Ryan Kiera Armstrong stars in ‘ Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’.
Preview:
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’s Ryan Kiera Armstrong is aboard the new ‘Buffy’ series.
Sarah Michelle Gellar is back as the vampire slayer.
Chloé Zhao will direct the pilot and produce.
It might not feature white smoke coming out of a chimney as with the recent Pope’s election, but we have a chosen one within the expanding world of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’
To be clear, this will be more a next step than a total reinvention of the vampire slayer concept, which has so far proved reliable on screens big and small and in comic book form.
The new series comes via Hulu, which has a pilot order in place with Gellar as co-star and executive producer.
‘Poker Face’ showrunners Nora and Lilla Zuckerman are developing what is being described as “the next chapter in the Buffyverse.” Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, whose movies include ‘Nomadland’ and Marvel’s‘Eternals’ is set to direct the pilot and serve as a producer.
Gellar’s Buffy Summers will be a mentor to the new Chosen One played by Armstrong, who like her predecessor will be charged with battling all manner of vampires and other demonic creatures (and endowed with strength and resilience to do so) while also navigating more mundane teenage life issues.
In keeping with the current trend for announcing casting decisions, Gellar took to Instagram to document her telling Armstrong the news that she’s gotten the role:
“From the moment I saw Ryan’s audition, I knew there was only one girl that I wanted by my side. To have that kind of emotional intelligence, and talent, at such a young age is truly a gift. The bonus is that her smile lights up even the darkest room.”
Lilla and Nora Zuckerman used some Buffy terminology to praise their new lead:
“We are so overjoyed to have found this generation’s slayer in Ryan Kiera Armstrong, she absolutely blew us away –– there is no question in our mind that she is the chosen one.”
(L to R) David Boreanaz and Sarah Michelle Gellar in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
‘Buffy’ is a concept that has already shown an ability to evolve.
It originated as a film starring Kristy Swanson in the title role. Joss Whedon wrote the film with Fran Kuzui directing and was released in 1992.
Five years later, the series version, created by Whedon and now starring Gellar, debuted on The WB.
It aired on The WB for its first five seasons before airing its final two seasons on UPN.
The original series’ executive producers included Gail Berman of the Jackal Group and Fran Kuzui & Kaz Kuzui via Suite B, who will all get a credit on the new pilot.
The cast of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
And fun fact: also executive producing the pilot is Dolly Parton, whose company Sandollar was producer on the original.
Whedon, who oversaw the show’s seven-season run, will not return to work on any new version. In 2021, the writer/producer, who also crafted the first two ‘Avengers’ movies and TV series ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ for Marvel, was accused of creating a toxic work environment on both ‘Buffy’ and ‘Angel’ by nearly a dozen people associated with the show, particularly Carpenter.
Berman, and the Kuzuis previously teamed up with 20th TV in 2018 for a potential ‘Buffy’ reboot written by ‘Midnight, Texas’ creator Monica Owusu-Breen, on which Whedon was an executive producer. That project, whose lead was envisioned as a Black woman, didn’t move forward.
The biggest dangling question any sequel series would need to answer is the clever notion introduced by the series’ final season, in that Buffy’s death (she got better) in a previous season triggered a raft of new potential Slayers.
And now we have an answer to whether we’ll see one in the new show: a big yes, since Armstrong will take on that role.
What has Sarah Michelle Gellar previously said about returning for a new ‘Buffy’ series?
Sarah Michelle Gellar in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
Gellar has been in two minds about the idea of reprising Buffy Summers.
In 2023, she poured cold water on taking on a new ‘Buffy’ series, telling UK magazine SFX:
“I am very proud of the show that we created and it doesn’t need to be done. We wrapped that up. I am all for them continuing the story because there’s the story of female empowerment. I love the way the show was left: ‘Every girl who has the power can have the power.’ It’s set up perfectly for someone else to have the power. But like I said, the metaphors of ‘Buffy’ were the horrors of adolescence. I think I look young, but I am not an adolescent.”
“I always used to say no because it’s in its bubble and it’s so perfect. But watching ‘And Just Like That…’ (the ‘Sex and the City’ sequel series) and seeing ‘Dexter: Original Sin,’ and realizing there are ways to do it, definitely does get your mind thinking, ‘Well, maybe.’”
Less maybe, these days, more fully aboard.
When will the new ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ series hit screens?
Hulu has yet to say when this might premiere and, indeed, with that pilot order, it’s still more of a case of if the show passes muster.
Still, given that attractive, grabby recognizable title and the original star attached, we’d guess this one has a good chance.
The cast of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Photo: 20th Century Fox Television.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Franchise:
(L to R) Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen in ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ on Disney+
Legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) and mercenary Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) must navigate the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.
