A "Star Wars" Link-o-Rama 2024 by Negromancer - UPDATE #25

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

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NEWS AND RUMORS:

TREATS: From AnotherCookie?:  There is a new online cookie retailer, "AnotherCookie?" The cookies are delicious.

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NEWS:

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:  To celebrate "Black History Month," Marvel Comics will celebrate Black "Star Wars" characters with variant covers featuring them on four "Star Wars" titles published in February 2025.

NEW TRILOGY - From Deadline:  Lucasfilm has hired writer-producer-director Simon Kinberg to develop a new "Star Wars" trilogy - Episodes 10, 11, and 12.

From THR:  Related to the Simon Kinberg news, the new trilogy will supposedly focus on the the sequel trilogy star, "Rey Skywalker."

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel will publish a "Star Wars" one-shot comic book, "Star Wars: A New Legacy," in 2025.  It will set up the relaunch of Marvel's ongoing "Star Wars" flagship comic book and also celebrate the tenth anniversary of Marvel regaining the license to publish "Star Wars" titles from Dark Horse Comics. Since then, however, Dark Horse gained a new license to publish "Star Wars" comics for juvenile readers.

AHSOKA - From THR:  In an article, "Is Disney Bad at Star Wars? An Analysis," we learn that a second season of "Star Wars: Ahsoka" is in development.

OBITUARY - From StarWars:  The "Star Wars" website remembers the voice of "Darth Vader," Emmy and Tony-winning actor, James Earl Jones, who passed away yesterday (Mon., Sept. 9th). The release also includes a statement from "Star Wars" creator, George Lucas.

THE ACOLYTE - From Deadline:  There will not be a second season of "The Acolyte," per information obtained by "Deadline."

PUBLISHING - From ComicsBeat:  Multiple publishers gather at the San Diego Comic-Con panel, "Star Wars: Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away," to discuss publishing plans for 2024-25.

THE ACOLYTE - From Deadline: As the debut of the Lucasfilm Disney+ series, "Star Wars: The Acolyte" arrives, Lucasfilm CEO Kathleen Kennedy says that "storytelling needs to be representative of all people." That means she ain't here for your whining about "woke."

GEORGE LUCAS - From Deadline:  Star Wars creator George Lucas was fêted with an Honorary Palme d’Or at this evening’s closing ceremony of the 2024 / 77th Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony.  Lucas' longtime friend, collaborator, and mentor, Francis Ford Coppola, joined him on stage. This article includes video footage of the rapturous applause Lucas received.

From CBR:  At the 77th Cannes Film Festival, George Lucas explained in an interview why he sold Lucasfilm and Star Wars to the Walt Disney Company.

THE MANDALORIAN - From THR:  Oscar-nominated actress Sigourney Weaver is in talks to join the "Star Wars" film, "The Mandalorian & Grogu." It will be the first Star Wars movie to go into production since "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."

EPISODE I - From Space:  "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" has returned to movie theaters in celebration of the 25th anniversary of its original theatrical release.  During the first weekend of its return to theaters, the film took in 8.1 million dollars in 2,700 domestic theaters, including 150 premium screens and 130 specialty motion D-Box/4D auditoriums.  The movie includes an exclusive look at the upcoming Disney+ Star Wars series, "The Acolyte."

DAWN OF THE JEDI - From THR:  Oscar and Emmy-nominated writer Beau Willimon ("House of Cards") will write the screenplay for the "Star Wars" film, "Dawn of the Jedi," which is scheduled to be directed by James Mangold. 

OBIT - From Deadline:  Dianne Crittenden, the casting director for the original "Star Wars," has died at the age of 82, Tuesday, March 19th, 2024.  Over her 40 year career, Crittenden was the casting director on three of Terrence Malick's films, including his first, "Badlands."  Her works includes such films as "On Golden Pond," "Witness," and "Spider-Man 2."

THE ACOLYTE - From Deadline:  The new Lucasfilm "Star Wars" series, "Star Wars: The Acolyte," is set to debut on Disney+ June 4th.  The series, which is led by Amandla Stenberg, is set in the final days of the "High Republic" era.

LANDO - From Deadline:  What would it take for Billy Dee Williams to return to "Star Wars?"  "Pay me a lot of money," he says.

OBIT - From Variety:  Voice actor Mark Dodson has died at the age of 64, Saturday, March 2, 2024.  Dodson performed a voice role in three "Star Wars" productions.  Dodson voiced "Salacious Crumb" in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" (1983).  He performed "voice characterizations" in the ABC television film, "Ewoks: The Battle for Endor" (1985).  He voiced "Niima Scavenger" in "Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens" (2015).  Dodson also provided vocal effects for some of the "Mogwai" in "Gremlins" (1984) and "Gremlins 2: The Next Batch" (1990).

THE ACOLYTE - From Collider:  "The Acolyte" is a Disney+ series set 100 years before "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" during the "High Republic" era.  "Collider" is reporting that the series will hit Disney+ Summer 2024.

THE MANDALORIAN - From THR:  Gina Carano used her social media posts to be fired from her role as "Cara Dune" from the Lucasfilm/Disney+ series, "The Mandalorian."  Now, she is suing Disney for discrimination and wrongful termination and Elon Musk and Twitter/X is helping to fund the lawsuit.  One of the remedies of her lawsuit is that Disney be forced to recast her in "The Mandalorian."

OBIT - From StarWars:  There has been a death in the Lucasfilm family.  Emmy Award-nominee, Carl Weathers, died at the age of 76, Thursday, February 1, 2024.  With the launch of The Mandalorian on Disney+, Weathers joined the "Star Wars" family as Greef Karga — an expeditor for the Bounty Hunter Guild who rises to become Magistrate of Nevarro, and ally to the Mandalorian and Grogu.  Weathers would receive an Emmy Award nomination for his performance. In addition, Weathers directed the critically-acclaimed episodes, “Chapter 12: The Siege” and "Chapter 20: The Foundling."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Darth Maul will be the star of a four-issue comic book miniseries from Marvel Comics, entitled "Star Wars: Darth Maul - Black, White & Red." The fun starts April 25th, 2024.

From BleedingCool:  Comic book writer Charles Soule says he has big plans for Marvel's current "Star Wars" comic book, culminating in a big reveal in "Star Wars #50."

AHSOKA - From Variety:  Lucasfilm has confirmed that series creator, Dave Filoni, is working on a second season of the Disney+ series, "Ahsoka," starring Rosario Dawson.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Deadline:  Lucasfilm announced the news of a new Star Wars film, "The Mandalorian & Grogu," which will be directed and produced by "The Mandalorian" creator, Jon Favreau.  Details as to the film's plot are being kept secret, but production will begin sometime this year. In addition to Favreau, producers of the project include Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni.

