Watch The Trailer For 'Laddie', A Documentary About 'The Man Who Saved Star Wars'

By: Benjamin Hart

Earlier this year we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the release of Episode IV: A New Hope, or as it was known back in 1977, simply "Star Wars". That film paved the way for the entire saga, all the way to The Last Jedi and beyond, but as anyone that has studied the history of the saga knows, the franchise's success didn't happen by accident.

Read more...

On This Day: July 16, 1945

By Ciaran Duggan,

Richard LeParmentier, who played Conan Antonio Motti in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, was born on this day in 1946.

The British actor portrayed the character later credited as "General Motti" in the first installment of George Lucas' Star Wars film franchise. 

General Motti was the Chief of the Imperial Navy who held the rank of admiral aboard the Death Star during the Galactic Civil War. 

The character was bold and arrogant enough to openly question the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader, for his failure to discover the location of the Rebellion's secret base during a meeting on the Death Star.

Read more...

On This Day: July 5, 1948

By Ciaran Duggan,

William Hootkins, who played Jek Tono Porkins in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, was born on this day back in 1948.

Porkins was a male human trader and pilot from Bestine. He decided to abandon his homeworld after the Galactic Empire moved in and developed a new military base there, and he ended up joining the Alliance to Restore the Republic.

Read more...

On This Day: June 22, 1997

Don Henderson, who played General Cassio Tagge in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, passed away on this day in 1997.

The General served as the head of Imperial Army operations aboard the Death Star in the years leading up to the Battle of Yavin.

Henderson played a part in one of the most iconic scenes of A New Hope when his counterpart and bitter rival Admiral Conan Motti directly confronted Darth Vader.

Read more...

On This Day: June 4, 2010

By Ciaran Duggan,

A two-minute special Star Wars Adidas advert was broadcast on this day back in 2010.  

The advertisement comprised of a re-edited version of the cantina scene from Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

The commercial featured cameo appearances from Daft Punk, Snoop Dogg, Oasis' Noel Gallagher, England footballer David Beckham and a whole host of other celebrities.

Read more...

On This Day: April 7, 1976

By Ciaran Duggan,

Variety reported that Mark Hamill had been cast as "Luke Starkiller" in Star Wars: A New Hope.

The report had been made that the 23-year-old would make his film debut as Luke Starkiller, before the character's name would be changed to Luke Skywalker.

It wasn't until May 10, that the well known actor Harrison Ford would be announced to play Han Solo.

Read more...

Lego Unveils Celebration Orlando Exclusive Detention Block Escape Set

By: Benjamin Hart

Star Wars Celebration Orlando is coming up next week, and we have a ton of amazing things to look forward to! For collectors, various convention exclusives will be available to buy from a handful of retailers. Building toy giant Lego has just revealed an exclusive set that they will be offering up at this Celebration.

Read more...

#TBT: Hear An Audience React To 'A New Hope' In 1977

By: Benjamin Hart

This week on "Throwback Thursday(TBT)" we're going way back, almost as far back as you can go, to 1977. With just a few months left until the 40th anniversary of the release of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, this is the perfect time for a throwback like this.

Getting to experience a new Star Wars film with a crowd can be an incredibly exciting and moving experience. It's impossible not join in on the cheering, laughing, and even crying that happens during the biggest moments of each film. In this throwback, we get to hear an audience react to the very first Star Wars film.

Read more...

Funko Reveals New Star Wars Pop! 3-Packs

Photo via: Yakface

By: Benjamin Hart

Funko has just revealed two new Star Wars items that collectors everywhere will surely want to get their hands on. Today they officially announced a collection of Walmart exclusives that are expected to hit shelves later this month. Among them are two Star Wars Funko Pop! three-pack sets.

Read more...

The IPC Podcast LIVE #122 | Top 5 Movies You'd Never Say 'No' To

The Intergalactic Peace Coalition Podcast is a weekly live show hosted by the SWU's Ben Hart and good friend Zac Arnold with a commitment to encourage civility among all fandoms. They cover a wide range of topics, both old and new, including(but not limited to) Sci-Fi and fantasy. They strive to delve into a multitude of different franchises, including Star Wars, Doctor Who, Star Trek, Firefly, Indiana Jones, Marvel, DC and many others. We hope you enjoy!

Read more...

Hasbro & Toys"R"Us Reveal More SDCC Exclusives

By: Benjamin Hart

While we're all focused on Star Wars Celebration Europe, which is coming up next week in London, it's easy to forget that San Diego Comic Con is also right around the corner. Over the past week or so we've been getting a lot of news about exclusive collectibles that will be available in San Diego, and today Hasbro and Toys"R"Us revealed another batch exclusives.

