Tag: Star Wars

Star Wars: Galactic Racer Pre-Order Bonus, Editions, Prices, and Solving the Release Date

Last year’s Game Awards surprised everyone when they announced Fate of the Old Republic, a spiritual successor to the Knights of the Old Republic games, came out of nowhere. Fans had their jaws drop again later during the same show when Star Wars: Galactic Racer was revealed unexpectedly.

The main advantage Galactic Racer has over Fate of the Old Republic is that it will be available much sooner. Fate of the Old Republic is still years away, but Galactic Racer is set to launch in 2026. You can pre-order it right now, with details about its different editions below.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer – What’s Included With Each Edition

When pre-ordering Galactic Racer, there are three editions to choose from. Here’s what each includes:

Feature	Standard	Digital Deluxe	Collector’s
Base Game	✓	✓	✓
Livery and Player Banner (Pre-Order Bonus)	✓	✓	✓
Digital Art Book	✘	✓	✓
3 Exclusive Repulsorcrafts	✘	✓	✓
Deluxe Livery	✘	✓	✓
3 Arcade Events	✘	✓	✓
Deluxe Player Banner	✘	✓	✓
Steel Case With Sleeve	✘	✘	✓
Collector’s Box With Sleeve	✘	✘	✓
Landspeeder Model	✘	✘	✓
Physical Art Book	✘	✘	✓
Pilot Patches	✘	✘	✓
Kestar Banner	✘	✘	✓

The collector’s edition costs a bit more but includes a lot. For $159.99, you’ll get the game, a miniature landspeeder model, a physical art book, and all the digital bonuses listed above, including the digital deluxe edition content.

Pre-orders for the collector’s edition aren’t live yet, but updates will be posted when they become available.

The digital deluxe edition costs $79.99, which is half the price of the collector’s. It includes a digital art book, a special livery for your speeder, a banner, and three exclusive repulsorcrafts. There will also be a physical version that comes with a steel case and sleeve.

Where to Pre-Order the Digital Deluxe Edition

If you’re only interested in racing and don’t need the extras, the standard edition is a good choice. It costs $59.99, which is reasonable compared to current game prices, and it comes with a pre-order bonus—livery personalized to your gaming platform, like blue and white for PlayStation or green and white for Xbox.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer’s Release Date and More Information

Galactic Racer will release on October 6, 2026. It will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. There’s no word yet about a Nintendo Switch 2 version. This game is among the first big titles confirmed for release this October, just weeks before GTA 6, which launches on November 19.

There’s a lot of excitement around Galactic Racer after more than 20 years without new podracing games. It’s the debut title from Fuse Games, a new studio, and early impressions suggest they are doing well so far.

In Galactic Racer, players step into the role of Shade in a single-player campaign, racing against top podracers across familiar characters and locations from Star Wars. It looks promising, and fans are eager to jump in when it arrives in October. Pre-orders are available, and now we just wait for the release day.

April 30, 2026

Ubisoft Boss Names Who He Blames for Star Wars Outlaws’ Failures

Nearly a year has passed since Star Wars Outlaws was released, and it received mixed reviews and underwhelming sales. During a recent meeting with investors, Ubisoft’s chairman and CEO, Yves Guillemot, was asked about this situation.

Guillemot responded by suggesting that the issue is part of a larger problem affecting the well-known Star Wars brand. Instead of addressing the game’s technical issues at launch or any problems during its development, he quickly shifted the blame to the entire franchise.

A Disturbance In The Force?

Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm from George Lucas in 2012, Star Wars has faced many ups and downs. Guillemot seems to believe that Star Wars Outlaws was released at a time when the brand was struggling. In July 2024, the series saw trouble:

“Outlaws was released at a time when the brand that it belonged to was in a bit of choppy waters.” -Yves Guillemot

It makes sense to expect a big franchise to maintain its popularity when launching an expensive game. However, 2024 was not a great year for Star Wars overall. The Acolyte, a live-action series, had just completed its single season, leaving fans divided. On the animated side, Young Jedi Adventures had launched its second season, but it may not appeal to all audiences.

However, the problems with Star Wars Outlaws likely go beyond the brand’s reputation. Just a year before, in February 2023, EA and Respawn Entertainment impressed many with Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, which sold well and made a cultural impact. I doubt Guillemot’s claim that Outlaws’ main character, Kay Vess, struggled because of Star Wars’ troubled state at the time.