NEW JEDI ORDER - From ScreenRant:  Director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy teases "Star Wars: New Jedi Order." Production could begin soon with Daisy Ridley confirmed to return as "Rey Skywalker" in a story set 15 years after the events of Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker.  Obaid-Chinoy says, “I’m very thrilled about the project because I feel what we’re about to create is something very special. And we’re in 2024 now, and it’s about time that we had a woman come forward to shape a story in a galaxy far, far away.”

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STAR WARS Movie Reviews:

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars"
From Negromancer:  "The Empire Strikes Back"
From Negromancer:  "Return of the Jedi"

From Negromancer:   "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Force Awakens
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"
From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

From Negromancer:  "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" (2008 animated film)
From Negromancer:  "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story"
From Negromancer:  "Solo: A Star Wars Story" 

I Reads You "Star Wars Central" comics and graphic novel review page is here.

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Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

Review: "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 5 (of 2020) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Running time:  141 minutes (2 hours, 21 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action
DIRECTOR:  J.J. Abrams
WRITERS:  Chris Terrio and J.J. Abrams; from a story by Chris Terrio and J.J. Abrams and Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly (based on characters created by George Lucas)
PRODUCERS:  Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Michelle Rejwan
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Dan Mindel
EDITORS:  Maryann Brandon and Stefan Grube
COMPOSER:  John Williams

SCI-FI/FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA

Starring:  Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid, Naomi Ackie, Kelly Marie Tran, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Domhnall Gleeson, Billie Lourd, Dominic Monaghan, Warwick Davis, Denis Lawson, and Joonas Suotamo with Carrie Fisher (archive footage)

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a 2019 science fiction, fantasy, and action film directed by J.J. Abrams.  It is the ninth movie in the Star Wars film franchise's “Skywalker Saga,” which began with the 1977 Oscar-winning film, Star Wars, created by George Lucas.  Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is also a direct sequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017).  In The Rise of Skywalker, the surviving Resistance fighters battles the First Order as the last of the Jedi faces the most powerful of the Dark Side.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker begins one year after the “Battle of Crait” (as seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi).  Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is now “Supreme Leader” of the First Order, and he is vexed by mysterious broadcasts that carry the voice of someone claiming to be “the Emperor.”  Determined to find this “phantom Emperor,” Kylo uses a Sith device called the “Wayfinder,” which leads him to a secret part of the galaxy and the planet, “Exegol.”

There, Kylo discovers a physically impaired Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), the Emperor of the late Galactic Empire, long thought to be dead.  Palpatine reveals that he has been manipulating things behind the scenes, including luring Kylo to the Dark Side.  He wants Kylo to find Rey (Daisy Ridley) and to bring her to him.

Meanwhile, on the world the “Resistance” calls its home, Rey continues her Jedi training under the tutelage of General Leia Organa (archive footage of the late Carrie Fisher).  Thanks to a mole/spy in the First Order, the Resistance has learned of Kylo Ren's discovery.  Now, Rey, Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), BB-8, and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) leave on a mission to find a second Wayfinder, the one for which the late Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) had once searched, one that will lead them to Exegol.

Rey, Finn, and Poe will need the help of old heroes, like Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), and new friends, like Jannah (Naomi Ackie), if they are going to stop the forces of the Dark Side.  Kylo and Palpatine are plotting something called “the Final Order,” which includes a secret armada of the most powerful “Star Destroyers” ever assembled.

Hopefully, I can keep this review from running on too long.  The reviews for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, both formal and commentary from social media, are decidedly mixed.  Some think The Rise of Skywalker is the worst Star Wars movie ever.  Others have called it mediocre or average.  Some don't like one half of it and like the other half.  Some think it is the best Star Wars movie (1) in the sequel trilogy, (2) since the original trilogy (3) or the best Star Wars movie ever.

I think Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the best Star Wars film since the end of the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi, which was released in 1983.  I like everything about The Rise of Skywalker.  The directing, the writing, the CGI and the science and technology, the cinematography, editing, film score, costume design, art direction and set decoration, and, of course the acting.

Co-writer-director J.J. Abrams and co-writer Chris Terrio give us a satisfying resolution to the story arcs of both Rey and Kylo Ren.  Finn and Poe Dameron finally get quality screen time that allows the audience to see the best of their characters.  A number of actors who have appeared in Star Wars films over the last four decades-plus lend their voices to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.  Lando Calrissian finally returns, with Billy Dee Williams making a star turn in each of his scenes.  Their are wonderful new characters (Keri Russell's Zorri Bliss) and the delightful return of familiar characters.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker also offers the revival of old plots, and the film contains numerous references to important moments in previous films (including the execution of a feat of power displayed by Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back).  Even the last shot of the movie references an important moment in the original Star Wars film.

I love Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker without reservation...  Well, maybe I think the movie is not long enough, because I could have watched another hour of it.  It is like a dark, but fantastic fairy tale, full of symbolism and magic.  So, you, dear reader, can take my sky-high recommendation with many proverbial grains of salt.  Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is my favorite movie of the year.  It is a fine end to the “Skywalker Saga”... or it is a satisfying goodbye until we see Rey, Finn, Poe, and our favorite Star Wars characters next time.

10 of 10

2020  Academy Awards, USA:  3 nominations: “Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures-Original Score” (John Williams), “Best Achievement in Visual Effects” (Neal Scanlan, Patrick Tubach, Dominic Tuohy, and Roger Guyett), and “Best Achievement in Sound Editing” (Matthew Wood and David Acord)

2020 BAFTA Awards 2020:  3 nominations: “Original Music” (John Williams), “Best Sound” (David Acord, Andy Nelson, Christopher Scarabosio, Stuart Wilson, and Matthew Wood) and “Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects” (Roger Guyett, Paul Kavanagh, Neal Scanlan, and Dominic Tuohy)

Friday, December 20, 2019

Edited Tuesday, March 17, 2020


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved.  Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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A "Star Wars" Link-o-Rama 2019 by Negromancer - Update #79

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

Posted by Leroy Doureseaux - on Patreon.

REVIEW - From Patreon:  My review of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."

ROSE TICO - From BleedingCool:  Director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) wants to produce a Disney+ TV series featuring sequel trilogy character, "Rose Tico," played by Kelly Marie Tran.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Newsarama:  Jon Favreau has announced that a second season of "The Mandalorian" will debut Fall 2020.

STAR WARS - From Newsarama:  Elizabeth Howell explains the staying power of "Star Wars."

FUTURE - From THR:  "The Hollywood Reporter" has a readers' poll asking them what should be the subject of the next "Star Wars" film.  "Baby Yoda" is one of the choices.

THE CLONE WARS - From GamesRader:   How Star Wars: The Clone Wars shows what George Lucas’s prequel trilogy should have been

BABY YODA - From Newsarama:  Hasbro has revealed a new line of toys featuring "The Child" a.k.a. "Baby Yoda" from "The Mandalorian."  They are available for preorder and will arrive in March 2020.

COMICS - From StarWars:  Coming in March 2020 is a new ongoing "Star Wars" comic book series, "Star Wars: Bounty Hunters" from writer Ethan Sacks and artist Paolo Villanelli.

