Disney has quietly updated its 2026 release slate, and tucked inside it are two brand-new Star Wars series that say a lot about where the galaxy is headed next. On one end: a dark, character-driven story led by one of Star Wars’ most dangerous villains.On the other: a visionary anime-style continuation of one of Star Wars: Visions’ most beloved shorts. Meet your future watchlist additions: Same universe. Completely different vibes. Maul – Shadow Lord: The Galaxy’s Angriest Survivor Returns If you thought Darth Maul’s story was done, Star Wars would like a word. Maul – Shadow Lord is set to explore the criminal underworld side of the galaxy—an area Maul knows very well. This isn’t about Sith empires or galactic domination. It’s about power in the shadows, manipulation, and survival after everything you believed in collapses. Maul has always been at his most interesting when he’s angry, broken, and scheming,…
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The Mandalorian Joins Disney’s Billion Hours Club — And It’s a Star Wars First
Cue the slow, dramatic helmet turn. The Mandalorian has officially joined Disney’s Billion Hours Streamed Club, becoming the first and only Star Wars series to cross the one-billion-hours-watched mark on Disney+. And yes, that’s billion with a B. For a franchise built on box office records, toy aisles, and cultural milestones, this one hits a little differently. Because this isn’t about opening weekend hype or ticket sales—it’s about what people keep coming back to, night after night, long after the credits roll. A Quiet Launch That Changed Everything When The Mandalorian premiered in 2019, it wasn’t supposed to carry the entire weight of Star Wars on its beskar-clad shoulders. There were no opening crawl speeches, no Skywalker surname, and no expectation that a helmeted bounty hunter with a soft spot for a tiny green child would reset Disney+ overnight. And yet… here we are. The series didn’t explode because of…
Andor Writer Dan Gilroy Explains Why Mon Mothma’s Speech Felt So Real
One of the most powerful moments in Andor wasn’t an explosion, a chase, or a secret mission — it was Mon Mothma standing in the Senate and speaking the truth, knowing exactly what it would cost her. According to Andor screenwriter Dan Gilroy, that moment didn’t come from Star Wars lore alone. It came from anger — very real, very current anger — at what he was watching unfold in the real world. Writing Star Wars Through a Real-World Lens Gilroy has revealed that as he began writing the episode featuring Mon Mothma’s Senate speech, he was closely following contemporary politics. What he saw directly shaped the scene. He described watching senators and elected officials abandon democratic principles, choosing comfort, safety, or power over accountability. That frustration carried straight into the writing process. When Mon Mothma speaks in the Senate, she isn’t just addressing the Empire. She’s confronting a system…
Ahsoka Season 2 Will Pick Up Immediately After Season 1 — No Time Jump, No Delay, All Momentum
If you’ve been wondering whether Ahsoka Season 2 would leap ahead in time — surprise! It won’t.According to Star Wars Insider #235, the second season will pick up exactly where Season 1 left off, meaning no skipped months, years, or off-screen developments. And honestly? That might be the best thing that could’ve happened for this series. Because Season 1 didn’t end quietly. It ended with: If Lucasfilm had jumped ahead, we would’ve missed far too much. Why No Time Jump Is a Big Deal for Star Wars Star Wars loves a good time jump — it’s practically tradition. But Ahsoka isn’t playing by the usual rules, and keeping Season 2’s timeline continuous has some huge storytelling advantages: 1. Zero Lost Emotion Season 1 left Ahsoka, Sabine, and Ezra in wildly different emotional states.Picking up immediately means we get to actually feel the fallout: Skipping forward would’ve robbed those moments of…
Diego Luna Becomes the First Star Wars Actor Nominated for a Golden Globe Since Sir Alec Guinness
Every so often, Star Wars makes history in a way that doesn’t involve box-office records, new shows, or surprise cameos. Today, it’s something far rarer — and honestly, long overdue. Diego Luna has become the first actor since Sir Alec Guinness in 1977 to receive a Golden Globe nomination for a performance in a Star Wars project. Yes.It has been that long. Not since Guinness was nominated for his legendary portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars (later retitled A New Hope) has an actor from this galaxy far, far away been recognized in one of Hollywood’s biggest awards shows. Now Diego Luna has done it — and it’s thanks to Andor, one of the most critically acclaimed Star Wars stories ever put on screen. A Historic Nomination Decades in the Making Let’s put this into perspective. Since 1977, Star Wars has produced: And yet no actor from…