TheGamer’s Jade King rated Star Wars Outlaws 3.5 out of 5 stars, saying that “there [were] times when I didn’t want to put this game down, which only made its glaring omissions all the more noticeable.” She pointed out flaws in the story and unpolished elements that received attention online.

During the same meeting, Guillemot hinted at a new Ghost Recon game. After discussing Rainbow Six Siege X, he mentioned plans to “capitalize” on future launches like The Division and Ghost Recon. (Great catch, Game File!)

Hold on, what upcoming Ghost Recon launch?

Star Wars Outlaws

3.5/5

Released

August 30, 2024

ESRB

T For Teen // Violence, Simulated Gambling, Mild Language

Developer(s)

Massive Entertainment

Publisher(s)

Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Games

July 19, 2025

Completing the Quest for Free Star Wars Partner Tokens in Monopoly Go

This week, we’re gearing up for a special partners event in Monopoly Go, themed around Lucasfilms and straightforwardly named Star Wars Partners. Gather four friends and join forces from 1 PM ET on May 13 to 4 PM ET on May 15 to complete your builds.

As you hit milestones with your partners, you’ll snag plenty of cool Star Wars-themed prizes. Plus, if you manage to finish all four builds by the end of the event, you’ll score the grand prize: a new Star Wars token and a choice of two sticker rewards!

How to Play Star Wars Partners

Step One: Earn Tokens in Other Events

To kick things off with Star Wars Partners, you’ll need tokens. Here are some easy ways to earn them:

Compete in the daily leaderboard contests during the Star Wars Partners event. You’ll earn free tokens as milestones are reached, and top players can win hundreds of bonus tokens.
- These refresh daily but typically have fewer milestones overall.
Join the center banner events during Star Wars Partners. These often hand out more tokens than daily leaderboard events.
- These events last longer and feature more milestones (62 to be exact), offering more free tokens!
Land on board tiles with tokens while moving around the Monopoly Go game boards. Look for the long golden bars.
- You’ll earn at least one token by default, with bonuses for higher dice roll multipliers.
Receive free tokens as partner gifts if your partner sends them your way instead of taking the prize for themselves.
Complete all three of your daily quick win goals each day during the Star Wars Partners event.
- These refresh daily at 9 AM ET and often include tasks like landing on specific tiles or upgrading properties. Completing them earns you free dice rolls along with tokens.
Collect in-game store freebies available every eight hours. You can snag free dice rolls and possibly sticker packs just by checking the game periodically.
- These freebies can be found on the last page of the in-game store—you don’t need to spend money to claim them, but the Tycoon Club store doesn’t offer tokens during the event.

Winning 70 free Star Wars Partners tokens from a Daily Tournament in Monopoly Go.

With the tokens in hand, head into the Star Wars Partners screen to begin!

Step Two: Build with Partners Using the Roulette Wheel

To get started in the event, you’ll need to team up with four players from your friends list. Collaborate with them to achieve the point totals needed for all Star Wars Partners rewards by the event’s conclusion on May 18.

For the best chance at success, align yourself with the most active friends. If someone always has shields when you try to land on their landmarks, they’re likely to be online frequently and could be a valuable partner.

Once you’ve paired with a Star Wars Partner, you cannot un-pair, so choose wisely!

Each partnership operates independently, so you’ll need to decide how to allocate your Star Wars Partners tokens among all four builds throughout the event.

The ultimate goal is to have completed all four builds by the event’s end, earning you the grand prize: a Luke and Yoda board token, 5,000 free dice rolls, and a Wild Sticker (which allows you to pick any sticker from the new Star Wars sticker album) or a Sticker Swap Pack for a chance at rare stickers.

Look out for two special tiles on each roulette board that can help you achieve this goal more easily. The first is a common golden tile, offering the highest single points for any space on the roulette wheel.

The second is the Cargo or Gift space, a returning feature from previous events. If either you or your partner lands there, you’ll have the option to send a gift. This could be:

A visible reward, such as a specific number of Star Wars Partners tokens, dice rolls, or cash.
A mystery cargo gift, which may include free tokens or additional dice rolls. It’s worth taking a risk on the mystery gift!