COMICS - From StarWars:  Writer Charles Soule and artist Will Sliney talk about their comic book miniseries, "Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren."

THE LAST JEDI - From IndieWire:  John Boyega ("Finn") did not agree with some of the choices made in "The Last Jedi."

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK - From EW:  Episode V's co-screenwriter, Lawrence Kasdan, looks back on the film's most shocking moment... without a mention of Leigh Brackett, whom George Lucas once admitted was the one who suggested that Darth Vader be Luke Skywalker's father.

DISNEY+ - From StarWars:  Disney+ announces a new online TV game show, "Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge."  Star Wars actor, Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), will host the show in which young contestants will test their abilities in "core Jedi principles."

LANDO CALRISSIAN - From YahooHuffpost:   Actor Billy Dee Williams a.k.a. "Lando Calrissian" describes himself as "gender fluid."

C-3PO - From YahooMovies:  Anthony Daniels talks about the good and the bad times playing iconic "Star Wars" droid, C-3PO, in his new book, "I Am C-3P0: The Inside Story."

THE MANDALORIAN - From MensHealth:  With the release of the third episode of Disney+'s "The Mandalorian," Deborah Chow becomes the first female director to helm a live-action "Star Wars" production - over 42 years after the release of the original "Star Wars" film.

FUTURE - From THR:  Lucasfilm president, Kathleen Kennedy, reportedly already has a director lined up for a "Star Wars" film lined up for 2022.

GEORGE LUCAS - From YahooMovieUK:   Lucasfilm boss, Kathleen Kennedy says that George Lucas criticizes the current "Star Wars" films because he has a difficult time letting go.

BOBA FETT - From TheRinger:  "How Boba Fett Became a Star Wars Icon" by Jake Kring-Schreifels.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Esquire:  The twist ending of the first episode of "The Mandalorian" expands the mystery surrounding whatever alien species from which Yoda hails.

THE LAST JEDI - From IndieWire:  Director Rian Johnson, preparing for the release of his new film, "Knives Out," fires back at critics of the diverse casting in his film, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

THE MANDALORIAN - From VanityFair:  Veteran actress, Ming-Na Wen, will play the assassin, "Fennec Shand," in The Mandalorian."

STAR WARS - From YahooHuffPost:   George Lucas told Mark Hamill that there is no underwear in space.

FUTURE - From Deadline:  David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the duo behind the Emmy-winning "Game of Thrones" have walked away from their much publicized deal to create a new "Star Wars" trilogy for Lucasfilm, which was to launch in 2022.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Writer Alyssa Wong and artist Marika Cresta will relaunch Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: Doctor Aphra" in April 2020.

CASSIAN ANDOR - From Variety:  Tony Gilroy, who wrote and directed the reshoots on "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," will write the pilot for Disney+'s "Rogue One" prequel that focuses on the character "Cassian Ando."  Gilroy will reportedly also direct multiple episodes of the series.

MOVIES - From YahooMovieUK:  Rian Johnson casts doubt on his planned original "Star Wars" trilogy.

MANGA - From Newsarama:  VIZ Media has acquired the publishing rights to "Star Wars: The Legends of Skywalker: The Manga.

COMICS-NOVELS - From SyfyWire:  At New York Comic Con 2019, new Star Wars novels (including the secret "Project Luminous") and comic books (including a new "Star Wars" series set after the events of "The Empire Strikes Back") are announced.

STAR WARS RESISTANCE - From TheWrap:  The executive producers of the Disney Channel's animated series, "Star Wars Resistance," say that the alien characters, Okra and Flix, are “absolutely a gay couple and we’re proud of that.”

OBI-WAN - From Deadline:   Debra Chow, who has directed episodes of "The Mandalorian," will be an executive producer on the "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series for the Disney+ streaming service.

FUTURE - From Variety:  Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige, is reportedly developing a "Star Wars" film for Lucasfilm.

GEORGE LUCAS - From EW:  Disney CEO Bob Iger talks about "Star Wars" creator George Lucas feeling betrayed when Disney decided not to use his story ideas on "Star War: The Force Awakens."

COMICS - From AVClub:  Comic book writer Charles Soule is expecting angry reader comments over his upcoming Star Wars comic book,"The Rise of Kylo Ren."

COMICS - From StarWars:  Marvel Comics' ongoing "Star Wars" comic book will come to an end with "Star Wars #75 (November 2019) and the epilogue, "Star Wars: Empire Ascendant #1" (December 2019) .

JON FAVREAU - From Newsarama:  Jon Favreau, executive producer of "The Mandalorian," would like to do a new "Star Wars" holiday special for Disney+.  Many Star Wars fans remember the notorious "Star Wars Holiday Special" from 1978.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Deadline:  "Twilight" actress Julia Jones ("Leah Clearwater") is joining the cast of "The Mandalorian."  No other information is currently available.

THE MANDALORIAN - From YahooEntertainment:   Members of the cast of "The Mandalorian" get emotional when talking about being cast for the Disney+ "Star Wars" series.

FILM-TV - From EW:  A list of all the "Star Wars" TV shows and movies that are in the works.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Deadline:  Disney+ series, "The Mandalorian," has a trailer.

OBI-WAN - From Deadline:  It is official.  There will be an Obi-Wan Kenobi TV series on Disney+ with Ewan McGregor reprising the title role.  According to Lucasfilm boss, Kathleen Kennedy, all the scripts are written and the series will shot next year.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics' current ongoing "Star Wars" comic book series will end in November with issue #75.

THE MANDALORIAN - From THR:  The first trailer for Jon Favreau's Star Wars TV series, "The Mandalorian," will debut at Disney's D23 Expo, Friday, Aug. 23rd.  The series is scheduled to debut Nov. 12th on the streaming service, Disney+.

THE FORCE AWAKENS - From YahooLifestyle:  See an early design of Kylo Ren that is positively scary.

RIAN JOHNSON TRILOGY - From TheObserver:  Rian Johnson talks about the freedom of creating his new "Star Wars" trilogy without saying anything else about it.

OBI-WAN - From Deadline:  Ewan McGregor is in talks to reprise his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a series for Disney's streaming service, "Disney+.

BOOKS - From ComicBook:  A new book, "Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi" will explore the history of the Jedi as told by Luke Skywalker.  The book is due Nov. 19th, 2019.

COMICS - From CBR:  At Comic-Con 2019, Lucasfilm announces a new four-issue comic book that looks into the backstory of Kylo Ren.  Entitled "Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren," it will launch in December (via Marvel Comics) and will be written by Charles Soule.  No artist has been named.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Beginning with its Star Wars Adventures #27, IDW Publishing will offer an untold story set between "Return of the Jedi" and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

CASSIAN ANDOR - From Syfy:  Diego Luna, who played "Cassian Andor" in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," says that the film left a very deep mark on him.  He also talks about the character's prequel series for Disney+

THE MANDALORIAN - From IndieWire:  Executive Producer Jon Favreau announces that a second season of "The Mandalorian" is already being written - ahead of the series' November 2019 debut on Disney+.

