Showing posts with label lucasfilm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lucasfilm. Show all posts

Saturday, 13 September 2025

Coleman Trebor unlocked!



Hasbro's Steve Evans, senior design director for Marvel and Star Wars, posted updated details regarding the Star Wars HasLab The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship campaign.

International retail partners have reported their final backer count, bringing the final tally to 10,541. Therefore, the first tier, Jedi Coleman Trebor, was unlocked.

The news broke following a Geek Meet livestream, where we discussed the latest HasLab with fellow toy collectors. Ryan Speaks Geek hilariously christened Coleman Trebor as Mustard Mint, and this can't be unseen.



This is good news for fans who backed the campaign. I didn't, as I still have an unopened Ghost stored in the garage since last Christmas.

Did you back the Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship HasLab? Let me know in the comments below.

Tuesday, 9 September 2025

Star Wars HasLab Gunship is backed!



The Star Wars HasLab The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship campaign was backed hours before the 9th September deadline.

Despite a final promotional push by official channels and support from fans (myself included), the centrepiece of Hasbro's Battle of Geonosis campaign for 2026 limped over the finish line without unlocking any of the tiers. The total number of backers was 9,776, just 224 short of unlocking the first tier at 10,000 backers for Coleman Trebor.

The LAAT/i Gunship may have been more successful at a lower price point, and if it had included exclusive variant action figures of Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi or a Clone Trooper army builder pack.

Did you back the Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship HasLab? What future Star Wars HasLab would you like to see for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars? The Death Star? Let me know in the comments below.

Thursday, 28 August 2025

Star Wars: Starfighter begins filming



Today, to mark the start of production on Star Wars: Starfighter, Lucasfilm has announced the full cast for the upcoming feature film from Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine).

Joining the previously announced Ryan Gosling, the film stars Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.

“I feel a profound sense of excitement and honor as we begin production on Star Wars: Starfighter,” said Levy in a statement. “From the day Kathy Kennedy called me up, inviting me to develop an original adventure in this incredible Star Wars galaxy, this experience has been a dream come true, creatively and personally. Star Wars shaped my sense of what story can do, how characters and cinematic moments can live with us forever. To join this storytelling galaxy with such brilliant collaborators onscreen and off, is the thrill of a lifetime.”

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.

For half a decade, Star Wars has been on the small screen with animated and live-action spin-off series on Disney+. The Mandalorian and Grogu, based on the fan-favourite characters from The Mandalorian, will be in cinemas next year. While it's directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), will it be more than a feature-length episode that should have been released on Disney+?

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

Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Matt Smith to play villain in Star Wars



Former Doctor Who star Matt Smith, after being rumoured for a role as a young Palpatine in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, joins Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth in Shawn Levy's Star Wars: Starfighter.

According to Deadline, Smith will play a villain in the upcoming Star Wars movie, set for release in 2027 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera. Smith, best known for playing the heroic Eleventh Doctor, is no stranger to playing villains in Terminator Genisys and House of the Dragon.

As a lifelong Doctor Who and Star Wars fan, I’m more excited for Star Wars: Starfighter than The Mandalorian and Grogu, which should have been released on Disney+.

What are your thoughts on Matt Smith playing a big bad in a galaxy far, far away? Are you excited for Star Wars: Starfighter? Let me know in the comments below.

Tuesday, 5 August 2025

Star Wars fans urged to back Boba Fett



Appearing at the Tampa Bay Comic Convention, Temuera Morrison, who has played bounty hunters Jango Fett and Boba Fett, was asked about his involvement in future Star Wars projects.

“No,” Morrison answered. “We really have to treasure those moments now. All of you need to send a fax, or a letter or an email to those powers-that-be at Lucasfilm. I’m sure they’d love to hear from everyone. Please give Daniel Logan and Temuera Morrison another chance and put them somewhere.”

The enigmatic and mysterious mercenary Boba Fett was first introduced in an animated segment during the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. However, most fans (outside the US) wouldn't have known about him until Kenner's mail-away action figure promotion before appearing in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, played by the late Jeremy Bulloch.

The bounty hunter's apparent demise in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi was less than satisfactory and was used mostly for comedic effect. A school friend and I were left nonplussed and, wrongly, assumed he'd escape moments after the Rebels had destroyed Jabba's Sail Barge as creator George Lucas rushed to tie up loose ends leftover from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and sell more toys.

