Moviefone Editorial

Tag: Star Wars

  • Sigourney Weaver in Talks for ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’

    (Left) Sigourney Weaver at the premiere of 'Master Gardener,' a Magnolia Pictures release. (Right) 'The Mandalorian' Season 4 Concept Art courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    (Left) Sigourney Weaver at the premiere of ‘Master Gardener,’ a Magnolia Pictures release. (Right) ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 4 Concept Art courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • Sigourney Weaver’s in talks for ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’.
    • Her role is a mystery for now.
    • Jon Favreau is directing the movie.

    With ‘Star Wars’ seemingly ready to put that galaxy far, far away back on the big screen via a variety of movies in development, the big one leading the charge comes from the small screen: Jon Favreau’s ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’.

    While much of the movie remains shrouded in secrecy, we do know –– via The InSneider –– that sci-fi stalwart Sigourney Weaver is in talks for a role.

    The actor, a veteran of genre movies such as the ‘Alien’ franchise, ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Avatar’ looks set to add ‘Star Wars’ to the list.

    eaZX2E5uDRUrzMZDbzwwV4

    What’s the story of ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’?

    The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and the Child in 'The Mandalorian,' season two.
    The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and the Child in ‘The Mandalorian,’ season two. © 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    The big announcement of the movie offered up no details on what the plot will be, but you have to figure it’ll continue the story of the characters’ journey from the show –– including Mando’s ongoing struggle with his cultural legacy and Grogu’s increasing Force powers.

    Plus there are plenty of dangling plot threads just waiting to be expanded or tied up in a big screen outing.

    We don’t yet know who else is behind the movie, but surely Dave Filoni –– Favreau’s creative partner in all things ‘Star Wars’ –– has had a hand in the script.

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3

    What has been said about the new movie?

    Jon Favreau
    Jon Favreau attends the panel for “The Mandalorian” series at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, California on May 28, 2022. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney).

    Here’s Favreau’s statement on the new movie:

    “I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created. The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting.”

    And this is what Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said:

    “Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have ushered into ‘Star Wars’ two new and beloved characters, and this new story is a perfect fit for the big screen.”

    What else is in development for big screen ‘Star Wars’?

    Dave Filoni, Daisy Ridley and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
    (L to R) Dave Filoni, Daisy Ridley and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.

    While it appears the Mando movie is flying into first position, we do know that Dave Filoni is still putting the pieces together for his own film, while one that continues the story of Rey (Daisy Ridley) is on the way from director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and writer Steven Knight, due in 2027.

    And then there’s James Mangold’s film, which explores the origins of the Jedi and early force users and is awaiting a release date.

    We’d guess that while Filoni (who was recently promoted to Chief Creative Officer at Lucasfilm) is still going full speed ahead on his movie, he’s also been busy figuring out a second season of ‘Ahsoka’, which may well lead to his big screen outing.

    When will ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ be in theaters?

    Lucasfilm has yet to confirm a release date, but a 2024 shoot points to a potential return for ‘Star Wars’ Christmas premieres in 2025.

    'The Mandalorian' season 3 starring Pedro Pascal premieres March 1st on Disney+.
    ‘The Mandalorian’ season 3 starring Pedro Pascal premieres March 1st on Disney+.

    Other ‘Star Wars’ Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

    cNl8G8mv

  • TV Review: ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’

    Morgan Elsbeth in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    Morgan Elsbeth in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    Landing on Disney+ on –– when else? –– May the 4th, new animated limited series ‘Tales of the Empire’ aims to do for two notable Dark Side personalities what ‘Tales of the Jedi’ did for the likes of Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku: fill in some of their backstory.

    Yet unlike that 2022 effort, which had some connective tissues but was more of an anthology offering, this focuses on Morgan Elsbeth (as seen in the live-action ‘Ahsoka’) and ‘Attack of the Clones’/‘The Clone Wars’ Barriss Offee.

    Related Article: Thrawn, Vader and More Appear in the ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’ Trailer

    Does ‘Tales of the Empire’ do the characters justice?

    General Grievous in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    General Grievous in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    Also overseen by Dave Filoni, whose work on the animated and now the sprawling live-action ‘Star Wars TV universe has seen him promoted to Chief Creative Officer at Lucasfilm, ‘Tales of the Empire’ proves to be more of a frustrating offering than its ‘Jedi’ equivalent.

    Partly that’s because of the far narrower focus of the new, six-episode show, which suffers from some spotty pacing and the feeling that a thin story is being stretched across the time, even given relatively short runtimes (episodes typically run between 11 and 15 minutes each). At the same time, some episodes come across as lightweight and less than satisfying, dedicated to one incident, yet some of their time taken up with indulgently long establishing shots.

    And if you’re excited to learn that Darth Vader shows up in the series, don’t expect much from the wheeze-breathing Big Bad, who appears so briefly, he might as well have been riding by on a bicycle.

    ‘Tales of the Empire’: Script and Direction

    Grand Inquisitor and Barriss Offee in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Grand Inquisitor and Barriss Offee in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    With Filoni in full charge of this one –– he’s the main executive producer/writer and director, with Athena Yvette Portillo and Carrie Beck as his fellow executive producers and Josh Rimes as co-Executive Producer –– in certainly bears his hallmarks.

