Ron Howard has been incredibly generous and open with fans since taking over directing duties on the untitled Han Solo film. His Twitter and Instagram feeds have been chocked full of amazing behind the scenes looks at the film.
Showing posts with label Droids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Droids. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Ron Howard Shares Droid Photos, Teases Clint Howard Cameo In The 'Han Solo' Film
Ron Howard has been incredibly generous and open with fans since taking over directing duties on the untitled Han Solo film. His Twitter and Instagram feeds have been chocked full of amazing behind the scenes looks at the film.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
On This Day: April 11, 1995
The first issue of the comic Star Wars Droids: Rebellion was published 22 years ago today.
This was the first part of a new Dark Horse comic book series which featured Star Wars legacy characters R2-D2 and C-3PO.
Monday, December 12, 2016
EW Reveals New Aliens & Droids From 'Rogue One'
Even though we're just a couple days away from seeing Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in theaters, we still have much to learn before finding our seat in the theater. Entertainment Weekly has published a new piece focusing some some previously unknown aliens and droids from the film.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Kenny Baker, R2-D2, Passes Away At 81
We are incredibly saddened to report the loss of a legendary member of the Star Wars family. Kenny Baker, the man under the dome of the beloved Astromech droid R2-D2, has passed away at the age of 81.
Kenny Baker portrayed R2-D2 in the original six Star Wars films and recently was credited as an "R2 Consultant" for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Standing at 3-foot, 8-inches tall, Baker famously operated many of Artoo's functions from inside the Droid's body in much of the films and helped created Artoo's iconic personality. In addition to R2-D2, in Return Of The Jedi Baker took on an additional role as Paploo the Ewok. Beyond Star Wars, Kenny had roles in such films as Flash Gordon(1980), Time Bandits(1981) and the George Lucas produced Labyrinth(1986) and Willow(1988), as well as a plethora of television series and more.
The Guardian reported the sad news of Baker's passing earlier today and received a statement from the actor's niece, Abigail Shield
“It was expected, but it’s sad nonetheless. He had a very long and fulfilled life. He brought lots of happiness to people and we’ll be celebrating the fact that he was well loved throughout the world. We’re all very proud of what he achieved in his lifetime.”
On behalf of all of us here at the SWU, I would like to send our most deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Baker. He had an incredible life and career which left an indelible mark on pop culture, film and history as a whole. His continued involvement in the fan community in more recent years through appearances at conventions and other events made him a beloved member of the Star Wars family. He will live on in our hearts and minds forever.
If you will, share your favorite R2-D2 and/or Kenny Baker memories in the comments below.
Source: The Guardian
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Alan Tudyk Shares Details About K-2SO With EW
One of the more intriguing characters in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, one that we haven't seen much of so far, is K-2SO. We previously learned that Kaytoo is a former Imperial security droid that underwent a memory wipe and was subsequently reprogrammed by rebel captain Cassian Andor. Kaytoo is described as blunt and honest with his words without a lot of emotion, which is very different from the likes of C-3PO.
Alan Tudyk, who plays K-2SO, spoke with Entertainment Weekly's Anthony Breznican today in an interview just ahead of the release of the new Rogue One trailer, which is expected on Thursday. Tudyk had a lot to say about his character, including confirming that Kaytoo will have an English accent to match the dialect of the Droid's former Imperial masters. He also discussed the droid's former duties and abilities:
“He was a security droid in the Empire and they sort of enforce whatever needs to be enforced. They are imposing. He’s 7-foot-1, and follows orders pretty well. If you’re asked to be detained, he can detain you. They stand guard, and if somebody doesn’t mind them, they’ll… They’ll enforce the sh– out of [people.]"
He also touches on Kaytoo's relationship with Cassian:
“They’ve been around. They’ve been together for a while, a couple years. He wants what Cassian wants. He loves Cassian, because he freed him. It’s also more paternal in that [Cassian] gave him life and took away the bonds of his programming.”
Tudyk also mentions that Rogue One will include a scene in which K-2SO comes in contact with other droids like him who are still programmed to serve the Empire:
“You do meet other Kaytoos and they don’t have as much free will. We see them, and … Yeah, that’s not him,”
You can learn even more about Kaytoo by reading the full interview over at EW!
