Long before the Star Wars universe expanded into the sprawling saga loved by fans today, creator George Lucas had an even grander vision: a 12-movie epic that would delve far deeper into the galaxy’s history and future. This ambitious blueprint, first hinted at in a 1978 Time magazine article, outlined a saga far more extensive than the six films Lucas himself eventually brought to the screen (nine when counting the Disney-produced sequels). Lucas’ plans deepened the lore as related to the Skywalkers, which essentially erased the sequel trilogy as we know it, and introduced concepts that would evolve dramatically over decades.

The Genesis of a Galactic History Was Always a Central Focus

At the heart of Lucas’ early plan was a curious numbering system that placed the original trilogy— Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi— not as the saga’s beginning, but as its middle. In Lucas’s initial outline, these formative tales of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo were designated as Episodes VI, VII, and VIII, suggesting a sprawling epic preceding their adventures. This placement shows that Lucas conceptualized Star Wars as a multi-generational saga. But this idea shifted over time, with the original trilogy initially seen as a pivotal, but not foundational, part of a much larger story.

Lucas’ early plans always aimed to craft a rich historical backdrop for his universe, exploring events far earlier than the rise of Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire. In this twelve-part framework, the Clone Wars were envisioned as a central conflict that spanned Episodes II, III, and IV. This is vastly different from how the prequels eventually panned out, with the Clone Wars only being a single, though pivotal, arc within the trilogy. 

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Lucas’ original notes dubs Episode I as a “prelude,” most likely a foundational world-building story that set the stage for the wartorn era that would follow. Though not explicitly stated in the notes, moving around the prequels and adding in a prelude hints that Lucas had a clear intention to build Star Wars from its very roots, further detailing the events that led to the galaxy’s state at the dawn of the original trilogy. The eventual prequel films, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, while touching on the Clone Wars and Anakin Skywalker’s fall, ultimately condensed what was once planned as a broader, multi-film exploration of this era. Thanks to the creation of the animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, some of these concepts were brought to life, greatly enriching Anakin and Obi-Wan’s background, as well as the political structure of the galaxy as a whole.

The thematic thread of the Clone Wars, central to Lucas’ early outline, would have fleshed out the Republic’s decline and the Jedi Order’s fateful mistakes that contributed to it. The search for a “chosen one” and the emergence of Palpatine’s devious plans were always critical elements, even as their specific dramatic beats and the timeline for significant plot points continued to evolve. 

Early iterations of the story even contained different relationships, with, for example, Luke and Leia not always imagined as siblings, and Vader’s paternal connection to Luke being a later, impactful addition to the overall story.

The Saga’s Evolution Led to Uncharted Territories Beyond Familiar Trilogies

Beyond the core nine films (three prequels, three originals, three sequels), Lucas’s 12-movie plan included intriguing unknowns. Episodes IX through XI were left blank, providing space for future stories that were, at the time, undefined, while Episode XII was earmarked as the saga’s conclusive chapter. While Lucas had a broad framework for his series, the specific stories for the later films were yet to be fully imagined, leaving room for organic development or perhaps for entirely new avenues.

Over time, Lucas’ concept for these potential additional films began to take shape, at least in broad strokes. Ideas came to life that significantly veered off from the Skywalker Saga’s central points. For instance, discussions arose about a fourth trilogy that might explore a “microbiotic world” and introduce cosmic entities known as the “Whills,” who were said to control the universe and feed off the Force. While the Whills were eventually mentioned in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, it would have been impossible for the plot to explore them deeper without compromising the overall trajectory of the story. 

These concepts, such as the Whills, hinted at a much more philosophical and abstract direction for the saga, moving beyond the traditional good-versus-evil battles and digging into the very nature of the Force itself. Other less conventional ideas included films centered on Wookiees or Ewoks, illustrating a willingness to explore different corners and species of the Star Wars galaxy that would eventually be expanded upon in novels and comics. 

While these specific ideas ultimately did not make it into the live-action films, elements of Lucas’ broader vision, particularly the exploration of the Force and its deeper mysteries, occasionally found their way into animated series and other content. The ultimate decision to streamline the saga, focus the first two trilogies solely around the Skywalkers, and the later decision to sell Lucasfilm to Disney, brought a new vision to Star Wars. However, the echoes of Lucas’ ambitious 12-film vision remain a fascinating testament to the boundless creative potential he saw in a galaxy far, far away.

The post George Lucas’ Original Plan for Star Wars Included 12 Movies, And a Major Change to the Prequels appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Exactly 10 years ago next month, on July 20, 2015, a recording session for a Star Wars animated series laid down a line that would echo through the saga’s lore, forever cementing a character’s journey and delivering a moment of pure emotion. Ahsoka Tano’s words — “I am no Jedi” — said to Darth Vader in the Star Wars Rebels Season 2 finale, “Twilight of the Apprentice,” was as defiant as it was heart-wrenching. To see Ahsoka years after leaving the Jedi Order when she was Anakin’s Padawan come face-to-face with her former master was a confrontation that promised to be nothing short of legendary. The episode delivered on that promise and then some, culminating in a duel that was not just a clash of lightsabers, but a battle of shattered trust, mutual regret, and unyielding will. As the calendar prepares to turn to July 2025, it’s a testament to the power of that singular animated moment that it still resonates with fans so deeply even a decade after the studio recording.

The Weight of Anakin and Ahsoka’s Shared History Crashed Down on Malachor

The emotional core of the confrontation on Malachor wasn’t about Ahsoka discovering Anakin was alive or that he had become Darth Vader; those painful truths had already been revealed to her earlier in the season through the Force. Instead, this moment was about the horrifying confirmation of that discovery and seeing what had become of the man she once knew and considered to be the greatest Jedi of his time. The full implications of that harrowing realization crashed down when Ahsoka managed to slice open Vader’s helmet, revealing a glimpse of the scarred, tortured face that had once belonged to her master. As Vader taunted that he had destroyed Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka promised that she would avenge his death. Trying to further twist the knife, Vader reminds her that “revenge is not the Jedi way,” to which Ahsoka delivered her unwavering response: “I am no Jedi.”

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During the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Ahsoka had walked away from the Jedi Order after being framed for a deadly bombing, persecuted by the very Jedi who raised her and shaped her worldview. Despite Anakin finding the true culprit and proving Ahsoka’s innocence, the Jedi Council welcomed her back into their ranks without truly acknowledging their failure or her rightful disillusionment. She never stopped believing in justice or the Force itself, but instead lost trust in the institution. Her words on Malachor reminded not only Vader, but the audience, that she had chosen a different path that was guided by her own moral compass independent of the rigidity that had ultimately led to the Jedi’s downfall and Anakin’s own tragic fate.

Anakin, consumed by fear and the desire for power, embraced the very darkness he sought to destroy, becoming the opposite of everything he once stood and fought for. Ahsoka, however, despite her harsh awakening to the Order’s failures, held onto her compassion and her commitment to doing what was right. Denying being a Jedi wasn’t a rejection of her past, but a reminder of her present and future – a recognition that her strength came not from a title, but from within. Her words also carry the crushing weight of what could have been. In a different universe, perhaps Anakin and Ahsoka would have fought side-by-side against the Empire. Instead, their bond, once so strong, was weaponized against them in a testament to Palpatine’s machinations.

The Unforgettable Confrontation Redefined What a Star Wars Duel Could Be

The duel between the former master and apprentice was more than just an action sequence, it was an emotional earthquake; a confrontation steeped in history, personal stakes, and the very essence of what Star Wars is at its core. The clashing of their lightsabers echoed with the ghosts of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, filled with years of shared experiences and Ahsoka’s agonizing pain at seeing what had become of her beloved master. 

The brilliance of the scene lays in its ambiguity. Did a part of Anakin that loved Ahsoka still linger within Vader, wrestling with the monster he had become? Was Ahsoka fighting to save him or to put an end to the atrocities he had committed? The visual storytelling, with the crumbling Sith temple as their backdrop, heightened the sense of ancient evil and inevitable confrontation. The ultimate outcome, with Ahsoka seemingly sacrificing herself to save Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger, was shocking to say the least. While her fate remained uncertain for two more seasons, the emotional impact of the battle, the sheer power of Ahsoka’s defiance against the overwhelming darkness inside Vader, never died out.

Ten years later, “I am no Jedi” remains a defining moment of Star Wars history because it speaks to themes that are universal: identity, betrayal, resilience, and the enduring power of conviction. The impact of the line can be seen in its enduring legacy in pop culture. The original recording script for the line, dated July 20, 2015, became the inspiration for Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano, to create her “I am no Jedi” merchandise collection. Featuring original Ahsoka art by Bret Iwan, this collection includes everything from apparel to an exclusive art print, turning a single moment into a celebration of Ahsoka’s journey. 

The heartwrenching reunion and ensuing battle between Vader and Ahsoka on Malachor goes way beyond typical animated storytelling, solidifying Star Wars Rebels as an integral part of the saga. It cemented Ahsoka Tano not just as a beloved character, but as an icon‒ a symbol of strength and independence who forged her own path in a galaxy fighting against evil. 

The post 10 Years Ago Star Wars Delivered an Iconic Moment That I’m Still Thinking About appeared first on ComicBook.com.

While the Skywalker Saga captured our imaginations on the big screen, the Star Wars universe has expanded and deepened through its television series. From animated epics that fill in critical gaps and explore beloved characters further to live-action dramas that push the boundaries of what Star Wars can be, TV has become an indispensable part of the galaxy far, far away. These shows have not only delivered thrilling action and emotional character arcs, but have also enriched the lore, connecting crucial elements and providing new perspectives on the struggle between good and evil. Choosing the best of the best is a daunting task, as so many episodes stand out. But certain episodes have left an indelible mark and fully embody what Star Wars television has to offer. 

Prepare to journey through some of the most impactful and memorable moments in recent Star Wars history.

10) Star Wars Rebels ‒ “Twin Suns” (Season 3, Episode 20)

“Twin Suns” delivers a climactic and long-awaited confrontation that brings a pivotal character arc to an end. After years of speculation and anticipation, this episode finally brings Obi-Wan Kenobi face-to-face with Darth Maul on Tatooine. The desolate desert setting is a metaphor for both of their lives and the loneliness and tragedy they have faced, culminating in a swift but impactful duel. It’s a testament to the power of character development that such a brief fight could carry so much emotional weight, marking the definitive end of one of Star Wars’ most enduring rivalries.

The episode isn’t just about the clash of lightsabers; it’s about two characters whose destinies have been intertwined for decades, leaving a trail of death and pain in their wake. Maul’s desperate search for Kenobi, fueled by a lifetime of hatred and obsession, meets Kenobi’s serene, almost resigned acceptance of his role as Luke’s guardian. The ending, with Kenobi cradling a dying Maul and promising that Luke is the answer, offers a moment of heartbreaking mercy and understanding. The end to Maul and Obi-Wan’s rivalry is a commentary on the cyclic nature of vengeance and the possibility of finding peace, even in death.

9) Star Wars Rebels ‒ “A World Between Worlds” (Season 4, Episode 13)

“A World Between Worlds” is a groundbreaking and mind-bending episode that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible within the Star Wars universe. Ezra Bridger discovers a mystical plane that exists outside of conventional time and space, allowing him to observe and potentially alter past and future events. This episode features one of the most unexpected and impactful returns in the series, as Ezra is given the opportunity to save Ahsoka Tano from her apparent death at the hands of Darth Vader on Malachor in “Twilight of the Apprentice.”

The episode is a dense exploration of destiny, choice, and the consequences of altering established timelines. It introduces a concept that redefines the scope of the Force, offering glimpses into moments both familiar and new. The visual storytelling is superb, creating a sense of ethereal mystery and immense power. “A World Between Worlds” is not only a thrilling adventure but a significant lore-expanding entry that continues to spark discussion and speculation among fans about its implications for the broader Star Wars lore.

8) Star Wars: Ahsoka ‒ “Shadow Warrior” (Season 1, Episode 5)

“Shadow Warrior” is a groundbreaking episode that creates the emotional core to the Ahsoka series, largely due to the unexpected and highly anticipated return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker. This episode plunges Ahsoka Tano into the mysterious World Between Worlds, a mystical plane of the Force that transcends time and space. Here, she confronts her past, specifically her complex and often painful relationship with her former master, Anakin, who happens to look the same as he did during the Clone Wars.

The brilliance of this episode lies in its masterful use of flashbacks and the emotional weight carried by the interactions between Anakin and a younger Ahsoka. It’s a powerful exploration of Ahsoka’s guilt, her choices, and the lasting impact of the Clone Wars on both her and Anakin. For fans who have followed Ahsoka and Anakin’s journey since Star Wars: The Clone Wars, seeing crucial moments from animation brought to life in live-action was an unexpected and emotional treat. Christensen’s return is not just fan service; it’s a vital piece of the puzzle that allows Ahsoka to process her trauma and ultimately choose her path forward, reaffirming her identity and legacy as a true Jedi.

7) Star Wars Rebels ‒ “Jedi Night” (Season 4, Episode 10)

“Jedi Night” is a heart-wrenching episode that irrevocably alters the course of Star Wars Rebels and the greater Star Wars galaxy as a whole. It marks the tragic end of Kanan Jarrus’ journey, delivering an emotional gut punch that is difficult to watch, even during rewatches. The episode puts the Ghost crew on a desperate mission to rescue Hera Syndulla, who is held captive by the Empire on Lothal. The tension is palpable as Kanan, having recently lost his sight and embraced his destiny, prepares for what feels like (and turns out to be) a final, heroic act.

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The climax of the episode, Kanan’s self-sacrifice to save his friends from an exploding fuel depot, is one of the most powerful and beautifully animated sequences in Star Wars history. His final moments, bathed in the blinding light of the explosion as his clouded eyes clear, allowing him to see his family once more, are a testament to his unwavering love, devotion, and dedication. It’s a moment of heroism and deeply felt loss that cements Kanan’s legacy as a true Jedi Knight and one of the most important figures in the Rebellion.

6) Andor ‒ “Who Are You?” (Season 2, Episode 8)

“Who Are You?” is an episode that Andor, and Star Wars media as a whole, has been building up to for years. In 2017, Season 3, Episode 18 of Star Wars Rebels — “Secret Cargo” — depicted Mon Mothma’s escape from Coursuant after denouncing the Empire and Palpatine following the unseen events of the Ghorman Massacre. “Who Are You?” finally shows the massacre in question, a moment for which the entire season set the stage. Over the course of a year, the rebels on Ghorman had been building their network in an attempt to escape Imperial occupation. Meanwhile, the Empire was slowly manipulating the situation on the ground to force the innocent and peacefully protesting citizens into an all out war zone. 

Cassian Andor finds himself in the middle of the chaos, only having arrived on Ghorman hours earlier on a mission to assassinate ISB official Dedra Meero. As blameless victims are mowed down by stormtroopers and KX-series security droids, Syril Karn spots Cassian and ferociously attacks him, leading to an all out brawl between the two. At the moment Syril gets the upper hand, Cassian deals a crushing blow by asking Syril — a man who obsessed over capturing Cassian for years — “who are you?” The episode is truly harrowing, both emotionally and visually, marking one of the most brutal Imperial campaigns in all of Star Wars.

5) Andor ‒ “Welcome to the Rebellion” (Season 2, Episode 9)

Following directly on the heels of the Ghorman Massacre, “Welcome to the Rebellion” is yet another episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, as Mon Mothma takes center stage to openly denounce the Empire for genocide. Mon’s scathing, impassioned speech within the Imperial Senate is a public act of defiance that risks everything she holds dear. But it is a moment she had prepared for, knowing she could no longer operate from the shadows and had to become the face of the Rebellion. Every word she utters tightens the noose around her neck and leaves Imperial agents scrambling to find any means to stop her. 

Following her speech, in which she directly called Emperor Palpatine “evil,” the episode amps the stakes up even more than imaginable, as Mon’s new goal is simply to survive and escape Coruscant with Cassian Andor’s help. The urgency of their plight paints a vivid picture of just how high the stakes are, solidifying Mon Mothma as a central, irreplaceable figure in the Rebel Alliance. “Welcome to the Rebellion” expertly brings to life the sacrifices and bravery that genuine rebellion demands.

4) Star Wars: Andor ‒ “One Way Out” (Season 1, Episode 10)

When it comes to Andor, differentiating between “best” episodes is a matter of splitting hairs. “One Way Out” stands out as a masterclass in tension, despair, and the awakening of collective resistance. The episode is primarily set within the brutal Imperial prison on Narkina 5, where Cassian Andor and his fellow inmates are forced into relentless, soul-crushing labor. The growing realization among the prisoners that the Empire always intended to kill them in the end, coupled with the horrific fate of those who failed their labor quotas, creates an unbearable pressure cooker environment that slowly but surely builds towards an explosive climax.

The brilliance of this episode lies in its meticulous pacing and the raw and unforgettable performances, particularly Andy Serkis as Kino Loy. His iconic rallying cry — “one way out!” — galvanizes the prisoners, transforming desperate individuals into a unified, defiant force. The prison break itself is not just an action sequence; it’s a visceral, desperate fight for freedom, a powerful metaphor for the galaxy’s burgeoning rebellion against Imperial cruelty. It’s an emotionally charged, thrilling experience that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Andor, keeping viewers on bated breath until the very end.

3) Star Wars Rebels ‒ “Twilight of the Apprentice” (Season 2, Episode 22)

“Twilight of the Apprentice” is widely regarded as one of the most intense episodes in all of Star Wars Rebels. This two-part feature-length finale brings Kanan, Ezra, and Ahsoka to Malachor, a Sith world steeped in dark side energy, in search of ancient knowledge. What they find instead is a devastating confrontation with Maul, who attempts to manipulate Ezra and blinds Kanan after double crossing everyone. However, it is the long-awaited reunion and clash between Ahsoka Tano and her former master, Anakin Skywalker, who has become Darth Vader, that sets “Twilight of the Apprentice” apart. The gloomy and foreboding atmosphere of Malachor perfectly sets the stage for the dark events that unfold.

The duel between Vader and Ahsoka is emotionally charged and truly heartbreaking, revealing the depth of their tragic bond. While Vader taunts that he “destroyed” Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka vows to avenge the master she loved. When Ahsoka manages to break half of Vader’s helmet apart, revealing Anakin’s scarred face beneath the armor, it is a truly iconic moment — one that was even replicated in live-action in Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi. The fierce battle culminates in Ahsoka’s apparent sacrifice to allow Ezra and Kanan to escape. This episode not only delivers thrilling action but also explores themes of loss, redemption, and the enduring scars of the Clone Wars.

2) Star Wars: The Clone Wars ‒ “The Phantom Apprentice” (Season 7, Episode 10)

“The Phantom Apprentice” is a deeply unsettling chapter in Star Wars: The Clone Wars‘ final arc, leading directly into the events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. This episode ratchets up the tension of the relentless Siege of Mandalore, focusing on Ahsoka Tano’s relentless pursuit of the man behind the chaos: Maul. This episode builds up the sense of dread to near critical levels and puts the true destructive power of the dark side on display, as Maul reveals his chilling foresight regarding Darth Sidious’ plans and Anakin Skywalker’s inevitable fall.

The centerpiece of the episode, however, is the breathtaking lightsaber duel between Ahsoka and Maul, a beautifully choreographed and emotionally charged fight for the very soul of Mandalore. The animation is stunning, capturing every nuanced movement and the power wielded by Jedi and Sith. In fact, Dave Filoni and the production team used trained stunt actors (one of whom was Ray Park, the original Darth Maul from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace) to physically perform the battle for motion capture, ensuring that the animated final product would be as high stakes as it needed to be in that moment. “The Phantom Apprentice” serves as a sad reminder of the impending doom for the Jedi and the Republic, setting a somber tone for the series’ conclusion.

1. Star Wars: The Mandalorian ‒ “Chapter 16: The Rescue” (Season 2)

“Chapter 16: The Rescue” stands above the other magnificent episodes as a special achievement in Star Wars television, delivering an unparalleled blend of thrilling action, emotional stakes, and a jaw-dropping surprise that sent ripples through the fandom. The episode follows Din Djarin and his assembled team, including the (other) Mandalorian Bo-Katan Kryze, on a desperate mission to rescue Grogu from Moff Gideon’s Imperial cruiser. Bo has another goal — retrieve the Darksaber from Gideon in order to unite the scattered Mandalorians to rebuild their culture and society. The tension is palpable from the outset, as the unlikely alliance faces overwhelming odds to protect the innocent and loveable foundling.

The episode’s climax is an all-time jawdropper: just as all hope seems lost, a single X-wing arrives, carrying none other than Luke Skywalker in all his young New Republic glory. From the moment his green lightsaber ignited, the shrouded and robed Jedi cut his way through Dark Troopers with ease, leaving viewers on the edge of their seat, waiting for the confirmation of the Jedi behind the mist. The moment Luke steps through the cockpit door and lowers his hood is truly a stunning reveal that went way beyond fan service. The emotional weight of Luke taking Grogu to begin his Jedi training, and Din Djarin removing his helmet to allow Grogu to see his face for the first time during a heartfelt farewell, provides a poignant and unforgettable conclusion, cementing this episode as a defining moment not just for The Mandalorian, but for the entire Star Wars saga.

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Star Wars prides itself on its ability to create complicated characters. Sure, Emperor Palpatine is evil for evil’s sake, but his underlings, Darth Maul, Count Dooku, and Darth Vader, all have fascinating stories that see them struggle with their moral compasses. The bad guys don’t get to have all the fun, though, because more than a few heroes in a galaxy far, far away lose their way and have to find their way back to the light. Luke Skywalker is in a dark place in Star Wars: The Last Jedi after allowing Ben Solo to fall to the dark side. Ben’s father, Han Solo, also shares part of the blame, but, unlike Luke, he screws up plenty before the sequel trilogy.

As soon as Han appears in the cantina in Star Wars: A New Hope, it’s clear that he’s a morally dubious character. He hangs out with shady characters and likes to shoot first and ask questions later. However, even when Han is trying to do the right thing, he can do the wrong one, which is never more evident than in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

Han Backs the Wrong Horse in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

The Rebellion is on the run at the start of The Empire Strikes Back due to the Battle of Yavin. They set up shop on Hoth because they don’t believe the Empire will visit a planet with such extreme conditions. Unfortunately, an Imperial probe makes its way there, and it’s not long before the Empire attacks. While Han, Leia Organa, Chewbacca, and C-3PO are able to escape aboard the Millennium Falcon, they have trouble figuring out a place to go. Han suggests Cloud City on Bespin because his old buddy, Lando Calrissian, runs the place and may have a place for them to lay low.

What Han doesn’t know is that the Empire is already on Bespin and has a deal in place with Lando to turn him over. Leia starts feeling uneasy after arriving, so she takes her concerns to Han, who doesn’t think anything of the strange occurrences in Cloud City. He tells Leia that Lando is his friend, but after sitting down to get on her level and continue the conversation, he mumbles something that’s hard to make out. Turning on closed-captioning reveals that he says, “Besides, we’ll soon be gone.” While it’s not the most important line of dialogue in The Empire Strikes Back, it drives the point home that Han is being naive, which comes back around later in the movie.

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Star Wars Fans Have Been Trying to Figure Out What Han Said for 45 Years

A video posted on TikTok by Star Wars superfan Jen Markham reveals that a portion of the fan base didn’t know what Han muttered to Leia until the movie was available on the Disney+ streaming service. The comments are full of people either finally putting two and two together or being overcome with joy that they weren’t the only ones who had a problem understanding the scene. While the culprit could be a bad ADR session or a faulty boom mic on the set, there’s no denying that The Empire Strikes Back failed to deliver a small portion of Han’s story.

The only reason the line doesn’t get more attention all these years later is that Han says something so memorable a few minutes later that it’s easy to forget about his mumbling. After the Empire announces its presence, Darth Vader allows Boba Fett to freeze Han in carbonite and take him to Jabba the Hutt. Before the process is complete, Leia reveals to Han that she loves him, to which he replies, “I know.” It’s one of the most iconic lines in Star Wars, but it’s also not the easiest to understand because it’s clear that Han feels the same way. He just can’t utter the words, and while it’s clear now that, at the moment, he’s struggling with opening up, having that line of dialogue earlier in the movie be clearer would have been helpful because Leia drops the bomb right after he takes a knife in the back from Lando.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is streaming on Disney+.

Did you catch what Han was saying during your first watch of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back? Do you think that conversation with Leia changes Han’s attitude later in the movie? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Han Solo’s Most Confusing Line in The Empire Strikes Back Isn’t “I Know” appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #5, written by Charles Soule and illustrated by Stefano Raffaele, Kylo Ren’s descent into darkness reaches a chilling new low that echoes the infamous actions of his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker. This issue plunges Kylo into the heart of Naboo, a planet deeply significant to his family’s legacy as the home of his grandmother, Naboo Queen and senator Padmé Amidala, and the place where his grandparents secretly married. While Kylo’s quest to solidify his identity as Supreme Leader has placed him on a one-man journey to follow in Vader’s footsteps, his actions on Naboo are an irreversible step toward total and unforgivable darkness. Much like Anakin’s slaughter of the Jedi Younglings in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith marked his point of no return as a Sith Lord, Kylo’s brutal murder of the Naboo resistance fighters cemented his commitment to the dark side. This act, so deeply opposed to everything Padmé and Anakin once stood for, ensures that Kylo Ren is charting a path from which there is no redemption, severing any remaining ties to the light his family once represented.