JAR JAR BINKS - From TampaBayTimes:  Why is Jar Jar Binks, the hero/goat of "The Phantom Menace," trending on Twitter?

MARK HAMILL - From ComicBook:  Mark Hamill has been parodied by MAD Magazine over the years for playing Luke Skywalker.  MAD will no longer contain new content in just a few months, so Hamill sends his salute.

FANS - From MosEisleySpaceport:  The site names the "50 best Star Wars blogs."

ROGUE ONE - From YahooNews:  Riz Ahmed talks about how an incident of airline profiling of Muslims forced him to cancel his appearance at Star Wars Celebration.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Writer Robbie Thompson talks to "Newsarama" about the upcoming miniseries, "Star Wars: Target Vader."

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Darth Vader to appear in Marvel Comics #1000.

MARK HAMILL - From TheRinger:  A look at Mark Hamill's (Luke Skywalker) career as a voice actor.

BILLY DEE WILLIAMS - From BleedingCool:  Billy Dee Willaims (Lando, of course) shares photos he took with some old Star Wars friends at the opening of the "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" theme park.

THEME PARKS - From Newsarama:   Harrison Ford made a surprise appearance at the opening ceremony of Disneyland's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge theme park area to activate the Millennium Falcon on display in the park with a dedication to late Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew. Ford joined Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, George Lucas, and Disney CEO Bob Iger.

FUTURE - From BuzzFeed:  There is apparently development on a movie based on "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" (the video game first released in 2003).  The current screenwriter is Laeta Kalogridis ("Avatar," "Shutter Island").

FANDOM - From YahooEntertainment:  This is an interesting article from writer Ethan Alter: "The Phantom Menace" at 20: How the first episode of the 'Star Wars' saga created toxic fandom.

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FUTURE - From Variety:  “Game of Thrones” creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are working on the “Star Wars” movie that’s due out in 2022, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed.

FUTURE - From Newsarama:  Disney has announced the schedule for three new Star Wars movies starting on December 16, 2022, with new films arriving December 20, 2024, and Dcember 18, 2026.

A NEW HOPE - From YahooEntertainment:  5 crazy but true fun facts about disco 'Star Wars' — your new May the Fourth soundtrack.  Remembering Meco’s #1 smash hit on the Billboard charts, “Star Wars/Cantina Band.”

LEGACY - From YahooEntertainment:  May the Fourth: How 'Star Wars' has changed fans' lives forever

OBIT - From THR:  Peter Mayhew, the actor who originated the role of Chewbacca, died Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at the age of 74

COMICS - From Newsarama:  The five-issue Marvel Comics' title, "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge," offers a peek at the new Disney theme park.

FUTURE - From ThePlaylist:  Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy says that there is some kind of development on a project in the fan-favorite "Knights of the Old Republic" series.

THE MANDALORIAN - From CinemaBlend:  What is known so far about the Disney+ series, "The Mandalorian, from writer-director-executive producer, Jon Favreau.

THE FUTURE - From EW:  Rian Johnson and "Game of Thrones" showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, are "working in tandem" on their respective "Star Wars" film projects.

LEGO - From Newsarama:  LEGO is going classic Star Wars ("A New Hope") and is giving the Alderaanian diplomatic ship, the "Tantiv IV," its own set, which will be available May 3.

THE FUTURE - From Bloomberg:  Disney CEO Bob Iger says that the Star Wars film franchise is going on "hiatus" after the upcoming "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" - Episode IX.

THE RISE OF SKYWALKER - From EW:  The secrets of "Star Wars Episode IX" revealed, including a teaser trailer and a title.

DISNEY+ - From Deadline:  The full "Star Wars" film franchise will be available on Disney's new streaming service within a year of its debut, which is November 12, 2019 ($6.99 a month).

DISNEY+ - From Newsarama:  Alan Tudyk will reprise his role as "Rogue One" role as the droid K-2SO in the "Cassian Andor" prequel series.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Big changes are coming for Marvel Comics' "Star Wars" line of comics, including the flagship "Star Wars."

RIAN JOHNSON - From ScreenRant:  Rian Johnson, the writer-director of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," says that he is still working on a new trilogy of "Star Wars" films, despite rumors to the contrary.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics is reviving its original "Star Wars" comic book for one special issue.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics will publish "The Art of Star Wars Rebels," a book about the late Disney XD series, "Star Wars Rebels."  Dark Horse previously held the license to produce "Star Wars" comic books before Marvel Comics regained the license.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics is launching a comic book, "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge," based on the Disneyland Resort and Disney World Resort of the same name.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics five-issue miniseries, "Star Wars: TIE Fighter," will show the other side of the "Rebellion era" beginning in April 2019.

COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics' "Age of Rebellion" line of Star Wars comic books will include Jabba and Moff Tarkin comic books, among others.

"Star Wars: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER" (Episode IX) - A Negromancer Link-O-Rama - Update #63

Support Leroy on Patreon:

REVIEW - From Patreon:  My review of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."

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NEWS:

From Variety:  "The Rise of Skywalker" has the second-best Christmas Day box office ever, grossing 32 million dollars.  The best Christmas Day box office record is held by "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" with 49 million dollar.

From ComicBook:  All the cameos in "The Rise of Skywalker" you might have missed.

From IndieWire:  John Boyega says his character "Finn" was never going to tell "Rey" (played by Daisy Ridley) that he loves her.

From Yahoo:  What was Finn going to tell Rey?  J.J. tells us.

From Variety:  "The Rise of Skywalker" wins its opening weekend at the box office with an estimated gross of $175.5 million.

From YahooNews:  "The Rise of Skywalker" grosses $40 million in the U.S. and Canada during Thursday night preview showings.

From YahooMovies:  Late in "The Rise of Skywalker," two women kiss, marking the first on-screen lesbian kiss in "Star Wars" films.  Of course, some people are bothered... because they wanted Finn and Poe to kiss.

From Variety:  Catch some exclusive behind-the-scenes "The Return of Skywalker" video at Amazon.

From Deadline:  With the help of Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger helped facilitate a dying Star Wars fan's wish to see "The Rise of Skywalker."  The film was shown, via laptop, to a patient at Rowan's Hospice in Hampshire, England, this week.

From YahooGMA:   John Boyega a.k.a. "Finn" admits that it was his copy of "The Rise of Skywalker" script that ended up on eBay.

From Esquire:  Billy Dee Williams Explains What Lando Has Been Up to Since Return of the Jedi

From YahooMoviesUK:  The writers of "The Rise of Skywalker" took notes from "Star Wars" creator, George Lucas.

From Esquire:  The enduring intergalactic cool of Billy Dee Williams.

From ComicBook:  See the "Sith Troopers" in this photographic image in "Empire" magazines.

From TheWrap:  A real script for "The Rise of Skywalker" ended up on eBay after an actor left it under his bed where a cleaner found it.  Lucasfilm and Disney bought it.

