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…
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Tony Gilroy Says Andor’s Ghorman Is Basically Greenland in New Interview
Andor has never exactly been subtle about its political themes, and according to creator Tony Gilroy, that’s very much by design. In a new interview discussing the relevance of the series and its real-world inspirations, Gilroy made a striking comparison between the planet Ghorman and modern geopolitical tensions—specifically referencing Greenland. “Ghorman is Greenland. Ghorman is anything. ‘We want the rare earth, we want this.’ It really is just a crude laundry list of moves that they have… it rhymes with the show.” The comment reinforces something many fans have already picked up on: Andor isn’t just telling a Star Wars story. It’s reflecting real-world power struggles, resource conflicts, and political maneuvering through a galaxy far, far away. A Star Wars Story With Real-World Parallels Gilroy has been open from the start that Andor draws heavily from historical and contemporary politics. From authoritarian crackdowns to corporate-state alliances and resistance movements, the…
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….
Embo Returns in The Mandalorian & Grogu — And Yes, His Language Still Comes From French Smurfs Books
With The Mandalorian & Grogu bringing back fan-favorite bounty hunter Embo, one of the strangest and funniest pieces of Star Wars trivia is suddenly relevant again. Because while Embo may look like one of the coolest warriors in the galaxy… his mysterious language has one of the most unexpected origins in franchise history. Dave Filoni Created Embo’s Language by Accident When Dave Filoni and the The Clone Wars team were developing Embo, they faced a creative challenge:What should this silent, hat-wearing bounty hunter actually sound like? Instead of building a fully constructed alien language from scratch, Filoni did something far more improvisational. He recorded himself reading from his editor’s French Smurfs books — originally meant for his child — and used that as placeholder dialogue for Embo. The idea was simple:Use something foreign-sounding and slightly garbled to create a believable alien voice while they figured out a final direction. But…
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…
“Weathers Apollo” — The Mandalorian & Grogu Trailer Includes Touching Tribute to Carl Weathers
Sometimes Star Wars hits you right in the feels — and this time, it’s a subtle moment that fans might have missed on first watch. A new shot from the latest The Mandalorian & Grogu trailer appears to include a quiet but deeply touching tribute to the late Carl Weathers. A Hidden Message in Aurebesh In one scene from the trailer, text can be seen written above a doorway in Aurebesh. When translated, it reads: “Weathers Apollo.” It’s a simple detail, but one loaded with meaning. Carl Weathers famously portrayed Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, becoming one of the show’s most beloved characters across its run. Before joining the Star Wars galaxy, Weathers was also known worldwide for playing Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise — making the phrase “Weathers Apollo” an especially fitting tribute. Honoring a Mandalorian Legend Carl Weathers passed away in 2024, and his impact on The…
Martin Scorsese Officially Joins Star Wars — As an Ardennian in The Mandalorian & Grogu
In a twist nobody saw coming (but everyone secretly loves), legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese is officially stepping into the Star Wars galaxy. The iconic director will voice an Ardennian alien in the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu, marking his first-ever appearance in a Star Wars project — even if it’s behind the mic. Yes, that Martin Scorsese. Taxi Driver. Goodfellas. The man who once famously critiqued superhero movies… now part of a galaxy far, far away. And honestly? This is kind of amazing. From Film Legend to Star Wars Cameo According to reports, Scorsese will lend his voice to an Ardennian — the same multi-armed alien species as Rio Durant from Solo: A Star Wars Story. The role is expected to be a voice cameo, but the significance is huge. Bringing in one of cinema’s most respected directors adds another layer of prestige (and fun crossover energy) to The…
Robert Duvall, George Lucas’ First Leading Man, Has Passed Away at 95
Hollywood has lost one of its most legendary actors. Robert Duvall — a towering presence in film for more than seven decades — has passed away at the age of 95. And while many will remember him for The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Tender Mercies, Star Wars fans have a unique reason to reflect on his legacy: Duvall was George Lucas’ very first leading man. Before lightsabers, before the Death Star, and long before a galaxy far, far away took over pop culture, there was THX 1138. George Lucas’ First Leading Man Released in 1971, THX 1138 was George Lucas’ first full-length feature film and a bold, experimental entry into science fiction cinema. At its center was Robert Duvall, who played the film’s titular character — a worker in a dystopian future society stripped of identity, emotion, and freedom. The film wasn’t a mainstream blockbuster, but it became a cult…
Inside ILM’s Art Department: How Star Wars: Beyond Victory Was Designed