Daniel Logan, who played a young Boba Fett in the prequel trilogy and appeared alongside Morrison on the panel, reflected on his experience being part of the Star Wars franchise.

"The crazy part with Star Wars is that you don’t know about filming anything until like, a week, or maybe two, or even less than that, right?" he said.

"But the thing is, Temuera is the greediest person in Star Wars. He’s played so many characters, he’s got the most characters in Star Wars, if you go down the line — from Jango, Boba, all of the Clones, Rex, Cody, Fives — he’s got the most characters in Star Wars."

Logan added, "There’s going to be plenty of opportunities. Especially for this guy, especially with this era of Star Wars, like Ahsoka, and all this stuff set after Return of the Jedi."

Morrison last played the fan-favourite bounty hunter in The Book of Boba Fett and confirmed he won't be appearing in The Mandalorian and Grogu movie next year.

If you hadn't already guessed, Boba Fett's one of my favourite characters from the franchise and the 12-inch action figure was a cherished Christmas gift from childhood - I was too excited to sleep after discovering Santa had left a smuggler's bounty on the landing.

Would you like to see the return of Boba Fett? Let me know in the comments below.

Saturday, 2 August 2025

Star Wars returns to cinemas for 50th anniversary



On Friday, Disney announced it is rereleasing Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope in cinemas in 2027 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' groundbreaking space opera. This will be followed by Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) and starring Ryan Gosling (Barbie).

Read the press release:

"On April 30th, 2027, we’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars with a re-release of the 1977 classic back for a limited time, in theaters everywhere.

Part of Lucasfilm’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, Star Wars: A New Hope will play in theaters over the May the 4th holiday, also known as Star Wars Day."


Back in June, an original print of Star Wars from 1977 was screened by the British Film Institute (BFI) with the blessing of Lucasfilm. Disney has not shared any details on which version of Star Wars will be shown.

Are you looking forward to seeing the original Star Wars back on the big screen in 2027? Let me know in the comments below.

Thursday, 31 July 2025

Gunship announced as Star Wars HasLab



At San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), Hasbro announced its Battle of Geonosis campaign for 2026 with a Star Wars HasLab.

Read the official press release:

"Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship

The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship transports you right to the heart of the first battle of the Clone Wars on Geonosis and its aftermath. In Star Wars: Attack of the Clones™, this speedy attack ship led the rescue mission of the Jedi remaining after Count Dooku and the Separatists’ assault, setting a cascade of rockets and laser fire onto the Separatist droid army.

LAAT/i (Low Altitude Assault Transport/infantry) Republic ships can be seen in epic battles scenes across Star Wars, including the animated classic Star Wars: The Clone Wars™ and its more recent counterpart, Star Wars: The Bad Batch™. The HasLab team is thrilled to bring you one of the franchise’s most recognizable and celebrated vehicles.

If funded, this ship will make the perfect tribute to one of the defining moments in the prequel trilogy. Let’s get into the details!"


Take a closer look with Hasbro designer Chris and special guest Adam from Lucasfilm's product development, who sold me on backing it.



The last Gunship toy I owned was from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, which I sold to a fellow Star Wars fan and collector a few years ago. Like many fans, I have reservations about the £449.99 price tag and tiers.

After pontificating for a few days (The Ghost is still boxed), I’ve decided to back the HasLab for now, if only to support the campaign and reach 8,000 backers. I appreciate that this is a good problem to have. Will it be another Rancor? We'll see in September.

Will you be backing the Star Wars The Vintage Collection LAAT/i Gunship HasLab on Hasbro Pulse? What do you think of the price? What are your thoughts on crowdfunded collectables? Should it be a retail release? Let me know in the comments below.

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Hasbro reveals Star Wars Comic-Con exclusive



Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding the Star Wars: The Black Series San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) exclusive 2-pack featuring Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES ANAKIN SKYWALKER & OBI-WAN KENOBI

(HASBRO | Ages 4 and Up | Approx. Retail Price: $109.99 | *Availability details below)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES includes 6-inch action figures, vehicles, and roleplay items from the 40-plus-year legacy of the STAR WARS Galaxy, letting fans create galactic scenes with a faithfulness to STAR WARS comic books, movies, series, and more. This STAR WARS Hasbro action figure 2-pack is detailed to look like Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi from STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH. In addition to their signature Lightsabers™, the Sith Lord and the Jedi Master come with swinging and clash effects, a two-part stand, interchangeable Force hands, and more. Designed to look like the planet Mustafar, the platform can be displayed in multiple configurations and includes an additional lava piece for posing. With exquisite features and decoration, THE BLACK SERIES embodies the quality and realism that STAR WARS devotees love (additional products each sold separately, subject to availability).