A hundred years before the rise of the Empire, the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic have prospered for centuries without war. During this time, an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jee) against a dangerous warrior (Amanda Stenberg) from his past.
Ahsoka Tano in ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi’. Photo: Disney+.
Journey into the lives of two distinctly different Jedi from the prequel era – Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku. Each will be put to the test as they make choices that will define their destinies.
During the reign of the Galactic Empire, former Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), embarks on a crucial mission to confront allies turned enemies and face the wrath of the Empire.
In an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) will discover the difference he can make in the struggle against the tyrannical Galactic Empire. He embarks on a path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero.
‘The Mandalorian’ season 3 starring Pedro Pascal premieres March 1st on Disney+. Photo: Lucasfilm.
After the fall of the Galactic Empire, lawlessness has spread throughout the galaxy. A lone gunfighter (Pedro Pascal) makes his way through the outer reaches, earning his keep as a bounty hunter.
Launching with its first two episodes on Disney+ Monday, December 2nd, ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ is Lucasfilm’s latest attempt to spark success with a series set in the galaxy that George Lucas created.
Here, ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy director Jon Watts and regular collaborator Christopher Ford have concocted a fun romp that sends a group of young characters on an adventure beyond the borders of their mundane suburban planet.
Getting new ‘Star Wars’ TV series off the ground can be a dicey affair these days –– for every ‘Mandalorian,’ or ‘Andor,’ there’s a ‘Book of Boba Fett’ or ‘The Acolyte,’ which don’t enjoy the same level of impact or fan embrace.
‘Skeleton Crew’ benefits from charting its own course, being recognizably set in the universe of ‘Star Wars’ but also injecting plenty of its own personality. Focusing on younger characters in search of adventure –– one needs a power convertor for something but is far less whiny than the young Luke Skywalker –– brings a much-needed level of charm and infectious, youthful energy.
Creators Jon Watts and Christopher Ford co-wrote all eight episodes, with Myung Joh Wesner assisting on two. And that consistent tone and feel through the show means that ‘Skeleton Crew’ stays entertaining.
The writers have crafted some appealing characters here, and also layered in more than one mystery without coming across as some frustrating puzzle box overpowering everything.
While only the first three episodes were given the press, the show has a style all of its own already, especially given the starting point on a colony world that has its own secrets, but whose appearance puts you in mind of movies such as ‘E.T.’ and, as previously referenced, ‘The Goonies.’
Once things go off-world, the show still maintains a unique vibe, crammed full of pirates and other disreputable types as one of the first stops is a hive of scum and villainy (no, not that one, a space port with its own identity). And the first episode is nimbly edited by Andrew S. Eisen, who brings a sense of energy and helps define the tone of the show early on.
Wim is our initial anchor point, a young man who is struggling with future plans (as in, he’s not sure he has many, aside from a wistful dream of becoming a Jedi) and has an oft-absent father (played by Tunde Adebimpe’s kindly but busy widower) who, along with his nervier best friend Neel, is often getting into scrapes.
Cabot-Conyers brings him to life in entertaining fashion, without ever coming across as being annoying.
Neel, Wim’s best friend, is an appealing, sweet character who resembles a young Max Rebo from ‘Return of the Jedi’ (but is reportedly his own species), and a bundle of nerves who is nevertheless loyal to Wim.
Smith, playing the part with the help of some complex prosthetics and CG, is a superb sidekick and works well as a character.
Armstrong brings spirit and some sly humor to the tomboyish character of Fern, who loves nothing more than racing speeder bikes and pushing back against her officious mother (Kerry Condon).
Fern’s best friend, KB has her own technological secrets, but is also a great addition to the foursome. She’s careful and logical, but willing to go along with their schemes.
Law comes across as a blend of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Han Solo, and while that might sound strange, it actually works here.
He’s also something of a mystery, but never one that is frustrating –– and Law naturally has nuclear levels of charm, clearly reveling in the chance to cut loose and have fun.
Though we can’t talk about many of the characters who show up even in these early episodes because of spoilers, there are some good supporting performances going on here, including some pirates and a wealth of other aliens.
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ is a worthy addition to the ranks of small-screen stories set in the galaxy far, far away. Watts and collaborators have created a lively, funny and adventurous series, that, while it takes a moment to get going, heads to some entertaining places with characters you’ll root for.
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.
SXAAx8HkXvEWGGAmRJ7yF1
What is the plot of ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’?
Four children (Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Robert Timothy Smith and Kyriana Kratter) end up on an adventure to make their way home after being lost in the galaxy following a discovery they make on their home planet.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of sitting down in-person with Jude Law to talk about his work on ‘Skeleton Crew’, joining the ‘Star Wars’ universe, his character, influences he drew from, working with the cast of young actors, and collaborating with show creators Jon Watts and Christopher Ford.
