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This is the latest Star Wars thing (https://www.yahoo.com/tech/star-wars-last-jedi-official-name-episode-viii-162509169.html) to blow up the internetz...

"The Last Jedi".  Sounds intriguing.  I'm reminded of the 'Revenge of the Jedi' naming issue back at the release of the third film, and wondering if they will change it at the last moment. 

"The Second Last Jedi". 
"The Penultimate Jedi". 
"The Parapenultimate Jedi".

You can never have a last anything in a multi billion dollar franchise...

Interesting title.
It clearly refers to Luke Skywalker. What is less clear is whether he'll survive to Episode IX. What works with that idea is that Han Solo was killed off in Episode VII. On the other hand, with Carrie Fisher's most lamented death, and the vow from the filmmakers that there'll be not CGI General Leia in Episode IX, if Luke is killed off in Episode VIII, that leaves no major character from the original trilogy in Episode IX. But we'll see what we'll see.

Teaser trailer
Pushed back to April, 2017, so it can be 1st shown at the Star Wars Celebration, which is in Orlando (Florida) this year. Which has left some people the idea that we'll get a teaser for the teaser in March, 2017, as originally promised. And probably, while it won't be totally finished by April, 2017, Star Wars Land, at Disney's Hollywood Studio at Walt Disney World, should have something up and running. I can't see it otherwise.

Uncle vs. Nephew
Not much of a surprise, as we already know that Kylo Ren is the son of Han Solo and General Leia from Episode VII, which would make Luke Skywalker his uncle. As Kylo confronts Luke.

Look at all the little Kylo Rens running around.
From what I have seen to date, there does seem to be a generational gap in villains. Children preferring Kylo, while their adult parents prefer Darth Vader. Which makes some sense, as our 1st is normally our 1st.

How dark can you go?
Rumor also has it that this will be the darkest Star Wars yet. From that dark director/writer Rian Johnson, who is also scheduled to do the story treatment for Episode IX. And so far, the true fans, not those who complain thus so they complain, seem to be down with that, or, at least, they are not complaining yet.

The old makes way for the new.
Thus, will there be an Episode X, 4 years from now in 2021. It's possible. And while the old has to make way for the new, it kind of hurts for someone who saw the original in the theater back in 1977.

I think Mark Hamill is still signed up to play Luke in Episode IX.  Of course one can never be too sure which way things will go.

But ONLY Luke Skywalker?  Jedi is both plural and singular in English.  There has been a lot of speculation about Romance language translations of the title, as they'll have to put it singular or plural there.

When I saw Rian Johnson's Looper I found some parts of it very disturbing.  Particularly the 'let's slowly chop up someone in the past and watch their future counterpart slowly lose limbs in the future'.  While they didn't show any of the dismemberment, the disintegrating person and the bloodsoaked body on the operating table gave me the screaming heebie jeebies.

And yes, the old giving way to the new is sad.  I don't even consider Episodes 1-3 to be canon, anyway, so I don't see it as Star Wars X, more like Star Wars 6.

And just when one thought one knew what the title meant.
yes. Thank-you. That's what I get for not being bilingual, as I am thinking solely in English. Though, I have been recently reminded that Jedi is both singular and plural in English. Though, here are some more guesses to plot elements (by others)

There will always be Sky Walkers
Right now there are 3 known Sky Walkers.
1st General Leia
--who'll die. More on this later.
--who'll survive, but be written out of the series.

2nd Luke
--who'll die, but become a Force Ghost like Obi Wan Kenobi
--who'll survive, but seeing his twin sister, General Leia, die, drives him to the Dark Side.

3rd Kylo Ren
--who'll come over to the Light.

and Rey (?)
--whose father is Luke.
--Though, there is some thought that her grandfather is Obi Wan Kenobi.
---She'll wield . . .
---Luke's light saber, which he has passed on to her.
---a double bladed light saber, like the one Darth Maul wielded.

Battles of the centuries
--Luke vs. Kylo Ren
--Rey vs. Kylo Ren
--Luke and Rey vs. Kylo Ren
--Luke vs. the Knights of Ren
--Luke's Jedi students vs. the Knights of Ren (in a flashback)
--We'll see a double bladed light saber somewhere in the film, since it's been spotted in the props department.

A flavor given. A flavor returned.
Watch for director Gareth Edwards in Episode VIII. Since he put director Rian Johnson in Rogue One. Rian Johnson is returning the favor.

Crossovers
Those who have analyzed the trailers for Spider-man : Homecoming and Guardians of the Galaxy, vol 2 have said that there are Easter eggs for Star Wars in the trailers.

Character development
Beth Revis
Rebel Rising
more on Jyn Erso
targeted audience: young adult

Greg Rucka
Guardians of the Whills
more on Chirrot Imve and Baze Malbus
targeted audience: middle grades

If one wants to ignore the targeted audience, both books should be out on May 2.

I'll pump out info on the film, as I come cross it, till it opens in December, 2017, for those who are interested.

The title: the Last Jedi
Well, it's official. The Last Jedi refers to the plural and not the singular. So who are the Jedi or the Jedi in training.
Luke Skywalker (of course)
Rey (from the artwork for Star Wars : Force Friday II--more on that later, she looks to be Luke's 1st padawan, since his self-imposed exile)
Kylo Ren (who is believed to have been the last person trained in the Way of the Jedi by Luke, ere he went into exile)
Snoke (who is rumored to have been a Jedi at one time)

A Secret Jedi in Every Episode
Episode VIII: Daniel Craig
Episode IX: it looks to be Tom Hardy this time.

Upcoming Events
If you want to know more about the film, ere it opens, there are 2 upcoming events that should provide the know.

1st Star Wars : Force Friday II
We know the what and the when (in September) but it is still too early to know much about the who and the where.

Star Wars Celebration
in April in Orlando (Florida) With an expected look at the 1st trailer for the film and a sizzler reel. Though, it might not be a good time to visit Orlando unless you are going for the Celebration, as they are not only expecting a ton of visitors from North America, but fans flying in from South America and Europe, as they are advertising it in Columbia, Portugal, Spain, etc.

Other Star Wars films
The Han, Lando, Chewbacca solo film just started shooting this month in England with a release date in 2018.
And the word seems to be out that we are going to get a solo Yoda film sometime in the future.

More as it becomes available.

Look for . . .

more episodes after Episode IX.
2021 Episode X
2023 Episode XI
2025 Episode XII

Which would then make more sense for these stand-alone films. Though, these are not necessary the ones that will happen nor the order in which they will appear.
2020 an Yoda
2022 an Obi Wan Kenobi. Most probably his adventures between Episode III and Episode Iv, which would put him on Tatooine.
2024 a Boba Fett. Maybe in the underworld on Coruscant. If so, this may lead to a TV series, as the powers that be have wanted for a long time to do such a series. They have just not found a financially feasible way to do it.

a push to bring the 2018 Star Wars Celebration to Barcelona (Spain.) Which makes a bit of sense, as when Disney Cruise Line sails the Med, they homeport in Barcelona, so a Star Wars Day at Sea could tie in with the Celebration. And then the 2019 Star Wars Celebration would be back in the USA, which is the year that Star Wars Land will officially open at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

the skies to be come greyer, as the Star Wars Universe veers from black vs. white to more shades of gray vs. grey, Including Episode VIII.

for the original trilogy to return to theaters in the way that it was meant to be seen, if an agreement can be reached with 20th Century Fox, who has the rights to the 3 films.

And for Mark Hamill to tote home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor from next year's Academy Award. If not an Oscar, then a nomination, as those who have seen his performance in Episode VIII, say it is best work to date.

More as it becomes available.

Adios Barcelona.

There won't be a Star Wars Celebration in 2018. Which is not that unusual, as they have been held in consecutive years only since 2015, even if the 1st one was in 1999. The next one, after this year's, will be in 2019. More on that later.

So, what will we get at this year's Star Wars Celebration.
A teaser trailer for Star Wars : the Last Jedi.
What is upcoming in 2018.
Maybe some answers to these questions.

Yoda
Will he appear as a force ghost?

Han Solo
Now that he is dead, will he get a funeral scene in the film?

Kylo Ren
Now that he has killed his father, how much trouble is he in?
--Will there be a bounty placed on him?
--Will there be people out there who simply want to avenge Han Solo's death?
That's externally. How about internally?
--Will it take him to the Light side?
Does he have any feelings for Rey, as Snoke thinks he does?
--And will he express these feelings to Rey?

Rey
Who is her father?
--And will any feelings that Kylo Ren have for her, make it less or more likely that she is Luke's daughter?

As for 2019 and 2017, if you live on the West coast and do not want to travel to Orlando (Florida,) there's the D23 Expo with all things House of Mouse.
TV . . . theme parks -- recordings . . . publishing -- merchandise . . . films -- cruise ships . . . and adventure tours.
+ Star Wars . . . Pixar . . . Marvel.

40,000 people are expected to attend for the 4th largest convention in 2017 at the Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim, California)
And in 2019, Star Wars Land should be finished at Disneyland. With 14 acres of shopping . . . food -- drink . . . and attractions.
What interests me is the cantina, like the one in Episode IV, that is suppose to be coming.

Next time: more as it becomes available

And they'll be lining up, ere the sun is up, if not the night before. Unofficially, if is official that the teaser trailer for Episode VIII will be seen at the 2017 Star Wars Celebration in Orlando (Florida.) It will be shown at the largest auditorium at the Convention Center and live streamed to the other auditoriums, and there still probably be not enough room for everyone.

Since Episode VII retread the other episodes, it is thought that Episode VIII might go off in a somewhat different direction.

Episode VII is now out in a graphic format, and (IMHO) us worth checking out for . . .
1st. It is a good source for the character and planet names.
2nd. It is a reference back to how well made and written Episode VII was. (Comparative speaking.)
3rd. It adds fuel to the question of who is Snoke? If Snoke seduced Kylo Ren to the Dark Side for the power of Ren, then why. Which may be answered by answering who is Snoke.

Actually, most of the graphic series by Marvel Comics are worth checking out (IMHO.) All the usual suspects are there.

Chewbacca
Darth Vader. 1 series ended. Another begins.
Han Solo
Lando
Luke Skywalker
Princess Leia. Now General Leia
and even Yoda.

But, unlike when Dark Horse had the graphic novel rights to the Star War characters, Marvel has opened it up to other characters.

Poe Dameron
Obi Wan and Anakin, the early years.
Kanan, who I think is more interesting as a child than an adult.
And hardly my favorite character in the Star Wars Universe, but the 1st comic book character popular enough to get her own series Dr. Aphra

More as it becomes available.

The only news I have found is that the teaser trailer for the film will be shown before the films Guardians of the Galaxy II and Pirates of the Caribbean V, or everything feeds off of everything else.

As for the other upcoming films, it just verifies what we already know for the most part.

2018 Han Solo solo film
or covering the character from the years 18 to 24 and how he obtained a certain space ship + met a certain Wookie.

2019 Episode IX

2020 Obi Wan Kenobi solo film
Most likely on his life on Tatooine. And Ewan McGregor is down with returning as Obi Wan.

2021 Boba Fett. Not a solo film, but a group bounty hunter film w/ Boba Fett.
Some see the film similar to other films, but I see it similar to The Magnificent 7 or The Magnificent 7 Bounty Hunters.
And with bounty hunters such as . . .
Zam Wessell -- Kenix Kil -- Ig-88 -- Jango Fett -- Embo -- Dengar -- Cad Bane -- Bossk -- Boba Fett -- Aurra Sing -- Asajj Vantress -- and 4-Lom.
Depending on when the story takes place, they won't need to bring in a new character.
And while some of these, I find to be the least interesting characters, in the Star Wars Universe, I do find the concept of the film, if it is done correctly, and there is no guarantee that it'll be, to be one of the most interesting.

2022 A teen romance
Understand the filmmakers are almost always looking to so something different, and while this may be the most controversial, it has already been done, if not in film, then in book form in Claudia Gray's Journey to Star Wars : the Force Awakens : Lost Star : which while an YA novel, is regarded as being one of the best novels in the Star Wars Universe. And if the filmmakers can take this and put it on film, then they may have something, or instead of film to book, it is book to film.

2023 The filmmakers take a break in an effort to try to get 1 or more Star Wars series on TV. Something they have wanted to do for a long time and to prep for what looks to be Episodes X-XII.

Other news . . .

Hayden Christensen is expected to show up at the soon to be Star Wars Celebration in Orlando (Florida.) The last time he attended one of these was in 2002.

A 6-issue comic book of Rogue One upcoming. And unlike the other comic books made from the films, this one is suppose to include additional scenes not seen in the film and fills in the gaps in the film, including the 8 years, from 8 to 16, that Jyn Erso spent with Saw Gerrera.

More as it becomes available.

Nothing on Episode VIII yet. Though, we should get something after the Star Wars Celebration this weekend. Still, there are some things to add.

