If you love Star Wars lore, reference books, behind-the-scenes world-building, or collectible merch, you’ll want to mark your calendar. Pablo Hidalgo, one of the key architects behind modern Star Wars canon, is offering signed copies of his books as part of the upcoming Thank the Maker: The Force Awakens 10th-anniversary event. Hosted in Fordingbridge on December 7, 2025, this celebration honors a full decade since The Force Awakens relaunched the saga for a new generation. And now, fans have the chance to take home a signed piece of Star Wars history. What Is Thank the Maker: The Force Awakens? Thank the Maker is part fan event, part creator panel, and part deep dive into the making of Episode VII. It’s built around celebrating the film’s 10-year legacy — from the comeback of Han Solo and Chewbacca to the introduction of Rey, Finn, Poe, and BB-8. The event promises: For lore…
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Sir Tom Stoppard Has Died — Remembering the Secret Star Wars Writer You Never Knew You Loved
When news broke that Sir Tom Stoppard had passed away at 88, most headlines focused on his legendary theatre career — Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Arcadia, The Real Thing… the list goes on. But for Star Wars fans, there’s another layer to his legacy that rarely gets talked about publicly: 👉 Stoppard quietly helped shape Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. Yep. One of the greatest playwrights of the last century also helped polish one of the most pivotal films in the saga — and he did it all uncredited. And that’s not all. Before Lucasfilm brought him into the galaxy far, far away, Stoppard had already left fingerprints all over Indiana Jones and a stack of Hollywood classics, again as the film industry’s most elite “script doctor.” So today, as we remember the man, let’s talk about the Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and blockbuster-writing legacy…
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,…
Shawn Levy Says John Williams’ Themes Won’t Be Used in STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER — And That’s a Bold Move
Shawn Levy is charting a new musical course for Star Wars: Starfighter.The director has confirmed that the upcoming film will not feature remixes, re-orchestrations, or direct lifts of John Williams’ legendary themes. No Imperial March. No Force Theme. No Williams cues repurposed for nostalgia hits. According to Levy, the goal isn’t to erase the legacy — it’s to avoid leaning on it. “It’s not going to be remixes of Williams’ cues. It may be inspired by some of that, but I needed a bighearted score from a composer who, like John Williams, doesn’t shy away from themes.” This is a creative swing — and maybe exactly the kind of swing Star Wars needs right now. A Massive Win: Thomas Newman Is Scoring a Star Wars Movie This is huge news. Thomas Newman is one of the greatest film composers alive — and now he’s doing a Star Wars movie. The…
New Mandalorian and Grogu Trailer Reportedly Attached to Select Zootopia 2 Screenings
Disney may be quietly rolling out one of its biggest surprises of the year. According to early reports from moviegoers, a brand-new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu is playing in front of select screenings of Zootopia 2. Yes — the first real look at Din Djarin and Grogu’s leap to the big screen may already be out there… just not online yet. And that’s exactly the kind of sneaky marketing Lucasfilm loves. A Strategic (and Very Disney) Trailer Drop When a major studio wants to test a trailer before unleashing it worldwide, it often attaches it to a specific film with a predictable audience. Placing The Mandalorian and Grogu trailer before Zootopia 2 checks every box: Disney gets to watch real-time audience reactions without the pressure of an immediate global release. It’s the same tactic they’ve used with Marvel previews, Pixar teasers, and even earlier Star Wars marketing. Why…
Jeremy Allen White Had No Idea Who Rotta the Hutt Was Before Being Cast in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Jeremy Allen White — the Emmy-winning star of The Bear and longtime favorite from Shameless — is joining the Star Wars galaxy in one of the most unexpected ways imaginable: by playing Rotta the Hutt. And according to a new interview, he had absolutely no idea who that was before he got the role. Source Yes. The man cast to voice Jabba the Hutt’s son learned about the character after being hired. And honestly? That might be the coolest part of this entire story. A “Wait… Who?” Casting Moment In the interview, White openly admits that he didn’t know Rotta even existed until the creative team walked him through the character. That’s right: no Clone Wars memories, no deep Hutt lore, no childhood trauma from the 2008 animated movie. Just a director telling him:“You’re going to play a Hutt.”And White going:“Great! …What’s a Hutt’s kid like again?” In a franchise…
Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Lands on ITVX – A New Home for a Galaxy Divided
The Star Wars sequel trilogy has officially hyperspaced its way to a new streaming home: ITVX.The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019) have now joined the platform, giving UK viewers an easy place to revisit (or re-debate) one of the most divisive eras in Star Wars history. Source And honestly—few trilogies deserve the word “divisive” quite as much as this one. A Galaxy Reborn… Then Argued About After Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, the studio launched a brand-new sequel trilogy set decades after Return of the Jedi. The nostalgia was real: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill all returned as Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker. At the same time, a new generation took the spotlight: Together, they find themselves locked in a war against Supreme Leader Snoke and his apprentice Kylo Ren — better known as Ben Solo, son of…
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…
The Force Awakens 10th Anniversary Special Edition: A Stunning Look Back at the Film That Rebooted Modern Star Wars
A decade has passed since Star Wars: The Force Awakens blasted into cinemas and reset the franchise’s trajectory. Whether you loved it, argued about it, or rewrote half the script in your head (don’t act like you didn’t), Episode VII reshaped Star Wars for a new generation. Now Lucasfilm and Titan Magazines are celebrating that milestone with something genuinely worthy of your shelf: Star Wars Insider Presents: The Force Awakens – The 10 Year Anniversary Special Edition. It’s a beautifully assembled, interview-rich hardcover packed with behind-the-scenes photography, concept art, and fresh insights into how the film was made. And yes, you can already order it on Amazon right here What Makes This Anniversary Edition Special Sure, “special editions” are announced regularly, but this one earns the label. Titan Magazines has pulled together a curated, archival-style retrospective full of never-before-seen production stills, costume details, creature workshop shots, and director-driven commentary. Across…
Lucasfilm Tells Shawn Levy: “Do Something New” for His Star Wars Movie
It looks like Lucasfilm is finally ready to chart a new course for Star Wars films — and director Shawn Levy just gave us the clearest confirmation yet. In a new interview with KCRW’s The Business, the Starfighter director revealed that Lucasfilm has specifically encouraged him not to use existing Star Wars characters in his upcoming movie. According to Levy, every time he’s floated the idea of borrowing a familiar face from the films, he gets the same answer: “Every time I’ve asked, ‘Should I use this character that was maybe in that movie?’ Every time it’s, ‘You know what? People have seen that. Do something new.’” Source That’s a surprising — and frankly refreshing — creative directive. For years, new Star Wars projects have often leaned heavily on legacy characters, cameos, and nostalgia-driven storytelling. Whether it’s Luke Skywalker showing up in The Mandalorian or familiar Clone Wars characters weaving…
Rian Johnson’s Star Wars Trilogy Is “Effectively Dead,” Says The Hollywood Reporter
It’s the end of a long-running Star Wars mystery:Director Rian Johnson’s planned Star Wars trilogy — announced all the way back in 2017 — is now “effectively dead,” according to The Hollywood Reporter’s new profile on the filmmaker. While Johnson is currently busy celebrating the premiere of his new film Wake Up Dead Man, the article finally gives us a clear update on the trilogy many fans assumed had quietly vanished into hyperspace. Now, we have confirmation: it’s not happening. And maybe never really was. From The Last Jedi to “What Could Have Been” Johnson’s relationship with Star Wars began with The Last Jedi (2017), one of the most talked-about and debated films in the franchise’s history. THR notes that Johnson created TLJ in what he describes as a “beautiful, fearless little bubble,” focused entirely on the creative work and not the outside noise. That noise, of course, arrived later…
Rosario Dawson Teases a Lighter, More Joyful Ahsoka Season 2
If you thought Ahsoka Tano was all gravitas, lightsabers and stoic Jedi-resolve in Season 1 of Ahsoka, you’re in for a fresh twist. In a recent interview, Rosario Dawson revealed that the character will be entering Season 2 with more joy, connection and community than ever before. SFFGazette.com Dawson explained: “She had more of a strong gravitas at the beginning, and she was a little bit more unflappable. And I’m liking that she’s relaxing, she’s kind of getting back into her joy. I think those moments with Hayden and Anakin were so important for her to heal something so she could be more present.” SFFGazette.comAnd she added:“I’m really glad that we get to add more joy into her life and see her relax a little bit more and work in community a little bit more than she has.” LRMonline Here’s why this shift matters — both for the story and…