Moviefone: To begin with, what is it like as an actor to join the ‘Star Wars’ universe and did it meet your expectations?
Jude Law: For me, personally, it was stepping into a very familiar world. I was one of the millions of kids in the late ’70s whose lives were changed when they were taken to the cinema by their parents to see the first film. So, I’ve always had a soft spot for it. I played it as a kid running around pew-pewing and collecting the figures and cards. So, it just felt very familiar actually. What really kind of lured me in was the curiosity of how they make these things and the different parameters or rules that apply for it to be or feel like an authentic ‘Star Wars’ show or film. I think, from that perspective, it absolutely lived up to expectation. The on-camera puppetry and animatronics and all of that was wonderful to experience.
MF: Without giving away any spoilers, what can you say about your character and the way you wanted to approach portraying him?
JL: Well, when he was described to me, the character was clearly just full of potential and possibilities. He’s very mysterious, he’s different things to different people with different names, and he keeps you guessing right up to the end. The big question is are his intentions good or bad? That I don’t want to spoil, but the fun aspect was, because of this multifaceted sort of nature, I was able to touch on inspiration from characters throughout the canon. There were times for humor, times for drama, times for menace, and times for heroism. He really does touch on all of those, and it meant that it was very rewarding to play.
MF: To follow up on what you just said, were there particular characters from the ‘Star Wars’ universe that were touchstones for you in creating this character?
JL: Well, I felt like Han (Solo) and Lando (Calrissian) and just the world that those two mixed in was close to what Jod (Na Nawood) is experiencing. So, there’s a little bit of him inspired by them. I’d say that’s about it really. Otherwise, it was a case of taking tones as an inspiration.
MF: Can you talk about working with the kids in the cast, and when you are working with young actors, do you have to adjust your performance at all? What did you learn from watching them work?
JL: I certainly didn’t adjust anything. I mean, they approached it and appeared day one as very professional young actors. They knew what they were doing, and they were confident, and they were very able and well-prepared, and they took it seriously. Then they were kids, so they were also being silly and funny and laughing, making everyone laugh, and they brought a lovely sense of joy. I mean, every day felt kind of fun and special and as it should on a show like this. What was interesting and what we played into was that Jod doesn’t really understand what childhood is or who kids are. So, my role really was to also bring that element to the relationships. He’s kind of aghast that they don’t know how to look after themselves or that they get hungry, or they miss their parents and seemingly can’t fly ships or firing blasters or any of that. I enjoyed that dynamic. I thought there was a lot of humor in it and, if I’m honest, the way I saw it was it is a relationship that evolves over an adventure. So, we didn’t try to build some kind of relationship before we started. We just got on with it. Then, really, you are watching me and them and the characters getting to know each other. As the adventure evolves over months and months and months, we are learning about each other too.
MF: Finally, what was it like working with Jon Watts and Christopher Ford and helping them execute their specific vision for this ‘Star Wars’ project?
JL: Very specific vision. I mean, so much of the heavy lifting had been done in the script work and the concept. It was so clear and executed through the scripts, which were just rich and fun. They were great springboards to then perform from. The same goes for the guys. They were just very approachable. I came at them with so many questions. I have a process where I must understand where my character’s been born and what happened in their past, and they agreed that we could draw all that out so that we knew exactly and in fact, they drew on it. You’ll see towards the end, they kind of drew on some of the ideas we had about his childhood, and throughout they were just incredibly clear and passionate. I mean, it’s not an easy job also setting something up and then stepping back and letting other directors come in, especially directors of the pedigree that they got. But it was a very inclusive experience.
SXAAx8HkXvEWGGAmRJ7yF1
What is the plot of ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’?
Four children (Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Robert Timothy Smith and Kyriana Kratter) end up on an adventure to make their way home after being lost in the galaxy following a discovery they make on their home planet.
(Left) The cast of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. Photo: Lucasfilm. (Right) ‘Invasion’ series creator Simon Kinberg.
Preview:
Simon Kinberg is reportedly developing a ‘Star Wars’ movie trilogy.
He’d write the movies and produce them with Kathleen Kennedy.
This trilogy is apparently about new characters.
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before.
A respected name in filmmaking (and particularly in this case, genre producing) has been hired by Lucasfilm to come up with new ‘Star Wars’ movies. Yes, it’s a story we’ve heard multiple times in the past –– more on that below –– with little to show for it so far.
Still, shoving cynicism aside for a moment, we’re certainly intrigued to learn via Deadline that Simon Kinberg is reportedly making a deal with Disney and Lucasfilm to develop, write and produce a new trilogy set in that galaxy far, far away.
