On This Day: April 9, 1984

By Ciaran Duggan,

Dennis Murren, Phil Tippett, Richard Edlund and Ken Ralston received a Special Achievement Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for their work on Star Wars: Return of the Jedi at the 56th Academy Awards.

The film had been nominated for five Oscars: Best Sound Editing, Best Original Music Score, Best Sound Mixing and Best Production Design.

Read more...

On This Day: April 6, 1937

By Ciaran Duggan,

Billy Dee Williams was born on this day in 1937. Williams played the suave and charming Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

The 80-year-old has also voiced the famous and popular character on the hit TV show, Star Wars: Rebels. 

Williams is an American artist, singer and writer and whilst he is best known for his role in Star Wars he has acted in a number of other famous films including Brian's Song, Nighthawks, The Last Angry Man and Tim Burton's Batman.

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...

Princess Leia Uses The Force In New Excerpt From 'Star Wars: Aftermath Life Debt'

By Ciaran Duggan,

Earlier today, Star Wars Books posted a new excerpt from one of their new novels, Star Wars: Aftermath Life Debt, on their Facebook page.

The excerpt focuses on Princess Leia, as she makes a fascinating discovery about the Force, as she embarks on a journey to try to become a Jedi after 'Return of the Jedi'. The excerpt helps to answer a pressing question fans have had, which writer Chris Taylor highlights in his article: 

"Given that Princess Leia was revealed in 'Jedi' to be a Force-sensitive Skywalker, how come we didn't see any of her abilities on display in 'Force Awakens'? Was she just too busy being a politician and general? Did she ever even 'try' to be a Jedi?

The book doesn't focus on the story of Princess Leia, but rather Han Solo nad Chewbacca. Han aids Chewie, in Chewie's mission to free the Wookie homeworld of Kashyyk. Chewbaccca goes missing however, and Rebel Pilot, Norra Wexley, is sent by Leia to find Chewbacca. Chris Taylor provides a succint synopsis of the extract: 

"We get a window into Leia's fraught state of mind at the time - made worse by the fact that she's pregnant with the child we know will grow up to become Kylo Ren..."

To read the full extract, click the link down below:

Aftermatth: Life Debt Excerpt

Let us know your thoughts on the excerpt in the comment section below.

Source: Mashable

Read more...

Rare 'Revenge Of The Jedi' Teaser Trailer Unearthed

By: Benjamin Hart

Yesterday we celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the release of Star Wars: Episode - Return Of The Jedi on May 25th, 1983. To coincide with the milestone, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled an incredible rare piece of Star Wars history in the form of a teaser trailer. The 30 second long trailer announces the then upcoming arrival of "Star Wars: Revenge Of The Jedi" in theaters at Christmas of 1983 with flashes of several still images from the film on the screen.

Now, obviously, Revenge Of The Jedi was an initial title that was rejected late in production due to the filmmakers coming to the conclusion that Jedi do not take revenge. But that wasn't before Revenge made it into much of the marketing material for the film, such as this trailer.



The trailer itself was attached to a double feature of A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back that was screened in U.K. theaters from May through December in 1982. The teaser was the result of negotiations between Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox about a possible Christmas 1983 release for Jedi. It was thought to be a way to get families out of the house during Winter and would provide a wealth of merchandising and promotional opportunities. Additionally, it was considered that props and costumes from the film were to be free by then to use in department store window displays in the U.K. The plan was ultimately scrapped in favor of releasing Return Of The Jedi in the Summer on June 2nd, 1983, one week after the U.S release.

This is all especially interested considering that its sequel, The Force Awakens, would go on to be released during the Holidays more than 30 years later. Fans in the U.K. almost had a Star Wars Christmas back in 1983.

Be sure to visit the Academy's website to read more and see other rare promotional artifacts.

Source: Oscars.org

Read more...

Erik Bauersfeld, Voice Of Admiral Ackbar & Bib Fortuna, Dies At 93

By: Benjamin Hart

We are very saddened to report that Erik Bauersfeld, who provided the voices of Bib Fortuna and Ackbar in two installments of the Star Wars saga, has passed away at the age of 93.

Bauersfeld had an extensive background in radio dramas as he served as the director of drama and literature department at the San Francisco based KPFA radio station. He eventually ended up at Lucasfilm working on a radio project when he got the chance to try out for roles in the Original Star Wars trilogy of films that were in production at the time.