Another bounty hunter not mentioned previously is the Wookie bounty hunter Black Krrsantan. Thus, there should be enough bounty hunters, that when and if they do a film on bounty hunters, they shouldn't have to create any new bounty hunters for the film.

Darth Maul, not mentioned, is that he is popular enough to get his own comic book series, which I have not seen.

40 years of Star Wars + 40 stories + o'er 40 writers = Star Wars Anthology, which should be out later this year.

One thing I like about the "new" Star Wars as opposed to the "old" Star Wars is the books, like the above, and the comic books. Not only do I think they are on the average better written, but like the above they often reference the lesser known characters.

Aaaaand for those who missed it, the teaser trailer is up.

! No longer available (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qsg0fku78o#)

And they were geeking out in Orlando (Florida,) as they analyzed the trailer frame-by-frame.

From those there, who have analyzed the trailer, to those here who have not.

1st. Since Frank Oz is being associated with the film, there is the rumor that Yoda will appear as a Force Ghost.

2nd. They listen to their fans.
------New film toys for the boys . . . and the girls.
------Snoke is now a puppet. Literally. Where he was CGI in the previous film, he is now a puppet.

3rd. For those of you have seen Looper, then note the similar scenes in both films.

4th. The film will not be as dark as 1st thought when the writer/director was 1st associated with the film.

5th. Note the cinematography. It is getting a lot of praise. So much that it may be nominated for an Oscar at next year's Academy Awards.

6th. Despite their nonchalance, so much was riding on this film, I can imagine they were sweating blood. No wonder the writer/director was almost in tears o'er the fans acceptance of the trailer.

As for myself, who has not analyzed the trailer, normally I can look at a trailer and know I will like the film or not like the film. Not this one, maybe because it strikes me as different from the other Star Wars episodes, and while I am not opposed to liking it, I want to see the film, before I definitely make up my mind. Though, I do like what seems to be the film's concept, that Luke and Rey stay on the isle, while Finn, Maz, Leia, and Poe and Hux, Phasma, Ren, and Snoke circle around them.

As to what films are upcoming, we may get some answers to these questions, at the upcoming summer's D23 Expo in Anaheim (California.)

1st. What will be the title of the Han Solo solo film?

2nd. As it almost assured, that we'll get an Obi Wan Kenobi solo film, when will it be out? The most likely date is 2020, and will Ewan McGregor play Obi Wan?

4th. Will we get a Mace Windu solo film with Samuel L. Jackson playing Mace?

5th. Will we get something on TV before 2023? Such as Star Wars : Underground in 2018.

And as a voracious reader, for me one of the most interesting items is the almost 2 dozen Star Wars books and comic books coming up in the near future. And while there are apparently none geared to adults, half seemingly geared to teens and half to pre-teens, with almost 60% being fiction and the other 40% being non-fiction, that does not mean that they are not worth checking out.

More as it becomes available.

Well, now that we are getting closer to its release date of December 15, 2017, fans are scrounging thru all the previous films, trying to find some clue as to Rey's parentage before the film opens. Right now there are 4 theories as to who her parents were, and from most popular to least popular . . .

I. Still, and my favorite, Luke is her father.

II. Becoming more popular, Obi Wan Kenobi is her grandfather.

III. Rey and Ren are not only cousins, but brother and sister, or, at least, half brother and sister, as her father is Han Solo.

IV. Her grandfather is Emperor Palpatine.

Lucas Films apparently listens to its fans, which is why we might be getting an Obi Wan Kenobi solo film in 2020. Which is why the Boba Fett film is back on track, and that Darth Vader may even get his own solo film. Which apparently puts a kibosh to the idea that Lucas Films would take a break from Star Wars in 2020. It seems they don't want to lose the momentum they have going.

And talking about Han Solo, now that that character has met his end in Episode VII, Harrison Ford is said to be interested in coming back as Indiana Jones in the 5th film in the seried. A releasr date in July, 2020, has already been set. With Steven Spielberg directing. And while Ford is the only cast member projected to be in the film so far, John Rhys Davies has expressed an interest in returning as Sallah.

More as it becomes available.

Only one piece of news about Episode VIII.
12/15/17 is the release date, and--apparently--is the last Star Wars film to be released in December.
From now on, beginning next year, all Star Wars films are to be released in May.
They say: "May the 4th."
I say: "The competition for the box office $ is less in May than in December, when you have all the Academy Award wannabes jockeying for position.

As for the other . . .

The Star Wars Celebration for this year has come and gone, and while the 70,000 who attended, pales next to the 167,000 who attend the San Diego Comic Con, it is still the best attendance at a Star Wars Celebration to date, which makes me wonder, why there won't be one next year, as the next Celebration won't be to 2019. Which leaves the question, where will it be? As both Star Wars Lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will be up and running, supposedly, that year.

That is also the year the biennial D23 Expo will be back, and as that is always held in Anaheim (California,) I can see the Star Wars Celebration being held in Orlando (Florida) again.

We should be getting more news about Episode VIII and the future of Star Wars, as Lucas Films, will be out in full force at the expo, as will Marvel Studios. The Expo will run from July 14-16, or the weekend before the  San Diego Comic Con, which is July 20-23, 2017. If you want to be there in person, all the tickets for that day or Saturday have already been sold. Though, apparently, there are still 3-day passes still available that will get you into the Center. Though, whereas in the past, all the tickets sold out 2 weeks before the Expo, they have now sold out, because of the demand, 2 months before the Expo. Which is why, they suggest if you want to get into the auditorium to see the presentation in person, it'll probably be streamed live thru out the Center, they suggest instead of getting in line at 5:00 a.m., they suggest you get in line at 12:01 a.m., to see the presentation, by both Lucas Films and Marvel Studios and the other live-action films from the House of Mouse, which begins at 10:30 am.

And when asked why he made this film, or, actually started, what became a film franchise, Lucas has said, one of the reasons,  he did it, is to act as a moral compass to tell kids what to do and what not to do, then you see all the little ones dressed as little Storm troopers -- as little Orson Krennics -- as little Kylo Rens -- as little Darth Vaders -- and little Boba Fetts. Obviously, someone did not get the message.

More as it becomes available.

What's in a name?

A new addition coming?
Is it a boy?
A fan of Star Wars?
Then name it Kylo.

Kylo. The fastest rising boy's name in the U.S.
2015. 3269th most popular
2016. 901st most popular.
Up 2368 spots.

What ever one thinks of the name of Kylo, it can't be as bad Tinn Cann. The surprise is not that someone name their son Tinn Cann. The surprise is that at the time there were 2 Tinn Canns in the U.S. We'll have to see whether this year's Episode VIII boosts the name of Kylo in popularity.

How old Kylo? Kylo fine. How you? No, but while reading the above, I did find an answer to my question as to how old was Kylo in Episode VII?
If the battle of Endor was year 0, then Episode was 30 years later or year 30.
And apparently Kylo was born in year 0 or the year thereafter, so he'd be 29 or 30 in Episode VII. Which would put him close to Poe who was apparently 32 in Episode VII.

Rey, on the other hand, was born 11 years after the Battle of Endor or year 11. Which would make her 19 in Episode VII or still a teenager.

Of course, for every question I find the answer for, 2 more questions pop up. For example . . .
When did Kylo betray Luke?
And when did he begin his training with him?

One possible answer is if Kylo's treachery is what brought Rey to Jakku, who has apparently been there for a decade, then the treachery occurred when Rey was 9 or in year 20. Which would make Kylo 19 or 20 or as old as Rey is now. Which makes it possible that Kylo then began his training with Luke a year or two ere he betrayed him or when he was 17 to 19. We'll no doubt find out more when Episode VII is released later this year.

Some prefer Marvel comics.
Some prefer Dark Horse comics.
I prefer Marvel comics.
Fewer Sky walkers. Fewer Solos.
More of the other guy and gal.

Which means Mace Windu is the latest Star Wars character to get his own series of comic books--5 issues beginning the August of this year or 2017. Cassian and K2SO also get their own single, stand-alone comic book in August. And Captain Phasma also has her own series of comic books coming out this year. And I wonder if Kylo will get one, as there is an interesting story there (IMHO.)

More as it becomes available.

And the rumors continue hot and fast on Episode VIII.

Some people have said that they have seen Yoda in Episode VIII, and they may be right, as it is rumored that Yoda is to appear in the episode. Most likely as a Force Ghost.
Snoke channels Darth Vader's sayings.
And Kylo becomes more like his grandfather.
But . . .

The best information about the upcoming film is "everyone feeding on everyone else, but everybody benefits," as Vanity Fair comes out with a 4-covered summer issue with behind-the-scene photos and a background article on the film.
1 with Leia.
1 with Luke and Rey.
1 with the Light Side: Finn, Poe, and Rose
1 with the Dark Side: Hux, Kylo, and Phasma.

The "only bad publicity is no publicity," as the House of Mouse gets some "free" publicity for its upcoming film.
Photographer Annie Leibovitz gets another well-paying gig.
Vanity Fair gets an issue that they hope people will buy 4 times over.
And its readers get some new information on what the film may contain.

I must say that with the masks off. The most interesting characters (IMHO) are the Dark Side characters, but I have always had a soft spot for the villains in a story.

More as it becomes available.

I have stayed away from rumors, as they change every 5 seconds, but there is one rumor I hope is true. Supposedly, the film ends with a 3-way throw down between Rey, Luke, and Finn and Ren, Snoke, and Von. And if you wondered, as I did, who is Von, that's Benicio del Toro's character in the film.

The Star Wars special issue of Vanity Fair is now out, and while there is not much in the way of new news, there are several color photos of what the aliens will look like.

One more piece of news.

2017 Episode VIII
2018 Han solo film
2019 Episode IX
and 2020 while it is possible we will get an Yoda or a Boba Fett solo film, the most likely film will be an Obi Wan Kenobi solo film with Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan.

More as it becomes available.

That's why the big people get the big money to make the big decisions.

The old directors are out, and a new director is in. I won't say that he's better than the directors he replaces, but he does have an Oscar for his work on A Beautiful Mind. I will say that he probably has had more experience, as he's been a director since the 1970s, and he was an actor for a couple of decades before that. Of course, I mean Ron Howard is now the director of record for the Han Solo film.

Even with the change in directors, they think they can keep to the scheduled date of release of May 25, 2018.

Some more news about Episode VIII. We should get a new trailer later this month. The question is whether there will be any new footage, or whether it'll just contain footage that we have already seen.

The worst kept secret in Hollywood has been confirmed. Tom Hardy is to appear in the film as a storm trooper who knew Finn from the past and runs into Finn again, while Finn is on an undercover assignment.

More as it becomes available.

Much to people's disappointment, it looks like we are not getting a new trailer this month, with or without new footage. At most we will get a sizzle reel with backstage footage, which footage I think is actually more interesting than any film footage.

What we get this month is a new rumor as how many Sky walkers are in the film.

1 Definite
Ren = Han + Leia

1 Possible
Rey = ? + ?

+ 2 new ones
Finn = Luke + ?
Lt. Connix = Leia + ?

The last is where fact meets fiction, as the actress who plays Lt. Connix is Carrie Fisher's daughter.

While the books and comic books have given us a long list of female villains, it is only now that we are seeing female villains in the films. There is Captain Phasma (more on her later) and now it looks like at least one of the Knights of Ren in the film will be a woman.

The article on the film in Vanity Fair brought something to my attention. The height of the actors in the film.

Heroines
5'1" Carrie Fisher
5'2" Kelly Marie Tran
5'7" Daisy Ridley
5'3" Average

Heroes
5'8" Oscar Isaac
5'9" John Boyenda
5'9" Mark Hamill
5'9" Average

Villains
6'1" Domhall Gleeson
6'2" and a half Adam Driver
6'3" Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma)
6'2" Average

More as it becomes available.

D23 Expo has come and gone, and as expected we did not get a new trailer, but instead we got a sizzler reel with backstage moments, trailer later, which probably told us more what will be in the film, then a trailer would, and which sizzler reel has been posted, with and without reactions, to a number of sites on the internet.

As an inadvertent reader what took me by surprise is how many new books=--42--are coming from the film and the Star Wars universe in general. And not only books, but also . . .
activity books -- coloring books -- comic books -- cookbooks -- cross-section books -- juvenile novelizations -- model books -- sticker activity books -- and visual dictionaries.

If there is a way to make some cash, then they will find a way to make it.

More as it becomes available.

The one thing--two things--we can expect is that we finally get the background of Rey and who were parents. The other thing we can expect is that this will be one of the darker Star Wars films--maybe the darkest to date.

An older rumor, but one that is interesting, is that Hux is the son of Luke and Mara Jade. Which would make Kylo Ren and Hux cousins. I can see that.