From EW:  The magazine interviews "The Rise of Skywalker" director J.J. Abrams.

From YahooMoviesUK:  "The Rise of Skywalker" international poster debuts.

From YahooPeople:   J.J. Abrams says that the trailers of "The Rise of Skywalker" have only scratched the surface of the actual movie.

From Newsarama:  Disney/Lucasfilm has released 12 new characters posters from "The Rise of Skywalker."

From RollingStone:   Lucasfilm president, Kathleen Kennedy, talks about "The Rise of Skywalker" and the future of "Star Wars."

From CBR:  Colin Trevorrow ("Jurassic World") was originally going to direct "Star Wars IX," until he was fired.  However, he will reportedly get a "story by" credit on "The Rise of Skywalker."

From ScreenRant:  Before Carrie Fisher died, Princess Leia was going to the "the Last Jedi" in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From EW:  The site offers: "What we know about Emperor Palpatine — and how he could impact Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

From Newsarama:  It is apparently official.  The final trailer for "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" will debut during halftime of ESPN's "Monday Night Football" on Monday, Oct. 21st.

From StarWarsNewsNet:  There is a news that the next trailer for "The Rise of Skywalker" will debut Monday, Oct. 21st during the halftime show of "Monday Night Football" on ESPN.  The game will feature the reigning Super Bowl champions New England Patriots at the New York Jets.

From TheWrap:  "The Wrap" says that it's weird that we don't know what "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" is about.

From Newsarama:  A preview of "Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - Allegiance" from Marvel Comics on Oct. 9th.

From Inverse:   New "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" marketing may reveal spoilers.

New YahooMoviesUK:  New art about the "Knights of Ren" revealed.

From Newsarama:  StarWars.com introduces a new character for "The Rise of Skywalker," the tiny alien, "Babu Frik."

From Newsarama:  Disney announces the companies with which it will team up to promote "The Rise of Skywalker."

From EW:  At D23 Expo, Lucasfilm revealed a new poster for "The Rise of Skywalker."  New footage from the film was also revealed, but will still have to wait for the release of a full trailer.

From Inverse:  Apparently, the upcoming book, "Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi" reveals that only a "select few" Jedi know the secret of becoming a "Force Ghost."  Could this info have an effect on "The Rise of Skywalker."

From Esquire:  There is a new leak from "The Return of Skywalker" that appears to confirm Rey's origin.

From io9:   In a video for Wired, Daisy Ridley ("Rey") promises "one of the most epic" lightsaber battles in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From CBR:  "Jurassic World" director Colin Trevorrow was once slated to direct Star Wars Episode IX before he was fired.  In a recent interview, actress Daisy Ridley ("Rey") said Trevorrow's plans for the film were very different from what director J.J. Abrams presents in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From StarWars:  "The Rise of Skywalker" will introduce a new stormtrooper, "the Sith Trooper."  Sith Trooper merchandise will be available at next weeks San Diego Comic Con 2019.

From USAToday:  Daisy Ridley promises emotional ending to "Star Wars."

From YahooEntertainment:  Mark Hamill says that he is done with "Star Wars" after "The Rise of Skywalker," in which he will be a "Force ghost."

From VanityFair:  A New "Vanity Fair" article offers a wealth of set photos and images from "The Rise of Skywalker."

From Newsarama:  In a new "Vanity Fair" article, J.J. Abrams talks about going "renegade" in making "The Rise of Skywalker."

From IndieWire:  One of the international titles for "The Rise of Skywalker," specifically Hungarian could provide a hidden clue about the film.

From MakingStarWars:  Rumors say that Harrison Ford might return as Han Solo in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From IndieWire:  J.J Abrams talks about how George Lucas helped with the script for "The Rise of Skywalker."

From YahooMovies:  Apparently the appearance of actor Ian McDiarmid at Star Wars Celebration this weekend in Chicago confirms the return of "Emperor Palpatine" in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From Variety:  Star Wars IX has a title, "The Rise of Skywalker," and a teaser trailer.

From Newsarama:  "The Rise of Skywalker" image gallery.

From Variety:  Here is a first look at Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian in "The Rise of Skywalker."

From MakingStarWars: Star Wars: Episode IX retail poster and character sheets leak revealing names, ships, and more!

From Newsarama:  A possible leak of a poster for Episode IX?

From MakingStarWars:  Disney shareholders meeting yields more Episode IX rumors, including that attendees were shown clips from the film.

From Twitter:  J.J. Abrams announced that "Episode IX" has wrapped photography.

From MovieWeb:  Maybe only director J.J. Abrams knows the title of Episode IX.

From MakingStarWars:  What is the size of Lando Calrissian's role?

From io9:  A Reddit user who claims to be an extra on Episode IX claims that actress Naomi Ackie is playing Lando Calrissian's daughter, "Veranada (Vera) Calrissian.

From BleedingCool:  Anthony Daniels / C-3PO reveals via Twitter than today (Monday, Jan. 28th, 2019) was his last day filming on Episode IX.

From SlashFilm:  In the latest episode of /Film's "Star Wars Bits," they start the year with rumors, including a rumored titled for "Episode IX."  How does "Son of Darkness" sound?

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  First teaser trailer (April 12, 2019).

From YouTube:  "The Rise of Skywalker" footage shown at Disney D23 Expo 2019

From YouTube:  "The Rise of Skywalker" final official trailer - released Monday, October 21, 2019.

From Newsarama:  "The Rise of Skywalker" 30-second teaser, released Tuesday, November 19, 2019.

From EW:  The Knights of Ren assemble in new 30-second footage, released Sunday, November 24, 2019.

From IndieWire:  This 30-second spot emphasizes the conflict between Rey and Kylo Ren with John Williams' "Duel of the Fates" (from the score for "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace) playing in the background.

From ComicBook:   In this clip, General Leia Organa holds a lightsaber - Saturday, November 30, 2019.

Star Wars Franchise Stars Launch "Triple Force Friday"

Star Wars Talent Join Forces to Count Down to Triple Force Friday

Fans Around the World Invited to Tune in to Epic Livestream from Pinewood Studios for First Look at New Products for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “The Mandalorian” and “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order”

Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano and More to Reveal New Star Wars Products Ahead of Global Launch

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Generations of Star Wars talent will came together Thursday, September 26, 2019 for a global livestream event on YouTube kicking off a weeklong countdown to Triple Force Friday when new products inspired by this year’s highly anticipated Star Wars movie, live-action series and gaming launches began hitting shelves worldwide.

