As a kid whose life was profoundly changed by Star Wars in theaters in 1977, the anticipation for the Star Wars Holiday Special on television the following year was high. It’s hard to imagine there was a time when there was very little Star Wars content available to us, but no one anticipated the unprecedented success and impact of Star Wars, and we were starved for that content in the early years. We got some of that fix through the Marvel Comics series, but the three year wait for the next movie seemed like an eternity. So the announcement of a live action television program that continued the story and included all the main actors was something to look forward to. I was glued to the television for every second of the broadcast, and even some of the commercials were entertaining, such as the Kenner commercial with C-3PO and R2-D2….
A new STAR WARS trilogy headed by Simon Kinberg was revealed this week, adding to the abundance of STAR WARS film projects currently in the pipeline and early intel reveals it could feature Daisy Ridley’s character Rey becoming yet another project rumored to feature that character. Sources suggest Rey is Lucasfilm’s most valuable current STAR WARS character asset and we determine whether or not that statement is true. A new trailer for SKELETON CREW dropped and we review it, shot-by-shot. Plus, new footage for ANDOR season 2 was released and we look closely at it along with additional footage leaked from D23 Brazil.
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Disney has removed a planned Star Wars movie from its 2026 release calendar, while the latest installment of a popular animated franchise will take that slot.
Ice Age 6 has now been slated to hit theaters on Dec. 18, 2026. Details of the Star Wars film that was initially set for that date had not been disclosed.
Disney announced last week that Simon Kinberg had been brought on to write and produce a Star Wars trilogy. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy will also produce the trilogy, with sources telling The Hollywood Reporter at the time that the films would involve new characters and will not be a continuation of the previous Skywalker Saga that spanned Episodes 1 through 9 of the sci-fi film franchise….
An outrageous, unthinkable STAR WARS story ripped from the headlines! Learn how an innocent Facebook page about Illinois state history because a parking lot for an unlimited amount of STAR WARS memes and other general wackiness.
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When news broke on Thursday that Simon Kinberg — best known for being a writer, producer, director or all of the above on much of the “X-Men” franchise — had been hired by Lucasfilm to write and produce a new “Star Wars” trilogy, it came as a surprise to many executives at Lucasfilm and Disney. The project is considered internally to be in deep development and not nearly ready to be made public.
There was also some surprise within the wider industry that Lucasfilm had turned to Kinberg as the newest steward of “Star Wars” on the big screen. According to multiple industry sources with experience working in the franchise space, Kinberg is seen on one level as a sensible and safe choice….
David West Reynolds is an archeologist and a STAR WARS writer who worked at Skywalker Ranch and was responsible for some legendary reference books released in the Prequel Era. He also developed the concept of a crystal powering the lightsaber among other contributions to canon that are still in use today. David joined us In the Cantina and discussed some lightsaber lore.
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Diana Lee Inosanto’s Morgan Elsbeth was introduced to STAR WARS fans facing off against Ahsoka Tano during season two of THE MANDALORIAN, with her story continuing in AHSOKA. In this awesome episode of RFR, Diana Lee joins us “In The Cantina” to talk about her incredible journey from martial artist to STAR WARS superstar. Plus, we spend a little bit of time discussing her “Uncle Bruce”, the legendary Bruce Lee. This edition of “In The Cantina” with Diana Lee is an instant classic!
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Simon Kinberg is heading into hyperspace, signing an expansive deal to write and produce a Star Wars feature trilogy.
Kinberg would spearhead the launching of a new saga in the beloved galaxy far, far away, and will write the scripts for what Lucasfilm hopes would chart a brand new path forward for the sci-fi space opera universe.
Lucasfilm topper Kathleen Kennedy will also produce the new trilogy.
The new story is not meant to be a continuation of the Skywalker Saga, the name of the overall arc of the popular and pop culture-dominating Star Wars movies known as Episodes 1 through 9. The intent here is to have brand new characters and a new story, and not have it be a continuation, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. (Although that does not mean that some characters could not or would not pop up.)…
The artwork of the Brothers Hildebrandt was featured on some of the earliest STAR WARS film posters and merchandise and is some of the most famously recognizable art ever created for the saga. Artist Greg Hildebrandt joined us In The Cantina to share behind-the-scenes stories about creating the iconic artwork with his brother Tim, along with the background and history of their well-known images. R.I.P. Greg Hildebrandt!