All Star Wars Partners Rewards (May 13-18) in Monopoly Go

Level	Points Required	Star Wars Partners Rewards
1	2,500
2	6,000
3	13,000	200-300 Free Dice Rolls Cash Reward Cash Boost, 10 Minutes
4	26,500	300-500 Free Dice Rolls Yellow Sticker Pack Mega Heist, 20 Minutes
5	32,000	400-600 Free Dice Rolls Blue Sticker Pack Builder’s Bash, 10 Minutes Cash Reward
Grand Prize	Complete all four builds.	Luke and Yoda Board Token Wild Sticker or Sticker Swap Pack 5,000 Free Dice Rolls

As always, when it comes to event rewards in Monopoly Go, any stated “Cash Reward” is distributed based on your current net worth, which you can increase by spending cash on building upgrades across your Monopoly Go boards.

May 14, 2025

Star Wars: Visions Is Getting A New Spin-Off Series
Star Wars: Visions returns for its third season, complete with a new spin-off series that draws inspiration from its narratives. For those who might not be aware, Visions is an animated collection of standalone short stories. Each tale is distinct and doesn’t require a deep understanding of the wider Star Wars universe, making it accessible to a variety of audiences. The project features contributions from several distinguished studios, including Studio Trigger, known for the acclaimed anime Delicious in Dungeon and Kill la Kill.

During Star Wars Celebration in Japan, James Waugh from Lucasfilm announced that new episodes of Visions will be released on October 29, 2025. He also revealed that a spin-off will center around popular characters Kara and Juro and invited writer Kenji Kamiyama of The Ninth Jedi to share insights on the forthcoming project.

“I created a short called ‘The Ninth Jedi’ in Volume 1,” Kamiyama mentioned. “Director Shiotani is developing another film titled [“Child of Hope”], which concludes with Kara setting off in search of her father, as seen in the first short.”

Star Wars

The Ninth Jedi explores a unique concept involving lightsabers that change colors according to their wielders’ alignment with the Force. A lightsaber glows red if its user is malevolent and blue if they embody goodness. “What could explain the existence of such lightsabers?” Kamiyama pondered. “I believe this story will unveil those mysteries.”
Additional Information

Darth Maul is set to star in his own animated series within the Star Wars universe.

A film from Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling is on the way for 2027.

A new poster and ticket details are available for the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
The third installment of Star Wars: Visions will feature contributions from other prominent animation studios, such as Anima, David Production, Polygon Pictures, and WIT Studio, known for its recent Netflix original, Moonrise. While the third season has a bit of a wait ahead, it promises to uphold the tradition of delivering captivating, bite-sized stories set in the expansive Star Wars cosmos, while also expanding on the narratives that resonate deeply with fans.
April 21, 2025
Fortnite Adds New Star Wars Tie-In With Jar Jar Binks

Fortnite is set to launch its next Battle Pass, inspired by the Star Wars franchise and aptly titled “Galactic Battle,” on May 2—just under two weeks away. Among the exciting new additions is the inclusion of Darth Jar Jar, which is certain to ignite a flurry of “mesa winner” jokes across the community. This announcement was made during the Star Wars Celebration, bringing a wealth of new information about gameplay features, including the introduction of Force Lightning as a playable ability.

In addition to Darth Jar Jar, the Battle Pass will offer skins such as Emperor Palpatine. Players can also enjoy crossovers with existing Fortnite characters, like the Wookiee Cuddle Team Leader—because who wouldn’t want to snuggle with a Wookiee? For those interested in expanding their character roster, a Mace Windu skin will be available in the Item Shop. Additionally, players can explore new vehicles like the TIE Fighter and X-Wing during gameplay.

The battlefield will be filled with Lightsabers and various map locations inspired by the Star Wars universe.

Screenshot Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re a fan of both Fortnite and Star Wars, this upcoming season promises to be unmissable. Each week will feature a new theme, including Imperial Takeover, The Pull of the Force, Mandalorian Rising, Star Destroyer Bombardment, and Death Star Sabotage—covering a broad range of Star Wars lore. While specific details are still under wraps, it’s likely that players will see a skin or two from the Knights of the Old Republic era as well.

The announcement states that “The five-part saga will build up to a significant in-game narrative event that will allow players to feel like they’re determining the fate of the galaxy.”

This announcement comes amidst a flood of Star Wars news from the Star Wars Celebration event, which also highlighted the upcoming Star Wars Zero Company game, the second season of Andor, and much more.

April 21, 2025
Star Wars: Zero Company Blends XCOM With RPG For New Players

Star Wars: Zero Company was officially announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan, and its release is slated for 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. This game merges the tactical gameplay of XCOM with the expansive lore of the Star Wars universe. Set during the tumultuous end of the Clone Wars, Zero Company offers a challenging experience while also being accessible to newcomers in the tactics genre.