Bauersfeld originally auditioned for Yoda, a role which ultimately went to Frank Oz. Later he would make his uncredited Star Wars debut in Return Of The Jedi, uttering one of the most iconic lines of Star Wars dialogue ever, "It's a trap", as Admiral Ackbar(The character was puppeteered on screen by Tim Rose). He also performed the huttese dialogue said by Jabba the Hutt's majordomo Bib Fortuna(who was portrayed on screen by Michael Carter). Bauersfeld would later return to voice Ackbar in the video games Star Wars: X-Wing (1993) and Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron (2009). And, most recently, he once again voiced Ackbar when the character returned to the big screen last year in in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.

He also had small voice roles in A.I. Artificial Intelligence(2001) and Crimson Peak(2015).

Below you can check out a fascinating interview with Mr. Bauersfeld where he discusses how he got the parts of Ackar and Fortuna & much more:



Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Erik Bauersfeld.

Source: Topps Star Wars

Read more...

Mike Quinn Returns As A Classic Character In 'The Force Awakens'

By: Benjamin Hart

Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens will bring us a plethora of brand new characters this December, but we also know that plenty of characters from the previous films are still alive and well thirty-plus years later. Our friends at Making Star Wars recently noticed some social media activity from a certain Star Wars actor that confirms his involvement in The Force Awakens, and his character's appearance in the film. The following could be considered a SPOILER for those who don't want to know anything, so read further at your own risk.

Making Star Wars points us to a Facebook post by Mike Quinn , who is best know to Star Wars fans for his work on Return Of The Jedi puppeteering Lando's Sullustian co-pilot Nien Nunb, among several others. Quinn posted a still from the recently released trailer for The Force Awakens and had this to say:

Well I'm small and blurry and only in a brief moment, but I made the trailer, lol!I'm just to the left of Finn's cheek. You can just make out my large head and black vest ;)Dang I love those new X-Wings!
Posted by Mike Quinn on Monday, October 19, 2015

And when asked if Nunb will be wearing his Return Of The Jedi fatigues in Episode VII, Quinn commented that Nunb will be sporting an upgraded version of his iconic red and black clothing. Making Star Wars provided us with a zoomed in look at Nien Nunb in the trailer:

This is a solid confirmation that Nien Nunb will indeed be appearing in The Force Awakens. Rumors from late last year stated that Nunb would be making an appearance, and it wasn't until June of this year that photos of a Sullustian bearing resemblance to Nunb leaked out, and one was even spotted in the San Diego Comic Con reel, which you can see at top.

It's great to have Mike Quinn and Nien Nunb back in Star Wars!

Mike Quinn

Source: Facebook
Via: Making Star Wars

Read more...

Report: Tim Rose Confirms His Involvement In 'The Force Awakens'

By: Benjamin Hart

The Force Awakens will see the return of many old favorites to the Star Wars saga, including Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Carrie Fisher as Leia and Harrison Ford as Han Solo. Not only them, it also appears that our favorite Mon Calamari military leader will be making an appearance in the film as well. Our friends at Making Star Wars pointed out an interview The Australian did with legendary puppeteer Tim Rose where he confirmed his role in the film and the character he will be portraying...

SPOILER ALERT!

-
--
---
----
-----

Admiral Ackbar!

First off, Rose commented on the intense secrecy surrounding The Force Awakens:

"I'm very frustrated by that. Out of the need to be secret, we're not actually able to get everything we need to do our jobs as well as we could... And as someone who has been doing it for 35 years, I find it very frustrating."

And on reprising Ackbar he said:

"I'd like to think I gave Ackbar something special which you can tell. I think you can. I can tell when I see my friends who do specialised and full body suit work no matter what character they go into; I can tell you exactly who it is because I know their movements so well,"

And about the film as a whole he added:

"What I can say about the new movie is that if you were a fan of the original three, you're going to absolutely love this one to bits... You can expect a smorgasbord of people you love."

Previously we had heard rumors about Ackbar's return and even saw a photo of a Mon Calamari we presumed was Ackbar. The fact that Tim Rose canceled some convention appearances last year also added legitimacy to the speculation. It's incredibly exciting finally have a confirmation that he will most definitely be back as Ackbar in The Force Awakens. Considering Ackbar's continued presense in the Star Wars Galaxy following Return Of The Jedi, such as the book Aftermath, it will be very interesting to see what role he will have in The Force Awakens as, presumably, a leader of the Resistance.

Tim Rose with an Admiral Ackbar cosplayer.

Source: The Australian
Via: Making Star Wars

Read more...