*The STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES ANAKIN SKYWALKER & OBI-WAN KENOBI will be available for purchase exclusively at the Hasbro booth (#3213) during 2025 San Diego Comic-Con. Additional purchasing details to be announced on the official San Diego Comic-Con website. Following San Diego Comic-Con, limited quantities will be available to order on Hasbro Pulse.

Will you be adding Star Wars: The Black Series Anakin Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi SDCC exclusive to your collection when available for pre-order on Hasbro Pulse? Let me know in the comments below.

Friday, 11 July 2025

Disney and ITV partner in streaming wars



The Walt Disney Company and ITV have announced a strategic deal for Disney+ and ITVX.

The partnership will be billed as a “Taste of ITVX” and a “Taste of Disney+” on their respective streaming services in the UK.

Starting 16th July, a curated, and regularly refreshed selection of hit shows and movies from Disney+ and ITVX will be available to viewers on both platforms. The agreement showcases ITV and Disney’s world-class content to each other's complementary audiences, extending reach and allowing more viewers to discover Disney+ and ITVX.

Joe Earley, President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment commented: “We are proud of this innovative collaboration with ITV, which will allow us to bring Disney+ customers some of the UK’s favorite and buzzworthy shows and encourage ITVX viewers to discover some of Disney+’s award-winning series and blockbuster films.”

It will allow Disney+ viewers to watch the likes of ITV‘s Love Island, Mr Bates vs The Post Office or Spy Among Friends, and vice versa: ITV audiences can watch the first season of FX’s The Bear or Lucasfilm’s Andor alongside other hit Disney movies.

Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, ITV said: “Disney are fantastic partners with a brilliant breadth of content. This mutually beneficial alliance allows us to show our complementary audiences a specially selected collection of titles, regularly updating, that gives a flavour of the range in our respective offerings. For us, this deal means even more great content for viewers on ITVX, and even more opportunity for viewers to find and enjoy our distinctive titles and services.”

Lucasfilm and ITV have a storied history. Star Wars premiered on ITV in 1982, and I remember recording it off-air on my parents' Panasonic VCR. I will follow this development with great interest.

What are your thoughts on the Disney and ITV deal? Is it a good idea? Let me know in the comments below.

Thursday, 26 June 2025

Coca-Cola x Star Wars: Refresh Your Galaxy



Longtime Disney collaborator Coca-Cola has announced collectable Star Wars cans and bottles with 30 character designs and Disney Park exclusives to commemorate 70 years of partnership.



"This collaboration is about more than just bringing together two iconic brands-it’s about celebrating the power of Star Wars fandom, shared passions, and the strength of community when we lift each other up," Islam ElDessouky, Coca-Cola’s global VP, creative strategy and content, said in a statement.

Thanks to a new Augmented Reality (AR) experience from Coca-Cola and Star Wars, you can be just like Princess Leia and send your own holo messages to friends, loved ones ... and maybe even retired generals-turned-Jedi hermits!

“Star Wars is a powerful cultural force around the world, with millions of fans across generations who carry these stories off the screen and into their lives,” Mindy Hamilton, SVP of global marketing partnerships at The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement. “This custom campaign is for them and inspired by them.”

Each of the 30 Coke cans and bottles will feature a distinct character with a unique design.

In the Original Taste, consumers can find designs featuring characters such as Lando Calrissian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Amidala, The Mandalorian, and Emperor Palpatine.

Characters available in the Zero Sugar variety include Darth Vader, Yoda, Princess Leia, Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Han Solo, R2-D2, and an Imperial Stormtrooper.

Will you be collecting the Star Wars-themed Coca-Cola cans and bottles? Let me know in the comments below.

Tuesday, 3 June 2025

CBSO Star Wars Trilogy Weekender



The force will be strong in Birmingham this October, as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) teams up with esk to present the Star Wars Trilogy Weekender – a three-day orchestral spectacular that brings the galaxy’s most iconic saga to life.

