Dianoga, Joopas, and Zillos? To quote C-3PO: Oh my!
By StarWars.com Team
The Galactic Society of Creature Enthusiasts is back in action, and this time they’re cataloguing their galaxy of creatures through in-depth analysis and gorgeous illustrations.
In the new book, The Star Wars Bestiary, Volume 1: Creatures of the Galaxy, author S.T. Bende and illustrator Iris Compiet have created a compendium for wildlife enthusiasts and Star Wars aficionados. Flip through 10 never-before-seen spreads from the book and read on for an excerpt from an upcoming interview conducted by Melissa T. Miller for Star Wars Insider #228….
From Jyn Erso to Emperor Palpatine, cosplayers at New York Comic-Con shared their love for Star Wars on the convention floor this weekend.
By Paige Lyman
New York Comic-Con 2024 is in full swing and we’ve already spotted a host of Star Wars cosplayers including Padmé Amidalas, stormtroopers, and Dark Side favorites like Kylo Ren, Darth Vader, and the Stranger roaming the convention halls.
Here are just a few of our favorite cosplays and the stories behind their Star Wars journey to NYCC
Kanan Jarrus and Hera Syndulla
Joy and Raphael, a couple from Florida, brought their shared love of Star Wars Rebelsto NYCC as Hera Syndulla and Kanan Jarrus respectively. Though Raphael had seen the animated series before, the two watched it together during an important point in their relationship and got an early head start on their cosplays.
“We started putting together the cosplays before I started watching the show,” Joy says laughing. “We thrifted a lot. Sewing stuff, gluing this, cutting that, and then waiting.”
The two have been cosplaying as Kanan and Hera for about six months and they’ve received encouraging reactions each time. “People love it,” Raphael says. “It’s fun. And I’ve been building on it every time. It helps with my stress and everything. As we all do, in our normal lives, we need an outlet for something.”…
Plus, a first look at the storied Jedi Knights in full armor, a new cover in The Acolyte publishing program, and more!
By StarWars.com Team
The Jedi of Star Wars: The High Republic are ready to take on the Nameless and the Nihil. And that means they’re fully armored up to become the knights the galaxy needs.
The final stories in the Star Wars: The High Republic initiative are coming to your bookshelf next year, and during New York Comic-Con’s Lucasfilm Publishing Panel we got our first look at some of the cover art celebrating the grand finale of Phase III. At NYCC 2024, authors Steven Barnes, Zoraida Córdova, Marc Guggenheim, Lydia Kang, and Charles Soule joined host Krystina Arielle to give fans a glimpse at never-before-seen interior art, upcoming titles, and other news from Star Wars books and comics.
Take a closer look at all the announcements and cover reveals from the delightful conversation!…
Take it from Jedi Master Yoda: “Size matters not” when it comes to choosing what to dive into this Star Wars Reads month.
Epic novels. Comics. Joke books. Audio dramas. They all count as reading. And no matter what kind of reader you are, StarWars.com has a story for you. If you don’t know where to start or what to recommend, we’ve pulled together a few ideas to give you (and your friends and family) inspiration for your next reading adventure.
For audiobook enthusiasts (or commuters looking to make their work trek safely eventful): Listening to stories has never been more entertaining, complete with your favorite Star Wars music and special effects. Treat yourself to a new audiobook while you enjoy a relaxing walk or a cozy afternoon….
Lucasfilm is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Robert Watts at the age of 86. The producer was intimately involved in the making of half a dozen Lucasfilm classics from 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope to 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
“It’s not an overstatement to say that, without Robert Watts’ involvement, Lucasfilm would be a very different company today,” says Kathleen Kennedy. “Not only did he bring his own skills to the production of several milestone films, but also gave opportunities to so many other important crew members to do so as well.”…
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series premiere, revisit the resilient rebels with some behind-the-scenes trivia.
By Kelly Knox
Star Wars fans met Kanan Jarrus (Spectre-1), Hera Syndulla (Spectre-2), Chopper (Spectre-3), Zeb Orrelios (Spectre-4), Sabine Wren (Spectre-5), and Ezra Bridger (Spectre-6) when Star Wars Rebels made its explosive debut with “Spark of Rebellion” on October 3, 2014. Co-created by Dave Filoni, Carrie Beck, and Simon Kinberg, audiences joined the Ghost crew in their adventures during the early days of the Rebellion. Whether you laughed and cried week to week as each episode aired for the next four years, or you experienced their journey all at once on Disney+, there’s still a few things you probably don’t know about your favorite found family.