StarWars.com Interviews 'Shattered Empire' Writer Greg Rucka & Reveals Preview

By: Benjamin Hart

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens takes place approximately 30 years after the events of Return Of The Jedi. Because of this, Lucasfilm has launched an overarching series of books and comics that will fill in that massive gap in time. Star Wars: Aftermath, by Chuck Wendig, will play a part in it, as will a new Marvel comic series coming next month titled "Shattered Empire". Written by award winning writer Greg Rucka and illustrated by Marco Chechetto, the 4-part series picks up the story immediately following the Battle Of Endor and follows  Shara Bey, and her husband Kes, both members of the Rebel Alliance, as they experience the fallout of the destruction of the second Death Star and the death of the Emperor.

Today, Greg Rucka spoke extensively about his work on Shattered Empire with Dan Brooks on StarWars.com. The two drive home the idea that even though Endor was a major victory for the Rebels, the reality is the war was far from over. Rucka explains that when depicting the state of the Galaxy at this point, he looked to real world history, such as the Soviet Bloc, the Arab Spring and North Korea, for inspiration. Below we collected some highlights from the interview for your reading pleasure. I also strongly recommend heading over to StarWars.com to read the full discussion, which is fascinating.

On the main characters, Rucka had this to say:

“Shara flies, Kes is a ground-pounder, and a very experienced one, So, they have spent more time apart than together, and they’re in the Outer Rim world where the Imperial presence is felt, and they’re hoping that they can bring an end to this. But they’re both very tired veterans, and they come out of [the Battle of] Endor with the elation that we see in [Return of the Jedi]. ‘We’ve won. It’s over.’ — only to discover that, no it’s not. The Empire was huge.” 

On the involvement of the the big three and others:

“This could never be, as much as I wish I could’ve written, and would’ve loved to have written, the story of, ‘We’re gonna follow Luke for four issues after Return of the Jedi.’ That was never what my mandate here was. But, with that in mind, we see Luke, we see Leia, we see Lando, we see Han, we see Chewie. We see what they are doing, and while the stories are not about them — they’re about Shara Bey — the stories link. Issue 1 sort of stands alone. Issues 2 and 3 follow the same story path; they’re like a two-parter, and they lead into the fourth. As it stands, we meet Shara in [issue] 1 during the Battle of Endor, and we come out of the Battle of Endor, and then we cover about three to six months total in the series following the Battle of Endor. In that time, Shara and her husband find themselves in some situations only incidentally in the path of the principles, and in other situations, working quite closely with them.”

On the state of the Empire post-Return Of The Jedi:

“The Empire still has resources. The Empire still has an enormous fleet,” Rucka says. “They may be in disarray post the Battle of Endor, but to think that in that vacuum people aren’t stepping up [is shortsighted]... All these people are not about to go, ‘Oh, well, I guess we were on the wrong side. It’s over, then.’ [Laughs] There’s a Moff out there who’s like, ‘Right. I’m emptying the bank accounts, I’m changing my name, and I’m going to Aruba.’ You know there is. But for every Moff who does that, there are five who say, ‘Like hell am I leaving this post. We’ve got stormtroopers for a reason. You get out there and you shoot every last one of these upstart insurgents, these terrorists, and you make clear to them that the rule of law still stands.’ So it does get ugly.”

Rucka also explains that, in addition to the six films, he is taking inspiration from Star Wars Rebels:

“I’ve been watching Rebels with my family. Rebels shows a canon tonality to the beginning of the beginning of the Rebellion. And if we look at Endor as the end of the beginning of the Rebellion, which, I think, is probably the smarter way to look at it, then that is a natural progression. But one of the other things that Rebels provides is a view, that has frankly [only] been speculated on, as to what it looked like once the Empire really came to full power. We never saw a macro view of the galaxy under Imperial control.”

In addition, StarWars.com revealed some stunning, and yet unfinished, artwork by Marco Chechetto from Shattered Empire which you can see below:

Also, Yakface.com and Jedi-Bibliothek got their hands on several variant covers and some fully colored pages pages from the first issue, which you can view here:

 

Be sure to pick up Shattered Empire #1 at your local comic book store when it's published on September 2nd!

Sources: StarWars.com, Jedi-Bibliothek, Yakface.com

Read more...

Excerpt From 'Star Wars: Aftermath' Revealed

By: Benjamin Hart

What really happened after Return Of The Jedi? "Legends" gave us some ideas for years, but now with The Force Awakens coming closer by the day, Lucasfilm is looking to tell all new(canon) stories that will ultimately lead into the upcoming film. Star Wars: Aftermath, written by Chuck Wendig, is set immediately following Episode VI and explores the fallout of the Battle Of Endor. Wendig is also set to pen two more novels that will round out an Aftermath trilogy.