“Our vision for Star Wars: Zero Company hinges on gameplay principles that seamlessly integrate the immersive Star Wars galaxy with captivating turn-based tactical mechanics,” stated Greg Foertsch, CEO and Creative Director at Bit Reactor. “We aspire to deliver a unique Star Wars narrative set during the Clone Wars period, featuring significant player choices and intricate tactical combat presented in a cinematic and approachable manner.”

Zero Company boasts an impressive development team that raises expectations for the game. Created by Bit Reactor—a studio populated by veterans from Firaxis—along with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games, the team is rich in experience within the genre and shares a deep passion for Star Wars.

Image used with permission from the copyright holder

The main character is named Hawks, and according to Foertsch, Zero Company incorporates RPG elements. “You can fully customize Hawks’ appearance and combat class, while recruited operatives can be tailored from a variety of original Star Wars character classes and species. Squad members can have their looks, loadouts, and abilities customized based on a diverse range of character archetypes, such as Clone Troopers, astromechs, and even Jedi. While on the field, the members of Zero Company will develop bonds that unlock powerful combat synergies which can influence the outcome of battles. Players will face high-stakes challenges that could alter the fate of the galaxy, requiring preparation, strategic thinking, and a well-assembled team to triumph.”

April 19, 2025
Star Wars: Zero Company Is A New Tactical Game In The Clone Wars

Star Wars: Zero Company is the official title of the highly anticipated turn-based tactics game from Respawn Entertainment and Bit Reactor. Set against the backdrop of the famous Clone Wars, players will take command of a squad. The announcement was made earlier today, though specific details remain scarce. A comprehensive presentation has been promised during Star Wars Celebration Japan. For those unable to attend (and let’s be honest, that’s most of us), updates will be available on the official website after the panel wraps up at 4:30 PM JT, which translates to about 3:30 AM ET.

What we do know is that Zero Company is likely a single-player tactical game infused with a narrative focus. There’s been a single image teased that presents “a few members of the elite squad you’ll command.” While the identities of these characters remain under wraps, the image reveals an Umbaran, a Mandalorian, a human, a Clone, and a Droid. Notably, there appears to be a Tognath Jedi included in the team.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Insider rumors have hinted that this game may draw significant inspiration from the X-Com series. The absence of detailed information at this moment isn’t surprising; the developers are building anticipation for the Star Wars celebration, where we can likely expect the unveiling of a trailer. While a release date may not be imminent—given that it’s unclear how far along the project is—there’s a possibility we’ll gain insights into a release timeline since it was first announced back in 2022.

Star Wars enthusiasts surely have plenty to be excited about. With the introduction of Zero Company, the recent confirmation of the Knights of the Old Republic remake being back on track, and the forthcoming second season of Andor, there’s a wealth of thrilling content on the horizon.

April 15, 2025
Asajj Ventress And Cad Bane Star In Tales Of The Underworld

Initially, Tales of the Jedi dived into the narratives of Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku. This was followed by Tales of the Empire, which showcased the journeys of Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee. Now, step into the universe of Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld, where the focus shifts to Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane.

Disney+ and Lucasfilm have unveiled the trailer for Tales of the Underworld, the latest chapter in the Tales anthology series. This season features two legendary bounty hunters: Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane.

Ventress has navigated both sides of the Force, previously serving as a Jedi Padawan and later as an assassin for Count Dooku. Her ambition to become a Sith led her to battle numerous Jedi during the Clone Wars, including notable figures like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. After Dooku attempted to eliminate her, Ventress escaped and rejoined the Nightsister clan to concoct a plan for vengeance. In this series, she operates as a bounty hunter, living on the run with no ties to either the Sith or the Jedi.

As for Bane, he is regarded as one of the elite bounty hunters throughout the Clone Wars. Known for his ruthless efficiency, Bane can extract himself from nearly any predicament with his quick reflexes. He faces a former ally now serving as a marshal, setting the stage for a riveting showdown.

During a tense moment, someone tells Bane, “This revenge, I hope it was worth it,” to which he confidently replies, “It will be.”

Lucasfilm/Disney+

Tales of the Underworld features Nika Futterman voicing Asajj Ventress and Corey Burton as Cad Bane. The voice cast also includes Artt Butler, Lane Factor, AJ LoCascio, Clare Grant, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Eric Lopez.