Kylo Ren’s Attack on Naboo Represents His Irreversible Embrace of the Dark Side

Kylo Ren’s arrival on Naboo is presented as an ultimatum: the planet must learn to defend itself or face destruction. Despite this order, Kylo infiltrates a gathering of Naboo people, and pretends to be someone who will lead them in their fight against the First Order. Though a subconscious part of Kylo does want to hurt the First Order as a way to act out against the path he chose, he ultimately coerces the citizens to fight for independence, even when they express that fighting may not be the right answer for them.

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After manipulating them into attacking the First Order, which leads to a victory thanks to his inside information, Kylo reveals his true nature and quickly turns on the innocents, slaughtering the very people he forced into fighting in the first place; the very people who truly represent his legacy not as Vader’s heir, but as Padmé’s grandson.  

This sensless destruction of Naboo, a world cherished by his grandmother and the very place where his grandparents’ love story began, marks Kylo’s complete rejection of his heritage. Anakin’s turn to the dark side was solidified by his murder of the Jedi Younglings, an act that irrevocably severed his ties to the Jedi Order and everything he once believed in. Similarly, Kylo’s deliberate and brutal attack on Naboo, a symbol of innocence and hope in his family’s past, signifies his total embrace of the dark side. He has crossed a threshold, committing an act that neither Padmé nor Anakin (in his redeemed form) would ever forgive, solidifying his identity not as a conflicted heir, but as a true successor to Vader’s legacy of destruction.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

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An era of Star Wars storytelling that began in 2021 is coming to an end. The High Republic began as a line of novels and comics, and quickly grew to include the Disney+ series The Acolyte. We’ve transitioned through Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III of The High Republic, spanning centuries before the name “Skywalker” took over the galactic franchise. But all good things must end, and that’s the case with The High Republic. While we wait to see what Marvel and Lucasfilm have planned for what’s to come after The High Republic, we can take a look at the final chapter.

ComicBook has the exclusive lettered preview of Star Wars: The High Republic – The Finale #1 by Cavan Scott and Marika Cresta. It takes readers up into the atmosphere above Coruscant, where a fleet of starships are hovering above the golden city. Our narrator is Jedi Master Keeve Trennis, marshal to the Stormwall Defense Fleet. Keeve’s squad is returning after a successful victory at the Battle of Eriadu, defeating the Nihil. However, everyone on the ship is treating the win as if it’s a funeral.

One person who isn’t feeling somber is Lourna, who appears hostile towards Keeve Trennis. The reason for this is that Keeve pushed Lourna to be better than she was. Lourna took the winning shot against an enemy who was using their fears against them, but Keeve is feeling doubt that it was the right decision. Any other time, the Jedi would have tried to save the Nihil. But that’s something to worry about at another time. For now, Keeve has been summoned to the Jedi Temple, and she’s being joined by Sskeer.

Once they reach the Jedi Temple, Keeve is reunited with Terec and Ceret. The twins report that they had a successful mission taking out the Nameless, restoring peace to the galaxy. However, a cost was paid for this triumph, and while Terec and Ceret still have each other, it’s a cost that they will have to carry with them for the rest of their lives.

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Marvel has relaunched its Star Wars line of comics. There is a new Star Wars ongoing series that takes place after Return of the Jedi, as well as another series featuring Doctor Aphra. It’s unknown at this time if there will be a line of comics dedicated to stories outside the Skywalker Saga, similar to The High Republic.

“THE END OF THE BEGINNING! The final battle between the Jedi and the Nihil has been fought, sacrifices have been made and the dust settles,” the description of Star Wars: The High Republic – The Finale #1 reads. “As friends and allies gather for one last celebration, a decision is made, and a fate sealed. Guest-starring faces from across the best-selling multimedia initiative. All roads lead to Dalna.”

Star Wars: The High Republic – The Finale #1 goes on sale Wednesday, July 30th. Let us know your thoughts on the preview in the comments below!

The post Star Wars Says Goodbye to The High Republic Era, But What Comes Next? (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew creator Jon Watts has broken his silence on his future with the galaxy far, far away, and his carefully chosen words have left the door wide open for his return. During a moderated conversation at the Mediterrane Film Festival, Watts expressed a strong desire to continue working on Star Wars projects but remained deliberately vague about what that might entail. He noted that he is unable to discuss specifics, a common position for creators actively involved in development with major studios. This non-denial strongly suggests that his time with the franchise is not over, fueling anticipation for what his next collaboration with Lucasfilm could be, whether it is a second season of the hit Disney+ series or an entirely new project set within the beloved science fiction universe.

“I love Star Wars. I would love to do more Star Wars and I can’t say anything more,” Watts revealed during the festival appearance. “I always get in trouble when I do these interviews and I always end up saying something, like, I get in trouble and shouldn’t have said that.” When pressed specifically about the possibility of helming another season of Skeleton Crew, he offered an even more intriguing non-answer. “I can’t say exactly what it might be if it were even a thing,” he added.

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These remarks position Watts as a creator who is still very much in the Lucasfilm orbit. That’s not exactly a surprise, as his successful development and execution of Skeleton Crew, which brought a unique tone to the franchise, make him a valuable creative partner. Plus, even if Watts is not working on any Star Wars project at the moment, by avoiding a direct denial, he ensures his name remains in the conversation for future directorial duties.

How Skeleton Crew Brought an Amblin Adventure to Star Wars

The excitement surrounding Watts’s potential return is rooted in the unique space Star Wars: Skeleton Crew carved out for itself within the expansive franchise. The series, created by Watts and Christopher Ford, was pitched to Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy as a galactic version of a classic Amblin Entertainment coming-of-age story, directly inspired by films like The Goonies. This approach resulted in a series that felt distinct from other modern Star Wars shows. Instead of focusing on seasoned warriors or powerful Jedi masters, the narrative centers on four children, Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), KB (Kyriana Kratter), and the alien Neel (Robert Timothy Smith), who get lost in the galaxy after discovering an abandoned ship on their homeworld of At Attin.

Their adventure places them in the path of Jod Na Nawood (Jude Law), a Force-using pirate who becomes their reluctant guide. This dynamic, which places the children’s perspective at the forefront, was a deliberate choice to capture the feeling of an adventure story that just happens to be about kids, rather than a show made exclusively for them. Furthermore, Skeleton Crew expertly balanced its youthful sense of wonder with genuine peril, creating a tone that felt both nostalgic for 80s adventure films and fresh for the Star Wars universe. This successful tonal experiment is a major reason why Watts’s continued influence is a major asset for the franchise’s future.

Set in the same post-Return of the Jedi timeline as The Mandalorian and Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew grounded its story in a familiar era while exploring uncharted corners of the galaxy. The series enriched the lore by introducing new planets, species like the Myykian, and a different kind of protagonist group. It showed that a Star Wars story could be deeply personal and character-driven on a smaller scale, focusing on the universal theme of finding one’s way home. The project also attracted impressive directorial talent, including episodes helmed by David Lowery and the Oscar-winning duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, further cementing its creative pedigree.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is currently available on Disney+.

What kind of Star Wars project would you like to see Jon Watts tackle next? Let us know in the comments.

The post Skeleton Crew Creator Breaks Silence on His Star Wars Future (& Fans Should Be Excited) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The debut season of Star Wars: Ahsoka featured multiple fan-favorite characters being brought to live action for the first time, though it also featured the introduction of all-new characters, such as Ivanna Sakhno’s Shin Hati. Stars of the series have offered a handful of cryptic teases about the new season in recent months, and with production fully underway on Season 2, Sakhno weighed in on returning to a galaxy far, far away, though played coy about offering any official details about the new season. As fans wait to see Sakhno in Season 2 of Ahsoka, you can see her in M3GAN 2.0, which hits theaters on June 27th.

“We’ve been going quite nonstop, at the moment. We’re in London, so I just flew in a few hours before the premiere and I’m going right back into filming,” Sakhno confirmed to ComicBook about the status of Season 2. “I really wish that I could share anything with you, but I have to be honest, you won’t get anything from me. I just have to say, though, that it’s really exciting. A lot of heart is put into it. We’re trying to honor the world and the story as much as possible and have some really cool fights coming up, hopefully.”

The actor also detailed how, while both Ahsoka and M3GAN 2.0 required her to embrace many different types of combat training, the actual nature of the stunts is quite different.

“There’s definitely, fundamentally, when you do multiple jobs that require lots of physicality, you get to understand your body more and more and understand what it takes to do that. I think that’s something that connects Ahsoka and M3GAN,” the actor confessed. “In general, AMELIA is very different in her movement and these stunts are different, because to wield a lightsaber, it has a lot to do with swordfighting and martial arts, and AMELIA is very much combat training and Krav Maga. She’s using guns and also kung-fu-style movement. But it definitely builds a little bit more confidence in your body and a desire to dedicate yourself as much as possible to do as many of your stunts as you can, as time allows, and safety, as well.”

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With filming currently happening on Ahsoka, we likely won’t get Season 2 until 2026. Luckily, fans can still enjoy Sakhno in another action-packed sci-fi experience with M3GAN 2.0.

M3GAN 2.0 is described, “Two years after M3GAN, a marvel of artificial intelligence, went rogue and embarked on a murderous (and impeccably choreographed) rampage and was subsequently destroyed, M3GAN’s creator Gemma (Allison Williams) has become a high-profile author and advocate for government oversight of AI. Meanwhile, Gemma’s niece Cady (Violet McGraw), now 14, has become a teenager, rebelling against Gemma’s overprotective rules. Unbeknownst to them, the underlying tech for M3GAN has been stolen and misused by a powerful defense contractor to create a military-grade weapon known as Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno; Ahsoka, Pacific Rim: Uprising), the ultimate killer infiltration spy. But as Amelia’s self-awareness increases, she becomes decidedly less interested in taking orders from humans. Or in keeping them around. With the future of human existence on the line, Gemma realizes that the only option is to resurrect M3GAN (Amie Donald, voiced by Jenna Davis) and give her a few upgrades, making her faster, stronger, and more lethal. As their paths collide, the original AI bitch is about to meet her match.”

Stay tuned for updates on Season 2 of Star Wars: Ahsoka. M3GAN 2.0 hits theaters on June 27th.

Are you looking forward to Season 2 of the series? Let us know in the comments!

The post Star Wars: Ahsoka Star Breaks Silence on Returning for Season 2 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Mark Hamill shares his old idea for Luke Skywalker’s tragic backstory in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and it would have been a twist that was much too dark for the franchise. During an appearance on the podcast Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, Hamill discussed his experience making The Last Jedi. Though Hamill considers Last Jedi director Rian Johnson to be one of the best filmmakers he’s worked with, he didn’t agree with Johnson’s reasoning for why Luke had become a depressed hermit living out his days on Ahch-To. Feeling Luke’s resolve would only be strengthened when confronted by an apprentice who turned to the dark side, Hamill attempted to come up with something that never made it to the big screen.

“I thought, ‘What could make someone give up a devotion to what is basically a religious entity, to give up being a Jedi?’ Well, the love of a woman,” Hamill said. “So [Luke] falls in love with a woman, he gives up being a Jedi, they have a child together. At some point, the child, as a toddler, picks up an unattended lightsaber, pushes the button, and is killed instantly. The wife is so full of grief, she kills herself … but [Rian Johnson] didn’t have the time to tell a backstory like that, I’m guessing. He just wanted a brief thing to explain it.”

After Rey finds Luke isolated on Ahch-To at the end of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi sheds light on the events that led him to the remote planet. When sensing the dark side emerging in his nephew Ben Solo, Luke briefly contemplated killing Ben to spare the galaxy from the atrocities he could commit as an agent of Supreme Leader Snoke. By the time the fleeting moment passed, Ben realized what was happening and destroyed Luke’s temple. Ashamed by his failure, Luke goes to Ahch-To to die.

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Johnson’s portrayal of Luke in The Last Jedi is still one of the film’s most divisive aspects that inspires debates to this day. Some fans were upset that the hero of the original trilogy abandoned his closest friends in their time of need, while others found a lot to appreciate in a compelling arc about a broken man overcoming a crisis of faith and becoming a legend who inspired the galaxy.

Star Wars is no stranger to dark subject matter, including the deaths of children (see: Anakin killing younglings in Revenge of the Sith), but Hamill’s idea arguably would have been a step too far over that line. Even if this backstory wasn’t shown on screen, just hearing dialogue about a grief-stricken mother dying by suicide because her curious child was accidentally killed by a lightsaber would have been highly upsetting in a film that’s supposed to be family friendly (George Lucas always said Star Wars is for children). Obviously, something terrible needed to happen to Luke for him to seek exile, but it didn’t need to go to that dark of a place.

What Johnson came up with was effective for the story The Last Jedi was telling, and Ben Solo’s turn is arguably enough to warrant Luke’s exile. He didn’t just fail any random student; he failed his nephew, the child of his two best friends who trusted him with their son. To say Luke felt shame, guilt, and despair in that moment is probably an understatement. It was a tremendous personal failure that would have affected anyone — even one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy. Not only that, Luke’s temple marked the second time a Jedi Order had become undone, which likely made him reconsider the Jedi’s place in the galaxy. So while it may seem odd to some that the same person who never gave up on Darth Vader was so quick to move on from Kylo Ren, there’s enough there that it makes sense. What Luke didn’t realize before he met Rey is that failure could be a great teacher.

The post Mark Hamill’s Idea for Luke’s Last Jedi Backstory Is Too Dark for Star Wars appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Nearly a decade after Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hit theaters, director Gareth Edwards reflects on his Star Wars legacy with a humorous callback to the prequel trilogy era. Speaking with GamesRadar+ to promote his upcoming film Jurassic World Rebirth, Edwards looked back on his time in the galaxy far, far away. He is very appreciative that Star Wars fans hold Rogue One in high regard, meaning he doesn’t have to worry about drawing their ire when he’s just going about his day. Edwards also discussed how a movie’s true test is seeing how it holds up several years after its initial release.

“I mean, I’m just eternally relieved that I don’t walk across the street and people don’t shout that I ruined their childhood,” Edwards said. “It’s a bit like [Jurassic World Rebirth]. I hate the word ‘franchise,’ really, and ‘IP.’ It sort of diminishes … Like, to me, these movies were sort of semi-religious experiences as a kid, watching them, and so they mean a lot.”

He continued, “I’ve always felt – and I don’t hold any of my films in high regard like this – but I do think that, really, the test of a movie is how it’s viewed, 10, 20 years later. Obviously, there’s this anticipation with what everyone’s going to think when a film comes out … I look at a lot of my heroes, and they would tell stories, and it seems unbelievable, like I was reading the other day about John Carpenter and The Thing, and how it flopped, and how he couldn’t work for a while, and things like this. And you go, ‘What, after The Thing?’ Like, that’s a masterpiece.”

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Though the reputation of the Star Wars prequel trilogy has improved over time, the films were very polarizing when they were initially released from 1999-2005. “George Lucas ruined my childhood” was a common sentiment expressed by older fans who had grown up on the original trilogy. Those viewers felt the prequels did not live up to the magic of the first three films.

A direct prequel to Star Wars: A New Hope, Rogue One was a bit of a risk as a spinoff film following an entirely new set of characters. However, many fans consider Rogue One to be the best Star Wars film of the Disney era. The movie’s reputation has only improved thanks to the success of Star Wars: Andor, which recently wrapped up its critically acclaimed two-season run on Disney+. Leading directly into Rogue One, Andor recontextualizes key aspects of the film and enhances them.

Much like the prequel trilogy, Disney’s Star Wars films have been divisive in their own way (J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson probably get some heckles when they’re crossing the street), so Edwards is extremely fortunate he escaped that fate. Rogue One easily could have gone sideways, especially since the film was reportedly subject to extensive rewrites and reshoots that tweaked everything from character development to action sequences. If Rogue One didn’t work, Star Wars fans would have been very upset, particularly because the film aims to retcon elements of A New Hope, revealing the origin of the Death Star’s infamous weakness. Adding to such a sacred text was a big risk, but Rogue One arguably makes A New Hope an even better film by highlighting the heroism and sacrifice of the Rebellion.

Hopefully, audiences will have similar feelings about Edwards’ Jurassic World Rebirth, which is looking to harken back to the sense of awe and wonder present in the original Jurassic Park. Early reactions to Rebirth have been mixed, but the film could still end up being an entertaining addition to the franchise thanks to the big-scale dinosaur action. And even if opinions on Jurassic World Rebirth are all over the place right now, it doesn’t mean it’ll always be that way. As Edwards says and as the Star Wars prequels have shown, it’s possible for a movie to be reassessed many years after its release.

The post Rogue One Director Reflects On Star Wars Legacy With Hilarious Prequels Callback appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s not a secret that Star Wars‘ time under the Disney umbrella has been controversial. The House of Mouse tasked Lucasfilm with creating a sequel trilogy that would continue the stories of iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa. After getting off to a hot start with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, things went off the rails for Kathleen Kennedy and Co. following the backlash to Star Wars: The Last Jedi. They tried to course-correct with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, but the final film in the trilogy ended up falling flat and forced the franchise to abandon the big screen for several years.

2026 will see Lucasfilm release its first movie since 2019, but the project won’t focus on Jedi and Sith. No, it’s going to be a continuation of The Mandalorian called The Mandalorian & Grogu. That’s somewhat surprising because Star Wars seems to struggle whenever it goes away from what’s worked in the past. However, the powers that be must have hope because of the success of one of their standalone movies, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

The Gareth Edwards film will celebrate its tenth anniversary next year, and the director can’t seem to avoid questions about it while he promotes his latest project, Jurassic World Rebirth. He doesn’t have as high an opinion of Rogue One as most, though, being unsupportive of the idea that it’s the best movie in the franchise since 2015.

“I don’t agree with it, but I appreciate it,” he told Business Insider. “I’m very grateful that people say nice things.”

Edwards also mentioned that he’s been “very happy to move on and do my thing,” not wanting his career to be defined by his time in a galaxy far, far away. His mindset is focused more on the impact his work will have in the years to come.

“What you have to keep in your pocket as you go through making other films, is that it’s not about how people feel the day it gets released, it’s how people feel about it 10, 20 years from now,” Edwards explained. “When you make a movie, you’re living at least a year from now, you’re trying to imagine what it’s like, all these decisions you’re making, what they are going to be like a year from now when this movie is released, what’s the audience going to think? And as the movie comes out, you go, ‘I’m going to pretend I’m living 10 years from now, and it doesn’t matter what people say in the moment.’ It’s the kid who comes up to you 20 years from now and goes, ‘Oh my god, I loved that movie!’ I think that’s the reward.”

Whether Edwards likes it or not, Rogue One is already aging like fine wine, and it has Star Wars: Andor to thank for that. The series, which just wrapped up its two-season run on Disney+, follows Cassian Andor, who, of course, plays a major role in the 2016 film.

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Andor Pushes Rogue One From Good to Great

What Andor does to help Rogue One is reveal how much work it takes to get the Rebellion off the ground. While figures like Mon Mothma seem like nothing but roadblocks on the big screen, they sacrifice so much to get where they are. There are also plenty of characters that don’t get to live to see the Death Star plans end up in Leia’s hands, who are instrumental in getting Cassian and Co. in the right place at the right time. Just like it took a village to get Rogue One made, it took a lot of effort in-universe to make the story as impactful as it is.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is streaming on Disney+.

Do you think Rogue One is the best Disney Star Wars movie? Would you like to see Gareth Edwards return to the franchise? Let us know in the comments below!

The post One Star Wars Director Thinks Their Movie Is Overrated (& They’re Not Coming Back) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars‘ history with animation dates back all the way to 1978, when the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special was released. George Lucas and Co. decided to explore a different medium to introduce Boba Fett years before he showed up in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. The next few animated projects set in a galaxy far, far away were aimed at children in the 1980s and didn’t do all that well, and it took until 2003 for Star Wars to really get serious about animation again. Genndy Tartakovsky’s Star Wars: Clone Wars paved the way for the 2008 series and everything that came after it.

All the successful animated outings motivated Lucasfilm to up the stakes and have its characters from live-action jump into animation and vice versa. However, not every Star Wars character that ended up on a bigger stage did better for themselves.

1) Cad Bane

Boba Fett might be the most iconic bounty hunter in Star Wars history, but he’s not the most ruthless. That honor goes to Cad Bane, who is a thorn in the Republic’s side throughout Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He even breaks into the Jedi Temple at one point and pulls off a wild heist.

Years later, in Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett, Cade Bane makes his live-action debut, working for the Pykes, who aren’t too happy about the titular bounty hunter moving in on their territory. Bane doesn’t have the same aura that he does in animation, though, being nothing more than a notable character for Boba to step over on his way to the throne.

2) Ahsoka Tano

While Ahsoka Tano’s debut in The Clone Wars movie is rough around the edges, she makes up for it during her time in the spotlight in the animated show. As Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice, she finds herself in plenty of dangerous situations and never backs down. She also doesn’t miss a beat in Star Wars Rebels, where she helps the Ghost crew battle the Empire.

After the events of Rebels, Ahsoka joins the live-action series The Mandalorian before getting a solo series, Star Wars: Ahsoka. While she’s still every bit the hero she is in her animated appearances, the character loses some of her charm in live-action.

3) Maul

Darth Maul does very little in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace outside of looking cool and putting up a solid fight against Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn. He serves his purpose, and he does it again in Solo: A Star Wars Story. However, the dark side user is at his best in his 3D form.

Losing his battle with Obi-Wan forces Maul to reconsider his place in the galaxy in The Clone Wars. He returns with a vengeance, making life difficult for Obi-Wan and his former master, Emperor Palpatine. Maul continues his quest for revenge in Star Wars Rebels, where he attempts to recruit the young Ezra Bridger to his side.

4) General Grievous

General Grievous technically makes his Star Wars debut in Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars, but that’s no longer canon. That means Revenge of the Sith is the first official exposure Grievous gets, which isn’t a bad thing. The Separatist leader is menacing and proves he’s more than capable of outsmarting Jedi.

The Clone Wars takes Grievous to the next level, though. It uses episodes like “Lair of Grievous” to show why the villain has such a reputation at the start of Revenge of the Sith, with him actively hunting the Jedi rather than running from them.

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5) Sabine Wren

As the success of Din Djarin’s Disney+ series proves, Mandalorians are some of the coolest characters in Star Wars. That fact isn’t lost on Rebels, as the series makes Mandalorian Sabine Wren one of its main characters. She even wields the Darksaber at one point, helping to bring her people together.

The confidence that Sabine exudes in Rebels is gone in Ahsoka. She joins the titular Force user on a mission to find Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra, but she ends up doing more harm than good. Sabine will have to get her groove back in the second season of Ahsoka if she wants any chance of surpassing her animated counterpart.

6) Yaddle

Yaddle gets the short end of the stick in live-action. She debuts in The Phantom Menace as a non-speaking member of the Jedi Council, only to disappear in the next two prequel movies. Lucas leaves her high and dry, but Disney saw potential in the character.

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi tells the story of Count Dooku’s fall to the dark side, and Yaddle ends up being a big part of it. She tries to show her colleague the error of his ways, a move that ends up costing her dearly.

7) Bo-Katan Kryze

The Clone Wars features its fair share of Mandalorians, with the most notable one being Bo-Katan Kryze, the sister of Duchess Satine Kryze. She doesn’t believe her sister is doing enough to protect Mandalore, and she ends up being right because the planet goes up in flames. Bo-Katan tries to pick up the pieces in Rebels, but she finally gets revenge in live-action.

Bo-Katan plays a major role in the events of Seasons 2 and 3 of The Mandalorian, helping Din protect Grogu from Moff Gideon. It’s just unfortunate that, while The Mandalorian doesn’t forget about Bo-Katan’s original motivations, she fails to find her footing in live-action while playing second fiddle to the star of the show.

All Star Wars shows and movies are streaming on Disney+.

Do you think the characters on this list are better in animation than live-action? Who else fits into that category? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 7 Star Wars Characters That Are Better in Animation Than Live-Action appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s no secret that Lucasfilm’s movie division is in a weird spot. The powers that be decided to pull back and regroup after the poor reception to the Star Wars sequel trilogy. They didn’t want to continue producing lackluster content, so they pushed more projects onto Disney+ while figuring out the best plan ahead. What they came up with is interesting because it seems like Star Wars is going to toss a bunch of movies against the wall over the next few years and see what sticks. First up is The Mandalorian & Grogu, which is sure to be a winner due to the success of Din Djarin’s Disney+ series. However, once that comes and goes, there are nothing but unknown quantities.

Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars: Starfighter sounds interesting, and it certainly has a talented enough cast to carry a movie set in a galaxy far, far away. There’s also Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s movie about the New Jedi Order that will feature the return of Rey Skywalker. That project may or may not be on the shelf at the moment, but it certainly has potential. Out of all of the upcoming Star Wars movies, though, the one that has the most going for it is Dawn of the Jedi, directed by James Mangold.

Little is known about the movie other than that it will follow the first Jedi and take place 25,000 years before the earliest project on the Star Wars timeline. That’s not a lot to go on, but a newly released map that outlines the franchise’s entire galaxy sets the stage for the conflict that the movie will focus on.