Could Tony Gilroy Return to Star Wars? His London Love Says Maybe
For a man who reshaped the Star Wars universe with one of the most grounded, emotionally rich, politically sharp stories ever made, Tony Gilroy has been pretty clear about one thing: he wasn’t planning on coming back. After Andor Season 2 wrapped, Gilroy spoke openly about the toll the show took on him — the intense production schedule, the pressure, the scale of the project. Most fans assumed that meant he was finished with Star Wars for good. But now he’s hinting that there is something that might pull him back. And surprisingly, it’s not the franchise itself. It’s London. “London Would Be the Bigger Draw Than Star Wars” In a recent interview, Gilroy explained what might lure him back to the galaxy far, far away, and the answer surprised many fans: “I would say the biggest temptation to return to Star Wars would be to go back and work…
Diego Luna Earns Golden Globe Nomination for Andor — But the Series Itself Gets Snubbed
The Rebellion is celebrating… and side-eyeing at the same time. Diego Luna has officially been nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Series at the Golden Globe Awards for his performance as Cassian Andor — a well-deserved recognition for one of the most nuanced characters in modern Star Wars storytelling. But here’s the twist:ANDOR — one of the most critically acclaimed shows on television — wasn’t nominated for Best Drama Series. Yes. Really.Welcome to awards season, where logic goes to die faster than a stormtrooper’s aim. Diego Luna’s Nomination: Absolutely Earned Let’s start with the good news. Diego Luna’s performance in Andor Season 2 has been praised by fans, critics, and anyone with functioning emotional range. Luna brings a rare humanity to Cassian — a rebel who isn’t chosen by destiny, but pushed into the fight by oppression, circumstance, and sheer survival. He plays Cassian with: It’s the kind of…
Diego Luna Scores Critics Choice Nomination for Andor Season 2 — And the Rebellion Rejoices
The Force is strong with this one — or, more accurately, the acting is.Diego Luna has officially been nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Series at the Critics Choice Awards for his work in Andor Season 2, and Star Wars fans everywhere are nodding like, “Yeah… that tracks.” It’s one of those rare moments where the awards world and the Star Wars community agree:Cassian Andor isn’t just a rebel hero — he’s one of the most compelling characters on television right now. The Nomination That Feels Like a Win Luna’s Critics Choice nod shouldn’t surprise anyone who actually watched Season 2. The series has been praised for: And through it all, Diego Luna delivered a performance that never leaned on spectacle or nostalgia — just raw humanity wrapped in Star Wars texture. Where other shows rely on lightsabers, prophecies, or mysterious bloodlines, Andor stands out by focusing on people…
Skeleton Crew Turns 1 Year Old — So… Where’s Season 2?
Happy anniversary to Skeleton Crew!One year ago today, the Amblin-meets-Star-Wars adventure series premiered, bringing a youthful, Goonies-flavored energy to the galaxy far, far away. Whether you loved its Spielbergian charm, the kid-led cast, or Jude Law’s mysterious Force-user vibes, Skeleton Crew carved out its own unique pocket of Star Wars storytelling. And now that we’ve hit the one-year mark, fans are all thinking the same thing: Wouldn’t today be the perfect day to announce Season 2? A Year Later, What’s the Legacy of Skeleton Crew? When Skeleton Crew launched, it was pitched as a coming-of-age adventure set during the New Republic era. The series took risks — a kid-centric cast, a tone closer to Stranger Things or Super 8, and episodic adventures that shifted wildly in style depending on the writer or director. Over the past year, fans have embraced: And like every Star Wars series, it left unanswered questions…
Claudia Black Reveals She Won’t Return as Mother Klothow in Ahsoka Season 2 — Here’s Why
Claudia Black has confirmed she will not reprise her role as Mother Klothow in Ahsoka Season 2, and the reason has nothing to do with story direction, creative disagreement, or performance. It comes down to something far more real: logistics and livelihood. In an honest, heartfelt explanation, Black revealed that although Lucasfilm initially intended for her to return, the studio ultimately couldn’t meet the financial needs required for her to participate — especially as a single parent based in Los Angeles while production moves overseas. “I’m going to be transparent. They picked up season two, picked me up with it, and then Disney, which is structuring things differently these days, could not pay me what I needed to be paid as a single mother to keep all my responsibilities going at home in Los Angeles, because they were filming in London. It was not something that they could make happen,…
