Tomb Raider at State of Play

Whilst the original Tomb Raider was first released on the Sega Saturn 30 years ago, the action-adventure video game franchise became synonymous with PlayStation.

During Tuesday's State of Play, pre-order details and a release date trailer dropped for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis.



Read the official synopsis:

"Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is a stunning reimagining of the 1996 genre-defining game.

As Lara Croft, harness your wits and athleticism to explore exotic locations lost to time—from the jungles of Peru to the ancient ruins of Greece, the deserts of Egypt, and a mysterious Mediterranean island shrouded in myth. Traverse treacherous landscapes, solve deadly contraptions, and face lethal predators as you hunt for the scattered pieces of the Scion, an artefact of immeasurable power.

Whether you're a veteran raider or new to Lara's world, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis delivers jaw-dropping visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, modern game design, and new surprises, while honouring the spirit and atmosphere of Lara Croft's debut adventure."

Controversy has marred the reveal after Crystal Dynamics shared an AI-generated content disclaimer on Steam. The developer has released an official statement:

"At Crystal Dynamics, we leverage AI tools to help our teams iterate on ideas faster and more efficiently, while ensuring that all finished content in the final product is human-crafted. Our goal is to empower the creativity and flexibility of our developers to deliver the highest-quality experiences for players everywhere."

I've been a fan of the Tomb Raider franchise since the original PlayStation, and the reboot Survivor trilogy was amazing. Alix Wilton Regan replaces Camilla Luddington as Lara Croft. Mass Effect fans (myself included) will recognise her as the voice of Samantha Traynor.

In related news. Hasbro has teased a Tomb Raider x G.I. Joe collaboration for Yo Joe! June. As a fan of both franchises, I can't wait for the action figure to be officially unveiled this month.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will be released on PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC on 12th February 2027. Tomb Raider: Catalyst, a sequel to Tomb Raider: Underworld, is arriving sometime in 2027.

Pre-order Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis at Amazon (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis? Are you concerned about the use of AI-generated content in video games? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars director Gareth Edwards on AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) remains a divisive ethical issue as studios scramble to respond.

From deepfake technology to the replacement of creatives in the pursuit of profit, AI is deeply embedded in our daily lives.

Star Wars and Jurassic World director Gareth Edwards, who directed the AI-themed tale The Creator, has come out in support of AI.

Edwards speaking at AI on the Lot, an event in Culver City, California, organised by Amazon, said: “I can’t see a reason why you wouldn’t become interested in this stuff as a film-maker. It’s so clearly a tool that might be up there with the camera. It’s going to be better than CGI.”

Edwards said that AI is most useful in preproduction, saying: “It’s only good for iteration and discovering what the movie should be, and then once you know what it is, go in and start making it your movie.”

He added, “It has no taste whatsoever. It is a f***ing genius at helping you. I view it like having a second-unit director who is a billionaire on acid. Like, it’ll do anything you ask, not a problem. Sometimes, it’ll [go] batshit crazy. And you’ll give it notes, and it’ll be like, ‘I don’t do notes. I’ll just do something totally different.’ But it’s worth it.”

The use of generative AI imagery in film and television has garnered a mixed reaction from critics (myself included).

Edwards, however, said that the pace of change in AI technology made it impossible to predict its future. “We don’t know where it’s going to go. I think anybody saying they know exactly what’s going to happen over the next five years is just a liar.”

What are your thoughts on AI? Is it more Star Slop than Star Wars? Let me know in the comments below.

Marcia Lucas, who saved Star Wars, dies aged 80

Marcia Lucas, an Oscar-winning editor of Star Wars and ex-wife of Star Wars creator George Lucas, has passed away from cancer at the age of 80.

“Marcia will be remembered as a brilliant storyteller, a trailblazer for women in film, a loving mother and grandmother, a generous host, and a loyal friend whose humor and sparkle filled every room she entered. Her influence on film is indelible, but those who knew her best will remember the way she made life feel more vivid, more beautiful, more fun, and more full of love,” Marcia Lucas’ family said in a statement.

Lucas was a founding force behind Star Wars and helped shape its culture-defining success in 1977.

“Her work was known for its emotional intelligence, rhythm, and humanity — a rare ability to find the truth of a scene and bring heart, momentum, and clarity to the screen,” the statement added.

During the filming of Star Wars, she suggested to her then-husband that Obi-Wan Kenobi should sacrifice himself fighting Darth Vader on the Death Star. That narrative decision raised the stakes for the film’s third act and set up the conflict between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in the sequels.

Along with editors Paul Hirsch and Richard Chew at a fledgling Lucasfilm, Lucas literally saved George Lucas' space opera in the editing suite. The climactic Death Star battle succeeds because of her tireless dedication to storytelling. Forming a foundation for the wizardry of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and John Williams' legendary score.

George Lucas credited her with helping make sense of the vast amount of footage filmed for the climactic Death Star battle.

"It was extremely complex and we had 40,000 feet of dialogue footage of pilots saying this and that," he told Rolling Stone shortly after the film's release.

"Nobody really has ever tried to interweave an actual plot story into a dogfight, and we were trying to do that."

She also collaborated with director Martin Scorsese on a string of his acclaimed 1970s films, including Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Taxi Driver and New York, New York.

Lucas would go on to work with George Lucas on Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark in an uncredited capacity, and, finally, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

In a poignant quote shared by Lucasfilm, Lucas once described her passion for the craft of editing.

“I love film editing,” she said. “I have an innate ability to take good material and make it better, and to take bad material and make it fair.”

Doctor Who: The Movie at 30

30 years ago, Doctor Who: The Movie was broadcast on UK TV!

The movie began life when Amblin's Philip Segal took the idea to director Steven Spielberg (Jaws), who ultimately passed on the project. Segal, who had worked on seaQuest DSV, Earth 2 and The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, partnered with Universal and Fox.

There was fevered press speculation about spider-like Daleks created with computer-generated imagery (CGI), as seen in Babylon 5 and seaQuest DSV.

In the weeks leading up to its eagerly anticipated premiere, I was scrambling to finish my final year dissertation (should have written about Doctor Who and Star Wars, but that’s a story for another time) and edit my video major for an undergraduate course in BA (Hons) Media Production at Bournemouth University.

The Anglo-American co-production is somewhat of a curiosity decades before Disney+, as it failed to relaunch Doctor Who before Russell T Davies’ successful reboot in 2005. Whilst it was a ratings success on this side of the Atlantic, the Fox Network did not order a full series despite The X-Files' popularity. However, it gave fans (myself included) Sylvester McCoy’s swansong as the Seventh Doctor and introduced Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor.

McGann channelled H.G. Wells’ Victoriana as the titular Time Lord and has subsequently reprised the role on television and for Big Finish (I’ve never listened to any of the audiobooks).

Eric Roberts, brother of Oscar-winner Julia Roberts, played The Master, which was stipulated for the US market.

That day in 1996 was the first and last time I watched Doctor Who: The Movie! Watching with housemates was a poignant farewell to 3 years of university life. I'm looking forward to watching the remastered movie in 4K UHD on Blu-ray.

What are your memories of watching Doctor Who: The Movie? Let me know in the comments below.

The Mandalorian and Grogu lifts off

It's a long weekend on both sides of the Atlantic, and Star Wars is number one at the box office.