    The dialogue and animation style will be familiar to anyone who has watched the small screen work he created prior to ‘The Mandalorian’, including ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ and ‘Star Wars Rebels.’

    Here, seizing the opportunity to fill in more exposition about how the two featured characters came to be part of the wider ‘Star Wars’ galaxy, he’s both in full flow and slightly hamstringing himself with the limited series format. The storylines both feel padded and yet certain episodes also feel wanting, their particular chunk of each woman’s story not enough to justify the screen time.

    Still, the result is a stylish, quality affair that offers more from the likes of Grand Admiral Thrawn and the sneering Grand Inquisitor. It also boasts some impressive lightsaber clashes and one or two effective battles, pushing the scope towards set pieces that might be a challenge even for the sophisticated current live-action series.

    ‘Tales of the Empire’: Performances

    Morgan Elsbeth in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    Morgan Elsbeth in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    At the heart of the series are the vocals from Diana Lee Inosanto (who of course had the chance to bring Elsbeth to life in live-action form on ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘Ahsoka’) and Meredith Salenger, who voiced Offee in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’, and they are both, as you might expect, excellent, infusing Filoni’s more basic scripts with all the emotion and steel you might hope for.

    It feels as though Inosanto gets more to do, Elsbeth’s storyline playing out more thoroughly from the ruination of her home world to her time as the Magistrate on Calodan. You can feel her anger seething from the screen, but Inosanto never makes her into a stock villain.

    Salinger does well as Offee, the Jedi who ended up turning against her order and ends up becoming an Inquisitor (even if she’s not fully committed to their ruthless methods).

    Around them, there are some entertaining performances, particularly Jason Isaacs going full upper crust baddie as the Grand Inquisitor, Lars Mikkelsen once more coldly logical as Thrawn and Matthew Wood wheezing his way through the earliest chunk of Elsbeth’s story as the multi-armed menace General Grievous. Most of the supporting cast, however, are just that, popping up for a scene or two and leaving you honestly wanting more. Who is up for a two-episode special following the Inquisitor home to his chambers, where he complains to his wife and kids about what a bad boss Vader is?

    ‘Tales of the Empire’: Final Thoughts

    A scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    A scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘Tales of the Jedi’ was definitely a more satisfying look at ‘Star Wars’ lore than ‘Tales of the Empire’ proves to be. To be brutally honest, both stories might have worked better given room to breathe as separate limited series, though we can understand that Filoni might be a little bit busy to handle everything.

    At this point, while both characters are worth exploring, there remains the slight whiff of a bridge too far in terms of backstories, and surely the five-episode story of how Salacious Crumb got his gig at Jabba’s palace can’t be too far behind.

    Yet if you’re looking for more ‘Star Wars’ content on the biggest day of the year for the franchise, this is certainly worth your time ahead of the likes of ‘Caravan of Courage’.

    ‘Tales of the Empire’: receives 6 out of 10 stars.

    YzfyC2zwIKAoGq9jUau3B3

    What’s the story of ‘Tales of the Empire’?

    ‘Tales of the Empire’ is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras.

    After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy.

    The choices they make will define their destinies.

    Who lends their voices to ‘Tales of the Empire’?

    ‘Tales of the Empire’s voice cast also includes Diana Lee Inosanto, Meredith Salinger, Lars Mikkelsen, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Wood, Rya Kihlstedt and Wing T. Chao.

    'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    Other ‘Star Wars’ Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

    sahYyqbz

     

  • Movie Review: ‘Rebel Moon: Part Two –– The Scargiver’

    Sofia Boutella as Kora in 'Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver.'
    Sofia Boutella as Kora in ‘Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver.’ Photo: Clay Enos/Netflix © 2023.

    On Netflix on Friday, April 19th, ‘Rebel Moon: Part Two –– The Scargiver’ sees director Zack Snyder offering up the second chapter of his expansive, war-happy space adventure, this time with a narrowed focus and slightly more coherent storyline.

    Yet, like the first part, it doesn’t work, falling into the feeling of a lower-rent ‘Star Wars’ movie that disappoints on many levels.

    Does ‘Rebel Moon: Part Two –– The Scargiver’ fly?

    Staz Nair as Tarak and Djimon Hounsou as General Titus in 'Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver.'
    (L to R) Staz Nair as Tarak and Djimon Hounsou as General Titus in ‘Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver.’ Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    If you watched the first part of ‘Rebel Moon’ and had your socks knocked off at its audacious, sweeping scale and intense science fiction action… Then good for you. But we wonder if we watched a different movie.

    For those who found that outing an unoriginal slog filled with cliches and tropes and wondered if a follow-up could do the impossible and actually come off worse, then… Zack Snyder is here to unfortunately confirm that suspicion.

    Because ‘The Scargiver’ somehow manages to be full of battles and stakes and yet completely devoid of authentic emotion or reaction. True, some of the heroes here don’t make it out alive, but you honestly will not care. And the rest? Pure noise and bolted-together nonsense.

    Related Article: Director Zack Snyder Talks ‘Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver’

    Script and Direction

    Director/writer/producer Zack Snyder on the set of 'Rebel Moon.'
    Director/writer/producer Zack Snyder on the set of ‘Rebel Moon.’ Photo: Clay Enos/Netflix © 2023.