The overwhelming image is a fun tool that shows the distance between notable planets, such as Coruscant and Hoth. It also hides at least one secret, which is visible on the G11 space. The Unknown Regions are home to the planet Rakata Prime, homeworld to the Rakatans. The species doesn’t have a live-action appearance yet, but their history is sure to be part of Dawn of the Jedi‘s story if Mangold and Co. take inspiration from the Dark Horse comics.

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The Rakatans Came Into Conflict With the Original Jedi

In the pre-Disney canon, the Rakatans were responsible for the creation of the Infinite Empire, a terrifying force that conquered planets all over the galaxy using advanced technology. They were also obsessed with the Force and had their own group of dark side users known as Force Hounds who traveled around the galaxy, locating planets with strong connections to the energy field. Their mission led them to Tython, where they came into contact with the Je’daii, a group of individuals all about finding balance in the Force.

The arrival of the Infinite Empire proved too much for the Je’daii to handle, and they split into two groups, one that focused on the light side and another that worked with the dark. They fought for years, and once the Infinite Empire was gone, the Jedi Order was born and became a crucial part of the Galactic Republic.

Mangold’s movie may not adapt the story of the Dawn of the Jedi comics. After all, he could have his own ideas for the origin of the Jedi Order. However, it’s as good a theory as any right now, especially because the Rakatans are officially part of canon again. Luthen Rael name-drops them in the first season of Star Wars: Andor, teasing that they were terrifying monsters that enslaved many across the galaxy. It would be silly to reveal that the Infinite Empire existed without having any intention of showing what it was made of.

Are you excited for James Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi movie? Do you want to see the Infinite Empire fight against the Je’daii? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Star Wars Just Set Up the Dawn of the Jedi Movie appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars: Andor was one of the franchise’s biggest successes in its Disney era, but there was one aspect about it that star Diego Luna did not enjoy. During an appearance on the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, the actor discussed what it’s like working in the TV medium and pointed out one key difference when compared to movies. He noted that unlike films, which are conceived with a beginning, middle, and end in mind, the creative team behind a TV series doesn’t always know where things are going to go when they start. That can create an anxious feeling on set during production.

“There’s one thing I don’t like [about TV], which is things start without knowing where they’re going to end,” Luna said. “Everyone’s talking about the next season and probably there’s another one and there’s an anxiety of, like, how much more can we achieve? And it’s nice to start something knowing where it ends.”

Andor recently wrapped up its two-season run on Disney+ with a critically acclaimed batch of episodes that built up to the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The prequel earned a considerable amount of praise for adding a great deal of depth and complexity to the Star Wars franchise, recontextualizing key elements from previous released projects. In particular, it forever changes the way fans look at Rogue One and the original trilogy as it highlights the origins and moral ambiguity of the Rebellion.

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Outside of Andor, Luna has accumulated several other TV credits throughout his career. One of his more notable small screen turns was in Narcos: Mexico. He’s also scored voice over roles in animated series such as Maya and the Three, Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans, and Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia.

Though Andor was in a unique position as a prequel to a feature film, it’s easy to see where Luna is coming from. While audiences knew Cassian Andor’s fate before the first episode of Andor premiered, the show introduces a multitude of new characters and storylines that needed to be properly resolved. As seen with Star Wars: The Acolyte, Disney will pull the plug on a TV show if they feel it isn’t working (even if there are cliffhangers left dangling). Andor turned out to be one of the best Star Wars projects to date, but if the first season didn’t turn out as well, creator Tony Gilroy and his team might not have gotten the opportunity to wrap things up.

Fortunately, despite Disney’s stance that “streaming is dead,” Gilroy got complete freedom to tell the story he was most interested in, ending Andor on a poignant and hopeful note. If the show had been cancelled after a single season, it would have risked ruining the legacy of Rogue One, but instead, it enhanced it. In a post-Andor world, it’ll be interesting to see how Lucasfilm handles Star Wars TV shows moving forward. Ahsoka Season 2 is on the way, but after that, no live-action series are on the schedule. The Mandalorian & Grogu movie seems to be taking the place of The Mandalorian Season 4, but perhaps there will be more Star Wars TV shows in the future. For all its risks, the medium gives Lucasfilm an expansive sandbox to flesh out the galaxy far, far away.

The post Diego Luna Reveals the One Thing He Didn’t Like About Working on Andor appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The ultimate collectible tribute to Darth Vader has arrived – as Sideshow Collectibles’ Star Wars “Mythos” line delivers a fiery depiction of the Sith lord. Fans can check out the Darth Vader Premium Format Figure on Sideshow right now or read ahead for an in-depth look at the piece and the larger Mythos line. Founded over 30 years ago, Sideshow has grown to become the leader in manufacturing and distributing high-end collectibles – covering nearly every major geek-fandom franchise – including Star Wars. Over the years, the company’s signature Premium Format Figure line has evolved significantly via ever-more complex (and eye-catching) poses, size offerings, and specialty features brought into being by some of the best designers and sculptors in the industry.

Building on that legacy, the Star Wars Mythos is line is one of the most detailed statue sets available to fans of that beloved galaxy far, far away. Each Mythos piece features a well known Star Wars character; yet, instead of recreating a known movie scene, the Mythos line catches each hero or villain in an all-original, never-before depicted, moment, such as an aged Obi-Wan Kenobi in clone trooper armor exploring the Tatooine desert with Anakin and Qui-Gon’s lightsaber hilts (as well as a Tusken rifle) strapped to his back.

Darth Vader Mythos Depicts An Explosive Battle

In the case of Darth Vader, the Mythos figure showcases a battle-damaged version of the Dark Lord – exposing Vader’s charred skin and cybernetic endoskeleton. The Sideshow Exclusive edition even includes an alternate head sculpt – in which Vader’s helmet is cracked open (revealing Anakin’s red-eyed face underneath). As for the backstory behind the scene, Sideshow isn’t capturing any one story from mainline canon or Star Wars Legends; however, given the extensive damage Vader sustained, it’s easy to imagine the Mythos figure depicts one of the Dark Lord’s most dangerous fights. In the scene, Vader stands defiant atop a downed X-Wing engine. Fire scorching his billowing robes and cape. Vader grips his lightsaber in one hand and controls the Force with his other. A close look at the villain’s right forearm reveals gold and gray cybernetics while his right boot is entirely melted off showing his robotic foot and toes.

The piece successfully invokes the intensity and raw fury of Vader’s “hallway massacre” on the Rebel ship, The Profundity, in Rogue One – making for an iconic but entirely unique depiction of the character (even if we may never know exactly what happened in the moments preceding the scene).

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Darth Vader Mythos Editions & Additional Impressions

The Vader Mythos piece comes in a variety of editions – and which one collectors decide to pick-up depends on budget and preferred features. Darth Vader comes in two sizes (a Statue and a quarter scale Premium Format Figure) – and each size comes in one of two editions (exclusive or collector). No single edition gets every available accessory or feature, so here’s a quick breakdown of what each one offers – and their respective price points.

• Exclusive Quarter Scale Premium Format Figure – $1,125: The most expensive edition of the figure measures 30 inches tall, features electronic components (illuminating Vader’s lightsaber, chest-mounted life-support systems, as well as fire emanating from the X-Wing engine) – and includes the previously mentioned alternate “damaged helmet” head sculpt. Edition Size: 450
• Collector Edition Quarter Scale Premium Format Figure – $1,085: This one includes everything in the Quarter Scale “Exclusive” version minus the “damaged helmet” head. Edition Size: 800
• Exclusive Statue – $675: A smaller version of the same sculpt measuring 24.75 inches tall; however, this version does not include light-up electronics. Instead, buyers get another head sculpt (a total of three) – the regular helmet, exclusive “damaged helmet”, and a helmet-less portrait (which, in terms of age, appears to place this version of Vader mid-way between the “death” of Anakin Skywalker and his eventual redemption in Return of the Jedi). The smaller scale figure also includes an alternate “burning lightsaber” with flames erupting from the edges of the blade. Edition Size: 4,500
• Collector Edition Statue – $650: Same as the smaller-scale Exclusive version minus the “damaged helmet” and “burning lightsaber” variants; though, buyers still receive the helmet-less head sculpt as well (a total of two). Edition Size: 6,500

As indicated, which edition to purchase will vary depending on what a buyer prefers. Some collectors may not have room for a 30 inch tall Premium Format Figure could be drawn to either the burning lightsaber and/or helmet-less portrait – both of which are only available in the smaller-scale “Statue” editions.

That said, the Quarter Scale figures are especially striking – and well-worth the added cost. The combination of a full 2.5 foot height and electronic features (including a neon lightsaber blade) provide an extra layer of realism and immersion – enhancing an already epic pose and fiery paint details.

Every Star Wars Mythos Figure

Understandably, some fans might be intimidated by the cost of jumping into premium statue lines; however, Sideshow does offer payment plans (both on pre-orders and in-stock items) should a buyer want to secure a “grail” piece for their collection. As my own collection has evolved over the decades, I’ve traded more frequent spending on smaller collectible purchases in favor of saving-up for a handful of flagship pieces that depict my all-time favorite characters. That said, readers should make responsible financial decisions that are right for their situation – and even a financed statue can still be a large commitment.

At the time of this writing, all Darth Vader Mythos editions require joining a waitlist – meaning few (if any) may become available for purchase. That said, readers who want one should absolutely join the waitlist for whichever editions they’re interested in – as, unlike a lot of retailers, waitlisted collectors high enough on each list may receive invites to purchase (I speak from experience). Why? Sideshow often rolls fresh stock into their waitlists (should buyers cancel pre-orders and/or additional reserved stock becomes available).

That all said, fans who are tempted by the Darth Vader Mythos statue are highly-likely to find other characters in the Mythos line worth their consideration, so we’ve collected them all below for you to check out.

• Anakin Skywalker Mythos
• Asajj Ventress Mythos
• Darth Maul Mythos
• Darth Vader Mythos
• Emperor Palpatine Mythos
• General Obi-Wan Kenobi Mythos
• Obi-Wan Kenobi Mythos
• Yoda Mythos

If your favorite character hasn’t made it into the Mythos line yet, you can bookmark Sideshow’s Mythos page – as well as their entire Star Wars product page to stay up to date on new additions.

What do you think of the Darth Vader Mythos statue – and what is the grail piece you want most?

The post 48 Years After His Debut, This Is The Best Darth Vader Collectible (& Every Star Wars Fan Needs It) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Star Wars galaxy is an endlessly fascinating place, brimming with diverse planets, cultures, and, perhaps most captivatingly, creatures of all different types. From the cute and cuddly to the terrifying and bloodthirsty, they have captured our hearts as much as our imaginations. Beyond existing for various merchandising opportunities, many of these creatures have played important roles in the heroes’ journeys, provided comic relief, or sometimes even offered insights into the Force itself. Their unique designs, behaviors, and interactions with characters we know and love have cemented their place in Star Wars lore, making them just as iconic as starships and lightsabers. 

This list delves into the most memorable and beloved creatures, ranking them based on their impact, charm, and overall contribution to the magic of Star Wars.

10) Tauntauns

The trusty tauntaun is native to the ice planet Hoth and provided essential transport for the Rebel Alliance during their stay at Echo Base. With their thick fur, horns, and distinctive smell, tauntauns are perfectly adapted to the harsh, sub-zero temperatures of Hoth, allowing Rebels to travel across the treacherous snowy plains. Luke Skywalker and Han Solo both famously rode tauntauns, leading to Luke’s tauntaun succumbing to the cold which forced Han to use its carcass for warmth.

RELATED: George Lucas’ Sequel Trilogy Plan Confirms This Star Wars Meme Is Actually True

Beyond their practicality, tauntauns add a unique visual element to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, emphasizing Hoth’s desolate and extreme climate. Their grunts and calls echo in the barren atmosphere, and their design‒ reminiscent of a blend between a kangaroo and a goat‒ make them one of the most recognizable Star Wars creatures. While their time in the spotlight is relatively brief, their importance to the Rebels’ survival on Hoth cements their place in Star Wars lore.

9) Banthas

With their shaggy fur, spiral horns, and docile personality, banthas are large animals found on many different planets, but most notably Tatooine. Tusken Raiders use them for travelling across the scalding desert landscape. Banthas are incredibly resilient and can endure the harsh conditions of desert planets like Tatooine, making them essential to the nomadic Tusken tribes. 

Beyond their practical uses, banthas represent a connection to the natural, untamed parts of the Star Wars galaxy, serving as a contrast to advanced technology like starships and speeders. Their enduring appearances across films and series, from the original trilogy to Star Wars: The Mandalorian, makes them a quintessential Star Wars creature, embodying the rugged beauty of iconic planets like Tatooine.

8) Eopie

Eopies are gangly, long-snouted animals who, like banthas, are native to desert planets like Tatooine. They are often used as beasts of burden, capable of carrying heavy loads and thriving in the harsh climate. Their somewhat comical appearance, with their saggy skin and distinctive snorting sounds, makes them extremely memorable, particularly in Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan relies on his eopie while in exile on Tatooine, coming to love the animal like a companion.

Despite their ungainly looks, eopies are surprisingly resilient and steady on their feet. They highlight the more mundane, day-to-day aspects of life in the Star Wars galaxy, and make the sci-fi world more relatable to our own. While not as flashy as some other creatures, their steady presence in the background make eopie a classic part of Star Wars lore.

7) Wampa

The Wampa is a terrifying, ice-dwelling predator native to Hoth, known for its overwhelming strength and razor-sharp claws. These monstrous creatures are instantly recognizable by their shaggy white fur, yellow eyes, and pointed horns. One of the most harrowing encounters in The Empire Strikes Back is when a wampa ambushes Luke Skywalker, leaving him dangling upside down in its icy cave before he uses the Force to retrieve his lightsaber and escape.

Wampas embody the untamed dangers of the galaxy, representing a primal threat that even a skilled Jedi like Luke must struggle against. Their design perfectly conveys their nature, making them one of the more frightening creatures seen in the Star Wars saga. The brief, but impactful, sequence with the Wampa on Hoth made clear the harsh realities and lurking dangers existing even on seemingly desolate planets.

6) Womp Rats

Womp rats are large, rodent-like creatures, first mentioned by Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: A New Hope. While often depicted as vermin as their name suggests, they are surprisingly agile and can grow to be quite large to the point where they can be targeted by a T-16 Skyhopper. They primarily live in canyons and warm environments, making them a common sight (and target) for pilots practicing their aim.

The inclusion of womp rats in dialogue, particularly Luke’s offhand remark about “bullseyeing womp rats in his T-16,” immediately painted a picture of Luke’s youthful life on the moisture farm on Tatooine. Womp rats are a small, but still memorable, detail that instantly conjures an image befitting of their name‒ massive and dangerous rodents.

5) Loth-Wolves

Mysterious and ancient, Loth-wolves are massive, Force-sensitive canines native to the Outer Rim planet of Lothal, playing a significant role in Star Wars Rebels. These mysterious creatures have a deep connection to the Force, which allows them to travel vast distances in an instant through hyperspace tunneling. They are so connected to the Force that they are nearly Jedi in nature, even able to communicate telepathically with Force-users. Their appearance is impressive, resembling large, spectral wolves with glowing eyes and an almost ethereal aura that hints at their mystical nature.

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Loth-wolves are not merely animals; they are guardians of Lothal and conduits of the planet’s Force energy, often guiding Ezra Bridger and his companions. Their existence represents a deeper, more primal aspect of the Force‒ one that manifests through the natural world rather than through traditional Jedi or Sith teachings. Their powerful and cryptic presence adds a layer of ancient mystery and spiritual depth to the Star Wars universe, making them truly unique.

4) Purrgil

The purrgil are colossal “space whales” that are most frequently found in hyperspace lanes and capable of naturally jumping through hyperspace to other galaxies. The purrgil are recognizable by their gigantic size and bioluminescent patterns that light up when they prepare to jump into hyperspace. Their natural ability to travel in the way that they do predates the artificial hyperspace technology that is commonplace in Star Wars.

The purrgil are not just magnificent gentle giants; they are crucial to the wider lore of the galaxy, as they were the inspiration for the development of hyperspace travel for sentient species. Early navigators followed the purgill to chart hyperspace lanes, learning from their patterns. The purrgil played a pivotal role in the defeat of Thrawn, with Ezra Bridger connecting to the creatures and asking for their help to transport himself and the Grand Admiral far away from  Lothal. They embody the wonder and mystery of the cosmos, reminding viewers of the incredible unseen aspects of the galaxy.

3) Ewoks

Hailing from the forest moon of Endor, Ewoks are small, furry, and adorable sentients known for their resourceful nature, tribal society, and surprising effectiveness in combat. Despite their Teddybear-like appearance, the Ewoks proved instrumental in the Rebel Alliance’s victory over the Empire in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, even showing a rather ruthless side. The Ewoks used their knowledge of their forest home and traps to overcome technologically superior stormtroopers and AT-ATs. 

Ewoks embody the heart and soul of what Star Wars means, showing that  the seemingly insignificant can make all the difference and change the course of the future. Their childlike wonder and fierce loyalty to the main trio made them instant fan favorites when Return of the Jedi debuted, bringing a sense of innocence and joy to the saga. Ewoks prove that even the smallest creatures can be the greatest heroes.

2) Porgs

These small, puffin adjacent creatures are native to the isolated planet Ahch-To, home to Luke Skywalker during his self-imposed exile. With their large, dark eyes, stubby wings, and endearing chirps, Porgs quickly captured the hearts of audiences after their debut in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. They are often seen nesting on the cliffs of Ahch-To or curiously (and somewhat mischievously) waddling around Chewbacca and the Millennium Falcon.

Porgs act as a necessary comic relief and a touch of whimsy amidst the more serious tones of the sequel trilogy. While Porgs do not directly factor into the larger galaxy wide conflict, their charm made them an immediate pop culture phenomenon, proving that sometimes, a creature’s greatest contribution is simply being irresistibly cute.

1) Loth-Cats

Native to the planet Lothal, Loth-cats are small, feline predators that resemble a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, with distinctive striped fur and large ears. These curious and agile creatures are a common sight in the grasslands and are a beloved part of the Lothal culture in Star Wars Rebels. Loth-cats act very much like an everyday housecat, purring, exploring, and displaying a certain independent spirit while also craving affection.

RELATED: Star Wars Rebels: Not Even Hera Knew About Her Baby With Kanan

Loth-cats are more than just background creatures‒ they sometimes show a connection to the Force, in particular the rare white Loth-cat. Their consistent presence gives a charming and grounded element to the animated series, making Loth-cats feel like they could be your own pet cat. Their blend of familiarity and alienness, along with their undeniable cuteness and hijinks, solidifies their place as the best Star Wars creature.

The post 10 Best Star Wars Creatures, Ranked appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Star Wars universe is gigantic, and over the years, it has been filled to the brim with memorable characters. Whether in film, TV, or video games, there isn’t a shortage of characters for Star Wars creatives to pull from. That said, there are a few fan favorites and underappreciated stars who would be welcomed if given another shot in the spotlight.

Below, I’ve selected six characters from the extended Star Wars universe who would make excellent video game protagonists. On top of that, I’ve matched each character with a genre to keep each potential game feeling fresh. Here are the six Star Wars characters whom I’d love to see in a video game, presented in alphabetical order.

1) The Bad Batch

Star Wars: Republic Commando is one of the best Star Wars games in the franchise’s long history. The single-player, squad-based game was successful enough to get a 2021 port to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, and a series of novels. Plans were in the works for a sequel called Imperial Commando, but that game was canceled before getting past the concept art stage.

Fortunately for fans, Lucasfilm eventually brought back the concept of Delta Squad in the form of The Bad Batch. The series enjoyed three seasons of mostly great television, but the group is perfectly suited to the video game sphere, especially if a developer wanted to re-imagine Republic Commando. A prequel to the TV series makes the most sense, but it’d be fun to see what a developer could do with a modern take on the squad shooter.

2) Darth Bane

While Darth Bane’s story isn’t as fleshed out as it was pre-Legends, that makes it ripe for exploration. The originator of the Sith’s Rule of Two is an astoundingly powerful force in the history of Star Wars, and putting players in his shoes for a third-person action game would be a blast.

RELATED: 6 Star Wars Heroes Who Have Only Gotten Better With Time

Bane is a bad guy, but sometimes it’s fun to be bad. In fact, you could switch him out with a few other Sith lords like Darth Maul, Count Dooku, and General Grievous, and I would be just as excited. That said, Bane gives the developer more room to play since his story isn’t as well-trodden by other Star Wars media.

3) Dengar

Am I biased as the world’s biggest Dengar fan? Probably, but again, it’s fun to be bad! We’ve seen Star Wars have success with the exceptional Star Wars: Bounty Hunter during the PlayStation 2 and GameCube era, so why not try again with a new bounty hunter?

Dengar is not nearly as popular as Jango Fett. Many casual fans might not even know who Dengar is. That’s what makes him a great candidate for a video game. For most, he’s a blank book. The developer can do almost whatever they want with him. Plus, he lets the team bring in cameo characters like Boba Fett, Jabba the Hutt, and Han Solo.

4) Lando Calrissian

Lando has been in tons of Star Wars content over the years, including a notable appearance in 2024’s Star Wars: Outlaws. With that in mind, developers might decide to steer clear. However, if Donald Glover’s Lando film ever gets off the ground, somebody might look to cash in with a companion video game.

Seeing Lando star in an Outlaws-like open-world action game would be fun, but I’d rather have him be the lead of a new space combat game. It’s been five years since Star Wars: Squadrons dropped, so it’s about time to revisit space combat. Lando would give the potential game extra star power, hopefully taking it over the top and making it a standout success.

5) Mon Mothma

Like Lando, Mon Mothma has been represented very well since making her first appearance in Return of the Jedi. She’s been in several films, two different animated series, and has appeared in Andor and Ahsoka over the last few years. However, she’s only been in a few video games.

Let’s change that, giving Star Wars fans something completely different from what they’re used to. Mon Mothma isn’t going to star in a big action game, but she’d be perfectly cast in Star Wars’ version of Ace Attorney. You’d move about the galaxy trying to broker deals and sway the public, relying on your wits instead of your blaster or lightsaber.

6) Plo Koon

Finally, we have Plo Koon, though like Darth Bane, you could replace him with any notable Jedi from the canon. Simply put, Koon is a powerful character with a backstory ripe for exploration. We know where he ends up, but seeing how he got there could be entertaining.

It would also give developers a chance to explore the Clone Wars in much more detail, showing even more of what it was like to be a Jedi on the front lines. Regardless, I just want a modern take on The Force Unleashed, so please get a team on that, Lucasfilm.

The post 6 Star Wars Characters Who Need Their Own Game appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Star Wars film franchise now encompasses eleven feature films that have spanned nearly half a century. It’s a rare cinematic achievement, and therefore, it’s not surprising that in addition to catapulting many actors into stardom, like Carrie Fisher, Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac (just to name a few), many actors we know and love today also were in the franchise in smaller roles. Though all these actors went onto to become famous in other projects, their roles in the Star Wars universe no doubt served as an important stepping stone on their path. Here are seven of the biggest stars who had humble beginnings in a galaxy far, far away.

1) Keira Knightley – The Phantom Menace

Before her breakout role in Pirates of the Caribbean, Oscar nominee Keira Knightley played Sabé, Queen Amidala’s handmaiden, decoy, and closest confidante. Though Knightley had limited screen time in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Sabé has been fleshed out since in other Star Wars media and become a fan favorite character. One that we want more of on screen, though getting Knightley to reprise her role now would be considerably more difficult than in 1999.

2) Rose Byrne – Attack of the Clones

Rose Byrne also spent some time in the service of Padmé Amidala on her journey to fame and success as her handmaiden Dormé in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Since then, Byrne has worked consistently in film and television, displaying an impressive range from her Emmy-nominated performance in the critically acclaimed crime drama series Damages to some of the biggest blockbuster comedies of the past fifteen years like Bridesmaids and Neighbors.

3) Dominic West – The Phantom Menace

Though Dominic West is now considered to be one of the most respected dramatic actors of his generation, his illustrious career began with a bit role as a Naboo Palace Guard in The Phantom Menace. From there, West went on to lead the acclaimed series The Wire and The Affair, and The Crown.

4) Joel Edgerton – Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith

Joel Edgerton had a slew of small roles before he landed the part as Young Owen Lars in Attack of the Clones, but playing Luke Skywalker’s uncle changed the actor’s career. He went on to reprise the role in Revenge of the Sith. Despite become a highly regarded actor and producer in the meantime, Edgerton returned to the Star Wars universe almost twenty years later as Owen Lars in the Disney+ Obi-Wan Kenobi series.

RELATED: Star Wars Actors Reveal How Franchise Changed Their Lives

5) Richard Armitage – The Phantom Menace

While Richard Armitage may be best known and beloved for his role as Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit trilogy, it’s not the only mega film franchise he’s appeared in. Over a decade before The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Richard Armitage cut his fantasy teeth on Naboo as a guard in The Phantom Menace (pictured in second from the right in the back of the photo).