And it’s not like Kinberg –– who has worked on a variety of projects in the past, including 20th Century Fox’s ‘X-Men’ movies, the ‘Deadpool’ films and a host of others more as a writer/producer –– doesn’t also already boast ‘Star Wars’ bona fides.
3HV4LATmgAEYtGEKhjJuz1
He co-created animated series ‘Star Wars Rebels’ with Dave Filoni and Carrie Beck, with the show running for four seasons from 2014-2018, and certainly influencing the direction of the current live-action ‘Star Wars’ shows.
And talking of the companies, we must still take all of this with enough salt to sate a Sarlacc, since neither Disney nor Lucasfilm is officially commenting just yet. Deadline mentions that Kinberg’s deal has closed, but these things usually have to wait for more solid confirmation, often at an event such as Star Wars Celebration, a Comic-Con or Disney’s D23.
What would the Simon Kinberg ‘Star Wars’ movies focus on?
1977’s ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.’ Credit: Lucasfilm.
That question is, for now at least, largely a mystery.
While Deadline initially heard that it would continue the “Skywalker Saga” (AKA Episodes I through IX, which kicked off back in 1977 with the original ‘Star Wars’ before spawning the prequel and then sequel trilogies), that has since been shot down like a TIE Fighter by the Falcon, with focus now apparently on a new story with different characters (but with the door open for familiar faces to potentially appear).
A bigger issue is whether this actually comes to fruition. After all, as recently as this May, Kinberg was reported as being involved with driving the ‘Star Trek’ movie franchise for Paramount, who we’re sure aren’t looking to repeat the situation with J.J. Abrams, who oversaw the first two movies of the studio’s rebooted ‘Trek’ movie universe before jumping ship to ‘Star Wars.’
And the future of ‘Star Wars’ on the big screen has seemed a little shaky of late, with famous genre names announced (or rumored) as working on new ‘Wars’ projects, only for nothing to come to screen.
Which brings us to…
Who else has been reported as involved with new ‘Star Wars’ movies?
(L to R) Director James Mangold, Dave Filoni, and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
The list for this is fairly long, with little to show for it thus far.
Right now, we have current co-overlord of the ‘Star Wars’ TV universe, Jon Favreau, in post-production on a ‘Mandalorian and Grogu’ movie, which is scheduled to be on screens in May 2026.
Still in development are projects from Favreau’s main collaborator, Dave Filoni (who, like his colleague, would likely draw from their TV universe), James Mangold (who has been working on a film chronicling the birth of the Jedi order) and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who is aboard to direct a movie featuring Daisy Ridley’s Rey as she continues her own quest.
(L to R) Director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Daisy Ridley at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
That latter movie has been having some issues getting its script together, with ‘Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight the latest writer to depart.
Then we have Taika Waititi, who keeps talking about how he wants to move forward with his idea, while Donald Glover continues work on a story about Lando Calrissian, which was being touted as a Disney+ series but currently appears to be a movie.
As for those who have been reported as developing ‘Star Wars’ output that has yet to see much forward movement? They include ‘The Last Jedi’s Rian Johnson (who was apparently going to make a trilogy but is currently busy with his big Netflix deal for the Benoit Blanc mystery movies and crime series ‘Poker Face,’ Patty Jenkins (whose ‘Rogue Squadron’ movie flits between active development and being grounded in a hangar) and ‘Game of Thrones’ duo David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who likewise were going to produce a new trilogy but are instead adapting beloved sci-fi novel ‘The Three Body Problem.’
What can we actually expect coming up from ‘Star Wars’?
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ will be premiering on Disney+ in 2023.
Besides Favreau’s ‘Mando’ movie, the next confirmed ‘Star Wars’ releases will be on the small screen, with ‘Skeleton Crew’ a ‘Goonies’–inspired adventure launching on Disney+ on December 3rd, and Season 2 of ‘Andor,’ due next year.
We also know that Filoni is at work on a second season of ‘Ahsoka,’ though that has yet to land a date.
(L to R) Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley in ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.’ Photo: Lucasfilm.
The series, set during ‘Star Wars’ High Republic era, was a mixed bag, critically.
In other ‘Star Wars’ news, Boba Fett may not show up in the ‘Mandalorian’ movie.
Bad news today for anyone who enjoyed the vengeful, High Republic storyline of ‘The Acolyte’.
The series, which aired its first season on Disney+ this past June and July, has not been renewed for a second, according to Deadline’s sources. Neither Disney nor Lucasfilm has made an official statement on the matter, but the companies generally tend to let underperforming shows quietly fade like a Jedi becoming a Force ghost.