First off, we have Toys"R"Us' exclusive, which is a Hasbro 6-inch Black Series Astromech three-pack that will be also available in Toys"R"Us stores later this year, and on ToysRUs.com July 21st. The Droids are the Astromech co-pilots of three prominent X-Wing pilots who flew in the Battle Of Yavin, as seen in A New Hope. R2-A3 flew with Wedge Antilles, R5-K6 assisted Garven Dreis, and R2-F2 was Biggs Darklighter's Droid.

Next up, courtesy of Nerdist, Hasbro itself has unveiled a plethora of awesome exclusives, the first being Hera Syndulla's A-Wing Starfighter from Star Wars Rebels. Based on how it appeared in the season two episode "The Protector of Concord Dawn", the 3.75-inch fighter includes a Hera figure and a pair of foam darts that can be fired from the bottom of the toy.

Also from Rebels, they have revealed Kanan Jarrus and Darth Vader 12-inch figures that feature "electronic touches".

And from Return Of The Jedi we have a Speeder Bike with a 12-inch Biker Scout figure.

And lastly, from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, they unveiled a new 3.75-inch Rey figure that includes various accessories.

San Diego Comic Con is happening July 21st - 24th at the San Diego Convention Center!

Sources: Toys"R"Us, Nerdist
Via: Yakface

Read more...

Info On Film Screenings, Art Show & Floor Plan Released For Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016

By: Benjamin Hart

If you're headed to London next month for Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016, you'll want to start planning ahead for what you want to see and do at the convention. Thankfully, Lucasfilm is making planning easier with a plethora of announcements today. Four new guests were recently confirmed, and now we have info on some events happening over the course of Celebration, as well as a look at the floor plan.

First off, they confirmed two film screenings for the convention. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope will be screened on the evening of Friday, July 15th. The most recent installment in the Saga, Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, will be screened the following evening on Saturday, July 16th. Both films will be shown on the Celebration Stage.

Secondly, the floor plan has been released. On it you can see where the various stages and queuing areas are located and get an overview of the show floor. Click here to check it out!

Lastly, but certainly not least, details on the Star Wars Celebration Art Show were revealed, giving us our first look at the artwork and artists that will be participating. A collection of artists, all of which have been vetted by a panel of Lucasfilm judges, will be presenting their exclusive, limited edition art prints on the show floor for sale. The artwork is nothing short of spectacular, featuring characters and elements from all corners of the Star Wars Galaxy, including several Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: The Force Awakens pieces. The full list of artists and a few pieces of artwork follow. The rest can be seen on the official Celebration web site.

• Alex Buechel
• Brandon Kenney
• Brian DeGuire
• Brian Miller
• Brian Rood
• Chris Reiff
• Christian Waggoner
• Crystal Fontan
• Drew Baker
• Erik Maell
• Jason Palmer
• Jason Christman
• Jeff Carlisle
• Jerry Vanderstelt
• Joe Corroney
• Kaela Croft
• Karen Hallion
• Kayla Woodside
• Malcolm Tween
• Matt Busch
• Robert Hendrickson
• Russel Walks
• Tsuneo Sanda

 By: Joe Corroney

By Kaela Croft

By Karen Hallion

Londonium Calling by Jeff Carlisle

Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016 takes place July 15th - 17th at the Excel Exhibit Centre in London!

Source: Star Wars Celebration

Read more...

Funko Reveals Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016 Exclusive Pop! Figures

By: Benjamin Hart

Among the many things that draw fans to conventions is an assortment of exclusive merchandise that can't be found anywhere else. This year's Star Wars Celebration, which kicks off in London next month, will host a plethora of different collectibles that will be available to attendees. Today, Funko, who has partnered with Underground Toys for the event, has unveiled four of their new Pop! vinyl figures that are going to be up for grabs at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016. The four figures are; a one handed Luke Skywalker from the climax of The Empire Strikes Back, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker both with medals from the end of A New Hope, and droid bounty hunter 4-LOM. You can check out photos of the figures below:

Booth #S203 on the Celebration floor is where you will find these Pops! Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016 takes place July 15th - 17th the Excel Exhibition Centre in London, England!

Source: Funko

Read more...