Supposedly, and this idea has been kicked around for some time, it has been confirmed that we are going to get a Boba Fett origin film. The only thing I don't see is the date of 2018. Despite the troubles it has had, the Han Solo film is still scheduled for release in 2018. Thus, the more likely date for the Boba Fett origin film is 2020, or 2019 or the date which Episode IX is set to be released, if they decide to release 2 films an year instead of 1 an year.

More as it becomes available.

We should get a new teaser trailer, with new footage, either the last week in August or the 1st week in September. With the last trailer, coming in October, ere the film is released in December.

Snoke will have the largest ship ever seen in any of the Star Wars films. And Kylo Ren gets a new fighter.

The director is getting artistic. There will be a scene featuring time lapse cinematography. I was going to say I could never remember seeing a theatrical film that had time lapse cinematography, then I remembered it was used to good effect in 1960's The Time Machine.

It is going to be a crowded docket out there, as it has been confirmed that we are getting a Obi-Wan Kenobi solo film. Though, unless they start releasing two films an year, we probably won't see it to 2020. And trying to get away from the usual suspects, they are looking for director Stephen Daldry to direct. Of course, this film goes with the Boba Fett and the Yoda films that are rumored in the works.

No matter how your character is killed off in Star Wars, your character is never really dead. It is said that Harrison Ford as Han Solo will return in Episode VIII as a force ghost. And talking about Harrison Ford, 39 years after his first appearance as Indiana Jones, we are expecting him in Indiana Jones V in July, 2020

More as it becomes available.

Where does this rumor come from?  I don't believe it at all.  Harrison Ford wanted to kill off Han in the original trilogy, now he managed it in the sequel trilogy.  I think he's done with the character.

Actually, I don't remember where I heard the rumor, as I do not remember, where I hear most rumors, which  is why I describe them as a rumor, except it was here on the internet. And we'll soon see whether the rumor is true or not, as Episode VIII is slated for release on December 15, 2017. What is not a rumor is Harrison Ford's return as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049 in October, 2017, and Indiana Jones in 2020.

Books

We know that during the 1st week in September, 14 different titles associated with a galaxy far far away will be released by various publishers in the U.S. and U.K.

Big Golden Books -- children's books -- colouring books -- comic books (Phasma) -- Easy Readers -- Fiction (Phasma again) -- Look and finds -- model books -- non-fiction.

One of the fiction books will be how Leia became involved with the Resistance. Why am I not surprised? What surprises me is the age--16--with which she became involved with the Resistance. That according to the book.

After that, nearer to the date of the release of the film, we are getting 7 more books associated with a galaxy far far away. Of those, the one that interests me most is the one titled Canto Bight. Is it a factual guidebook to a fictional place? A fictional history of a place we will 1st see in Episode VIII? We will see what we will see.

Next time: more on what may be coming up on TV and on the big screen.

TV

We know this is the 4th and last season of Star Wars : Rebels, because we have been told so by the creators of the show. We also know that there will be other animated TV shows, because we have been told so by the same creators. Though, what interests me is not so much these two facts, it is the rumor, which may be coming nearer to being a fact, is George may be finally getting what he has wanted almost since he created Star Wars, and that is a live action TV series set in a galaxy far far away. Though, the only concept I have seen for the show is one set in the under levels of Coruscant.

Next: films

Films

Episode VIII.
One rumor has become fact. Tom Hardy will appear as a storm trooper in Episode VIII. Another rumor, which has yet to become fact, but has yet to die, is the rumor that not only Tom Hardy will play a storm trooper in the film, but so will Prince William and Prince Harry. I can see them doing it, as it looks to be something they'd enjoy, and any money they earn, would then be given to charity.

Another fact is the size of Snoke's ship, which in Earth measurements stretches 25,000 feet from stem to stern, or almost 5 miles.

Thus, how do you see storm troopers traveling from one end of the ship to the other.

a.) Segways
b.) Rollerblades
c.) Motor scooters
d.) Golf carts
e.) Clown cars
f.) Bicycles
g.) Some other means of transportation.

How many storm troopers will fit in a clown car? 3 in the front seat. 3 in the back seat. 2 in the trunk. 2 in the engine compartment, as there is no engine in a clown car. and 1 in the glove compartment, or 11.

Episode IX
Will this be the last episode? While the films continue, and while there is some difference, the executives at Lucas Film have expressed no interest in doing more Episode films.

What began at Jakku will end at Jakku. We know that Lucas Film is interested in filming in Abu Dhabi, and as Abu Dhabi was a stand-in for Jakku in Episode VII, it is thought Abu Dhabi will once more stand in for Jakku.

The lack of interest in doing more Episode films leaves room for doing more stand-alone origin films. Right now the order seems to be . . .
2020 Obi Wan Kenobi
2021 Boba Fett
2022 Yoda

The subtitle for the Obi Wan Kenobi film is Joshua Tree, which suggests that it'll be filmed at Joshua Tree National Park in southern California, and it's desert location than could be used as a stand in for Tatooine, between Episodes III and IV.

Boba Fett.
The question about this one is whether it'll just feature Boba Fett or Boba Fett and some of the other bounty hunters. And depending upon where and when the film takes place, they could include . . .

Asajj Ventress -- Athgar Heece -- Aurra Sing -- Bossk -- Boushh -- Cad Bane -- Dengar -- Derrowen -- Embo -- IG-88 -- Jakoli -- Kiera Swan -- Mantu -- Onca -- Seripas -- Zam Wesell -- Zuckuss -- and 4-Lom.

More as it become available.

6 facts.

First Order
The First Order has something to counter BB-8. It's called BB-9E. Available now for sale here on Earth.

Kylo Ren
The Knights of Ren, of which Kylo Ren is a master, is a lower order of the Praetorian Guard. That gives him a connection to the past episodes. We'll see whether there are any more connections to the past, when Episode VIII opens here on Earth in December.

Rey
She is definitely connected to the Force. Which we knew, but which we may not have known, this is a powerful clue to her parentage, which should be revealed in Episode VIII. We may also find out what is her connection to Kylo Ren.

Luke
He and Chewbacca have a reunion in Episode VIII. Of course, I have not seen it, except for the stills, but it is suppose to be a real tear-jerking moment, especially, as they brought in their go-to-composer John Williams to write original music for the scene.

A weapon that'll stun your opponent.
A weapon that'll keep your opponent at a distance.
A weapon that'll counteract a Sith's force lightning.
I'm down with that.

Apparently, Luke, besides his light saber, will be wielding a weapon that projects force lighting in Episode VIII.

DJ
Played by Benicio del Toro in the film is a slicer, or something similar to what we call a hacker here on Earth. His ability as a slicer will play an important part in Episode VIII. We should also find out what his connection to Snoke, if any, as people have noticed they both wear rings that are similar.

More as it becomes available.

That sounds neat.  They carefully maintained some of the low tech feel (by modern standards) of the OT in VII, so I'm betting a slicer is a somewhat literal name - like physically slicing the chips, circuitry, vacuum tubes, whatever, in computer/ship systems to achieve some result.

Episode VIII
Fact. Even at this late date, they are still pulling in actors to appear in the film. The latest is Joseph Gordon Levitt, so if you see the film, then watch for him, or, I should say listen for him, as he voices one of the aliens on Canto Bight.

Fact. Canto Bight. Think of it as a high class Mos Eisley, but worst.

Fact. O'er the streets and thru the casino. There is to be a speeder chase in the film. Hopefully, it'll be better than the one in Episode II or III, which was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Fact. Yes. No. Maybe. Earlier this year, the executives at Lucas Film expressed the opinion that they were not interested in doing any more episode films. Now they seem to be doing some backpedaling. Maybe. If episode VIII and/or IX spin off any good ideas. Rumor. If more films are done, then they will feature the offspring of Rey and/or Kylo Ren.

Fact. Mark Hamill let slip that the next trailer should be released October 9, 2017. Till then, check out the stills from the film in Entertainment Weekly..

Han Solo stand alone film.
Fact. Despite the problems with the film, the release date is still held to be May 25, 2018.

Rumor. Both Darth Vader and Boba Fett will make cameo appearances in the film.

Boba Fett stand alone film.
Rumor. It is Boba and 5 or 6 more bounty hunters. Though, the only one suggested so far is Cad Bane, they have a number of characters to choose from.

Darth Vader stand alone film.
Rumor. In VR. With Lucas Film interest in this format, with House of Mouse interest in this format, with Galaxy's Edge opening in the theme parks in 2019, I see this as a possibility. Though, fans want something more accessible. I can see a short film in VR, then a longer film in 3-D.

Books and comic books

Fact. Canon. Comic Book. Crait.
Luke and Leia in a comic book that takes place on Crait. Unfortunately, this is not to be released till December 27, 2017. So we will get no insights on Crait from this till after Episode VIII is released.

Fact. Book. From a Certain Point of View. 40 stories [by 40 authors] to celebrate 40 years of Star Wars. To be released October 3, 2017. To be released in hard book, e book, and audio book. With all 40 stories being read by a certain number of actors. (IMHO) the most interesting name associated with the readers is Wil Wheaton. Yes, that Wil Wheaton.

The authors, at least, are giving up any money earned and donating it to First Book. A charity that provides books to underprivileged children.

More as it becomes available.

Episode VIII
1st. Ready for some football.
Fact. The new trailer will be run sometime on Monday Night Football on Monday, October 9, 2017.

Fact. The film will clock in at 2 and half hours, which will make it the longest Star Wars film to date.
Not even a rumor, but a thought, if this film runs this long, will Episode IX clock in at 2 hours and 45 minutes, even 3 hours.

Fact. There will be 3 important relationships in the film.
Luke and Rey -- Leia and Poe -- Finn and Rose. With the most important relationship being the 1st.
Personally, what is not said is as interesting as what is said. We will most likely not see a relationship between Finn and Poe, as some people thought we might see.

Fact. We will get more clues to Rey's parentage, but her parentage will not be made clear to Episode IX.

Fact. A flashback vision sequence + dialogue will give us more insight as to what Luke was doing between Episodes VI and VII.

Han Solo stand-alone film.
Fact. Darth Vader will have a cameo in the film, and the film will feature Kessel and its spice mines.
Personally, this reminds me of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel Dune.

Books
Canto Bight.
We have at last the subject of the book, actually, 4 subjects, since the book has 4 novellas about 4 of the inhabitants. Though, whether any of the characters that appear in the book will appear in the film is unknown.

Star Wars : from a Certain Point of View

40 stories
43 authors (some doubling up)

Some I know from their Star Wars writing.
Some I know from their other writing.
And much to my shame, some are unknown to me.

Stories about major well known characters.
Stories about minor lesser known characters.
Stories about characters that do not appear in the film.
I think the most interesting stories are from the last two, which puts me into opposition with those who prefer more stories about the first characters.

One reason to read it or listen to it in one format or the other is that it apparently fills in a number of plot holes in Episode IV : a New Hope.

One of the formats is an audio version, which lasts 15 hours, so I think it contains all 40 stories in the other formats, or, 22 and a half minutes per story, which should be long enough for each story. Only 10 narrators, as far as I know. Thus, not every story gets a different narrator, but 4 stories per narrator.

And as I said, I think the most interesting name associated with it is that of Wil Wheaton. Who to my surprise is not one of the narrators, which I expected, but one of the short story writers.

And if you have not heard, the official trailer is now out, so it can be googled, along with any number of breakdowns, reactions, and reviews.

And we will see what we will see.

What do we know about the film?

Avatar
Is this the film that no film in Hollywood history has yet to do, and that is surpass Avatar at the box office? Unadjusted for inflation.

B-2 Spirit
And some people thought the B-2 was useless. Snoke's ship is based upon a stretched out model of the B-2 Spirit.

Costumes
Costumes will be worn. People are saying they don't care what other people think. They are coming in costume to the film's premiere.

Easter eggs
There are supposedly o'er a dozen Easter Eggs, referencing the earlier films, in the trailer alone. Who knows how many there are in the film itself.

End credits
The end credits will feature a salute to the late Carrie Fisher.

Fathiers
I am having more hope for this, as they seem to know the old ways. (IMHO) there is no better action scene than a running gun battle on horseback. And this has Finn and Rose on horseback, here fathers, being chased by an unknown group on speeder bikes with both being chased by the police of Canto Bight on speeder bikes. Hopefully, with everyone shooting at everybody else.

Noah Segan
Appears in the film. Noah Segan who appeared in the director's Looper, as the director is one of those directors who likes to use the same actors time and time again.

Parentage
Apparently, people have figured out who are Rey's parents. I have stayed away from those posts on the internet, as I want it to be a surprise, when I see the film. Hint: it's the light saber she uses.

4 major twists
--Rey
--Luke
--Kylo Ren
--the Force

After the film comes out, I hope someone points them out, as I'll probably miss them.

Next time: other facts about the other Star Wars films.

