Star Wars: Bring Home the Galaxy

There’s no Force Friday this year. However, Disney and Lucasfilm have announced Star Wars: Bring Home the Galaxy, a follow-up to last year's Bring Home the Bounty!

Bring Home the Galaxy, a 9-week global consumer product campaign in association with licensees including Funko, Hasbro, LEGO and Mattel, highlights new Star Wars merchandise from the original trilogy to The Mandalorian every Tuesday through 13th December.

Hasbro's releasing a retro collection on Hasbro Pulse to mark the 40th anniversary of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in 2023.

I vividly remember the launch of Kenner's original Star Wars: Return of the Jedi toy line in 1983!

The first time I saw Darth Vader, in person, was at my local Debenhams (now John Lewis). Mum kept it a special surprise and took me to the toy department where the lift opened to reveal the dark lord himself and Stormtroopers...

School friends were there, too. After a meet-and-greet with Darth Vader, we went to the toy aisles and discovered Biker Scouts, Ewoks and much more on pegs. This was Christmas for Star Wars fans (myself included).

Bring Home the Galaxy (affiliate link) on Amazon. Other UK-based retail partners include Argos, Disney Store, Smyths, The Entertainer and Zavvi.

Follow the conversation on social media using #BringHomeTheGalaxy and #StarWars.

Whether you're looking for LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series Razor Crest or The Black Series Phase II Clone Trooper Helmet by Hasbro. Happy gift-giving this holiday season.

Star Wars: Bring Home the Bounty

Whilst there’s no Force Friday this year, Disney and Lucasfilm have announced Star Wars: Bring Home the Bounty!

Bring Home the Bounty, a global consumer product campaign in association with licensees including Funko, Hasbro, LEGO and Mattel, highlights new Star Wars merchandise every Tuesday through 28th December.

“With the Lucasfilm 50th anniversary coming to a close this year, we wanted to find a way to celebrate all of our beloved characters and stories from the classic to the new and everything in-between” said Paul Southern, Senior Vice President, Franchise & Licensing, Lucasfilm. “There will be something to excite every Star Wars fan this year with such a wide assortment of items to enjoy and engage with, whether fans are adding to their own collections or scouring for the perfect gift.”

Bring Home the Bounty (affiliate link) on Amazon. Other UK-based retail partners include Argos, Disney Store, Smyths, The Entertainer and Zavvi.

Follow the conversation on social media using #BringHomeTheBounty and #StarWars.

Whether you're looking for Galactic Snackin’ Grogu or The Bad Batch Attack Shuttle. Happy hunting.

Star Wars Jumbo Grand Moff Tarkin figure

There may not be a Force Friday this September! However, Entertainment Earth has announced an exclusive Star Wars vintage action figure in association with Gentle Giant.

"Just like they were when you were a kid… only much bigger! This Entertainment Earth Exclusive Jumbo Grand Moff Tarkin Jumbo Vintage Kenner Figure, inspired by events in Star Wars: A New Hope, represents the latest in a series of Jumbo action figures spotlighting the entirety of the Star Wars saga. Featuring classically styled sculpting, details, and including a removable command staff, this poseable figure is styled to resemble the Star Wars figures of old, but at an epic 12-inch scale. It is manufactured to exacting standards, and comes packaged in a resealable clamshell blister card. May the Force be with you!"

You can pre-order Jumbo Grand Moff Tarkin (affiliate link) from Entertainment Earth.

Do you collect Gentle Giant retro figures and what are your fondest memories of playing with Kenner Star Wars toys? Let me know in the comments below.

Dark Side Rey and holiday-themed Stormtroopers

Force Friday, the merchandising event that started with Star Wars: The Force Awakens, isn't happening this year and not because of the global pandemic. But that doesn't mean there won't be new Star Wars merchandise this holiday season.

The long-awaited Black Series Rey (Dark Side Vision) (affiliate link), from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, was announced for next February during the first-ever Hasbro PulseCon, a 2-day online event celebrating all things Hasbro.

"While searching for the Sith wayfinder, Rey envisions her turn to the dark side. Wielding a double-bladed Lightsaber, her rage and immense power is frightening. This Star Wars The Black Series Rey (Dark Side Vision) 6-Inch Action Figure includes cape and lightsaber."