Last night an employee of  the publisher reportedly posted an excerpt from the novel accidentally. Lucasfilm, with the help of Entertainment Weekly, were quick to follow up their mistake by releasing a larger excerpt which includes the opening of the book. It features the return of some classic characters such as Wedge Antilles and re-introduces a newer character that debuted in a recent canon novel. The prelude begins with a victory speech spoken by Admiral Ackbar, which you can read below:

“Today is a day of celebration. We have triumphed over villainy and oppression and have given our Alliance—and the galaxy beyond it—a chance to breathe and cheer for the progress in reclaiming our freedom from an Empire that robbed us of it. We have reports from Commander Skywalker that Emperor Palpatine is dead, and his enforcer, Darth Vader, with him.

“But though we may celebrate, we should not consider this our time to rest. We struck a major blow against the Empire, and now will be the time to seize on the opening we have created. The Empire’s weapon may be destroyed, but the Empire itself lives on. Its oppressive hand closes around the throats of good, free-thinking people across the galaxy, from the Coruscant Core to the farthest systems in the Outer Rim. We must remember that our fight continues. Our rebellion is over. But the war … the war is just beginning.” —Admiral Ackbar

The novel then moves on to detail a tragic event that happens on Coruscant not long after the the celebration scene we see at the end of Return Of The Jedi. I highly recommend heading over to EW.com to read the full excerpt now!

Star Wars: Aftermath hits bookstores September 4th.

Source: EW.com

Read more...

Marvel Reveals Comic Solicitations For October 2015

By: Benjamin Hart

While we await the Star Wars to return to our screens, both large and small, Marvel has been doing an outstanding job of entertaining us with all new Star Wars comics. While some fit amongst past films and broaden their stories, others will be taking the story forward, past Return Of The Jedi and into the Sequel Trilogy era. Below you will find solicitations for the newly announced Chewbacca series, as well as Kanan - The Last Padawan #7, Shattered Empire #3 & #4 and Star Wars #11, as well as a collection of omnibuses for Legends, Shattered Empire, Kanan and more. Check them all out below:

CHEWBACCA #1 & #2 (of 5)
GERRY DUGGAN (W) • PHIL NOTO (A/C)
VARIANT COVER BY GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
VARIANT COVER BY ARIEL OLIVETTI
VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS
SKETCH VARIANT COVER BY ALEX ROSS
YOUNG VARIANT COVER BY SKOTTIE YOUNG
BLANK VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
Known as the skilled co-pilot of the infamous Millennium Falcon, the legendary Wookiee warrior CHEWBACCA will star in his very own limited comic series! After the battle of Yavin, Chewbacca is on his own when he crash lands his ship on an Imperial occupied planet. Now stranded, Chewie finds himself caught in the middle of trying to return to the rebellion and helping a young and feisty girl in need. Writer Gerry Duggan (DEADPOOL, 1872, HULK) and artist Phil Noto (BLACK WIDOW, X-23, UNCANNY X-FORCE) bring us a never-before-seen tale of the heroic Wookiee we all know and love.
32 PGS. (each)/Rated T …$3.99 (each)
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS - SHATTERED EMPIRE #3 & 4 (of 4)
GREG RUCKA (W) • MARCO CHECCHETTO (A/C)
ISSUE #3 – VARIANT COVER BY TBA
MOVIE PHOTO VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
ISSUE #4 – VARIANT COVER BY TBA
MOVIE PHOTO VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
• Concluding the first new-canon comic tale set between episodes VI and VII!
• As the Empire Shatters around them, Rebel heroes fight for a better tomorrow!
• Greg Rucka (Punisher, Cyclops, Wolverine) and Marco Checchetto (Punisher, Avengers World) take us into the more recent long, long time ago!
32 PGS. (each)/Rated T+ …$3.99 (each)
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