Industrial Light & Magic is pulling back the curtain on its creative process. A new behind-the-scenes feature highlights the work of ILM artists who helped bring Star Wars: Beyond Victory to life — offering a closer look at how the studio designs worlds, characters, and environments for its growing lineup of immersive Star Wars experiences. And yes, it’s as detailed (and nerdy) as you’d hope. A Look Inside the ILM Art Department The spotlight focuses on artists from ILM’s San Francisco studio who contributed concept art and visual development to Star Wars: Beyond Victory, the mixed-reality playset released in 2025. The feature showcases selected artwork and commentary from the team, giving fans a rare glimpse at how early designs evolve into fully realized interactive Star Wars environments. Rather than just showing finished assets, the breakdown highlights: In short: the raw creative stage where Star Wars visuals are born. What Is…
George Lucas Ranked 4th on Forbes’ List of America’s Greatest Innovators
Star Wars creator George Lucas has earned another major accolade — this time from Forbes. The renowned filmmaker, storyteller, and media pioneer has been ranked #4 on Forbes’ prestigious “America’s 250 Greatest Innovators” list for 2026, placing him alongside some of the most influential innovators shaping modern culture and technology. See the list in full here. A Ranking Rooted in American Innovation Forbes launched the “America’s Greatest Innovators” ranking as part of a special series marking the United States’s 250th anniversary. The list honors leading figures who have not only introduced groundbreaking ideas but also transformed industries and cultural landscapes in lasting ways. To compile the list, Forbes editors tapped expert judges from fields including technology, business, and innovation. They were tasked with assessing nominees based on creativity, commercial impact, breadth of influence, disruption, and engagement — and then fed the results into ranking models to determine the final placement. Behind…
Jon Favreau Says Directing The Mandalorian & Grogu Is Like Playing With Star Wars Toys
Jon Favreau isn’t just a director — he’s a storyteller who learned his craft the same way many fans did: by playing with toys. In a new interview, Favreau explained his approach to directing The Mandalorian & Grogu by comparing it to those early imaginative play sessions many of us had with action figures. “That’s how I learned how to tell stories. You take these characters. You’re talking with your friends, and you’re acting things out [with the toys]. My job is not that different from that.” That one sentence says a lot about how Favreau views his work — with creativity rooted in play, imagination, and character interaction. From Toy Box to Director’s Chair Favreau’s comparison isn’t just cute nostalgia — it reveals a storytelling philosophy. Growing up with toys, you didn’t have scripts. You had: It’s the same bones of narrative structure directors use today — only with…
Jon Favreau Calls The Mandalorian & Grogu a “Culmination” of His Star Wars Work
Seven years in the making. In a new interview, Jon Favreau described The Mandalorian & Grogu as a personal milestone — calling it a “culmination” of his time working in the Star Wars galaxy. “I’ve been working on Star Wars now for seven years and to be able to step up to doing it as a film feels like a culmination of what I’m working on.” That’s not casual phrasing. From Streaming Gamble to Theatrical Event When The Mandalorian launched in 2019, it wasn’t just a new Star Wars show — it was the flagship title for Disney+. It introduced: Now, Favreau is taking those characters to the big screen. Calling it a “culmination” suggests this isn’t just a spinoff movie.It’s the payoff of an entire creative era. Seven Years of World-Building Favreau has helped shape: Moving from streaming to theatrical format feels symbolic. It’s the franchise saying:This era matters….
Jon Favreau Confirms Din Djarin Gets the Same Model Razor Crest in The Mandalorian & Grogu
The Razor Crest is back. Well… almost. In a new interview, Jon Favreau confirmed that in The Mandalorian & Grogu, Din Djarin is flying the same model of Razor Crest he originally had in the Disney+ series. “He’s in a Razor Crest now, which is the ship that he originally had. He’s in the same model of ship.” That wording matters. Not The Razor Crest — But the Same Model Fans will remember what happened to Din’s original Razor Crest in Season 2. It was obliterated. What Favreau is clarifying here isn’t a resurrection of the exact same vessel — but a return to the same ship class. In other words: Just not the exact same hull. And that distinction is important for canon consistency. Why Bring Back the Razor Crest Design? After Din briefly piloted the N-1 Starfighter, the aesthetic shift was noticeable. The N-1 was fast. Sleek. Almost…
Jon Favreau: “We Gotta Up Our Game” for The Mandalorian & Grogu — and Grogu Has Leveled Up
The jump from Disney+ to cinema isn’t being treated casually. In a new interview with Screen Rant, Jon Favreau explains that The Mandalorian & Grogu required a fundamental shift in scale and ambition. “We gotta up our game now for the movie theater,” Favreau said. And he meant it literally. Built for IMAX, Not for Pausing Favreau made it clear the film isn’t just a stretched-out TV episode: “We gotta up our game now for the movie theater, and that means taller aspect ratios for IMAX, building sets that take full advantage of…. We want to take you on an adventure, and that adventure has to fill up the screen and has to be something where people at this moment in time when so much is competing for your attention, that you’re gonna stop what you’re doing and you’re gonna go to a movie theater, and you’re gonna sit down…
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…
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…
New The Mandalorian and Grogu Teaser Debuts During the Super Bowl — Sam Elliott Narrates, Tauntauns Return