Skeleton Crew Scores 17 Children’s & Family Emmy Nominations — A Huge Win for Star Wars Storytelling
The Force is definitely strong with Skeleton Crew. Lucasfilm’s coming-of-age Star Wars series has officially been nominated for 17 Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, making it one of the most recognized shows of the entire season. For a series that blends Amblin-style adventure with Star Wars spirit, this level of acclaim is a huge moment — not just for the show, but for the future of young-audience storytelling in the galaxy far, far away. Here’s a breakdown of the categories Skeleton Crew was nominated for — and why each one matters. A Full Breakdown of the Nominations Skeleton Crew racked up nominations across nearly every major category, including: • Best Young Teen Series• Best Lead Actor – Jude Law• Best Younger Performer – Ravi Cabot-Conyers• Best Writing for a Young Teen Series• Best Directing for a Live Action Series• Best Cinematography• Best Editing• Best Sound Mixing & Editing – Live…
Oscar Isaac Says He’d Return to Star Wars—But Only If Disney “Figures Out” Its Free-Speech Issues
When Oscar Isaac last appeared in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, he looked like a man ready to put the galaxy behind him. And now, years later, it seems he really meant it. The actor has made it clear he’s not coming back to a galaxy far, far away — at least not until Disney gets its house in order when it comes to, as he puts it, “free speech.” The Galaxy According to Oscar Isaac In a recent chat on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Isaac opened up about his post-Star Wars outlook and didn’t shy away from some pointed remarks about Disney. When asked whether he’d ever return as the lovable Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, Isaac didn’t dance around it: “I think I’d have to see Disney figure out its free speech problem before I’d consider going back.” That’s about as subtle as a thermal detonator. The comment follows…
George Lucas Began Writing The Phantom Menace on This Day 31 Years Ago
A long time ago — well, exactly 31 years ago today — George Lucas sat down and began writing what would become one of the most discussed and debated films in Star Wars history: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. It was October 31, 1994, when Lucas officially returned to the galaxy far, far away, beginning the screenplay that would reignite the Star Wars saga for a new generation. The Return to a Galaxy Far, Far Away After Return of the Jedi closed the original trilogy in 1983, Lucas took a break from filmmaking, focusing instead on technology, visual effects, and family life. But the Force wasn’t done with him yet. By the mid-90s, advancements in CGI — pioneered by Lucas’ own Industrial Light & Magic — had finally caught up with his creative ambitions. Inspired by what ILM achieved on films like Jurassic Park (1993), Lucas decided it was…
On This Day 13 Years Ago: Disney Bought Lucasfilm and Announced the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy
Thirteen years ago today, on October 30, 2012, the entertainment galaxy shifted forever. Disney officially announced its acquisition of Lucasfilm for a staggering $4.05 billion — and with it, the promise of a new Star Wars sequel trilogy. It was one of those rare cultural moments where business news and fandom collided, leaving fans equal parts thrilled, cautious, and curious about what the future of the galaxy far, far away would look like. A $4 Billion Deal That Changed the Galaxy When Disney announced the purchase of Lucasfilm from George Lucas, it wasn’t just buying a film studio — it was acquiring one of the most influential franchises in cinematic history. Lucas had built Star Wars into a global empire spanning movies, TV, games, comics, and merchandise, and Disney saw it as the perfect addition to its growing portfolio alongside Pixar and Marvel. The deal included Lucasfilm Ltd., Industrial Light…
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…
Star Wars: A New Hope Returns to IMAX for Its 50th Anniversary in 2027
Get ready to experience the Force like never before. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is returning to theaters in April 2027 for a special IMAX re-release celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. Yes, that’s right — the movie that started it all will once again hit the big screen, giving fans across generations the chance to see Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader in stunning remastered IMAX glory. A Cinematic Legend Turns 50 It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly five decades since Star Wars first changed cinema forever. When George Lucas released A New Hope (then simply Star Wars) in May 1977, few could have imagined the cultural supernova it would ignite. From groundbreaking visual effects to John Williams’ instantly iconic score, A New Hope redefined what a science-fiction film could be — and what moviegoing itself could feel like. The 2027 IMAX release…