The Mandalorian and Grogu may have garnered mixed reviews with the lowest box office bow in the franchise's storied history. However, it's on track to recoup its $165 million budget with an estimated $103 million opening weekend through Memorial Day in the US and $64 million internationally.

Star Wars fans (myself included) are mostly enjoying the first big-screen adventure in almost 7 years. I’m reminded of childhood cinema trips to see the original trilogy with my late mum! Action figures in tow! Read our spoiler-free review.

Star Wars turns 49 today! Next year, George Lucas' space opera celebrates its 50th anniversary with the original Star Wars back on the big screen, followed by Star Wars: Starfighter on 28th May 2027.

The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian on Disney+, is in cinemas and IMAX now.

Have you seen The Mandalorian and Grogu? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

The Mandalorian and Grogu

Star Wars is back on the big screen!

For over half a decade, Star Wars has been on the small screen with animated and live-action spin-off series on Disney+. Will The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian, be more than a feature-length episode that should have been released on Disney+?

Matt, Harry and Luke Charlton don Beskar armour and embark on a family-friendly adventure in a galaxy far, far away...

Guest post by the Charltons

This is the way.

2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest box-office draws in years. Already planning to see well over 5 films this year (I can’t remember the last time that happened) with the kids, it's great to go to the movies and share laughter, shock, awe, and excitement over popcorn.

Our last outing was The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and we had a great time – I couldn’t help but notice just how many times they had to labour the point about putting your mobile phones away and enjoying the movie – I know that since COVID, a lot of people have struggled being separated from their devices for 2 hours but generally speaking I’ve found most people to be respective of these rules – especially at a £15 per person IMAX showing.

Anticipation has been building for The Mandalorian and Grogu for years!

I watched all of The Mandalorian series as they aired on Disney+, Ahsoka season one, too. I’ve dabbled in Star Wars: Rebels, and I haven’t seen all of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, even though I enjoyed the ones I’ve watched so far.

My 10-year-old has gotten really into the series and has watched all of it in the last month. We had a Mandalorian-themed birthday party. I 3D printed him a helmet, we painted it together, and he’s looking at one of the really expensive Darksabers with his birthday money. He was worried that he hadn’t finished Ahsoka yet, and he hasn’t watched Star Wars: Rebels, but he absolutely adores The Mandalorian.

Safe to say, the stakes were high when we booked this movie.

This is our spoiler-free review.

The movie carries a 12A rating in the UK, which means you need an adult to go and see it if you’re not at least 12. The trailers we saw at Cineworld included Scary Movie, which was interesting, but that looks to carry a 12A certificate too – not too surprising for this day and age, but one that’s worth bearing in mind if you are taking smaller kids with you.

Being neurodivergent, we booked the first showing on a Saturday morning, and we arrived in plenty of time to get settled, ear defenders in tow.

We were lucky to get a free poster with each ticket, we passed on the Cineworld exclusive Grogu popcorn buckets as I’ve been told at £34.99 the quality leaves a lot to be desired, but I guess that’s to be expected – we certainly don’t have the same sort of madness over this side of the pond for popcorn buckets and whilst I do have a mouse droid bucket downstairs in my MattCave™ it was gifted to me rather than something I actively sought out to purchase.

The biggest problem I have with these things is once you start putting food in there, how on earth do you get it clean? Then it's sticky, and just no – it doesn’t work for me.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand.

You might be wondering if you need to have seen the plethora of Disney+ material that Star Wars has put out there to properly enjoy The Mandalorian and Grogu – and let’s not beat about the bush here, we’re talking hundreds upon hundreds of hours of Star Wars content.

The answer is no. You do not. There’s no overarching story from any series or movie that came before it. If you know who Mando (Pedro Pascal) is and who Grogu is, you’ve got enough to go see it. Even if you don’t I bet you’d have a great time.

Clocking in at 2 hours and 12 minutes runtime plus ads, trailers (no end credits but there’s some good music worth sticking around for), the whole thing feels like a really well put together Mando series/episode, and that isn’t a bad thing.

There are Easter eggs galore, and I have no doubts that on a second or third or even fourth viewing, I will find even more.

I took my 15-year-old and my 10-year-old. My wife would have joined us, but someone needs to stay with the cockapoos, and she often gets the short straw – mainly because I can drive and she cannot – but I’ll take her to see it for a date night, maybe if we can get a babysitter.

One of the things we do – whether it's just us or our autism – is see something on screen, look across at the person we’re watching it with to see if they are reacting with the same unbridled joy that we are – I caught both the kid doing this, and I do it too. There were so many of these moments throughout the entire movie, and I really do feel like I unlocked a core memory here.

This is Star Wars at its very best – I’ve seen it likened to Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau tipping out all of their Star Wars toys and just playing. I can see that totally. What we got was a romping ride filled with surprise, peril, joy, a few jump scares and satisfaction.

Ludwig Göransson does an amazing job on the soundtrack, with his signature Mandalorian theme featuring throughout (much to the joy of Luke – yes, he is named after *that* Luke, and yes, I am his father).

Sigourney Weaver (Alien) is great, the whole cast is, to be honest. We loved every minute of it, and I would quite happily say that this is one of, if not the best movie that Disney have put out there in the Star Wars universe.

I haven’t enjoyed a Star Wars movie at the cinema this much since "Master Skywalker, there are too many of them, what are we going to do?" It’s amazing to share this joy with my children, but I think this movie will appeal to Star Wars fans of all ages, genders, and whatever their situation.

Pure unbridled joy, fist pump moments, and so so many "AWWW!" "WOW!" moments. I saw so many different emotions on the face of my 10-year-old – it made every second of it worth it.

I saw some mixed reviews just after the premiere. I also saw some bad press about it being the lowest opening weekend for a Star Wars movie, but the Rotten Tomatoes scores look to have settled at 63% critic and 89% Popcornmeter with over 2.5k reviews.

Ignore the critics who want to spoil the fun for everyone. Ignore any naysayers who might say Star Wars just isn’t for them anymore.

Go and see it, you won’t regret it.

I bet you laugh out loud at least once, and the smiles command the highest bounty there is.

I’m ordering the soundtrack on vinyl as soon as I finish this review.

Have you seen the movie yet? What did you think?

Masters of the Universe, Supergirl, Toy Story 5, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Avengers: Doomsday are just some of the movies on our must-see at the cinema list. What’s on yours? Let us know in the comments below.

Matt, Harry and Luke.

Masters of the Universe unleashes He-Man nostalgia

Following a star-studded press screening at the TCL Chinese Theatre, transformed into Castle Grayskull, Mattel Films and Amazon MGM Studios have dropped an official final trailer for Masters of the Universe.



Read the official synopsis:

"After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia, where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe."

Masters of the Universe is directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee) from a script by Chris Butler. It stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm/Fisto, and Jared Leto as Skeletor.

Mattel launched Masters of the Universe with a toy line in 1982 followed by the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon from 1983-1985. The franchise now includes multiple animated series, toy lines, comics, video games, and books, along with a 1987 live-action film.

Masters of the Universe is in cinemas on 5th June 2026.

Are you looking forward to Masters of the Universe? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars actor Tom Kane dies aged 64

Tom Kane, best known to Star Wars fans (myself included) for voicing Yoda and the narrator in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, has died at the age of 64 at a Kansas hospital, surrounded by family.