    The script for ‘The Scargiver’ simply and obviously continues what ‘A Child of Fire’ began –– Sofia Boutella’s Kora has returned to the pastoral moon of Veldt with the warriors she thinks could defend the place. But bafflingly (due to some poorly explained Motherworld policy), she seems to believe that all will be well since she managed to slay Admiral Noble (Ed Skrein). Alas! Not only is Noble not dead thanks to some slightly Darth Vader-like medical treatment, but he’s also boiling with vengeance towards Kora and is only too happy to take it out on Veldt.

    Yet the new movie somehow manages to waste even the vaguest spark of an idea, any potential value buried in a mire of off-the-peg motivational speeches that would make someone giving out advice at a Holiday Inn conference room cringe. Even seasoned performers such as Anthony Hopkins cannot make this stuff work.

    Elise Duffy as Milius and Staz Nair as Tarak in 'Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver.'
    (L to R) Elise Duffy as Milius and Staz Nair as Tarak in ‘Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver.’ Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    The pacing is also way off, the first third of the movie stilted and awkward, grinding to a halt as various characters fill the people of Veldt (and, by extension, whoever is watching and not already asleep by that point) in on their backstories. There are zero surprises to be found here, except perhaps from Staz Nair’s Tarak, who it turns out is these days often shirtless but used to be a buttoned-up prince whose people used giant warbirds in the hope that they can battle spaceships –– it did not go well for them! Yet even that seemingly impressive sequence feels like Snyder borrowing, in this case from himself, as it has echoes of the opening scenes of ‘Man of Steel’.

    Snyder also still indulges himself on the visual front –– for every impressive location shot or beautiful looking sequence of a ship against a giant ringed moon, there are a hundred generic moments of laser blast fire and such an overload of slow-motion that you could watch the movie on fast forward and large chunks of it would appear to be playing at normal speed. A director having a stamped-on style is one thing. A filmmaker lazily going to the well so many times that it quickly runs dry is quite another.

    Performances

    Ed Skrein as Atticus Noble in 'Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver'.
    Ed Skrein as Atticus Noble in ‘Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    ‘Rebel Moon’s returning cast don’t manage to spin the material into gold any more than they did the original. In many ways, they’re even more stranded among their director’s indulgences.

    As we mentioned above, the initial chunk of the film splits its time between Ed Skrein’s Darth V… Sorry, Admiral Noble being angry (Skrein still at least seems to be having fun swallowing scenery) and either the warrior characters spinning their wheels talking about their background, or long, dull sequences of farming that make it all look like a Budweiser commercial.

    Doona Bae as Nemesis in 'Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver.'
    Doona Bae as Nemesis in ‘Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver.’ Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    Sofia Boutella carries the lion’s share of the character work, her own backstory an entirely unsurprising tale of betrayal, but even she’s stranded in a character who appears to have two modes: violent fighter or mopey love interest.

    The likes of Bae Doona, Djimon Hounsou and E. Duffy likewise remain entirely wasted in their supporting roles, whose character development is relegated to fighting or worrying.

    Everyone else is an archetype in search of a character, less active participants than human props.

    Final Thoughts

    Sofia Boutella as Kora in 'Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver'.
    Sofia Boutella as Kora in ‘Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    An utterly disappointing follow-up to the first ‘Rebel Moon’ that we didn’t think was possible, this easily limbos under the low bar set by that movie. A waste of time, money and actors, it is reduced to embarrassingly cringeworthy moments such as a quartet still playing dramatic music in the same room as a king is being portrayed or long, battering sequences of war machines shooting at people.

    This so wants to aim for the quality and majesty of movies such as the recent ‘Dune: Part Two’ but ends up hitting ‘Dumb: Part Two’. Snyder has already talked about, and leaves us with, hints of further stories to come, but that’s not something to anticipate after this.

    ‘Rebel Moon: Part Two –– The Scargiver’ receives 5.5 out of 10 stars.

    Dp5LQGxV5nXwt1Uc33EvS6

    What is the plot of ‘Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver’?

    Kora (Sofia Boutella) and the surviving warriors prepare to fight and defend their new homeworld Veldt against the Motherworld.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver’?

    • Sofia Boutella as Kora / Arthelais
    • Djimon Hounsou as Titus
    • Ed Skrein as Atticus Noble
    • Michiel Huisman as Gunnar
    • Doona Bae as Nemesis
    • Staz Nair as Tarak
    • Fra Fee as Regent Balisarius
    • Elise Duffy as Millius
    • Anthony Hopkins as the voice of Jimmy
    Sofia Boutella as Kora, Michiel Huisman as Gunnar and Ed Skrein as Atticus Noble in 'Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver'.
    (L to R) Sofia Boutella as Kora, Michiel Huisman as Gunnar and Ed Skrein as Atticus Noble in ‘Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    Other Movies Directed By Zack Snyder:

    Buy Zack Snyder Movies on Amazon

    bptxx6ac

  • ‘Andor’s Beau Willimon to Co-Write New ‘Star Wars’ Movie

    Beau Willimon, Oscar®-nominee for Adapted Screenplay, Oscar®-nominee for Best Documentary Feature, arrives at the 84th Annual Academy Awards® from Hollywood, CA February 26, 2012.
    Beau Willimon, Oscar®-nominee for Adapted Screenplay, Oscar®-nominee for Best Documentary Feature, arrives at the 84th Annual Academy Awards® from Hollywood, CA February 26, 2012. Credit/Provider: Heather Ikei / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Preview:

    • ‘Andor’s Beau Willimon has joined ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’.
    • James Mangold is co-writing and directing the movie.
    • A group of other ‘Star Wars’ and Disney movies just landed release dates.