Birmingham’s Symphony Hall will become the ultimate destination for film fans and music lovers between 24th to 26th October 2025. The CBSO will perform John Williams’ legendary, Oscar-winning score live, in synchronisation with the original Star Wars trilogy, screened in full cinematic glory. It’s a rare opportunity to experience these beloved films like never before – all in a single weekend at one of the UK’s most celebrated concert venues.

The weekend opens on Friday 24th October with Star Wars: A New Hope, followed by Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back on Saturday 25th October, and concludes with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi on Sunday 26th October. Each performance will feature the full force of the CBSO, delivering the unforgettable score live in real time with the film.

Emma Stenning, Chief Executive at the CBSO said: “This is not just a concert – it’s a cinematic and musical pilgrimage. Whether you're a lifelong fan or introducing someone to the saga for the first time, this promises to be an unforgettable weekend of live music and big-screen magic.”

This event arrives at a time of growing national interest in orchestral film concerts. Symphony orchestras across the UK are using blockbuster scores to attract new audiences to classical music, with Arts Council England reporting a 17% increase in younger attendees. The Trilogy Weekender follows a string of sell-out Star Wars performances across the UK and coincides with heightened excitement around the next chapter of the Star Wars franchise.

Ticket packages are available, with 10% off when booking two concerts and 15% off when booking all three. Tickets range from £32 to £94.50 including fees, with tickets already selling fast.

The concerts are a part of the CBSO’s new 2025–26 season, which bridges classical tradition and contemporary culture. Other highlights include Best of Bond, Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush with live orchestra, and Symphonic Queen.

The Star Wars: Film Concert Series is produced under license by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox and Warner/Chappell Music. All rights reserved © Disney.

To book tickets or explore the full CBSO 2025–26 season, please visit www.cbso.co.uk.

Are you attending the CBSO Star Wars Trilogy Weekender? Let me know in the comments below.

Saturday, 24 May 2025

Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert



This year marks the 10th anniversary of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Disney is staging a live concert at the Royal Albert Hall in November to celebrate.

"Experience Star Wars: The Force Awakens in concert with John Williams' score performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Ludwig Wicki.

30 years since the destruction of the second Death Star, the sinister First Order, commanded by the mysterious Snoke and apprentice Kylo Ren, rise from the ashes of the Empire. The Resistance, led by General Leia Organa, attempts to thwart the First Order’s threat, but they’re desperate for help. Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, find themselves joining forces with Han Solo and Chewbacca in a perilous mission to return a BB-unit droid back to the Resistance with a map to Luke Skywalker.

From director J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Force Awakens features a new score composed by five-time Academy Award®-winning composer John Williams. See the film on the big screen as the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performs the score live on stage."


The Force is as strong as ever with John Williams' soundtrack for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Rey's Theme remains one of my all-time favourite Star Wars themes, distilling the franchise's resurgence. From Andor to Skeleton Crew, all the Star Wars things.

Are you booking tickets for Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert? Let me know in the comments below.

Friday, 9 May 2025

Destiny 2 goes full Star Wars in Renegades



As a lifelong Star Wars fan and lapsed Destiny 2 player, the Force flows through Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate in the Renegades teaser trailer.



"The reveal featured a brief cinematic teaser showcasing Renegades, a definitive Destiny expansion with a narrative integral to the Fate Saga, while also suffused with inspiration from and homage to Star Wars," Bungie explained.

The Renegades expansion will launch in December.

"Renegades will introduce new Destiny characters, innovative activities, and evolved mechanics designed to surprise and delight players."

If it looks like Star Wars and sounds like Star Wars, it is Star Wars! Lucasfilm Games is involved, after all.

"To really drive it home here, Renegades is a one-of-a-kind Destiny experience," says assistant game director Robbie Stevens. "Just like we on the Destiny team have taken inspiration from other genres like dark fantasy or cosmic horror, Renegades takes the space western vibe and aesthetic that is Star Wars and puts it through that Destiny lens."

What did you think of the teaser trailer? Are you still playing Destiny 2? If not, will Star Wars bring you back? Let me know in the comments below.

Monday, 5 May 2025

Festival of the Force



Although May the Fourth celebrations have ended, UK-based Star Wars fans (myself included) can attend the Festival of the Force in the historic city of York on 25th May.

"At Festival of the Force, our mission is to deliver an unforgettable, immersive experience for Star Wars fans right here in the UK. As the largest convention of its kind, our central location makes it easily accessible to enthusiasts from across the nation! We are passionate about celebrating the vast and iconic Star Wars universe while building a strong sense of community among collectors, fans, and cosplayers of all ages. With a galaxy of Star Wars merchandise, celebrity appearances, and fan-led events, we strive to connect all force wielders to ignite the excitement of the fandom."