Disney Spent $705 Million on ANDOR — More Than Any Star Wars Movie Ever Produced
Disney has officially revealed new financial filings showing that Andor—the critically acclaimed Star Wars spy thriller starring Diego Luna—has become the most expensive Star Wars production in history, with a staggering $705.5 million spent across its two seasons. That makes Andor more expensive than The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker, or Rogue One. No Star Wars film has ever crossed that number. And what’s even more remarkable:Season 2 alone cost $60.5 million in 2024, ahead of its premiere this April. Source A Decade of Mixed Results Leads to a Different Kind of Star Wars Investment Disney’s Star Wars journey since buying Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012 has been… uneven. After 2019, Star Wars disappeared from cinemas entirely as Disney pivoted hard toward Disney+ shows. But those shows also produced mixed results: The Mandalorian The Acolyte And then there was Andor. ANDOR: The Lone Critical Powerhouse…
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 Now Streaming on Disney+ – A Return to Anime Excellence
The Force is strong with this one — Star Wars: Visions is back, and it’s better than ever. Visions Volume 3 officially arrived on Disney+ on October 29, 2025, bringing nine breathtaking new short films crafted by some of Japan’s most acclaimed anime studios. This third volume marks a triumphant return to the series’ anime roots, blending artistic innovation with the emotional depth and spirit that defines Star Wars storytelling. A Return to True Anime Form After Volume 2’s global experiment in storytelling, Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 goes back to where the magic began — Japan. Each of the nine new episodes showcases the unique artistic styles of top studios like Kamikaze Douga, TRIGGER, Production I.G., Kinema Citrus, David Production, and Polygon Pictures. Fans will be delighted to learn that several of the most beloved stories from the first season return in new form. Sequels to The Duel, The…
Kino Loy Made His First Appearance 3 Years Ago: The Voice That Rallied a Galaxy
Three years ago today, a single voice echoed through the halls of an Imperial prison—and changed Star Wars forever. On October 26, 2022, Andor introduced us to Kino Loy, the no-nonsense floor manager of the Narkina 5 labor facility, played with fierce humanity by Andy Serkis. He wasn’t a Jedi, a smuggler, or a rebel leader. He was just a man trapped in the machine—until he found the courage to fight it. The Reluctant Leader of Narkina 5 When Kino Loy first appeared in Episode 8 of Andor (“Narkina 5”), he seemed like another cog in the Empire’s cruel system. His job was to keep prisoners productive and quiet. But beneath the surface, there was more than discipline—there was fear. Kino embodied the survival mindset of someone crushed by oppression. He believed in following orders because that was the only way to stay alive. But as Cassian Andor began chipping…
Tales of the Jedi Premiered 3 Years Ago: A Small Series with a Massive Legacy
Three years ago today, Tales of the Jedi premiered—and for a show made up of short animated stories, it sure left a big mark on the galaxy. Released on October 26, 2022, the anthology series from Star Wars: The Clone Wars creator Dave Filoni explored the lives, choices, and tragedies of two very different Force users: Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku. It wasn’t just more Clone Wars content—it was surgical storytelling, delivering sharp, emotional arcs that deepened the Star Wars universe in just six short episodes. The Art of Compact Storytelling In a franchise known for sprawling trilogies and galaxy-spanning wars, Tales of the Jedi proved that less can be more. Each episode ran under 20 minutes, yet managed to hit with the emotional weight of a full film. The Ahsoka episodes traced her journey from a wide-eyed child on Shili to the battle-hardened survivor of Order 66. The Dooku…
Bryce Dallas Howard Is Back in the Director’s Chair for Ahsoka’s Next Chapter