On September 26 at 2 p.m. ET, fans around the world tuned in to the Star Wars YouTube page for a livestream event from Pinewood Studios in London where the upcoming theatrical release “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” was filmed (view teaser here). Via live and recorded vignettes, an ensemble of veteran and new Star Wars talent revealed new products that will roll out globally for Triple Force Friday on October 4, 2019, inspired by a trio of upcoming original Star Wars releases:

 1. “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”: the highly anticipated final installment of the Skywalker saga, which hits theaters December 20
2.  “The Mandalorian”: The first-ever Star Wars live-action series, which will debut in the U.S. on November 12 exclusively on Disney+, The Walt Disney Company’s new streaming service

3.  “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order”: a brand-new action adventure game from Respawn Entertainment, releasing November 15

Star Wars talent participating in the global reveal will include: Daisy Ridley (‘Rey’); John Boyega (‘Finn’); Oscar Isaac (‘Poe’); Anthony Daniels (‘C-3PO’); Billy Dee Williams (‘Lando Calrissian’); Joonas Suotamo (‘Chewbacca’); Keri Russell (‘Zorii Bliss’); Naomi Ackie (‘Jannah’); Kelly Marie Tran (‘Rose’); Pedro Pascal (‘The Mandalorian’); Gina Carano (‘Cara Dune’ in “The Mandalorian”) and Cameron Monaghan (‘Cal Kestis’ in “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order”). Livestream viewers will also be treated to the worldwide premiere of a new trailer for “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” along with other special surprises from across the Star Wars galaxy.

Warwick Davis, a prolific actor who’s best known for his roles as ‘Wicket the Ewok’ in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” and as ‘Willow Ufgood’ in “Willow,” will host the livestream event at Pinewood Studios. In the U.S., fans and influencers will gather for a special viewing party at Lucasfilm’s headquarters in San Francisco.

As well as seeing new characters like ‘Zorii,’ ‘Jannah,’ ‘The Mandalorian,’ ‘Cal Kestis’ and the new droid ‘D-O’ in product form for the first time, fans will get their first look at the wide array of new products that bring the characters to life in new and unexpected ways, spanning toys, apparel and accessories, books, gaming, tech and home goods.

Force Friday is an anticipated event for Star Wars fans worldwide, commemorating merchandise introduced in advance of the episodic saga films. Past iterations, including a live unboxing event that rolled through 15 cities worldwide in 2015 and a global in-store digital scavenger hunt in 2017, brought out fans around the world who shared their experiences.

As always, fans are invited to join the conversation on social using Triple #ForceFriday, as well as to participate in real-world retail celebrations around the globe. Select retailers in major markets around the world, including flagship Disney store locations in the U.S., will open at midnight on October 4, featuring the new range of products from all three properties as well as a selection of limited-edition commemorative products.

Throughout the weekend, retailers including Target and Toys “R” Us Canada will join in to celebrate Triple Force Friday. On October 4, Amazon Treasure Truck will feature a limited-edition product in select cities — sign up for Treasure Truck alerts so you don’t miss out.

Fans in Orlando and Anaheim will be able to experience October 4 midnight shopping at World of Disney at Disney Springs and Downtown Disney. Disney Springs also will feature midnight shopping at The LEGO® Store, along with Star Wars-themed food and beverage offerings and a LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon Master Build Event taking place throughout the weekend.

As new plot points are revealed, additional products will continue to roll out leading up to the theatrical release and beyond. More details and updates about Triple Force Friday are available at StarWars.com.


About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises—including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Fox and National Geographic—into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than sixty years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe and Asia with approximately 160,000 cast members; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more to be completed in 2021, 2022, and 2023; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawaii; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; one of the world’s largest children’s print publisher; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across platforms; more than 200 Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships and consumer products—including books, games and merchandise.

About Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

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A "Star Wars" Link-o-Rama 2018 by Negromancer - Update #81

Posted by Leroy Doureseaux - on Patreon.

EPISODE IX - From FlickeringMyth:  Todd Fisher, the brother of the late Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), says that there is enough unused footage from "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi" to make a fitting end for Fisher in Episode 9.

EPISODE IX - From BleedingCool:  According to John Boyega, "Episode 9" takes place one year after the events depicted in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (Episode 8).

COMICS - From Newsarama:  A "Star Wars" T-shirt, with art by "Star Wars Adventures'" Derek Charm, will be available for Free Comic Book Day 2019.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Variety:  Giancarlo Esposito, Carl Weathers, and Werner Herzog are among the new cast members for the Disney+ streaming series, "The Mandalorian."

ROGUE ONE PREQUEL - From THR:  Stephen Schiff, a producer on FX's "The Americans" named showrunner for Disney+'s "Rogue One" prequel TV series.

OBITUARY/A NEW HOPE - From EW:  Gloria Katz, the screenwriter who was a script doctor on the original Star Wars film, died Sunday, November 25, 2018.  Katz worked with her husband, Willard Huyck.

THE MANDALORIAN - From Variety:  Academy Award nominated actor, Nick Nolte, joins Disney+'s "Star Wars" streaming series, "The Mandalorian."

GALAXY OF ADVENTURES - From Deadline:  Starting Friday, Nov. 30th at StarWarsKids.com, the first six animated shorts in the new series, "Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures," will debut.

EPISODE 9 - From YahooEsquire:  Luke Skywalker may return in Star Wars Episode IX, but not as a force ghost...

THE MANDALORIAN - From SlashFilm:  Unofficial word is that actor Pedro Pascal (Netflix's "Narcos") will be the lead actor in "The Mandalorian," the new Star Wars TV series for the upcoming streaming service, Disney+.

ROGUE ONE - From Variety:  Diego Luna will reprise his "Rogue One" role of "Cassian Andor" in a new "Star Wars" series for Disney's upcoming streaming service, called "Disney+".  The unnamed series will be a prequel to "Rogue One."

BOBA FETT - From The Playlist:  Lucasfilm boss, Kathleen Kennedy says that "Boba Fett" spinoff film no longer in development.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "Star Wars: Age of Republic Special #1" is a Jar Jar Binks story.

RESISTANCE - From BleedingCool:  Elijah Wood will be a voice actor on "Star Wars Resistance" (Disney Channel), specifically the episode, "Fuel for the Fire," which is scheduled for Sun., Oct. 21st, 2018.

THE MANDALORIAN - From TheWrap:  Lucasfilm releases the first image from the upcoming streaming series, "The Mandalorian," and the names of people who will be directing episodes of the series.  Those names include Taika Waititi ("Thor: Ragnarok"), Bryce Dallas Howard, and Dave Filoni ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels).

THE MANDALORIAN - From Deadline:  That is the title of the upcoming Star Wars streaming TV series from Jon Favreau, "The Mandalorian."  It will focus on the Star Wars race that gave us bounty hunter Jango Fett and his son Boba Fett.

STAR WARS TV - From WeGotThisCovered:  Jon Favreau's "Star Wars" TV series for Disney's streaming service is looking at "Game of Thrones" actor Pedro Pascal for lead role.

STAR WARS RESISTANCE - From IndieWire:  Japanese-American actor, Christopher Sean, talks about his voice acting role in the upcoming (Sun., Oct. 7th) Disney Channel animated series, "Star Wars Resistance."