For further information and to book tickets, please visit Festival of the Force.

Will you be attending Festival of the Force? Let me know in the comments below.

Thursday, 1 May 2025

Hasbro extends Star Wars deal



Star Wars: The Black Series and Star Wars: The Vintage Collection collectors (myself included) can rejoice.

Hasbro has extended its long-running Disney partnership, securing Star Wars and Marvel licenses for years to come.

"It’s an honor to be able to deepen our relationship with Disney Consumer Products to create even more magical play experiences for consumers across the globe," said Tim Kilpin, Hasbro's President, Toys, Board Games, Licensing and Entertainment. “Star Wars and Marvel provide an extensive array of captivating content that gives us an unlimited trove of fresh ideas to create from. Our collaboration spans more than half a century, and we look forward to strengthening our relationship by bringing consumers everywhere brand-new play experiences tied to the exciting universes and characters of Star Wars and Marvel.”

With this extension, Hasbro doubles down on fan-favourite franchises and deepens its powerhouse partnership with Disney.

"We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Hasbro to evolve our expansive portfolio of Star Wars and Marvel toys that bring these iconic adventures into daily life,” said Paul Gitter, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products. "From must-have collectibles to Lightsaber toys, we aim to push the boundaries of creativity to deliver innovative products and engaging play experiences that bring our fans closer to their favorite stories and characters.”

Growing up as an only child with a disability in the wake of a life-changing injury, Star Wars toys were a welcome distraction from years of rehabilitation. My favourite toys included a 12" Boba Fett action figure, All Terrain Armoured Transport (AT-AT), Millennium Falcon, Jabba the Hutt action playset and an Imperial Shuttle. Special mention for R2-D2 as that little droid was the first Star Wars action figure I owned before seeing the movie in 1978.

Let's pretend Star Wars Bend-Ems never happened in the early nineties!

30 years ago, following the purchase of Kenner, Hasbro launched Star Wars: The Power of the Force. These were the first new toys worth collecting after Kenner ended the original vintage toy line in 1985. Fast forward to 2025, I'm all about collecting Star Wars: The Vintage Collection.

2027 marks the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, so expect to see plenty of action-packed products to celebrate.

Are you happy Hasbro has extended its deal with Disney to produce more Star Wars products? Let me know in the comments below.

Wednesday, 23 April 2025

50th anniversary of Star Wars in Los Angeles



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

The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025.

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.

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

Saturday, 19 April 2025

The Force is with Star Wars Celebration Japan



Star Wars Celebration Japan is underway this weekend, and I'm living vicariously via friends' social media posts.

There are enough announcements for Star Wars fans (myself included) to fill a Corellian light freighter.

Sigourney Weaver (Alien) is joining the cast of The Mandalorian and Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), which is the first new Star Wars movie since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.



And Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord from Lucasfilm Animation is coming to Disney+ with Sam Witwer reprising the iconic villain for animation. Darth Maul was seemingly killed by a young Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, but returned in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. Both stellar spin-offs drop in 2026.



The biggest surprise announcement so far is Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy (Stranger Things). The upcoming standalone movie, which stars Ryan Gosling (Barbie), will be released in 2027. This coincides with the 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars.



Speaking at Star Wars Celebration Japan in Tokyo, Gosling said: "The reality is that this script is just so good. It has such a great story with great and original characters. It’s filled with so much heart and adventure, and there just really is not a more perfect filmmaker for this particular story than Shawn."

In related news. Our friends at Hasbro have shared the latest product reveals for Star Wars: The Black Series and Star Wars: The Vintage Collection. Whilst collecting is a luxury during a cost of living crisis, I've pre-ordered the Bantha & Tusken Raider 2-Pack as part of Hasbro's return to Tatooine campaign in 2025. This set will pair with Luke's Landspeeder for toy photography.

Are you excited for The Mandalorian and Grogu, Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord and Star Wars: Starfighter? Let me know in the comments below.

Friday, 11 April 2025

BFI to screen original Star Wars



This will be a screening long remembered by Star Wars fans (myself included).

The British Film Institute (BFI) will screen the original Star Wars from 1977 this summer at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX from 12th to 15th June.