Just when you thought the Super Bowl was only about football and snack commercials, Star Wars casually rolls in with a big-screen reminder that The Mandalorian and Grogu is on the way — and yes, it brought tauntauns with it. A brand-new teaser for the upcoming film dropped during the Big Game, and while it doesn’t spill major plot secrets, it does something arguably more powerful: it sets the tone. And that tone? Classic Star Wars adventure, emotional stakes, and a bond that just won’t quit. Sam Elliott’s Voice Brings Western Energy to Star Wars The biggest surprise from the teaser isn’t a spaceship or a blaster — it’s the voice guiding the whole thing. The narration is widely attributed to Sam Elliott, whose legendary gravelly voice instantly gives the spot a frontier, almost Western feel — which honestly fits The Mandalorian vibe perfectly. Here’s the line that’s already getting…
Rogue Squadron Screenwriter Matthew Robinson Updates Fans on Movie’s Future
The long-anticipated Star Wars: Rogue Squadron film continues to languish in uncertainty, according to comments from the movie’s screenwriter Matthew Robinson. In a recent interview, Robinson revealed that he currently has no clear direction from Lucasfilm on what will happen with the project — and that the studio’s leadership changes have added to the ambiguity surrounding its theatrical future. “Lucasfilm Is in a Pretty Big State of Flux” Robinson didn’t mince words when describing the situation. Asked about where Rogue Squadron stands, he said: “I don’t currently know what Lucasfilm wants to do with it. They’re in a pretty big state of flux at the moment, after Kathleen [Kennedy] leaving, and who knows what the future holds for them theatrically.” Those candid remarks highlight just how unsettled Lucasfilm’s movie slate has become. After the departure of longtime Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, many of the company’s planned theatrical projects — including…
Kathleen Kennedy Suggested Lighter Jedi Robes in The Acolyte
A small costume decision in The Acolyte actually came from the top. According to material from The Art of The Acolyte, Kathleen Kennedy was the one who pushed for Jedi Order costumes in the series to move away from the familiar beige and off-white tones seen across much of Star Wars history. Her reasoning? Toy shelves. “Every time I go into toy departments and see Jedi action figures, they’re always beige and off-white. They look kind of bland on the shelves.” It’s a reminder that Star Wars design decisions often live at the intersection of storytelling, visual identity, and merchandising reality. Why the Color Shift Matters For decades, Jedi robes have been closely associated with earth tones — a visual shorthand for humility, tradition, and monastic simplicity. But in a retail setting, subtle costume palettes don’t always stand out. By encouraging brighter or more visually distinct looks for Jedi in…
Star Wars: Starfighter Aims to Recapture the Joy of the Original Films, Says Screenwriter
Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter is being positioned as both something new and something deeply familiar. According to screenwriter Jonathan Tropper, the film is designed to tap back into the sense of adventure, excitement, and pure cinematic joy that defined the original Star Wars experience for many viewers as kids. “The joy we felt as little kids” Speaking about the project, Tropper described the creative goal behind Starfighter in terms that longtime fans will immediately recognize. He explained that audiences should expect: “Something new and different, but in very much the spirit of the original Star Wars movies. We really wanted adventure, excitement, wish fulfillment and the joy that we felt as little kids seeing those first versions of the movies.” That framing suggests a tonal direction focused less on dense lore and more on emotional immediacy — the kind of storytelling that prioritizes wonder and momentum. Balancing mythology with…
STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER Will Not Feature Any Legacy Characters, Says Screenwriter
Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter movie is shaping up to be a fresh start for the franchise — and that includes no appearances by legacy characters from previous films. According to screenwriter Jonathan Tropper, Starfighter is intentionally distancing itself from familiar faces like Luke Skywalker, Rey, or other established heroes and villains. Instead, Tropper says the story will entirely focus on new characters and a new chapter of the galaxy far, far away. “No legacy characters” means a clean slate In a recent comment addressing rumors ahead of the film’s planned 2027 release, Tropper confirmed the decision directly: “I think it’s known that we have no legacy characters. You’re not going to see any of the characters you’ve seen in the other movies.” That’s a significant creative choice, especially in a franchise that has often tied new projects closely to its past. Why this matters for Starfighter In recent years,…
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….
Kelly Marie Tran Calls Kathleen Kennedy’s Exit From Lucasfilm “Such a Loss”
As Lucasfilm prepares for a new chapter, Kelly Marie Tran has shared her thoughts on Kathleen Kennedy stepping away from the company she led for more than a decade. Speaking in a recent interview, Tran described Kennedy’s departure as “such a loss,” while also expressing happiness for the personal changes Kennedy is making in her life. “Historic” leadership at Lucasfilm Tran emphasized the importance of Kennedy’s role not just as a producer, but as a long-standing leader in an industry where women at that level have historically been rare. She highlighted Kennedy’s career as both exceptional and historic, noting that her presence at the head of Lucasfilm represented more than a single executive position — it symbolized longevity, capability, and visibility in a space often dominated by men. For Tran, that context matters as much as the films themselves. A measured response, not a political one Notably, Tran’s comments were…