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Archeologist David West Reynolds discovered the remote Tatooine shooting locations long after records were lost, taking him on his own “Hero’s Journey” from Tunisia to Skywalker Ranch and working with George Lucas. David joins us In The Cantina to discuss his history with STAR WARS including his creation of the original lightsaber crystal concept, and his new Indiana Jones project “Chasing Raiders”. And, of course, David brings his STAR WARS expertise to “The Yoda Questionnaire”. Plus, writer Stephen Knight departs Daisy Ridley’s “New Jedi Order” film and we react to comments from Jude Law about the upcoming streaming show SKELETON CREW.
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Diana Lee Inosanto’s Morgan Elsbeth was introduced to STAR WARS fans facing off against Ahsoka Tano during season two of THE MANDALORIAN, with her story continuing in AHSOKA. In this awesome episode of RFR, Diana Lee joins us “In The Cantina” to talk about her incredible journey from martial artist to STAR WARS superstar. Plus, we spend a little bit of time discussing her “Uncle Bruce”, the legendary Bruce Lee. This edition of “In The Cantina” with Diana Lee is an instant classic! We have an update for the upcoming SKELETON CREW with news about an interesting character from the past appearing in the upcoming show. Plus, audio highlights from interviews featuring Diego Luna talking about ANDOR season two, Carrie-Anne Moss on the cancellation of THE ACOLYTE, Samuel L. Jackson with a Mace Windu “update”, and even comments about STAR WARS from Al Pacino!
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We’ve felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. Or, in other words, we’ve got some less-than-great news on one of our most hotly anticipated new Star Wars movies. You know that new Rey movie with Daisy Ridley that was announced at Star Wars Celebration last year? The one being directed by Ms. Marvel‘s Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and written by Steven Knight? Well, according to Variety‘s reporting, Knight has cancelled his trip to a galaxy far, far away and won’t be penning the picture after all.
Having previously replaced Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson on the project, which is set 15 years after the events of The Rise Of Skywalker, news of Knight’s departure comes as production ramps up on the prolific writer’s Peaky Blinders movie starring Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan. We’ve no word on the reason for Knight’s exit…
We get into the economics of STAR WARS as new information has been revealed about the record-breaking budgets of the films and streaming series. The numbers are colossal. We review “Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku: Insurgency Rising”, a new series from Marvel Comics. Star Wars in Pop Culture returns featuring Eric Idle, John Boyega, Jimmy Fallon with Harrison Ford and more. Plus, we have discussions about the “Balance of The Force”, The Mortis Trilogy, and the infamous “High Ground” scene from Revenge of The Sith.
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Disney has been delivered a crushing blow in its lawsuit battle with former The Mandalorian star Gina Carano.
The actor, 41, is suing the studio, alongside Lucasfilm, for discrimination and wrongful termination after the former MMA fighter was dropped from the Star Wars spin-off in February 2021 for sharing a social media post in which she appeared to compare the Republican experience in the US to that of Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Carano filed a complaint in California federal court, with help from X/Twitter owner Elon Musk, accusing the entertainment companies of damaging her reputation and discriminating her based on her gender. As part of the lawsuit, Carano questioned why the studios did not give similar treatment to her former co-star Pedro Pascal over posts he shared on topical subjects….
We get caught up with Paul Bateman In The Cantina to ask the question: Is Disney Bad at Star Wars? Rancho Obi-Wan’s future was revealed and we have the details. Plus, highlights of Ewan McGregor’s L.A. Comic Con panel featuring his comments about a possible OBI-WAN KENOBI season two, discussion about the AHSOKA series and more!
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Many know Cyn is a popular singer/songwriter and protégé of Katy Perry, but did you know Cyn loves STAR WARS? She certainly does and she joined us In The Cantina to talk about her fandom, the STAR WARS Easter eggs in her latest LP “Valley Girl: Lost on Laurel”, and life with her husband, STAR WARS superfan and RFR pal, director Kyle Newman. Cyn was at the premiere of “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy” and shares her review. Plus, Cyn provides answers to the famous “Yoda Questionnaire” and more!