The Last Jedi
Referencing Luke Skywalker. That according to the director, who ought to know.

Opening weekend
From ticket sales, an expected weekend opening of $215 million. From midnight on Friday to midnight Monday, that is about $50,000 per minute.

And then there were two.
Anybody heard the rumor that Dark Horse Comics has gone out of business. I hate to see that as I know the pain of a business going out of business. Maybe more so, because Dark Horse Comics was not that far from my old stomping ground. O'er the river and thru the woods to Grandma's house we go.

It has some significance, as Dark Horse comics once had the rights to publish Star Wars Comics. I believe Marvel had it 1st, then Dark Horse, and now back to Marvel. If I had a knock on Dark Horse it was too much about the Solos and the Skywalkers and not much else. Which brings up our next subject.

DJ
The character played by Benicio del Toro is getting his own comic book series. Of course, the 1st issue will not be out till after the film opens in December. Till then, think of him as the Lando of Episode VIII, except . . .
--less trustworthy
--more treacherous

Next time: more on upcoming Star Wars films.

Okay. Here's some more on other Star Wars films, believed to be in the order they are to be released.

2018
Solo : a Star Wars Story
It is believed that a trailer for the film has already been cut, with the trailer to be shown prior to Episode VIII : The Last Jedi.

2019
Episode IX
Tentative date of release May 24, 2019.
Location scouts have been seen in Peru, so the thought is that part of the film will be filmed in Peru.
And we are back to the idea that this will be last the episode. While the films will continue, they will be more like the next film.

2020
Obi Wan Kenobi : a Star Wars Story.

And if they ever make Boba Fett : a Star Wars Story with Fett and the Magnificent 7 Bounty hunters. These are the ones I'd like to see. Of course, that is doubtful, as they are so obscure, but still . . . ?

Tutti Snibit -- Jeigh Essie -- Castas -- Rango Tel -- Mala mala -- and Remel Fud and his partner Dafi.

Any idea as to why the last pair always leaves me on the floor? Here's a hint. "That's all folks!"

Next time: what is canon in the Star Wars universe

While I did say, I would list what is considered canon this time, we will put it off to next time.

Episode VIII
The planet of Cranit is the salt flats of Bolivia. So it is no surprise that there is some thought that the next episode will be partially filmed in the highlands of Peru, since the location scouts from Star Wars were seen in Peru.

Those who have seen Mark Hamill's performance are talking him up for an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

It is suppose to be the darkest film to date, which says something after Rogue One.

The trailer for Solo : a Star Wars story should precede the film, and if not then, then in January, 2018.

There are suppose to be 10 TV spots. With 7 or 8 shown to date.

It is suppose to be the longest film to date at 150 minutes with the credits running 10 to 15 minutes.

How many princes can you get in 1 elevator? 2 + 1 actor + 1 singer. What was once thought to be true, does now appear to be true. Prince William and Prince Harry appear as storm troopers in the film. Along with singer Gary Barlow and actor Tom Hardy. The 4 of them acting as Finn's (John Boyega's) escort aboard Snope's ship.

Miscellaneous
There will be another trilogy. Except, unlike this one, it will feature characters we have not seen before, and it will not be connected to the Skywalker saga, which gives people the idea that it'll take place in the Old Republic. With the director-writer of Episode IX taking it on. And at that same time, there is talk of finally getting a live action TV series set in the Star Wars universe.

Thrawn will be getting a 6 issue comic book series. Though the 1st issue will not be released till February 7, 2018.

What a time to be alive; Star Wars getting a potential acting nod at the Oscars...

I'm excited for this one, if only due to my love for Rian Johnson, but always got to keep your enthusiasm in check when it comes to buzz for any film let alone the rabid fan base that Star Wars has (and hey I'm one of them)

Canon. What is canon? What is not canon? The following is canon to date.

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (unseen)

Episode 2: Attack of the Clones (unseen)

The Clone Wars (TV) (unseen)
Dark Disciple (book) (read)

Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (unseen)

Catalyst (book) (unread)
Lords of the Sith (book) (read)
Tarkin (book) (read)
A New Dawn (book) (read)
Rebels (TV) (unseen)

Episode 4: A New Age (seen)

Battlefront 2: Inferno Squad (book) (read)
Heir to the Jedi (book) (read)
Battlefront: Twilight Company (book) (read)

Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back (seen)

Episode 6: Return to the Jedi (unseen)

Aftermath (book) (unreadable)
Aftermath: Life's Death (book) (unreadable?)
Aftermath: Empire's End (book) (unreadable?)
Bloodline (book) (unread)
Phasma (book) (read)

Normally, my opinions run diametrically to others. What others like. I dislike. What others dislike. I like. But, I have to agree with other's opinions about Aftermath. Which is too bad, as the writer is suppose to be a great guy. Thus, a great guy, but a "bad" writer.

Episode 7: The Force Awakens (seen)

Episode 8: The Last Jedi (to be seen)

Thus, to date
14 books
09 films
02 TV shows.
Though, there will be others: books, films, and TV shows.

What is not listed here, for the most part, is considered Star Wars Expanded Universe, and I have always been surprised for the love of others for the EU, as I have (IMHO) always found most of the books in the EU to be unreadable, as well as the comic books from that period. Maybe because most of the stories concentrated on the Sky walkers and Solos, who I found--again (IMHO)--to be some of the least interesting characters in the Star Wars Universe. Now that canon has opened up the stories to the non-Sky walkers and Solos, I find the stories to be more interesting and readable.

Next time: more Star Wars data.

Episode VIII
Rumors run rampant.

Yoda will appear as a Force Ghost.
Luke and Leia will have a reunion on the Millennium Falcon. If not in this episode, then in the next episode.
New light saber color. Green? or some other color.
Mustafar + castle + caverns = Vader's and Snoke's connection.
As for what we do know.

You can't tell the players without a scorecard.
In a trend with which I approve, and which is not unique to Star Wars, it'll be increasingly difficult to tell the protagonist from the antagonist.

You ain't seen nuthin' yet.
One word to describe the battle scenes. "Crazy!' We'll see.

Anything is possible with the internet.
The Chinese film trailer is available on the internet and it features snippets of the Battle of Crait and Canto Bight not seen in the American trailer, and I must say the snippets look great.

Episode I - VI
The House of Mouse is negotiating with 20th Century Fox to purchase its assets (more on this later) which include episodes I - VI. If the negotiations are successful, it'll be the 1st time that all the films: past, present, and future will belong to the same studio.

Episode X - XII
What we DO know is less than what we DO NOT know.

We DO NOT know who'll direct XI and XII.
We DO know who'll direct X.
We DO NOT know if XI and XII will have 1 or 2 directors.
We DO know that all 3 episodes will be written by the director of X.
We DO NOT know when it'll be set.
We DO know that it'll not be set in the days of the Old Republic.
And my guess is that we won't see anything till 2020 or later.

More news (TV)
We DO know that the live-action TV show will be set in the time of the Old Republic.
We  DO know that it'll be available in 2020.
The bad news is that if you want to see it, you'll have to pay, as it'll be part of a streaming service from the House of Mouse, which will begin in 2019.
The good news, if any, is that the streaming service will be priced lower than Netflix's streaming service.

Still more news (Books)
Canto Bight (Star Wars) Journey to Star Wars : the Last Jedi
4 stories. 4 inhabitants of Canto Bight, who may or may not appear in the film, but should give one some insight into Canto Bight.
Release date December 5, 2017 in both print and audio format.

And these may or may not give you some insight into the film, depending upon when you see the film, as they are all scheduled for release on December 15, 2017.

The Last Jedi : Cobalt Squadron (adult fiction)
The Last Jedi : Bomber Command 9adult fiction)
The Art of Star Wars : the Last Jedi (non-fiction)
The Last Jedi : the Visual Dictionary (non-fiction)
The Last Jedi : Incredible Cross Sections (non-fiction)

+ any number of books, both fiction and activity, for the younglings.

And released on December 27, 2017, the comic book series Storms of Crait," a prequel to the film with Luke and Leia on Crait.

And the 3rd edition of the Star Wars cookbook sometime in 2018.

And still more news (theme parks)
Galaxy's Edge will open at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019, but ere then Star Wars : Secrets of the Empire will open in London (England) on December 16, 2017, and on that same date it'll open at Disney Springs (Orlando, Florida) and January 5, 2018, it'll open at the Downtown Disney District (Anaheim, California.) It's not virtual reality. It's supposedly one step beyond VR or Hyper Reality.

Next time: more as it becomes available.

2020
An Obi Wan Kenobi film replaces the Boba Fett film for release in 2020.
Filming begins in 2019 with interiors shot at Pinewood Studios (England) and exteriors shot at Joshua Tree National Park.

Then the next day a film called "Tin Can" is on the agenda, and they think that may be the Boba Fett film. If so, I wouldn't expect tp be released to 2021 or 2022.

Episode VIII
What was once rumored to be true has now been proven to be true. Prince William and Prince Harry have cameos in the film as Storm Troopers. Look for them in the elevator scene with Finn (John Boyega.)

If one does see it, then be aware that it is apparently not like any of the other Star Wars films.

Work has already started on Episode IX with a working title of Black Diamond, and a beginning shooting date of June 18, 2018, and a release date to theaters of December 20, 2019, which matches the release dates of Episodes VII and VIII, but is a pushed back date from the original release date of May, 2019.

Nissan has come out with several models themed to the Star Wars Universe. For any number of reasons, I'm personally not interested in buying one, but I am interested in how well they'll sell.

2018
Solo : a Star Wars Story.
It is best described in 3 words "gangsters in space."
I don't know how people will take to that, but--personally--I am glad they are trying something new at Lucas Films, and not going with the same-o, same-o, and the release date for that one is May or May 25, 2018.

More news as it becomes available.

Solo : a Star Wars Story.

We should have some more info about this, including a trailer, sometime later this month. When is the Super Bowl this year?

And what is Star Wars without John Williams. John Williams is writing the music for the film.

Episode IX

Each one teach one.
Obi Wan - Luke
Luke - Rey
Rey - Broom Boy. "The Force is strong in that one." At the end of Episode VIII, you'll see him manipulate his broom with what can only be called the Force.

I won't be adverse to seeing more of him in Episode IX. For when it comes to the books and comic books, I find the characters as children and the new child characters far more interesting than the characters as adults and the new adult characters--for the most part.

More as it becomes available.

Kenobi : a Star Wars Story
Ewan McGregor has been seen taking on physical training, which some have seen as proof that he's going to reprise his role as Obi Wan Kenobi in a solo film. The film taking place between Episode III and Episode IV,

Solo : a Star Wars Story
One of the most anticipated films of 2018. This according to the folks at Fandango.
Supposedly, part Mad Max, part western, part . . . Remember the Pyke Syndicate from the animated TV series The Clone Wars. They're b-a-a-c-c-k! Or, so it is said.
And supposedly, like nothing one has seen ere. I know some folks are upset at the direction Star Wars is going. I am not one of those folks. Though, how long I will not be upset is anybody's guess. I am just taking the Star Wars films one film at a time.

Episode VIII
Blu-ray out March 22, 2017. And I suppose the dvd will be, too.
When Luke (Mark Hamill) 1st appears on Crait, 3 little heads pop up from the trench. Those 3 little heads are Mark's children.

More as it becomes available.

A lot of space to cover.

Star Wars : Secrets of the Empire
If you want to see the one in London (England,) then it closes March 7, 2018. No word as to whether the ones in Anaheim (California) and Lake Buena Vista (Florida) will remain open or close at the same time. I am surprised it is closing so early, as the reviews have been mostly positive from grown men near tears after their experience to "I was in Star Wars.--That's good.--You don't get it. I WAS IN STAR WARS!") While we won't see it as part of theme park rides and attractions, because of problems, it could lead to what is known as hyper reality in theme parks rides and attractions.

Continuing . . .

Kenobi : a Star Wars Story
It is on. Film location scouts have been seen at Joshua Tree National Park, and they would not be there unless there were plans to make a film featuring Obi Wan Kenobi. The most likely release date is 2020.

What we do know
Who: Ewan McGregor as Kenobi. At least, he has expressed interest in reprising the role.
Where: Tatooine
When: some time between Episodes III and IV.

What we do know know
Who: will play young Luke Skywalker
How: the film will be written so it does not contradict everything we already know.

Solo: a Star Wars Story
What is Star Wars without John Williams. So, John Williams is writing the score for the film.

And while we have yet to get an "official trailer" for the film. (When is the Super Bowl again?) Or, maybe not. We have gotten an "official synopsis," which has been posted to the world wide web. No surprises there.

Episode VIII
It has been confirmed that Princes William and Harry had cameos in the film. What is still questionable is whether their scene made it into the film or was left on the proverbial "cutting room floor," as were several other scenes, which were shot and not seen in the final cut of the film. Though, I imagine that any scenes shot and not used will be part of the bonus features in the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release in March, 2018. The film's novelization, which will be out on March 6, 2018, will also feature deleted scenes.