Created by Lucasfilm’s Chief Creative Officer and renowned Star Wars filmmaker Dave Filoni, Tales of the Underworld will be under his supervision as the director. Filoni has also co-written and produced the upcoming live-action Star Wars film set for 2026, titled The Mandalorian & Grogu.

Fans can look forward to the premiere of Tales of the Underworld on May 4 on Disney+, a date celebrated by enthusiasts as Star Wars Day.

April 2, 2025
New Andor Season 2 Video Teases Major Star Wars Event

The path to rebellion deepens in Andor Season 2.

Disney has unveiled an exclusive preview of Andor Season 2, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage alongside interviews with the cast and crew. A standout moment features Ghorman, highlighting a fervent crowd of demonstrators united in their opposition to Imperial forces.

In the Star Wars universe, Ghorman is infamous for the Ghorman Massacre. In 2 BBY, Imperial troops opened fire on a group of peaceful protestors, leading to a tragic loss of life. This shocking incident drives Senator Mon Mothma from Chandrila to resign from the Senate and denounce Emperor Sheev Palpatine. Mothma’s resignation and her impassioned speech become a symbol of resistance and a catalyst for the formation of the Rebel Alliance.

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Andor Season 2 will follow Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna), the former thief who evolves into a key leader of the Rebel Alliance. Concurrently, the Galactic Empire is making strides towards completing the Death Star.

“These 12 episodes will take us through the next four years leading into Rogue One,” explains Tony Gilroy, the creator of Andor, in the special preview. “The show’s depth and potential are immense. We need to invest fully in it.”

Disney/Lucasfilm

Alongside Luna, Andor Season 2 features an ensemble cast including Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Alan Tudyk, Ben Mendelsohn, and Forest Whitaker.

Recognized as the most critically acclaimed series within the Star Wars franchise, Andor Season 1 received three Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series.

Season 2 of Andor will roll out in four chapters, each containing three episodes. The first chapter premieres on April 22, 2025, on Disney+.

March 6, 2025
James Mangold’s Dawn Of The Jedi Will Bypass Star Wars Lore

James Mangold is embracing the phrase, “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away,” by creating a narrative that explores the Star Wars universe thousands of years prior to the Skywalker Saga in his upcoming film, Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi.

As the director of Dawn of the Jedi, Mangold is eager to craft a unique tale alongside his co-writer, Beau Willimon.

“For me, the crucial element is having the freedom to create something entirely original,” Mangold shared in a recent chat with MovieWeb. “Beau and I have been working on a script related to Star Wars, and we’re excited to see where it takes us.”

Recent Star Wars films have encountered challenges when it comes to integrating legacy characters and intricate franchise lore. However, Mangold aims to keep his prequel, set in a distant era, relatively detached from established lore.

“The Star Wars movie is set to occur 25,000 years before any recognizable Star Wars installments,” Mangold explained. “This is an area and a realm that has intrigued me since my teenage years. I prefer not to be constrained by excessive lore to the point where it becomes restrictive and pleases no one.”

Dark Horse Comics

Lucasfilm first unveiled Mangold’s Dawn of the Jedi during the 2023 Star Wars Celebration Europe IV. Alongside this project, two other films were announced: one directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy featuring Daisy Ridley’s Rey Skywalker, and another by Lucasfilm’s Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni. At this point, none of the films have set release dates. Although the Rey Skywalker film was initially intended to debut in December 2026, Disney has since replaced it on the calendar with Ice Age 6.

The next cinematic entry in the Star Wars franchise will be Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian & Grogu, scheduled to hit theaters on May 22, 2026.

January 10, 2025
Andor Cost: Most Expensive Star Wars Show On Disney+

Andor stands out as one of the premier Star Wars productions ever brought to life by Lucasfilm. However, this ambitious endeavor comes with a significant financial investment.

A report from Forbes outlines that Disney’s expenditure for Andor has reached an impressive $645 million, with over $290 million allocated just for its second season. This staggering price sets a new benchmark for Star Wars projects, surpassing the previously high budget of over $400 million for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

It’s anticipated that the cost of the second season may climb even higher, as the $290 million figure does not encompass the entirety of the filming expenses. Production for Andor kicked off in November 2022 but faced interruptions in the summer of 2023 due to industry strikes. Filming finally resumed in January 2024.