    Given the critical success of the first season of ‘Star Wars: Andor’ in 2022, it’s perhaps not shocking that a key component of that show’s creative team would be snapped up to work elsewhere in Lucasfilm’s universe.
    And now, The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Beau Willimon –– previously most famous for creating Netflix’s ‘House of Cards’ and who was on Tony Gilroy’s writing team for ‘Andor’ –– is aboard to co-write what is still known as ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ with director James Mangold.

    Related Article: Thrawn, Vader and More Appear in the ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’ Trailer

    What is ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ about?

    Director James Mangold, and Dave Filoni at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
    (L to R) Director James Mangold, and Dave Filoni at Star Wars Celebration 2023.

    ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ looks to dig into a time a long, long, looong time ago in that galaxy far, far away.

    Announced in April last year at Star Wars celebration, the film has been wrapped in secrecy since then.

    Here’s what Mangold said at the time:

    “When I first started talking to Kathy Kennedy about doing one of these pictures, what occurred to me was thinking about what kind of genre of movie within ‘Star Wars’ I wanted to do. And I thought about a biblical epic, like a ‘Ten Commandments’, about the dawning of the Force. Where did the Force come from, when did we discover it, when did we learn how to use it?”

    It’s certainly one we’re excited to see.

    What is happening with ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’?

    Director James Mangold, Dave Filoni, and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
    (L to R) Director James Mangold, Dave Filoni, and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.

    Right now, the movie is simply in development as Mangold, who directed ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ for Lucasfilm, is busy making Bob Dylan biographical movie ‘A Complete Unknown’, starring Timothée Chalamet as Dylan (and recently put the first official picture from the movie online).

    But with Willimon aboard to co-write, the new ‘Star Wars’ effort should now pick up some momentum.

    When will ‘Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi’ be in theaters?

    The movie has yet to confirm a release date, though given Mangold’s schedule, we can’t imagine it’ll be before 2027. And Lucasfilm/Disney have been busy filling release dates recently…

    What release date information has been released for upcoming Disney films?

    'The Mandalorian' Season 4 Concept Art courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd.
    ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 4 Concept Art courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    While ‘Dawn of the Jedi’ is not yet at a point that it can aim for a release date, Disney has confirmed some the release news for various projects.

    Fellow ‘Star Wars’ big screen effort ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ has now May 22nd, 2026, date, with Disney and Lucasfilm figuring that the armored warrior and his little green pal can win the Memorial Day weekend that year.

    In Pixar news, ‘Toy Story 5’ will see Woody, Buzz and the gang back for a new entry on June 19th, 2026.

    And the live-action version of ‘Moana’ is on the move, shifting later in the year partly because of the release of ‘Moana 2’ (which is out November 27th this year), and the new movie will now land on July 10th, 2026.

    ‘Tron: Ares’, meanwhile, is set for October 10th, 2025.

    'Tron: Ares.'
    ‘Tron: Ares.’ Photo by Leah Gallo. © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Other ‘Star Wars’ Movies:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

    nN9aI2fP

  • Trailer for ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’ Anthology Series

    Preview:

    • The trailer for Disney+ series ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’ has landed.
    • Morgan Elsbeth and former Jedi Barriss Offee are the focus.
    • ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’ will be with us on May 4th.

    Back in 2022, we followed the earlier adventures of Ahsoka Tano and other warriors for the forces (or The Force) of good in the ‘Star Wars’ universe via ‘Tales of the Jedi’, created by recently minted Lucasfilm creative overlord Dave Filoni.

    He’s back with a follow-up, and this time, he’s digging into darker corners of that galaxy far, far away. Because the next animated anthology series to happen along on Disney+ is ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’.

    Related Article: How to Watch the ‘Star Wars’ Movies in Chronological Order!

    What’s the Story of ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’?

    Morgan Elsbeth in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    Morgan Elsbeth in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    As you might predict from the title, we’re now following the stories of some of the baddies within the universe George Lucas created a long time ago.

    ‘Tales of the Empire’ is described as is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras.

    After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.

    While those two are the focus, we can expect to see interactions with notable baddies including blue-hued Grand Admiral Thrawn, wheezy robo-menace General Grievous, and some masked guy who is apparently A Big Deal within the Empire… We want to say, Dave, is it? Dave Vader? Anyway, we’re sure it’ll come to us.

    From the looks of it, the new series will be filling in some background for Elsbeth in particular, who cropped up in ‘Ahsoka’.

    Who is Voicing the Characters of ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’?

    General Grievous in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    General Grievous in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    The cast for the new anthology includes Diana Lee Inosanto (who has played Morgan Elsbeth in live-action form for both ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘Ahsoka’), Meredith Salenger (Barriss Offee), Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor) and Matthew Wood (General Grievous).

    Who is Making ‘Star Wars” Tales of the Empire’?

    Barriss Offee (center) and Clone guards in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    Barriss Offee (center) and Clone guards in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    Alongside Filoni (who created, wrote and is supervising director here), the creative team includes producers Athena Yvette Portillo and Carrie Beck, plus co-executive producers Josh Rimes and Alex Spotswood.