Episode X-XII
We will be getting another trilogy.

What we know.
It will not feature any Solos or Star walkers.
That all 3 episodes will be written by the same person, and that while it was thought, that he'd direct all three episodes. Now he'll direct only Episode X and 2 more directors will be brought in to direct Episodes XI and XII.

What we do know.
It'll be set in the days of the Old Republic. It'll not be set in the days of the Old Republic. Thus, we do not know when it'll be set. Nor do we even know whether it'll feature any Jedi.
When they'll be released. Most likely not to 2021 and maybe not even then, as there is to be a concentration on solo stand-alone films instead of episodic films. With at least an Yoda film said to be on the way and maybe even a Boba Fett film if they can resolve the problems that film seems to have.

TV Shows
If you want to put your stamp on the series, then Lucas Films is looking for an episodic director for an animated show set somewhere and sometime in the Star Wars Universe.  The production to begin this summer for release to TV in 2019 or after the current animate show runs its course. That is the animated show, as we are still getting hints that there might be a live action Star Wars show on the way, as well.

And we will see what we will see.

Star Wars : Secrets of the Empire
While the one in London (U.K.) is closing on March 9, 2018, there are others opening up. Apparently, including one in Las Vegas (Nevada.)

Frankly, it is not my thing, as I am too much of an individualist to participate in a group activity, but, if one has 3 friends who are Star Wars fanatics, it is suggested one give it a try, as the bonding experience with friends is said to be like few others. And I might add that passing over the lava fields is a good place to snuggle up next to your snuggle bunny.

And pay attention to what one sees, as it is said, what one sees here, may be later seen in future Star Wars stories.

There is also a new secret project coming. Is it the Marvel experience with Marvel characters, one keeps hearing about? As the word is from the man who wrote this story, it is probably a new Star Wars story.

So pay your $30.00 and get your 15 minutes of fame and fortune.

Solo : a Star Wars Story
Sometime this old man knows what he is talking about. He said there'd be a trailer shown during the Super Bowl, and he was correct.

George Lucas may be dipping his toe back in the directorial pool. While Ron Howard is the director of note for the film, it is said that Lucas helped in directing it. And with Ron there, can Clint be far behind? Apparently, Clint Howard will have a role in the film.

Look for cameos for characters from other Star Wars stories. So far it has been suggested that . . .
Thall Jebsen -- Sara Staros -- and Jabba the Hutt
will make cameo appearances in the film.

It has also been suggested that this film will feature the 1st gay character to be seen in a Star Wars film. No idea who it might be, except it is suppose to be a canon character.

New TV shows
1 animated show, which is a given.
+1 live action show. The subject, which keeps popping up, is the underworld on Coruscant.
+1 or 2 more shows.

The good news is that . . .
they'll be airing sometime in 2019.

The bad news is that . . .
one will have to "koff" "koff" up money to see them, as they are expected to air on the House of Mouse's new streaming service in 2019.

New films
2 new films every other year in an 1 year time span. And if you can understand what they mean by that, then one is doing better than he is doing.

I don't know how I feel about this, as I can't take the show seriously, but the show runners for Game of Thrones (GOT) have been assigned  by Lucas Films to come up with a new trilogy set in the Star Wars Universe. The time most often mentioned, because it is so similar to (GOT) is the Old Republic.

The Boba Fett film is apparently back on track. If it is, as has been suggested, The 7 Magnificent Bounty Hunters, then he is down with that.

There is romance in the stratosphere. Depending when the film is set, it's either the Empire and the Rebellion or the 1st Order and the Resistance. That idea is not so far fetched as it may seem. For if one is familiar with Claudia Gray's Lost Stars, which has been well received and highly regarded, the writer has already dealt with that subject. Thus, if the film can do something similar . . .?

Apparently, Lucas Film is looking for a female director to direct the film, if it is ever made.

And he keeps thinking there is a solo Yoda film on the way.

Episode VIII
Despite some people's desire for it to fail, it has done well, so far, at the Oscars, receiving 4 nominations.
original score -- sound effects -- sound mixing -- and visual effects.
That may not seem like a lot, but it is better than most of the Star Wars films to date, which we'll get to next time.

As it has also done relatively well at the box office. Becoming the 13th highest grossing film in the history of films, to date, at the international box office.

Episode IX
Much to his surprise, Snoke may be back. At least, his back story is suppose to come out, and over the upcoming months, more of his back story will be reveal in future novels and graphic novels.

More as it becomes available.

Academy Awards
Episode IV
10 nods - 6 Oscars
Episode V
3 nods - 2 Oscars
Episode VI
4 nods - 1 Oscar
Episode I
3 nods - O Oscars
Episode II
1 nod - O Oscars
Episode III
1 nod - O Oscars
Episode VII
5 nods - O Oscars
Episode VIII
4 nods - ? Oscars

Books
Windham and Bray
Star Wars : Storm Troopers : Beyond the Armor
With a foreword by Boyega
From their creation in '73 and '74 to Star Wars : the Last Jedi in 20017.
One sees that Finn was not the 1st black storm trooper. Black storm troopers dating from 1979, if not earlier.

Episode VIII
Snoke's backstory is coming out and will continue in Episode IX and with the upcoming novels and graphic novels.

Episode IX
Official filming begins this summer of 2018. With the art director for Blade Runner 2019 on board.

Before this there has been film location scouting: Alaska, Peru, Spain, and Utah. With the idea of bringing unique experiences and unique ideas to the film.

Kenobi : a Star Wars Story
Their 1st choice as director, Stephen Daldry. If that name does not mean anything, then think Billy Elliot.

George Lucas was recently seen in Belfast (Northern Ireland,) where he was believed scouting for film locations. As that location looks nothing like Tatooine, the thought is that it may be used as a stand in for Alderaan.

Solo : a Star Wars Story
Books
activity books -- adults and young adult fiction -- coloring books -- comic books -- non-fiction -- sticker books -- story books -- tweens and kids fiction.

It is nice to see that we still know how to read.

Next time: Star Wars : from a Certain Point of View

TV Shows
Finally. Happy Hogan himself, Jon Favreau, is going to produce and write a live action TV show set in the Star Wars Universe. More info as it becomes available, including who will direct, which we should learn sometime this summer.

Star Wars : Resistance
an animated TV show set between Star Wars : Rebels and Star Wars : Episode IV : a New Hope. To be out in 2019.

And there may be 1 or 2 more TV shows set in the Star Wars Universe.

Films
Solo : a Star Wars Story
is apparently set some time between Episode III and Rogue 1 : a Star Wars story.

Episode IX
He takes a licking, but keeps on ticking. Rumor has it that Palpatine did not die in Episode VI, but faked his death, and will re-appear in Episode IX.

And then no films in 2021 or 2022, as Lucas Films concentrates in getting its Star Wars TV series up and out.

Books
Daniel Jose Older
Star Wars : Last Shot : a Han and Lando novel
with a cameo appearance by Baby Ben, who calls Lando, Uncle Wanwo.
And if the book sells well, I can see a Lando stand-alone film upcoming sometime after 2022.

Next time: Star Wars : from a Certain Point of View

Books

Star Wars : from a Certain Point of View

40 Writers
Some known to me. Some Unknown to me. The surprise. One who we think of as an actor, but turns out to be also one of the best writers. Get that man a role in Star Wars. There are lists on the internet of actors who have appeared on both Star Wars and Star Trek.

40 Stories
The quality varies of course, but it is better than its harshest critics make it out to be. I find the more obscure the character, the better the story. Stories range from 1 p. to 30 p. Whether by happenstance or not, one third of the stories refer to the Empire, one third refer to the Rebellion, and the rest refer to other aspects of Star Wars.

40 Characters
Sexually diverse characters. Though, that creates controversy. Some implied. Some stated. Though, the most controversial character, I feel is more likely bisexual than how he is portrayed in the book.

The Bad
Shortness of stories. It gives you little ideas of the writers' skill or the lack thereof.

The mistakes that have nothing to do with perception, such as Lars' beard in the book.

What is uninteresting is not made interesting. Queen Breha.

What is interesting is made uninteresting. Tatooine is interesting in the films, but is made uninteresting in the books.

What they get wrong. Desperation. The Rebellion knew the Empire was desperate. What they got wrong was that they underestimated what the Empire would do in its desperation.

Owen Lars gets no story.

The Good
Which actually outnumbers the bad.

Shortness. If you do not like something, then there is always something better just around the corner.

The readability. Better than the short story collections from the Expanded Universe (EU,) which I just find unreadable.

The irony that infuses and suffuses some of the stories.

Stories told in more than 1 way.

Fills in plot holes in the films.

Gives a more human face to the characters.

What they get right. Page or pageboy. From medieval times, if not earlier, to the 20th century, your house would have been filled with kids. Not you own kids, but everyone else's kids. Films, with certain exceptions, such as The Messenger, seldom get this right, with some justification. Books always seldom get this right with less justification. This gets it right.

Not necessarily happy emotions, but stories elicit emotions.

The Miscellaneous
This puts me opposite of almost all, but I find the most interesting characters are not your Solos, your Luke, your Leia, your Darth, but the secondary and even the tertiary Star Wars characters which are found in this book.

Like Marvel, I find the child characters to be more interesting than the adult characters.

Like Marvel, I find the adult characters more interesting as children than as adults. For example, I find Kanan more interesting as a 15-year-old than as a 25-year-old.

Though, unlike Marvel, I find the villains more interesting than the heroes. From someone who'd rather ride with the villains than the heroes. "Let's ride!"

And a paragraph biography about each writer.

Next time: only 320 characters to go.

Books
If they go ahead and do a short story collection for each episode, featuring the characters from each episode, (IMHO) the most interesting stories would be from Episode VII, as they feature stories, excluding the major characters, from . . ,

Bala-Tik
Hux
kangi Klub gang member
Jakku Villager
Lar San Tekka
Phasma
Plutt
Plutt's 2 enforcers
Maz
Teedo
and the 2 spies in Maz's. 1 working for the 1st Order and 1 working for the Resistance.

You could have a story with Snoke, but I'd think his story would do better in the short story collection for Episode VIII.

Now out . . .
Star Wars : the Last Jedi : Visual Dictionary

More info on . . .
characters
creatures
equipment
--including cutaways
planets
ships
--exteriors
--interiors

Episode VIII
Mark Hamill not only appears as Luke Skywalker, but also as the alien talking to BB-8 in the casino in Canto Bight.

And puppeteer Brian Herring appears as a Resistance soldier in the episode.

Episode IX
Though, Mark Hamill, as Luke Skywalker, became one with the Force in Episode VIII, he still wants to appear in Episode IX, which is set to be released in 2019 and to take place in the Unknown Regions.

Films
2020 Kathleen Kennedy is scouting for directors to do 3 anthology films. Most likely subjects: Boba Fett, Obi Wan, Yoda, and a romance. Right now she is batting .500. The female director, she 2021 wanted turned her down, but the male director she wanted, said yes. Hopefully, it is Stephen Daldry, who was the director on Billy Elliot.
2022 If the 3 films do come out, then it is a change, as I thought they were going to hold off, till they got their TV series up and running.

2023 Then Rian Johnson's new trilogy. Which may take place in another galaxy in the Star Wars Universe.
2024 But, no mention of the new trilogy by the show runners for the Game of Thrones, which is believed to be set in the days of the Old Republic.

More as it becomes available.

Books, books, and more books.
(Of various reading levels.)

Cobalt Squadron
Heroes of the Galaxy
The Power of the Force
Rey's Journey
Rose and Finn's Secret Mission
Thrawn : Alliances (forthcoming)

The rest are available now.

And 2 special books (the 1st is available now, and the 2nd will be released later.)

8 episodes
8 stories
and a 5 minute reading time for each story.
Fight Back

You can run, but you can't hide.
Darth Vader is coming to Batuu in an upcoming book. Which makes the planet canon.
And what is Batuu? It is the planet in the Star Wars universe that is featured in the theme park attraction Galaxy's Edge.
At least the one at Disneyland should be open by August, 2019, in time for the D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center.
The ones at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris should open later.

Solo : a Star Wars Story

It's not out there, till next month, but the merchandise is already out there, including these books.

Daniel Jose Older's
Last Shot

Rae Carson's
Most Wanted

Lucas film Ltd.'s
The Art of Solo

Pablo Hidalgo's
Solo : a Star Wars Story : the Official Guide
aliens -- characters -- locations -- planets -- props -- vehicles -- production photography -- and cross-section artwork.

And . . .
vehicles -- trading cards -- Monopoly game -- Legos' kit -- kids' bedding -- director's chair -- figures -- and dinnerware.