While ‘The Acolyte’ received mixed-positive reviews from critics, it was the target of hate from certain toxic portions of the ‘Star Wars’ fandom and didn’t seem to gain the attention of the wider community that other series have.
Created by ‘Russian Doll’s Leslye Headland, ‘The Acolyte’ was set in a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era.
It focused on Osha Aniseya (Amandla Stenberg), a former Jedi padawan-turned-engineer, who is unexpectedly reunited with the Jedi who was training her, Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae of ‘Squid Game’) when a mysterious assassin starts killing members of the Jedi order.
As it turns out –– spoiler alert for those who haven’t watched the show –– the killer is her twin sister Mae (also Stenberg), who is on a vengeful quest to track down the people responsible for her community’s destruction.
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ will be premiering on Disney+ in 2023.
Despite the loss of ‘The Acolyte’, the wider ‘Star Wars’ universe is still thriving on big and small screens.
Fellow series ‘Ahsoka’ has already scored a second season, and the latest series set in that galaxy far, far away, the ‘Goonies’-alike ‘Skeleton Crew’, docks on Disney+ in December.
Darker, and more morally grey show ‘Andor’ will be back next year.
(L to R) Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen in ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ on Disney+
While ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ offers the chance for the TV characters to make their movie debut, it doesn’t appear everyone is along for the ride.
Spilling some Boba tea at a panel at Fan Expo Chicago at the weekend, actor Temuera Morrison indicated that bounty hunter Boba Fett seems unlikely to show up.
“I’m still waiting for a phone call to be quite honest. I think we’re just on the shelf for a little bit. Maybe we come off the shelf later.”
It’s perhaps not too surprising given that Mando spin-off series ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ failed to capture the public imagination (at least not until it effectively became ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2.5).
So, ‘The Acolyte’ has been cancelled. Perhaps Boba Fett is cancelled for now too…?
(L to R) Director James Cameron, Zoe Saldaña and Sam Worthington at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.
D23 2024 finished off its first day on Friday, August 9th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California with a presentation showcasing the upcoming Disney movies and TV shows.
The presentation included upcoming film and television projects from Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and kicked off with Walt Disney Animation.
Bob Iger at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
But first, CEO of the Walt Disney Company Bob Iger took to the stage to address the arena full of fans. It was Iger’s first D23 in five years and he told the audience how much he missed them.
“There is nothing more that we love then surprising you and filling your heart with love. The world needs to be entertained more than ever before, and we take that seriously. We have a lot to be proud of and more to look forward to.”
Actress Ginnifer Goodwin took to the stage to show footage from her upcoming sequel, ‘Zootopia 2’. She also announced that Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan is joining the cast as a snake named Gary.
“Now, reptiles have a shady past, and Gary could send the crew on a whole new mission.”
‘Zootopia 2’ is scheduled for release on November 26, 2025.
Jennifer Lee presenting at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Next, CEO of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee announced that the long-awaited third installment of the ‘Frozen’ franchise will be release in 2027.
“Coming out of ‘Frozen II’ we still have some questions.”
She also revealed concept art from the new movie, which featured Elsa and Anna on horseback with Olaf riding along.
538W6UV9lfrNd1SpYgjZy2
Pixar Animation Studios
‘Dream Productions’
‘Dream Productions’. Photo: Disney.
CCO of Pixar Pete Doctor began by thanking the audience for their support of the box office hit ‘Inside Out 2’.
“I want to thank all of you for going to theaters and making ‘Inside Out 2’ the number one animated movie of all time.”
He also announced a new Disney+ series set in the world on ‘Inside Out’ called ‘Dream Productions’. The series is set between the original film and the sequel and Doctor screened footage for the audience.
Doctor also announced another Disney+ series called ‘Win or Lose‘, and the new movie ‘Hoppers’, which stars Bobby Moynihan and newly announced villain, Jon Hamm.
Next, Doctor introduced the fifth installment in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise and had this to say:
“We are excited for Jesse, Woody and what all the gang will do next.”
Doctor then introduced the director and writer of the movie, Pixar-regular Andrew Stanton. Stanton revealed that the villain of the new movie will be technology.
“Toys’ jobs are harder when the toys go up against what kids are obsessed with today, technology. This time around its toys vs. tech.”
(L to R) Zoe Saldaña and Yonas Kibreab at D23 2024 presenting ‘Elio’. Photo: Disney.
Zoe Saldaña was on hand to present her upcoming movie, ‘Elio’ and show footage from the film. The new movie follows an eleven-year-old boy named Elio Solis (Yonas Kibreab) who accidentally becomes the intergalactic Ambassador of planet Earth after being beamed up to the Communiverse by aliens for making contact.