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5 October 2024 – Seattle, WA and Petaluma, CA: A new chapter in the Star Wars universe is being written, not in a galaxy far, far away, but right here on Earth. The Saga Museum® of Star Wars Memorabilia aims to bring together four of the world’s largest Star Wars collections—comprising over 1.5 million objects—into one groundbreaking, immersive experience. This highly anticipated museum will offer fans a galactic range of exhibits, programs, and amenities designed to be both fun and inspirational, while celebrating the rich legacy of Star Wars. Plans for the new museum were announced Saturday night at a fundraising event at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).
“Since Princess Leia’s spaceship first sped across the big screen and our collective consciousness 47 years ago, Star Wars fandom has continued to grow and evolve,” said Steve Sansweet, founder of the nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan, the world’s largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia as recognized by Guinness World Records. “This new museum is for everyone who has ever felt inspired by Star Wars and its continuing legacy. It will be a place where the creative minds of tomorrow can come and dream.”
The mission of the nonprofit is to share the fun and excitement of Star Wars and to deliver a robust suite of meaningful educational, aesthetic, intellectual, and cultural exhibitions and programming for multiple generations.
“Our intention is that this combined Star Wars memorabilia collection will serve a higher purpose,” Sansweet said. “The legacy of Star Wars is coming full circle to help teach science, technology, robotics, engineering, art, and mathematics in this new museum.”
The founding collections at The Saga Museum are from some of the most renowned Star Wars collectors in the world:
Steve Sansweet—Rancho Obi-Wan: Executive Chairman and Founder of Rancho Obi-Wan, Steve’s collection is certified by Guinness World Records as the largest Star Wars memorabilia collection globally. Steve was Director of Content Management & Head of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm for 15 years and is the author of 17 official Star Wars books.
Gus Lopez—Bobacabana: Creator of the Star Wars Celebration Collecting Track and co-author of several Star Wars books and many articles. Gus’ collection includes rare and one-of-a-kind items like original art, toys, awards, and screen-used movie memorabilia.
Duncan Jenkins—The Sithsonian: Known for his international presentations at Star Wars conventions, Duncan’s collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world, with a focus on international and unique memorabilia. He has also coauthored four Star Wars collectibles books.
Lisa Stevens & Vic Wertz—Imperial Archives: Lisa, one-time president of the Official Star Wars Fan Club and Star Wars Brand Manager at Wizards of the Coast, and Vic, former associate editor of Star Wars Insider, have a collection rich in modern toys and high-end limited-edition collectibles.
“The Saga Museum is a natural extension of Rancho Obi-Wan,” said Anne Neumann, President of the nonprofit museum located in Petaluma, California north of San Francisco that opened to the public in 2011. “Rancho Obi-Wan has inspired thousands of visitors through the ‘Force’ of imagination. Our intention is that The Saga Museum will build on that mission and legacy.”
The founding team, with decades of experience in collecting, curating, and preserving Star Wars memorabilia, has been consulting with museum professionals and fundraising experts to help ensure the success of this new venture. The Saga Museum has launched a campaign to raise $2 million for a two-year planning phase, which will involve working with cities across the United States to identify a permanent, engaging world-class museum design firms, hiring an architectural firm to draft renderings, and executing a capital campaign to fund construction.
“We want The Saga Museum to be a place where everyone, from hardcore fans to casual visitors, can experience the magic of Star Wars in new ways,” said Neumann. “It’s an opportunity to explore how these stories have impacted not just pop culture but the world at large.”
We pay tribute to STAR WARS original trilogy producer Robert Watts with highlights from an in-depth and revealing conversation from the RFR archives. Plus, we found odd STAR WARS connections to a couple of other notable celebrities who recently passed away – Kris Kristofferson and Pete Rose. Plus, the RFR switchboard was open for live listener calls featuring nostalgic STAR WARS “What-If” collecting talk, STAR WARS OUTLAWS reviews, James Earl Jones stories, and “Blake’s Takes”!
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Star Wars rumors are running rampant about what might happen and what could have happened. We look closely at many of them, including what’s happening with the Daisy Ridley “New Jedi Order” film and the possibility of Keanu Reeves joining the cast of a future STAR WARS production. The Unthinkable Outrageous story of the week returns, plus, listener feedback, STAR WARS collecting, and a wacky random fan encounter with George Lucas at a zoo.