Source: Entertainment Weekly
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Special Edition Of 'Aftermath Life Debt' Includes Double-Sided Poster, First Look At Mr. Bones
Last year fans fans were re-introduced to the post-Return Of The Jedi era through the book Star Wars: Aftermath, by Chuck Wendig. Now we are just a few days away from the release of it's highly anticipated sequel Star Wars: Aftermath Life Debt. Today, Del Rey has announced a special edition of the book will be exclusively available at Barnes And Noble. Those that buy their copy at B & N will also get an awesome double-sided poster.
One side of the poster features a schematic of the Millennium Falcon(above), which is also included prominently on the cover of the book. The second is a schematic of Temmin "Snap" Wexley's lovable modified B1 Battle Droid Mr. Bones(below). The drawing also includes notes about Mr. Bones from Temmin himself. This artwork, which was created by Chris Reiff and Chris Trevas, is our first official likeness of Mr. Bones who was a favorite among fans in the first book.
Star Wars: Aftermath Life Debt will be available everywhere books are sold on July 12th, but be sure to pick up the special edition version at your local Barnes And Noble to get the above poster!
Source: Star Wars Books(Facebook)
Saturday, June 25, 2016
'Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Droid Character Pack Revealed
This Tuesday will see the release of the long awaited video game Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens! The game will allow fans to play their way through the story of The Force Awakens, which has been completely recreated in the classic Lego style. In addition, there will be a ton of cool extras that will be available, including an assortment of DLCs.
The latest DLC to be announced is a Playstation exclusive Droids character pack. While Droids like R2-D2, BB-8 and C-3PO are already playable in the game, this bonus content adds an assortment of Droids from other eras of the saga.Included in the pack will be the Astromech with a bad motivator R5-D4, bounty hunter IG-88, the Protocol Droid ME-8D9 seen in Maz Kanata's Castle, Lando Calrissian's droid W1-LE from Star Wars Rebels, and a variety of battle Droids from The Clone Wars, including the Captain Battle Droid, Super Battle Droid, and Captain Commando Droid.
But by far the biggest character included in the pack is none other the Supreme Commander of the Separatists, General Grievous, who will be playable with his classic four Lightsabers. In addition, the Vulture-Class Droid Starfghter will be among the ships made playable in the flight levels, and a microfighter version of the Droid fighter will be available to fly in free play areas.
A trailer for the character pack was released as well, which you can check out below:
The Droids character pack will only be available on Playstation 3 and Playstation 4 and will be released alongside the full game on June 28th!
Source: Playstation.com
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Funko Reveals Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016 Exclusive Pop! Figures
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
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Report: New Interactive Droids Being Tested At Disney Parks
Disney theme parks have always been incredibly fun to visit, but these days it's getting even more fun with new Star Wars additions. Not only is the much anticipated "Star Wars Land" area under construction at both Disneyland and Disney World but they've also opened the new Star Wars Launch Bay exhibits in both parks. Inside the Launch Bays fans have been known to run into Star Wars characters such as Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and Chewbacca who are there for photo-ops and hugs(both regular and throat hugs). But a new revelation appears to confirm Disney is taking this concept a step further.
Gizmodo is reporting that some fans have encountered a new interactive Droid inside the exihbits. YouTube users DAPs Magic and Keith Lapinig both shared videos of a Droid named "Jake" in action. While the Droids's body appears to resemble that of an Astromech, Jake features a head that both rotates and pivots with various lights and sounds. As seen in the videos, Jake can roll around on its own and interacts with control panels that are placed throughout the Launch Bay and also appears to recognize and react to people around it as well. You can check out the videos below:
This development has led to speculation that Disney could be testing the Droids for use in Star Wars Land. The 14 acre area is said to be fully immersive and will feature not only realistic surroundings but also lots of various character populating it. These Droids would be very cool to see wandering about the area, and it would be especially exciting if they could interact with who and what is around them.
Speaking of Star Wars Land, an aerial view of Disneyland surfaced online earlier this week courtesy of @drdisneyland on Twitter(thanks to Anakin and his Angel for the heads up!). It gives us a great view of the progress on the addition:
Source: Gizmodo
Monday, February 29, 2016
Star Wars Highlights From The 88th Academy Awards
Last night all eyes were on Hollywood as the 88th annual Academy Awards took place! Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens was honored with five Oscar nominations, and while it ended up not taking home the gold, there was plenty of Star Wars mixed into the event. Below we have recapped all of the Star Wars filled moments from the Oscars!