For example, you probably know that Zeb was based on an early sketch of Chewbacca by Ralph McQuarrie.
You might even know that the brave and beleaguered Imperial inventory droid AP-5 is named after Lucasfilm Animation’s Athena Portillo.
But did you know the World Between Worlds was inspired by C.S. Lewis’s “Wood Between Worlds” from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew? Or that Commander Jun Sato’s name is an homage to director Jun Fukuda and composer Masaru Sato of the 1974 film Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla?…
Meet the artist, TAKUMI, and get a sneak peek of the first five characters: Ahsoka, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Yoda, and the Mandalorian and Grogu
By Pete Vilmur
Star Wars Celebration badges have provided a distinct opportunity to present a broad range of Star Wars characters with a unique artistic vision, a tradition stretching back to the first Celebration in 1999. While the badges are, of course, necessary to enter Star Wars Celebration’s doors, they often become prized keepsakes long after the excitement of new friends, rare moments, and first reveals have receded into memory.
With Star Wars Celebration Japan quickly approaching, StarWars.com can now reveal the first five pieces of character art that will be presented on the event badges, masterfully illustrated in the ukiyo-e style — a tradition of Japanese art that thrived in the 17th to 19th centuries — by Japanese artist TAKUMI. Born in the northern region of Hokkaido, TAKUMI began his career as an illustrator after winning the “Weekly Shonen JUMP” Rookie Award in 2012, and has since worked on official merchandise designs for several artists and in Japanese anime. TAKUMI has a deep interest in the modern iteration of ukiyo-e and has created official promotional art in that genre for Marvel’s Thor: Love & Thunder and Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian season three….
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.”
On October 3, 2014, the animated series debuted. A decade later, we’re still thinking about the Ghost and her crew.
By StarWars.com Team
It’s been 10 years since Ezra Bridger, a young orphan on Lothal, first joined up with the Ghost crew and changed not only his life but also the future of the galaxy.
Following in the footsteps of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels debuted with a two-episode premiere stitched together into a one-hour movie event on the Disney Channel and Disney XD. Created by Clone Wars veteran Dave Filoni, Simon Kinberg, and Carrie Beck, “Spark of Rebellion” ignited a new era for a generation of fans who would soon discover the sequel trilogy on the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015….
Author Steven Barnes shares insights into his latest Star Wars story as well as an exclusive excerpt from the book.
By Isabel Hinchliff
Mace Windu owes Qui-Gon Jinn a favor, and the time has come for him to repay his debt. In the new novel Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss, Master Windu receives a message from his fallen friend, which sends him outside the reach of the Republic to the Outer Rim. On the planet Metagos, Windu goes undercover, playing rival criminal elements against one another. But as he descends deeper into the crystal caverns of the capital city of New Xaxxis, he begins to lose more than just his name and title, questioning his past and the limits of his moral flexibility.
Author Steven Barnes, who also wrote the Legends novel Star Wars: The Cestus Deception, recently spoke with StarWars.com about his return to a galaxy far, far away. Read on to learn more about the exciting action and expansive worldbuilding of Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss and enjoy an exclusive first excerpt from the novel!…
The possibility of not adding this C-3PO to your collection is approximately 3,720 to 1 (unless it sells out almost immediately and ya can’t feckin’ get one!!!)
By StarWars.com Team
The next must-have collectible in the Star Wars: Galactic Archive Series features a familiar gold face — and voice! C-3PO, the heroic protocol droid and occasional Ewok deity, is ready to light up your home as a premium electronic head model. With glowing golden eyes and a gleaming metallic finish, this replica will be the shining star of your Star Wars collection.
The highly detailed head highlights the different iterations of C-3PO during his journey across all nine films in the Skywalker Saga. A removable casing pays homage to his less shiny appearance in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, when he was just pieced together by young Anakin Skywalker. (His parts are showing!) …
Did you catch these references to a galaxy of brick building while watching the four-piece Disney+ Star Wars special event?
By StarWars.com Team
When the world of LEGO Star Wars is turned upside down, there’s no limit to the Easter eggs and references that can come tumbling out.