    When will ‘Star Wars” Tales of the Empire’ be on Disney+?

    Grand Inquisitor and Barriss Offee in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Grand Inquisitor and Barriss Offee in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’ has been scheduled for the most suitable galactic date imaginable… May the 4th. Not really, surprising, is it? All six episodes will arrive at once.

    Morgan Elsbeth in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    Morgan Elsbeth in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.
    Barriss Offee in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    Barriss Offee in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.
    A scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    A scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.
    A scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    A scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.
    A scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    A scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.
    Fourth Sister (center) and clone troopers in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    Fourth Sister (center) and clone troopers in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.
    Thrawn and Morgan Elsbeth in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Thrawn and Morgan Elsbeth in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.
    (L-R): Morgan Elsbeth and Thrawn in a scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    (L-R): Morgan Elsbeth and Thrawn in a scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.
    A scene from 'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    A scene from ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.
    'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire', exclusively on Disney+.
    ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

    Other ‘Star Wars’ Movies:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

     

  • ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Teaser Trailer Online

    Preview:

    • The first teaser trailer for ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ has arrived.
    • This new series stars Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae and Carrie-Anne Moss.
    • ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ lands on Disney+ on June 4th.

    Though ‘The Bad Batch’ has been keeping the ‘Star Wars’ flag flying on the small screen in animated fashion, we haven’t had a Lucasfilm/Disney+ live-action series set in that galaxy far, far away for a few months now, since ‘Ahsoka’ finished its first season in October.

    If you saw the stylish, bloody poster for ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ that arrived yesterday, you know that we don’t have too long to wait for the next one to show up. And it certainly looks like the poster was simply a harbinger of things to come –– given what happens in the first trailer for the show, it’s definitely promising something moodier, and even more action packed than recent efforts.

    And setting the story outside of the ‘Wars’ narrative we’ve all gotten so used to in movies and TV is a plus too, since it allows the creative team to go to interesting places and introduce brand new characters.

    Related Article: ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Cast Includes Amandla Stenberg, Carrie-Anne Moss and Dafne Keen

    What’s the story of ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’?

    Mae (Amandla Stenberg) in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Mae (Amandla Stenberg) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    The new show is set around 100 years before the start of the Skywalker Saga (AKA ‘The Phantom Menace’), coming in at the end of a time period known as The High Republic –– a time in which the Jedi are thriving, as is the galaxy at large.

    But this is ‘Star Wars’, and if we know anything, it’s that the dark side can’t be too far away! And so it proves: an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems….

    Who is starring in ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’?

    Jedi Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss) in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Jedi Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Alongside Lee and Stenberg, the cast includes Carrie-Anne Moss, Dafne Keen, Jodie Turner-Smith, Manny Jacinto and Charlie Barnett.

    Also featured? Current Chewbacca suit-wearer Joonas Suotamo, back on Wookiee duty, but this time as hairy Jedi Kelnacca.

    This series is the brainchild of Leslye Headland, who previously worked on the likes of time-twisting comedy drama ‘Russian Doll’. Here, as with that series, she runs the show and directs the first two episodes, with Kogonada, Alex Garcia Lopez and Hanelle Culpepper each handling two of the eight-episode run.

    When will ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ be on screens?

    Jedi Master Kelnacca (Joonas Suotamo) in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Jedi Master Kelnacca (Joonas Suotamo) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    The new ‘Star Wars’ series lands on Disney+ with its first two episodes on June 4th.

    “June the 4th be with you”? Hhhm… doesn’t have the same ring as “May”, but then the month before is being devoted to a theatrical re-release for ‘The Phantom Menace’.

    Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (Center) Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    (Clockwise from center) Jedi Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss), Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae), Jedi Master Kelnacca (Joonas Suotamo) and (second from right) Master Torbin (Dean Charles Chapman) in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (Clockwise from center) Jedi Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss), Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae), Jedi Master Kelnacca (Joonas Suotamo) and (second from right) Master Torbin (Dean Charles Chapman) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    Yord Fandar (Charlie Barnett) and Jedi Padawan Jecki Lon (Dafne Keen) in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (Center, L to R): Yord Fandar (Charlie Barnett) and Jedi Padawan Jecki Lon (Dafne Keen) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. &; TM. All Rights Reserved.
    Mother Aniseya (Jodie Turner-Smith) in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (Center) Mother Aniseya (Jodie Turner-Smith) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    Scene from Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Scene from Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    Jedi Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Mae (Amandla Stenberg) in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Jedi Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Mae (Amandla Stenberg) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    Amandla Stenberg in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Amandla Stenberg in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    Mae (Amandla Stenberg) in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Mae (Amandla Stenberg) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
    Mae (Amandla Stenberg) in Lucasfilm's 'The Acolyte,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Mae (Amandla Stenberg) in Lucasfilm’s ‘The Acolyte,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Other ‘Star Wars’ Movies:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

    XciTV1kI

  • Patty Jenkins Offers ‘Star Wars: Rogue Squadron’ Update

    A scene from in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.'
    A scene from in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.’ Photo: Lucasfilm.

    Preview:

    • Patty Jenkins has offered an update on the status of ‘Star Wars: Rogue Squadron’.
    • The ‘Wonder Woman’ director says that her movie is back in development.
    • ‘Rogue Squadron’ was announced in 2020 but has been in limbo ever since.