KANAN #7
GREG WEISMAN (W) • PEPE LARRAZ (A)
Cover by MARK BROOKS
• We’ve seen Kanan’s LAST adventure as a Padawan...
• ...now we go back to his FIRST adventure!
• See Caleb Dume’s first steps in the Clone Wars!
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS #11
JASON AARON (W) • STUART IMMONEN (A/C)
ACTION FIGURE VARIANT COVER BY JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
SKETCH VARIANT COVER BY STUART IMMONEN
• Chewbacca Unleashed!
• Skywalker in chains!
• Han Solo...with a ball and chain?!?
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS LEGENDS EPIC COLLECTION:
THE EMPIRE VOL. 2 TPB
Written by RANDY STRADLEY
Penciled by DAVE ROSS & DOUGLAS WHEATLEY
Cover by DAVE WILKINS
The dark times continue! As the Empire strengthens its grip in the wake of Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, the remaining Jedi are marked for death! Jedi Master K’kruhk faces a battle for his life — one with deadly parallels for Bomo Greenbark and the crew of the smuggler vessel Uhumele. Meanwhile, Master Dass Jennir is down to his last credit and faces a stark choice: compromise his ideals or starve. Being a Jedi may make him an outlaw, but does being an outlaw mean he’s no longer a Jedi? Darth Vader doesn’t care: He’s on Dass’s trail either way — and so is the dread assassin Falco Sang! Collecting STAR WARS: DARK TIMES #6-17, STAR WARS: DARK TIMES — BLUE HARVEST #0 and STAR WARS: DARK TIMES — OUT OF THE WILDERNESS #1-5.
440 PGS./Rated T …$39.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-9724-9
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS: JOURNEY TO STAR WARS:
THE FORCE AWAKENS — SHATTERED EMPIRE TPB
Written by GREG RUCKA
Penciled by MARCO CHECCHETTO
Cover by PHIL NOTO
For the first time in the new Star Wars canon, journey with us into the time after the end of Star Wars Episode VI Return of the Jedi! Writer Greg Rucka (PUNISHER, WOLVERINE, Gotham Central) and artist Marco Checchetto (AVENGERS WORLD, PUNISHER) take us past the destruction of the second Death Star — and into the chaos of a Shattered Empire. It’s the explosive lead-in to this winter’s blockbuster big-screen Star Wars revival, and everything you need to know is right here! Collecting JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS - SHATTERED EMPIRE #1-4, PRINCESS LEIA #1 and STAR WARS (1977) #1
136 PGS./Rated T+ …$16.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-9781-2
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS: KANAN VOL. 1 — THE LAST PADAWAN TPB
Written by GREG WEISMAN
Penciled by PEPE LARRAZ
Cover by MARK BROOKS
In Star Wars: Rebels, Kanan Jarrus is a cocky, sarcastic renegade fighting the Galactic Empire alongside the ragtag crew of the Ghost. But years before, during the Clone Wars, he was known as Caleb Dume, a Jedi Padawan training under Master Depa Billaba. Neither master nor apprentice ever suspected that their “loyal” Clone Troopers would turn on them upon the issuing of Order 66 — the Emperor’s directive to execute all Jedi. How did Caleb Dume escape the Jedi purge? How did he learn to survive on his own after his master fell? And how did he become the man we know as Kanan Jarrus? What can a Padawan do when being a Jedi makes him a target? Join young Caleb for a tale that bridges the years between the Clone Wars and Rebels! Collecting KANAN: THE LAST PADAWAN #1-6.
136 PGS./Rated T …$17.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-9369-2
Trim size: oversized
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VI — RETURN OF THE JEDI HC
Written by ARCHIE GOODWIN
Penciled by AL WILLIAMSON
Cover by ADI GRANOV
Luke Skywalker faces his destiny as the greatest trilogy in all of fiction concludes, remastered for the modern age! These are grim times for the Rebel Alliance. Han Solo is in the hands of the vile Jabba the Hutt. The Jedi Master Yoda grows weak. Emperor Palpatine is determined to turn Luke to the Dark Side. And Darth Vader nears completion of a new dreaded Death Star even more powerful than the first. To avert certain doom, the rebels head to the forest moon of Endor — but will the native Ewoks be friends or foes? Before the Battle of Endor begins, Princess Leia faces dramatic revelations. And when Luke surrenders to Vader, the fate of the galaxy may rest on the ultimate father/son confrontation! It’s Return, remastered — read it! Collecting STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI #1-4.
112 PGS./Rated T …$24.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-9369-2
Trim size: oversized
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.

Source: Newsarama

Read more...

Rumor: Details About The State Of The Galaxy Post-ROTJ

By: Benjamin Hart

The Force Awakens has captured our imaginations on many different levels. Not only are we looking forward to catching up with beloved characters like Han, Luke & Leia, and learning more about the new characters, but also getting to know the state of the Galaxy far, far away at this point in the timeline. This film picks up approximately 30 years after the events of Return Of The Jedi, and we can assume much has happened in that period of time. Our friends at Making Star Wars have released a "macro" timeline of events that take place between the Battle Of Endor and the Battle Of Jakku, which is said to be a pivotal battle between The Empire and "The New Republic" a year after Endor. Most of this information may not even be mentioned in The Force Awakens, but if it is indeed true it will certainly play into setting up what we see in the film. Of course if you don't want to know anything, you may want to stop reading now. This is your official SPOILER WARNING:

• Coruscant was in chaos, Grand Vizier Mas Amedda attempted to keep the Empire together by any means necessary.