Bryce Dallas Howard coming aboard Ahsoka Season 2 as a director isn’t just a star cameo—it’s more like having a seasoned Star Wars captain navigate key scenes. She already has credits across the Star Wars galaxy, and her involvement now signals that those two episodes might carry extra weight. Her Star Wars Direction Credits: More Than Just Ahsoka Let’s talk about her Star Wars credits—because she has more than just one: So when Howard steps into Ahsoka, she’s not new to the Star Wars set. She’s practically been hanging backstage, picking up know-how. What Her Episodes Might Feel Like Given her track record—and how emotional Skeleton Crew’s “Zero Friends Again” turned out—her Ahsoka segments may lean more into: And yes, if romance shows up a little more than before, I won’t be surprised. Howard’s description (“beautiful, thrilling, romantic”) suggests she’s weaving in layers the show hasn’t always spelled out. Why…
Dan Gilroy: How Palpatine Might’ve Snuck into Andor if It Had Spanned Five Seasons
One of the most compelling Star Wars spin-offs, Andor, concluded after two seasons—but it almost had a much different story arc. A Famous Emperor That Could Have Appeared According to writer Dan Gilroy (yes, Tony Gilroy’s brother), if Andor had gone the distance as originally planned, it likely would’ve brought Emperor Palpatine into the narrative. The show was initially envisioned as a five-season saga charting Cassian Andor’s rise and the Empire’s growing dominance. Even though Palpatine was frequently mentioned, his physical presence was always beyond reach—until now, at least in concept. Tony Gilroy previously confirmed Darth Vader was never a narrative priority. He felt that writing Vader was creatively restrictive—Palpatine, perhaps less so, but still a weighty figure to introduce. Why Andor Ended Early Andor wrapped up with a dramatic second season because the scale of production became unsustainable—both logistically and financially. Instead of traversing five chronological seasons, the team…
Dive into the Best of Cassian Andor’s Season 2 Moments
The official Star Wars YouTube channel just dropped a must-watch scene compilation spotlighting Cassian Andor’s standout moments from Andor Season 2. It’s a concise, powerful collection and the perfect way to relive—or gear up for—the drama that unfolds on-screen. Whether you’ve streamed every episode or skipped a few (no judgment either way), this video gives a quick, immersive look at Andor’s evolution—from reluctant informant to hardened rebel. Expect espionage, moral complexity, and, of course, that trademark grit. Why this matters: All told, a smart play by Star Wars to amplify buzz around Andor Season 2, and a helpful aid for fans navigating its intricate storytelling. Context: Andor Season 2 & Fan Access This compilation isn’t the only way fans are connecting with Andor content. Disney previously released the first three episodes of Season 1 for free on YouTube, a strategic move to attract new viewers ahead of Season 2’s release….
Darth Maul Returns: Shadow Lord Stuns at SDCC 2025 with New Visuals and Twisted Promise
The Star Wars villain who refuses to die (and somehow keeps getting cooler) is officially making his return. Maul: Shadow Lord was already hotly anticipated after its reveal at Star Wars Celebration Japan earlier this year, but this weekend’s SDCC 2025 showcase just kicked the hype into hyperdrive. Between new concept art, behind-the-scenes animation previews, and that moody, high-contrast still of Maul looking like he’s about to destroy your soul, it’s safe to say Lucasfilm’s next animated venture is shaping up to be a dark horse in every sense. The SDCC Reveal: Shadow and Style At the Lucasfilm Animation 20th anniversary booth, attendees were treated to a deeper look at the world of Shadow Lord. A new promotional still featured Maul in full silhouette, double-bladed saber blazing, standing in a misty void of red and black. It wasn’t just art—it was a warning. Set roughly one year after the finale…
Andor Scores Big with 3 TCA Nominations—Why the Critics Still Can’t Get Enough
Since its April 22 release, Andor Season 2 has been lighting up the streaming galaxy—and now it’s officially in the spotlight. The Television Critics Association just announced the nominees for its 41st Annual TCA Awards, and Andor scored three major nods: That’s critical acclaim served Rebel-style. With over 200 TV critics weighing in, these nominations are like hitting double-line bets in the prestige-TV casinos. Andor isn’t just floating around the galaxy—it’s commanding the table. Why This Matters: Andor at the Apex of Prestige What makes TCA nods feel different is their pedigree. These are the votes of seasoned critics who follow shows week-in, week-out. They’re not dazzled by big budgets or flashy cameos—they reward storytelling depth, thematic weight, and emotional truth. : Program of the Year Andor goes toe-to-toe with heavyweights like Severance, The White Lotus, and Hacks. It’s the galaxy’s best TV calling card. : Achievement in Drama The…
Why Kino Loy Did Not Appear in Andor Season 2: The Real Reason Behind the Absence