LEGACY - From NewJerseyHerald:  A story about Greg Hildebrandt, his iconic poster for the first "Star Wars" film, and working with his twin brother, Tim, who also worked on that poster.

LUCASFILM - From Variety:  Lucasfilm extends Kathleen Kennedy's deal as president to 2021.

OBITUARY - From Variety:  "Star Wars" producer Gary Kurtz has died at the age of 78, Sunday, September 23, 2018.

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK - From YahooCelebrity:  Billy Dee Williams pranked young Mark Hamill during the 1980 royal premiere of "The Empire Strikes Back."  Read the story.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "This is the Age of Star Wars! STAR WARS: AGE OF REPUBLIC, AGE OF REBELLION and AGE OF RESISTANCE chronologically tell a series of spectacular adventures featuring your favorite characters from ALL THREE STAR WARS TRILOGIES."

FRANCHISE - From Variety:  Michael K. Williams, who lost his part in "Solo" because of scheduling, still wants to be part of the "Star Wars" universe.

EPISODE IX - From BleedingCool:  Oscar Isaac ("Poe Dameron") says that the late Carrie Fisher is with the cast as they film Star Wars 9.

EPISODE IX - From Variety:  Matt Smith, who played the 11th incarnation of "the Doctor" in "Doctor Who," has joined the cast of Star Wars 9

EPISODE IX - From Deadline:  Dominic Monaghan was one of the stars of J.J. Abrams' TV series, "Lost."  Now, he reunites with Abrams as Monaghan has joined the cast of "Star Wars 9."  Monaghan also appeared in "The Lord of the Rings" films.

STAR WARS RESISTANCE - From StarWars:  See the first trailer for the new Disney Channel / Disney XD, animated Star Wars TV series, "Star Wars Resistance."

EPISODE IX - From CNET:  Latest rumor, Episode 9 may be titled "Star Wars: A New Order."

From CinemaBlend:  New photo from the set of "Episode 9."

From WeGotThisCovered:  Could there be a Hutt connection from "Return of the Jedi" in Star Wars Episode 9.

From WeGotThisCovered:  There is a rumor that "Star Wars 9" could be the longest film in the series, so long that it might be split into 2 films.

From WeGotThisCovered:  John Boyega teases a new hairdo for Finn.
---------------------------

STREAMING - From BleedingCool:  According to an article in "The New York Times," the "Star Wars" series that Jon Favreau is developing for "The Disney Streaming Service" will have a budget of $100 million for a 10-episode season.

RETURN OF THE JEDI - From WeGotThisCovered:  James Marquand, the son of "Return of the Jedi" director, the late Richard Marquand, defends his father's work on the final installment of the original Star Wars trilogy.

STREAMING - From IndieWire:  The "Star Wars" films (the three main trilogies and the stand alone films) won't be on Disney's upcoming streaming service until 2024.

EPISODE IX - From Deadline:  J.J. Abrams tweets first photo from the set of "Star Wars Episode IX."

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  George Lucas to be working with Disney on the script for "Star Wars IX."

EPISODE IX - From StarWars:  The cast for Star Wars Episode IX was officially announced today.  Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.

From BleedingCool:  Carrie Fisher will return in Star Wars IX via unused footage from Episode VII.
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THE CLONE WARS - From StarWars:  Beloved CGI animated series, "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" will return for a new season of 12 episodes... which will be available on Disney's "direct-to-consumer" streaming service.  This article also includes an interview with supervising director and "shepherd of the series," Dave Filoni.

EPISODE IX - From THR:  Sources confirm that Billy Dee Williams will return as "Lando Calrissian" for Star Wars Episode 9.

EPISODE IX - From THR:   Keri Russell is in talks to join Star Wars 9.  Russell previously appeared in Episode 9 director, J.J. Abrams' breakout TV series, "Felicity."

FRANCHISE - From Collider:  Sources say that Lucasfilm is putting the development of future "anthology films" or spinoff films (like "Rogue One," and "Solo") on hold.

EPISODE IX - From ScreenRant:  Rumors heat up that Billy Dee Williams will appear in Star Wars 9.

FRANCHISE - From WeGotThisCovered:  Lucasfilm Reportedly Has 9 Star Wars Movies In Development Right Now

GEORGE LUCAS - From DenofGeek:  Via an interview for James Cameron's TV series, "James Cameron's 's Story of Science Fiction," George Lucas reveals a few details about his unused plans for the Star Wars "sequel trilogy" (Episodes 7 to 9).

FRANCHISE - From ScreenRant:  "Star Wars" is taking a break.

LUCASFILM - From ScreenRant:  Star Wars Rumor: Kathleen Kennedy Stepping Down From Lucasfilm?

EPISODE IX - From FanthaTracks:  "Star Wars 9" changes working title from ""Black Diamond" to "trIXie"

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  Is Lando Calrissian returning for "Star Wars 9."

FUTURE - From SlashFilm:  Emilia Clarke is currently starring in "Solo: A Star Wars Story" and is the lead in HBO's "Game of Thrones."  She says that "Game of Thrones" TV series creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, will make their announced Star Wars TV series "Star Wars on acid."

FUTURE - From TheWrap:  There is a report that Oscar-nominated James Mangold has been hired to write and direct a "Boba Fett" movie.

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  Rumors are that "Legends" characters turned "Rebels" star, Grand Admiral Thrawn, will appear in Star Wars 9.

OBI-WAN - From JoBlo:  The rumored "Obi-Wan Kenobi" movie would be a prequel to "Star Wars: A New Hope" (Episode IV).

EPISODE IX - From FlickeringMyth:  Rumoured plot breakdown for Star Wars: Episode IX surfaces online

EPISODE IX - From WeGotItCovered:  Bizarre Star Wars: Episode IX Leak Points To Time Jumps And More

FRANCHISE - From EveningStandard:  The British newspaper site ranks the Star Wars films from best to worst - according to the writers.

EPISODE IX - From WeGotThisCovered:  Rumors have it that J.J. Abrams is looking for a new female lead for "Star Wars Episode 9."

ANIMATION - From Variety:  Disney Channel ordered the anime-inspired series, "Star Wars Resistance," which will debut this fall on Disney XD.

CARRIE FISHER - From SideshowToys: Todd Fisher talks about his late sister, Carrie, and late mother, Debbie, in this video interview.

EPISODE IX - From YahooMoviesUK: Lucasfilm has hired Victoria Mahoney as J.J. Abrams' second unit director on "Star Wars Episode 9."  She is the first black woman to work as a director on a Star Wars film.

FRANCHISE - From BleedingCool:  Rian Johnson says the "Star Wars" franchise needs directors who are not white guys.

EPISODE 9 - From EmpireOnline:  At "AwesomeCon 2018 (in Washington DC), John Boyega dropped some info saying that Finn and Rey would be reunited after spending "The Last Jedi" separated for almost the entire film.