The actress had this to say about the movie:
“I felt a real connection to the character. It felt authentic. I can’t wait for you all to see it.”
‘Elio’ is scheduled for release on June 13th, 2025.
nych8Y2Kfdm5g4LKNmJR03
‘Incredibles 3’
Pete Doctor presenting ‘Incredibles 3’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Finally, Doctor announced the long-awaited third installment of the ‘Incredibles’ franchise entitled ‘Incredibles 3’.
“Brad Bird is developing it now. We think the film is special and hope you enjoy it.”
Jude Law presenting ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Actor Jude Law presented the first trailer from the upcoming Disney+ series, which will be release this December. The series is told from the perspective of a group of kids who get lost in the vastness of space and are trying to find their way home.
Law addressed the fans and expressed his joy to be part of the project:
“I’m thrilled to share with you ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’. It means a great deal for me to be part of the ‘Star Wars’ family’.
You can watch the trailer below, which reveals Law’s character is a Jedi.
(L to R) Dave Filoni, Chief Creative Officer, Lucasfilm and Jon Favreau appears at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California on August 09, 2024. Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney.
Director Jon Favreau and producer Dave Filoni surprised the crowd by presenting some exclusive footage from the upcoming feature film version of the Disney+ show. The footage featured the main characters on a new adventure, as well as ‘Star Wars’ familiars like At-Ats, snowtroopers and surprisingly, Babu Frick from the recent ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’.
Favreau had this to say about the movie:
“We are getting an opportunity to bring these characters to the big screen.”
Filoni added:
“We’re all excited to have ‘Star Wars’ back on the big screen.”
Favreau mentioned that they just started filming a few weeks ago. The movie is scheduled to release in 2026.
(L to R) Anthony Mackie and Kevin Feige presenting ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and actor Anthony Mackie presented footage from ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ but it was the same footage shown a few weeks ago at San Diego Comic-Con.
The footage included a meeting between President Ross (Harrison Ford) and Sam Wilson (Mackie), where Ross asks Wilson to form a new Avengers team. Another scene reveals that the Celestial left behind after the events of ‘Eternals’ is made of Adamantium, the same metal that made Wolverine’s claws. The footage also reveals Giancarlo Esposito’s villain Sidewinder and ends with Ford’s Ross becoming the Red Hulk on the White House lawn in front of the press.
Mackie had this to say about playing the iconic role:
‘The shield is very heavy. It’s an amazing honor.’
‘Captain America: Brave New World’ opens in theaters on February 14th, 2025.
With the film currently shooting, the cast was unable to appear but sent a video that features actor Joseph Quinn in his superhero costume.
Again, the footage shown was the same from Comic-Con, but features the Fantastic Car, the team in their astronaut suits, Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) teaching a science class on television, Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) in Thing form on a dating show, and a final scene of villain Galactus (Ralph Ineson) looking in on the Baxter Building where H.E.R.B.I.E. is vacuuming the living room.
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ is scheduled for release on July 25th, 2025.
z9uHs9M5vfCiKZCJCNg4I6
‘Ironheart’
The cast of ‘Ironheart’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
“I have been having the best time playing Riri and I can’t wait for you to see the series”.
The footage reveals that Riri is expelled from MIT following the events of ‘Wakanda Forever’ and makes an uneasy alliance with Ramos’ villain, The Hood.
“We’re channeling the essence of the original series but forging a new path.”
The footage sees the return of the Punisher and Bullseye, our first look at the White Tiger, and a confrontation between Matt Murdock and the Kingpin that reveals he knows who the Daredevil really is.
The series will premiere on Disney+ March, 2025 and Cox revealed that they’ll begin shooting season 2 soon.
The group revealed the new trailer from the show, which you can watch below. The trailer shows Agatha trying to put her coven back together, and it also gives us our first glimpse of Audrey Plaza in the series.
‘Agatha All Along’ will premiere on Disney + September 18th.
(L to R) Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler presenting ‘Snow White’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Actresses Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot appeared to introduce the new trailer for the upcoming live-action remake, as well as screen an extended scene featuring the iconic ‘Whistle While You Work.’
Zegler said this about the making the movie:
“It’s been an honor of a lifetime. It’s been the most incredible experience, and I can’t wait to share it with you.”
Gadot added:
“It was lots of fun to do something different than I’ve ever done before. It was delicious and fun.”
The cast of ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ at D23 2024. Photo: Disney.
Award winning director Barry Jenkins was on hand to present the new trailer for the live action ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’, which is a prequel to Jon Favreau’s 2019 movie. Jenkins announced that Lin-Manual Miranda will write the music, as well as the return of Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner as Pumbaa and Timon, respectively, who all appeared to greet the crowd.