Alongside Rey are fun holiday-themed Black Series Stormtroopers (affiliate link), which includes decked-out repaints of the Range Trooper from Solo: A Star Wars Story, a Clone Trooper from the prequel trilogy, a Stormtrooper from the original trilogy, a Snowtrooper from The Empire Strikes Back and a Sith Trooper from The Rise of Skywalker.

But that's not all! The Mandalorian (affiliate link) gets a Kenner-branded vintage collection release and there's a Boba Fett (affiliate link) deluxe action figure from Return of the Jedi. And in 2021 there's going to be a Black Series Ahsoka Tano Force FX Elite Lightsaber.

There's more, much more. So, watch Hasbro PulseCon 2020 Day 1 below and lookout for exclusives at your favourite retailers.



Are you hoping to find Black Series and Kenner-branded vintage collection action figures under the tree this holiday season? Let me know in the comments below.

Hasbro's vintage The Mandalorian at London Comic Con

Triple Force Friday was only the beginning for new Star Wars merchandise this holiday season. Over the weekend, Hasbro announced The Mandalorian vintage collection action figure at MCM London Comic Con. The Mandalorian is the titular character, played by Pedro Pascal, from the first Star Wars live-action series for Disney+.

More Black Series action figures were also announced, including Zorii Bliss and Knight of Ren from The Rise of Skywalker.

The Mandalorian is exclusive to Disney+ when it launches in the US, Canada and the Netherlands 12th November and Australia and New Zealand 19th November. It is rumoured DisneyLife may show The Mandalorian in the UK.

New look at Keri Russell's mysterious Zorii Bliss

Entertainment Weekly (EW) has shared an exclusive photo of the mysterious Zorii Bliss (Keri Russell) and her helmet design evokes the art deco aerodynamics of Disney's The Rocketeer.

I'm looking forward to unboxing Hasbro's Kenner-branded vintage collection action figure (affiliate link), part of my online haul from Triple Force Friday, when it arrives from Amazon.

With only two months to go until the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Cineworld is opening a new IMAX with Laser cinema later this month in Plymouth. I'll be booking tickets to see the final chapter in the Skywalker saga as soon as they go on sale.

First look at Star Wars droidsmith Babu Frik

'Twas the eve of Triple Force Friday and not a Mouse Droid did stir... Lucasfilm has released a photo of Babu Frik from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Is the diminutive droidsmith behind a hacked C-3PO (Anthony Daniels)?

This first look at the tiny Anzellan arrives alongside sweepstakes to attend the red carpet premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, as well as news that Disney has partnered with major brands - United Airlines, Porsche, Bose, Samsung, General Electric, McDonald's, General Mills and Dannon, who will all be "hosting individually curated and innovative programs leading up to the debut of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."

Triple Force Friday begins at 1 minute past midnight and fans can expect to see new merchandise from Hasbro, Lego and Funko. Our resident US correspondent, Nick Smith, will be checking out the vintage collection from Hasbro. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is in cinemas 19th December.

Star Wars vintage toys for Force Friday

4th October is Force Friday and this year's Star Wars merchandising event is a triple celebration of The Rise of Skywalker, The Mandalorian and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order with new collectables from Lego, Hasbro and Funko.

Personally, I'm most excited for Hasbro's Kenner-branded vintage collection featuring Luke Skywalker's and Poe Dameron's X-Wing fighters! I owned Luke's 'battle damaged' X-Wing from The Empire Strikes Back toy line. So, am particularly interested in picking up his vintage X-Wing (affiliate link) on Force Friday. It's worth remembering there'll be retail exclusives such as the AT-ST Raider from Best Buy (in the US).



STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION 3.75-INCH Figure Assortment

(HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $12.99/Available: Fall 2019)

Celebrate the legacy of STAR WARS, the action-and-adventure-packed space saga from a galaxy far, far away, with premium 3.75-inch scale figures from STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION. Figures feature premium detail and design across product and packaging inspired by the original line, as well as the movie-inspired collector grade deco that fans have come to know and love. Characters in this assortment include REY, KNIGHT OF REN (LONG AXE), ZORII BLISS, SITH JET TROOPER, and LUKE SKYWALKER. Each figure sold separately. Available at most major retailers.

STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION THE MADALORIAN AT-ST RAIDER Vehicle

(HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: Starting at $79.99/Available: Fall 2019)

Fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS Galaxy with this premium STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION THE MADALORIAN AT-ST RAIDER vehicle, inspired by THE MADALORIAN live-action TV series on Disney Plus. With realistic detail including an opening cockpit, articulated legs, adjustable laser cannons and side-mounted weapons pods, and movable command viewpoint blast shields, this vehicle can be displayed in STAR WARS action figure and vehicle collections. Includes vehicle, figure, and accessory. Available at Best Buy.

STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION POE DAMERON’S X-WING FIGHTER Vehicle

(HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: Starting at $99.99/Available: Fall 2019)

This STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION POE DAMERON’S X-WING FIGHTER vehicle is inspired by the starships in STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER and makes a great gift for STAR WARS collectors and fans. With realistic detail including an opening cockpit, functioning landing gear, separating wings, and a ladder accessory, the STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION POE DAMERON’S X-WING FIGHTER can be displayed in action figure and vehicle collections. Includes vehicle and ladder accessory. Available at most major retailers.

STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION LUKE SKYWALKER’S X-WING FIGHTER Vehicle

(HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: Starting at $99.99/Available: Fall 2019)

Inspired by the X-wing fighter LUKE SKYWALKER piloted in STAR WARS: EPISODE IV A NEW HOPE, this STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION LUKE SKYWALKER’S X-WING FIGHTER vehicle makes a wonderful gift for fans of the original trilogy. Premium deco and design features on this X-wing include landing gear, a hinged cockpit canopy, adjustable wings, and a mini projectile launcher. Details like weathered paintwork and interior cockpit deco make this an impressive collectible display item. This STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION LUKE SKYWALKER’S X-WING FIGHTER is compatible with 3.75 inch-scale STAR WARS action figures, making it a great addition to any STAR WARS toy collection. (Figures and additional vehicles each sold separately. Subject to availability). Available at select retailers.

STAR WARS SKYWALKER SAGA 3.75-INCH Figure 2-Packs

(HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: Starting at $14.99/Available: Fall 2019)

Kids and collectors alike can imagine the biggest battles and missions in the STAR WARS Galaxy with figures from the STAR WARS SKYWALKER SAGA collection! Commemorating the STAR WARS SKYWALKER SAGA, this series of figures includes iconic characters from the full SKYWALKER SAGA in action figure 2-packs, including HAN SOLO & LEIA, LUKE SKYWALKER & CHEWBACCA, and more! Each figure has been treated with a gold finish to stand out in any STAR WARS fan’s collection! Each 2-pack sold separately. Available at Walmart.

Happy hunting and let me know what merchandise you're looking for in the comments below.

Star Wars cast reveals Triple Force Friday merchandise

With just over a week to go, Lucasfilm's livestream from Pinewood Studios, hosted by Warwick Davis who is expected to reprise the titular role of Willow in Ron Howard's rumoured series for Disney+, showcased a selection of new Star Wars merchandise releasing on Triple Force Friday on 4th October.

Star Wars cast members were on hand to reveal new products from LEGO, Hasbro and Funko.



Highlights included Hasbro's D-O interactive droid, a vintage-style Kenner action figure collection and LEGO sets. But, what were your favourite announcements? Let me know in the comments below.

Triple Force Friday livestream this Thursday

Lucasfilm has announced a week-long countdown to Triple Force Friday with a special livestream on YouTube this Thursday.



The global merchandise reveal, hosted by Star Wars veteran Warwick Davis live from Pinewood Studios, will feature cast members from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker including Daisy Ridley (Rey), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), John Boyega (Finn), as well as Cameron Monaghan from Respawn's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Pedro Pascal and Gina Carano from Disney+'s live-action series The Mandalorian.

Expect exciting announcements from Lucasfilm licensees including LEGO, Hasbro and Funko.

The Triple Force Friday livestream will be on Thursday 26th September at 11AM PT (2PM ET/6PM BST).

Are you excited for the launch of Triple Force Friday on 4th October? Let me know in the comments below.

Triple Force Friday this October

Force Friday is a merchandising event that started with Star Wars: The Force Awakens and continued with The Last Jedi. Who can forget the introduction of Sphero's licensed range of app-enabled droids? BB-8, BB-9E and R2-D2 have pride of place in my study.