Lucasfilm

Andor serves as the backstory for Cassian Andor, a character initially introduced in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Played by Diego Luna, Cassian transitions from a petty thief to one of the leading spies for the Rebellion. The first season unfolds five years prior to the events of Rogue One, chronicling Andor’s transformation from a criminal figure into an espionage agent.

The cast of Andor boasts several talents, including Kyle Soller as Syril Karn, Adria Arjona from Hit Man as Bix Caleen, Stellan Skarsgård as Luthen Rael, Fiona Shaw as Maarva Andor, Denise Gough as Dedra Meero, and Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma.

The first season of Andor has received widespread acclaim, with Digital Trends noting it as a project that fundamentally altered the Star Wars narrative. The show earned three nominations for the Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series. Despite the accolades, Andor‘s inaugural season encountered challenges with lower viewership and audience interest than expected for a Star Wars title.

The second season of Andor is set to feature 12 episodes, spread across four blocks of three episodes, each representing a year in the timeline. This will be the concluding season of the series.

Mark your calendars: the second season of Andor will premiere on April 22, 2025, exclusively on Disney+.

December 24, 2024
Dune Director Denis Villeneuve Not Interested In Star Wars Movie

Denis Villeneuve has firmly established himself as a master of large-scale science fiction filmmaking, standing out among his peers in the industry. His foray into the genre began with the critically acclaimed 2016 film Arrival, followed by the visually stunning Blade Runner 2049 in 2017. His ambitious dual projects, Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, have only solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s foremost sci-fi directors.

However, Villeneuve has expressed little desire to contribute to one of the most celebrated franchises in sci-fi history: Star Wars. During a recent podcast interview on The Town, he shared the profound impact that the original 1977 film, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, and its 1980 sequel, Empire Strikes Back, had on him during his formative years, as well as the disappointment he felt with 1983’s Return of the Jedi.

Villeneuve reminisced, “I was the target audience. At 10 years old, the movie hit me like a silver bullet. I became completely obsessed. I anticipated The Empire Strikes Back more than any other film in my life and watched it countless times. I was traumatized by it; I absolutely loved the original Star Wars. The issue arose, however, with Return of the Jedi in 1983.”

He further elaborated on his feelings of discontent: “When I was 15, my friend and I wanted to take a cab to L.A. to confront George Lucas about our frustrations. We were so angry! Even now, I can’t get past the Ewoks. The tone shifted to something more comedic for children.”

20th Century Fox

According to Villeneuve, his initial adverse response to Return of the Jedi has influenced his ongoing disinterest in future Star Wars projects. “Star Wars has become too rigid in its mythology; it feels like there’s a formula that lacks surprises,” he remarked. “The idea of creating a Star Wars film doesn’t excite me because it seems highly structured.”

Although his stance might disappoint some Star Wars enthusiasts, Villeneuve’s concerns are not without merit. The franchise has frequently come under fire for adhering too closely to the same formulas and conventions that originated with A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. Many of the releases from Lucasfilm, including Rogue One (2016), Solo (2018), and Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019), have faced significant behind-the-scenes complications with their directors.

In essence, Lucasfilm may not provide the ideal framework for a filmmaker with Villeneuve’s distinct vision and bold style. Thus, it might be beneficial for both him and the franchise that he opts not to engage with the current direction of Star Wars.

December 1, 2024
Andor Season 2 Will Uncover A Famous Star Wars Location Origin

Andor season 2 promises to be an even grander space odyssey than its first installment. In a recent conversation with Empire, Diego Luna, who portrays Cassian Andor, hinted that the acclaimed Star Wars series will explore a wider array of planets and places in its upcoming season. “We’re venturing into space more than ever before — expect to see a variety of planets and settings,” Luna assured. “There will be both familiar and new places.”

As revealed by creator Tony Gilroy, the upcoming season will even include Yavin 4, a crucial site in Star Wars lore. This is the moon that served as the Rebel Alliance’s base during the destruction of the first Death Star in Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope. “We have to swing by Yavin, right?” Gilroy quipped. “We’ll be diving into the story of Yavin. No one has quite approached it the way we plan to.”

Notably, Yavin 4 was already showcased in both A New Hope and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, where fans first met Luna’s character back in 2016. It has been confirmed that the conclusion of Andor season 2 will lead directly into Cassian’s character as introduced in Rogue One. It’s logical for the Disney+ series to explore Yavin 4 before reaching its definitive end, considering the rebels have a fully operational base there by the time we reconnect with Cassian and his allies in Rogue One.