His talent agency announced the news on Facebook:

"Today we say goodbye to Tom Kane — a legendary voice actor whose work shaped the childhoods and imaginations of millions around the world.

From his unforgettable performances in Star Wars to countless animated series, documentaries, and games, Tom brought wisdom, strength, humor, and heart to every role he touched. His voice became part of our lives, our memories, and the stories we carry with us.

But beyond the incredible career was an extraordinary man. Tom was a devoted husband and father who, alongside his wife, built a loving family of nine children — three biological and six welcomed through adoption and fostering. That compassion and generosity defined who he was just as much as his remarkable talent did.

Though his voice may now be silent, the characters, stories, and love he gave to the world will live on forever.

Rest in peace, Tom Kane. Thank you for everything.

May the Force be with you, always."

The Mandalorian and Grogu in Fortnite

Fortnite and Star Wars fans (myself included) can watch a 10-minute sneak peek from The Mandalorian and Grogu for free this Tuesday.



I enjoyed watching the special look at The Mandalorian and Grogu on Disney+! Seeing an INT-4 Interceptor (as seen in Matt Ferguson's poster art) in action was so much fun! Hopefully, there'll be more deep cut Easter eggs in the upcoming Star Wars movie!

Whilst speaking about the upcoming Star Wars film, director Jon Favreau (Iron Man) teased that he’s already thinking far beyond this next adventure, especially when it comes to where Grogu’s story is headed in the larger Star Wars universe.

"Creatively, I have a lot of plans, and I have a lot of thoughts about these characters, especially for Grogu. Grogu is a character that is – his species lives for centuries.

“He's on a path to be both a Jedi and a Mandalorian. He's making certain choices and decisions, and he has a great teacher now. And so, as he develops and grows, there's opportunities for stories that would emanate from that."

The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian on Disney+, embark on their most thrilling mission yet in The Mandalorian and Grogu, an all-new family-friendly Star Wars adventure filmed for IMAX and opening exclusively in cinemas on 22nd May 2026.

Are you looking forward to The Mandalorian and Grogu? Will you be watching the 10-minute sneak peek in Fortnite? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars: Starfighter alters the Force

Details regarding Star Wars: Starfighter remain scarce, but an intriguing plot description has emerged from a reliable source.

According to a synopsis published on IMDb:

"In a rebuilding galaxy, a solitary pilot becomes entangled in a crucial mission as new threats emerge. Their journey may alter the future of the Force itself."

The upcoming film directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) stars Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.

Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone story set 5 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, is due for release on 28th May 2027 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera.

Are you looking forward to Star Wars: Starfighter? Let me know in the comments below.

Doctor Who streaming on AMC+

Following the ending of the Disney+ deal after only two seasons, the future of Doctor Who has been in flux. However, AMC+ has signed an exclusive deal to stream the beloved BBC sci-fi series in the US.

“Doctor Who strengthens AMC+’s position as a destination for premium genre storytelling – curated franchises defined by iconic worlds, passionate fan bases and enduring cultural impact,” said Courtney Thomasma, Executive Vice President of AMC Global Media’s linear and streaming products. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Whoniverse into our home of fandoms, giving longtime fans a reason to return while inviting new audiences to discover one of television’s most beloved franchises.”

The streaming rights are for 13 seasons from 2005-2022, featuring Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi and Jodie Whittaker. It does not include classic serials or the two seasons starring Ncuti Gatwa as the titular Time Lord on Disney+.

“Doctor Who is one of the most beloved franchises in television, with a fanbase that spans generations,” said Lawrence Szabo, EVP of Content Sales, North America & LatAm, BBC Studios. “AMC+ has built a differentiated home for premium genre franchises and deeply engaged fandoms, making it the ideal exclusive U.S. streaming partner for these 13 seasons of Doctor Who. We’re excited to bring these adventures back to longtime U.S. fans and welcome new audiences into the Whoniverse. Allons-y!”

This announcement follows a Reddit rumour that the BBC has signed a three-series deal with AMC Global Media and Sony Pictures Television (owner of Badwolf Studios) for a new series of Doctor Who. Production is expected to begin in 2027, with the first season slated for a global premiere in 2028.

Beginning 11th June, AMC+ will now be home to 13 seasons and 176 episodes (including specials) of the award-winning sci-fi series.

Are you looking forward to streaming Doctor Who on AMC+? Let me know in the comments below.

Ahsoka is back for Star Wars anniversary

The second season of Ahsoka, the Star Wars live-action spin-off series starring Rosario Dawson, will premiere on Disney+ in early 2027, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera.

Dawson, who has played the fan-favourite character in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, made the announcement at Disney's Upfront presentation to advertisers. She also introduced a behind-the-scenes sizzle reel showcasing some of the making of season two.

Lucasfilm president and series showrunner Dave Filoni has described the new season as “all-out war” between Grand Admiral Thrawn and the New Republic forces led by Admiral Ackbar.

Hayden Christensen is set to reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano's former master, in season two.

Since season one of Ahsoka in 2023, Lucasfilm has scaled back on Star Wars projects. Skeleton Crew and the second and final season of Andor are the only live-action series to be released.

The Mandalorian and Grogu hit the big screen on 22nd May. For over half a decade, Star Wars has been on the small screen with animated and live-action spin-off series on Disney+. Will The Mandalorian and Grogu be more than a feature-length episode that should have been released on Disney+?

Are you looking forward to Ahsoka season two on Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Icons The Lord of the Rings: Minas Tirith

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the LEGO Group has announced a Minas Tirith set.

Read the official press release:

"In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, the LEGO Group today unveiled the LEGO Icons The Lord of the Rings: Minas Tirith - 25th Anniversary Legacy Collection, an impressive new building set designed for adult fans and collectors celebrating a quarter century of The Lord of the Rings.

Crafted from 8,278 pieces, this highly detailed set recreates the majestic city of Gondor – the legendary White City of Minas Tirith. Designed as a striking display model, the build captures the towering architecture, layered walls and iconic citadel that defined one of Middle-earth’s most memorable locations.

The set features a hybrid-scale design, combining an expansive microscale cityscape with richly detailed minifigure-scale interior scenes. From afar, builders can admire the sweeping skyline and defensive walls of Minas Tirith. Up close, they can explore key interior spaces, including the throne room of the citadel, where pivotal moments from the story unfold.

To bring the world of Middle-earth to life, the set includes 10 minifigures and the legendary Shadowfax horse figure. Characters featured in the set include Gandalf the White, Faramir, Denethor, Peregrin Took, Aragorn as King Elessar, Arwen, and four Soldiers of Gondor, along with themed accessories such as Gondor helmets, shields and Aragorn’s crown."

LEGO Icons The Lord of the Rings: Minas Tirith set will be available to purchase for LEGO Insiders from 1st June, and for all from 4th June.

Discover LEGO The Lord of the Rings on LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Will you be adding the Minas Tirith set to your collection? Which LEGO The Lord of the Rings sets would you like to see released in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars actor Michael Pennington dies aged 82

The veteran stage and screen actor Michael Pennington, best known for his role as Death Star Commander Moff Jerjerrod in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, is understood to have passed away at the age of 82, according to Fantha Tracks.