This year, Force Friday celebrates the release of the Disney+ live-action series The Mandalorian, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and The Rise of Skywalker on 4th October.

As with previous Force Friday celebrations, retailers will be staging special events around the world. Smyths Toys recently took over my local Toys "R" Us store. So, I may venture along for a midnight opening.

Are you excited for the launch of Triple Force Friday this October? What new products are you hoping to see? Let me know in the comments below.

Rian Johnson wrote The Last Jedi on a MacBook Air

Director Rian Johnson wrote the script for Star Wars: The Last Jedi on an air-gapped Apple MacBook Air. Johnson revealed this fascinating insight in an interview with the WSJ.

“I typed Episode VIII out on a MacBook Air. For security it was “air-gapped” — never connected to the internet. I carried it around and used it for nothing except writing the script. I kept it in a safe at Pinewood Studios. I think my producer was constantly horrified I would leave it in a coffee shop.“

Ahead of the launch of The Last Jedi, Apple Stores ran exclusive video editing workshops to celebrate Force Friday II.

Sphero R2-D2's rival R2-Q5 at New York Comic Con

Following the launch of R2-D2 and BB-9E on Force Friday. Sphero has brought R2-Q5 to New York Comic Con (NYCC) this week. The latest app-enabled droid is the dark side version of fan favourite R2-D2.

"R2-Q5™ is an Imperial astromech droid from a galaxy far, far away.... Control it with your smart device or keep this nefarious Droid in top shape with augmented reality training. R2-Q5’s signature front and rear LED lights are fully functional, and an integrated speaker means all sounds come right from the droid itself. Watch R2-Q5 interact with other Star Wars™ App-enabled Droids by Sphero, and view films from the Star Wars saga with R2-Q5 reacting by your side. This special droid has been brought to life thanks to Sphero technology."

The limited edition droid is on sale at NYCC. The Sphero R2-Q5 will be available for pre-order from 10th October, and is available in the UK exclusively at John Lewis from 27th October for £199.99.

Will you be bringing R2-Q5 home for the holidays? Let me know in the comments below.

Topps trading card shows Snoke in The Last Jedi

Supreme Leader Snoke remains as much a mystery as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

Snoke first appeared as a giant hologram in JJ Abrams' The Force Awakens and fans will learn more about the power behind the First Order in Rian Johnson's The Last Jedi this December.

Fans got their first glimpse of Snoke's toy incarnation before Force Friday. Now, Topps reveals how he'll look in The Last Jedi. His appearance is akin to a reconstructed Anakin Skywalker. It's divisive out of context sans Andy Serkis' voiceover. Snoke's a giant seemingly channelling Hugh Hefner in a golden robe. More intergalactic playboy than menace.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars fans share their Force Friday II stories

So, yesterday was Force Friday II, Black Friday for Star Wars fans, and many took to social media to share their merchandise haul stories to commemorate the release of The Last Jedi this December.

I shopped online for The Last Jedi ephemera and lived vicariously through fans' in-store anecdotes from Target to Toys "R" Us. Here's a selection of my favourites.







Find the Force, Disney's augmented reality (AR) treasure hunt, runs until 3rd September in participating stores worldwide.

How did you celebrate Force Friday II? Let me know in the comments below.

Sphero introduces R2-D2 for Force Friday II

Sphero BB-8 was introduced on Force Friday in 2015 and the app-enabled droid quickly became a must-have for the holiday season. So much so, I ordered mine from the Disney Store on day-one as it quickly sold out.

Now, Sphero is adding BB-9E from The Last Jedi and, best of all, R2-D2 for Force Friday II. Like BB-8, the latest droids will be able to watch Star Wars movies and television series (via a future update) with fans. R2-D2 includes an integrated speaker. So, the diminutive droid can vocally respond to actions, himself. R2-D2 will retail for £179.99 and is available from Amazon.

The extended app-enabled droid line can interact with each other for added play value. How will BB-8 react to his evil twin, BB-9E, when they come face-to-face on my desktop?



"Since Star Wars became a cultural phenomenon 40 years ago, consumer products have been a critical part of the fan experience, helping to introduce new audiences to the franchise’s rich stories and characters,” said Disney executive Jimmy Pitaro. “Technology-powered storytelling is at the core of the ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ product line, and will immerse fans in the Star Wars universe like never before.”