You can watch the new trailer below, and the film is scheduled for release on December 20th.
Bridges, who starred in the original, had this to say about his return:
“I’m Just a small part of this”.
Lee explained that she plays Eve Kim, a programmer that helped create Ares, who’s now come into our world. The footage shows Leto’s Ares in the real world, and our first look at Bridges as Kevin Flynn.
Leto said this about his character’s motives:
“He’s a program looking to make the real world his, permanently”.
Finally, it was announced that Nine Inch Nails will provide the music for the movie, which will be released on October 10th, 2025.
(L to R) Director James Cameron, Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña at D23 2024 presenting ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. Photo: Disney.
Oscar-winning director James Cameron revealed that the official title of ‘Avatar 3’ is ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’. He also brought actors Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña on to the stage before showing concept art from the upcoming film. However, Cameron told the crowd it was too early to show footage.
Cameron had this to say about the new movie:
“It’s an insane adventure, and feast for eyes, but has high stakes. There are new characters that you will love, and love to hate. You’ll see more of Pandora than you ever seen before. The new film is not what you expect but what you want.”
Worthington added:
“We have been hard at work getting it done.”
Saldaña finished by thanking the fans for their support:
“We want to personally thank you for your support.”
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ is scheduled for release on December 19th, 2025.
FWuSGLyAAvtzTcYFpQsOf6
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Presented by Visa. Photo: The Walt Disney Company.
With Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni overseeing the ‘Mandalorian’ expanded small screen universe, the company has naturally used the success of that first show to build out others, some created by the main duo, some by different creative teams.
There were new details and looks at a variety of shows, so here’s what was talked about…
In production before any of the other series spotlighted today, the series following the further adventures of the Togruta from the planet Shili, a Padawan turned Jedi known as Ahsoka Tano had the most to show off, including a trailer that is now online.
Led by Filoni behind the scenes, the series follows the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy –– specifically Grand Admiral Thrawn, a villain created by Timothy Zahn for his novel series. He’s already in screen canon thanks to appearances on Filoni’s animated series ‘Star Wars Rebels’ and will now be live-action, though his casting as yet to be announced.
Also making the leap from ‘Rebels’ (since Ashoka also appeared on that show) are Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and cranky droid Chopper, with the promise of others. It’s worth noting that another Rebels regular, Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios showed up in one scene of last week’s ‘The Mandalorian’.
“It was natural he would make the transition to live action,” Kathleen Kennedy said of Filoni on stage. “He has done a spectacular job.” Favreau concurred: “He cares deeply. He poured his heart and soul into it. Dave is unique in that he doesn’t ever squash your inspiration or idea but finds a way to fit it in, to keep it in the tradition that George Lucas started.” Dawson, for her part, said she had “so many pinch me moments” making the show. “Because if this does well, maybe we’ll get a second season. It’s up to y’all!” she told the 4,500-strong crowd.
The trailer is stacked with action, primarily Ahsoka showing off her trademark double lightsaber skills, plus plenty of starships dogfighting.
The pair have come up with a series set around the same time as ‘The Mandalorian’, which follows the journey of four kids who make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, then get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Finding their way home — and meeting unlikely allies and enemies — will be a greater adventure than they ever imagined.
Jude Law stars alongside younger actors Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Kyriana Kratter and Robert Timothy Smith and Ryan Kiera Armstrong. There’s no word yet on when the show will land on Disney+.
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ will be premiering on Disney+ in 2023.
‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’
‘The Acolyte’ promises to take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes but discovers the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated.
Series creator Leslye Headland wowed the crowd with a sneak peek at the upcoming show. Headland arrived on stage, escorted by Kelnacca, and previewed footage from the mystery-thriller series alongside several of the stars.
With production underway now, the series won’t hit Disney+ until next year, but that still is likely to be ahead of the new run of another big series set in the ‘Star Wars’ galaxy…
Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte.’
‘Star Wars: Andor’
There was also word from Team ‘Andor,’ with showrunner Tony Gilroy joined by stars Diego Luna, Adria Arjona, Kyle Soller, Denise Gough, Genevieve O’Reilly, Andy Serkis, Muhannad Bahair and Joplin Sibtain to talk about the successful first season and preview footage from the second and final run of 12 episodes, which have yet to schedule a release date on Disney+.
Oh, and for fans of the show that started it all, there was naturally a ‘Mandalorian’ treat, as the next episode of the series was shown on the big screen for fans.
There is a lot to look forward to on the TV front, and, unlike the big movie announcements, we can be reasonably assured they will all hit screens. Stay tuned for more from the event as it unfolds.
The cast of ‘Andor’ at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
(L to R) Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert on the set of A24’s ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.
