Over $8 billion dollars in box office sales. Almost $38 billion in toys and merchandise. A sale to Disney around the $4 billion mark. These gigantic, record-breaking figures are enough to suggest that Star Wars is one of the world’s most phenomenally successful movie franchises of all time. There’s also the millions of fans from around the world who name Star Wars as either a favourite movies series, a creative influence, or even a life-changing piece of cinema. So why is Star Wars so popular? Back in 1977, there were plenty of Sci-Fi movies from relatively unknown directors, and 1977’s A New Hope was just another space-flick with a couple of big names. The big difference however was the depth, the vision and the scale that the original Star Wars movie had that made it such a smash-hit success, as well as the brilliant visual effects, well-paced storyline and superb…
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How Has Star Wars Inspired Industries?
In 1977, George Lucas created a film series about a galaxy far, far away in which one small boy could change the fate of an entire universe. Now, more than 40 years later, the influence of the iconic Star Wars franchise can be seen in industries of all sizes. From military operations using codenames taken straight out of the movies to religious sects being formed based on the Jedi way of life and more, there is no doubt that Star Wars made a serious impact on the world as we know it. Probably the easiest place to start looking at how Star Wars has influenced the world is by looking at the gaming sector, which has not only embraced the universe, but also taken it to new lengths, continuing to incorporate the memorable characters, themes and settings in new games to this day. In fact, if it wasn’t for Star…
Best Star Wars Games for People on Your Holiday List
Do you love Star Wars games? Do you have friends on your holiday shopping list who love Star Wars and gaming? If so, then this is the post for you. Thanks to the new films, there is no shortage of Star Wars memorabilia happening, but I don’t mind. I love Star Wars so much, it’s great to see it going mainstream once again. I wasn’t all that surprised then, to see that nearly every favorite board game you can think of now has a Star Wars edition. If you haven’t enjoyed any classic board games in a while, this is a great way to get back into it. If board games aren’t your thing, there are plenty of video games to choose from as well. I’ve listed some of the most popular below, but don’t let this list stop you. If there’s more you want, or you don’t see what…
Best Gifts for Star Wars Fans in 2017
Can you believe that December is here already? The holiday season is upon us and if you haven’t already, it’s time to start shopping for the people on your holiday list. If you have Star Wars fans on your list (who doesn’t?) or if you’re building your own wish list for the holiday season, we have some really awesome ideas for you. Here are some of my picks for the best gifts for Star Wars fans in 2017: Death Star Waffle Maker – Seriously, what better way to start your day than with Death Star waffles? I have a BB-8 waffle maker myself and it’s so cool! Star Wars Flatware Set – Now you can have the Force with you while you eat. From breakfast to snacks, to dinner, it’s all covered. Includes Luke Fork, Yoda Spoon, and Vader Knife. Just don’t put them in the dishwasher. Star Wars Decorative Wall…
Star Wars Director Rian Johnson Reveals Identity of Last Jedi
So, who is the Last Jedi? Fans have been asking for awhile and now the mystery is finally revealed. The Last Jedi is coming December 15th, and fans are anxious for another installment. We all need our Star Wars fix, right? Ever since the title was released in January, fans have been speculating on who the last Jedi could be. There were some great theories going around but the one that seemed to make the most since, has now been confirmed. “Star Wars” director Rian Johnson recently revealed the identity of the last Jedi. It is, as many fans predicted, Luke Skywalker and now the director/writer confirmed it in this interview with the NY Times. “There’s always wiggle room in these movies — everything is from a certain point of view — but coming into our story, he is the actual last of the Jedi. And he’s removed himself and is alone on this…
Disney to Pull Star Wars and Marvel Movies from Netflix
If you haven’t watched all the Star Wars and Marvel movies on Netflix, or if you just want to get your fix and watch them again, you better do it quickly! Disney has announced they will be pulling their Star Wars and Marvel films from Netflix because they’re starting their own streaming service (who saw that coming?). Starting in 2019, you’ll have to subscribe to Disney’s service if you want to see these. As of right now, Rogue One is on Netflix but Episode 7 is listed but says “unavailable”. So, if you want to get to see these on Netflix, you better start watching now before they’re gone forever. Of course, you can always subscribe to Disney’s streaming service once it comes out if you want to see all the Star Wars and Marvel films and I guess we can be thankful that at least they are giving us…
Goodbye Carrie Fisher – May the force be with you always
Yesterday, the world received some very sad news. After suffering a heart attack recently on her way home from an international flight, Carrie Fisher has passed away at the age of 60. Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, released a statement through her spokesman saying Fisher died Tuesday morning in Los Angeles. “It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning,” read the statement from publicist Simon Halls. “She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly.” Fisher had been hospitalized since Friday when she suffered a medical emergency on board a flight to Los Angeles. Carrie Fisher once said, “Writing in a way saved me, kept me company. I did the traditional thing with falling in love with words & reading books.” As a writer myself, those words touched me deeply, but this wasn’t…
‘Star Wars Episode 8’ Release Date and More
Star Wars Episode 8 is coming soon and we’re very excited about the next installment on the trilogy. We’re definitely not alone. Knowing how excited fans are going to be for the release of this new movie, it’s no surprise that they are also working up the rumors and the fan theories about the stories, such as who is Rey’s father and who is Supreme Leader Snoke really? There have been a lot of fan theories going around but now that the official release date is out for the next film and moving closer, we’re going to see more and more of this as people get pumped up for the actual film. So let’s take a look at two of the biggest mysteries that fans want answers to. International Business Times wrote what a lot of fans were thinking, that “Star Wars Episode 8″ may reveal who Rey’s real father is….