If you were among the many who were scratching their heads wondering why Kino Loy, portrayed masterfully by Andy Serkis, didn’t show up in Andor Season 2, you’re not alone. The charismatic leader of Narkina 5’s prison rebellion stole the spotlight in Season 1, but his conspicuous absence in the trailers and announcements for the second season left many of us with a Wookiee-sized hole in our hearts. So, what gives? Kino Loy’s Fate: More Questions Than Answers When we last saw Kino Loy, things were, well… not looking great. After spearheading one of the most riveting prison breaks in Star Wars history, it was revealed that he couldn’t swim. Yep, the man who faced down Imperial guards and led hundreds to freedom found his downfall in a good old-fashioned water hazard. We never actually see what happens to him. Did he find a floatie? Did some brave souls attempt…
TL-50 Heavy Repeater: Andor’s Surprise Live-Action Debut
Andor Episode 10, titled “Make It Stop,” brought a hidden gem to the Star Wars universe’s live-action fold: the TL-50 Heavy Repeater. For hardcore Star Wars gamers, this isn’t just any blaster—it’s a weapon with serious history. The TL-50 first made its debut in Jedi Outcast, a classic game from 2002 that solidified its place in Star Wars gaming lore. Later, the weapon found new life in DICE’s Star Wars Battlefront games, reimagined with stunning graphics and devastating firepower. Now, thanks to Andor, it’s officially part of live-action canon. The Origin Story: Jedi Outcast The TL-50 Heavy Repeater was first wielded by Kyle Katarn, the rogue Jedi turned mercenary who became a fan-favorite in the Jedi Knight series. In Jedi Outcast, the weapon was known for its insane rate of fire and devastating power. It wasn’t just a blaster; it was a room-clearer. The secondary fire mode unleashed a concussive…
Andor Season 2’s Historic Streak – Is It TV’s Best Ever? (And Kathleen Kennedy’s Star Wars Legacy)
May 2025 – Andor Season 2 has achieved something unprecedented in television history: five consecutive episodes each rated 9.5 or higher on IMDb. This stunning streak of near-perfect scores has ignited spirited debates among fans and critics. Could Andor be the best TV series ever? In this article, we’ll explore Andor Season 2’s record-breaking acclaim and how it stacks up against other highly regarded shows like Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad, as well as fellow Star Wars series The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. We’ll also take a closer look at Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy – examining her contributions and controversies – and discuss whether, considering her age and the evolving cultural shift in Star Wars storytelling, it might be time for new leadership at Lucasfilm. Let’s dive in (lightsabers at the ready)! Andor Season 2’s Record-Breaking IMDb Ratings Andor Season 2’s unprecedented IMDb ratings streak: This graphic highlights how Episodes…
Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld Original Soundtrack – Full Review and Breakdown
The galaxy just got a little more epic with the release of the Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld Original Soundtrack. Available now on major platforms like Amazon, Apple Music, and Spotify, the soundtrack is a collaborative masterpiece featuring compositions from Kevin Kiner, Sean Kiner, Deana Kiner, and select tracks by Jason Fujita. If you want to grab your own copy, you can find it here on Amazon. A New Sound for the Underworld This isn’t your typical Star Wars score. Known for his work on The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch, Kevin Kiner brings his signature touch to the grimy, shadowy underworld of the galaxy. Joined by Sean and Deana Kiner, the trio creates a soundscape that feels both deeply rooted in Star Wars lore and uniquely fresh. Jason Fujita’s select tracks add an extra layer of intensity and mood that perfectly complements the series’ darker themes. Tracklist…
Diego Luna’s Journey as Cassian Andor: From Rogue One to Andor Season Two
On this day back in 2015, news broke that Diego Luna had been cast as Cassian Andor in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It’s wild to think that exactly ten years later, his final portrayal of the rebel spy is set to premiere in Andor Season Two on Disney+. A decade is a long time in the Star Wars universe, and Luna’s journey as Cassian has been nothing short of transformative—not just for the character, but for Star Wars storytelling as a whole. The Announcement Heard Across the Galaxy When Lucasfilm announced Diego Luna’s casting in 2015, reactions were mixed. Luna was known for his dramatic roles in films like Y Tu Mamá También and Milk, but a gritty space opera set in the Star Wars universe? That was new territory. Yet, as soon as Rogue One hit theaters in 2016, it became clear that Luna’s portrayal of Cassian…