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New photos from the upcoming STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW were released this week featuring Jude Law and a few space pirates, including our first look at Jaleel White’s character Gunter. We breakdown the photos and look for any clues about the show. LEGO STAR WARS: REBUILD THE GALAXY premiered last week with a big event in L.A. Singer/songwriter Cyn attended the premiere and she joins us In The Cantina to review the show and talk about her new LP “Valley Girl: Lost In Laurel – Side A”. Ewan McGregor was honored recently with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and Hayden Christensen was there. We have clips from the ceremony along with highlights from Donald Glover discussing his in-development LANDO film. Plus, news about the next “Star Wars Jedi” game featuring Cal Kestus, listener feedback, and complaints about the current retail price of certain STAR WARS action figures.
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We take a closer look at the panels depicting the death of Obi-Wan (Ben) Kenobi via Darth Vader’s lightsaber blade from vintage Marvel Comics STAR WARS #5 from 1977. It might be weirder than you remember!
FROM RFR: “James Earl Jones: Darth Vader Has Been Silenced”
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We lost a legend as Darth Vader was silenced with the passing of James Earl Jones. We pay tribute to the great actor and dig deep into the RFR archives for audio highlights from throughout his stellar STAR WARS career.
FROM RFR: “James Earl Jones: Darth Vader Has Been Silenced”
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We lost a legend this week as Darth Vader was silenced with the passing of James Earl Jones. We pay tribute to the great actor and dig into the RFR archives for audio highlights from throughout his stellar STAR WARS career. RFR has exclusively obtained yearbook photos from a current Lucasfilm leader of STAR WARS storytelling. Listen to find out who it is! Plus, Star Wars in Pop Culture, a new AHSOKA production update, what’s new for STAR WARS Marvel Comics and which animal from the STAR WARS universe would make a good pet?
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12 September 2024 – San Francisco / Seattle: “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…..” Actually, not far away, and coming up on Saturday, October 5, fans of the Star Wars universe are gearing up for an out-of-this-world experience as the acclaimed nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan home to the world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia collection as confirmed by Guinness World Records, hosts a special fundraiser at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). This rare one-night-only event includes food, drink, an exhibit of “Star Wars Inspired Guitars” and of course, opportunities to buy and bid at auction on rare Star Wars collectibles.Special guest emcee for the evening is noted Star Wars Super Fan and online influencer Mark Daniel.At the end of the evening, Rancho Obi-Wan will be making a major announcement about the future of the collection.
“The Force is strong with this event, and strong with our legions of fans from the light and dark side who support our mission,” said Steve Sansweet, who founded the nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan in 2011. “Our mission is to inspire people by showcasing the collection and promoting a warm, joyous, inclusive environment for a fun, authentic fan experience, Rancho Obi-Wan presents collectibles and works of art, including fan-made pieces, to inspire others to be imaginative, creative, seek information and learn new crafts.”
The highly anticipated October 5 event at MoPOP marks a significant milestone—the first fundraiser held outside the museum’s Petaluma, California base.Located just north of San Francisco, thousands of people have experienced the collection, which now comprises a fan base from 59 countries.
“Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture is the perfect spot for this event,” Sansweet continued. “Their collection which includes significant sci-fi elements is sure to delight our attendees. Plus, where else can you take a monorail to a party.”
The evening promises to be a true celebration of Star Wars fandom, with a variety of immersive experiences planned. Attendees will be treated to passed appetizers, a grazing bar, and a dessert bar, all while mingling among iconic Star Wars props and costumes in MoPOP’s extensive galleries. The event will also feature a special exhibit from Rancho Obi-Wan, showcasing Star Wars-themed guitars that are sure to strike a chord with fans of all ages.
“Rancho Obi-Wan is more than just a collection: It’s a celebration of the creativity and passion that Star Wars has inspired in millions of fans worldwide,” said special guest emcee Daniel, the energetic and beloved host of Star Wars Celebration events. “I’m thrilled to be part of an event that brings this incredible community together.”
The evening’s program includes both a live and silent auction, offering attendees the chance to take home rare and unique Star Wars collectibles. Sansweet emphasized the importance of this event in preserving the museum’s vast collection.
“Rancho Obi-Wan is a testament to the enduring legacy of Star Wars, and this fundraiser is crucial in helping us continue to share that legacy with fans for generations to come,” he said.“This collection is, truly, a global treasure of galactic proportions.