Mark Hamill to Return to ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’
Fans look for any and every sign of an update about new Star Wars movies, or anything Star Wars for that matter. The movies tend to be so hush-hush, sometimes all we have to go on is rumor and hints. In a way, this becomes part of the mystique and the appeal to the franchise. It’s a mystery we are all waiting to uncover together. So that’s why when fun little bits like this happen, we take notice. What does it mean? Maybe nothing. Maybe everything. But it sure is fun to speculate, right? Is Mark Hamill coming back to ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’? All signs seem to point to a yes and the popular star may have even confirmed it himself recently in a tweet: Haven’t seen my chin since May ’15, so #FarewellFacialFur & #ByeByeBeard (at least til #EpisodeIX) @popculturequest pic.twitter.com/gaScz1okk6 — Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) August 30, 2016 You…
Chicago Star Wars Museum Cancelled
In what would have given us another good reason to visit Chicago, we now have news that George Lucas has cancelled the plans to build a Star Wars museum. The Chicago Tribune recently reported that Lucas has halted his Windy City plans to build The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. It would seem that Lucas has spent the past two years arguing with the city of Chicago over the land the museum was to be built on. The story says that back in 2014, a group called Friends of the Parks filed a lawsuit that sought to stop the museum from being built on the Chicago lakefront. they say that anything build on the lakefront has to specifically benefit the citizens of Chicago since this land belongs to them. The Star Wars museum proposed by Lucas would not, in their opinion, specifically benefit the people of Chicago. It doesn’t make a lot of…
Star Wars Perfume: Has Merchandising Gone Too Far?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Star Wars is hot right now. The new films have created a surge in the franchise’s popularity and we’re seeing Star Wars everywhere. This can be a good thing for the Star Wars fan but can it go too far? While buying groceries this past week, I noticed all the Star Wars branded foods. This is typical of cereals and snack foods, more than anything else, at least here in the US. I saw Star Wars cereals, yogurt, Cambell’s soup cans, and even Cheez-Its with Yoda on the front. They’re on Pringles cans and ice cream, and even coffee creamers. But the Star Wars craze doesn’t end with food. Of course, there are toys and clothes. This is to be expected. However, there has also been Star Wars makeup and now, we have Star Wars perfume. Yes. Star Wars perfume….
Disney Brings in More Help to Rogue One
Fans are pumped up for Star Wars: Rogue One and sources say Disney will be bringing on more help for the reshooting. Simon Crane, who has worked as a Second Unit Director or stunt coordinator for such films as Jason Bourne, Edge of Tomorrow and Quantum of Solac, will be joining the Rogue One team. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the fact that Crane is on the scene probably indicates some of the reshoots will have retouching to the action sequences. You may have already read that Tony Gilroy was also brought on to help oversee the reshoots and provide additional material to the film. Hollywood Reporter says: Rogue One, being directed by Gareth Edwards, will undergo significant additional filming this summer, it was revealed earlier this week. Disney and Lucasfilm are hoping to accomplish several goals with the reshoots, including working on the tone of what has been described by sources as a “war movie.” The…
What is the Church of the Force?