Lucasfilm

In the first season of Andor, the Rebel Alliance appears less organized compared to its portrayal in Rogue One and A New Hope. The rebels lack a central hub, and much of the season focuses on leaders like Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) as they navigate their agendas from their secretive bases in Coruscant and the backroom of Luthen’s shop.

Looking ahead, it seems that Andor season 2 will not only wrap up Cassian’s evolution into the seasoned rebel fighter seen in Rogue One, but will also depict the transformation of the Rebel Alliance from a scattered group into a unified political and military force complete with a tangible base of operations.

The second season of Andor is set to debut on April 22, 2025, exclusively on Disney+.

November 17, 2024
Andor Season 2 Arrives Sooner Than Many Star Wars Fans Expected

It seems that Lucasfilm may have inadvertently disclosed the much-anticipated premiere date for Andor season 2, and intriguingly, it was found on the Disney+ mobile app. On Saturday morning, a few observant users spotted a fresh date listed at the bottom of the streaming service’s Andor tile. This date suggests that Andor season 2 is set to debut on April 22, 2025.

This update likely went live on Disney+ ahead of Lucasfilm’s intended schedule. Not only was it added to the mobile app without any formal announcement from the studio, but it comes during Disney’s D23 Brazil convention, an event that has already showcased fans their first glimpse of Diego Luna’s character, Cassian Andor, in the upcoming season. It’s plausible that the premiere date was meant to be unveiled at D23 Brazil as well.

The seemingly accidental reveal is indeed significant, as the April 2025 date is noteworthy considering that there have been scarce updates about the critically acclaimed Star Wars series’ second season recently. Fans started to speculate that Andor wouldn’t return until the latter half of 2025, with a potential premiere aligning with late summer or early fall—much like the debut of the first season.

Lucasfilm

The second season of Andor, which will conclude the series, is scheduled to come around two and a half years after the premiere of the acclaimed show’s first season in September 2022. This new installment aims to bridge the narrative from where the show left off to the events of 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Consequently, while most of the original cast is expected to return, characters portrayed by Alan Tudyk and Ben Mendelsohn, K-2SO and Orson Krennic, respectively, will also make their comeback in season 2 of Andor.

Creator Tony Gilroy has promised that the series finale will lead right up to the moment viewers first encounter Cassian in Rogue One. Given this, fans will likely appreciate the extensive effort and time put into the final episodes. Since the outcomes for the main characters are already established, this means Gilroy and his team will not have another chance to conclude Andor’s narrative, making it all the more crucial to maximize the opportunity they have.

As it stands, Andor season 2 is confirmed to premiere on April 22, 2025, on Disney+.

November 10, 2024
George Lucas Dropped A Star Wars Twist For Obi-Wan’s Story

Obi-Wan Kenobi is arguably one of the most significant and recognizable characters in the Star Wars universe. First appearing as a seasoned Jedi in 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope, he serves as a crucial mentor to both Luke and Anakin Skywalker, making his eventual estrangement from the latter all the more poignant. Ewan McGregor and Alec Guinness have both vividly portrayed Obi-Wan over the decades, fleshing out his complex narrative throughout various installments of the franchise.

However, the original concept for Obi-Wan Kenobi by Star Wars creator George Lucas was quite different from what fans know today. In a discussion with StarWars.com, Iain McCaig, a behind-the-scenes artist for Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, revealed that Lucas initially planned to switch the names of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn, portrayed by Ewan McGregor and Liam Neeson, respectively. “It’s fascinating to see how concepts change over time,” McCaig noted. “At one point, the elder Jedi was going to be called Obi-Wan while the younger one was named Qui-Gon.”

McCaig elaborated that Lucas envisioned a scenario where McGregor’s character ultimately took on his master’s name in a way that honored Qui-Gon’s mission to train Anakin. “As Obi-Wan meets his end and Qui-Gon defeats Darth Maul, he stays with his Master until he passes away. By doing so, he not only embraces his Master’s quest but also adopts his name. Qui-Gon becomes Obi-Wan,” McCaig explained. This twist was meant to clarify why, in A New Hope, Alec Guinness’ character expresses surprise at the name Obi-Wan: because, until that point, he identified as Qui-Gon.