And while one closes in London (England) another one opens in Las Vegas (Nevada.) Star Wars : Secrets of the Empire at the Venetian resort. For those who are interested in participating in Star Wars virtual reality.

More as it becomes available.

Solo : a Star Wars Story
after hitting a rough patch, Lucas Film Ltd. may be back in the groove with this one. They have gotten pretty good at guessing how much a film will make at the box office, and it is thought this one will make somewhere between $160 and $170 million during its Memorial Day Weekend opening, which would set a new record.

I find it, if not the most interesting film, then one of the most interesting films in the saga, as the more you hear, the more you see, the more you realize this is not so much a sci fi film, but a western set in space. Of course, that idea is not new. Battle Beyond the Stars was a sci fi remake of The Magnificent 7, which was a remake of The 7 Samurai. And Outland was a sci fi remake of High Noon. But this one looks more like a western than those two.

Resistance
A new animated series coming to TV. Supposedly, set sometime between Rebels and Star Wars : a New Hope, one differs this one from the previous 2 animated TV series, is that the animation will be done in the style of Japanese anime, which has gotten some positive vibe from people.

Miscellaneous
What ever happens in the Star Wars Universe, it will continue. As it has been formally announced that 2 of the show runners for Game of Thrones have been hired to come up with a new trilogy of films, which will have nothing to do with the previous films, except they will be set in the Star Wars Universe. Though, it is thought with their background in Game of Thrones, the trilogy will be set in the time of the Old Republic.

More as it becomes available.

2 new Star Wars book series

Flight of the Falcon
Books centered around the Millennium Falcon
Date of release October, 2018


Star Wars : Choose Your Destiny : Han and Chewie Adventure

See how he is smiling. See how happy he is.
These were/are some of his favorite book series.

When one series came out in the U.S., I always bought the next one in the series. And when I was in the U.K., I went around to the bookstores buying the ones in the series, which had yet to be released in the U.S. And that was only one series. There were other series.

Chronicles of Narnia
Dungeons and Dragons
Lord of the Rings
Sherlock Holmes

All of which I have.

2019 or the year that allows one to celebrate everything Star Wars twice or the major and the minor celebration

The Major
Star Wars Celebration 2019
McCormick Place
Chicago (Illinois)
April 11, 2019 - April 15, 2019
Tickets go on sale June 5, 2018


The Minor
D23 Expo 2019
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim (California)
August 23, 2019 - August 25, 2019
Tickets go on sale August 23, 2018


And neither one intrudes on . . .
2019 Star Wars Half Marathon
Walt Disney World (Florida)
April 4, 2019 - April 7, 2019

Where you can tell the serious runners (those who do not wear costumes) from the runners just there to have fun (who do wear costumes, such as the family of 5: mother, father, and 3 teenage sons, who all ran in Ewok costumes.)


Another continuing book series from Star Wars, coming May 25, 2018.
The Movie Making Magic of Star Wars :
Creatures + Aliens
The 1st in the series

More as it becomes available

Still haven't seen Solo : a Star Wars Story. Failed to see it on Memorial Day, so I hope to see it this coming Sunday. Still, a piece of info for the film has come up.

There was a rumor floating around the stratosphere, that one of the characters in the film would turn out to be something other than heterosexual, and the writers, the Kasdans, father and son, have said it is true, which raises a couple of surprises.

1st. The non-heterosexual character is Lando.

2nd. While homosexual characters and even bisexual characters are becoming more common in film, Lando is neither. He is pansexual. Or someone who is not limited to sexual choice with regard to biological sex, gender, or gender identity. Thus, as far as I know, this makes him the 1st pansexual character ever to appear in a major film.

More as it becomes available.

Solo : a Star Wars story has spawned over a dozen new books. So many I can't keep track of them all, except I know they divide into . . .

adult and teen fiction
adult and teen non-fiction
kids and tweens fiction
kids and tweens non-fiction.

I do know that both Lando and Beckett will be getting their own stories told in graphic novels.

And then there is Star Wars : Women of the Galaxy, featuring the profiles of 75 female characters from Star Wars, including the newest film Solo : a Star Wars Story and the newest TV show Star Wars Resistance with over 100 illustrations by 18 female artists.

And each year the theme parks in California and Florida have 1 special night in which all that is Star Wars is celebrated, and they often bring in special guests from Star Wars. This year the one in Florida brought in Warwick Davis, who plays a Marauder in Solo : a Star Wars Story and Jonas Suotamo who plays Chewbacca in the same film. And when they were on the stage together, it must have been some record in height differential, as Davis stands at 3'6" or 42", while Suotamo stands at 6'11" or 83" or a difference of 3'5" or 41".

And if there is any question as to whether Star Wars is part of the House of Mouse, C3PO--voiced, of course, by Anthony Daniels--puts in a cameo appearance in Ralph Breaks the Internet : Wreck-it-Ralph 2. And there will be storm troopers.

More as it becomes available.

Both the Millennium Falcon and the Death Star can be seen next to the house from Up.

Ralph Breaks the Internet : Wreck-it-Ralph 2


The recent controversy does not seem to have affected the popularity of Star Wars, if one is going by tickets sold for April, 2019's Star Wars Celebration in Chicago (Illinois.)

Special tickets - Sold out
adult 5 day passes - Almost sold out
child 5 day passes - Still available
adult 1 day tickets - Still available
child 1 day tickets - Still available

Since George Lucas in the past has said, Star Wars was something he created for children, it is nice to see that it is something children still take an interest in. And maybe because it is just not my thing, it is interesting to see the cosplayers come in costume for something like this.


the Past: a teen novel by Claudia Gray
the Present: art and adapted into magna format by Yusaku Komiyama.
the Future: a film script. Who knows. Only time will tell.

Lost Stars

Right now I'm reading v.1. of the magna, which covers chapters 1-6 of the novel, and looking forward to v.2. of the magna.

Next time: more as it becomes available.

Pablo Hidalgo
Star Wars : the Force Awakens : the Visual Dictionary

My comments on what I learned from reading this.

01. There is not only conflict between Kylo Ren and Hux, but there is conflict between Hux and Phasma.

02. Just as America and Russia had its proxies in the Cold War, so the Resistance seems to be--in part--a proxy of the New Republic.

03. That does not mean there is not conflict between the Resistance and the New Republic.

04. Within both the First Order and the Resistance, the rankings seem to be an equivalent of both Earth naval and non-naval rankings.

05. Though, on the Star Destroyer, naval rankings seem to predominate.

06. Captain Phasma's rank is the equivalent of that of a military Colonel on Earth.

07. Thus, the Storm Troopers on the Star Destroyer seem to be the equivalent of Earth's Marines on a naval warship.

08. Maz is force sensitive. Lar San Tekka is not.

09. Exterior clothing is expected to reflect the interior person.

10. Finn's motivation for deserting is made clear.

Though, for every plot hole the book closes (i.e. #10) the book opens up at least 2 more plot holes.

11. Why has there never been a large scale salvage operation on Jakku? Or, has there been?

12. And how did Rey, who was apparently abandoned on Jakku as a pre-teen, manage to survive for almost a decade on her own?  Till we see her in the film. Lar San Tekka?

Next time: Hidalgo and Remillard. Star Wars : Rogue One : the Ultimate Visual Guide.

Hidalgo and Remillard
Star Wars : Rogue One : the Ultimate Visual Guide

Plot holes closed and opened.

Closed: The Death Star now makes sense. Opened: but if the Senate had known about it, would that not make it more of a deterrent.

Opened: If the Kyber shipments are vulnerable to ambush, as in the film, then why don't they fly them out?

Comments
01. Jyn Erso, as a girl, had almost 2 dozen handmade toys in her toy chest.

02. Which is why Lucas Films is a good match with the House of Mouse. Both are extremely detailed oriented.

03. The timeline in the Star Wars Universe is similar to the BCE timeline here on Earth.

04. Which is why the events in Rogue One, while supposedly referencing events in the Star Wars Universe, also reference events here on Earth.

05. Save your plastic water bottles. They are needed and wanted on Jedha.

06, We get figures.
a. Darth Vader was 6'8", and at the time of the film he was 41 years old.
b. A figure I wanted. There are o'er a million people on the Death Star.
c. And almost 50,000 people on a Star Destroyer.

07. A Star Destroyer also seems to be over weighted in officers. With 1 officer for every 5 enlisted men.

08. The groom was almost a decade older than the bride. Jyn Erso's parents, when they married.

09. It's a violent world out there. Of the 21 characters given a full write up in the book, 13, or 62%, are known to have died violently.

10. Height of characters. From Jyn Erso's 5'3" to K2-SO's 7'1". Average 6'.

11. Age of characters. From K2-SO's 12 years to Admiral Raddu's 65. Average 37 and a half.

12. Best photo in the book. The extras playing the storm troopers in the film, resting between takes, with their helmets off. Putting a human touch to what otherwise is anonymity.

Next time: The Art of Rogue One.

Lucas Film Ltd. and Josh Kushins
The Art of Rogue One : a Star Wars Story
1 more non-fiction

Concept art is done ere a production starts to see what may work and what may not work. And this features the concept art featuring the . . .
vehicles -- sets -- props -- environments -- creatures -- costumes -- and even the characters . . .
from Rogue One : a Star Wars Story.

Daniel Jose Older
Cuban-American
award winner
Star Wars : Last Shot
8 more fiction in 2 more series + 1 stand-alone

As typical, I found it to be better than those who dislike it, as being atypical Star Wars. As there were moments in it that I found stomach churning, exciting, gut wrenching, emotionally involving, and blood curdling.

And with Han now being a husband and having a 2-year old son, and Lando having someone he seemingly cares for as much as himself, I found them coming across as being less perfect and more human than their original creations.

Though, there was one thing in the book I could never figure out. One of the characters, and I could never figure out why, is always referred to in the 3rd person plural, almost like the "Imperial We." While I often refer to myself in the 3rd person, it is never in the plural form, but the singular.

Now, excluding this one, there are . . .

16 books (7 unread or unreadable)
10 films (6 unseen or disliked)
02 TV shows (both unseen)
That can be considered to be canon.

Jason Fry
Star Wars : the Last Jedi
12 more Star Wars books (fiction and non-fiction) +
3 more fiction in 1 more series
based on a story by Rian Johnson

Like most it . . .
1. fills in plot holes
2. adds depths to the characters
3. based on an earlier script, so what you see here, you may not see on the screen.
4. adds characters not seen in the film, so the story is strengthened.
5. and as always, the villains here are more interesting (IMHO) then the heroes.

The only disappointment is the description of the action scenes. Then action is visual, so it looks better in a film or on a TV show, then it sounds in a book.

A joint production of Disney XD and Lucas Film Animation
Star Wars Resistance
a prequel to Star Wars : the Force Awakens

From the teaser trailer, these are some of the Star Wars characters who may appear.

BB-8
C3P0
Captain Phasma (who is the main villain in the series)
General Leia
Kylo Ren
Poe Dameron
Rey
and a new character
Kazuda Xiono (voiced by Josh Brenner.)

One thing has proven to be correct. They said, unlike the 2 previous TV series, this would be done in the style of Japanese anime, and again from the teaser trailer, this appears to be so.

I thought they'd hold off for its release to next year or 2019, but it debuts in France in October, 2018, and a similar release date appears to be forthcoming for the U.S.

The latest graphic novel from Star Wars is The Ashes of Jedha.

Excluding that one, as of November, 2017 we have . . .
8 more Star Wars graphic novels + Shattered Empire
5 featuring Darth Vader + Darth Vader : Dark Lord of the Sith. v.1. Imperial Machine
2 featuring Darth Maul
1 featuring Han Solo
1 featuring Princess Leia
+ adaptations of The Force Awakens and Rogue One

And while I have not been able to confirm it, The Clone Wars may be returning in some form to the small screen next year, with all new episodes.

I have probably kept closer track, till recently, of Star Wars : the Graphic Novel, then Star Wars : the Book, Star Wars : the Film, or Star Wars : the TV show.

Marvel Comics had the 1st rights, and all was well,
then Dark Horse Comics got the rights, and what was mostly readable, became mostly unreadable. Maybe because it was almost entirely Solos and Sky walkers.
Now that Marvel Comics have the rights again, that doesn't seem to be a problem, as these limited run of comics, of various lengths, are featuring . . .

Chewbacca
Captain Phasma (unread)
Doctor Aphra (the one comic series, besides Darth Vader, which I just can't stand)
Kanan (my favorite to date)
Lando
Obi-wan and Anakin (my 2nd favorite to date)
Poe Dameron
and Thrawn (unread)

Of course, the big news is that the cast list for next year's Episode IX is up and out. Few surprises, as anyone who started in Episode VII, except for those already dead, will be back. Even Carrie Fisher, using unused footage, which was shot for Episode VII. And Billy Dee Williams, after some doubt, will be returning as Lando.