The non-canon expert shows up to explain who and what the Church of the Force is as introduced in The Force Awakens, as well as remember some of his friends who are no longer part of the canon. Star Wars Reading Club is actually going to give you all of the run down so you’re up to speed on the Church of the Force. Basically, ,the Church of the Force was an underground faith of people loosely affiliated worshipers of the Jedi ideals. They believed that the Jedi Order would return one day and also that it’s return was essential to help bring the balance to the Force. This underground movement that started during the Age of the Empire, when the Jedi Knights were hunted nearly to their extinction. Jedi lore and history is very deeply rooted in the Church of the Force and one member in particular, Lor San Tekka played…
Star Wars: A New Hope as an Infographic (The entire movie in one image)
Infographics have been making their way across the Internet for some time now. While there was a boom a couple of years ago that seems to have died down now, we still see infographics on a regular basis. Sometimes they are just for fun or for a graphic designer to play with his or her skills a bit. Sometimes they are used to better illustrate a point than words alone. Sometimes they are used along with other elements to help show a bigger picture. In this case, we have something entirely unique. Illustrator Martin Panchaud recently transformed Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope into SWANH. It’s a very, very long infographic that tells us everything that happened in Star Wars: A New Hope. Seriously, everything. All of it. The entire movie in a graphic. Just scroll down. Now scroll some more. Yep, keep scrolling. It’s all there. He even…
Stormtroopers and R2D2 Visit the White House
On Friday, the White House had some special visitors and it would appear they had a very grand welcome also. Even the President has Star Wars fever with the release of the hot new film. Dark and Light Sides would come together in peace at a press briefing this past week. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest was photographed with Stormtroopers and R2D2. President Obama gave his year-end press conference. Then, everyone went off to watch a very special movie premiere. The screening on Friday was for members of Gold Star families, an organization of family members who lost relatives in military combat. The family theater doubles as a cloak room when not is use and has showed screenings in the past such as “Lincoln” and “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”. What a wonderful memory for those families and right during the holidays, which can be especially tough for those…
These Knock-Off Star Wars Toys are Hilarious
People love Star Wars. This is a fact as simple as the sky being blue. So it’s no surprise that you will find some unscrupulous (or perhaps just ignorant) companies trying to play on the Star Wars love. That’s exactly what we find in these “Star Wars” toys purchased by wholesale trader Karl Baxter, of Wholesale Clearance UK. But these discount toys that arrived just in time for the new film release weren’t exactly what he expected. These weren’t just knock-offs; these were fakes that seemed to have been designed by someone with no knowledge of the franchise and the results are hilarious (maybe not for Mr. Baxter). Most of the molds do not come close to properly resembling the characters intended but the names/titles are even funnier. Obi-Wan Kenobi was dubbed Toy-One and C-3PO is R2-3PO. A young Anakin Skywalker is simply called “little girl” and Qui-Gon Jinn is…
Happy Life Day! The Star Wars Holiday Special Anniversary
Today marks the anniversary of The Star Wars Holiday Special. I wasn’t alive back in 1978 but as a long-time Star Wars fan, I heard about it and of course, wanted to see it. While November 17, 1978 marked the first AND last time this two-hour musical variety show would be aired (thank you CBS), it is still possible to find it on the Internet if you’re so inclined. While the special was intended to capitalize on the success of the 1977 movie and hold fans over until the 1980 release of The Empire Strikes Back, things did not go as planned. It ended up being a terrible flop. I mean, really terrible. Reportedly, George Lucas was only tangentially involved in the production and he hated it so much, he tried to make it disappear. Leave it to the Internet to revive what should be left to die, but I digress. The basic premise of the…
The average Star Wars: The Force Awakens fan will be 34-year-old male
The new Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie has been predicted that it will be one of the highest grossing films ever, and some experts are suggesting that box-office revenues in excess of the current record, Avatar’s gross of $2.78 billon are within reach. Researchers have now showed us who exactly will be purchasing the tickets. According to cinema marketing data firm Movio Media, the average person to purchase a ticket in advance for Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be a United States 34 year old male. It’s predicted that 70% of ticket owners are men between the ages of 18 and 49. The average advance ticket purchaser is a typical movie theater goer and usually travels in order to see big-budget fantasies like Jurassic World or Avengers: Age of Ultron on opening night, according to Movio Media. Also, these in particular individuals spend 2.6 times more than the…