• The Imperial chain of command was is in disarray; no one knew exactly which superior officer they were supposed to follow or what the consequences for doing so might be.

• Several powerful people tried to declare themselves Emperor; the rank and file didn’t really care much for those declarations any longer.

• Pretenders to the throne used their forces to fight one another and chaos ensued.

• The Anoat sector was cut off completely.

• The Rebel Alliance secured several systems and set up bases there in relative peace with minor resistance.

• The Rebel Alliance proclaimed itself the New Republic by this time.

• The New Republic was established in the Hosnian System.

• One year after The Battle of Endor the galaxy was still embroiled in all-out war, however.

•  Emperor Palpatine was praised as a martyr by many and young and untrained Imperial Cadets were sent to the front lines in his name.

• Many battles for Naboo were fought in the year after Palpatine’s death.

• The capital of Naboo, Theed, was well protected and stable.

• Imperial sympathizers tried rallying at Naboo because it was Palpatine’s homeworld. The planet was still relatively wealthy and healthy.

• The Empire repeatedly tried to invade Naboo, but every attempt was thwarted.

• The New Republic celebrated its victory in liberating Naboo by the third battle.

• Sondiv Sella served the New Republic beside Mon Mothma and Leia Organa.

• The New Republic had a provisional galactic senate with elected representatives established.

• Imperial laws were rewritten by the New Republic to be more benevolent and just.

• Democracy was returning.

• Worlds polluted by Imperial strip mining were being rebuilt; there were also slavery reparations.

• One year out, Jakku was seen as a worthless world.

• There was strategic value in Jakku for one power-hungry Moff who wanted to win back the sector.

• General Carlist Rieekan, a leader of the New Republic, sent a team out to capture a Star Destroyer christened Inflictor, over Jakku.

• The Battle of Jakku took place in the stars, in the sky, and on land.

• The Battle of Jakku was the largest battle since the Battle of Endor.

• The New Republic gained an advantage through better tactics, despite the Empire outnumbering them vastly.

• The Captain of The Inflictor decided to follow protocol and scuttle the ship rather than surrender it.

• The ship then crashed to the surface of Jakku.

• One month after the Battle of Jakku there were no longer any large-scale battles by the Empire and they vanished into a nebula.

• Having gathered their forces for a counterattack and established a new chain of command, Imperial vessels within Core and Inner Rim areas stayed within borders defined by a treaty, waiting to erupt at any moment.

This is very, very interesting. Making Star Wars points out that the "Inflictor" is most likely the Star Destroyer we see in the opening shot of the second trailer, or it might even be a Super Star Destroyer. They also suggest that Sondiv Sella is the parent of Korr Sella, a character that is rumored to be played by Masisie Richardson-Sellers in Episode VII. You may also notice some similarities to EU/Legends material, such as the Rebel Alliance becoming the "New Republic".

What I really like about this is that that these facts are being established with the hindsight of both the future and the past, something previous Star Wars stories, such as Legends books & comics, did not have. The inclusion of Mas Amedda is a great connection to the Prequel Trilogy, while obviously the events that transpire on Jakku will ultimately pave the way for what we see in the Sequel Trilogy.

We will file this one as a rumor for the time being, but if and when it's confirmed by Disney or Lucasfilm we will certainly have a lot of awesome Star Wars content to enjoy when these stories are eventually told.

Source: Making Star Wars

Read more...

Report: New Star Wars Little Golden Books Revealed

By: Benjamin Hart

With Episode VII: The Force Awakens hitting theaters this December, it's now time for us fans to make sure those around us have watched the existing Star Wars films, especially our younglins. For Children, some of whom may have been born since the last Star Wars film was in theaters, have an entire Saga to catch up on, and thanks to Random House, sitting down and watching the films may not be their only option for experiencing the original movies. Jedi-Bibliothek is reporting that a book retailer has revealed the covers, authors and artists for a new set of six "Little Golden Books" that will retell the first six Star Wars films in an illustrated form. You can check out the artwork info below:


Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

• Written by Courtney Carbone
• Art by Heather Martinez

Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones

• Art by Ethen Beavers

Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith

• Written by Geof Smith
• Art by Patrick Spaziante

Star Wars: A New Hope

• Written by Geof Smith
• Art by Caleb Meurer

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

• Written by Geof Smith
• Art by Chris Kennett

Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi

• Written by Geof Smith
• Art by Ron Cohee

All of the books will reportedly feature 24 pages and will be available for $4.99 each. They are slated to be published on July 28th, 2015.