A couple of weeks ago, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert took to the stage of the Dolby theatre in Hollywood to claim several Oscars that they’d won for their film ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’, which of course led to speculation about what they’d do for a follow-up.
When news broke yesterday via One Take News that the duo was involved with new ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Skeleton Crew’, some took it to mean that the quirky, unique duo were somehow “selling out’ by working on a Lucasfilm show.
As it turns out, that’s not how it happened at all.
Taking to Instagram, Kwan responded to those concerns. Here’s what he had to say:
”Lol, all of the people @ing us about getting sucked up by the ‘corporate machine’ can chill. These headlines are always misleading. Don’t worry. We aren’t working on a whole series; we guest directed one episode. Jon Watts approached us to do an episode a while ago (before ‘EEAAO’ even came out). We love Jon, love ‘Star Wars,’ love learning new tech, we love meeting new cast and crew, and we needed the days to keep our healthcare (!!!) so it was an easy yes. We shot it last year and had an incredible time working with the most talented cast and crew and I’m excited for you all to see it.”
So, there you have it –– and let’s be honest, the idea of anything directed by the Daniels is something to anticipate. Kwan also specified that whatever the duo does next in the film realm, it’ll be an original project they create. We’re not sure why anyone would have expected the people behind ‘Swiss Army Man’ and ‘Everything Everywhere’ to jump wholeheartedly into the corporate world.
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ will be premiering on Disney+ in 2023.
Developed by Watts and Jon Favreau and set in the same ‘Star Wars’ timeline as ‘The Mandalorian’, ‘Skeleton Crew’ has largely been under wraps, with only a few details getting out.
The official logline for the series is sparse at this point: “‘Skeleton Crew’ tells the story of four kids who find themselves lost in in the vastness of the galaxy trying to find their way home” and we do know that Watts was working with ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ co-writer Christopher Ford on the scripts.
Jude Law is starring in the series, though we don’t yet know who is playing the youngsters looking to find their way home.
‘Skeleton Crew’ should be hitting Disney+ this year.
‘Ms. Marvel’ director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
Damon Lindelof leaves the ‘Star Wars’ movie he was writing
In less positive ‘Star Wars’ news, Above The Line brings word that Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson are no longer aboard the movie set in the galaxy far, far away that they had been writing.
Lindelof offered a hint that he might have jumped (space)ship at the SXSW festival last week, where he said this to Slashfilm:
”I will just say, that for reasons that I can’t get into on this Sunday morning, on this day, the degree of difficulty is extremely, extremely, extremely high. If it can’t be great, it shouldn’t exist. That’s all I’ll say, because I have the same association with it as you do, which is, it’s the first movie I saw sitting in my dad’s lap, four years old, May of ‘77. I think it’s possible that sometimes when you hold something in such high reverence and esteem, you start to get in the kitchen and you just go, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t be cooking. Maybe I should just be eating.’ We’ll just leave it at that point.”
Lindelof’s original attachment was exciting for genre fans, as the ‘Lost’ veteran had worked on ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘Watchmen’. And though his big screen work hasn’t been as warmly received (‘Star Trek: Into Darkness’, ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Cowboys & Aliens’ included), there was anticipation for how his and Britt-Gibson’s sensibilities might translate to ‘Star Wars’.
Don’t go thinking that this marks another cancelled ‘Star Wars’ project as Disney and Lucasfilm struggle to get their cinematic universe in order. Above The Line’s story also mentions that Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (a documentary filmmaker who has worked in animation and directed episodes of ‘Ms. Marvel’ for Disney+) is still aboard to make the movie.
A new writer is apparently involved in working on the script, though their identity is unknown at this time. And if it all works out, the cameras should be rolling in early 2024 ahead of a December 2025 release.
What we do know is that Star Wars Celebration, the Disney-curated convention around all things ‘Star Wars’, is happening next month in London, and that’s traditionally where Lucasfilm has announced big new movies and TV series. So that’s where audiences should learn the fate of this new movie.
Even that is no guarantee, though, as we’ve had a variety of big announcements –– films from Patty Jenkins or Kevin Feige, for example –– that have simply never come to pass, lost in a mire of conflicting schedules and long development.
Other movies we’re still waiting for updates include Rian Johnson’s planned return to the ‘Star Wars’ universe (on hold as he focuses on ‘Knives Out’ sequels), a movie from Taika Waititi that still appears to be happening and one produced by prolific filmmaker Shawn Levy which we’d guess is still being held up by his busy schedule, which includes involvement in the final season of ‘Stranger Things’ and gearing up to direct ‘Deadpool 3’.
The cast of Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ which was directed by J.J. Abrams.
Other Movies Similar to ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew:’