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy traces the journey of young Sig Greebling, who is thrust into a hilarious and heartfelt journey as he tries to rebuild his topsy-turvy galaxy. Alongside his new mentor, Jedi Bob, Sig comes face-to-face with familiar friends and foes, as well as encountering countless callbacks to the stories and lore Star Wars and LEGO fans have grown to love over the years.
Here are 7 of our favorite Easter eggs from LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy (with 7 more coming later this month!)…
The new Ultimate Collector Series building set is packed with nearly a dozen new minifigures and all the glorious details the Hutt Clan demands in a luxury barge — including some new additions.
By StarWars.com Team
You don’t have to be a Tatooine crime boss to appreciate the fine details in the new Jabba’s Sail Barge building set from the LEGO Group. But we do recommend building your own while Max Rebo Band’s “Galactic Dance Blast” plays on repeat.
For the first time in the LEGO Group’s Ultimate Collector Series (UCS), the Khetanna is ready to make its debut far, far away from the hungry maw of the sarlacc in the Dune Sea and exclusively on your LEGO shelf. Ahead of the arrival of the latest design in the hyper-detailed line this October, focused on experienced builders and Adult Fans of LEGO (or AFOLs), we have your first look inside the Hutt’s luxury barge…
The four-piece animated special is now available on Disney+
By StarWars.com Team
In a world where Luke Skywalker is in a podrace against Max Rebo and Leia Organa is in love with Greedo, you know everything has been mixed up, mashed up and completely turned around. And that doesn’t even begin to take into account Darth Jar Jar, his associate Darth Nubs, and the rest of the characters and chaos at the heart of LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, now available on Disney+.
You might want to buckle up for this twisted tale following Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), an ordinary nerf herder who unearths a powerful artifact called the Cornerstone from a hidden Jedi temple and is thrust into the mayhem….
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.
Friend and frequent co-star Hayden Christensen spoke at the ceremony.
By Kelly Knox
Hello there, Hollywood.
Ewan McGregor, who has played the legendary Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi for 25 years, was celebrated by friends and family Thursday morning at the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. McGregor’s star, number 2,789 in the category of Motion Pictures, is situated just a few feet away from the star honoring the late Carrie Fisher.
“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is excited to honor Ewan McGregor in celebration of his exceptional career and accomplishments with this dedication ceremony,” said Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez. “His portrayal of iconic characters has left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.”…
The actor who gave Darth Vader his iconic voice has passed away.
By StarWars.com Team
Everyone at Lucasfilm was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Earl Jones at the age of 93. For over four decades, the stage and screen actor lent his voice to the role of Darth Vader in the Star Wars saga.
“James Earl Jones is one of the most versatile and talented actors of our time, with an iconic body of work across film, stage and television,” says Kathleen Kennedy. “The menacing baritone he brought to Darth Vader will forever be beloved by fans and regarded as one of the great villainous performances in cinema. His commanding presence on screen, and warm personality off screen, will be greatly missed.”
“James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit,” says George Lucas. “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.”…
The veteran sound artist was among the first crew members to work on the Star Wars prequel entry.
By Lucas Seastrom
The first person to watch the initial assembly of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999) wasn’t director George Lucas. It was then-25-year-old Matthew Wood of Skywalker Sound. As he tells StarWars.com, picture editors Ben Burtt and Paul Martin Smith had spent weeks with Lucas at Skywalker Ranch compiling the first rough version of Episode I. Hours long and far from the refined cut that audiences would see, it was up to Wood to review it and make notes about voices that needed recording.
“Paul and Ben ran out their sequences on video tapes for me,” Wood recalls, “and as I walked into their office, they were all stacked up really high on the table. George Lucas said, ‘Well, here you go, Matt. You’re the first person that’s going to watch the whole movie from beginning to end.’” George was obviously watching everything between the two editing rooms, but they hadn’t screened the movie in its entirety yet. This was the first output of the movie, and I had it in my hands. The Ranch has these bikes so we can ride between the buildings, and I put all the tapes in the front basket and rode back to the Tech Building….
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…
With these tips and tricks, we’ll help you get started on your own Outlaws adventure.
By Amy Richau
Star Wars is for everyone — and that includes Star Wars games.
Whether you are a casual gamer or you have a dedicated gaming chair, Star Wars Outlaws offers a unique chance for players of all levels to disappear into the Star Wars galaxy. As the protagonist of the game, Kay Vess is a sneaky scoundrel just trying to survive. While she may lack Force powers, Kay proves she’s more than capable of completing her missions for various criminal syndicates with a blaster and her good buddy, Nix, by her side.