Chris Pirillo, fellow gadget geek and Star Wars fan, has launched a new YouTube channel. Star Wars Radar. It's filled with awesome unboxings from Disney, Sphero, Hasbro and more.



6-year-old me wanted to own an R2-D2 like this in 1978. Almost 40 years later I can.

Will you be attending a midnight store opening? Let me know in the comments below.

Celebrate Force Friday II at Apple Store

Star Wars fans will be able to celebrate Force Friday II at Apple Stores this Friday.

Apple will be hosting special events from 1st September thru 9th September in the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland, and Sweden.

Fans will be able to edit their own Star Wars trailers with an iPad and iMovie. Editing on an iPad Pro is something I have firsthand experience with and suggest fellow owners to invest in an Apple Pencil (if they haven't already done so) as it speeds up the workflow.

How To: Build Your Own Star Wars Trailer

"Explore how to create a Star Wars trailer with authentic footage from the films. You’ll discover signature Star Wars trailer-making techniques in an exclusive video from The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson. Then you’ll create your own trailer complete with titles, transitions, sound effects, and official Star Wars music using iPad and iMovie."

Other Star Wars-related sessions will be offered, including a special effects masterclass from Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) at the Union Square store in San Francisco.

"Join ILM’s Hal Hickel, Landis Fields, and Colie Wertz and explore how they use animation and 3D modeling to bring the Star Wars galaxy to life. They’ll share their creative process, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at their journey from stop motion to CG. Then you’ll create your own Star Wars droids using the same techniques used at ILM—all with iPad Pro and Apple Pencil."

Apple Stores may carry new Star Wars toys from The Last Jedi, as part of the Find the Force campaign, too.

Will you be dropping by your local Apple Store? Let me know in the comments below.

Bring Your Rey Game to Force Friday II

US retailer Target invites Star Wars fans to "Bring Your Rey Game" on Force Friday II. This is a clever tagline based on the sequel trilogy's main character Rey (Daisy Ridley).

Think of Force Friday as the holiday season for Star Wars fans. This year promises to be the biggest yet with fans encouraged to Find the Force in celebration of The Last Jedi.



Toys have started appearing in stores ahead of Force Friday II. Most recently a 6-pack action figure set from Hasbro's The Last Jedi collection was seen for sale at UK retailer Tesco. Toys "R" Us will have midnight openings at selected stores. So, check with your local retailer for event information and exciting weekend offers from 1st September.

Star Wars fans Find the Force on Force Friday II

Force Friday II is a week today. A bi-annual merchandising event celebrating all-things Star Wars that began with The Force Awakens. This year, to promote The Last Jedi in theatres, Disney is releasing an augmented reality (AR) app for mobile devices.

“Force Friday II is a major milestone in the countdown to Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Star Wars has always championed new technology, and we are excited that augmented reality will allow fans to experience the universe in a whole new way,” says Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm.

From 1st September thru 3rd September, fans will be able to capture their favourite characters at participating retailers in-store and online, and upload them using hashtag #FindtheForce to enter a sweepstake to attend the premiere of The Last Jedi.

Lucasfilm uploaded a cryptic message from General Leia.



For more information, visit Find the Force.

How are you celebrating Force Friday II? Let me know in the comments below.

Praetorian Guards from The Last Jedi

The enigmatic Emperor's Royal Guards captured my childhood imagination whilst leafing through the pages of a toy catalogue prior to the release of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly (EW) looks at Snoke's crimson Praetorian Guards. An updating of the Royal Guards for director Rian Johnson's The Last Jedi.

“The Emperor’s guards were very formal, and you always got the sense that they could fight, but they didn’t,” writer-director Rian Johnson tells EW. “They looked like they were more ceremonial, and you never really saw them in action. The Praetorians, my brief to [costume designer] Michael Kaplan was that those guys have to be more like samurai. They have to be built to move, and you have to believe that they could step forward and engage if they have to. They have to seem dangerous.”

The evolution in design since the original trilogy is welcome and I'm looking forward to seeing the Praetorian Guards in battle aboard Snoke's Mega Star Destroyer (confirmed by an Amazon listing ahead of Force Friday II).

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is in theatres 15th December.