Star Wars https://comicbook.com/starwars/feed/rss/ Wed, 08 May 2024 09:15:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Star Wars RSS Generator Star Wars Reveals Morgan Elsbeth's Origin Story and Connection to Thrawn https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-morgan-elsbet-origin-thrawn-connections-explained-tales-empire/ Tue, 07 May 2024 21:50:00 +0000 Kofi Outlaw c5841367-993a-4550-a886-97b2c1f9b293

Star Wars has finally revealed the origin story of Ahsoka and The Mandalorian villain Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto), in the second installment of its character-focused "Tales" animated anthology series, Star Wars: Tales of the Empire.

Star Wars: Morgan Elsbeth's Origin Explained

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(Photo: Lucasfilm Animation)

Tales of the Empire's three segments about Morgan Elsbeth ("The Path of Fear", "The Path of Anger", and "The Path of Hate") reveal how and why this pivotal character is both a powerful Force witch and a feared Imperial commander, who is cultishly devoted to Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen).

Morgan's story began on Dathomir, the home planet of the Nightsisters ( whose ranks include Mother Talzin and Asajj Ventress), and the Dathomirain race of men that includes Darth Maul and his brother, Savage Opress. During the Clone Wars, Morgan's fate was forever changed when Ventress betrayed her Sith master Count Dooku; when Ventress defected from the Sith and rejoined Mother Talzin's coven, Dooku retaliated by sending General Grievous and his droid army to Dathomir, to slaughter the Nightsisters. Morgan fought alongside her mother in the "Nightsisters Massacre" on Dathomir, but Grievous slew her mom in a duel.

Morgan survived by being knocked unconscious and left for dead; she was found and cared for by a local Mountain clan, but dark feelings of fear led to rage, and Morgan's thirst for revenge ultimately caused the droids to attack the Mountain clan, causing further tragedy. Morgan was banished, and, without a coven as her family, or a home on Dathomir, she became a scientist/engineer, eventually working in service of The Empire as the magistrate of Planet Corvus, whose industrialist people were promised the boon of producing a new line of TIE Defender ships.

Morgan's brilliant designs are rejected by the Empire, but manage to get Thrawn's attention; the admiral sends his lackey Captain Gilad Pellaeon to interview her and see where her loyalties lie. At first, Morgan plays it like a loyal servant of the empire, but Thrawn isn't fooled; he sends his personal assassin Rukh to infiltrate Morgan's compound and test her a different way: through combat. Morgan passes and gets to speak with Thrawn himself; her desire to be powerful (never powerless again) is enough for her loyalties to be swayed, and Morgan agrees to serve Thrawn in exchange for having her ideas funded and furthered.

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(Photo: Lucasfilm)

The final segment shows how, after the fall of the Empire, Morgan experienced visions of the future which motivated her to stay loyal to Thrawn for years after his disappearance. When the New Republic sends a former citizen of Corvus as an envoy to bring the planet into the New Republic, Morgan refuses. The envoy and her guards are all slaughtered, and Morgan burns all the forests around her compound - but not before a distress call goes out to Bo-Katan Kryze, starting the chain of events that would lead into Din Djarin and Ahsoka Tano both confronting Morgan Elsbeth in The Mandalorian Season 2.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is now streaming on Disney+.

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Star Wars Finally Reveals the Fate of a Controversial Clone Wars Character https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-barriss-offee-explained-origin-alive-dead-inquisitors-tales-empire/ Tue, 07 May 2024 18:08:00 +0000 Kofi Outlaw 11c69cf5-a98d-4273-909d-3c49b61029a7

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is the second installment in the series of animated shorts that detail the deeper backstories of certain Star Wars characters. Obviously, the title of the second installment implies that the characters in question venture into darker paths than those seen in Tales of the Jedi - but that's not entirely true.

One of the characters that Tales of the Empire focuses on is Barriss Offee, one of the most controversial characters introduced in the Star Wars: The Cone Wars animated series. A Jedi padawan who turned terrorist and bombed the Jedi Temple, Barriss offered a dark vision of what her best friend Ahsoka Tano could've become. However, Clone Wars gave Barriss a somewhat ambiguous fate: she was locked up for her crimes by the Republic, and never heard from again -- until now.

Star Wars: What Happened to Barriss Offee? Explained

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(Photo: Lucasfilm Animation)

Tales of the Empire's three segments about Barriss Offee reveal that she was in jail on Coruscant the night of Order 66, and was freed from her cell by Lyn Rakish, the Jedi who fell to the dark side and became the Inquisitor known as Fourth Sister. Barriss was put through the Inquisitors' horrific training, ultimately slaying her former Jedi colleague Dante in the audition.

As an Inquisitor, Barriss was partnered with Rakish on a mission to hunt down a Jedi. However, when Barriss tried to sway the young Jedi into becoming an Inquisitor, Rakish simply slaughtered them, claiming that was the true role of Inquisitor. Barriss could reconcile herself with that idea, and defected from the Inquisitors by turning on Rakish and Force-pushing her off a cliff.