His good friend and fellow screen veteran Miriam Margolyes (Harry Potter) confirmed news of his passing in a touching tribute on social media:

“Michael Pennington has died.

“An old friend, from Cambridge days, a very fine actor, brilliant, wise, clear. I am sad beyond measure.

“Bless your dear memory. Old chum.”

Much of Pennington's footage from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi ended up on the cutting room floor (deleted scenes are available online). However, Moff Jerjerrod was a fan-favourite, and I fondly remember quoting his memorable lines on the school playground in 1983 and later in a 1990s newsroom.

He most recently narrated Icons Unearthed: Star Wars.

How Lucasfilm Games kept Star Wars alive

A long time ago, before I started blogging, I wrote video game reviews for a Mac gaming site in the early noughties, starting with Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy.

The circle is now complete.

Star Wars: Gamers' Søren Kamper approached me with an idea for an article about how Lucasfilm Games kept Star Wars alive following Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. How could I resist? Søren, you have the conn.

Guest post by Søren Kamper

When Star Wars: Return of the Jedi arrived in 1983, it gave the original trilogy a triumphant ending, complete with Ewoks, fireworks, and Darth Vader making the correct career move. But for a generation of fans, it also raised a strange question: what happens when the story seems over?

There were no new Star Wars films on the immediate horizon. Star Wars survived in toys, novels, comics, VHS tapes, and playground arguments about whether Boba Fett was truly gone. But one of the most important forces keeping the galaxy alive was quietly humming away on home computers and consoles: Lucasfilm Games.

As covered in Welcome to Lucasfilm, Lucasfilm Games carries a deep sense of nostalgia for anyone who grew up in the 8-bit Atari and Commodore 64 era. That nostalgia matters because these early games were not just merchandise. They were a way of travelling back to the galaxy when the cinema doors had seemingly closed.

The Galaxy Needed Somewhere to Go

Lucasfilm Games was established in 1982, just before Star Wars: Return of the Jedi completed George Lucas’ original trilogy. Its first titles, including Rescue on Fractalus! and Ballblazer, were not Star Wars games, but they showed the studio’s early DNA: technical curiosity, science-fiction atmosphere, and a willingness to treat games as more than branded distractions.

That distinction is important. Lucasfilm Games did not initially keep Star Wars alive by simply pumping out film adaptations. It helped keep the spirit of Lucasfilm alive by experimenting. The same company that had made audiences believe in X-wings, lightsabers, and trench runs was now asking what else could be done with a screen, a joystick, and a little imagination.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the original trilogy had become a home-video fixture, the Expanded Universe (EU) was gathering strength, and players wanted more than simplified recreations of famous scenes. They wanted to live in the galaxy. Lucasfilm Games, later LucasArts, understood that better than almost anyone.

X-Wing Made Star Wars Feel Serious Again

If one game truly announced that Star Wars could be reborn through interactive storytelling, it was Star Wars: X-Wing in 1993. This was not just “remember the trench run?” with better packaging. It was a proper PC space combat simulator that asked players to manage power systems, follow mission briefings, and survive as Rebel pilots in a campaign that treated the Galactic Civil War as a living conflict.

That mattered enormously. In the long gap between Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, X-Wing made Star Wars feel operational again. The Rebellion had missions. The Empire had patrols. Convoys needed protecting. Capital ships loomed. Suddenly, Star Wars was not a trilogy you rewatched; it was a place you reported for duty.

For a fuller historical breakdown, the Complete List of All Star Wars Games Ever Made at Star Wars: Gamers shows just how central the 1990s became to the franchise’s gaming identity. The decade did not merely fill the dead air between film releases. It built an entire interactive wing of Star Wars fandom.

TIE Fighter Gave the Empire a Cockpit

Star Wars: TIE Fighter arrived in 1994 and remains one of the bravest ideas in the franchise’s gaming history. Instead of putting players back in the Rebel Alliance, it placed them inside the Imperial Navy. You were not Luke Skywalker. You were following orders, defending Imperial interests, and realising that Star Wars could become more interesting when games were allowed to shift perspective.

That is where LucasArts separated itself from ordinary licensed game development. The studio was not just adapting Star Wars. It was finding playable angles that the films could not easily explore. The Star Wars Games of the 1990s archive captures this period well: flight sims, shooters, and console adventures turned the decade into a genuine expansion era.

TIE Fighter also proved that games could complicate Star Wars without breaking it. The Empire was still the Empire. Darth Vader was not suddenly running a charity. But from inside the cockpit, the conflict felt different.

Dark Forces Opened Another Door

Then came Star Wars: Dark Forces in 1995, and suddenly the galaxy had boots on the ground. Kyle Katarn was not a Skywalker, not a Jedi, and not a movie character waiting for his close-up. He was a former Imperial turned mercenary, and his world felt grubbier, moodier, and more dangerous than the polished heroics of the films.

Generation Star Wars has already highlighted Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster, and it is easy to see why the game still has a hold on players. Dark Forces expanded the galaxy without making it feel less like Star Wars. Imperial bases, secret weapons, sabotage missions, and the Dark Trooper project gave players a story that felt adjacent to the films rather than trapped beneath them.

The 1990s Became the Second Life of Star Wars

By the middle of the 1990s, LucasArts had helped turn Star Wars into a living archive of playable experiences. Rebel Assault used CD-ROM spectacle to make Star Wars feel cinematic on home computers. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire became part of a multimedia experiment that treated a story between Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like a major event, even without a film. Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II pushed Kyle Katarn into Force mythology with live-action cutscenes and branching choices.

Not every game was perfect. Some have aged like blue milk left too close to a binary sunset. But collectively, they did something vital. They kept the galaxy moving. For fans who discovered Star Wars on VHS, these games were often the main course. They let players fly, sneak, shoot, race, and explore during an era when Star Wars could easily have become a museum piece.

From LucasArts to Lucasfilm Games Again

That is why the closure of LucasArts in 2013 hit so hard. The Generation Star Wars article LucasArts closed and game over for Star Wars 1313 captured the feeling at the time: it was the end of an era, and not just because a studio name had disappeared. For many fans, LucasArts was where Star Wars had gone during the quiet years.

The name has since returned through Lucasfilm Games, now coordinating Star Wars projects with studios across the industry. That modern model is different from the old in-house LucasArts era, but the mission is familiar.

As the Star Wars: Galactic Racer gameplay trailer coverage shows, Lucasfilm Games still understands the power of reaching back into gaming memory and finding something worth reviving.

That may be the real legacy of Lucasfilm Games after Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. It did not merely keep Star Wars commercially visible. It kept the galaxy playable. It gave fans agency at a time when the films had gone quiet. It transformed nostalgia into missions, cockpits, corridors, lightsaber duels, and loading screens.

Following Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Lucasfilm Games helped prove that Star Wars did not need to be on cinema screens to feel alive. Sometimes, all it needed was a keyboard, a joystick, a mission briefing, and the sound of a TIE fighter screaming past.

What are your favourite Lucasfilm Games or LucasArts memories? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars Celebration sold out

On Wednesday, tickets for Star Wars Celebration Los Angeles 2027 went on sale.

Out of curiosity, I joined the virtual queue (I was watching Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord on Disney+)! It'll be the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera, and demand for tickets to the 4-day event was greater than ever. After 4 hours or so in the queue on my iPad Pro, all the adult tickets were sold out...