Source: Jedi-Bibliothek
Via: Star Wars Upcoming Books & Comics(Facebook)

Read more...

Actor Richard Bonehill Dies At 67

By: Benjamin Hart

Unfortunately we some have sad news for you today. Actor Richard Bonehill, who portrayed a plethora of characters in The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi, has passed away. Although he went uncredited in both films, Bonehill played an assortment of Imperials, Rebels and aliens, most notably Rebel officer Palo Torshan in Empire and Ree-Yees, Mosep Binneed and Lando's co-pilot Nien Nunb in Jedi.

The Hollywood Reporter provided quotes from Bonefill from an interview back in 2006 where he was asked which of the characters that he played were his favorite:

"This is an easy one to answer. At the time, my favorite part was that of a Rebel soldier, purely because it was the most comfortable costume to wear. The masked aliens such as Ree-Yees were the most uncomfortable.... Over the years I have become very attached and proud to have been a snowtrooper and stormtrooper. The stormtrooper really has become an iconic symbol of the Empire, so I would pick him as my favorite character."

Apart from Star Wars, Richard Bonehill was an expert swordsman and horseman and filled several roles, such as stunt man, sword master and coach, on many films including Flash Gordon(1980), Top Secret!(1984) and Highlander(1986). He also served as as head coach of England's Truro Fencing Club, and later president until his passing. The club released the following statement on Twitter:

We are sad to announce the sudden passing of our President & former Head Coach Richard Bonehill. A great leader & an inspiration
— Truro Fencing Club (@trurofencing) February 4, 2015

All of us at the Star Wars Underworld express our most sincere condolences to Mr. Bonehill's family and friends. Be sure to visit Richard's official web site to see behind the scenes photos and learn more about his contributions to the Star Wars saga & more.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Wookieepdia, Bonehill

Read more...

Rumor: Leading Character In Episode VII Will Be Mon Calamari

By: Benjamin Hart

It's a trap!... Okay, sorry. Just had to get that out of the way.

Our friends at Jedi News are reporting that a Mon Calamari character will have a prominent role in Star Wars Episode VII. The guys at Making Star Wars agreed with them, stating that they've also heard that an Admiral Ackbar suit was being built for Episode VII. They also suggest that Skellig Michael could be an island on Mon Cala(Or Dac, for you Legends fans) in the film. It's unclear whether Ackbar's role will be expanded from his appearance in Return Of The Jedi, or it will be a completely new character. Nevertheless, more classic Aliens will be awesome to see!

As always, take this rumor with a grain of salt.

Sources: Jedi News, Making Star Wars

Read more...

Rinzler: Boba Fett Survived The Sarlaac, According To George Lucas

By: Benjamin Hart

Boba Fett lives!!

Now, I know what you're think; we knew this already, right? And you would be correct, but only partially

Yes, the Expanded Universe long ago established that Boba Fett had indeed survived being eaten by the Sarlaac in Return Of The Jedi. But now that all previous books & comics have been deemed to be part of the Legends universe, and thus non-canon, it was believed that Boba Fett's original fate may be definitive. But now it seems that may not yet be the case.

Author Jonathan Rinzler, the man behind the awesome making of series of books, participated in a Reddit AMA(ask me anything) today and had some very interesting things to say about the masked Bounty Hunter. Reddit user blackbetha asked:

"Jonathan, In your mind, does Boba Fett Escape the Sarlacc Pit?"

In which he responded:

"Yes, he does. I have been in meetings with George where he confirms that Fett survived. If it comes from George then it’s true!"

So there you have it, even the Maker himself believed Boba Fett lived on. But now the big question is; does this mean we'll see more of Boba Fett after Return Of The Jedi? Obviously, George Lucas is now retired and the Lucasfilm story group has basically replaced him as the keeper of continuity for the Star Wars Saga going forward. Will the story group build on George's ideas and give Boba a cameo in the Sequel Trilogy? Anything is possible, I suppose, but let's not jump to conclusions just yet. With George Lucas out of the picture now, at least for the most part, Boba Fett may continue to be a Sarlaac snack  for a while. But with the rumored Boba Fett stand-alone film presumably coming soon, you never know what surprises may be in store for us.

Source: Reddit

Read more...