20th Century Fox

McCaig did not provide specific reasons for Lucas’s choice to abandon this narrative twist. While it could have added depth to Obi-Wan’s introduction in A New Hope, it seems Lucas opted for a more streamlined depiction of the character’s backstory as it unfolded in The Phantom Menace.

This revelation provides fascinating insight into Lucas’s detailed approach to character development and storytelling within the prequel trilogy, as well as its ties to the larger saga, including A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Fans are left to ponder how many other ideas were considered and ultimately set aside during the making of the franchise’s initial six films.

Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace is currently available for streaming on Disney+.

November 3, 2024
Daisy Ridley Calls Her Return As Rey In Star Wars ‘Scary’

Last year, Lucasfilm unveiled several exciting film initiatives within the Star Wars universe, one of which centers on Rey (Daisy Ridley) as she strives to restore the Jedi Order after the events of 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker. Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, confirmed during an interview with IGN that this film will unfold 15 years after the Sequel Trilogy and will depict the Jedi as being “in disarray,” with Rey endeavoring to reshape the Order “based on the books, based on what she promised Luke (Mark Hamill).”

However, progress on this project has seen some delays. The original writers, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, left the film in March 2023, and their successor, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, has also reportedly exited recently. On her part, Daisy Ridley has been somewhat reserved regarding the project’s current status. Nonetheless, during a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, she discussed her preparations to return to the iconic role that transformed her career.

Ridley expressed her mixed feelings about revisiting Rey. “I feel like the new one/new ones will be so interesting. Time has passed and a lot has changed for me personally,” she shared. “It’ll be interesting to come back to someone who I know so well, but in such a different moment. For me to inhabit Rey again after all the time that we haven’t seen her, it’s actually scary, but it’s also exciting.”

Given the significant time that has elapsed since Ridley last portrayed Rey in The Rise of Skywalker, it’s understandable that returning to her character might both thrill and intimidate her. Ridley catapulted to fame with her breakout performance as Rey in 2015’s Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens, and she has grown considerably as an actress over the years. For fans of the franchise, it will be fascinating to see her revisit a role she took on when she was still finding her footing in the industry.

At this point, it remains uncertain when audiences will catch sight of Ridley as Rey again. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is still attached to direct, but recent departures of key writers have raised questions about when production might commence and the film’s potential release date. The pressure is on this project to launch a successful new era for Star Wars post-Sequel Trilogy, which may explain why Lucasfilm is taking extra time in its development.

In the meantime, while fans eagerly await updates on this film and Ridley continues her preparations to don her Jedi robes again, Lucasfilm has several other film and television projects in the works. One notable title is The Mandalorian & Grogu, currently slated for release on May 22, 2026.

October 28, 2024
Did Daisy Ridley’s Star Wars Film Lose Its Writer

A minor issue has arisen in a galaxy far, far away.

As reported by Matt Belloni of Puck, Steven Knight has exited the upcoming Jedi Order film. Knight, known for creating Peaky Blinders, had been working on the screenplay. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy remains onboard as director, with Daisy Ridley set to return as Rey Skywalker.

This isn’t the first time the project has lost a writer; Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were involved earlier but have since departed. Obaid-Chinoy’s Star Wars film was officially unveiled during the London Star Wars Celebration in April 2023. It is intended to take place 15 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, following Rey’s efforts to establish a new Jedi Order.

Daisy Ridley gives an encouraging STAR WARS update…hmm…

Our full chat: https://t.co/1PQZIxVTZA pic.twitter.com/6QAqOCYwcJ

— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) October 25, 2024

In a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Ridley mentioned that she’s anticipating “imminent news” when asked if she had any updates regarding Star Wars. When host Josh Horowitz expressed his willingness to wait for the right Star Wars film, Ridley concurred, noting, “We’re all good.”

Disney currently has an untitled Star Wars film scheduled for theatrical release on December 18, 2026. With The Mandalorian & Grogu premiering on May 22, 2026, Ridley’s film had been a strong candidate for the December slot.

Given that Lucasfilm may be searching for a new writer, there is a significant possibility that the Rey-centric film could be moved from this release date. Disney might choose to shift The Mandalorian & Grogu to December or replace it with another title. Although Spider-Man 4 was initially a strong contender, Marvel has now slated it for July 24, 2026. It’s uncertain whether Blade, which was removed from the 2025 schedule, could land in the December slot. Nonetheless, Ridley’s Star Wars film remains a top priority, and Lucasfilm will need to act quickly in securing a new writer.

October 26, 2024