As I've written previously, Star Wars Celebration is fantastic fun and a unique opportunity to meet fellow fans and forge new friendships through all things Star Wars.

As a blogger, I've had the chance to work with Lucasfilm licensees since the first-ever Star Wars Celebration Europe in 2007.

Whilst I'm disappointed not to be attending in person to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, we'll be covering the official fan event next April. So stay tuned for further updates.

Star Wars Celebration Los Angeles 2027 will run from 1st to 4th April, 2027. Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, will be in cinemas on 28th May, 2027.

Did you get tickets for Star Wars Celebration Los Angeles 2027? Let me know in the comments below.

Neo Geo returns for 35th anniversary

SNK's Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System (AES), promoted by its hugely successful arcade incarnation, Neo Geo Multi-Video System (MVS), failed to challenge the dominance of Nintendo and Sega's 16-bit consoles in the early nineties.

This was due to the prohibitively expensive hardware aimed at rich kids (I was one myself, but my folks rightly said I had enough stuff) and the Nintendo/Sega duopoly. However, Neo Geo was home to Fatal Fury, Metal Slug and The King of Fighters franchises.

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of SNK's luxury console, the Neo Geo AES+ has been announced for the holiday season.

Commenting on the launch of the new Neo Geo AES+ console, software and accessories, Ben Jones, Commercial Director of PLAION REPLAI said, “Neo Geo remains peerless in the eyes of arcade enthusiasts who were never inclined to accept anything less than the authentic arcade experience. For 35 years, SNK’s hardware has continued to astonish gamers with the system’s game collection, which includes a wealth of great titles, somehow only improving with age, and remaining timeless classics to this day. We are beyond excited to reintroduce this legendary system to modern gamers, in a way that refuses to compromise on the integrity of the original hardware and collecting experience, now priced at a level which every gamer can finally afford. We look forward to unveiling more news throughout the year and cannot wait for gamers to get reacquainted with the 100Mega Shock that only Neo Geo can provide.”

All versions of the Neo Geo AES+ come complete with power supply, HDMI cable and Arcade Stick, and in addition, the following Neo Geo AES+ accessories will also be available to purchase upon launch:

Neo Geo AES+ Arcade Stick: A 1:1 replica of the original classic controller, now updated to offer both wired and wireless capability
Neo Geo AES+ Memory Card: A 1:1 replica of the original, performing in the exact same fashion as the original, but now updated to no longer require a cell battery
Neo Geo AES+ Gamepad: A 1:1 replica of the original

Launching alongside the console is a collection of ten classic games:

Metal Slug
The King of Fighters 2002
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Big Tournament Golf
Shock Troopers
Samurai Shodown V Special
Pulstar
Twinkle Star Sprites
Magician Lord
Over Top

Response to the announcement of the Neo Geo AES+ has been overwhelmingly positive, says Lars Wingefors:

"As we reflect on how Neo Geo AES+ has been received over the past week, it's hard not to pause for a moment.

The reception from the global retro community over the past week has been nothing short of overwhelming. Within the first 24 hours, we took more paid preorders than our entire annual forecasted volume of the Neo Geo AES+. Since then, sales have continued strongly through our own channels, online retailers, and specialist stores. Seeing the console currently ranked #1 on Amazon US across the entire Video Games category is both humbling and deeply inspiring. The team are now updated our production forecasts ahead of the launch Nov 12."

As a nostalgia nerd, I've written about the Neo Geo previously, and am looking forward to unboxing a Neo Geo AES+ and playing Metal Slug.

Pre-order Neo Geo AES+ at Amazon (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to the Neo Geo AES+? Which games would you like to see released in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars Weekender at the Royal Albert Hall

May the Fourth be with you! The Royal Albert Hall has announced its first-ever Star Wars in-concert Weekender with two screenings of each film from the original trilogy taking place over four days - Thursday 29th April to Sunday 2nd May 2027 - to celebrate the franchise’s 50th anniversary.

The screenings of Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert will be accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), who famously recorded the original movie soundtracks with composer and conductor John Williams.

Sarah Quinn, LSO Chair and Sub-Principal Second Violin, said:

"From that triumphant opening chord on the first recording session for A New Hope in Anvil Studios, the Star Wars ‘sound’ has become synonymous with the London Symphony Orchestra, which carries the DNA of John Williams’s music in its blood. What better way to celebrate this anniversary than reliving the original trilogy in full, and we look forward to sharing these momentous performances at the Royal Albert Hall."

Screening schedule:

29th April - 2nd May

Thursday 29th April 2027

7:30pm - Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert (U)

Friday 30th April 2027

7:30pm - Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert (PG)

Saturday 1st May 2027

2pm - Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert (U)

7:30pm - Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert (PG)

Sunday 2nd May 2027

1pm - Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert (PG)

6:30pm - Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert (PG)

Are you attending the LSO Star Wars Weekender at the Royal Albert Hall in 2027? Let me know in the comments below.

Hasbro announces animatronic Ultimate Grogu

Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding an animatronic Ultimate Grogu to celebrate Star Wars Day and the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu on the big screen.

Few characters have defined modern pop culture quite like Grogu. First capturing hearts on the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, the breakout Star Wars character’s story is set to continue on the big screen in the upcoming film Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu starring Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White. Hasbro is bringing that cultural phenomenon to collectors’ shelves with Ultimate Grogu, a meticulously crafted 1:1 scale animatronic designed for collectors, fans, and cosplayers alike.

“Our goal with Ultimate Grogu was to make fans feel like he’s truly part of their world,” said Adam Biehl, Head of Disney Action Brands at Hasbro. “Our design and development team spent hours studying how the character came to life in The Mandalorian series, striving to capture his personality and movements in a way that honors what Lucasfilm delivered in entertainment. Powered by our long-standing collaboration with Disney Consumer Products, we’re launching the most life-like, interactive, and expressive Grogu character Hasbro has ever created.”

The Ultimate Grogu features built-in motors, sensors, and microphones to deliver over 250 animations and sounds. The animatronic boasts three different modes of play which include endearing movements like waving, giggling and even “toddling” forward, in ways that make him incredibly life-like. Crafted with premium materials and authentic detailing, the figure includes accessories and tailoring true to the fan-favorite character’s screen appearance.

As Claire Goolsby, one of the Hasbro electrical engineers who worked on the toy, explains:

“One of the things that we’re excited to bring to life in this product is directional audio sensing. He has two microphones in him that are strictly listening for noise. When we’re in a less-crowded environment, those will be active, and he’s going to turn left or right or toward the center to really make him feel like he is part of your dinner table, your game night, or any sort of action.”

Ultimate Grogu is available for pre-order now on Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, and Fan Channel retailers, with two pre-order options launching simultaneously. The first option with standard packaging will begin shipping in early 2027. For fans looking to receive sooner, a limited run of First Edition quantities featuring special edition packaging and a collector card will ship in late 2026.

Pre-order Ultimate Grogu at Amazon (affiliate link).

Are you getting an Ultimate Grogu? Let me know in the comments below.

Roger Sweet, creator of He-Man, has died

Roger Sweet, the senior toy designer who created He-Man for Mattel, has died. He was 91.

TMZ reported his death, indicating Sweet passed away on Tuesday after a battle with dementia. He is survived by his wife, Marlene.