6) John Ratzenberger – The Empire Strikes Back

Everybody knows John Ratzenberger’s name after playing Cliff on the legendary sitcom Cheers and his voice acting roles in Pixar films like Toy Story, Cars, and Monsters University. Yet, fans may not remember Ratzenberger was part of the Rebel Alliance. The actor played Rebel Force Major Derlin in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Derlin was the operations and security chief at the Aliiance’s Echo Base on Hoth and risked Luke Skywalker and Han Solo’s lives to protect those on the base. Even so, Derlin was a faithful asset to the Rebel Alliance serving in both the Battle of Hoth and Endor.

7) Sally Hawkins – The Phantom Menace

Nowadays, Sally Hawkins is a familiar face after her Oscar-nominated turn in The Shape of Water, along with her roles in major feature films Paddington 2, Wonka, and Godzilla: King of the Monsters. But we don’t even see Hawkins’s face in The Phantom Menace. She was a background actor in the Freedom Day celebration scene. Hawkins’s role was so blink and you miss it, she confessed to Conan O’Brien that she never watched the film herself.

All Star Wars films are now streaming on Disney+.

The post 7 Actors Who Were in Star Wars Movies Before They Were Famous appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The master-apprentice relationship is key to so much of what Star Wars wants to do. In most cases, a skilled Force-user tries to pass on all that they know to the next generation, hoping their pupil will do the same later on. Of course, the Sith typically have ulterior motives for training someone, such as Sheev Palpatine, who takes anyone he thinks has potential and warps their mind until they’re doing his bidding without question. Palpatine finds success recruiting broken Jedi because the Order does a number on its members by forcing them to choose between their morals and what the Council thinks is right.

Anakin Skywalker becomes Palpatine’s biggest success story, as the Chosen One helps him take control of the galaxy. Despite all the winning they do, though, Palpatine isn’t Anakin’s best master. That honor goes to Obi-Wan Kenobi, who, despite failing his apprentice, teaches him so much about being a strong leader. It’s just a shame that Anakin and Obi-Wan’s best moment together isn’t part of Star Wars canon anymore.

Anakin and Obi-Wan Bond During the Clone Wars

Obi-Wan reluctantly agrees to train Anakin because his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, sees potential in the young boy. However, by the time Star Wars: Attack of the Clones rolls around, the master and apprentice are thick as thieves despite having polar opposite styles. Obi-Wan likes to think long and hard about his next move, while Anakin is quick to rush into dangerous situations because he’s overconfident. While Obi-Wan tries to teach his apprentice about patience, Anakin’s headstrong attitude comes in handy during the Clone Wars.

The Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series spends most of its time spotlighting the soldiers of the Grand Republic, telling their stories before Order 66 and the destruction of the Jedi Order. It also finds time to build up Anakin and Obi-Wan’s relationship, which is important because it makes the events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith all the more tragic. But The Clone Wars isn’t the first piece of media to cover the conflict. In fact, there’s another animated series, Star Wars: Clone Wars, that houses its fair share of great moments, including one between Anakin and Obi-Wan that exemplifies why the two Jedi work so well together.

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Genndy Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars Was Ahead of Its Time

Before Revenge of the Sith hit theaters, animation legend Genndy Tartakovsky was tasked with creating a microseries that would take place between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Like its successor, it follows the conflict between the Republic and the Separatists and reveals more about the clone troopers fighting alongside the Jedi. There is also time to flesh out Anakin and Obi-Wan’s partnership, with one moment, in particular, still sticking out all these years later.

During a nasty battle that forces the Republic’s forces into trenches, Obi-Wan is nearly at his wits’ end. His mood doesn’t improve when Anakin comes waltzing in with a bag full of bugs, especially because his apprentice blames him for the dinner choice because of his lessons about feeding off the living Force. However, the mood shifts after Anakin reveals he got the meal from the enemy camp and discovered a sewer system that can help them surprise the Separatists. Obi-Wan jumps at the chance to leave the trench behind, even smirking as Anakin walks away because he can see how formidable his apprentice is becoming.

Despite no longer being canon, the love for Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars isn’t going away anytime soon. A video posted by Kalil Diaz on TikTok uses the audio from the bug-eating scene to point out how great the interaction between the two characters is. Diaz even describes it as his “favorite Anakin and Obi-Wan” moment, and more than a few commenters seem to agree with the sentiment. They love how Anakin can reveal so much to his master without saying much at all, as their bond is ironclad, at least for the moment.

Star Wars: Clone Wars is streaming on Disney+.

Do you think Star Wars: Clone Wars does a good job of fleshing out Anakin and Obi-Wan’s relationship? What else do you like about the animated series? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Star Wars Fans’ Favorite Obi-Wan and Anakin Moment Isn’t Even Canon Anymore appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The idea of a Star Wars sequel trilogy was a good one. Disney acquired the rights to George Lucas’ space opera franchise, and wasn’t going to let it fade away into obscurity. The powers that be even proved their seriousness by bringing in a wringer, J.J. Abrams, to helm the first sequel movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. For the most part, the project went off without a hitch, setting the stage for an epic return to form for the franchise. The good times didn’t last forever, though, as Rian Johnson, who directed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, solved the mysteries but didn’t get everyone on board with his vision.

The backlash to The Last Jedi made Lucasfilm go back to the drawing board for the ninth film in the Skywalker Saga and bring back Abrams for one last ride. He had no chance of stopping the bleeding because Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker focused too much on nostalgia. However, a connection to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story that the movie glossed over would’ve helped it feel more like the swan song Abrams and Co. intended it to be.

Kylo Ren Returns to an Important Rogue One Location in The Rise of Skywalker

At the start of The Rise of Skywalker, the galaxy is in disarray. The First Order’s rising influence seems like the biggest issue, but then Emperor Palpatine shows his ugly mug again and starts making trouble. Kylo Ren doesn’t want anyone stepping into his territory, so he sets out to find Palpatine. The only way to do that is to locate a Sith wayfinder, and the first one Ren catches wind of just so happens to be on Mustafar. Of course, the Skywalker family has a complicated history with the lava planet, as it’s where Anakin Skywalker lost his duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi and suffered serious burns. Mustafar lived rent-free in Darth Vader’s head after the accident, leading him to build his castle there.

While most of the structure’s history comes to light in supplementary materials, such as comic books and novels, its first live-action appearance comes in Rogue One. After Director Krennic fails to finish off the rebels on Jedha, the Empire must use the Death Star’s laser on Jedha City. The Emperor doesn’t appreciate people playing with his toys before he’s ready for them to, so he sends Krennic to meet with Vader at his home. The Sith Lord teaches the Imperial a lesson about passing blame along before returning to his regular business. Vader’s castle makes one other live-action appearance in Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, but it’s also present in The Rise of Skywalker; the movie just doesn’t care enough to show it.

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The Rise of Skywalker Fails to Confirm Where the Movie Starts

The only way to figure out that Ren is on Mustafar at the start of The Rise of Skywalker is by being familiar with the planet’s surface. When the First Order ships are hovering over the location, there are clearly rivers of lava below. However, the existence of Tatooine and Jakku proves that multiple planets in a galaxy far, far away can look the same. Ren’s mission on the ground doesn’t help matters because Mustafar looks different following an event years prior, when significant amounts of energy were released due to Vader’s attempt to resurrect his dead wife, Padmé Amidala.

Ren isn’t interested in a history lesson when he gets to Mustafar, as he comes face to face with a group of Sith loyalists who don’t want anyone finding the wayfinder. He makes quick work of them and grabs the object, but spending a bit more time sightseeing would’ve done him some good. After all, the sight of his battle is his grandfather’s castle, which has to be a big deal for him since he’s a Vader fanboy. Unfortunately, The Rise of Skywalker decides to move on without mentioning the castle or Mustafar, and it’s worse for it.

After The Last Jedi, Lucasfilm believed it had to go big in order to make everyone happy. However, it failed to think about the one Star Wars project that had been universally praised under the Disney umbrella: Rogue One. Connecting The Rise of Skywalker to the 2016 film may have helped smooth things over and made it a must-watch during a Star Wars rewatch rather than one of the movies to avoid.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story are streaming on Disney+.

Did you know that Kylo Ren visits Mustafar in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker? Should the movie have made that clearer? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’s Biggest Mistake Is Glossing Over Its Sick Rogue One Connection appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars is home to many iconic pairs, such as Han Solo and Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, and most recently, the Mandalorian and Grogu. But of all the duos in the franchise, none can hold a glowrod to mechanical pals R2-D2 and C-3PO. One is a feisty, knee-high astromech droid who can only communicate through beeps and whistles. The other is a prissy, golden translator fluent in over 6,000,000 forms of communication. Together, they’re the premier comedy team in the Star Wars galaxy.

Whether they’re at each other’s throats or giving each other the rare compliment, Artoo and Threepio are the very definition of a couple’s goals. While there are countless examples of the two droids’ shenanigans throughout the nine-film Skywalker Saga, we picked out the 10 scenes that prove without a shadow of a doubt that R2-D2 and C-3PO are the best duo in Star Wars.

1) R2-D2 Saves C-3PO From Salacious Crumb (Return of the Jedi)

We don’t know about you, but having our eyes eaten by a Kowakian monkey-lizard ranks pretty high on our list of things we never want to experience. So we can only assume that when C-3PO was having his photoreceptors pecked out by Salacious B. Crumb aboard Jabba the Hutt’s sail barge, he was in whatever the droid version of hell is.

Thankfully, R2-D2 was there to send 20,000 volts up Crumb’s backside, causing him to leap into the raftors and leave the poor protocol droid alone. They may not always get along, but when the chips are down, Artoo and Threepio always have each other’s backs.

2) Artoo Calls Out His Friend For Being A Nudist (The Phantom Menace)

When George Lucas announced that he was working on a series of prequels set before his original Star Wars trilogy, fans knew they would finally get a chance to see the first meeting between C-3PO and R2-D2. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace included just such a scene in which the still-in-progress Threepio is introduced to a less-than-impressed R2-D2. While Threepio gives his new friend the usual, “C-3PO, Human, Cyborg relations,” spiel, Artoo takes the opportunity to point out the fact that the other droid had no outer coverings.

The result is a hilarious exchange in which an embarrassed C-3PO asks Artoo what he means by “naked,” before exclaiming, “My parts are showing? Oh, my goodness, oh!”

3) The Droids Bicker Over Flooding Princess Leia’s Room (The Empire Strikes Back)

One of the only downsides to having a great couple like R2-D2 and C-3PO as background characters is that some of their best exchanges get lost in the background. Take the exchange between Artoo and Threepio where the taller droid admonishes his cylindrical cohort over turning up the heat in Princess Leia’s private quarters.

An exasperated C-3PO complains to R2-D2 that he has no idea how the two droids are going to “dry out” all of the Princess’s clothes in what is easily one of the funniest exchanges in the original trilogy. Sadly, most fans don’t remember the short bit of back and forth due to all the other excitement going on in the first act of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

4) R2-D2 Wakes Up After a 30-Year Nap (The Force Awakens)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens begins with R2-D2 in a self-induced coma. As a Lonely C-3PO explains to new droid BB-8, Artoo went into “low power mode” following the disappearance of Luke Skywalker and hasn’t moved or said anything in years. When Artoo turns himself back on Threepio is overjoyed to speak to his friend for the first time in decades…for about three seconds.

In true R2-D2 fashion, that’s all it takes for the newly awakened droid to insult C-3PO and reclaim his spot at the top of the golden droid’s sh*tlist. We don’t speak droid, so we have no idea what Artoo called his long-suffering pal, but it was bad enough that Threepio hauled off and smacked him upside the dome over it. Aren’t reunions grand?

5) Threepio Offers Up The Droid Equivalent of a Kidney Transplant (A New Hope)

C-3PO often talks as if he absolutely despises R2-D2, but in times of crisis, his true feelings always come out. Case in point, Artoo’s return following the destruction of the first Death Star. Having taken a direct hit during the assault, Artoo returns to the Rebels’ base on Yavin IV, blackened and smoking.

Threepio responds by giving his master a direct order, “Sir, you must repair him,” followed by offering to donate any of his “circuits or gears” if necessary.

6) Doctor Artoo Performs Battlefield Surgery on C-3PO (Attack of the Clones)

R2-D2 has a particular way of expressing his affection towards C-3PO. Rather than tell him outright how he feels, Artoo lets his actions do the talking. Nowhere do those actions speak louder than during the Battle of Geonosis. Artoo bravely ignores the firefight going on around him while he diligently reattaches Threepio’s head to his body. The courageous droid could have run and saved himself, but instead risked his life to save his best friend like a true hero.

7) Lover’s Spat on Tattooine (A New Hope)

Many fans have speculated over the years just how close R2-D2 and C-3PO really are. Whether you come down on the side of them simply being the best of friends or something slightly more intimate, no one can argue that when the pair bicker, it sounds like the galaxy’s oldest married couple. As soon as the two droids land on Tatooine in Star Wars: A New Hope, they begin arguing over which way to go and calling each other names like “near-sighted scrap pile.”

The two end the fight as many couples do, going off in two different directions, each convinced that they’re right and the other is wrong.

8) R2-D2 Restores C-3PO’s Memory (The Rise of Skywalker)

One of the plot points of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was C-3PO getting hacked so that he could translate ancient Sith. An unfortunate side-effect of the reprogramming is the loss of his memory. For a sizable chunk of the movie, viewers are led to believe that the droid has lost all of his experiences and memories — including those involving R2-D2 — for good.

Thankfully, loyal ride-or-die R2-D2 carries a backup of his neurotic friend’s hard drive for just such an occasion, leaving viewers to wonder, just how often does C-3PO get his memory completely wiped?

9) C-3PO Makes a Sale (A New Hope)

As we mentioned earlier, Threepio says some pretty rotten things to his diminutive companion during their first few minutes on Tatooine. The talkative droid makes up for this, however, when he convinces Luke Skywalker to purchase R2-D2 from a group of Jawas.

Luke and his Uncle Owen initially pick C-3PO and a different astromech droid named R5-D4 to be their new farmhands, but when R5 blows a gasket, Threepio seizes the chance to sell them on his blue and white companion.

10) Threepio Lectures Artoo About the Dangers of Tobacco Use (Anti-Smoking PSA)

Alerting kids to the dangers of smoking was such a big thing in the ’80s that even Star Wars got in on the act. In 1980 C-3PO and R2-D2 starred in a public service announcement meant to tell kids how bad cigarettes are for their health. In the commercial which ran during all of the popular children’s shows of the time, Threepio catches Artoo holding a lit cigarette and immediately begins lecturing him on the evils of smoking.

Since droids don’t have hearts or lungs, Threepio describes how cigarettes affect humans to convince Artoo to quit his nasty habit. Sometimes being a best friend means tough love, something R2-D2 and C-3PO know all too well.

The post 10 Scenes That Prove C-3PO and R2-D2 Are the Best Duo In Star Wars appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One lingering mystery in the Star Wars Universe is what happens to Ahsoka Tano. The former apprentice to Anakin Skywalker was one of the headliners in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and then joined the cast of Star Wars Rebels. Rosario Dawson then brought Ahsoka to life in The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. Star Wars fans have never been told what happens to Ahsoka during the sequel trilogy, but we may finally have an answer. Coincidentally, it comes in the movie that brought the sequel trilogy to an end. WARNING: Spoilers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #5 below.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #5 comes from the creative team of Jody Houser, Will Sliney, Guru-eFX, and VC’s Travis Lanham. The issue takes place ahead of the final battle between the Resistance and the Final Order, right after Rey learned that she is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine. The newly converted Kylo Ren races to Rey’s side to help her, and they face off against Palpatine. The Emperor drains both of their life forces and takes down Kylo with Force lightning. Just when it appears all hope is lost, Rey gets reinforcements from an army of Jedi Force ghosts, with someone that appears to be Ahsoka among them.

Ahsoka Joins the Star Wars Force Ghost Army in The Rise of Skywalker

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker takes place 35 years after the Battle of Yavin in Star Wars: A New Hope. We’ve only seen a couple of characters as Force ghosts, such as Yoda and Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, and a quick cameo of Qui-Gon Jinn in Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, Rey hears from several Jedi in The Rise of Skywalker during the final fight against Emperor Palpatine.

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The Force ghost Jedi encourage Rey to get on her feet, but The Rise of Skywalker comic deviates from the movie by showing the Force ghosts standing with Rey instead of just speaking to her. Most notably, we see Qui-Gon Jinn, Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master Yoda, and Mace Windu. However, a Jedi wearing a black cloak looks a lot like Ahsoka Tano, meaning that if this is truly Ahsoka, then she has died and is one with the Force.

In case you haven’t watched The Rise of Skywalker, the comic adaptation ends with Rey and the combined might of the Jedi Force ghosts overwhelming and defeating Palpatine. However, it comes at a steep cost, as Rey is near death. Kylo reaches Rey and transfers his life force into her body, and we get flashbacks to Kylo’s time as Ben Solo training under Master Luke, and as a baby being held by Han and Leia. As the Resistance celebrates, Rey buries Luke’s lightsaber back on Tatooine and declares that she will now be known as Rey Skywalker.

Season 2 of Ahsoka is currently in production. Hayden Christensen confirmed at Star Wars Celebration Japan that he will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2. The second season ended with Ahsoka and Sabine Wren being stranded on Peridea, while Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra Bridger were able to escape.

Are you surprised to see that Ahsoka had a part to play in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Star Wars Seemingly Confirms Ahsoka’s Fate in the Most Unexpected Way Possible appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It seems like the only thing Star Wars fans can agree on these days is how much they absolutely hate Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Whether it’s fans of Star Wars: The Last Jedi angry over J.J. Abrams walking back all of Rian Johnson’s decisions or fans who cringe at the idea of Rey declaring herself a Skywalker, the general consensus is that Rise is the weakest film in the entire Skywalker Saga. The thing is, if you’re willing to accept that the film isn’t perfect — and let’s be honest, no Star Wars movie is — there are plenty of things to enjoy about Rise of Skywalker.

Much like the equally maligned Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Rise of Skywalker may not work as a cohesive narrative, but certain aspects of the movie, when taken on their own, are good as anything else in the franchise. Though we know we’re setting ourselves up for backlash, here are our picks for 10 things that redeem Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

1) Palpatine’s Creepy Aesthetic

Putting aside whether the Emperor should have returned or not, the way he was depicted in Rise was truly chilling. The scenes featuring a rotting, zombie version of Palpatine are the closest the franchise gets to horror. J.J. Abrams surrounds Palpatine with mysterious Sith acolytes wielding equally mysterious Sith magics and forbidden rituals. The whole thing evokes an occult aesthetic that has never been seen in Star Wars before or since.

2) Babu Frik

Just when we thought Grogu was the cutest thing in the Star Wars universe, Rise of Skywalker goes and drops Babu Frik on us. The adorable little Anzellan is one of the highlights of the film with even the most ardent haters begrudgingly admitting their appreciation for the tiny droidsmith.

While ILM certainly deserves the lion’s share of the credit for bringing Babu’s puppet to life physically, Frik wouldn’t have been quite so popular without the voice acting talent of actress Shirley Henderson — Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter series.

3) The Citizens’ Fleet

In stark contrast to The Last Jedi, where nobody answered Leia’s call for help, Rise of Skywalker featured a makeshift navy of 14,000 ships assembled to help the Resistance fight their final battle. The Citizens’ Fleet isn’t is the very thing the pause button was made for. Comprised of countless Easter Eggs like Hera Syndulla’s ship, The Ghost from Star Wars: Rebels and Dash Rendar’s Outrider, the fleet is a veritable Where’s Waldo for Star Wars fans.

Is it blatant fan service? Of course. Does that make the Citizens’ Fleet any less enjoyable for Star Wars fans? Not as far as we’re concerned.

4) The Return of Lando Calrissian

Of course, the Citizens’ Fleet wouldn’t exist without the help of an old Star Wars mainstay, Lando Calrissian. Lando’s inclusion in The Rise of Skywalker seems like a no-brainer, but at the time, fans weren’t sure if the conclusion to Disney’s sequel trilogy would feature the aging scoundrel or not. Not only did J.J. Abrams bring Billy Dee Williams back to the Star Wars universe, he gave him an honor not bestowed upon Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, or Carrie Fisher: his character got to live.

5) Chewbacca Finally Gets to Grieve

Nobody loses more in the sequel trilogy than Chewbacca. In The Force Awakens, he’s forced to watch his best friend in the galaxy be murdered. In The Last Jedi, Chewy loses his longtime companion Luke Skywalker when the Jedi Master becomes one with the Force. Both times the Wookie is forced to continue fighting with no time to slow down and grieve his friends. When it’s Leia’s turn in The Rise of Skywalker, Chewbacca is finally in a position to let it all out, and boy does he.

The second Chewie hears that Leia has passed away, he drops to the ground and begins howling in pain. The strangled cries escaping from his throat carry the weight of not only Leia’s death but those of Han and Luke as well, as Chewy completely loses any sense of control and lets the grief overtake him.

6) The Visuals

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is constantly praised for its cinematography and is lauded as the best-looking movie in the entire franchise, and while the movie is visually appealing, so is its sequel. Rise of Skywalker receives almost none of the praise for its visuals that The Last Jedi gets, despite being just as beautiful. From Rey and Kylo’s breathtaking duel on the wreckage of the Death Star II to Exegol’s haunting atmosphere, Rise is an utter joy for the eyes from beginning to end.

7) Ian McDiarmid’s Performance

Any prequel fan can tell you Ian McDiarmid as Sheev Palpatine is one of the best performances of the whole trilogy. His scenery-chewing approach to mustache-twirling villainy is unmatched by any other Star Wars actor. So it should come as no surprise to anyone that McDiarmid brings that same energy to Rise of Skywalker.

The veteran actor fluctuates between soft-spoken old man attempting to lure first Kylo Ren and later Rey to his side and the cackling maniac Star Wars fans have been in love with ever since he was introduced in 1983’s Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. With all due respect to all of the other actors, Rise of Skywalker is McDiarmid’s movie; everyone else is just acting in it.

8) Han Solo’s Non-Force Ghost

Of all of the cameos in Rise of Skywalker, Harrison Ford’s was the most unexpected. After all, Han Solo isn’t a Force user, and usually, those are the only Star Wars characters that ever appear as ghosts. Ford isn’t a ghost, though — at least not in the literal sense — but rather a figment of Kylo Ren’s memory.

That figment gives Ren the assurance he needs to throw away his dark persona and find his way back to the light as Ben Solo. While the reunion between father and son is short-lived, it manages to feature one of the saddest moments in the entire sequel trilogy. As a remorseful Ben struggles to tell his dad the one thing he never said to him in life, Han says the same two words he did to the boy’s mother years before: “I know”. Cue the waterworks.

9) Leia As A Jedi

It may only be a brief flashback, and it may star a weird-looking CGI Carrie Fisher, but Rise of Skywalker features the only scene in the entire saga of Leia Organa as a Jedi. Fans of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as Legends, know that Jedi Leia has been appearing in books since the early ’90s. However, those fans who only know Star Wars from the movies have been waiting since Luke first told Leia of her Force-sensitive heritage in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi to see the former Princess pick up a lightsaber and embrace her true potential.

Thanks to Rise, those fans finally got their wish, even if it wasn’t under the most ideal circumstances.

10) Ben Solo vs The Knights of Ren

Light side Ben Solo only gets about 10 minutes of screentime all told, but that’s more than enough time for a fight. Finally wielding the Skywalker family lightsaber he so coveted, Ben Solo goes all out in a one-v-six against his old lackeys, the Knights of Ren. It’s a short but sweet battle. Adam Driver flexes his acting muscles by giving Ben Solo a fighting style distinct from Kylo Ren’s that’s still somehow familiar. Fans didn’t get to spend much time with Ben Solo, but what we did get was pretty awesome.

The post 10 Things That Redeem Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Prepare to have your perception of a cinematic masterpiece forever altered. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the saga, as a darker, more complex, and emotionally charged chapter that redefined science fiction filmmaking. Its iconic characters, unforgettable score, and groundbreaking special effects have cemented its place in cinematic history. We’ve watched it countless times, quoted its lines, and felt the emotional gut punch of its climactic reveal. But what if we told you that even this beloved classic isn’t immune to a few slip-ups?

From continuity errors to curious props, some minor goofs slipped through the production process. Get ready to embark on a journey that will forever change how you view these iconic scenes. 

1) Luke’s Disappearing and Reappearing Holster

In the early scenes on Hoth, as Luke Skywalker is preparing to investigate the meteorite, a curious inconsistency shows itself in the form of his weapon holster. Initially, while he is having a conversation with Wedge Antilles and Hobbie Klivian about the power generators, you can clearly see him wearing his blaster holster on his right hip. This is where he would typically carry his sidearm, ready for action against any imperial threats or local wildlife.

However, as the scene goes on and Luke mounts his Tauntaun to begin his mission, his holster mysteriously vanishes. It’s completely gone from his side, leaving a blank space where it should be. Then, just as he rides off into the snow, the holster suddenly reappears on his hip, as if by magic. This quick back-and-forth disappearance and reappearance is a noticeable continuity error, but a small blip in an otherwise seamless transition that’s hard to ignore once you’ve spotted it.

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2) The Floating Asteroid in the Asteroid Field

When the Millennium Falcon is desperately trying to escape the Imperial fleet by hiding in the asteroid field, there’s a particular shot that reveals an interesting, almost comical, mistake. As Han Solo expertly flies through the debris, there’s a moment where he tells Chewbacca to “punch it,” hoping to outmaneuver a pursuing Star Destroyer. During this intense moment, a large asteroid can be seen tumbling directly towards the camera, seemingly on a collision course.