While Outlaws has plenty of features sure to delight expert gamers, Massive Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games made sure the first-ever open world Star Wars game could also be enjoyed by people who may have not played many, or any, video games before.
Here are some tips to get you started and help you make the most out of your scoundrel experience….
We’ve known for a few months that Sigourney Weaver will be appearing in the next Star Wars movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu, which is currently shooting. But hearing it from news reports is one thing — hearing it from the actress herself, is a lot more satisfying.
Weaver was interviewed by Deadline right before receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival, and when asked what’s next on her schedule, she mentioned the upcoming film by director Jon Favreau…
Aurra Sing is the fearsome bounty hunter first glimpsed in The Phantom Menace who was then expanded upon in comics and novels. Like Cad Bane, she is a morally bankrupt bounty hunter who cares about little beyond getting paid no matter who she harms. Armed with a sniper rifle and built-in comlink antenna, she was a fearsome assassin.
While a lot of her Legends stories are no longer canon – which mainly means she no longer wields lightsabers – some fans might be surprised to know that she is still considered Force sensitive in current canon, considering George Lucas ignored that backstory completely when he used her in The Clone Wars…
The film, a comprehensive look at the prolific life and career of the Star Wars composer, will premiere in theaters and on Disney+ later this year.
By StarWars.com Team
A new documentary film arriving later this year will chronicle the life and legendary career of John Williams, the visionary composer behind many of the most iconic film soundtracks in history.
Today the American Film Institute (AFI) announced Music By John Williams, from Lucasfilm Ltd., Amblin Documentaries, and Imagine Documentaries, which will debut with a world premiere at AFI Fest on October 23, before a limited theatrical run. You can also watch Music By John Williams when it arrives on Disney+ on November 1.
Among Williams many credits and accolades, including an astounding 54 Oscar nominations and five wins, the maestro served as composer for the original Star Wars score and all nine films in the Skywalker saga, from Star Wars: A New Hope through Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, plus Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Beginning with his early days as a jazz pianist, the documentary celebrates Williams’ countless contributions to the moving image arts, music for the concert stage as well as his indelible impact on popular culture, including scoring the Indiana Jones films and countless other classics….
Eri Hirose, a senior director at the Japan National Tourism Organization, takes us on a virtual tour of fascinating places for Star Wars fans to visit before or after Star Wars Celebration Japan.
By Paige Lyman
If you’re planning to attend Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, you’re already in for one of the biggest celebratory Star Wars events in any galaxy next April. But there are plenty of other ways to connect with the Force beyond the convention floor in Japan. You can visit the castle from The Hidden Fortress, one of the Akira Kurosawa films that inspired Star Wars, or take a walk in the footsteps of real-life samurai who served as the template for the Jedi Order.
If you’re ready to play galactic tourist, we recently spoke with Eri Hirose, a senior director from the Japan National Tourism Organization, to collect some ideas to add to your Celebration itinerary….
After an eventful D23 weekend, the SWNN Live! crew is back to dive deeper into the big Star Wars news and trailers that were shown! Join Tyler, Luke, and myself (Jay) as Tyler shares five hot takes right off the heels of D23. We also discuss some other minor news related to Daisy Ridley and a new season of Young Jedi Adventures.
SWNN Live! is a streamed podcast that airs at 10 pm EST/ 7 pm PST (subject to change). Viewers can watch the show on YouTube, Facebook, and X (Twitter), or listen to it on Spotify and Apple Podcasts after the fact. But for those who do catch us live, you can leave us a comment, share your thoughts, and join the chat live on YouTube and our social media channels. We enjoy bringing in everyone’s thoughts….
The sweet blue Pooba’s love of plants, snacks, and his friends doesn’t need subtitles or a translation in the adorable animated series.
By Amy Richau
Dee Bradley Baker loves a good challenge when it comes to crafting the voice for a new character. “It’s really fun to do characters that are not speaking English in Star Wars,” he tells StarWars.com.
For decades, the longtime Star Wars voice actor has helped create an eclectic group of characters in animated series and video games. From voicing all the clone troopers in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch to the merqaal Nix in the soon-to-be released video game Star Wars Outlaws, if there’s a Star Wars project that needs voice actors, it’s highly likely Baker is a part of the crew.