Mattel, along with Mego, infamously passed on Star Wars in the late seventies, paving the way for Kenner's stellar success. In the wake of George Lucas' space opera dominating toy aisles around the world, Mattel searched for its own intellectual property (IP) after licensing the short-lived original series of Battlestar Galactica.

Sweet had the power!

Sweet kitbashed a more muscular Big Jim action figure, and a legend was born. He-Man. The rest is pop culture history, and Sweet's legacy lives on in a new live-action movie coming this summer.

Masters of the Universe is directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee) from a script by Chris Butler. It stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm/Fisto, and Jared Leto as Skeletor.

Masters of the Universe is in cinemas on 5th June 2026.

Are you looking forward to Masters of the Universe? Let me know in the comments below.

Behind-the-scenes of The Mandalorian and Grogu

With only a few weeks until Star Wars is back on the big screen, Adam Savage (MythBusters) goes behind-the-scenes of The Mandalorian and Grogu with director Jon Favreau.



Read the official synopsis:

"Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu marks the return of Star Wars to the big screen, the culmination of a journey that began when we met these now iconic characters six years ago. Tested visited the production, where director Jon Favreau walked Adam Savage through practical sets housed within Quonset Huts–the very ones built during the same mid-century aviation and hot rod boom that inspired George Lucas’s aesthetic sensibilities."

The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian on Disney+, embark on their most thrilling mission yet in The Mandalorian and Grogu, an all-new family-friendly Star Wars adventure filmed for IMAX and opening exclusively in cinemas on 22nd May 2026.

Are you looking forward to The Mandalorian and Grogu? Let me know in the comments below.

Celebrate Star Wars Day in IMAX

Over 25 minutes of footage from The Mandalorian and Grogu will be shown for free at selected IMAX cinemas on Star Wars Day.

Eagle-eyed fans spotted what looked like an INT-4 Interceptor in the footage shown at CinemaCon, and a pair of them appear in a poster by UK-based artist Matt Ferguson. This is a Mini-Rigs deep cut from Kenner's original Star Wars toy line!



The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian on Disney+, embark on their most thrilling mission yet in The Mandalorian and Grogu, an all-new family-friendly Star Wars adventure filmed for IMAX and opening exclusively in cinemas on 22nd May 2026.

Are you looking forward to The Mandalorian and Grogu? Will you be attending the free special screening in IMAX? Let me know in the comments below.

Shawn Levy on Star Wars and AI

Director Shawn Levy spoke to Variety about editing Star Wars: Starfighter and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative process.

The much-anticipated standalone Star Wars movie set 5 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, starring Ryan Gosling, Amy Adams, Matt Smith, Mia Goth and Aaron Pierre, doesn’t hit cinemas until 28th May, 2027. This coincides with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera.

“I’m in the beautiful sanctity of the edit room,” Levy said at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony. “We don’t come out until next year, and so it’s a rare movie where I don’t have a release date looming. So I’m in the dark quiet of the edit room, finding the best possible shape for the film.”

From the sound of it, AI will not be a significant tool in finding that shape. “To date, I’ve not incorporated AI in any meaningful way in any phase of my storytelling process, but I have no doubt that in the course of my career we will see its integration,” Levy said.

A prolific director and producer, Levy’s projects have included Stranger Things, Deadpool & Wolverine, Free Guy and The Adam Project.

“To the point that many smarter people than I have made, it’s about integrating these technologies responsibly and with still the primacy of the creative voice and not a potential replacement for that voice because I think that what you get from creative voice and vision is singular and irreplicable, but if we can use these emerging AI capacities to support storytelling in still a kind of creative and human first workflow then I think it’s something to embrace, not fear.”

Regulation is key, Levy said. “I spend a part of every day trying to increase my fluency around the regulatory options surrounding [AI],” he said. “I think it’s going to be essential, but I think to hide our heads in the sand and pretend that it’s not going to be not just an emergent but an essential part of our lives, not just filmmaking lives, [but] lives, I think that would be naive and foolish.”

Are you looking forward to Star Wars: Starfighter? Let me know in the comments below.

He-Man has the power in Masters of the Universe

Mattel Films and Amazon MGM Studios have dropped an international trailer for Masters of the Universe.



Read the official synopsis:

"After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia, where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe."

Masters of the Universe is directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee) from a script by Chris Butler. It stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm/Fisto, and Jared Leto as Skeletor.

Masters of the Universe is in cinemas on 5th June 2026.

Are you looking forward to Masters of the Universe? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars Celebration goes to Hollywood

For the first time since 2006, Star Wars Celebration returns to Los Angeles for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars.

"Experience epic panels, hundreds of exhibitors, exclusive merchandise, legendary guests, and surprises around every corner together with the Star Wars community.

Be part of Star Wars history as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary alongside thousands of fans from across the galaxy. Come face-to-face with iconic heroes and villains, and hear from the creators who brought them to life on screen.

From once-in-a-lifetime reveals to moments that will give you chills, this is where the entire Star Wars community comes together to celebrate the stories, characters, and fandom that unite us all.

Whether you walk the path of the light side or the dark side, there’s a place for you here. This is the Celebration you’re looking for."

Star Wars Celebration Los Angeles 2027 will run from 1st to 4th April, 2027. Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, will be in cinemas on 28th May, 2027.

Tickets go on sale on 6th May!

Are you hoping to attend Star Wars Celebration Los Angeles in 2027? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Star Wars celebrates Star Wars Day

The biggest event in the galaxy is returning on 1st May 2026! May the Force be with brick-builders as the LEGO Group unveiled the LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter (75442), a brand-new Ultimate Collector Series (UCS) building set revealed in celebration of Star Wars Day.

Created to mark the fan holiday, this 1,809-piece masterpiece invites adult fans to embark on an immersive building journey to recreate the sleek, silver-hulled N-1 Starfighter as seen in The Book of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian Season 3.

Designed with authenticity at its core, the model uses advanced LEGO building techniques and special silver Drum Lacquered elements to capture the ship’s distinctive Naboo-inspired silhouette and intricate detailing. From its elongated fuselage to its exposed engine elements, every curve has been carefully recreated to deliver a striking collector’s centrepiece worthy of any Star Wars display.

The set includes a Mandalorian LEGO Star Wars minifigure, equipped with blaster pistol, and a Grogu figure to accompany the finished build. Once complete, fans can showcase the starfighter on a display stand with an information plaque, choosing between two dynamic orientations - side-on to highlight its elegant profile or facing forward for an action-ready stance.

The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian on Disney+, embark on their most thrilling mission yet in The Mandalorian and Grogu, an all-new family-friendly Star Wars adventure filmed for IMAX and opening exclusively in cinemas on 22nd May 2026.

Discover LEGO Star Wars on LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Are you getting the LEGO Star Wars The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter? Let me know in the comments below.

The Daleks' Master Plan special screening

The Daleks' Master Plan, starring William Hartnell as the First Doctor, has been an overwhelming success with fans (myself included) when two recently discovered episodes dropped on BBC iPlayer over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

It was such a thrill to watch the first three episodes of the classic serial with my dad, who had introduced me to Doctor Who during the Fourth Doctor's era.