However, upon closer look, it becomes clear that this asteroid isn’t actually moving as it should in zero-gravity. Instead of moving in a natural, tumbling motion, it simply floats in place, suspended against the backdrop of stars. It doesn’t abide by laws of physics and the expected momentum or gravitational pull that would exist in a real asteroid field. This static prop against the background breaks the illusion of the high-stakes chase and makes the floating asteroid quite noticeable.

3) Darth Vader’s Chest Plate Mishap

During the intense confrontation between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in Cloud City, a subtle yet amusing error occurs with Vader’s iconic chest plate. As they engage in their lightsaber duel within the carbon-freezing chamber, the battle is fierce and tense, putting Vader’s overwhelming power and Luke’s early skills on display. The lighting and sound effects intensify the scene, making it one of the most memorable duels in cinematic history.

However, if you pay close attention during certain close-up shots of Vader, particularly as he deflects Luke’s attacks, you might notice that his chest plate is slightly askew. It appears to be crooked, tilting to one side rather than sitting perfectly straight as it usually does. This slight misalignment of such an obvious part of his armor is a minor wardrobe malfunction, but once you’ve seen it, it’s difficult not to notice the imperfection on the otherwise intimidating Dark Lord of the Sith.

4) Han Solo’s Disappearing Clothes

Just before Han Solo is lowered into the carbon-freezing chamber, there is a clear wardrobe malfunction involving his jacket. As the stormtroopers prepare him for the freezing process, one of them unties him, and in this brief moment, viewers can see a continuity error with Han’s vest. In certain shots, he appears to be wearing his vest‒ a key part of his scoundrel look, clearly visible over his shirt.

However, in the very next cut or from a slightly different angle, the vest seems to vanish completely. Then, as quickly as it disappears, the jacket is back in later shots. While the DVD release attempted to fix this by lightening the vest’s color to blend more with his shirt, the distinct texture still gives it away. Once you notice this brief “now you see it, now you don’t” moment, it’s hard to unsee the magical appearance and disappearance during such an emotionally charged scene.

5) Han Solo’s Moving Hand in Carbonite

One of the most emotional and iconic moments in The Empire Strikes Back is Han Solo’s fate in carbonite. As he is lowered into the freezing chamber, he says his classic last words to Leia, creating a heart-wrenching scene that goes on to define their relationship. The process is shown to be agonizing and visceral, turning the beloved scoundrel into a frozen monument.

However, as the carbonite block begins to solidify around him, a subtle but distinct movement can be observed. While the rest of his body is clearly rigid and frozen, Han’s right hand, which is held up in a memorable pose, subtly shifts or twitches. This tiny movement contradicts the idea of Han being completely frozen and unconscious, suggesting that Harrison Ford might have moved or that the prop wasn’t perfectly still. Once noticed, this small glitch can be distracting from the dramatic weight of the moment.

6) The Imperially Bad Aim of the Stormtroopers

Throughout the Star Wars saga, the Stormtroopers infamous inaccuracy is a running joke, and The Empire Strikes Back provides another prime example of their notoriously poor aim. During the frantic escape from Cloud City, as Leia, Lando, Chewbacca, and the droids attempt to reach the Millennium Falcon, they are relentlessly chased by a legion of Imperial Stormtroopers.

Despite a storm of blaster bolts, mostly from relatively close range, the Stormtroopers fail to hit a single target every single time. The heroes duck and weave through the corridors, with blaster fire erupting all around them, yet none of them take any significant hits. This consistent poor results from elite Imperial forces against a handful of rebels, while necessary for the plot, becomes almost comical when viewed through a critical lens, making their bad aim an unmissable trait.

7) Chewbacca’s Shifting Cover and the Changing Burn Mark

During the chaotic escape from Cloud City, as Chewbacca lays down suppressing fire for R2-D2 who is frantically trying to open a stubborn door, a peculiar inconsistency can be seen. Chewbacca is strategically positioned behind a wall, using it for cover against the relentless onslaught of the Imperial stormtroopers’ blaster fire. This wall is meant to be his steady shield in the intense shootout, giving him safety as R2 works against the clock.

However, as the scene cuts between Chewbacca firing, R2-D2 beeping, and the stormtroopers advancing, the wall Chewbacca is hiding behind inexplicably changes its appearance. Its shape and details subtly shift from one shot to the next, almost as if he’s teleporting to a slightly different section of the corridor. Even more noticeable is a distinct burn mark on the wall (presumably from previous blaster fire). This burn mark also changes its size and position a few times, despite no new laser beams striking it in those moments. 

The post 7 Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Mistakes You’ll Never Be Able to Unsee appeared first on ComicBook.com.

For years, a running joke has circulated through the Star Wars fandom born from the seemingly endless parade of Jedi who managed to survive Order 66. Despite the purge seen in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, where Chancellor Palpatine declared the Jedi traitors and unleashed the clone army upon them, subsequent stories across all types of media – from television to video games to novels – have introduced a surprising number of survivors. From Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda to Ahsoka Tano, Kanan Jarrus, and countless others in comics and books, the sheer number of lucky Jedi who survived Order 66 can be seen as at odds with the supposed near-total annihilation of the Jedi Order. However, revelations regarding George Lucas’ original plans for his Star Wars sequel trilogy suggest that this long-standing meme, far from being an exaggeration, was actually rooted in his vision.

As it turns out, George Lucas always envisioned a galaxy where a surprising number of Jedi survived the purge, making the topic not just a fan joke but a confirmed pillar of his planned universe.

George Lucas Envisioned a Resilient Pocket of the Jedi Order

Lucas’ own notes and quotes about his planned Star Wars sequels reveal a very different landscape from what eventually made its way into canon. According to Lucas, his sequel trilogy would have picked up a few years after Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, with Luke Skywalker actively working to rebuild the Jedi Order. Importantly, Lucas said that Luke “puts the word out, so out of 100,000 Jedi, maybe 50 or 100 are left.” This completely recontextualizes the impact of Order 66. For decades, fans were led to believe that perhaps a dozen or so Jedi truly escaped the purge‒ a small, desperate handful scattered across the galaxy. The official lore, particularly in the original trilogy, outwardly confirmed that Obi-Wan and Yoda were the last of their kind, making Luke Skywalker even more important as the “new hope” for the Jedi Order and galaxy as a whole. 

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Lucas’ statements and original plans change all of that. A range of 50 to 100 surviving Jedi is a far more substantial number than what most had ever considered. While even 100 is still a tiny fraction of the estimated 10,000 Jedi Knights during the Republic’s peak, it suggests that the Order, though deeply wounded, was not entirely destroyed.

This larger number of survivors set up a fascinating backdrop for Luke’s efforts to rebuild the Order. Instead of searching for a needle in a galactic haystack, he would have been seeking out a scatter, yet rather sizable group. This route also gives a more plausible explanation for the frequent discovery of Force-sensitives throughout the galaxy and the potential for a quicker, though still arduous, re-establishment of the Jedi. It implies that the Empire’s reach, while vast, was not entirely omnipotent, and that pockets of resistance and survival, even among the Jedi, were possible.

This Version of Events Legitimizes Every Jedi Survival Story

The implications of Lucas’ plan extend beyond simply the numerical; they offer a validation for the sheer amount of Jedi survivor stories that have been added to Star Wars lore since the original trilogy. For years, new comics, novels, and animated series introduced more and more Jedi who somehow managed to escape. Some argued that such additions undermined the dramatic weight of Order 66, turning a devastating massacre into something less definitive. However, if George Lucas himself planned for 50 to 100 Jedi to survive, then the various stories that have emerged – featuring characters like Cal Kestis, Kanan Jarrus, Cere Junda, Quinlan Vos, and countless others across the franchise– are not just creative liberties taken by new storytellers. Instead, they align perfectly with the original creator’s unspoken understanding of the galaxy’s post-Order 66 reality.

This retrospective view turns what was once perceived as fan service or narrative inconsistency into a canonical ode to Lucas’ original vision. It suggests that the Star Wars universe, even in its darkest hours, harbored more hope and more hidden resilience than many initially assumed. Luke’s task in Lucas’ sequels would have been less about training the very last Jedi and more about gathering beings that were scattered and traumatized, but still as strong as ever. The joke about the surprising number of Jedi survivors, therefore, turns out to be a testament to a truth that was always embedded in the mind of the man who started it all.

The post George Lucas’ Sequel Trilogy Plan Confirms This Star Wars Meme Is Actually True appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A longstanding Star Wars mystery is finally going to be resolved. When fans sat in their seats to watch The Force Awakens in 2015, they learned that Han Solo was no longer in possession of the Millennium Falcon. Just as Han and Chewbacca reunited with the infamous ship, they get pulled back into the fight against the evil First Order. Star Wars has kept the mystery behind what happened between Han and the Millennium Falcon a secret, but soon fans will learn the full backstory in an upcoming Marvel Comics series.

Marvel announced Star Wars: Han Solo – Hunt For The Falcon, a five-issue limited series by writer Rodney Barnes (Star Wars: Ahsoka) and artist Ramon Rosanas (Star Wars), who previously worked together on last year’s Star Wars: Inquisitors. Star Wars: Han Solo – Hunt For The Falcon reveals an untold adventure set between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, which means fans will learn how the Millennium Falcon fell out of Han Solo’s reach.

“Han Solo – Hunt for the Falcon is a dream come true,” Barnes told Newsarama. “Han, Leia, Chewbacca and Lando were my heroes when I was a kid. To write an adventure that includes that quartet (and more!) is truly an honor. One huge check off my bucket list!”

“Rodney is pulling all these characters who’ve had history with the Falcon and having them cross their deadly paths,” editor Mark Paniccia explained. “It’s a very fun ride that captures the heart of who Han Solo is while throwing him into some ‘uncomfortable’ situations. And Ramon Rosanas is doing some of the best work of his career on this. This is a special project for him and the detail he brings to the ships and locations is magnificent.”

STAR WARS: HAN SOLO – HUNT FOR THE FALCON #1 (OF 5) 

• Written by RODNEY BARNES
• Art and Cover by RAMON ROSANAS
• On Sale 9/3
• IN THE TIME BEFORE THE FORCE AWAKENS, WHERE IS THE MILLENNIUM FALCON?!
• Less than satisfied with a settled life, Han Solo lands on the idea of reclaiming the Falcon and returning to a life of adventure. The problem is, he can’t find it. After enlisting a less than enthusiastic Chewbacca, the duo embarks upon a quest to reclaim the greatest ship in the galaxy. Standing in their way are a laundry list of rogues who have staked a claim to the Millennium Falcon as well, like the villainous scoundrel who stole the Falcon, Ducain.

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Joining Star Wars: Han Solo – Hunt For The Falcon is a comic featuring the notorious bounty hunter, Boba Fett. Star Wars: Boba Fett – Black, White & Red is the third Star Wars title under Marvel’s Black, White & Blood imprint. Starring only the most ruthless characters, Boba Fett follows in the footsteps of previous Black, White & Red headliners Darth Vader and Darth Maul. Set across Boba’s storied history, each issue sees all-star creators team up to tell the most notorious exploits of the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunter. The first issue is by writer Benjamin Percy (Wolverine) and artist Chris Allen (Black Panther). 

STAR WARS: BOBA FETT – BLACK, WHITE & RED #1 (OF 4)

• Written by BENJAMIN PERCY
• Art by CHRIS ALLEN
• Cover by ALEX MALEEV
• On Sale 9/17
• Titled “The Impossible Job,” the story finds Boba Fett trapped in a situation he seemingly can’t get out of when both the Empire and an extreme Rebel faction after the same bounty as him! Fett needs to track down a deadly individual who has played both sides, and – to make things even more impossible – his target is hiding out in a volatile volcanic system!

“We’re setting a major sequence in a lava system that Fett has to navigate to hunt down the best thief in the galaxy,” Percy told StarWars.com. “I’m so lucky to join forces with artist Chris Allen, who brings his eye for dynamic action, wild layouts, and granular detail to this twisty, turny story that will keep you guessing until the end.”

“We’re really excited about this talent and stories in these issues,” Paniccia added. “All of them weave seamlessly into a galaxy filled with rogues, criminals, assassins and other bounty hunters and there are some very cool surprises and deep dives.”

Star Wars: Han Solo – Hunt For The Falcon #1 goes on sale September 3rd, followed by Star Wars: Boba Fett – Black, White & Red #1 on September 17th. Let us know what you think about these exciting Star Wars announcements in the comments below!

The post Star Wars’ New Han Solo Series Will Answer a Major Sequel Trilogy Question appeared first on ComicBook.com.

We heard rumblings about a sequel to the Mel Brooks classic Spaceballs a while back when Josh Gad (Pixels) revealed that he’d completed work on a script he co-wrote for a legacy follow-up. Sometime after that fateful announcement, the updates tapered off for a spell. Then, the floodgates re-opened when Amazon MGM released a video with a bevy of information about the upcoming project. Since that video dropped, we’ve learned of several new casting-related developments about Spaceballs 2 and much more. With a plethora of information about this exciting project floating around, it can be a bit of a challenge to stay on top of each new development as it breaks.

With that in mind, we’re attempting to streamline the process and load you up with everything we know thus far. Keep reading for the full rundown on the upcoming Spaceballs sequel, including the release date, details on the creative team, the cast of characters, and more.

What to Expect From Spaceballs 2

Spaceballs, which bowed back in 1987, famously lampoons popular science fiction films of the time (namely the Star Wars franchise) with references to both Star Trek and Alien also featured. The original film famously teased a sequel (within its runtime) called Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money. Little did we know all those years ago that a follow-up would, in fact, one day materialize.

With a number of Star Wars prequels, spinoffs, sequels, and television series released in the time since Spaceballs bowed in theaters, there is even more fodder available this time around. Gad confirmed that the sequel will take a stab at some of the more recent franchise installments via an appearance on Kelly Rippa’s podcast, Let’s Talk Off Camera.

He additionally explained to Rippa that Brooks (who is also involved with the sequel) asked for a crash course on what’s been happening in the Star Wars canon of late, a request Gad happily accommodated. The actor and writer told Rippa that he gave Brooks an enthusiastic rundown detailing everything the filmmaker might have missed.

As fans are well aware, Brooks is the primary creative force behind the original film. On that project, he serves as the co-writer, director, and producer. Not to mention, Brooks also features as both Yogurt (a sendup of Yoda from Star Wars) and President Skroob (the head honcho on Planet Spaceball).

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This time around, Brooks has a bit more help, yet he’s still plenty involved. The celebrated filmmaker takes a producing credit on the sequel and has also been confirmed as a returning cast member. All of that suggests that this project will likely be a passing of the torch that will feature the celebrated filmmaker’s signature brand of satire with added flavor from a talented stable of creators. The finer details of the narrative, however, are being kept largely under wraps at this juncture.

Spaceballs 2 Cast & Creative Team Explained

Regarding the creatives involved, we know that Gad co-wrote the script for the impending sequel with Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez. Hernandez and Samit famously collaborated on the beloved animated film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Distributor Amazon MGM has tapped Josh Greenbaum (Strays) to direct the project.

As for the onscreen talent, Bill Pullman and Rick Moranis are each set to reprise their roles from the first film. Pullman appears in the original as mercenary pilot Lone Starr and Moranis features as bumbling antagonist Dark Helmet. Daphne Zuniga will also return, reprising her role as Princess Vespa, who fans remember narrowly escaped marrying Prince Valium (Jim J. Bullock).

As for new additions, Keke Palmer (Nope) and Gad have both been tapped to appear in unknown roles. Moreover, Lewis Pullman (Top Gun: Maverick) is reportedly in negotiations to play lead character Lone Starr’s son, meaning Lewis will likely feature as a descendant of the iconic character made famous by his real-life father, Bill. While not yet confirmed, it’s not hard to imagine Palmer and Pullman playing send-ups of Star Wars sequel trilogy character Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), possibly mixed and melded with other newer Star Wars icons.

What Is the Release Date for Spaceballs 2?

Although there isn’t an official release date for the project at this juncture, the aforementioned teaser video promises a 2027 theatrical debut. That’s as much as we know regarding a targeted release date thus far. When a more specific timeline is revealed, we will be sure to fill you in!

As we mentioned, the script is already completed. So, it’s quite possible that principal photography will begin in the very near future.

While the original film didn’t have the box office draw of some of the pictures it lampoons, Spaceballs ultimately found its audience on home video (and via broadcast on cable). In the years since its release, the flick has amassed a sizable fanbase fond of the film’s penchant for puns and tendency to poke fun at celebrated science fiction pictures.

What Is Spaceballs About?

For anyone who needs a brief refresher: Spaceballs follows lead character Lone Starr, a space pilot on a quest to rescue Princess Vespa (Heir Apparent to rule Planet Druidia) from the clutches of Dark Helmet, the malevolent commander of the Star Cruiser Spaceball I. Helmet sets out to abduct Vespa because he wants to use her as collateral in a scheme to extort oxygen from Druidia for use on Planet Spaceball.

Now that you know everything we do about Spaceballs 2, make sure to share your thoughts on this upcoming release with us in the comments section below.

The post Spaceballs 2 Release Date Plans & Everything to Know (So Far) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Both the Star Trek and Star Wars franchises have been around for about a half a century, plus both possess richly complex and diverse universes set in space. With two pop culture mythologies that span films, television, books, video games and more, it’s no surprise that a crop of 30 actors have appeared both in the Star Trek and Star Wars universe. After all, J.J. Abrams presumably got the gig helming Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens due to his success directing Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness. Here are the actors who have pulled off the impressive feat of having both beloved franchises on their resume.

1) Jason Issacs

In a galaxy far, far away, Isaacs in famous–or should we say infamous–for voicing The Inquisitor on the animated series Star Wars: Rebels and Star Wars: Tales of the Empire. Yet in the Star Trek universe, Isaacs played Captain Gabriel Lorca on Star Trek: Discovery and in the video game Star Trek online.

2) Karl Urban

Though he’s perhaps better known for playing Dr. “Bones” McCoy in the recent Star Trek feature films, Urban did sneak in a secret cameo in Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker as a Stormtrooper.

3) Simon Pegg

While Star Trek fans know and love Pegg as Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in the Star Trek films, Star Wars fans may not be so hot on him. The reason? He played Bakku junk dealer Unkar Plutt who gave Rey a bum deal in The Force Awakens. Pegg reprised his role as Plutt in the video game Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He also voiced bounty hunter Dengar on a Season 4 episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the Star Wars: Battlefront game.

4) George Takei

While George Takei is one of Star Trek‘s most recognizable faces as Hikaru Sulu, Takei has lent his voice to the Star Wars universe too. He voiced Neimoidian general Lok Durd in an episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as provided the English voice for travel guide Senshu in the series Star Wars: Visions.

5) Ron Perlman

Perlman voiced Trandoshan salvage ship captain Gha Nachkt on two episodes of The Clone Wars, and appeared in live-action as Viceroy in the 2002 film Star Trek: Nemesis.

6) Brian George

George has made his mark on both franchises in not one, but several roles each. He guest-starred as Richard Bashir on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in 1997, then appeared on Star Trek: Voyager as Ambassador O’Zaal three years later. In the Star Wars universe, George has voiced multiple characters on shows and games, including in The Clone Wars, Tales of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

7) Ian Abercrombie

The late, great Ian Abercrombie was revered for voicing Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious in The Clone Wars and several other media in the Star Wars universe. Yet, fans may not know he also guest-starred on two episodes of Star Trek: Voyager as two different characters: The Abbot and Milo.

8) Olivia d’Abo

D’Abo has played Jedi Luminara Unduli in countless Star Wars media, both animated and live-action. However, sixteen years before she joined the Star Wars universe, d’Abo guest-starred on an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation as a Q named Amanda Rogers.

9) Sam Witwer

Sam Witwer began an illustrious voice acting career in the Star Wars universe in 2008, most notably voicing Sith Lord Darth Maul. That didn’t stop him from voicing a view minor characters in the animated Star Trek: Lower Decks comedy series though in 2024.

10) Brent Spiner

Data? In Star Wars?! Believe it or not, the Trekkie icon voiced Gall Trayvis, a senator-turned-rebel, in a recurring role on Rebels, proving the versatile actor can really do it all.

11) Fionnula Flanagan 

Flanagan actually played three different roles on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Star Trek: Enterprise. In the Star Wars universe, she only played one: Catarine Towani in Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure in 1984.

12) Carel Struycken

Dutch actor Carel Struycken played King Terak in Ewoks: The Battle for Endor in 1985, but he’s perhaps better known for playing Mr. Homn on Star Trek: The Next Generation in two years later.

13) Ethan Phillips

Though he played Neelix on Star Trek: Voyager for 168 episodes, Phillips has since found time to lend his voice acting talents to three Star Wars video games.

14) George Coe

Before his passing in 2015, Coe had guest-starred on an episode of The Next Generation as Malcorian politician Avel Durken. He also lent his voice to two Star Wars video games and brought the pacifist Lurmen leader Tee Watt Kaa to life on Clone Wars.

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15) Patty Maloney

After playing Lumpy in The Star Wars Holiday Special, Maloney appeared in an episode of Voyager nearly twenty years later as the Little Woman in the second season episode “The Thaw.”

16) Greg Grunberg

A childhood friend of J.J. Abrams, it’s no wonder that Grunberg has had roles in both franchises. He had small roles in both Star Trek and Star Trek Beyond, and then he played Resistance pilot Snap Wexley in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

17) Deep Roy

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and J.J. Abrams’s Star Trek movies are only a few of the iconic films Roy has appeared in over the course of his career. He brought Yoda to life along with Frank Oz in The Empire Strikes Back, then went on to play Keenser, a Starfleet engineering division crewmember in all three Star Trek films from Abrams.

18) Felix Silla

Though he passed in 2021, Silla left behind an incredible legacy. After playing a Talosian on the original Star Trek series, he went on the play an Ewok in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.

19) Clancy Brown

Brown boasts a whopping 346 acting credits, so we’re not exactly surprised he managed to appear in both the Star Trek and Star Wars universes. He appeared in an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise as Zobral, and then in Star Wars, he voiced several characters in several episodes of both Rebels and Clone Wars.

20) David Birney

Before the podcast boom, Birney voiced Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – The Original Radio Drama in 1996. Two years later, he guest-starred Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as the Romulan senator Letant.

21) Jason Wingreen

Wingreen left an indelible mark on the Star Wars universe as the voice of Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Wingreen was also on an episode of Star Trek as Federation scientist Dr. Linke in the episode titled “The Empath”.

22)  Ed Begley Jr.

1996 was a busy year for the actor. Begley Jr. voiced Boba Fett in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – The Original Radio Drama, then he recurred on Star Trek: Voyager for a two-episode arc as shady tech mogul Henry Starling.

23) Greg Ellis

After ten years of popping up in various Star Trek series and video games, Ellis played Chief Engineer Olson in Star Trek. It’s a similar story with the Star Wars universe, Ellis has voiced several different small parts in different media, though he stuck around the longest in Rebels.

24) David Warner

The British actor voiced not only Grand General Brashin in video game Star Wars: Commander, but he appeared in various media within the Star Trek universe including two episodes of The Next Generation as Cardassian officer Gul Madred.

25) Cully Fredricksen

Fredericksen played a Vulcan in the Oscar-nominated Star Trek: First Contact, but he is likely better known for voicing General Rahm Kota in four Star Wars video games.

26) Clive Revill

Star Trek fans will remember Revill as Sir Guy of Gisbourne on The Next Generation, while fans of Star Wars aficionados will recognize Revill as the voice of the Emperor in The Empire Strikes Back.

27) Christopher Lloyd

Before he was Doc Brown, Christopher Lloyd was Klingon Commander Kruge in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. He recently joined the Star Wars universe as Helgait on the third season of The Mandalorian.

28) Malcolm McDowell

Most Trekkies will remember that McDowell played Soran in the film Star Trek: Generations. For those scratching their heads on how he factors into the Star Wars universe, McDowell voiced Minister Hydan on two episodes of Rebels.

The post Every Actor Who Appeared In Both Star Wars and Star Trek appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Back in 2015, LEGO paid tribute to the beloved bounty hunter Boba Fett with a Star Wars build of his iconic Slave I ship. While there had been a handful of builds that brought the ship to life in various sizes, the 2015 set came in at nearly 2,000 pieces, making for a highly detailed display, as opposed to something meant to withstand a lot of playtime from younger fans. Mirroring how the prequel films have earned a growing appreciation in the years since their release, LEGO has now released Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship, which resembles the seminal Slave I. This new set is even more detailed and, while it makes for a more lengthy experience for fans to enjoy, it also comes with more cumbersome components that will truly test the skills of the builder.

The 2015 Slave I release came in at 1,996 pieces, but even while Jango Fett’s ship is of similar size and scale, the brick count is nearly 1,000 higher with 2,970 pieces. This means that even an experienced builder will require 11-12 hours to fully construct the set, with all the pieces spread out across 23 bags. Even though the build itself is much larger, there are fewer minifigs, as you’re only given Jango Fett and a young Boba Fett, as compared to the four minifigs that came with the Slave I.

