars lands…

Read More

Disney+ to Feature AI-Generated Content by September 2026, Bob Iger Confirms

Star Wars characters beside OpenAI logo in banner about Disney+ using AI-generated content with Sora

Disney’s streaming service Disney+ will introduce AI-generated short-form videos by the end of September 2026, CEO Bob Iger confirmed during the company’s recent first-quarter earnings call. The new content will be powered by OpenAI’s Sora, enabling the creation of 30-second videos featuring beloved characters from Disney’s vast library. This marks one of the most ambitious applications of artificial intelligence within a major entertainment platform, blending fan-driven creativity with Disney’s storytelling heritage across franchises like Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. What the Sora Integration Means for Disney+ The integration revolves around OpenAI’s generative video model, Sora, which can produce short video clips based on text prompts. Under the licensing agreement between Disney and OpenAI — part of a multi-year, multi-billion dollar partnership — users will be able to prompt Sora to generate AI-driven videos up to 30 seconds long using a selection of over 200 Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars…

Read More