Film is Fabulous! has announced that a special screening will be held at HOME Manchester:

"NEWS: Manchester Doctor Who Event

Film is Fabulous! is delighted to confirm that a special screening of three Doctor Who episodes will be held at HOME Manchester on Saturday, 23rd May 2026. The event will offer fans of the classic series the chance to experience the first three episodes of “The Daleks’ Master Plan”, two of which were recently recovered from a private film collection.

The RECOVERED Doctor Who Special will begin at 5pm, and close at approx. 8pm. The programme will include:

Introduction: Toby Hadoke

Screening: The Nightmare Begins (Broadcast: 13th November 1965)

Discussion: Hosted by Toby Hadoke, with John Franklin and Prof. Justin Smith.

Intermission

Screening: Day of Armageddon (Broadcast: 20th November 1965)

Discussion: Hosted by Toby Hadoke, with Tim Burrows and Gavin Rymill.

Intermission

Screening: Devil’s Planet (Broadcast: 27th November 1965)

Discussion: Hosted by Toby Hadoke with Peter Purves.

Film is Fabulous! is a charitable trust dedicated to preserving film collections."

For further information and to donate, visit Film is Fabulous!

Have you watched The Daleks' Master Plan? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Jurassic World

The LEGO Group reveals a thrilling new wave of LEGO sets inspired by Universal Pictures’ and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World, all designed to ignite the imagination of children and adult fans alike. The newest assortment aims to celebrate the enduring appeal of the iconic Jurassic World franchise that is highly loved around the world, with new dinosaur species, play opportunities, beloved characters and unforgettable play and display opportunities.

“Creating a dinosaur out of LEGO bricks is equal parts of science, storytelling, and pure childhood wonder. Said Raquel Ojeda Gregorio, Creative Lead at the LEGO Group. “LEGO Jurassic World is all about capturing that blend of adventure and discovery. With this new wave of LEGO Jurassic World products, we pushed ourselves to introduce new species and exciting play experiences across ages. It’s our love letter to the entire Jurassic universe, made for fans who share our fascination of dinosaurs!”

Discover LEGO Jurassic World on LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Are you excited about LEGO Jurassic World sets? Let me know in the comments below.

Steven Soderbergh says nope to Star Wars

Speaking to The Playlist while promoting The Christophers, Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh (Solaris) was asked if he was interested in pursuing The Hunt for Ben Solo following leadership changes at Disney and Lucasfilm, to which he replied: “Nope.”

Soderbergh revealed that Adam Driver, who played fan-favourite Kylo Ren, was the driving force behind the Star Wars project supported by former Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy but vetoed by former Disney CEO Bob Iger:

“Adam and I started talking, and this would have been almost three years ago now. It was strictly Adam saying, ‘I think there’s still somewhere to go with this character.’ That’s how it started. Otherwise, I never in a million years would have found myself in that universe again.

I don’t regret one minute of the time we spent working on that. I felt the work was good. It’s just good for you to be in that room and working on it. It’s like CrossFit—it’s good for you. It’ll have a residual effect that will be unexpected at some point.

As soon as it became apparent, OK, not gonna happen, I sat down and started writing [something else]. It’s like, ‘OK, new scenario, let’s get cracking.’ At a certain point, it’s like complaining about the weather. You just gotta keep moving… Look, if it was gonna happen, it would have happened. It’s that simple.”

Are you disappointed that The Hunt for Ben Solo is seemingly scrapped for good? Let me know in the comments below.

Mark Hamill talks LEGO Star Wars SMART Play

The LEGO Group has made Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) a Junior Executive Director of Information, J.E.D.I for short, and on April 8th, fans can call 1-877-80-ASK-MARK from noon to 8pm ET to ask about the new LEGO Star Wars SMART Play sets, with select callers invited to join a live video chat with the actor.

"Hamill, who most recently played Luke via voiceover in the animated series “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy,” is now teaming up with LEGO to promote the company’s latest “Star Wars” sets, which use its new SMART Play technology. SMART Play, which was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, involves the use of a custom-made chip to make LEGO sets more interactive with bricks that light up, make sounds and react as they’re played with.

As part of a new campaign, LEGO has declared Hamill its junior executive director of information − or J.E.D.I. Speaking over Zoom, the actor enthusiastically points to a nameplate with his J.E.D.I. title. “Do you get the acronym there?” he quips.

On April 8, fans can call 1-877-80-ASK-MARK from noon to 8 p.m. ET to hear facts from Hamill about the LEGO sets, and a select number of callers will be invited to join a live video chat with him.

It’s an appropriate role for the actor, who has always seen toys as “therapeutic” and says he has never outgrown his love for them. In fact, one of the first things he did when he started making money early in his career was go back and buy toys he “wanted as a kid that we couldn’t afford,” he says, giving the game Lie Detector as an example."

Powered by the innovative LEGO SMART Brick, which is packed with pioneering, world-first technologies, LEGO SMART Play is a groundbreaking new platform that brings LEGO creations to life like never before.

Discover LEGO Star Wars on LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

Are you excited about LEGO SMART Play LEGO Star Wars sets? Let me know in the comments below.

Dark Matter returns on Apple TV

Apple TV is home to prestige sci-fi series from For All Mankind to Silo. Dark Matter is returning for a second season on the Cupertino-based tech titan's streamer.

Adapted from Blake Crouch’s novel of the same name, Dark Matter first premiered in 2024, and it follows the story of physics professor Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), who gets abducted by, well, himself, but a version from another timeline.

As Dark Matter fans (myself included) will recall, it took a lot of dimension-hopping for Jason to find “his” wife, Daniela (Jennifer Connelly), and teenage son, Charlie (Oakes Fegley). This quest included many confrontations with other Jasons, including the ruthless, FOMO-strangled version of him who invented “the Box” — a TARDIS-like device that allows him to visit different realities that look like his own but are often catastrophically altered.

Read the official synopsis for season two:

“Season 2 picks up with the Dessens as they settle into a quiet life in a world that finally seems safe until the unimaginable forces them to run once again. As Jason’s obsession with the Box deepens, Daniela’s (Connelly) growing paranoia pushes her to the brink, threatening to tear their fragile stability apart. Elsewhere, Amanda (Braga) and Ryan (Simpson) join forces in a desperate attempt to find their way home. With Blair (Brugel) determined to stop him, Leighton (Okeniyi) relentlessly chases his grand vision of creating a perfect world.”

Like His Dark Materials, the multiverse theme resonates with me. What if I hadn't had a life-changing head injury in primary school, or what if I hadn't survived?

Dark Matter season two premieres on 28th August. Stream Dark Matter season one on Apple TV.

Are you looking forward to Dark Matter season two on Apple TV? Let me know in the comments below.

The Daleks' Master Plan now streaming

It's Good Friday for Doctor Who fans (myself included). The BBC has released two missing episodes of The Daleks' Master Plan, starring William Hartnell as the First Doctor, on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on the Doctor Who Classic YouTube channel in the US.

The recovery means that the first three instalments of a once totally missing 12-part story now exist. They provide a dark and gritty outing for the Daleks, who were being groomed by their creator, Terry Nation, for their own series, and life outside of Doctor Who. Indeed, The Daleks’ Master Plan was not sold by the BBC to overseas broadcasters.

Film is Fabulous! have collaborated with BBC Archives to enable these programmes to be returned to the BBC. BBC Archives has ensured that the original 16mm telerecordings are restored – meaning viewers will be able to watch them in the best possible condition on BBC iPlayer.