One surprise is that Gwendoline Christie will not be back for Episode IX. Maybe she finally went to that Great, Big Trash Compactor in the Sky. Though, she will be voicing her character in the animated TV show Star Wars Resistance.

Another surprise, at least to me, is how few new people they are bringing in. So far it looks to be only Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell.

More as it becomes available.

There is a new series of Star Wars graphic novels out. Star Wars Adventures. Right now they seem to be concentrating on characters from the latest episodes, but it looks like they'll be featuring characters from all the episodes.

v.1. Heroes of the Galaxy (2017)
collecting the Ashcan + issues #1-2.

v.2. Unexpected Detour (2018)
collecting issues #3-5.

And he is not only a voice actor, but he is a writer, too. Alan Tudyk wrote 1 of the stories in v.2.

Star Wars has been very, very good to some parts of the English entertainment industry. Titan Comics, the English comic book publisher, has put out the following books.

The Official Collector's Edition
Solo -- Rogue One -- The Last Jedi

The Official Mission De Brief
Rogue One

The Official Movie Companion
The Last Jedi

Heroes of the Force

Icons of the Galaxy

The Best of Star Wars Insider
v. 1-4

and The Official Movie Special
Thor : Ragnarok -- Black Panther -- Avengers : Infinity War -- Ant-man and the Wasp

Or, what we like they like in the U.K.

Star Wars pinball
Not the first, but the latest to feature a pinball machine with Star Wars characters. Solo : a Star Wars Story.

and 2 new graphic novels just read
Mace Windu :
Jedi of the Republic
collecting issues #1-5

Captain Phasma
collecting issues #1-4
from the destruction of Star Killer Base to its aftermath, with a flashback, seen thru the eyes of Phasma.

More as it becomes available.

Films
Are there hobbits in space? Dominic  Monaghan has been added to the cast appearing in Episode IX.

Graphic novels
Beckett from Solo : a Star Wars story is getting his own graphic novel title. Which is why I like the graphic novels from Marvel better than the ones from Dark Horse, as Marvel is going beyond the Solos and Sky walkers.

Non-fiction
The newest Star Wars Icons will be out November 13, 2018 and will deal with Han Solo.

Novels
For pre-teens . . .
Tom Angleberger
American
The Mighty Chewbacca in the Forest of Fear
featuring Chewbacca and the characters from Rogue One : a Star Wars Story
1 more fiction and 1 more series

For teens . . .
Rae Carson
American
Most Wanted
featuring the characters from Solo : a Star Wars Story.
1 more series

And more when it comes available.

Films
Episode IX

The cast just gets curiousier and curiousier.
Matt Smith, who is probably best known for playing the 11th Doctor, in the Doctor Who TV series, is the latest actor to join the cast.
Just after it was announced that he'd be in the film, there was an article in USA Today wondering what role he'd play in the film.
The one suggestion that made the most sense to me was that he'd be one of the film's villains. While that would be a bit of reverse typecasting, as he normally plays the hero, I can see him being a great villain in the film.

Books (non-fiction)

Pablo Hidalgo's Star Wars :
Scum and Villainy :
Case Files on the Galaxy's Most Notorious

Profiles the misdeeds of infamous smugglers, pirates, gamblers, bounty hunters, and thieves.
Explore the case reports, surveillance images, warrants, and artifacts of 3 generation of galactic law enforcers.
Introduces all new details and characters.
Release date: October 16, 2018.

More as it becomes available.

Books
Star Wars : Smuggler's Guide
Release date October 30, 2018


Graphic novels
Star Wars
v.6. Out Among the Stars
collecting issues #33-37 + "The Sand Will Provide" + Annual #3

Star Wars
v.8. Mutiny at Mon Cala
collecting issues #44-49

Lando
Double or Nothing
Now up to v.4


Personnel
When you work in Hollywood, who holds your fate in their hands? The fans or your peers?

The fans, or, at least, some of them, having been trying, for some time, to get Kathleen Kennedy fired from Lucas Films. And what is her peers response to all this. On November 18, 2018, at the 10th Annual Governors' Award, her peers are going to award her one of the most prestigious award in Hollywood The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. She becoming the 1st woman ever to win the award. All the previous winners have been men.

More as it becomes available

House of Mouse + Lucas Film's ILMxLAB + The Void = a match made in Hollywood Heaven.

Already Ghost Breakers : Dimensions VR and Star Wars : Secrets of the Empire VR with Ralph Breaks VR, sometime this fall and Marvel VR, sometime next year. With locations in Utah, Anaheim (California) and Lake Buena Vista (Florida.) With additional locations--no dates given--coming.

Atlanta (Georgia) -- Austin (Texas) -- Dallas (Texas) -- Hollywood (California) -- Minneapolis (Minnesota) -- New York City (New York) -- Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) -- Santa Monica (California) -- and Washington, D.C.

They also want to roll it out globally beyond Dubai and Toronto (Ontario) No locations given, except for Edmondton (Alberta.)

Graphic novels
Dr. Aphra annual #2
Now out.
Unlike most of the comics from Marvel, both old and new, but like the comics from Dark Horse, this is one of the few series I just cannot get into.

ILMxLAB
Star Wars : Secrets of the Empire VR

With its desire to go global. ILMxLAB with the Void and the House of Mouse are taking this to Malaysia. Then when Disneyland Paris gets its long planned expansion. This looks to be part of that expansion.

And on a more local note, it is now available in Plano (Texas) at the Cinemark Theatre there, since the theatre chain is headquartered in Plano (Texas.) And if it is successful enough there, I can see it  and other VR films in Cinemark Theatres across the U.S.

TV
Star Wars : Clone Wars is back with all new stories.

The anime TV series Star Wars : Resistance makes its TV debut October 7, 2018.
I must admit, anime is one of my least favorite types of animation. Though, what I have seen of the show, it does look better than most of the anime I have seen.

More as it becomes available

Films
Some sad news.
Gary Kurtz, producer, 78, died this month. He was the producer on Episode 4 and 5. He also produced some other films you might be familiar with such as American Grafitti, Dark Crystal, Return to Oz, etc.

Graphic novels
Star Wars : Thrawn
collecting issues #1-6
The smartest alien there is alive.

Positives
Darth Vader and Thrawn. Now there's a fight for the Ages. Vader is more powerful, but Thrawn is probably smarter, and I wouldn't bet against him.

Thrawn is not only one of the most interesting characters in the Star Wars universe (IMHO) but he makes the characters around him interesting, too.

The character nearest to him is not somebody from Star Wars, but from Star Trek. Garak (Andy Robinson) from Star Trek : Deep Space Nine. Another character who comes across as being the smartest alien in the room.

Negatives
Maybe because the graphic novel is based on a novel of the same title by Timothy Zahn, it is far from perfect.
1st. Like many complicated stories, it might be too complicated for its own good.
2nd. There are multiple plot holes.
3rd. Like in many of the Star Wars stories, I find the villain to be underwritten.

Still, it might be worth checking out, as is . . .

Rogue One : a Star Wars Story
collecting issues #1-6
a graphic novelization of the film of the same title
+ Star Wars : Rogue One - Cassian and K2-SO special #1


TV
After 40 years, George is finally getting what he has wanted almost from the beginning. A live action TV series based in the Star Wars Universe. Word had it, that originally it was to be set in the Underworld on Coruscant, but the problem was how it could be made financially feasible. So . . .
(a) they have found some way to make it financially feasible or
(b) it is set somewhere else besides Coruscant.
What we do know is that it is to be set some 7 years after the end of Return of the Jedi.


More as it becomes available.

Films
Solo : a Star Wars Story

Lady Proxima, the Grandalid, in the film, was apparently, in part, inspired by the white wyrm in both the novel and film Lair of the White Worm.


Miscellaneous
ILMxLAB

. . . brings you the next step in VR as in Vader : Immortal : a Star Wars VR series in 3 episodes.
It's still early as the release is not to 2019, but, what we do know so far is that it takes place in Vader's castle on Mustafar, as you duel Vader with a light saber. (Wait?! I don't think my life insurance covers that.)

It is somehow connected to the previous Star Wars : Secrets of the Empire. In what is believed to be an unknown connection or maybe not. As I am betting that the connection has to do with what was found at the end of Star Wars : Secrets of the Empire.

Where is it coming? That is the unknown. It is coming to . . .
a. a Cinemark near you.
b. your home for home play
c. both

More as it becomes available.

TV
The Mandalorian

We are finally getting some information on the newest TV show from Lucas Films and the House of Mouse.

Where: the Outer Rim

When: sometime between the fall of the Empire and the rise of the 1st Order, or, 3 years after the Return of the Jedi.

With who is behind the camera, apparently, as important as who is on camera, the directors for the show have been announced, to date, are . . .
Dave Filoni -- Deborah Chow -- Rick Famuyiwa -- Bryce Dallas Howard -- and Taika Waiti.

Bryce Dallas Howard, if the name is not familiar, she is the daughter of actor/director Ron Howard, and the granddaughter of the late actor Rance Howard. 3 generations of show biz personalities going back to 1958.

Also note that each of the noted directors, so far, have their own style of directing.

Some other facts that may be of interest to some.
a. While there have been other Star Wars TV shows, they have all been animated. This is the 1st that is live action.
b. I said TV, but it will actually be a part of a new streaming service, which should be coming out sometime next year.
c.  This is just further proof that Star Wars is very much a western set in space.
d. And note the gun that our hero is carrying. Look familiar. It is the same type of gun carried by Boba Fett in the Star Wars Holiday Special. We may have something here, if the creators don't mind poking some fun at themselves.

More as it becomes available.

Theme parks
Walt Disney World
There is some talk that Star Wars : Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studio will open in December, 2019.

Disneyland
The one at Disneyland should open even earlier, as the biannual D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center (Anaheim, California) will be held in 2019 from August 23-25, and there should be some type of sneak peek, or, as they call it A Soft Opening to greet the attendees at the Expo.

Walt Disney World
The Star Wars Hotel should open in 2020 or 2021 next to Star Wars : Galaxy's Edge.
Live Star Wars. Breathe Star Wars. Sleep Star Wars. Eat Star Wars (Nerf burgers?) Drink Star Wars (Blue Milk, anyone?)
Costumes will be worn. The question is whether they will allow the guests to bring their own costumes to wear. Some of which are quite elaborate. I still remember the family of Ewoks. Father, mother, and 3 teen sons all dressed as Ewoks. Of course, if you do not want to make your own, they are available for purchase. Though, some run into the thousands of $. Will the real Darth Vader please stand up?
And even at the prices they will charge, some people will move in and never move out, so--as of now--guests are restricted to staying for a maximum of 3 nights.

More as it becomes available

Streaming
The Mandalorian

While nothing is confirmed, and he is not yet listed as directing one of the episodes, the rumor has it that George Lucas will direct one of the episodes. It must be to keep his hand in, as he certainly does not need the money, since Forbes magazine lists him as being one of the 400 richest people in the U.S., with a combined net worth of something north of $2 billion.

George is going to be a busy man, consulting, o'er the next few years.

While these seem to have been pushed to the back of the stove, they, apparently, have not been taken entirely off the table.

Star Wars : Underworld (streaming series)
The one I expected to see instead of The Mandalorian, which, is--apparently--up to 8 episodes, with George maybe directing one of the episodes.

A solo Boba Fett film.
A solo Obi-wan film.
A new Star Wars trilogy

The last 2 the most likely to become films, as a director has been named for both: Stephen Daldry for the Obi-wan film and Rian Johnson for the trilogy.

And then there was Indiana Jones, the 5th film in the series. Though, George may or may not be called in as a consultant on the film, it does have a release date of July 9, 2021.

Next time: you are in good hands with Marvel.

We'll put off your in good hands with Marvel to get these out.

Books
Star Wars : Scum and Villainy : Case Files on the Galaxy's Most Notorious

Streaming service
An untitled prequel series to Rogue One. Though, most likely the live action one with Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) which has just been announced. Though, the number of episodes has not been announced, the most likely release date is next year or 2019.

Miscellaneous
Would you buy a watch from this man? Kylo Ren, or, should I say Adam Driver is doing print ads in which he wants you to buy a watch.

I think one of the biggest mistakes in the Star Wars universe was to take away the rights for the comic books from Marvel Comics and give them to Dark Horse Comics, and (IMHO) we went from what was basically a readable comic book to what was basically an unreadable comic book. And one of the reasons was that the Dark Horse Comics were mostly all Skywalker and Solo all the time. Now, that Marvel Comics has the rights back, what ever mistakes there are, it is not all Skywalker and Solo. Of course, there is . . .

Luke
Leia
Han
Darth Vader,
but, there is also . . .

Obi-Wan and Anakin
Okay. That's 5 and my 2nd favorite in the series, but there is also . . .

Chewbacca
Darth Maul

Dr. Aphra
and the series that reminds me the most of the Dark Horse Comics, because, besides the Darth Vader, it is the one series that I just find unreadable.