First off, the "year in film" video that opened the event Featured several scenes from The Force Awakens, including BB-8 pulling the tarp of R2-D2(who was replaced with an Oscar), the now infamous "That's not how the Force works" scene, and Finn & Rey's simultaneous "I can do this" lines inside the Millennium Falcon, among others. You can watch it below:
Relive the year in film. #Oscarshttps://t.co/VJ8Zg6T9hn— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 29, 2016
Additionally, The Force Awakens' own Rey, Daisy Ridley, made a huge impression with her appearance on the red carpet. Later she presented the award for Best Documentary Feature alongside Dev Patel:
The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams was on hand to present the award for Best Director:
And Supreme Leader Snoke himself, Andy Serkis, also took the stage to present the award for Best Visual Effects:
It's also worth noting that famed Italian composer Ennio Morricone won the Oscar best original score for his work on The Hateful Eight. In his acceptance speech he payed tribute to fellow composer and nominee John Williams:
Also appearing on stage were the most famous trio of Droids in the Galaxy. C-3PO, R2-D2 and BB-8 walked and rolled their way out on stage while they apparently searched for their seats. Before exiting the stage they managed to give a shout out to John Williams who had just earned his 50th Oscar nomination. You can watch the full skit below:
In the video you may have noticed the a young boy who jumped out of his seat when the Droids came on stage. That was nine year old Jacob Tremblay, who starred in the Oscar nominated film Room alongside Brie Larson, who took home the award for Best Actress later that night. Tremblay is a massive Star Wars fan and showed up on the red carpet wearing Millennium Falcon cuff links and Darth Vader socks:
Later he got to meet Daisy Ridley and the Droids, much to his delight:
BB-8 especially drew a lot of attention, as always, and actors Jared Leto and Reese Witherspoon took selfies with the Droid:
— JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) February 29, 2016
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) February 29, 2016
Live! with Kelly and Michael host Kelly Rippa also had a moment of her own with BB-8:
And Lady Gaga got to meet Threepio:
— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 29, 2016
Some other Star Wars actors that were not in attendance had some great reactions to the Oscars as well:
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) February 29, 2016
Beyond numerous nominations and several Oscars Star Wars has picked up over the years, the saga has rich history with the event dating back to when A New Hope won 6 Oscars in 1978. Check out our recent spotlight article on Oscar acceptance speeches for a trip down memory lane.Nice Darth Vader socks @JacobTremblay The force is with you! #Oscars #StarWars pic.twitter.com/D26P2Lt2Ue— Dave Prowse (@isDARTHVADER) February 29, 2016
Monday, November 30, 2015
R2-KT Will Appear In 'The Force Awakens'
We're just mere days away from the premiere of Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens, but it appears we have at least one more casting confirmation to talk about. While this new cast member may not be Human, her inclusion in The Force Awakens is very significant on several different levels. Albin Johnson, founder of 501st Legion, recently confirmed that the R2-KT, an Astromech Droid created and named in honor of his late daughter Katie, will indeed be appearing in the upcoming film.
The Droid came to be over 10 years ago when Katie Johnson was diagnosed with a brain Tumor and Albin and fellow family members came up with the idea to have a R2-KT watch over the girl as she slept. Unfortunately Katie passed away before the Droid could be fully realized. But that didn't stop R2-KT from making a difference as she went on to participate in various 501st fundraising events and visit other hospitalized children. In 2008 R2-KT was immortalized in CGI animation and made her big screen debut in the theatrical Star Wars: The Clone Wars film alongside another infamous Astromech Droid; R2-D2. She also appeared in a handful of episode of the subsequent animated series of the same name, as well as the Clone Wars Adventures video game and two Lego Star Wars productions.
Last week Albin Johnson released a statement announcing that R2-KT will have a cameo in The Force Awakens, and noted that she appeared briefly in the behind the scenes reel shown at San Diego Comic Con(above) earlier this year. Johnson also spoke with our friends at Geeks Speak and explained how KT landed the role:
“Mary Franklin of Lucasfilm asked me to pitch the idea to Kathleen Kennedy (Lucasfilm President), and after hearing the story of our pink ambassador of hope Lucasfilm requested we ship her off to London early last year. Quick repairs were made and off she went for six months.”
In a statement on Facebook, Johnson also added:
"We've been sitting on the news for over a year, and it was hard work getting her to London. But the excitement over JJ Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy believing in the story behind KT is a huge endorsement to how much the new guard believes in the fans and the true magic behind Star Wars."
It is indeed awesome that the filmmakers behind The Force Awakens were willing to allow R2-KT to live on in live action form. Her cameo will be among the things we will be looking forward to when the film premieres on December 18th!
Sources: Albin Johnson(Facebook), Geeks Speak
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