Drewe Henley, 'Red Leader', Dies At Age 75

By: Benjamin Hart

We have more sad to report today. Drewe Henley, who was widely know as "Red Leader" in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, has passed away at the age of 75. Henley had a fantastic career which began back in the early 1960's. He was known for his roles in films such as Nothing But The Best(1964) and When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth(1970), as well as several Television series including The Doctors and Space: 1999. Henley would go on to have a small but pivotal role in "Star Wars", as it was know at the time, portraying pilot Garven Dreis. Dreis, who was acknowledged on screen as Red Leader, flew alongside Luke Skywalker(Mark Hamill), Wedge Antilles(Denis Lawson) and Biggs Darklighter(Garrick Hagon) amidst the Battle Of Yavin and through the iconic trench of the first Death Star.

Shortly after appearing in Star Wars Henley was diagnosed with depression and he retired from acting, subsequently running a bed and breakfast with his wife.

Our most sincere condolences go out to the friends and family of Drewe Henley. His life has left a lasting imprint on the Star Wars saga and pop culture abroad.

Source: The Bearded Trio

Read more...

Tony Dyson, The Original R2-D2 Builder, Has Died

By: Benjamin Hart

It is unfortunate that we have some sad news to report today. Tony Dyson, whom Star Wars fans will know as the original R2-D2 builder, has died at the age of 68. While R2-D2 was conceptualized by the late Ralph McQuarrie, multiple versions of the Droid still had to be physically built for the production of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope in 1976. Lead special effects supervisor John Stears hired Dyson, who owned the White Horse Toy Company at the time, to construct the R2-D2s for the film. In five month's time he built eight Artoos; two that actor Kenny Baker could sit in and operate, several remote controlled versions, and one that was later used in The Empire Strikes Back for scene in which Artoo is spat out by the Dragonsnake on Dagobah.

Later. Dyson would do uncredited effects work on such films as Moonraker(1979) and Superman II(1981) and would later go on start the R2-D2 Builder's Club. Things came full circle recently as two members of the club, Lee Towersey and Oliver Steeples, were hired by Lucasfilm to create droids for Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, as well as other upcoming films.

Bringing arguably the most famous robot of all time to life for the first time was a monumental accomplishment, and his legacy will continue to live on as Artoo and other Astromechs continue to grace the big screen forever. Our most sincere condolences go out to the family of Mr. Dyson.

Source: i09

Read more...

Video: Mark Hamill Talks Star Wars Past & Present At The University Of Cambridge

By: Benjamin Hart

Mark Hamill, the man behind Luke Skywalker(and Darth Bane once), is truly a treasured member of the Star Wars family. After just recently stepping into the forefront with his brief but memorable appearance at the end of Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, Mark is now out and about chatting about the Wars. While in England for the beginning of production on Star Wars: Episode VIII, he was invited to speak at the Cambridge Union Society at the prestigious University Of Cambridge. During the lengthy discussion Hamill went in depth about his early life, how he came to audition for Star Wars in the first place, and shared some interesting insight into the 1977 film's production. He explains that Luke's surname was actually "Starkiller" and wasn't changed to Skywalker until production was well underway, a change that Mark himself admits he didn't agree with at the time. He also went on to discuss what led him to return to Star Wars in The Force Awakens and even took time to sign a fan's Lightsaber. Mark's insight and wit are always a pleasure to hear, so be sure to check out the video below featuring highlights from the event:

You can read more about Mark's visit to Cambridge by clicking here!

Read more...

J.J. Abrams Addresses 'The Force Awakens' "Rip Off" Criticisms

By: Benjamin Hart

Even though Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens has garnered almost universal praise among critics, one big complaint from some fans has been haunting this movie ever since it's release. Many have pointed out several glaring similarities The Force Awakens has with previous Star Wars films, such as the introduction of a new hero living on a desert world and a superweapon capable of destroying planets, both of which can be compared to elements seen in A New Hope. (We discussed this extensively in the latest SWU Podcast.) The online chatter has been so strong lately that director J.J. Abrams himself has responded to the critics.

Abrams was a guest on a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter Podcast where he talked about the criticisms and revealed that he saw at least some of the complaints coming beforehand:

"I knew that, whatever we did, there would be a group of people — and I was just hoping and praying that it would be smaller than not — that would take issue with any number of things, But I knew we weren't making the movie for any other reason than we believed that it could be something meaningful and special and entertaining and worthy of people's time."

He also directly addressed the criticisms that The Force Awakens is too similar to A New Hope:

"I can understand that someone might say, 'Oh, it's a complete rip-off!' What was important for me was introducing brand new characters using relationships that were embracing the history that we know to tell a story that is new — to go backwards to go forwards."