Kanan
which is my 1st favorite in the series.

Lando
Phasma
Poe

Thrawn
who is an interesting character (IMHO) as he is not only a "good" character, but he makes most of the other characters around him, "good" as well.

and Yoda.

Next time: more as it becomes available.

Theme parks
The 2 new rides and attractions now each have a name.
--Millennium Falcon : Smuggler's Run
--Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance

2 new characters for the meet 'n' greets at the theme parks.
--Dok-onder
--Hondo Ohnaka

Graphic novel
I forgot to mention that Mace Windu has his own graphic novel.


Films
Rumor has it that Ahsoka Tano is to make theatrical film debut in Episode IX.

What is new
--Books
----Star Wars : Smuggler's Guide
----Star Wars Icons : Han Solo

--Comic book
----#57

--Series of animated shorts
----Galaxy of Adventures

Miscellaneous
Patent Pending
The Walt Disney Company has taken out a patent for the most realistic (whatever that means) light saber ever seen.

More as it becomes available.

Amy Ratcliffe's
Women of the Galaxy

78 Star Wars women from animation, book, comics, film and game.
From Aayla Secura to Zam Wesell.

A couple of things the book makes clear, that is while some of the women are well-known, most of them--seemingly--operate in the shadow of the men, but, if you bring them out of the shadows and shine the spotlight on them, their stories can be quite interesting, especially when the actors, voice actors, and writers associated with the characters provide some background on their characters.

And with 106 illustrations from 18 women artists from around the world.

Now, all we need is a book  called Men of the Galaxy. Which--actually--would be harder to write than this one, for who do you include and exclude, as my guess is that for every female character in Star Wars, there are probably 3 to 4 male characters.

More as it becomes available.

Comics
Age of Republic : Qui-Gen Jinn and the Nature of a Jedi

Streaming service
The Mandalorian
With Pedro Pascal as the title character
And guest stars . . .
Omid Abtahi -- Gina Carano -- Giancarlo Esposito -- Werner Herzog -- Nick Nolte -- Emily Swallow -- Carl Weathers.

This apparently replaces the Boba Fett solo film.

What began as a basic base for a story 41 years ago, has morphed into something far more complex, even if the base story is still there. With each book (both fiction and non-fiction) each comic, each film, each TV show (both animated and live action) adding to the complexity.

Mur Lafferty
American
award winner
Solo : a Star Wars Story
expanded edition with color photos from the film
5 more fiction

Wyndham, Reiff, and Trevas
Star Wars : YT-1300 Millennium Falcon : Owner's Workshop Manual : Modified Corellian Freighter

Solo : a Star Wars Story :
the Official Collector's Edition

And that does not include the rides and attractions that will be coming to the theme parks sometime next year.

And while there are older stories, such as "Bond. James Bond." The films dating back to a decade earlier, and the original novels dating back to 2 decades earlier. It is not as complex as Star Wars, as it is--for the most part--restricted to Earth and its few billion inhabitants.

The nearest complex stories to Star Wars would have to be (IMHO) Star Trek and/or Dr. Who. The stories again dating back to the previous decade. Though, it is doubtful that either has generated the tie-in merchandise that Star Wars has generated, which would include . . .

action figures -- books -- candies -- costumes -- dresses -- handbags -- hats -- jewelry --  key chains -- light sabers -- Lego sets -- mouse ears -- mugs -- pajamas -- pins -- shirts -- souvenirs -- tee-shirts -- toys -- and et al.

I'd imagine KISS would be about the only thing that could rival Star Wars in terms of the variety of merchandising, although I am not sure if there are any Star Wars condoms out there (although I suspect there are Star Wars coffins so they both have that).

New books (relatively speaking)

Mark Sumerak
Star Wars : Droidography
featuring a dozen different types and 78 different individual droids.


Justina Ireland
Star Wars : Lando's Luck
1st in the Star Wars : Flight of the Falcon series

and for the 1st look at Planet Baatu
Lou Anders
Star Wars : Pirates Price
2nd in the Star Wars : Flight of the Falcon series
to be released January 8, 2019

The theme parks Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios
The land  Galaxy's Edge
The planet Planet Baatu
The town Black Rock Spire

And pirate Hondo Ohnaka available for meet 'n' greets, when they open. Disneyland the summer of 2019 and Disney's Hollywood Studios the end of 2019.

Star Wars

New book
Darth Vader in the Galaxy of Adventures series

New youtube.com series
Star Wars by the Numbers

Old TV series
Star Wars : Resistance gets a 2nd season.
While, right now, it plays on TV, with the streaming service Disney+, starting up in the 2nd half of this year, it may move to that.

More as it becomes available.

A new book and new comic books out in April, 2019.

New book
Alexander Freed's
"Alphabet Squadron"

New comic books
Marvel celebrates the original trilogy icons with "Star Wars : Age of Rebellion," featuring single issues of . . .
Darth Vader -- Grand Moff Tarkin -- Princess Leia -- and a special containing 3 stories.

Marvel + Lucas combine for a continuing series . . .
"Star Wars : the Fighter Series"

And Marvel + Lucas + Disney combine for a 5 issue series . . .
"Star Wars : Galaxy's Edge," featuring . . .
the Ithorian Dok-Onder, who will be available for meet 'n' greets when Galaxy's Edge opens later this year at both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

More as it becomes available.

One out already. More upcoming.

Out already.
Star Wars : v.9 Hope dies.
collecting issues #50-55 + annual 5.

More upcoming.
Release dates August, 2019 to November, 2019.

Star Wars' Galaxy's Edge Cookbook
Think nerf burgers washed down by blue milk (Maybe?)

Deliah S. Dawson
Black Spire

George Mane
Star Wars : Myths and Fables

Z. Cordova
A Crash of Fate

More as it becomes available.

Hasbro is coming out with a series of Star Wars Galaxy of Adventure Action Figures. Apparently, in time for the Star Wars Convention in April, 2019, in Chicago (illinois.) So far we have . . .

Boba Fett -- Darth Maul -- General Grievous -- Kylo Ren -- Obi-Wan Kenobi -- and Rey.

Each comes with a minicomic and a code that can unlock more stories on-line.

What I find interesting is that the majority of the figures are not your heroes, but your villains and/or anti-heroes.

If you ever wanted to participate in an Olympic sport, then here's your chance.

Now that Lightsabre or saber fencing has become a recognized and official sport in France, the International Fencing Federation or FIE is watching it very closely. For if it becomes popular in France, the FIE hopes to promote it worldwide, and then, if it takes off worldwide, the FIE hopes to make it an official event at the Summer Olympics.

Need lessons: a number of American fencing academies have started to add both beginning lessons and advanced lessons to their curriculum.

Need a lightsaber or sabre: beginning this summer, when Galaxy Edge opens at Disneyland and later in the year at Walt Disney World, there will be a store called Savi's Workshop, where one can build one's own. Of course, till then there are other places one can pick one up.

A couple of new Star Wars books. One out now, and one later this year.

Out now (March 5, 2019)
C. K. Johnson's Star Wars : Queen's Shadow
the story of Padme Amidala and her handmaidens

Out later (September 24, 2019)
Christian Blauvelt's How Not to Get Eaten by Ewoks :
a New Guide to Surviving the Star Wars Galaxy

I always enjoy those survival books, especially those that approach the subject with a bit of humor. For while, I have never met a space alien, according to one book I know exactly what to do.
1st. Do not look threatening -- 2nd. Make no loud noises -- 3rd. Make no sudden movements.
If I follow those 3 steps, I should survive my 1st encoutner with a space alien.

More as they become available.

graphic novel
Star Wars : Thrawn
available as of September, 2018

Thus, the book by Timothy Zahn, who also wrote Star Wars : Thrawn . . .
Star Wars : Thrawn : Alliances . . .
is a sequel to that one.
11th in his Star Wars series.

And, officially, we now have . . .
02 TV shows
10 films
17 books

Unofficially . . .?

More as it becomes available.

At one issue a month, 15 years and 8 months ago our forefathers and foremothers brought forth Star Wars : the Magazine. Now in its 188th issue.

The films inspired the books. The books inspired the theme parks. And the theme parks inspired both the films and the books.
Deliah S. Dawson's
Star Wars : Galaxy's Edge : Black Spire
Release date: August 27, 2019

More as it becomes available.

Claudia Gray's Star Wars : Master and Apprentice
An explanation of the relationship between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.
And the 1st canon novel to take place prior to Star Wars : Episode I : the Phantom Menace.
Release date April 16, 2019.

Gina McIntyre
American
Star Wars Icons : Han Solo

The incredible story behind the creation and legacy of one of Star Wars most beloved characters, and how it all came together.

From 1977 to 2017. From Episode 4 to Episode 7 + Solo : a Star Wars Story.

Featuring . . .
photos -- interviews -- concept art.

To be continued . . .

Continuing . . .

a character that spawned . . .
action figures -- clothing -- comics -- novels -- toys -- and video games . . .
and became a part of a phomena like no other.

But, what might have been . . .
Al Pacino -- Bill Murray --  Chevy Chase --Christopher Walken -- Jack Nicholson -- James Woods -- John Travolta -- Kurt Russell -- Nick Nolte -- Perry King -- Robert Englund -- Steve Martin -- and Sylvester Stallone . . .
were all, at one time or the other, under consideration for the role, and . . .

Burt Reynolds -- James Caan -- and Robert DeNiro . . .
actually turned down the role.

While they would all have brought something to the role, if something different, (IMHO) they got the right actor in Harrison Ford to play the role.

To be continued . . .

A half dozen things to remember about Episodes IV to VI.

1st. They were a product of their time and place.
2nd. Episode IV was a product of the '70's.
3rd. Very much a western in space.
4th. A simple story simplely told. Though, to look at the trailer for Episode IX, once can see how more complex the storytelling has become.
5th. Their success is not only due to George, but to all the people he had working on them, both before and behind the camera.
6th. And the most important thing to remember is that they were mainly George's idea.

While we will not know how good or bad Episode IX is, till it is released to audiences in December, there is an article, with photos, on it, in the summer issue of Vanity Fair. And as for Richard E. Grant, there is a photo of him as his character in the film, where he portrays someone named Pryde General Pryde.

"If only George was here." Said, knowingly or unknowingly, with some ignorance. While I agree that George got most everything right, he was not perfect and made some mistakes. Some of which the book points out.

1st Boba Fett
Even George admits he underestimated the importance of this character to the story.

2nd Rewritten dialogue
To say that he was upset, when some of the dialogue for Episode V was rewritten, would be an understatement, but, he was man enough to man up, and when Episode V was shown to audiences, to admitting the rewritten dialogue worked better than the original dialogue.

3rd Who shot first?
It might have always been in the scenario for Greedo to shoot 1st, but, that would have been somewhat unrealistic. Han was too good at what he did to let someone like Greedo get the driop on him.

4th Hard to believe, but . . .?
He let Star Wars fade from people's memory. While Episode IV spawned books, comics, a comic strip, etc., a decade later, most of what was spawned was no longer extant, and he had nothing to replace it. He won't let that happen again.

5th Not Episodes IV - VI, but . . .?
the prequels (cough! cough!)

and 6th Hard to know who to blame for this one, but . . .?
We'll blame George. You have to love whoever it was at Marvel that named 2 of the bounty hunters Dafi and Fud, as in Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd. When the comic book rights to Star Wars went from Marvel to Dark Horse, you saw nothing this clever at Dark Horse. And while this is more opinionated than some of the others posted here, (IMHO) the quality of the storytelling declined.

As for what is next from the authoress, . . .

If she does do another icon from Episode IV - VI, the other characters are so intertwined with this one, much of what she would do would be just repeating herself.

2 recent books and one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood.

The 2 books
Claudia Gray's Master and Apprentice
The story of Quin Jon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi

Alphabet Squadron
The New Republic's newest squadron.

We'll get to the recent books next time, as for one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood.

Obie Wan-Kenobi, with Ewan McGregor, as Obie,  is back in an untitled limited series and the streaming service Disney+ has him.

It will also have . . .
The Mandalorian
an untitled Cassian Andor series
and the 7th season of Star Wars : the Clone Wars.

Claudia Gray
Master and Apprentice

1. To enjoy the story, become part of the story.

2. If it had been possible, what would I had been like as a Jedi or a Padawan. It is probably lucky that we never get to find out.

3. Hindsight being 20/20, as this story takes place ere Episode I, we know what happens later to the characters in the story.

Not a perfect story by any means.
4. That tiresome trope, the evil corporation.

5. As the story progresses the motivations of one of the heroes becomes less logical.

6. As the story progresses the actions of another of the heroes becomess less logical.

7. Relgion gets the back of the hand again.

8. And while--perhaps--not entirely logical, there are a couple of nice twists in the story.