The Canceled The Hunt for Ben Solo: A Star Wars What-Could-Have-Been
When Adam Driver revealed that he and Steven Soderbergh had quietly developed a new Star Wars film centered on his character Ben Solo, fans sat up and took notice. But what started as one of the most anticipated continuations after the sequel trilogy turned into one of the most frustrating “almosts” in Star Wars lore. The working title: The Hunt for Ben Solo. The story: Ben Solo alive and missing after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, his fate’s a mystery, and the galaxy’s obsession is on. The team: Soderbergh directing, Driver starring, and Scott Z. Burns penning a reportedly finalised script. What’s shocking is how far the project got before it died. Reports say the script was complete, the budget and start date proposed, Lucasfilm had approved internally—but when it hit the desk of Bob Iger and Alan Bergman at Disney, it was rejected. Their reason?…
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…
Rian Johnson Still Loves Star Wars — and Says He’d Be “The Happiest Person” to Return
A Filmmaker’s Renewed Affection for the Galaxy In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Rian Johnson opened up about his affection for the Star Wars universe—despite stepping away from it after directing The Last Jedi. According to the talk, Johnson remarked: “I love Star Wars. And if someday it makes sense to come back to it, for both of us, it would be the most wonderful thing in the world.” That statement comes amid a creative moment for Johnson: he’s prepping his next project, a ’70s-style paranoid sci-fi thriller, but he clearly hasn’t shut the door on a Star Wars return. What’s Next for Rian Johnson Though Johnson is currently focused on brand-new genre territory—he describes his upcoming film as “light sci-fi” with a nod to classic thrillers—he emphasizes that the Star Wars “cog” in his head remains turning. Here is what that means in practical terms: What This Means…
Star Wars: Beyond Victory Is OUT NOW — A Mixed Reality Podracing Adventure
The galaxy’s engines just roared alive again: Star Wars: Beyond Victory – A Mixed Reality Playset has officially launched, and it’s designed to bring podracing, crime stories, and imaginative storytelling into your physical space. Developed by ILM Immersive, this isn’t just another game — it’s a mixed reality (MR) experience combining VR, virtual elements, and real-world play. The announcement positions Beyond Victory as a bold new chapter in Star Wars interactivity. TL;DR Highlights What Beyond Victory Lets You Do This isn’t a single mode affair — Beyond Victory is split across three distinct modes, each with its own feel and purpose: The mix of modes is meant to appeal to variety: whether you’re into narrative, racer thrills, or sandbox creativity. Timeline & Platform Notes One bit to watch: while the tagline of “OUT NOW” is bold, the official sources suggest players should check availability on Meta’s ecosystem (Quest) and confirm…
“Star Wars: Starfighter” First Look: Gosling & Gray at Sea
Shawn Levy has just dropped an intriguing teaser for Star Wars: Starfighter. The director shared a photo via Instagram showing Ryan Gosling and newcomer Flynn Gray aboard what looks like a sea vessel, with the Mediterranean waters near Sardinia, Italy, in the background. It’s an unusual moment for a Star Wars set—water scenes aren’t super common in the live-action films. This shot could hint at some fresh terrain for the franchise. What We Know So Far Here’s the breakdown of what’s confirmed — and what we can read between the waves: Why the Sea Shot Matters That image of Gosling and Gray on a boat is more than just postcard scenery. It suggests: Vis dette opslag på Instagram Et opslag delt af Shawn Levy (@slevydirect) What We’re Curious About Bottom Line The first look at Star Wars: Starfighter—with Gosling, Gray, and a Mediterranean backdrop—is already raising eyebrows (in a good…
Ewan McGregor Reportedly Joins Hayden Christensen in Ahsoka Season 2
The galaxy might be in for a reunion worthy of a holovid highlight reel. During an appearance at Fan Expo Boston 2025, Ewan McGregor—our forever Obi-Wan Kenobi—appears to have let slip that he’ll be joining Hayden Christensen in Ahsoka Season 2. While Lucasfilm hasn’t issued an official statement, multiple attendee reports and photos from the panel suggest the Star Wars prequel duo will be sharing the screen once again. A Possible “Oops” Moment on Stage According to Star Wars News Net, the reveal came in the form of an off-the-cuff remark. Allegedly, McGregor told the audience: “We begin shooting season two [Ahsoka] soon – wait, was I supposed to say that?” The line has been widely shared online, but without video evidence, it remains in the category of “unverified but juicy.” Nexus Point News, who posted photos of McGregor and Christensen together at the event, also claimed on social media…