Force Friday Recap
If you missed Force Friday last week, don’t worry. That was just the big reveal but there’s still time to get all of the awesome new merchandise. Last week, Disney unveiled toys from the upcoming film in various store locations around the world to coincide with Force Friday, when consumers can purchase the items. We headed out to our local WalMart where we saw some fun items, including a Darth Vader bigger than my 3-year-old and we also picked up some posters for Droid Tales. Check out these goodies from LEGO: One of the most iconic starships of the Star Wars saga is back, and it’s leaner and meaner than ever before! Complete… Posted by LEGO on Thursday, September 3, 2015 There’s also some cool stuff from Hot Wheels: #HotWheelsForceFriday gets an early start with the reveal of Kylo Ren’s sleek, ominous race car and the lively & loyal hot rod of…
The New Star Wars Canon, Explained
When Disney took over LucasFilm and decided to make another Star Wars movie, all of the Expanded Universe works became “un-canon.” They would no longer be recognized in the official Star Wars universe. OuterPlaces has released an infographic that puts all of the canon works in an easy-to-read image. Check it out here, or view the original on OuterPlaces: With all of the books and comics between the Battle of Endor and The Force Awakens, it looks like we’re going to get a very clear picture of what happened after the destruction of the second Death Star before the new movie comes out. It’s also cool to see the two new Star Wars games coming out this year on the infographic as well, suggesting that we might actually learn more about the universe in those games. If you want to get up-to-speed on the Star Wars universe, you’re going to have a lot of…
Jar Jar Binks Inspired by Goofy, According to George Lucas
Jar Jar Binks just might be one of the most hated Star Wars characters ever. Honestly, I’m not sure why. I really didn’t think he was that bad. Unlike many who seem to have been annoyed greatly by the character, I found him a bit charming. (I know, I know… don’t shoot me.) When George Lucas was making Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999), he famously said, “Jar Jar’s the key to all this, if we get Jar Jar working. ‘Cause he’s a funnier character than we’ve ever had in the movies.” That really didn’t work out so well for him since Binks ended up becoming one of the most hated movie characters ever. That doesn’t seem to sway Lucas very much, as he still loves Jar Jar At the recent Disney D3 Expo, Lucas explained how he feels about Binks, why he loves the character and how he was inspired by…
President of Lucasfilm talks Han Solo Movie
Are you worried about the upcoming Han Solo spinoff that is planned as a standalone film? Many fans are concerned that they will ruin one of the best characters from Star Wars ever. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy talked a great deal about the spinoff (still untitled) and what we can expect. It’s written by Jon and Lawrence Kasdan, directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, and scheduled for release May 25, 2018. So we have quite awhile to wait for it but that doesn’t stop people from being interested in it. A big question from the start is in regards to the timeline. How old will Solo be in this film? “He’ll definitely be probably in the high teens, low 20s,” Kennedy said to the magazine. “We’re not introducing you to a 10-year-old Han Solo.” That does make sense and we’ll have to wait awhile to know…
Cover Girl Star Wars Campaign
With the upcoming movie, we can expect to see a lot more Star Wars merchandise but one thing you probably don’t think about when you think Star Wars is makeup. Cover Girl is out to change all of that. They have a new, exclusive, limited-edition Star Wars collection that features shiny, metallic lipsticks, deep nail polishes and more. Allure tells us more about the special edition makeup that releases in early September: A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far, far away, a movie was made that inspired an epic hairstyle—the Princess Leia. Two trilogies and almost four decades later, we’re still getting beauty inspo from the women of Star Wars. In celebration of the new film The Force Awakens, out this December, CoverGirl is releasing a limited-edition collection of makeup that begs the question: Are you on the light side or the dark side? Check out the whole collection…
Michael Jackson Wanted to Play Jar Jar Binks in ‘Star Wars’
Michael Jackson wanted to play the Star Wars character Jar Jar Binks, however George Lucas denied him the part. His reason for denying the pop star was because he “wanted to do it in prosthetics and makeup like ‘Thriller’”. Michael Jackson was known as the “King of Pop” and he reportedly told George Lucas that he wanted to play the goofy Gungan Jar Jar Binks, which is one of the most despised characters in film history. The character appeared in the 1999 blockbuster hit, Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menance. Ahmed Best voiced and provided the motion capture for Jar Jar Binks’ character, explained the interest that Michael Jackson had during an interview with Vice. “Me, Natalie Portman and George [Lucas]’s kids – we were at Wembley arena at Michael Jackson’s concert,” Best said. “We were taken backstage, and we met Michael. There was Michael and Lisa Marie [Presley]….