    One of the more exciting ‘Star Wars’ related projects announced a long time ago has seemed to be far, far away in terms of development and release date. ‘Rogue Squadron’ was touted as the next big, non-‘Wonder Woman’ movie from director Patty Jenkins, who at the time was riding high on the success of the Gal Gadot-starring superhero film and had the eagerly-anticipated follow-up, ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ on the way.

    What a difference four years makes. Since then, we’ve seen ‘1984’ land to mixed critical response and with its box office hit by the pandemic and the simultaneous release on what was then called HBO Max. ‘Rogue Squadron’ has been seemingly stuck in development limbo with re-writes, and Disney unceremoniously yanked the movie from its release schedule in 2022. Add to that the fact that diminishing returns from the big screen ‘Star Wars’ movies led to the company switching focus to the more successful TV.

    Meanwhile, part of the ‘Rogue Squadron’ delay was Jenkins pivoting to a third ‘Wonder Woman’ movie with Gadot expressing excitement to return, a desire that has since been scuppered by a change in regime at DC Studios, the Warner Bros. comic book arm handed to James Gunn and Peter Safran to oversee.

    But it appears there is some potentially promising news on the ‘Star Wars’ front…

    What has Patty Jenkins said about ‘Star Wars: Rogue Squadron’?

    'Wonder Woman' director Patty Jenkins at Comic Con International in San Diego, California.
    ‘Wonder Woman’ director Patty Jenkins at Comic Con International in San Diego, California.

    Speaking on the Talking Pictures podcast, Jenkins had this to say about the movie:

    “When I left ‘Star Wars’ to do ‘Wonder Woman 3’, and I started working on that, we talked about, ‘Well, maybe I’ll come back to ‘Star Wars’ after ‘Wonder Woman 3’,’ so we started a deal for that to happen. When ‘Wonder Woman 3’ then went away, Lucasfilm and I were like ‘Oh, we’ve got to finish this deal.’ We finished the deal right as the strike was beginning, so I now owe a draft of ‘Star Wars’.”

    She also commented on the potential for the new movie, given that the development schedule for ‘Star Wars’ movies has begun to ramp up again:

    “They have a hard job in front of them of, ‘What’s the first movie they’re going to do? They have other directors who have been working, but I am now back on doing ‘Rogue Squadron’. We’ll see what happens. We need to get it to where we’re both super happy with it.”

    96qirVpamM3kylqWw9kx46

    What’s happening with the other ‘Star Wars’ movies?

    Dave Filoni, Daisy Ridley and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
    (L to R) Dave Filoni, Daisy Ridley and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.

    The leader in terms of forward movement right now is ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’, which Jon Favreau is gearing up to direct based on the sprawling TV universe he’s created alongside Dave Filoni.

    Then there is a new story for Daisy Ridley’s sequel trilogy character Rey –– rumored to be titled ‘New Jedi Order’ –– directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, which is inching towards pre-production.

    Others in the works (but not as near to shooting) include a ‘Dawn of the Jedi’ film from James Mangold, and still-to-be-revealed movies being written/directed by ‘Knives Out’s Rian Johnson and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’s Taika Waititi.

    Related Article: Jon Favreau to Shoot ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Movie This Year

    When will ‘Rogue Squadron’ be in theaters?

    Before you go setting your S-foils to ticket buying position, cool your thrusters: the movie is still at the development stage. The next likely release from the ‘Star Wars’ galaxy is ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’, which looks to be targeting a 2026 slot alongside ‘New Jedi Order’.

    'The Mandalorian' Season 4 Concept Art courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd.
    ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 4 Concept Art courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Other ‘Star Wars’ Movies:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

    XciTV1kI

  • ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ Movie in the Works

    'The Mandalorian' Season 4 Concept Art courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd.
    ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 4 Concept Art courtesy of Lucasfilm Ltd. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview:

    • ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ is official at Disney and Lucasfilm.
    • Jon Favreau is in the director’s chair.
    • The movie has yet to announce a release date.

    For the past few years, ‘Star Wars’ has lived on the small screen much more than cinemas thanks to the success of ‘The Mandalorian’. But while there has been talk of a film set in the same universe from Dave Filoni, Disney and Lucasfilm have now announced that its Jon Favreau who is heading up the shows’ transition from TV to theater.

    ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ is the first movie announced as actually entering production.

    eaZX2E5uDRUrzMZDbzwwV4

    What’s the story of ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’?

    The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and the Child in 'The Mandalorian,' season two.
    The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and the Child in ‘The Mandalorian,’ season two. © 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    The big announcement of the movie offered up no details on what the plot will be, but you have to figure it’ll continue the story of the characters’ journey from the show –– including Mando’s ongoing struggle with his cultural legacy and Grogu’s increasing Force powers.

    Plus there are plenty of dangling plot threads just waiting to be expanded or tied up in a big screen outing.

    We don’t yet know who else is behind the movie, but surely Filoni –– Favreau’s creative partner in all things ‘Star Wars’ –– has had a hand in the script.

    What has been said about the new movie?

    Jon Favreau
    Jon Favreau attends the panel for “The Mandalorian” series at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, California on May 28, 2022. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney).

    Here’s Favreau’s statement on the new movie:

    “I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created. The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting.”