"An unmissable treat for Star Wars fans. A long time ago, George Lucas’s original space fantasy set in a galaxy far, far away was released in 1977, captivating countless imaginations for generations to come and forever shifting popular culture. Film on Film presents Star Wars exactly as experienced by audiences on its original release, screening from one of the precious handful of dye transfer IB Technicolor prints produced for the first British release, preserved in the BFI National Archive.

On display to coincide with the opening night screening there is also a rare opportunity to view material from the original continuity script for Star Wars, which includes rare on-set Polaroids, annotations and deleted scenes. The script is from the collection of Ann Skinner, script editor on the original film, and is now cared for by the BFI National Archive."


Before the special editions, prequels, and social media.

The last time I saw the theatrical releases of the original Star Wars trilogy on the big screen was with college friends at The Elstree Star Wars Day in 1994. I regret not taking a camera with me to capture the memories. However, there were film props, and I met David Prowse (Darth Vader) and Warwick Davis (Wicket). This was one of Davis' earliest appearances at a Star Wars-related event before the first Star Wars Celebration in 1999.

Star Wars is the defining film of my life, and June marks the 18th anniversary of my mum's death. It's going to be emotional.

Tickets go on sale on 9th May.

Friday, 4 April 2025

Landspeeder revealed at Star Wars Fanstream



Our friends at Hasbro have sent over the latest reveals from the Hasbro Pulse Star Wars Fanstream! The Star Wars team announced new products from Star Wars: The Black Series and Star Wars: The Vintage Collection.

Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder piqued my interest as I missed out on the original Kenner vehicle in 1978 and The Power of the Force 2 rerelease in 1995.

STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION LANDSPEEDER VEHICLE

(HASBRO | Ages 4 years & up | Approx. Retail Price: $59.99 | Pre-order now on Hasbro Pulse and fan channel retailers; available Summer 2025)

Luke Skywalker owned a battered but speedy X-34 Landspeeder, racing the sand-faded craft across the desert. Celebrate the legacy of STAR WARS with premium vehicles, playsets, and action figures from STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION. Based on STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE, this 3.75-inch-scale Landspeeder includes a Luke Skywalker (Tatooine) figure that features photoreal deco and a soft goods poncho. Comes with 7 accessories for dynamic poseability on fan shelves, including his signature Lightsaber™, hat, and droid caller. Calling back to the original 1970s and 1980s vintage toys, figure and vehicle feature Kenner branding and package design, with a unique VC number on the figure for collectability (VC #344A). Reimagine favorite scenes with other THE VINTAGE COLLECTION figures and vehicles from the STAR WARS galaxy (each sold separately, subject to availability).

Build out your scene with the Streets of Mos Eisley (affiliate link) action figure playset and Jawa. In the future, I'd like to see a Patrol Dewback and Sandtrooper added to the Star Wars: The Vintage Collection. It may be announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan or on Star Wars Day as part of Hasbro's return to Tatooine campaign in 2025.

Landspeeder & Luke Skywalker is available for pre-order from Amazon (affiliate link).

Will you be adding Star Wars: The Vintage Collection Landspeeder & Luke Skywalker to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Thursday, 3 April 2025

Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld



On Wednesday, Disney+ released the trailer, key art, and stills for Lucasfilm Animation’s Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld, an all-new anthology series of animated shorts from creator Dave Filoni, premiering exclusively on Disney+ just in time for the ultimate Star Wars holiday, May the 4th.



The popular series, which began in 2022 with Tales of the Jedi and continued in 2024 with Tales of the Empire, this time focuses on the criminal underbelly of the Star Wars galaxy through the experiences of two iconic villains. Former assassin and bounty hunter Asajj Ventress is given a new chance at life and must go on the run with an unexpected new ally, while outlaw Cad Bane faces his past when he confronts an old friend, now a Marshal on the opposite side of the law.

Dave Filoni created the series and is the supervising director. He is also an executive producer along with Athena Yvette Portillo and Carrie Beck. Josh Rimes serves as co-executive producer, Alex Spotswood is the senior producer, and Matt Michnovetz is the writer.

The talented voice cast includes Nika Futterman, Corey Burton, Artt Butler, Lane Factor, AJ LoCascio, Clare Grant, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Eric Lopez.

Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld joins an expansive collection of Star Wars films and series on Disney+, just in time for May the 4th.

Are you looking forward to Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld on Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.