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…
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Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Finally Opening This September — A New Home for Star Wars History and Pop Culture
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…
Patrick Stewart Dreams of a Star Wars and Star Trek Crossover: “I Would Get Such a Kick Out of That”
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…
Happy 80th Birthday to C-3PO Himself: Celebrating Anthony Daniels and a Galaxy of Golden Memories
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…
Tony Gilroy Shuts Down Rumors of Tension Between Him and Dave Filoni Over Andor
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….
Steven Soderbergh and Adam Driver “Frustrated” After Disney Scraps The Hunt for Ben Solo
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…
How Sabacc For Charity Is Turning Star Wars Card Games Into Real-World Good
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…
Star Wars: Galactic Racer Unveils Official Gameplay Trailer and New Key Art
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…
Skeleton Crew Season 2 Reportedly in Development According to Production Weekly
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…
Rise of the Resistance Reopening at Disneyland After Refurbishment
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…
Dave Bautista Says the Original Star Wars Is One of His All-Time Favorite Movies
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…
Kenneth Colley, Admiral Piett Actor, Left $1 Million to a Cat Sanctuary in His Will
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….
THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Is the Lowest-Budget Star Wars Movie Disney Has Ever Made
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…
Lucasfilm Clarifies The Mandalorian & Grogu Super Bowl Ad: A Playful Nod to Classic Big Game Spots
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…
Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista Say They Want to Play Villains in Star Wars
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…
Josh D’Amaro Named New CEO of Disney — What His Star Wars History Tells Us
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…
Disney+ to Feature AI-Generated Content by September 2026, Bob Iger Confirms
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…
Two Years Later — Remembering Carl Weathers and His Impact on Star Wars and Beyond
Today marks two years since the death of Carl Weathers, a beloved actor whose influence stretched across film, television, and — for many fans — the Star Wars galaxy. While Weathers may be best known to some for iconic roles outside of Star Wars, his impact on genre storytelling and the entertainment community at large continues to be felt and remembered. A Versatile Career in Film and TV Carl Weathers was a multi-faceted talent — an actor, director, and storyteller whose career spanned decades. Long before his association with Star Wars, Weathers endeared himself to audiences as: His work connected with multiple generations, making him both a recognizable face and a respected figure in Hollywood. Star Wars and the Mandalorian Connection While Weathers didn’t play a role in the main Star Wars films, many genre fans remember his involvement in The Mandalorian — where he appeared as Greef Karga, a…
Wagner Moura’s Character in MAUL – SHADOW LORD Revealed as Former Bounty Hunter Turned Cop
New details have emerged about Wagner Moura’s character in MAUL – SHADOW LORD, and he may be one of the most grounded figures in the series. According to information shared via IGN, Moura plays Lawson — a man with a past in the underworld who now walks a very different path. “Lawson used to be a bounty hunter. Now he’s a cop and a single dad doing the best he can in a lawless territory. He’s a good man who pushes limits and breaks rules.” That description immediately sets him apart from the usual Star Wars archetypes. A Man Between Two Worlds Lawson’s backstory as a former bounty hunter suggests deep familiarity with crime, survival, and the moral gray zones of the galaxy’s underbelly. But his present role as a cop — and a single father — reframes him completely. Instead of a hardened mercenary, he’s now someone trying to…
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite Returns for 2026 — Dates, Tickets & What to Expect
Star Wars fans are getting another chance to experience the magic after park hours — because Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite is returning to Disneyland Park in 2026 with multiple nights of galactic fun, entertainment, specials and more. This separately-ticketed after-hours event invites fans of all ages to dive into a galaxy “not so far away” during four special nights in April and May 2026, complete with themed entertainment, photo opportunities, unique food, merchandise, and immersive Star Wars experiences. 📅 Dates & Time Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite will be held on these dates: Each night runs from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM, with early access granted as soon as 6:00 PM for ticket holders. 🎟️ Tickets & Presales Tickets for Star Wars Nite go on sale in stages: Tickets for each date are limited and subject to availability, so fans are encouraged to buy early before sell-outs…
15 Years Ago Today, The Mortis Arc Changed Star Wars Lore Forever
Fifteen years ago today, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired an arc that felt strange, symbolic, and almost disconnected from the main war narrative. Now? The Mortis arc looks less like a side quest and more like one of the most important mythology pillars in modern Star Wars. Spanning three episodes — Overlords, Altar of Mortis, and Ghosts of Mortis — the story temporarily leaves behind the Clone Wars battlefield and dives headfirst into the cosmic side of the Force. In hindsight, this storyline appears deeply tied to Ahsoka’s larger journey and possibly the spiritual backbone of Dave Filoni’s evolving “Mandoverse.” Star Wars Steps Into Mythology Before Mortis, most Star Wars storytelling treated the Force as mystical but still grounded in Jedi philosophy, Sith ambition, and personal destiny. Mortis changed that perspective. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka are drawn to a mysterious realm powerful in the Force. There they meet three…
Report: Dave Filoni’s MandoVerse Crossover Movie May Be Reworked Into a Disney+ Series
A new report suggests that the planned Dave Filoni–helmed crossover project set in the so-called MandoVerse may no longer be moving forward as a theatrical film. According to industry scooper DanielRPK, the project is being reworked into a limited series for Disney+ instead of a feature movie. At this stage, the information should be treated as unconfirmed, as Lucasfilm and Disney have not issued any official statement. What Was the MandoVerse Crossover? The project, first announced during Lucasfilm’s broader film slate reveal, was intended to bring together story threads from: Filoni was set to direct the crossover event, which was positioned as a culmination of the interconnected storytelling built across these Disney+ series. Why a Shift to Series Could Make Sense If the report is accurate, moving the project from film to limited series wouldn’t be unprecedented in the modern franchise landscape. The MandoVerse storyline is already structured like long-form…
Disney and Lucasfilm Bring Star Wars to Kids’ Mindfulness and Movement with GoNoodle
Disney, Lucasfilm, and GoNoodle are teaming up on a new initiative designed to introduce Star Wars characters and themes into everyday life through movement, mindfulness, and play for children. The collaboration blends GoNoodle’s popular developmental content with beloved figures and storytelling elements from the Star Wars galaxy in a way that parents, educators, and young fans can use together — in classrooms, at home, or in learning spaces. Mindfulness and movement with the Force The first video in the series, titled “Balanced Breathing with Grogu,” is now available. It features Grogu, the fan-favorite character from The Mandalorian series, guiding kids through a playful breathing exercise rooted in Jedi-style training. In the video, Grogu leads children through mindful breathing and simple motion, helping them slow down, focus, and build self-regulation skills — abilities that can support emotional control, attention, and healthy daily routines. GoNoodle content has long been used in schools…
Rian Johnson Says He Wants New Star Wars Stories Following Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit
Filmmaker Rian Johnson is looking ahead with optimism for the future of Star Wars, expressing excitement about fresh creative voices entering the galaxy far, far away following Kathleen Kennedy’s departure from Lucasfilm leadership. Johnson, who directed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, shared his perspective in a recent interview, focusing on what he sees as the most thrilling possibility in the post-Kennedy era: new storytellers and new stories. “Fresh voices” driving the future of Star Wars “As a Star Wars fan,” Johnson said, “the most exciting thing for me is always seeing when they bring in fresh voices and fresh filmmakers to come in and tell new stories in that world. That’s what I am looking forward to seeing more happen.” His comments emphasize a creative approach that values diversity of perspective over repetition of familiar formulas — a sentiment shared by many within the industry as leadership at Lucasfilm transitions….