    And this is what Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said:

    “Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have ushered into ‘Star Wars’ two new and beloved characters, and this new story is a perfect fit for the big screen.”

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3

    What else is in development for big screen ‘Star Wars’?

    Dave Filoni, Daisy Ridley and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
    (L to R) Dave Filoni, Daisy Ridley and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.

    While it appears the Mando movie is flying into first position, we do know that Dave Filoni is still putting the pieces together for his own film, while one that continues the story of Rey (Daisy Ridley) is on the way from director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and writer Steven Knight, due in 2027.

    And then there’s James Mangold’s film, which explores the origins of the Jedi and early force users and is awaiting a release date.

    We’d guess that while Filoni (who was recently promoted to Chief Creative Officer at Lucasfilm) is still going full speed ahead on his movie, he’s also been busy figuring out a second season of ‘Ahsoka’, which may well lead to his big screen outing.

    When will ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ be in theaters?

    Lucasfilm has yet to confirm a release date, but a 2024 shoot points to a potential return for ‘Star Wars’ Christmas premieres in 2025.

    The cast and crew of 'The Mandalorian' season 3 at Star Wars Celebration 2023.
    The cast and crew of ‘The Mandalorian’ season 3 at Star Wars Celebration 2023.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Mandalorian:’

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

  • ‘Ahsoka’: The Ending Explained

    Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) in Lucasfilm's'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) in Lucasfilm’s’Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Quite a finale for ‘Ahsoka’, the latest ‘Star Wars’ spin-off series, eh? The show, which wrapped its first (and so far only; there has been no announcement of a second yet) season on Tuesday has already generated plenty of debate between those who found the ending a fun wrap up to the story (albeit with a tantalizing cliffhanger) and others who feel it left much to be desired.

    But what if you were left mostly confused about certain elements –– what, for example, is Grand Admiral Thrawn’s (Lars Mikkelsen) plan now he has reached the planet Dathomir? What is that giant statue that Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson) was standing on at the end? Where does Ahsoka go from here?

    You have questions. We have… well, perhaps not answers, but certainly some compelling theories. Take a read!

    What is Thrawn’s plan at the end of ‘Ahsoka’ Season 1?

    Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) in Lucasfilm's 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Grand Admiral Thrawn managed to complete his plan and escape the planet Peridea with his Star Destroyer, his legions of Night Troopers, the Great Mothers of the witchy Nightsisters and… a whole lot of something in his cargo hold.

    Exactly what is in those cargo containers remains to be seen, but unless Thrawn is particularly fond of Blue Milk or really needed lots of power converters to sell at Toshi Station, our best guess at this point is that it contains Nightsisters, either dead or in suspended animation.

    After all, he’s back in the regular ‘Star Wars’ galaxy, (at the sisters’ home planet of Dathomir, no less) and if he hopes to crush the New Republic, he’s going to need troops and/or weapons. What better than powerful witches to help his crusade? Even if he’s ultimately doomed to fail.

    What is Baylan Skoll up to in ‘Ahsoka’?

    Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson) and Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) with Peridea bandits and howlers in Lucasfilm's 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson) and Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) with Peridea bandits and howlers in Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Through the later episodes of the show, it became clear that former Jedi, now mercenary Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson, often one of the best things in the series) had his own plans once transported to the planet Peridea. He essentially ditched his apprentice, Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) and went off to find a giant statue.

    It’s one of three statues that depict the Ones, a family of Force gods who dwell on the planet Mortis. As seen in a pivotal story arc on ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’, these characters serve as living embodiments of the Force itself.

    The Son (Sam Witwer) is the Dark Side. The Daughter (Adrienne Wilkinson) is the Light Side. The Father (Lloyd Sherr) represents the balance between the two.

    Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Ahsoka Tano (Ariana Greenblatt) in Lucasfilm's 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Ahsoka Tano (Ariana Greenblatt) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Ahsoka, Anakin and Obi-Wan encountered these three beings when they traveled to Mortis, and Anakin was given a brief glimpse of the monster he later became.

    And if you’re wondering, Skoll is standing on the statue of The Father. It’s all, apparently in aid of his idea to end the constant conflict between the Jedi and the Sith (though knowing what happens in the sequel trilogy, it doesn’t appear he’s successful.)

    The most heartbreaking aspect of the Skoll story, of course, is the fact that Stevenson won’t be the one to continue it. The Northern Irish actor died in May, so assuming Dave Filoni and co. had a future plan in mind for Baylan other than looking like he’s exploring Middle-earth, the role will need to be re-cast.

    What next for Shin Hati on ‘Ahsoka’?

    Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) in Lucasfilm's 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Shin, meanwhile, who was also left on Peridea, appears to have ambitions as a warlord, gathering support from others on the planet. It seems assured that she and Sabine will meet –– and clash –– again.

    Related Article: TV Review: ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka’ 

    Where does the story of ‘Ahsoka’ go from here?

    Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in Lucasfilm's 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson), Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and Jedi training droid Huyang (voiced by David Tennant) are left stranded on Peridea at the end of Season 1. So, what happens next?

    Right now, that question can only be answered by show boss Dave Filoni and whoever he has discussed it with.

    But there are several possibilities –– we could well see a second season of ‘Ahsoka’, which has been a buzzy success for Disney+ ordered before too long.

    Ahsoka’s story could be picked up in ‘The Mandalorian’, though that series is already carrying several plotlines of its own.