FRANCHISE - From YahooDigitalSpy:  Not even Steven Spielberg could get the rights to use 'Star Wars' in 'Ready Player One'

CELEBRITY - From LATimes:  Mark Hamill gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

From Variety:  Harrison Ford remembers Carrie Fisher at the ceremony for Mark Hamill's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

-------------------------------
STREAMING - From StarWars.com:  Jon Favreau to Executive Produce and Write Live-Action Star Wars Series

From YahooEntertainment:  Jon Favreau hired for 'Star Wars' series: Why fans have mixed feelings
-------------------------------

COMIC BOOKS - From StarWars:  How Dark Empire Kickstarted Star Wars Comics for a New Generation

TELEVISION - From CinemaBlend:  Could "Star Wars Resistance" be the next "Star Wars" animated or first live-action TV series?

FRANCHISE - From PopSugar:  All the Details We Have on the Upcoming Star Wars Films

EPISODE IX - From BleedingCool:  J.J. Abrams says he has a script for "Star Wars: Episode 9," and a start date for production.

THE FORCE AWAKEN - From DenofGeek:  New tidbits about "The Force Awakens," including an earlier different title for the film.

A NEW HOPE - From Oscars.org:   Myth-making: STAR WARS and the Art of Advertising

NEW FILMS - From Movieweb:  Will there be two "Star Wars" per year?

NEW FILMS - From StarWars:  "Game of Thones" creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, write and produce a new series of Star Wars films.  These films will be separate from the episodic Skywalker saga and the recently announced Rian Johnson trilogy.

CHARACTERS - From CinemaBlend:  More "Expanded Universe" characters may soon become canon, as "Grand Admiral Thrawn."

CARRIE FISHER - From USMagazine:  Carrie Fisher posthumously won the Grammy Award for "Best Spoken Word Album" at the 60th Grammy Awards for the audio version of her 2016 memoir, "The Princess Diarist."

OBI-WAN - From YahooEntertainment:  After winning a Golden Globe for his performance in the FX (mini) series, "Fargo," Ewan McGregor was backstage to speak with the press and got grilled about playing Obi-Wan Kenobi.

EPISODE 9 - From YahooEntertainment:  How 'Star Wars: Episode IX' can give Princess Leia the ending she deserves

FRANCHISE - From TheNewYorker:  A Field Guide to the Musical Leitmotifs of “Star Wars”

ORIGINAL TRILOGY - From DenofGeek:  The secrecy of the Star Wars films apparently drove a wedge between Darth Vader actor, David Prowse, and Lucasfilm.

NEW TRILOGY - From TheScotsman:  The new Star Wars trilogy, to be created by Rian Johnson, is set to begin filming Summer 2018 in Scotland... according to this website.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites from July 22nd to 31st, 2018 - Update #26

Support Leroy on Patreon:

MOVIES - From Variety:  Malcolm D. Lee is in talks to direct the remake of "Uptown Saturday Night" starring Kevin Hart.

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STREAMING - From ShadowandAct:  LeVar Burton, Laverne Cox, Rosario Dawson Tapped For Jordan Peele's YouTube Anthology Series "Weird City."

From ShadowandAct:  Netflix officially announces Octavia Butler's miniseries about real-life Black hair care mogul, Madame C.J. Walker.  NBA superstar LeBron James is producing the project.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 7/27 to 7/29/2018 weekend box office is "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" with an estimated take of $61.5 million.

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From WeGotThisCovered:  First look at Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson in the "Men in Black" reboot.

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CELEBRITY/BLM - From YahooGMA:  Ving Rhames says Santa Monica police officers pulled their guns on him in his own home.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  Netflix has obtained the worldwide rights from Warner Bros. for Andy Serkis' CGI live-action film, "Mowgli," based on "The Jungle Book."  Netflix will release the film on its streaming service worldwide in 2019.

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TELEVISION - From DeadlineTV:  AMC renews "Better Call Saul" for a fifth season.  Season 4 is set to debut August 6, 2018.

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MOVIES - From BleedingCool:  The upcoming new "Halloween" reboot film will change something that was revealed in 1981's "Halloween II" and affected all the films that came afterwards.  Laurie Strode is no long Michael Myers' sister.

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STAR WARS - From BleedingCool:  The cast for "Star Wars Episode IX" is officially announced.  Billy Dee Williams is returning at "Lando Calrissian."

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MOVIES - From ThePlaylist:  Bad boy/genius screenwriter Max Landis might be working on a remake of "Creature from the Black Lagoon," a film which has had rumored remakes for decades.

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BOX OFFICE - From Variety:  "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" opens with $6 million in Thursday night preview showsing.  "Teen Titans Go! to the Movies," the animated film spinoff of the Cartoon Network animated TV series, "Teen Titans Go!," has one million in preview shows.

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STREAMING - From Variety:  Anthony Mackie will take over as the lead in Season 2 of Netflix's "Altered Carbon" from Season 1 star Joel Kinnaman.

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BLM - From YahooLifestyle:   Anne Hathaway goes full manifesto about "White privilege" in the wake of the murder of Nia Wilson.

From YahooLifestyle:  What You Need To Know About The Murder Of Nia Wilson

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STREAMING - From YahooBGR:  Netflix will debut 47 new original movies and shows in August – here’s the full list

TELEVISION - From TheWrap:  The final season of "Game of Thrones" to debut in the first half of 2019.

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TELEVISION - From TheWrap:  Pulitzer Prize winning composer and Grammy-winning rapper, Kendrick Lamar, to guest star on Starz's hit series, "Power."

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MOVIES - From BleedingCool: Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson are among new cast for Sony's "Men in Black" reboot.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  The lawsuit brought by the estate of the late playwright, Paul Zindel, against Guillermo del Toro's film, "The Shape of Water," was dismissed with prejudice, which apparently means that it cannot be brought back to court.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  David Leitch, the director of "Deadpool 2" is in talks to direct the remake of the classic Bruce Lee film, "Enter the Dragon."

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MOVIES - From ShadowandAct:  Ocatvia Spencer and Queen Latifah unite for a film on an infamous "passing" divorce case.

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MUSIC - From Variety:  R&B artist R. Kelly responds to the myriad allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct with "I Admit," a new 19-minute song posted to Soundcloud.

From Soundcloud:  Here is R. Kelly's new jam, "I Admit."

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 7/20 to 7/22/2018 weekend box office is "The Equalizer 2" with an estimated take of $35.8 million.

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STREAMING - From BleedingCool:  Seth McFarlane ("Family Guy") and Brannon Braga ("Star Trek") are developing Clive Barker's "Books of Blood" series for Hulu.

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SDCC - From Deadline:  The 2018 Will Eisner Awards for Excellence in Comics

VIDEOS:

From YouTube:  The first official trailer for "Glass," the sequel to M. Night Shyamalan's "Unbreakable" and "Split."

From YouTube:  Second official trailer for "The Predator."

From YouTube:  First trailer for Warner Bros./New Line/DC Comics' "Shazam" (due Spring 2019).

From YouTube:  First "Aquaman" trailer.