David Cronenberg Discusses his Brush with Star Wars

 

By: Lillian Skye

Director David Cronenberg, who recently received the Film-Maker on the Edge award from the Provincetown film festival in Massachusetts, and discussed the time he turned down the opportunity to direct Return of the Jedi.

"I got a phone call once asking if I was interested in directing one of the Star Wars sequels," said the director. "And instead of saying 'Oh my God, yes!' I said, 'Well, you know, I don't really do other people's material.' Click. I don't know how far it would have gone, but it ended there." 

Cronenberg is used to writing and directing his own material, like he did for Consumed, Videodrome, and Cosmopolis----a freedom he would probably not get when it comes to Star Wars.   In addition, Cronenberg's style is very edgy, with most of his films being in the horror/thriller genre, which may not have translated well into a Star Wars film. 

"This is a big studio movie that's going to cost $200m," he said of working his time working the Total Recall remake, another big budget film, which he ultimately left early into pre-production. "They're going to give it to a guy who's directed a couple of rock videos because he's someone they can control. But it's not in my nervous system to do something like that."

Accroding to JW Rinzler's The Making of Return of the Jedi (2013), Cronenberg was one of many directors considered to direct Return of the Jedi, before Richard Marquand was ultimately chosen.  Others considered include: Richard Donner, Terry Gilliam, Alan Parker, and Bruce Beresford.

Sources: The Guardian, The Making of Return of the Jedi (2013)

Read more...

Petition to Name Soundstage After "Jedi" Director

By: Lillian Skye

When Pinewood Studio's announced that they will be building a new studio in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, a our friends at The Bearded Trio started a petition to name the studio after the late Return of the Jedi director Richard Marquand. While Marquand, a Cardiff native, is best known for his work with Star Wars, he also directed films such as The Eye of the Needle and The Jagged Edge.

The petition is open now and is accepting signatures on Change.org. The site explains the petitions primary objective: "Having a studio as big as Pinewood Studios coming to Cardiff, their history associated with Star Wars and Marquand being from Cardiff...its only fitting to have a soundstage named after the director." The petition has over 100 signatures, with a goal of  200.

Sources: The Bearded Trio, Metro

Find and Follow Lillian on Twitter at @LillianSkye_.

Read more...

Caption Contest Results | 2/13/14

By: Benjamin Hart

Yub Nub! We're back with another batch of caption contest results! This week our awesome Facebook fans submitted their captions for this photo of an Ewok in the driver's seat of a Delorean time machine. All the votes have been tallied up and the top rated captions are below:

1st Place | Dave Mally Malpass

2nd Place

Doc Brown soon learned not to park in the South Side of Endor.
By: Ryan Weavell

Nub, Nub, Nub...
By: Rene Vancelette

I must stop the prequels from being made.
By: Cameron Scarborough

I have a bad feeling about this.
By: Brian Coull

1.21 NUBawatts!!
By: Chris McGinty

This thing's older than the Millennium Falcon.....
By: Jason Blevins


3rd Place

Can has gigawatt??
By: Kevin Stacey

Must prevent the Ewok Christmas Special!
By: Patrick J Oehlke

Ewokalorian to the rescue!!!
By: Adam Todd Campbell

With a Flux Capacitor and great gas-mileage, no time is too long ago and no place too far, far away...
By: Tyler Sabicer

What's the matter McFly? Ewok?!
By: Andrés Carrandi Esmenjaud

"Marty, can't you see? We created Jar-Jar! So we have to destroy Jar-Jar."
By: Alec Walberg

We gotta go back Doc, we must prevent Episodes 1, 2 & 3 from being made!
By: Ryan Halley

Gotta go back and tell them "It's a trap!"
By: Gregor Manns

Big thanks to the participants and congrats to the winners! Don't forget to 'Like' our Facebook page to keep up with future contests!

Read more...

The SWU Podcast LIVE 15 | 05/24/13

On this episode of The Star Wars Underworld Podcast, Dominic and Ben are joined by SWU contributor Dave Gremillion to break down the Star Wars: Rebels announcement and speculate on what that series might be.  They also discuss the latest Episode VII news including casting rumors, John Williams and production in the UK.  Plus all the latest about Celebration Europe II and a discussion about how Star Wars changed the world.  All this and much, much more on the latest episode of the Star Wars Underworld Podcast!

Hosted by Kiwi6 file hosting. Download mp3 - Free Music Hosting.

» Right click here and select save link as to Download MP3.

» Dave Gremillion's Fan Novels Star Wars: Awakening and Star Wars: Split Horizons

» Channel 1138

Read more...