He also discussed his decisions to not return to the director's chair for Episode VIII:

"I realized when I was working on [The Force Awakens], the amount of energy that was required to tell the story, and do it justice, knowing when Episode VIII would start shooting, there was no way — if I wanted to still have my children talk to me in my old age — that doing that would make any sense,"

But he added that he still had some say in where the story goes in future films:

"Larry [Kasdan] and I had a bunch of thoughts of where certain things could go and we shared those things with Rian Johnson, who's directing VIII. He had things that he came up with where he asked if it was possible if we could make some adjustments with what we were doing at the end, most of which we did — there were just a couple that didn't feel right, so he made adjustments — but it was just collaboration."

Of course, you can listen to the full interview by clicking here!

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Read more...

J.J. Abrams Talks Seeing Star Wars For The First Time

By: Benjamin Hart

It seems no matter who you talk to, every Star Wars fan has a story of their own about their first Star Wars experience. J.J. Abrams, the director of the next chapter in the Saga, The Force Awakens, is no different, and he recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly to tell his story. Abrams was 11 years old when he first saw A New Hope and he says that it was unlike anything he had ever seen, and called being chosen to work in the Galaxy far, far away an "absolute honor". You can watch the interview below:



Long before he became the director of Episode VII, it was a well know fact that Abrams a huge Star Wars fan. Now, hearing him talk like this, makes it even more apparent the J.J. was the perfect choice to bring Star Wars back to the big screen.

Source: EW

Read more...

Rumor: 'Rogue One' Set Photos Revealed

By: Benjamin Hart

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed back at San Diego Comic Con that filming for the first Star Wars Anthology film Rogue One would begin in a few weeks. Now, we can assume we're only days away from the beginning of principal photography on the film, and some new photos have emerged that may just confirm it. The good folks at Star Wars 7 News have pointed us to some pictures shared by Trevor Monk. He recently tweeted some photos of the "sheds", as they're called, at the former Royal Air Force base in Cardington, Bedfordshire in England. The massive hangers have a long history with Britain's infamous airships in the early 20th century. Later, it would come to be used as a soundstage for several films including The Dark Knight trilogy, Harry Potter and another film(we'll get to that later).

Trevor Monk has posted many photos, and even video, of construction taking place at Shed 2, which he believes is for Rogue One. Check out some of them below and keep scrolling to read about the Sheds' history with the Star Wars saga and what iconic location they might be constructing. Some minor SPOILERS may be included:

Photo by Ken Robinson #starwars #rogueone latest set shots pic.twitter.com/t06toiCglj

— Trevor Monk (@CardingtonSheds) July 21, 2015

#BedfordshireHour pic.twitter.com/nHVtqX2idU

— Trevor Monk (@CardingtonSheds) July 20, 2015

It is a lesser know fact at least one scene from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope was filmed here. The wide shot of Han, Luke, Leia, Chewbacca and other standing in front of the Massassi Temple just after the arrive on Yavin IV was shot here, and later overlaid with matte paintings, as you can see from the photos below:

All we know Rogue One is that it will center on a group of Rebel soldiers and their mission to steal the Death Star plans. From that we can assume this film takes place before, if not immediately prior to A New Hope. So what does all this mean? Well, it certainly looks like Rogue One will be visiting Yavin IV. Of course this is all speculation at the moment, but I think the evidence above speaks for itself.

Be sure to visit Trevor Monk's Facebook and Twitter pages for more photos of the set!

Starring Felicity Jones and directed by Gareth Edwards, Star Wars: Rogue One opens in theaters December 16th, 2016!

Source: Trevor Monk(Facebook, Twitter)
Via: Star Wars 7 News

Read more...

'Star Wars: Heroes Path' Mobile Game Released

By: Benjamin Hart

Mobile gamers have no shortage of Star Wars games to play nowadays! Lucasfilm is not holding back on releasing a plethora of new thumb exercising apps of all types for mobile devices recently. Today, StarWars.com has revealed a brand new strategy game titled "Star Wars: Heroes Path". The game is focused on Episode IV: A New Hope and gives you control of characters such as Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie and Obi-Wan whom you will guide "through perilous puzzles that will wrack your brain and test your quick-thinking approach," as StarWars,com describes. Locations such as Tatooine and the Death Star will be included along with the following features:

• An exciting interactive reimagining of Star Wars: A New Hope through six challenging puzzle environments
• Dozens of themed levels with multiple obstacles to progress through
• Special abilities and powers tied to each character, including decoy holograms, lightsabers, blasters, and more!
• Fan-favorite sidekicks to help every hero complete their missions including R2-D2, a newChewbacca, and more!

Star Wars: Heroes Path is available for $3.99 in the Apple App store right now! Click here to download it!

Source: StarWars.com

Read more...