Part of what makes Jango Fett’s ship so memorable is its overall, unconventional shape. There’s obviously a lot of symmetry to be found in the vessel, but it’s not necessarily as basic as something like the Millennium Falcon, which is essentially a big circle with some angled sections that stick out from it. As you build Jango’s ship, it takes the first nine bags to construct something that’s even remotely recognizable, as much of this part of the build is just attaching ambiguous grey shapes to one another. The designers of this set seemingly aimed to mirror the unique nature of the ship by including a number of signature pieces that are joined together in unconventional ways.

The singular shape of the ship causes some complications in the instructions themselves. Since there are only so many ways a three-dimensional craft can be interpreted in two dimensions, and with so much of the initial stages of the ship being either grey or black, it’s relatively easy to make a mistake compared to other sets. Additionally, the highly ornate and intricate building process means that, if you don’t realize your mistake early on, you will have to de-construct significant portions of the ship to correct the error.

LEGO Star Wars Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship / $299.99

Order at LEGO

Other drawbacks to the set is that the precarious nature of the ship’s shape means it’s sometimes hard to put the appropriate amount of pressure on the necessary bricks, as you risk breaking off other areas of the ship. It can be difficult to handle the build or maniputate as compared to more rudimentary sets, though advanced builders will appreciate these challenges. As the build progresses, it gets more and more dense, so if a piece breaks off, it might be more difficult to identify where it went or even where it ended up within the craft.

By the time you finish bag 12, the ship will look a lot more recognizable. Even though it’s a challenge to construct, the mechanism that controls the open/close ramp is quite impressive. You might not be able to appreciate it as you’re piecing it together, but the smoothness and tension of the tactile ramp is very satisfying, while also visually being on theme with the rest of the ship.

Based on the volume of pieces included in the set, there’s a lot of symmetrical builds that are separated into multiple bags. This means that, whether you enjoyed the build contained within each bag or not, once you finish a section, the next bag is almost identical to what you just constructed. As you work your way up to bag 17, the symmetrical sections start getting smaller, so the process of building the same thing twice goes by much faster. Bag 18 completes the long, portruding section of the ship (which is on the bottom when the ship is vertical and is on the top when the ship is horizontal), so whatever frustrations you might have had with the build up to this point will largely be gone, due to how satisfying it is to bring the memorable component of the vessel to life.

Bags 19 and 20 might be some of the more satisfying of the whole build, as you add the rotating guns turrets and also put together all of the fun details of the cockpit’s interior. With how much of the build at this point has been dedicated to larger, exterior structures, getting to install the various instruments inside the cockpit or even just the seats makes for a nice change of pace.

The end of bag 23 means you finish the structure that holds the completed ship, so while that build is more utilitarian as compared to previous sections of the ship, once you finally mount the completed ship onto the necessary brackets, it’s an impressive sight to behold. Despite the mounting stand and the brackets upon which the ship sits initially appearing a bit flimsy, you won’t feel nervous about letting the mount hold the entire weight of the ship.

The LEGO Star Wars Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship is quite the undertaking, not only based on the sheer scale of the project, but also due to the more ornate and intricate connections that are being built. Some of the other LEGO Star Wars offerings might be a bit more “fun” from start to finish or offer more engaging components for younger fans, so this set coming with an 18+ rating is fully earned, based on the complexity of the experience. Still, seeing the ship constructred and mounted on its brackets makes for an impressive display, especially given that the Slave I was retired long ago, so rather than trying to track down that set, Jango Fett’s ship will still only cost you a fraction of what that older set costs on secondary markets while also coming with 1,000 extra pieces. This is truly a set that is designed for the most devout Jango Fett fans and those who were raised on watching the exploits of the treacherous bounty hunter in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. If you’re interested in adding it to your collection, you can order a copy here at LEGO for $299.99.

The post LEGO Star Wars Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship Review: A Build Only for the Brave appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Star Wars universe is a rich tapestry of characters and creatures, and being a part of it offers one a chance to be enshrined in pop culture glory. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many a celebrity has stopped by a galaxy far, far away for a cameo, even if it was on the down low. There are more celebrities dotting the franchise’s films that one may think, since many made their mark in secret — either voicing a character, as a creature, or as a stormtrooper. Yet no matter how famous one may be, it doesn’t guarantee you make the final cut.

Here are ten secret celebrity cameos in the Star Wars films you may not noticed, but will always be on the look out for in the future.

1) Princes William and Harry – The Last Jedi

The princes, reportedly huge Star Wars fans, played stormtroopers in Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi in a scene where Finn (John Boyega), Rose (Kelly Marie Tran), and DJ (Benicio del Toro) pose as First Order officers. However, their scene was cut. The reason? The princes were apparently too tall. Both English royals are over 6 feet, whereas stormtroopers are typically required to be 5 foot 11 inches. Though the scene didn’t make it into the movie, it was released later as an outtake on The Last Jedi‘s DVD release.

2) Tom Hardy – The Last Jedi

Venom star Hardy also found himself as a Stormtrooper and on the cutting room floor of The Last Jedi. He played a Stormtrooper alongside Prince William and Harry in the same sequence

3) JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirpatrick – Attack of the Clones

In 2000, boy band *NSYNC was on top of the world. On Hot Ones in 2023, three of the members of the group, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Joey Fatone confirmed that they made a cameo as Jedi Knights in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. However, their scenes were cut, seemingly due to backlash from Star Wars fans after news of the pop stars’ involvement made its way online.

4) Sofia Coppola – The Phantom Menace

Before she followed in her father’s footsteps and became a lauded director, Sofia Coppola played one of Queen Amidala’s handmaidens in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The handmaidens’ role to stay hidden in the background and their hidden costumes made it easy for Coppola to be a part of Amidala’s retinue without being noticed.

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5) Simon Pegg – The Force Awakens

Beloved comedic English actor Simon Pegg disappeared under a Crolute costume to play Unkar Plutt, the junk dealer on Jakku that gave Rey a bum deal in Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. That wasn’t his only appearance in the Star Wars universe however. Pegg also voiced bounty hunter Dengar on a Season 4 episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

6) Bill Hader and Ben Schwartz – The Force Awakens

During The Force Awakens, director J.J. Abrams enlisted comedians Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live) and Ben Schwartz (Parks and Recreation) to voice BB-8. Their contributions to BB-8’s beeps and inflection no doubt made the droid one of the breakout stars of the latest trilogy.

7) Daniel Craig – The Force Awakens

Even James Bond is a Star Wars fan. Daniel Craig secretly played a Stormtrooper in The Force Awakens working for The First Order. While in his film franchise women are powerless to Bond’s charms, Rey is able to Jedi mind-trick Craig’s Stormtrooper and escape.

8) Joseph Gordon-Levitt – The Last Jedi

Actor Joseph Gordon Levitt is an old friend and collaborator of director Rian Johnson, making appearances in most of his movies in some way, so it doesn’t come as a shock that he popped up in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Yet, how he appeared is a bit of a surprise. Gordon-Levitt hid his famous face in a costume to play Slowen Lo, who tattled on Rose and Finn for illegally landing their ship on a beach on the planet Canto Bight. 

9) Jon Favreau – Solo

Titan of storytelling in the Star Wars universe, Jon Favreau, stepped out from behind the camera lent his voice to Rio Durant in Solo: A Star Wars Story. He flexed his acting chops to bring the good-natured Ardennian pilot to life.

10) John Williams – The Rise of Skywalker

John Williams has undeniably left an indelible mark on Star Wars by scoring all nine primary films in the franchise. His themes are instantly recognizable, however, fans may have missed the legendary composer’s cameo in The Rise of Skywalker. He donned an elaborate eye patch to hide his identity and played a bar patron on Kijimi.

All Star Wars films are now streaming on Disney+.

The post 10 Secret Celebrity Cameos Hiding In Star Wars appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Hasbro’s Star Wars stream for June 13th was jam-packed with awesome new releases with highlights that included a Vintage Collection Darth Vader TIE Advanced vehicle, new Halloween Edition figures, and a fantastic Black Series Anakin vs Obi Wan set that will be available to very lucky collectors for San Diego Comic-Con 2025. Below you will find details on all 9 of the items revealed today, noting that 5 of them will go up for pre-order starting on June 16th at 10am ET / 1pm ET (UPDATE: Live!) Direct retailer links will be added after the launch, but you can expect pre-orders for many of the items to go live here at Entertainment Earth at that time unless otherwise indicated. Additional retailer links can be found below.

Upcoming Star Wars Releases From Hasbro / Quick Links

• Star Wars: The Vintage Collection Darth Vader’s Tie Advanced Ship – June 16th
• Star Wars: The Vintage Collection Snowtrooper 4-Pack – June 16th
• Star Wars: The Black Series The Ronin Figure – June 16th
• Star Wars: The Black Series Jedi Temple Guard Figure – June 16th
• Star Wars: The Black Series Barriss Offee Figure – June 16th
• Star Wars: The Black Series Night Trooper (Halloween Edition) Figure – Fall 2025
• Star Wars: The Black Series Imperial Royal Guard (Halloween Edition) Figure – Fall 2025
• Star Wars: The Black Series Dathomir Witch (Halloween Edition) Figure – Fall 2025
• Star Wars: The Black Series Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi Figures – SDCC 2025
• BONUS: The Vintage Collection Anakin Skywalker 3-Pack Is Now Available via The Disney Store (Former Pulse Exclusive)
• Read on for more details including additional retailer pre-order links and a gallery of images for each figure.

Star Wars Black Series and TVC Pre-Orders For June 16th

Star Wars: The Vintage Collection Darth Vader’s Tie Advanced / $139.99 / Fall 2025 / Hasbro Pulse Exclusive (Pre-order June 16 at 1 PM ET): This 3.75-inch scale vehicle and action figure set, based on Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced from Star Wars: A New Hope, features an intricate cockpit, authentic sculpt, sleek deco, and an interchangeable “damaged” wing panel. It includes a poseable Darth Vader (TIE Advanced) figure with alternate hands, an unlit hilt, and his red Lightsaber. The packaging is nostalgic, calling back to the original Kenner TIE Advanced release.

Star Wars: The Vintage Collection Snowtrooper 4-Pack / $54.99 / Summer 2025 / Hasbro Pulse Exclusive (Pre-order June 16 at 1 PM ET): These 3.75-inch scale figures are inspired by snowtroopers from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. This troop-building pack includes removable backpacks, 4 blaster accessories, and 2 heavy blaster accessories, all with premium detail and design.

Star Wars: The Black Series The Ronin / $24.99 / Fall 2025 (Pre-order June 16 at 1 PM ET) Fan Channel Exclusive – See at Entertainment Earth and Amazon: This 6-inch scale figure is inspired by Star Wars: Visions animated series on Disney+. It features premium design and deco with multiple articulation points and comes with a character-inspired accessory for dynamic posing.

Star Wars: The Black Series Jedi Temple Guard / $24.99 / Fall 2025 (Pre-order June 16 at 1 PM ET) See at Entertainment Earth and Amazon: Inspired by the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, this 6-inch scale figure features premium design and deco with multiple articulation points and includes one accessory for posing.

Star Wars: The Black Series Barriss Offee / $24.99 / Fall 2025 (Pre-order June 16 at 1 PM ET) Fan Channel Exclusive – See at Entertainment Earth and Amazon: This 6-inch scale figure is inspired by Barriss Offee from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. It boasts premium design and deco with multiple articulation points and comes with one accessory.

Upcoming Star Wars Exclusives

Star Wars: The Black Series Night Trooper (Halloween Edition) / $24.99 / Fall 2025 / Walmart Exclusive: This 6-inch scale figure features “mummified” deco and multiple articulation points for posing. It comes in Halloween-inspired packaging with a purple, black, and orange color palette.

Star Wars: The Black Series Imperial Royal Guard (Halloween Edition) / $24.99 / Fall 2025 / Target Exclusive: This 6-inch scale figure has glow-in-the-dark deco and multiple articulation points. It’s packaged in Halloween-inspired purple, black, and orange colors.

Star Wars: The Black Series Dathomir Witch (Halloween Edition) / $24.99 / Fall 2025 / Amazon and Fan Channel retail: This 6-inch scale figure features traditional “witchy” deco and multiple articulation points. It is presented in Halloween-inspired packaging with a purple, black, and orange color palette.

Star Wars: The Black Series Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi / $109.99 / 2025 San Diego Comic-Con (exclusive at Hasbro booth #3213, limited quantities on HasbroPulse.com after): This 6-inch action figure 2-pack is detailed to look like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. It includes their Lightsabers, swinging and clash effects, a two-part stand designed like Mustafar with an additional lava piece, and interchangeable Force hands.

The post Hasbro Reveals Star Wars SDCC 2025 Exclusive and New Pre-Orders appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Daisy Ridley cleaned up the streaming charts this weekend. Her new action thriller Cleaner debuted on HBO Max on Friday, and according to FlixPatrol, it was the number one most-watched movie on the service this weekend. Cleaner hit theaters in the U.S. on February 21st, and it was a box office flop, earning just over $1.3 million worldwide on a $25 million production budget. It was not well-received by film critics either, but it seems like fans were still interested in watching once it was available at home on a subscription-based service. It is streaming now on HBO Max in the U.S.

Cleaner was written by Simon Uttley, Paul Andrew Williams, and Matthew Orton, and directed by legendary action filmmaker Martin Campbell. It stars Ridley as Joanna “Joey” Locke, a military veteran now working as an exterior window cleaner on a London skyscraper. She is also caretaker to her older brother Michael (Matthew Tuck), who has autism. She brings him to work with her one day, and they are both entangled in a hostage situation when terrorists take over the building. Joey is forced to use her expertise to save as many lives as possible.

At the time of this writing, Cleaner is marked as “rotten” on Rotten Tomatoes, with 53% of reviews counted as positive overall. It scored marginally better among audiences — 66% of user-submitted reviews are positive, with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars. Critics praised Ridley’s performance, particularly her convincing execution of action-heavy feats, and most of the criticism fell on the writing.

[RELATED: Daisy Ridley Wants to Join the MCU (and Be an Avenger)]

In general, critics and viewers found this movie to be predictable and formulaic, patching together ideas and elements from other hits in the genre. Comparisons to Die Hard are not surprising, but many reviews felt that this movie simply re-used parts of Die Hard rather than expanding on them or adding new twists.

Still, for a movie night at home it was clearly enough to draw a big audience. Alongside Cleaner, HBO Max’s top 10 movies included the first three Hunger Games movies, the original How to Train Your Dragon, and Spaceballs. Three other 2025 releases made the list as well — the sci-fi dark comedy Mickey 17, the crime drama The Alto Knights, and the TV documentary Implosion: The Titanic Sub Disaster.

It’s hard to say if this streaming surge will vindicate Cleaner in the public eye, or make up for its poor turnout at the box office. At the very least, it belatedly found its audience in the streaming ecosystem. You can stream Cleaner now on HBO Max in the U.S. It is also available to rent or purchase digitally on PVOD stores.

The post Star Wars Star’s Action Movie Becomes A Streaming Hit Months After Making $1m In Theaters appeared first on ComicBook.com.

There’s no doubt that Star Wars: Andor is the franchise at its best, telling an underdog story about a group of rebels trying to fight back against their oppressors. However, it doesn’t follow the blueprint of the original trilogy. No Jedi comes to save the day, and the heroes don’t get to go to a medal ceremony at the end of the day. There are constant sacrifices in Andor, and most of them don’t involve death. Characters have to live with their tough choices and don’t get much time to recover because there’s always another battle to fight.

Luthen Rael’s story is all about giving up a peaceful life for a cause bigger than himself. He gets the benefit of operating in the shadows, though, which can’t be said for his agents. Bix Caleen, in particular, finds herself at the mercy of the Empire on multiple occasions, and she loses herself for a time because of it. However, her story is still an important one, especially because it allows Star Wars to tackle a sensitive subject.

While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Adria Arjona, who played Bix, explained why her character’s story is so important to Andor. “What happened to Bix in season one is huge, and I think what Tony [Gilroy] brilliantly does, by not letting Bix sort of get away with it, is showcase that trauma is incredibly complex and it takes time. It’s not healed in one year,” she said. “I’ve heard the word ‘victim’ used when describing her – hell no, hell no. Bix is so brave… I think someone who is trying so hard is the hero in their own journey, and I applaud that of Bix.”

Arjona also touched on Bix’s big moment in Season 2, where she has to stop an Imperial officer from taking advantage of her. It was the first time the franchise used the word “rape,” which wasn’t lost on the actress. “If you’re going to tell all sides of one story, then you cannot leave out the abuse of power, because it’s part of our history,” she explained. “The fact that I got to say those words [‘He tried to rape me’] in the world of Star Wars meant a lot. I felt a great honor and I reached out to a lot of women, and I really felt like I had all these women holding my hand through that scene. It was the way that they wish they would’ve reacted if they were in that situation again. Saying those words, that’s not easy.”

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Bix Earns Her Peace At the End of Andor

After suffering for so long at the hands of the Empire, Bix makes the selfless choice to leave Cassian behind on Yavin 4 to finish the fight. He can’t make heads or tails of it at first, but he doesn’t have time to dwell on it. He takes on the mission of collecting the Death Star plans alongside Jyn Erso and dies on Scarif alongside his team. Meanwhile, Bix returns to Mina-Rau to raise her child, whom Cassian doesn’t know exists. She has to make one final sacrifice to ensure her partner plays his part in the mission to save the galaxy, and it pays off.

While Cassian will never meet his child, Bix can now raise them in a free galaxy. They’ll never have to watch their backs or call a crummy hideout home for a year. It doesn’t make up for all of the trauma she has to deal with, but everyone has some darkness they’re living with, and at least she gets a peaceful ending out of all of it.

Star Wars: Andor is streaming on Disney+.

What did you think of Bix’s story in Star Wars: Andor? Do you think she got the ending she deserved? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Saying 1 Controversial Word in Star Wars for the First Time Was “Great Honor” for Andor Star appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Emperor Palpatine has the Jedi scrambling in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Despite some decisive battles during the Clone Wars, the Grand Army of the Republic is unable to gain the upper hand against the Separatists, especially one of their new leaders, General Grievous. The terrifying creature kidnaps Palpatine before the start of Revenge of the Sith and escapes when Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker show up to rescue the Republic’s leader. With him still on the board, the Jedi have to spread themselves thin across the galaxy, with even Grand Master Yoda giving himself an assignment. He heads to Kashyyyk, the home world of the Wookiees.

Including Chewbacca’s people in the final prequel film serves as a way to make the character’s fight against the Empire more personal. After all, the Republic arrives on Kashyyyk intending to help, only to turn around and become the Wookiees’ oppressor. However, George Lucas and Co. go too far by giving Chewbacca an important role in Revenge of the Sith.

Chewbacca’s Role in Revenge of the Sith Weakens His Relationship With Han Solo

When Yoda decides to head to Kashyyyk after Ki-Adi Mundi mentions the droid attack, it feels like a Chewbacca cameo is coming. The character doesn’t meet up with Han Solo until much later in the timeline, so his presence on the planet only makes sense. Rather than having Chewbacca appear briefly in the background, however, Lucas decides to make him a lieutenant in the Wookiee army and General Tarfful’s right-hand man. He’s instrumental in developing the Wookiee attack plan and spends most of his time watching over the battle with Yoda, who’s there to lead the Clones.

As the battle nears its conclusion, Chewbacca is there to witness Yoda feel a disturbance in the Force after Anakin falls to the dark side. The Jedi whips out his lightsaber in front of the Wookiee and kills a couple of Clones who are planning to kill him due to Order 66 activating their inhibitor chips. Chewbacca and Tarfful help Yoda escape the planet, and the three share an emotional moment before he departs, knowing the galaxy will never be the same again.

Chewbacca makes no mention of Yoda in the original trilogy, though, despite Luke Skywalker mentioning that he’s off to find him on Obi-Wan’s orders. That’s easy enough to forgive, as it’s possible Chewbacca wasn’t paying attention when Luke uttered his old friend’s name. However, what doesn’t get a pass is Han believing the Force is a hoax at the start of Star Wars: A New Hope. His best friend has plenty of experience with Jedi and surely mentions them now and again. Star Wars even doubles down on Chewbacca’s love of the Jedi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars Gives Chewbacca Another Jedi Ally

Years before Revenge of the Sith, Chewbacca finds himself in a tough spot after being captured by Trandoshans who are looking for something interesting to hunt. Anakin’s apprentice, Ahsoka Tano, also finds herself at the mercy of the hunters, so she teams up with the Wookiee to find a way off the planet. Ahsoka’s knowledge of the Wookiee language, Shyriiwook, helps smooth things over, and the new friends take the fight to the Trandoshans. Tarfful and other Wookiees arrive to join the battle, which doesn’t last all that long.

With the prisoners safe, everyone heads back to Coruscant, and Chewbacca gets to visit the Jedi Temple before heading back to Kashyyyk. However, while Chewbacca’s appearance in The Clone Wars benefits his cameo in Revenge of the Sith, it doesn’t make him look any better in the original trilogy. Despite visiting the place where countless Jedi train and learn, he lets his best friend look like a fool in front of Obi-Wan and Luke. Sure, Han is headstrong and probably wouldn’t listen to his pal anyway, but at the very least, Chewbacca could’ve corrected him and shown love to the Jedi who helped him over the years.

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith is streaming on Disney+.

How do you feel about Chewbacca’s cameo in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith? Does it make you look at his character differently in the original trilogy? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith’s Biggest Cameo Does More Harm Than Good appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars: Andor reached the number one spot on Nielsen’s streaming chart the week of its series finale, May 12th through May 18th. The show has made a lot of headlines and it’s beloved by fans, but there has been some doubt about its actual success as different trends and viewership metrics surface online. Now, the organization that has measured TV ratings since long before the streaming age has released the full details on that week, and they seem to vindicate Andor. The series was watched for 931 million minutes in total that week, beating out all the other shows Nielsen measured.

Andor was far from a failure over the last three years, but it hasn’t reached the this top spot before, either. Other analytics firms estimated Andor to be the most-watched series of the week when the Season 1 finale ended, but not Nielsen. At the time, there was some talk of “franchise fatigue,” as Season 1 of Andor didn’t quite live up to previous Star Wars series like The Mandalorian.

Season 2 returned with a vengeance. The series saw steadier viewership throughout its season run, which some analysts have attributed to its unique release schedule. Even then, the show did not reach the number one spot for a variety of reasons. There was some competition from other highly-anticipated shows — The Last of Us, for example — but as always, the streaming charts are dominated by shows that people re-watch, and those that children watch frequently.

[RELATED: Andor Creator Apologizes to Star Wars Fans After Season 2 Dashed One Theory]

That’s reflected in the week of May 12th through 18th as well. Andor narrowly surpassed Bluey, which was followed by the Netflix original series Nonnas in the number three spot. After that came Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, You, The Last of Us, The Rookie, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and finally, the new Netflix series Forever.

Hopefully, producers and streaming executives can glean some useful lessons from the success of Andor Season 2. This take on a streaming release schedule seems to have proven successful, and many commenters online were grateful that the series got 12 episodes rather than ten, eight, or even six as many other shows get these days.

Meanwhile, the story and focus of Andor clearly stands out from other Star Wars productions, and perhaps indicates what fans are looking for most from the franchise. Andor is streaming now on Disney+. Season 1 is also available on Blu-ray, but there’s no word yet on a physical media release for Season 2.

The post Star Wars: Andor Finally Redeems Itself in Streaming Ratings With Finale appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A fan-made concept trailer for a hypothetical adaptation the Thrawn trilogy has Star Wars fans talking this weekend, and wondering what the future might hold for this corner of the franchise. YouTube user Jar Jar Jinks uploaded the video on Wednesday, utilizing footage and audio from Star Wars movies and TV shows as well as audiobooks and other fan creations. It’s impressive considering those constraints, showing just how much Star Wars has already set up Thrawn so far. We’ve seen the character in Ahsoka and Star Wars Rebels, but it’s still not clear which parts of his story re canon in the Disney era.

The Thrawn trilogy — also known as the Heir to the Empire trilogy — is one of the most successful Star Wars novel spinoffs of all time. Written by Timothy Zahn and published between 1991 and 1993, these books introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn along with several other key elements of the franchise. The planet Coruscant was first depicted in these books, and later incorporated heavily into the prequel trilogy. For years, fans have suggested that an adaptation of these books would be a great way for the Star Wars franchise to move forward.

One enterprising fan has taken some initiative, piecing together a trailer that has many commenters hyped up. It uses footage from several Star Wars movies and TV shows, and other movies as well, such as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. For Thrawn’s spoken lines, it draws from audiobooks, and in a few places, fan films stitch the story together.

[RELATED: 5 Star Wars Heroes Who Have Only Gotten Worse Over Time]

Zahn’s original novels were a huge hit and helped ignite the Star Wars Expanded Universe — now known as Star Wars Legends — in novels and comics, but when Disney acquired the franchise and simplified its canon, it was unclear if Thrawn as still relevant to the main story. Even now, it’s unclear if his whole story will be imported into the new canon as it is, or altered and re-worked. Thrawn was set up as a major villain in Ashoka, and has been referenced in Tales of the Empire and The Mandalorian as well.