Among the items being auctioned off are special “Rancho Obi-Wan Star Wars Experiences” such as: exclusive tours of private Star Wars collections, including those belonging to Rancho Obi-Wan’s Vice President, Gus Lopez, as well aslongtime Star Wars collectors Rancho Obi-Wan board member, Lisa Stevens, and Vic Wertz. These tours, paired with a Skywalker Vineyards wine tasting, offer a rare glimpse into the personal treasures of some of the most dedicated Star Wars collectors in the world. Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) known for its dedication to pop culture, provides the perfect venue for this galactic gathering.
“Our museum is dedicated to providing immersive experiences that inspire and connect diverse communities, which made hosting Rancho Obi-Wan’s fundraiser at MoPOP a natural fit,” said Jacob McMurray, MoPOP Chief Collections + Exhibitions Officer. “We’re honored to partner with Rancho Obi-Wan on an evening showcasing the beloved Star Wars franchise and to raise money for an important cause.”
As guests explore the galleries and participate in the evening’s events, they will also have the opportunity to take photos with costumed Star Wars characters, ensuring that every moment of the evening is filled with memories to last a lifetime.
Tickets for the fundraiser are priced at $350, with a special rate of $300 for Rancho Obi-Wan members. For those looking to enhance their experience, add-on tickets for the exclusive collection tours are available for $550. All proceeds from the event will support Rancho Obi-Wan’s mission to preserve and share the world’s most comprehensive Star Wars collection.
The film industry just lost a titan – the legendary James Earl Jones, who passed away at the age of 93. And among his many iconic performances – in The Lion King, Conan The Barbarian, Coming To America, Field Of Dreams to name but a few – he will always hold the position of voicing Star Wars’ greatest villain: the inimitable Darth Vader. Across the original trilogy, plus Revenge Of The Sith, Rogue One, The Rise Of Skywalker and more, Jones lent his unmistakable boom to one of the all-time-great big screen baddies. And in the wake of his passing, the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, has released a statement in tribute to the man who elevated Vader with his perfectly pitched performances.
As published on StarWars.com, Lucas said: “James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit. For nearly half a century he was Darth Vader, but the secret to it all is he was a beautiful human being. He gave depth, sincerity and meaning to all his roles, amongst the most important being a devoted husband to the late Ceci and dad to Flynn. James will be missed by so many of us…friends and fans alike.”…
We have news about AHSOKA season two including when the show is expected to be filmed and released. We get caught up on Star Wars In Pop Culture with a big supply of popular media references to a galaxy far, far away. The Chicago White Sox had their annual “Star Wars Night” and RFR was there! Hear our full report. STAR WARS replica prop builder Sean Gerardi joins us to discuss the best fan-made STAR WARS props out there including some very impressive customized Lightsabers and more.
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We review the mayhem and misadventures we experienced during a wild weekend with our pal Baby Belushi. Join us for stories, pix and videos of our visits to Fan Expo Chicago 2024 and Blues Brothers Con: The Sequel. See what we saw and hear what we did! You heard us talking about it on RFR, now see the debauchery for yourself!
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Actress Katee Sackhoff discusses the evolution of her character Bo Katan and how the character grew from her introduction in THE CLONE WARS, through REBELS all the way up to season three of THE MANDALORIAN.
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A new cast member has been confirmed for the upcoming THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU feature film. Cassian Andor himself Diego Luna discussed the upcoming ANDOR season two at D23 and we have the highlights. STAR WARS writer Michael Kogge joins us In The Cantina to talk about his junior novelizations of the Sequel Saga which feature alternate scenes from the films, the Star Wars Radio Dramas, and his upcoming JOHN CARTER FROM MARS: THE AUDIO SERIES. Listener feedback leads us to analyze a puzzling scene from RETURN OF THE JEDI.
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We’re profiling Gar Saxon this week in our Star Wars Character Spotlight.
Gar Saxon was a Mandalorian of little moral integrity. Member of Clan Saxon and the Death Watch terrorist group, Gar recognized power and always sided with those he thought had the most of it at any given time. While most Star Wars fans likely remember him from Star Wars Rebels, Saxon also popped up in a couple of Clone Wars stories too. He was closely tied to Darth Maul and the darksaber.
Gar Saxon actually made his debut in the comic Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir, a story which was supposed to be part of The Clone Wars but got adapted into a four-issue comic miniseries instead, after the animated series’ temporary cancellation…