As the animated series Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures sees the debut of its second season today, Baker, the voice of the fan-favorite character Nubs in the children’s series, sat down with StarWars.com to chat about creating a language for the Pooba species and the rise of #NubsNation….
Get your first look at the new Star Wars series, then join the adventure on Disney+ December 3.
By StarWars.com Team
“What if we could go anywhere we want in the whole galaxy?”
This December, we’re ready to get lost in space on a new Star Wars quest asking exactly that.
Today at D23 we got our first look at Skeleton Crew with the first trailer and key art introducing the curious protagonists: Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), KB (Kyriana Kratter), Neel (Robert Timothy Smith), and their motley crew: the mysterious and enigmatic Jod Na Nawood (Jude Law) and the droid SM-33 (voiced by Nick Frost), the decrepit first mate of the Onyx Cinder. The cast also includes Tunde Adebimpe and Kerry Condon….
Watch the first trailer for Skeleton Crew, learn which characters are coming to Andor Season 2, and strap in for an update on The Mandalorian and Grogu, now in production, from the Disney Entertainment Showcase.
By StarWars.com Team
The return of Orson Krennic and K-2SO, news on the big-screen adventure for The Mandalorian and Grogu, and the first trailer for Skeleton Crew brought cheers and applause from the crowd at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
During the Disney Studio Showcase, Skeleton Crew star Jude Law — who plays the enigmatic Jod Na Nawood — introduced the world’s first look at footage from the forthcoming series, created by Spider-Man Homecoming director Jon Watts and writer Christopher Ford. Following the adventures of four kids — Wim, Fern, KB, and Neel — the trailer gives us a glimpse at a mysterious discovery and the journey ahead as the foursome are hurtled into a strange and dangerous galaxy….
Get ready to experience the biggest panels, legendary moments, and other galactic sights to take in on the show floor.
By StarWars.com Team
At next week’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, get ready to step inside your own Star Wars story through the magic of Stagecraft.
During the three-day event this year, you’ll also have the chance to learn more about your favorite Star Wars series, and celebrate a trio of Star Wars legends: the maestro John Williams, Han Solo actor Harrison Ford, and Frank Oz, the voice and puppeteer behind Yoda. And while we can’t wait to report back on everything we learn at the Disney Entertainment Showcase, where there is sure to be a segment devoted to forthcoming Lucasfilm titles, there is so much to see and do on the show floor before and after the panel event! Here’s a closer look at your guide to all the Star Wars excitement throughout the weekend.
Lucasfilm Booth
Throughout the event, Lucasfilm is excited to offer D23 attendees the opportunity to experience first-hand the magic of ILM StageCraft, the technology used to bring to life the worlds of The Mandalorian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka and more. Visit the Lucasfilm pavilion for immersive photo opps and join luminaries from behind the scenes of the Star Wars galaxy for more on how this innovative technology is bringing storytelling into the future.
Disney+ Pavilion
Stop by the Disney+ Pavilion during D23 for a chance to celebrate the streaming service and its full catalog of Star Wars offerings. Plus, get a preview of coming attractions with a Star Wars: Skeleton Crew photo opportunity inspired by the thrilling new live-action series debuting on Disney+ December 3. In the spirit of the Amblin coming-of-age films from the 1980s like The Goonies and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Skeleton Crew stars Jude Law, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter, and Robert Timothy Smith. Series creators and head writers Jon Watts and Christopher Ford also serve as executive producers alongside Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Kathleen Kennedy, and Colin Wilson….
Learn more about the subtle art of creating lightsaber effects and how creatures like the umbramoths were brought to life.
By Lucas Seastrom
A good monster fight remains a staple in fantasy and science-fiction storytelling. In Lucasfilm’s The Acolyte, the various encounters with the umbramoths on the planet Khofar make for not only entertaining action but important storytelling as well. “They attempt to attack Osha, are sliced up by Sol, and ultimately they take the Stranger away. They were a great challenge,” Industrial Light & Magic’s production visual effects supervisor Julian Foddy explains.
Initially, according to Foddy, the umbramoths were imagined to be insectoid creatures who emerged from “cocoon-like sacks” hanging from the trees. The design then evolved to be similar to large pill bugs who wrap themselves around the trees and sleep during the day before taking flight in the evening. Their depiction involved a collaboration between Foddy and the visual effects artists with creature designer Neal Scanlan and his team of fabricators and puppeteers….