Zahn’s more recent work focuses on Thrawn’s history, with one trilogy of novels set during the early days of the Empire, and another set even further back in the past when Thrawn was growing up outside of known space. However, his Heir to the Empire trilogy was set five years after the events Return of the Jedi — the exact same timeframe when The Mandalorian and all the other Disney+ streaming series are set. Now that Thrawn has been introduced in Ahsoka, fans are hoping that at least some parts of that story will make it to the screen at last.

For now, fans can find all of Zahn’s books and other works featuring Thrawn in print, digital, and audiobook formats. Ahsoka is streaming now on Disney+, and Season 2 just began filming.

The post Star Wars: Heir to the Empire Concept Trailer Brings Original Thrawn Trilogy To Live Action appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Han Solo’s first appearance in the Star Wars franchise is iconic. Luke Skywalker and Ben Kenobi are on Tatooine and need a way off the planet, so they head to a cantina in Mos Eisley that’s full of “scum and villainy.” Han is one of the patrons, and he’s not really in the mood to make friends, shooting Greedo when the Rodian tries to bring him to Jabba the Hutt. Despite being apprehensive about Han’s attitude, Luke and Ben agree to get on board the Millennium Falcon so they can rescue Princess Leia Organa, who the Empire is holding prisoner. Of course, the rest is history, with Han helping the Rebellion blow up two Death Stars and free the galaxy.

At the end of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, as the Ewoks sing and dance, it really seems like Han has fully turned over a new leaf. He’s embracing his feelings for Leia and looks ready to find a new purpose. However, by the time Star Wars: The Force Awakens rolls around, Han is back to his old ways, smuggling and making deals with shady characters.

Star Wars Fans Can’t Wrap Their Heads Around Han Solo’s Regression in The Force Awakens

The Force Awakens begins by introducing a new threat: The First Order. Built by the remaining members of the Empire in the Unknown Regions, the organization is amassing power quickly, even finding a portion of a map that leads to Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi. That’s not enough for Kylo Ren and his allies, though, so they set their sights on the New Republic, which has been the governing body in the galaxy since the Empire’s destruction.

When the New Republic is first mentioned in The Force Awakens, it feels like a foregone conclusion that Leia will be at the center of it, which means Han will be involved as well. After all, Leia was one of the Rebellion’s most important leaders and one of the few with experience in the Senate. That doesn’t end up coming to fruition, with Leia leaving the New Republic behind to help build the Resistance after her colleagues don’t take the threat of the First Order seriously, while Han returns to his smuggling ways.

The final product is so different from what fans expected that they’re still coming up with alternative scenarios. An AI image has been making the rounds that shows Han in a New Republic uniform, meeting his old friend Luke on a platform on Coruscant. It’s a hopeful sight because the image features a meeting between two characters who never got to reunite in the sequels, but the premise fundamentally misunderstands Han’s character.

[RELATED – 20 Years Later, Here’s How Natalie Portman Could Return to the Star Wars Universe]

Han Solo Ends Up Exactly Where He’s Supposed to Be in The Force Awakens

While Han may seem ready to settle down at the end of Return of the Jedi, there’s no way he’s prepared for the life of a bureaucrat. His partner, Leia, takes on a nearly impossible task, uniting a galaxy that’s been oppressed for over two decades. That leaves little time for adventures with the family, leaving Han yearning for a time when he and Chewbacca ran around the galaxy on the Falcon without a care in the world. And he got the push he needed to go back to his old ways when his son, Ben Solo, turned to the dark side.

Losing a child is too much for any parent to handle, so naturally, it drives a wedge between Leia and Han. They go their separate ways, and while it only seems right for Han to return when The First Order starts to become a real problem, it’s too much for him. He’s no longer fighting faceless stormtroopers; his own son is in charge of the enemy’s forces. Han blames himself for creating Kylo Ren, which means he believes he’s responsible for putting the galaxy in danger again.

It’s only natural for someone who fails to go back to doing what they do best. That’s why Han finds himself smuggling items across the galaxy at the start of The Force Awakens. However, he never loses his softer side, which is why he does the right thing and confronts his son on Starkiller Base. Han’s words don’t do any good at the time, but he plants the seeds for Ben Solo’s redemption in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, making him every bit as important in the sequels as Leia and Luke.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is streaming on Disney+.

How do you feel about Han Solo’s character in Star Wars: The Force Awakens? Do you feel like his place in the movie makes sense? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Star Wars Fans Still Misunderstand Han Solo’s Fatal Decision in The Force Awakens appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Though rumors of her retirement have been swirling for the past few months, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy does not appear to be slowing down in the slightest. She introduced a rare and “remarkable” print of the theatrical cut of Star Wars: A New Hope at the BFI Film on Film Festival in London. Already in the U.K. as Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter movie with Ryan Gosling readies for production, Kennedy also shared an update on her strategy for Star Wars universe films going forward. And we love the direction she seeks to take the franchise in.

Though Kennedy and the Lucasfilm team is coming off a critically acclaimed second season of the Disney+ series Andor, there hasn’t been a theatrically released Star Wars film since 2019 with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. While there certainly hasn’t been a shortage of Star Wars content since then, fans’ adverse reactions to Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Rise of Skywalker caused both industry professionals and lovers of the franchise to suspect Kennedy had lost her touch at the box office. A slew of behind-the-scenes issues plaguing various projects doesn’t exactly help the narrative either.

Kennedy’s New Strategy Focuses on Standalone Stories in the Star Wars Universe

Kennedy told festival attendees at BFI (via Variety) that “I really think that now we’re in a position where it’s broadened the possibility of stories and filmmakers we can bring in to tell stories that mean something to them – it doesn’t necessarily have to connect to every little thing thats been done in Star Wars; it can actually be a standalone story that then builds into many many other stories.”

The Star Wars universe is arguably one of, if not the most, well-connected and interconnected media mythologies of the past 50 years. That’s what makes Kennedy’s focus on more standalone stories so exciting. The galaxy far, far away is now an incredibly lush and diverse place that can sustain an infinite amount of films. Also notable is Kennedy’s focus on filmmakers crafting movies from the heart. Since her ascension to Lucasfilm president in 2012, there’s been no shortage of directors who have parted ways with Lucasfilm over creative differences on Star Wars films.

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Kennedy Centering Filmmakers in the Process Will Lead to Better Star Wars Films

The shift to hiring lauded filmmakers and allowing them to make the film that excites them, like Levy and his Starfighter movie, is a promising one that will not only lead to happier Star Wars fans but better box office returns too. Viewers can feel the tension between a filmmaker and their producers on screen. Just look at Solo — that film had a quite public and messy changing of the guard in the director’s chair and suffered for it.

Levy confirmed the heightened sense of ownership Kennedy is now championing in an interview with Variety in 2023, “When Kathy Kennedy brought me on board to make a Star Wars movie, her central mandate to me was, ‘I want a Shawn Levy movie. I want a story and a tone that reflects you and your taste and what you bring to your movies — with a Star Wars story.’ So I have felt extremely empowered.”

Another tool Kennedy employs for empowering filmmakers entering the Star Wars universe? She requires every one of them to watch A New Hope, referring to it as “the gold standard” of storytelling. Kennedy continued, “I would say this is the film everyone starts with when we start talking about story, [George Lucas’] intent, and what it is we’re trying to build off of.”

With Starfighter due in theaters in 2027, and The Mandalorian & Grogu film coming out next summer, Kennedy’s comments signal that there’s now even more to look forward to from the Star Wars universe on the big screen.

The post Lucasfilm President Reveals New Star Wars Movie Strategy (And It’s Perfect) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The BFI Film on Film Festival took place from June 12th through the 15th in London, and one of its undeniable highlights was a screening of the original theatrical cut of Star Wars: A New Hope. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy was on hand to introduce the film, which opened the festival, as well as assuage any audience members in case they feared they were attending an “illegal” screening. Kennedy addressed both the controversy and confusion internally at Lucasfilm regarding the original theatrical version of George Lucas’ 1977 masterpiece, and commented on the rarity of the print.

With filmmakers increasingly relying on digital technology to make movies and television, the BFI Film on Film Festival celebrates the actual film itself that the media is made on. Every single selection in the festival, A New Hope included, is projected from a print, rather than a digital drive that most theaters and distributors use nowadays. According to Kennedy, audience members had the “remarkable” opportunity to see what she verified as the only print of the 1977 film. Kennedy told attendees that “I’m not even sure there’s another one quite like it.”

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Kathleen Kennedy Addresses the “Folklore” Surrounding the Star Wars Theatrical Cut

Although Kennedy has been at the helm of Lucasfilm for over a decade, she divulged that even internally there was debate and confusion over what was the true, original theatrical cut of A New Hope. “There was endless conversation about where everything was and what was, in fact, the first print.” she confessed. It’s been nearly 30 years since this version of Star Wars was accessible to the public, having only been made available in recent years via limited edition home media. Unsurprisingly, the restriction has become a point of contention for fans yearning for the version of the Star Wars they first knew and loved, before Lucas made a slew of changes to the films with the special editions.

Kennedy explained, “There’s so much tinkering that’s going on over the years, and things that George decided, I’m going to change this, I’m going to try that out over there, and then everybody kind of lost track of what it was.” While it’s certainly within a filmmaker’s right to make changes to their works, with a film trilogy as universally loved and known as the original Star Wars films, it’s also to be expected that fans will have strong feelings over which version they prefer.

In March 2025, the theatrical cut was briefly available to stream on the Cinema Box app on Roku. While the BFI screening of the original A New Hope may signal that Disney and Lucasfilm are considering making the theatrical cuts of the films more widely available, it’s unclear when or if that will happen. For now, it seems that those in the audience at the BFI Star Wars screening should revel in the fact they viewed likely the only print in existence of the original version of the film.

The original Star Wars trilogy is available to stream now on Disney+.

The post Lucasfilm Officially Sanctions Original Star Wars Theatrical Cut Screening appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In the vast galaxy of Star Wars, the discussion surrounding the sequel trilogy often gravitates towards what could have been. Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm and produced The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker, George Lucas had a distinct vision for the continuation of the Skywalker Saga. His blueprint, though never fully realized on screen, offered a fascinating glimpse into a potential future that was significantly different from the path ultimately taken. This alternate sequel trilogy was poised to introduce a controversial shift in focus, moving away from the traditional emphasis on Luke Skywalker, and instead centering the story squarely on the shoulders of one of Star Wars’ most enduring and beloved characters: Princess Leia Organa.

This creative departure, while perhaps surprising to some, was deeply rooted in Lucas’ overarching thematic intentions for the saga, aiming to bring Leia’s journey to a climactic and pivotal conclusion in a way that honed in on her unique strength and integral role in shaping the galaxy’s destiny.

A New Hope for the New Republic

George Lucas’ original plan for the sequel trilogy would have shifted the spotlight from Jedi battles and lightsaber duels to the intricate political machinations of a fledgling New Republic. In the book, The Star Wars Archives – Episode I-III, 1999-2005, Lucas revealed his original intentions:

“After the Rebels won, there were no more stormtroopers in my version of the third trilogy. I had planned for the first trilogy to be about the father, the second trilogy to be about the son, and the third trilogy to be about the daughter and the grandchildren. The movies are about how Leia – I mean, who else is going to be the leader? – is trying to build the Republic. They still have the apparatus of the Republic but they have to get it under control from the gangsters. That was the main story.”

RELATED: George Lucas’ Original Plan for Anakin Skywalker’s Descent to the Dark Side Is Way More Evil Than You Could Imagine

This vision paints a picture of Leia not as a general leading a desperate resistance, but as a political architect, striving to bring order and stability to a galaxy still reeling from Imperial tyranny. The “gangsters” mentioned were in reference to another part of Lucas’ unexplored vision: the re-emergence of Darth Maul as the antagonist.

“Darth Maul trained a girl, Darth Talon, who was in the comic books, as his apprentice. She was the new Darth Vader, and most of the action was with her. So these were the two main villains of the trilogy. Maul eventually becomes the godfather of crime in the universe because, as the Empire falls, he takes over.”

This emphasis on political rebuilding and the challenges of governing with a rising crime syndicate led by Darth Maul would have offered a mature and nuanced exploration of the Star Wars universe, illustrating Leia’s leadership skills, her diplomatic prowess, and her unwavering commitment to justice in a more grounded, less overtly militaristic context. The potential for intrigue, negotiation, and ethical dilemmas within this political landscape could have explored themes of corruption, compromise, and the delicate balance required to maintain peace similarly to what Star Wars: Andor recently did on Disney+ for the pre-Galactic Civil War era.

This approach would have allowed for a deeper dive into the societal ramifications of the war, moving beyond the immediate conflict to focus on the long-term work of building a truly functional government. It would have also highlighted Leia’s strengths that were often overshadowed by the more overt action sequences of the original trilogy – her intelligence, her resilience, and her lifelong understanding of the political landscape, shaped by her formative years on Alderaan.

Leia’s Journey Builds to Her Being the Chosen One

Perhaps the most significant, and potentially controversial, aspect of Lucas’ planned sequel trilogy was the ultimate destiny he envisioned for Leia. His vision for her went beyond merely leading the New Republic; it elevated her to a status previously reserved for her father and brother. As Lucas elaborated in The Star Wars Archives book: 

“By the end of the trilogy, Luke would have rebuilt much of the Jedi, and we would have the renewal of the New Republic, with Leia, Senator Organa, becoming the Supreme Chancellor in charge of everything. So she ended up being the Chosen One.” 

This is a massive shift, redefining the very concept of the “Chosen One” and expanding its scope beyond the traditional interpretation of a Force-wielder destined to bring balance by defeating evil. While Anakin Skywalker was prophesied to destroy the Sith and bring balance to the Force through his actions as a Jedi (or fallen Jedi), Leia’s path as the “Chosen One” would stem from her ability to unite and lead, to rebuild a fractured galaxy, and to establish a lasting peace through her political prowess and unwavering determination. This reinterpretation would have been a bold move, challenging notions about who can be a hero in the Star Wars saga and making the power of diplomacy, compassion, and governance just as important as the mystical powers of the Force. It would have provided a clear counterpoint to Luke Skywalker and the Jedi path, demonstrating that true heroism can manifest in many different forms, and that leadership, especially in the face of societal challenges, is a heroic endeavor in itself.

RELATED: In Another Version of Revenge of the Sith, Padme Lived to See Her Children Grow

This direction would have significantly changed the dynamic between Luke and Leia, allowing Leia to ascend to a position of ultimate galactic leadership, rather than Luke remaining the primary focus as the last Jedi. While Luke would have been busy rebuilding the Jedi Order, a vital task in itself, Leia would have been tackling the grander, more complex challenge of establishing a stable and just government for trillions of beings. This emphasis on political leadership as the ultimate form of heroism deeply ties in with Lucas’s long-standing interest in the nature of democracy, which are themes that have flowed through the entire Star Wars saga from the very beginning. By positioning Leia as the “Chosen One” based on her political achievements, Lucas would have delivered a powerful message about the importance of civic responsibility and the enduring power of hope and diplomacy in achieving true peace. 

This approach would have also cemented Leia’s legacy as a truly singular figure in the Star Wars canon, recognizing her intellectual strength, her unwavering spirit, and her impact on the galaxy far beyond her Force sensitivity. It would have offered a more diverse definition of what it means to be a hero in the Star Wars universe, moving beyond the traditional Jedi to embrace the complexities of leadership. The implications for the saga’s themes of destiny versus free will would also have been fascinating; while Anakin’s destiny was tied to the Force, Leia’s “chosen” status would be a result of her choices, her hard work, and her natural talents, suggesting that true heroism can be forged through effort and conviction, not solely through preordained power.

The post George Lucas’ Plan for the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Would Have Made a Controversial Change appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Kanan Jarrus’s gut-wrenching sacrifice in Star Wars Rebels remains one of the most impactful and emotionally resonant moments in the entire Star Wars canon. For fans, the sudden and heroic death of the beloved Jedi (voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr.) in Season 4, Episode 10 – “Jedi Night” – was a devastating shock; a twist that ripped at the heartstrings and left a lasting impression that continues to ripple through Star Wars canon today. Now, years after the episode first aired, the cast of the beloved series has shed new light on this pivotal moment, revealing in an exclusive interview with ComicBook that Kanan’s heartbreaking fate wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, but a carefully considered plan that had been brewing behind the scenes for years. The cast of Pod of Rebellion – the Star Wars Rebels rewatch podcast featuring Vanessa Marshall (Hera Syndulla), Tiya Sircar (Sabine Wren), Taylor Gray (Ezra Bridger), moderator Jon Lee Brody and producer JC Reifenberg – delved deep into their memories of crafting the episode, their initial reactions to the script, and the enduring impact Kanan’s death had on them as performers, fans, and as storytellers.

Their candid discussion unveils a deeper understanding of the choices leading to Kanan’s death and the emotional weight that came along with the making of this unforgettable Star Wars chapter.

The Seeds of Sacrifice Were Sown Early, Though Not Everyone Was Aware of the Looming Tragedy

Looking back at the entirety of Star Wars Rebels, certain lines and character interactions now carry a heavier emotional weight knowing Kanan Jarrus’ ultimate destiny. Tiya Sircar, reflecting on the experience of re-watching the series for the podcast, expressed how the foreshadowing, once unnoticed, now feels like a march towards the inevitable.

“I have been dreading [watching ‘Jedi Night’] since we started this podcast,” Sircar confessed. “In certain episodes, there’s certain lines or exchanges between Hera and Kanan – things that Kanan says, or things that we say about Kanan in the show that are so much more. They hold so much more weight now because when we recorded the first season, we had no idea what was going to happen down the road. So hearing those things now, my heart breaks. I know what’s coming. It’s all foreshadowing that I was complicitly, woefully unaware of back then, on my first watch. It’s going to be painful to relive it.” 

RELATED: Star Wars Rebels Stars Reflect on Reuniting for Pod of Rebellion

Vanessa Marshall echoed this sentiment, anticipating the difficulty of revisiting the aftermath of Kanan’s death, particularly considering the relationship between Hera and Kanan.

“I agree [with Siracar], and also everything after that will be hard to watch,” she stated; a nod to the enduring legacy Kanan’s loss had on the characters and actors. Sircar further emphasized the emotional toll of filming the episode, revealing, “It was really hard to record. That was our last day with Freddie – recording and working with Freddie. And, it was really emotional. We were all really emotional. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that. Our characters were saying goodbye, we were saying goodbye. It was a lot. So, I think [‘Jedi Night’] is going to be a tough one. But also everything that comes after, because then we as characters grapple with the immense loss. And then as actors, we were also grappling with that loss. Obviously not the same loss, but it’s not just the one episode. It’s everything that comes after that, too.” 

When asked about their initial reaction to the script, both Marshall and Sircar confirmed their shock.

“I didn’t see it coming,” Marshall admitted, with Sircar emphatically adding, “I was shocked.” 

Freddie Prinze Jr.’s Foresight and the Inevitability of a Jedi’s Path in the Star Wars Saga

While the on-screen deaths often blindside audiences, the actors revealed that Freddie Prinze Jr., who voiced Kanan, had long foreseen his character’s end. Taylor Gray shared Prinze Jr.’s repeated sentiment, “Freddie was very funny. Freddie would always say, ‘Kill me off the show.’ Not like, ‘Get me out of it.’ But he would always say, ‘The way I have to go is that I have to be killed.’ And I’d always be like, ‘Are you sure?’ But he would always say it.”

Gray also recalled noticing a shift in Dave Filoni’s reactions whenever theories edged closer to the truth, particularly regarding Kanan’s fate.

“I remember at one point, Dave – he had this very cheeky smile when you would get on to something, because we were always throwing out theories of where things are going,” the actor expressed. “And I started to get a sense when we were on to something because he would respond a little differently. And I remember Freddie saying this over and over, and eventually this response came from Dave where I was like, ‘I think Freddie might actually die.’” Sircar shared her own experience with Prinze Jr.’s conviction, “Freddie was adamant that Kanan’s end must be that he has to die. He made no bones about it. And I didn’t think for a second that he was going to get killed off the show.” 

Though tragic, Kanan’s death went on to signify something way larger than a singular sacrifice.

Discussing the impact of Kanan’s sacrifice within the Star Wars universe, Gray said, “Now it makes sense though, right? Star Wars – the theme is the selfless act to ascend oneself and transcend your own needs and desires.”

Continuing on Gray’s heels, JC Reifenberg offered an insightful perspective connecting Kanan’s death to the broader Star Wars timeline and the established lore, “And also just from listening to you guys talk about behind the scenes, it sounds as if, in the recording booth, Freddie was the lore master. And Kanan, the Jedi Knight, cannot exist at the same time that Luke Skywalker is training, which is also why Ezra had to disappear to the unknown regions with Thrawn. Because at that point in the story, Luke needs to be the guy. And Freddie knew because Freddie was the lore master.” 

Reifenberg admitted to anticipating significant character deaths, even considering the possibility of both Kanan and Ezra being killed off, and being particularly interested in how such a dramatic and dark plot point would be handled in a children’s show. Marshall, on the other hand, held onto hope for Kanan’s survival, as Kanan’s Jedi training was never completed.

“I did not see that happening. And because [Kanan’s] not quite a Jedi – he did not finish his training –  I didn’t know that that would apply. So I thought maybe he would live because his Jedi Master was slain and he didn’t finish. So technically, he is not necessarily a Jedi. Why does he have to die?” Marshall pointed out. “I thought there was a workaround. I didn’t know I was going to birth his child.” 

The revelations from the Pod of Rebellion interview gave a fascinating glimpse into the long-term planning and the emotional investment behind one of Star Wars Rebels’ most pivotal and heartbreaking moments, confirming that Kanan Jarrus’ heroic sacrifice was a carefully crafted point of inevitability years in the making.

Pod of Rebellion is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. 

The post Star Wars Rebels Actors Confirm Heartbreaking Death Was Planned for “Years” appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Those hoping to see Boba Fett back on the big screen when The Mandalorian & Grogu opens next summer are bound to be disappointed by Temuera Morrison’s latest update. Speaking with Nerd Reactor in an interview to promote his new film In the Fire of War, the Star Wars veteran was asked if he was excited about The Mandalorian & Grogu‘s impending release. In his response, Morrison revealed that he does not have a role in the film. He also noted that a second season of The Book of Boba Fett isn’t in the works yet, but he remains appreciative for the opportunity to be part of the franchise.

“I’d be more excited if I was in the movie,” Morrison said. “No one called me … I’m still sort of waiting for the phone call. But, look, I’m just blessed that I had the opportunity there to come back. How many people in their career play Jango Fett, and 20 years later come back to play the clone son Boba Fett? It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m very, very grateful. I really enjoyed The Book of Boba Fett. But they’ve had a lot of changes lately … I was hoping for a Season 2 of Boba Fett, but there’s no phone call just yet. And I know [The Mandalorian & Grogu] is coming out, and I’m very excited for the movie.”

After making his Star Wars debut as Jango Fett in 2002’s Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Morrison returned to the galaxy far, far away in The Mandalorian Season 2, portraying an adult Boba Fett. Morrison had a key supporting role, as Boba worked alongside Din Djarin to rescue Grogu from Moff Gideon. Following The Mandalorian, Morrison headlined the spinoff The Book of Boba Fett, which chronicles the bounty hunter’s attempt to seize control of the Tatooine underworld.

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Morrison isn’t the only Book of Boba Fett actor fans won’t see in The Mandalorian & Grogu. His co-star Ming-Na Wen confirmed she won’t reprise Fennec Shand in the film, though she expressed hope that character will return at some point. Lucasfilm has yet to announce a full Mandalorian & Grogu cast, but the movie does feature Sigourney Weaver as a New Republic pilot and Jeremy Allen White as the voice of Jabba’s son Rotta the Hutt.

Given Din Djarin’s history with Boba Fett, some fans were probably hoping the two would cross paths again, perhaps with the former enlisting the latter’s help during a crucial part of his next mission. It would have been entertaining to see Boba back on the big screen, an opportunity to give the character the spotlight in an action set piece. Since so little about The Mandalorian & Grogu is known, it’s hard to say why Boba will be absent, but it’s clear director Jon Favreau felt there wasn’t a place for Fett in the story. Rather than force his inclusion (which could have come off as a bit of fan service), Favreau decided it would be better to keep the character on the sidelines. The Star Wars franchise has been guilty of leaning heavily on nostalgia before, so hopefully this is a creative choice that pays off for The Mandalorian & Grogu. Viewers will get to meet new characters who could go on to become fan-favorites.

While it probably makes sense that Boba Fett isn’t in The Mandalorian & Grogu (Boba is busy running a criminal empire, after all), it does raise the question of when audiences will see him next. The Book of Boba Fett earned a more mixed reception when compared to The Mandalorian, so a second season may not be high on Lucasfilm’s list of priorities. The studio has Ahsoka Season 2 on the way, but after that, its live-action TV slate is a mystery. Disney told Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy that “streaming is dead,” meaning the future of Star Wars on Disney+ is a murky one. If Boba doesn’t return on screen, maybe his story will continue in a novel or comic series detailing his underworld exploits.