For further information and to donate, visit Film is Fabulous!

Have you watched The Daleks' Master Plan? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Darth Maul character commentary with Dave Filoni

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord debuts this month on Disney+. Not only will Maul have his revenge, but his journey will also continue with a second season.

Lucasfilm has released a Darth Maul character commentary with Dave Filoni.



Read the official synopsis:

"Go behind the scenes with Dave Filoni (President & Chief Creative Officer, Lucasfilm) as he analyzes Darth Maul’s character across S5E16 of Star Wars: Clone Wars and S2E22 of Star Wars: Rebels. Filoni provides a look into Maul’s hunger for power and major fight scenes from his perspective as Supervising Director on Star Wars: Clone Wars and SD/Creator on Star Wars: Rebels."

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is created by Dave Filoni, based on Star Wars and characters created by George Lucas. The series is developed by Dave Filoni and Matt Michnovetz. Brad Rau is the supervising director.

The executive producers are Dave Filoni, Athena Yvette Portillo, Matt Michnovetz, Brad Rau, Carrie Beck, and Josh Rimes. Alex Spotswood is the co-executive producer.

The voice cast includes Sam Witwer as Maul, Gideon Adlon as Devon Izara, Oscar nominee Wagner Moura as Brander Lawson, Richard Ayoade as Two-Boots, Dennis Haysbert as Master Eeko-Dio-Daki, Chris Diamantopoulos as Looti Vario, Charlie Bushnell as Rylee Lawson, Vanessa Marshall as Rook Kast, David C. Collins as Spybot, A.J. LoCascio as Marrok, and Steve Blum as Icarus.

The two-episode premiere of Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord streams on 6th April only on Disney+.

Are you looking forward to Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord on Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.

50 years of Apple

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Apple. The Cupertino-based tech titan was started by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in a small garage in 1976. It was incorporated in 1977.

Dad initially looked at an Apple II for his business, but went with a Commodore PET (the first computer I saw in person). My earliest memory of using an Apple Macintosh computer was during a work experience week at a Cornwall-based design agency that my dad had hired in 1987. Creative work I'd developed was used in GCSE Art.

As an 8-bit Commodore and Sinclair kid, I was instantly smitten with the Macintosh's intuitive graphical user interface (GUI). Years earlier, Apple co-founder Jobs visited Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center) and saw the future...

In college, I used Macs to design newsletters, albums, and video covers for Media Studies. With student friends, we taught ourselves desktop publishing (DTP), a skill I use to this day.

However, it would be another decade before I owned my first Macintosh computer, a Performa 5200. This all-in-one machine enabled me to create my first website in the era of dial-up internet. MacWorld and MacUser magazines were my gotos before the advent of broadband and social media.

Over the decades, I’ve owned the following Apple devices:

Macintosh Performa 5200
iMac DV SE
LCD iMac G4
iPod classic
iMac Intel Core 2 Duo
Apple AirPort Extreme
iPod touch
iPad 3
Apple AirPort Time Capsule
iPad Pro (2016)
Apple TV 4K
iPhone SE (2020)
27-inch iMac (2020)
iPad Pro (M1)
AirPods
iPhone 16 Pro
iPad Pro (M4)

Sir Jony Ive's iconic all-in-one iMac design would become a cultural phenomenon, appearing in everything from Jennifer Lopez's iconic pop promo for If You Had My Love to television series, foreshadowing the Cupertino-based company's rise, Lazarus-like, under the auspices of the then returning co-founder Jobs, from imminent collapse into the consumer electronics giant we know today.

Without the iMac, there would be no iPod, iPhone or iPad and quite possibly no Apple.

What are your Apple memories? Let me know in the comments below.

Masters of the Universe official trailer

Mattel Films and Amazon MGM Studios have dropped an official trailer for Masters of the Universe.



Read the official synopsis:

"After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia, where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teela (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe."

Masters of the Universe is directed by Travis Knight (Bumblebee) from a script by Chris Butler. It stars Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Adam/He-Man, alongside Camila Mendes as Teela, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, Morena Baccarin as The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Malcolm/Fisto, and Jared Leto as Skeletor.

“There’s an inherent silliness to it, which we are acknowledging and embracing,” director Travis Knight said in a recent interview with Empire. “I think it’s a virtue, actually. And it’s woven into the script to help some of these things make sense to a modern audience. Like, why would that character have that stupid name? Well, over the course of the movie we show you why.”

Masters of the Universe is in cinemas on 5th June 2026.

Are you looking forward to Masters of the Universe? Let me know in the comments below.

HBO Max casts its streaming spell

On Thursday, HBO Max launched in the UK. This is six years after first launching in the US.

Ahead of the eagerly awaited launch, HBO Max dropped an official trailer for its Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone series, which debuts exclusively on the streamer this Christmas.



HBO Max had a complicated and protracted rollout as HBO has a storied history with Sky.

For years, Sky Atlantic has been the exclusive home to the award-winning Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, Westworld and many more prestige dramas from HBO. That said, if you're already a Sky or NOW (formerly NOW TV) subscriber, HBO Max Basic with Ads is bundled for free as an added value.

Currently, I'm subscribing to a discounted annual NOW Entertainment & HBO Max membership and am looking forward to checking out The Pitt on the HBO Max hub.

HBO Max needs to convince viewers to sign up for another subscription service amid a cost of living crisis, battling the likes of Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+ and Apple TV.

If you only want to watch Warner Bros. Discovery content, HBO Max offers 5 plans:

Basic with Ads - £4.99/month
Standard with Ads - £5.99/month
Standard - £9.99/month
Premium - £14.99/month
TNT Sports - £30.99/month

There are also annual saver plans.

HBO Max is available across all major devices, including select phones, tablets, computers, TVs, streaming players, set-top boxes, and game consoles. My initial impressions of watching TNT Sports on HBO Max are positive, and I won't miss discovery+.

The future of HBO Max is uncertain. Paramount outbid Netflix to buy Warner Bros. Discovery and, subject to regulatory approval, is looking to consolidate its brands. HBO Max has a greater brand awareness than Paramount+. Just saying.

Are you subscribing to HBO Max? Let me know in the comments below.

The End of Oak Street teaser trailer

An enigmatic teaser trailer for The End of Oak Street has dropped. The mysterious sci-fi thriller is produced by JJ Abrams (Super 8) and directed by David Robert Mitchell (It Follows).



Read the official synopsis:

"After a mysterious cosmic event rips Oak Street from suburbia and transports their neighborhood to someplace unknown, the Platt family soon discovers that their very survival depends on them sticking together as they navigate their now unrecognizable surroundings."

Starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, THE END OF OAK STREET also stars Maisy Stella and Christian Convery. The film is written and directed by David Robert Mitchell and produced by JJ Abrams, Hannah Minghella, Jon Cohen, David Robert Mitchell, Matt Jackson and Tommy Harper. The executive producers are Chris Bender, Jake Weiner, Joanne Lee and Leeann Stonebreaker.

With its seemingly seventies setting, possible links to Abrams' Super 8 and Cloverfield (10 Cloverfield Lane starred McGregor's wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and a score by Michael Giacchino, The End of Oak Street is right up my Spielbergian suburban street.

Are you looking forward to The End of Oak Street? Let me know in the comments below.