    Filoni and Jon Favreau might be building to some connected big series that weaves the various shows’ plot strands together (after all, who doesn’t want to see Ahsoka Tano hanging out with Grogu again?)

    Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) in Lucasfilm's 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' exclusively on Disney+.
    (L to R) Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    And then there’s the movie that Filoni is developing, as originally confirmed at Star Wars Celebration this past April. Leaving Ahsoka, Sabine and Huyang stranded on Peridea opens up potential new storylines (albeit risky to have a movie kick off with characters that many fans may not be familiar with.

    He may opt to have Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) freshly reunited with his other old ‘Star Wars Rebels’ comrade Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) force Thrawn back to Peridea where we could catch up with Ahsoka and co.

    Because, cute as they are, a season of our heroes hanging around with the crab-meet-Ewok-like Noti doesn’t exactly hold the same appeal as a big space adventure full of thrilling battles, daring do and giant space whales (depending, of course, on how many of the poor Purrgil creatures are left after their unfortunate run-in with an Imperial mine field.)

    Right now, we’re in a holding pattern until Disney and Lucasfilm choose to confirm the future plans for these characters on screens big or small. We were surprised no announcements were made about a new season or anything else but given the sheer number of projects either rumored or announced that have not come to pass, we’re not entirely shocked.

    And that’s without the delays likely from the strikes. As Yoda might put it, “clouded this story’s future is…” But hopefully not for too long.

    Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in Lucasfilm's 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' exclusively on Disney+.
    Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: Ahsoka,’ exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

    Other ‘Star Wars’ Movies:

    Buy ‘Star Wars’ Movies On Amazon

  • Gareth Edwards Addresses ‘Rogue One’ Shoot Again

    Felicity Jones in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.'
    Felicity Jones in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.’ Photo: Lucasfilm.

    With his latest science fiction movie, ‘The Creator’ out in cinemas, Gareth Edwards probably wishes people would stop bringing up his previous work, ‘Star Wars’ effort ‘Rogue One’.

    Not because of the movie itself (which, let’s not forget, earned more than a billion dollars at the box office), but because of all the talk of re-writes and re-shoots around getting it finished.

    Infamously, the biggest change happened after much of the movie had been shot and creative dissonance began to happen. Tony Gilroy was brought in to work on the script and ended up reportedly directing re-shoots to help get the movie to its final form.

    20065704

    Edwards on ‘Rogue One’s tricky finish

    Diego Luna and Felicity Jones in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.'
    (L to R) Diego Luna and Felicity Jones in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.’ Photo: Lucasfilm.

    Talking to Kim Masters for KCRW podcast ‘The Business’, Edwards had this to say:

    “The stuff that’s out there on the internet about what happened on that film — there is so much inaccuracy about the whole thing. Tony came in, and he did a lot of great work, for sure. No doubt about it. But we all worked together until the entire last minute of that movie.”

    And while there was talk that Gilroy completely oversaw the five-week re-shoot for the movie, Edwards disputes that, citing one of its most iconic moments:

    “The very last thing that we filmed in the pickup shoot was the Darth Vader corridor scene. I did all of that stuff.”

    Related Article: Director Gareth Edwards Talks ‘The Creator’ and Artificial Intelligence

    Edwards on the experience as a whole

    Darth Vader in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.'
    Darth Vader in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.’ Photo: Lucasfilm.

    Despite the ongoing chatter, the filmmaker doesn’t regret the experience, emphasizing to Variety how lucky he was to have worked on a movie set in the galaxy far, far away that once inspired him:

    “I got to make a ‘Star Wars’ film. I won the lottery, in that sense. The idea of someone as privileged as me in any way implying that it was anything other than the amazing experience that it was to some extent — like, I don’t have any empathy for that person, and I don’t want to be that person either.”

    Two things, however, are telling about Edwards’ time on ‘Star Wars’, both of them after the fact.

    'Andor' will premiere on Disney+ September 21st.
    ‘Andor’ will premiere on Disney+ September 21st.

    Gilroy was brought back in to work on last year’s ‘Andor’, a story set in the years before Diego Luna’s Cassian Andor met the ‘Rogue’ squadron. Gilroy was involved from the start and is currently (at least, he’ll be able to once the actors’ strike is over since nothing can be shot right now) overseeing it to competition. Praise for ‘Andor’ has been near universal.

    And as for Edwards, he took seven years between movies (though he denies any wounds to lick and instead says he just wanted to make sure he nailed the next film) and with ‘The Creator’ sought a process where he had complete control.

    The result launched in cinemas this past weekend and so far isn’t exactly setting the box office on fire the way ‘Rogue One’ did. An original science fiction film was always going to struggle, though so far ‘The Creator’ has earned a little over $14 million domestically (and $32 million worldwide). Still, with a thrifty $80 million production budget, it also doesn’t have to earn on the level of a ‘Star Wars’ to find profit.

    Madeleine Yuna Voyles as Alphie, Gemma Chan as Maya, and Director Gareth Edwards on the set of 20th Century Studios' 'The Creator.'
    (L to R) Madeleine Yuna Voyles as Alphie, Gemma Chan as Maya, and Director Gareth Edwards on the set of 20th Century Studios’ ‘The Creator.’ Photo by Glen Milner. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘The Creator’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The Creator’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Gareth Edwards Movies On Amazon

    buAny1qH