The post Temuera Morrison’s Mandalorian & Grogu Update Casts Doubt on Boba Fett’s Future appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One of the earliest Star Wars movies released by Disney recently saw a resurgence in popularity. When Disney+ launched back in 2019, it became a one-stop shop for fans to stream their favorite titles from the galaxy far, far away. Not only did the service have all of the previously released Star Wars movies and shows, it became a platform for Lucasfilm to expand the franchise and tell more stories that captivated audiences. One of the streamer’s biggest hits to date has been Andor, the critically acclaimed drama that wrapped up its two-season run back in May. With that in mind, it shouldn’t surprise people that a specific Star Wars movie was added to many watchlists.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, released back in 2016, ranked ninth on Nielsen’s list of the top 10 streaming movies for the week of May 12th-18th. According to the data, the film was watched for 179 million minutes on Disney+. Not so coincidentally, May 13th was when the Andor finale debuted, and the show topped the overall Nielsen charts with 931 million minutes watched.

Andor, of course, functions as a prequel to Rogue One, chronicling Cassian Andor’s journey as he becomes a key member of the burgeoning Rebel Alliance. The final few episodes of Andor Season 2 lead directly into the events of Rogue One, as the Rebels learn of the existence of the Death Star. The series adds a considerable amount of depth and context to the spin-off film, forever altering the way fans watch Rogue One.

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Since its debut nearly a decade ago, Rogue One has always been held in high regard. Many believe it is the best Star Wars film of the Disney era due to its emotional narrative of sacrifice and heroism that harkens back to classic war movies. Despite a rocky production process that saw extensive reshoots, Rogue One earned positive reviews and grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Globally, it was the second highest-grossing film of 2016, behind only Captain America: Civil War.

Given Andor‘s strong ties to Rogue One, it’s no shock many Star Wars fans were quick to cue up the spin-off movie after finishing the show. There was a lot of interest in seeing how the series recontextualized the film, which in retrospect operates essentially as Andor Season 3. Rogue One picks up many of the threads from the last Andor Season 2 arc, depicting Cassian’s investigation into the Death Star intel and Director Krennic’s attempts to contain the leaks. Especially considering how Andor makes Cassian’s Rogue One fate even more tragic, the film is required viewing once you’ve seen all of Andor.

Andor creator Tony Gilroy is done with Star Wars now that the show is complete, but Lucasfilm could find itself back at the top of the streaming charts in the near future. Next summer sees the release of the film The Mandalorian & Grogu, and it seems likely fans will want to rewatch the Disney+ series The Mandalorian to refresh their memories ahead of seeing the movie. There’s also Ahsoka Season 2 in the works, which could lead to a bump in popularity for that show’s first season.

The post A 9-Year-Old Star Wars Movie Is Back on the Top Streaming Charts (and We Know Why) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian is one of the most unique projects set in a galaxy far, far away. Rather than focusing on a Jedi or Sith, it follows a bounty hunter, Din Djarin, who finds himself protecting a Force-user named Grogu. The remnants of the Empire, especially Moff Gideon, are hot on Grogu’s trail, wanting to use him for sinister experiments. It’s up to Din to protect his new friend and earn credits here and there by going on missions. However, before long, the duo finds themselves in the middle of a massive conflict between the Empire and Mandalorians that tests their resolve.

Season 3 sees the fighting reach a fever pitch, with a massive battle on Mandalore pitting Bo-Katan’s forces against Moff Gideon’s. Fortunately, the good guys come out on top, putting a stop to the Empire’s plans. There are still a few lingering questions that need to be answered before Din puts his helmet away for good, though.

1) Why Doesn’t Din Djarin Know Who Boba Fett Is?

The beginning of The Mandalorian Season 2 sees Din search for more of his kind. He eventually crosses paths with Boba Fett, who isn’t a Mandalorian but the most fearsome bounty hunter in the galaxy. While Boba was presumed dead after Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, it’s hard to believe that Din had never heard of him when they met up for the first time.

2) Why Does Din Djarin Put His Helmet Back On?

The epic Season 2 finale features Din taking off his helmet to say goodbye to Grogu, who’s leaving to train with Luke Skywalker. It feels like the Mandalorian is turning over a new leaf and going to give up wearing the helmet when he doesn’t need to, but he has it back on during Season 3. His explanation about wanting to get back on his clan’s good side just doesn’t add up.

3) Why Didn’t Bo-Katan Ever Visit Mandalore Before Season 3?

The big battle in The Mandalorian Season 3 takes place on Mandalore, the Mandalorian home world that the Empire destroyed during the Galactic Civil War. Bo-Katan claims that the planet is no longer habitable, being poisoned by the Empire. However, when a group of Mandalorians arrive on the surface, everything’s fine, making it seem like Bo-Katan was staying away for her own reasons.

4) Why Does Bo-Katan Accept the Darksaber?

Din tries to give Bo-Katan the Darksaber in Season 2 after taking it from Moff Gideon, but she doesn’t accept it. She knows that the rules state that she can only win it in battle. Those seem to go out the window in Season 3, though, when she takes the weapon from Din and uses it to rally the troops ahead of the battle against Gideon.

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5) Will the Darksaber Ever Return?

Despite wielding the Darksaber once again, Bo-Katan loses it during her fight with Gideon. The Imperial uses his Darktrooper armor to destroy it, leaving Bo-Katan heartbroken. While the Darksaber’s fate is left up in the air after that, there’s no way an item that important stays on the back burner forever.

6) Is Moff Gideon Gone for Good?

Gideon seemingly loses his life at the end of The Mandalorian Season 3. He gets engulfed by flames on Mandalore, and the show never shows his character again after that. The Empire is working on cloning technology throughout the show, though, and Gideon is behind all of it. It’s entirely possible that there’s another version of him out there preparing to strike back.

7) What Makes Din Djarin Give Up His Peace?

After all the fighting, Din gets himself a nice homestead on Nevarro and puts his feet up. Grogu joins him and appears to be enjoying the peace and quiet. The existence of the Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu movie means that the duo doesn’t relax for long, but it feels like it’s going to take something crazy to get them back into the action. The movie will need to reveal what that is sooner rather than later.

The Mandalorian is streaming on Disney+.

Do you want answers to the questions on this list? What other things do you hope The Mandalorian & Gorgu addresses? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 7 Star Wars Questions The Mandalorian Fans Still Want Answered appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Spaceballs 2 is finally happening, and fans of Mel Brooks’ original film will be thrilled to hear what the sequel is bringing to the table. Ever since the announcement that the Spaceballs sequel was moving forward, fans have been wondering if (how?) members of the original cast would be returning, given that more than three decades have passed. Well, even though we may not have all the details yet, we now know that Brooks and Co. are definitely going for continuity with the first film, as the legendary comedic filmmaker is confirmed to be reprising his own role(s) in the sequel, while bringing back some other original stars along with him!

It’s been confirmed that Rick Moranis and Bill Pullman are both returning for Spaceballs 2, in their respective roles as Darth Helmet and Lone Starr. Brooks will reportedly return as his Yoda satire character, “Yogurt,” and may also be reprising his secondary role as the bumbling “President Skroob” of Planet Spaceball. Keke Palmer (Nope) will join the veteran cast in an undisclosed role. [NOTE: The original report from Deadline may have some of these character details mixed up – it’s still being clarified at the time of writing this.]

Along with the casting reports, Brooks also put out this hilarious teaser for the Spaceballs sequel, which almost immediately plunges us right back into the satirical spirit of the original:

Moranis’s return is a big deal; after being a major comedic star of the ’80s and ’90s, the actor largely disappeared from Hollywood and public life. He did voice work in the 2000s for series like Bob & Doug McKenzie and Brother Bear, but since then he’s only done one appearance as himself in one of Ryan Reynolds’ Mint Mobile ads, as well as (ironically) voicing Darth Helmet again for a 2018 episode of The Goldbergs TV series.

While Bill Pullman has been steadily working since the ’80s, his roles are much more infrequent these days. He starred in the cop drama series The Sinner (2017-2021), and played the titular role in last year’s crime-drama biopic about the high-profile murders allegedly committed by lawyer Alex Murdaugh. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Pullman do comedy; a lot of fans are wondering out loud if the actor’s son, Lewis Pullman, won’t also get roped into the cast, given how newfound fame after Marvel’s Thunderbolts*. Keke Palmer just scored a big comedic win starring alongside R&B star SZA in the cult-hit female-led comedy One of Them Days, which is getting its own sequel chapter. There are many fun ways Spaceballs 2 could deploy the actress – the most obvious being a composite of sequel trilogy heroes Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega).

Obviously, the sequel will not see the late John Candy returning as Barf – same for the late Joan Rivers, who played C-3PO knock-off “Dot Matrix.” The biggest question left is whether the final member of the main cast, actress Daphne Zuniga, will also return.

Spaceballs 2: Everything We Know (So Far)

Amazon-MGM is producing the Spaceballs sequel, which is being directed by Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar), who also worked on Star Wars Behind the Mac: Skywalker Sound, a short documentary about Star Wars’ sound designers. Frozen star Josh Gad co-wrote the screenplay with Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit (The Addams Family 2, Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem). Gad will also co-star and co-produce, with a big lineup of co-producers that includes Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Jeb Brody, and Brooks. Greenbaum, Kevin Salter, Adam Merims, Samit, and Hernandez are all onboard as executive producers.

The sequel has been something of a passion project for Gad, who loved MGM’s 1987 Star Wars spoof film (which also lampooned other famous sci-fi works). The main story of the film saw Brooks’ President Skroob and Moranis’ Darth Helmet attempting to use their superweapon (a mega-vacuum) to steal the atmosphere of the planet “Druidia” and doom its people. “Druish” princess Vespa (Zuniga) is captured and rescued by smuggler-turned-hero Lone Starr (Pullman) and his furry dog-man partner, Barf (Candy). The film did send-ups of many Star Wars staples (like having Dom DeLuise voice “Pizza the Hut”) and has been one of the biggest cult-classics in Mel Brooks’ filmography.

Gad has admitted he had to walk Mel Brooks through the convoluted modern canon of Star Wars in order to crack the idea for the sequel.

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“I pitch for 40 minutes. It’s literally like, I am a combat vet just going to war in front of one person,” Gad previously said. “I’m sweating, I am getting into every line and every beat and every comedic set piece, every reveal. I’m painting all of it and I’m speaking to how this speaks to a certain Star Wars moment.”

For all his effort, Gad moved Brooks, who responded, “Wow. Josh, it really sounds like you’ve got your finger on the pulse!”

The sequel is cheekily being described as ‘A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two – but with Reboot Elements – Franchise Expansion Film.’ That alone already feels like Gad and Co. are taking sharp aim at both George Lucas’ Star Wars prequels and the Disney era of the franchise thereafter, which has produced the sequel trilogy, numerous spinoffs, and an overload of TV/streaming content.

Spaceballs 2 is in development.

The post Spaceballs 2 Confirms New and Returning Cast (And It Has a Hilarious Teaser) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Hasbro’s The Black Series Masters of Evil 3-pack launched back in March of 2024 as an Amazon exclusive with 6-inch figures of Darth Vader, Grand Admiral Thrawn, and General Grievous along with 7 lightsaber and blaster accessories. The original price of $79.99 was probably hard to swallow for some collectors, but how does $54.49 sound? If that seals the deal then you’l want to pick it up here on Amazon quickly. The 32% off sale is of the lightning variety, which means that it will disappear when the sale is 100% claimed or the sale ends. Read on for additional details about the set.

The Masters of Evil 3-pack includes figures of Darth Vader as he appeared in The Empire Strikes Back, Grand Admiral Thrawn from the Ahsoka series on Disney+ and General Grievous from the Clone Wars series. Note that this set ushered in new cardback designs, which you can see below.

On a related note, in November 2024, Disney, Lucasfilm and Hasbro released The Black Series Obi-Wan Kenobi & Clone Trooper (212th) 2-pack as inspired by the Star Wars: The Clone Wars series. At the time, the set was a Hasbro Pulse exclusive, and it has been sold out for months. However, it has made its return as an exclusive for The Disney Store, and you can get your order in via the link below while it lasts.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES OBI-WAN KENOBI & CLONE TROOPER (212TH) / $44.99 – See at The Disney Store: “During the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi became a general in the Army of the Republic, leading the famed 212th clone military battalion with Commander Cody. This STAR WARS action figure set is detailed to look like Obi-Wan Kenobi and a 212th legion clone trooper. Comes with his signature Lightsaber and a blaster accessory.”

If you want to see what else Hasbro has in store for their Star Wars lineup, you can keep tabs on the latest and greatest releases here at Comicbook. We expect to see several new releases before the end of June 2025.

The post Star Wars The Black Series Masters of Evil 3-Pack Exclusive Gets Its Best-Ever Deal appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The final moments of Star Wars Rebels delivered an emotional gut punch to fans by showing the fates of the beloved Ghost crew after the Galactic Civil War. But perhaps the most surprising and tear-jerking revelation came in the form of Jacen Syndulla ‒ the son of Hera Syndulla and the late Kanan Jarrus. This quiet, yet profound, epilogue affirmed the enduring love story that captivated audiences throughout the series; a legacy carried on in Star Wars: Ahsoka. What many viewers didn’t know, however, was that the reveal of Jacen was just as shocking to the voice of Hera Syndulla, actress Vanessa Marshall.

In an exclusive interview for ComicBook with the cast of Pod of Rebellion – the new rewatch podcast featuring Marshall, Tiya Sircar (Sabine Wren), Taylor Gray (Ezra Bridger), and moderator Jon Lee Brody – the actors reminisced about the emotional series finale screening, where Marshall learned about Hera and Kanan’s child in real-time; a secret that Tiya Sircar had been fiercely guarding for an entire year.

The Unforeseen Joy of a Shared Future

For Vanessa Marshall, the death of Kanan Jarrus in “Jedi Night” was already a monumental moment of grief and sacrifice for her character, Hera. The idea that there could be anything beyond that sorrow was, at the time, unimaginable. “I thought there was a workaround [for Kanan’s death]. I didn’t know I was going to birth his child,” Marshall candidly admitted during our interview. As an actor, she lived through the loss Kanan’s sacrifice represented, never anticipating the miraculous extension of their love. The audience’s shock was mirrored by Marshall’s genuine surprise, making the onscreen moment even more impactful for her. It was a secret so tightly held that only one cast member, Tiya Sircar, was privy to its contents for a full year leading up to the finale.

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Sircar recounted the immense pressure of keeping such a pivotal plot point under wraps. As the epilogue’s narrator, Sircar had recorded the voiceover a full year prior to Disney screening the finale. “That was the hardest. That was the hardest secret to keep,” she shared with regard to the Jacen revelation. The anticipation built to a fever pitch for Sircar as the day of the cast screening approached. She knew the emotional rollercoaster Marshall was about to experience. “And I remember Vanessa was a few rows ahead of me, and I had been waiting a year, knowing that her brain was going to explode when she found out about their child. And I remember watching it in this darkened theater. I wasn’t watching the screen. I was watching Vanessa to see what her reaction was, and she burst into tears.” Sircar’s story perfectly encapsulates the unique dynamic of the Rebels cast – a genuine family, both on and off-screen.

The Unforgettable Moment of Revelation

When the moment of Jacen’s reveal finally arrived at the cast screening, it was a truly chaotic and hilarious scene, as recounted by Marshall and Gray. My question, “How did you react to that big surprise?” prompted a cascade of vivid memories. Taylor Gray, who sat next to Marshall in the theater, recalled how her shock manifested with a punch to his arm: “I was sitting next to her and my arm – I thought it was going to get bruised.”

Marshall’s recollection painted an even more vivid picture of the unexpected reveal. “I hadn’t eaten all day [before the screening] because I was running around. And I was like ‘I better eat a protein bar now before I pass out.’” In a moment of pure, unscripted irony, Marshall was mid-bite into her protein bar, believing the dramatic revelations were over with the final scene of the series, when the epilogue and Hera and Jacen appeared on screen. Unbeknownst to her, Lucasfilm had strategically placed night vision cameras to capture every single reaction. “I did not clock that. So, I see that I’ve given birth to a small child. I’m mid-bite and I look at Taylor with this face and I punch him in the arm. I’m sitting there chewing, going, ‘what!?’ Meanwhile, I had no idea. There was nothing demure or poetic like, ‘Oh, look, I’ve had a baby.’ It’s just choking on a protein bar [and] punching Ezra – Taylor. And then, looking up to see that it was all caught on film, thinking: ‘wait, when did I have a baby? How did I not know this?”

The sheer normalcy of Marshall’s pre-reveal activities in contrast with the monumental emotional impact of Kanan and Hera’s child highlights the genuine, raw surprise she experienced. Her immediate reaction was to seek out the one person she knew held the key to this secret: Tiya. Sircar confirmed this, admitting, “If I wasn’t sworn to secrecy [by Dave Filoni], I would have made a beeline to you and been like, ‘you’re not going to believe this!’ But I wanted to, really bad.” This shared experience, from the guarded secret to the heartwarming (and simultaneously heartbreaking) revelation of Jacen Syndulla, shows just how deep the bond of trust and affection is among the Star Wars Rebels cast – a bond that continues to resonate with fans through their new podcast, Pod of Rebellion. The unexpected joy of Jacen’s existence, even in the wake of Kanan’s sacrifice, became a testament to enduring hope and a secret that truly exploded into the galaxy.

Pod of Rebellion is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. 

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Andy Serkis believes it was the right call to not bring his character Kino Loy back in Star Wars: Andor Season 2. In an interview with Collider to promote his new movie Animal Farm, Serkis explained his reasoning, recalling that Kino was at the center of an emotionally powerful arc during Andor‘s first season. In his mind, giving Kino a role in the second season would have been a difficult thing to pull off, particularly since Season 1 gave the character an ending that felt like a “definite and heroic conclusion.” Considering the reception to his performance as Kino Loy, Serkis felt it was best that he didn’t return.

“I ultimately think it’s best for the character,” Serkis said. “It was such a great arc, and it had a very, very definite and heroic conclusion. I think, in many ways, to go back would be difficult because it has left a mark. I was so surprised at how emotionally effective that character was, actually, and so I think it’s way, way better that we leave him in Narkina 5, on his own.”

On Andor Season 1, Kino Loy was the day shift manager at the Narkina 5 Imperial prison complex. He oversees a group of inmates that includes the likes of Cassian and Melshi. Initially, Kino is only interested in serving out the rest of his sentence and going home, but after learning the horrifying truths of the facility, he helps his fellow prisoners organize a breakout. This is capped off by Kino’s rousing monologue in the episode “One Way Out.” Tragically, he is unable to join Cassian and the rest in freedom because Narkina 5 is surrounded by water and he can’t swim.

[RELATED – Disney Told Andor Creator “Streaming Is Dead” (Is Star Wars In Trouble?)]

Previously, Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy shared his take on why Kino Loy wasn’t brought back. He was wary of undercutting the impact of the character’s final moments in Season 1 and didn’t want to do something that was too coincidental — such as having Kino Loy be at the Rebel base on Yavin IV. Gilroy felt there was no topping the Narkina 5 arc, so he thought it wise to just leave the character alone.

As great as it would have been to see Serkis back on Andor, it definitely was for the best that Kino didn’t return for Season 2. The character is so specific to the Narkina 5 arc that it would have been tricky to find an organic spot for him in the second season, which featured several large time jumps as it built to the events of Rogue One. Even if Kino found a way to leave Narkina 5 and wasn’t just severely punished by the Empire for his role in the outbreak, there’s no guarantee he would have become part of the Rebellion. Kino obviously has no love for Imperials, but that doesn’t mean he was game to be a freedom fighter. Melshi fought alongside Cassian, but many of the Narkina 5 prisoners were likely more concerned about their own self interests.

“One Way Out” is also widely considered to be one of the best episodes of Andor across its two-season run. If Kino had come back, it would have built up an expectation that his next arc would match or exceed Narkina 5 in terms of overall impact. Even for someone as talented as Gilroy, that would have been hard to do, and Andor Season 2 had so much on its plate already, it was smart to not try to force in a role for Kino. After the character made such an impression in Season 1, viewers would have been disappointed if he didn’t have much to do in Season 2. Andor was never a show for fan service, which is part of why it’s so widely acclaimed. Perhaps Kino will be featured somewhere else in canon down the line, but Andor Season 2 wasn’t the right spot.

The post Andy Serkis Thinks His Star Wars Character Not Returning Was the Correct Call (& He’s Right) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In November 2024, Disney, Lucasfilm and Hasbro released a fantastic The Black Series Obi-Wan Kenobi & Clone Trooper (212th) 2-pack that was inspired by the Star Wars: The Clone Wars series. At the time, the set was a Hasbro Pulse exclusive, and it has been sold out for months. However, they did state that the set would be released in the future on The Disney Store. Well, the future is now.

If you didn’t purchase The Black Series Obi-Wan Kenobi & Clone Trooper (212th) 2-pack the first time around, your second chance will come on June 10th, most likely at 8am PT / 11am ET but possibly as early as 12am PT / 3am ET right here at The Disney Store. UPDATE: The set is live at the original price of $44.99. Note that you can get free shipping on orders of $85 or more by using the code SHIPMAGIC at checkout. That said, you can find more Star Wars collectibles here at The Disney Store, including new lightsaber replicas, and exclusive Star Wars figures that celebrate the 70th anniversary of Disneyland. More information on the figures in The Clone Wars 2-pack can be found below.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES OBI-WAN KENOBI & CLONE TROOPER (212TH) / $44.99 – See at The Disney Store on June 10th: “During the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi became a general in the Army of the Republic, leading the famed 212th clone military battalion with Commander Cody. This STAR WARS action figure set is detailed to look like Obi-Wan Kenobi and a 212th legion clone trooper. Comes with his signature Lightsaber and a blaster accessory.”

As we mentioned, Disney and Lucasfilm have released figures celebrating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. You can find details on two of the most important collectibles in the lineup below.

• R2-DL70 Interactive Remote Control Droid / $TBA / See at The Disney Store: “All different types of droids populate the Star Wars galaxy. Each droid is different and has their own unique personality and colors. From the heart of Coruscant, R2-DL70’s task is to assist with celebrations. In this instance, they are helping to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Disneyland. Complete with a remote to control its movement, this interactive droid features lights and sounds, and even has a button to change its expression. From a galaxy far, far away to The Happiest Place on Earth, you’ll want to join in the celebrations with R2-DL70.”
• R2-DL70 Star Wars Droid Factory Figure / $TBA / See at The Disney Store: Droid Factory figure of the R2-DL70 in celebration of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary.

The post Star Wars The Black Series Obi-Wan Kenobi & Clone Trooper (212th) 2-Pack Is Back appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Mark Hamill outlines one key difference between George Lucas’ and Disney’s approach to making Star Wars movies. While promoting his new movie The Life of Chuck, Hamill appeared on TODAY and discussed his time in the iconic sci-fi franchise. He recalled a moment during the production of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi when he asked Lucas if the movie should be more about Luke’s internal struggle about turning to the dark side. The filmmaker responded by reminding his actor about Star Wars’ young target audience. That was also the main reason why Lucas was against killing off main characters.

“In the third one, I said, ‘You know, Luke has lost his hand. He’s got the black glove. Shouldn’t it be about Luke struggling with turning to the dark side?'” Hamill said. “And George said, ‘Mark, it’s for children.’ And that’s why he would never consider killing any of the main characters. In the new ones, they pop us off one at a time.”

Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher reprised their original trilogy roles in the sequel trilogy. In each installment, one of the legacy characters dies. Kylo Ren murders Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Luke Skywalker heroically sacrifices himself at the end of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Princess Leia passes away in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker after reaching out to Kylo Ren and encouraging him to come back to the light. The trio of younger Resistance heroes at the heart of the sequels — Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron — all survive the trilogy.

[RELATED – After Andor, What’s Next for Star Wars Fans?]

With Luke now dead, Hamill doesn’t have much interest in reprising the character as a Force ghost (something he did in The Rise of Skywalker) in a future project such as the movie Star Wars: New Jedi Order. He feels it’s time for the Star Wars franchise to move forward and put the focus entirely on new characters.

Though Lucas was never in favor of killing the main characters of the original trilogy (he vetoed Han Solo dying in Return of the Jedi), he seemed more open to it years later. Prior to selling Lucasfilm to Disney, Lucas worked on his own treatment for a sequel trilogy, which included Luke dying in Episode VIII. Lucas was never averse to killing supporting characters (Obi-Wan Kenobi), so perhaps he intended on having the legacy characters return in that kind of role, making it easier for him to contemplate Luke’s death. Skywalker would no longer be the main hero young people look up to. Of course, since Lucas’ sequel trilogy only exists in treatment form, he might have decided to change some things if he had gotten the opportunity to make the films. His ideas for the Star Wars movies were constantly evolving; originally, Darth Vader wasn’t Luke’s father.

It was difficult for longtime Star Wars fans to watch their favorite classic heroes perish in each sequel trilogy film, but arguably, the filmmakers made the right calls there. Those films attempted to balance introducing new characters with continuing the arcs of the main original trilogy trio. From a storytelling perspective, it would have been hard to give six characters meaningful, significant roles across all three movies. Choosing one of the legacy characters to be the primary supporting player each time out (Leia was going to have a larger role in Episode IX before Carrie Fisher’s death) and having that movie be a send-off for them worked well. Assuming Lucasfilm is able to get New Jedi Order off the ground, it’ll be interesting to see if Rey eventually has a noble end of her own as she passes the torch to the next generation.

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