As it turns out, Barriss Offee returned to the light side, giving up her lightsaber(s) in exchange for using her Force abilities as "The Healer," living on a remote icy planet, aided by a few loyal disciples. When two parents come to her to "heal" their child, Barriss recognizes the Force potential of the child and senses that a familiar presence is hunting it: Lyn Rakish. Barriss distracts Lyn by luring her into a cave, where the Force is especially strong. Inside, Rakish lost her way (literally and figuratively), while Offee tried to talk her friend into renouncing her dark allegiances. In the end, Lyn was redeemed when she accidentally impaled Barriss in a rage. Barriss was barely clinging to life when last seen being carried out of the cave by Lyn.

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(Photo: Lucasfilm Animation)

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire has offered more development on Barriss Offee than any other Star Wars content. That said, the series did leave us in the same place: wondering if Barriss Offee is even still alive - and if so, what happened to her after the Empire fell.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is now streaming on Disney+.

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Star Wars: Patty Jenkins Cites Writers' Strike as Reason for Rogue Squadron Delays https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-rogue-squadron-patty-jenkins-script-status-update-strike/ Tue, 07 May 2024 15:48:00 +0000 Patrick Cavanaugh 530ad9c2-6331-4b97-9af2-926abeab569d

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron was announced in December of 2020 and, with its intended release date having come and gone, many fans have assumed the project was scrapped entirely. Filmmaker Patty Jenkins, on the other hand, recently claimed that she owes Lucasfilm a draft of the script and pointed out that one reason there hasn't been significant progress on the project is due to last year's writers' strike. Lucasfilm has a habit of announcing projects long before they have been developed in substantial ways, resulting in those projects being shelved indefinitely, so fans might be surprised to learn that the Star Wars spinoff could be revived at some point.

"When I left Star Wars to do Wonder Woman 3, and I started working on that, we talked about, 'Well, maybe I'll come back to Star Wars after Wonder Woman 3, so we started a deal for that to happen," Jenkins confessed to HBO's Talking Pictures podcast. "When Wonder Woman 3 then went away, Lucasfilm and I were like, 'Oh, we've got to finish this deal.' We finished the deal right as the strike was beginning, so I now owe a draft of Star Wars. So we will see what happens there. Who knows?"

Just over a year ago at Star Wars Celebration, Lucasfilm announced three new movies it was developing for the franchise, which joined the ever-growing list of movies that were supposedly being developed yet haven't earned promising updates since the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. With Disney having secured a number of release dates for unnamed Star Wars movies, Jenkins expressed her empathy over the challenges the studio currently faces.

"They have a hard job in front of them of, 'What's the first movie they're going to do?'" Jenkins expressed about the situation. "They have other directors who have been working, but I am now back on doing Rogue Squadron. We'll see what happens. We need to get it to where we're both super happy with it."

Even though Rogue Squadron earned an announcement video in which Jenkins expressed wanting to make the greatest fighter-pilot movie of all time, the project isn't officially greenlit. The filmmaker went on to express her passion for the franchise and desire to make the movie happen.

"The emotion of Star Wars and what it stands for is something so beautiful in this world," Jenkins confirmed. "If I can do something beautiful and do something that serves that audience, I would love to do it."

Stay tuned for updates on Star Wars: Rogue Squadron.

Are you hoping the movie gets made? Contact Patrick Cavanaugh directly on Twitter or on Instagram to talk all things Star Wars and horror!

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The Fall Guy Review & X-Men '97 Finale Begins! https://comicbook.com/movies/news/fall-guy-movie-box-x-men-97-star-wars-bad-batch-finale-explained/ Mon, 06 May 2024 21:10:00 +0000 Kofi Outlaw 6de61567-e538-46db-b075-87050827783c

The ComicBook Nation crew reviews The Fall Guy, new horror film Tarot and Jerry Seinfeld's directorial debut with Netflix's Unfrosted. We also say farewell to Star Wars: The Bad Batch after its Series Finale, and get into part 1 of X-Men '97's finale arc.

PLUS: Breakdowns of the new trailers for Mufasa: The Lion King, the Batman: Arkham Shadow game - and a preview of WWE's Backlash event!

The Fall Guy Review

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(Photo: Universal Pictures)

Critic Patrick Cavanaugh gave The Fall Guy 3 out of 5 stars, writing that:

The Fall Guy is perfectly palatable summer fare featuring attractive movie stars being charming, with the romance occasionally being broken up by more thrilling scenes. For better or worse, the scope and scale of both the storyline and the stunts themselves feel more like an extended episode of the source material as opposed to an opportunity to take a core premise and elevate to new heights. Given the more humble origins of the Mission: Impossible franchise and the ways Brian De Palma tapped into the core components of the TV series and revived them in unexpected and exciting ways and just how bombastic that franchise has since become, we can't rule out The Fall Guy becoming a franchise that can more fully push the effective elements to further heights in subsequent installments, especially after this entry lays a solid foundation of talent involved in the overall experience. Leitch is no De Palma, however, so while all of the core pieces come to life relatively cohesively, there isn't much to elevate The Fall Guy to be anything more than the sum of its parts.

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New Star Wars LEGO Animated Series Gets Teaser https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/lego-star-wars-rebuild-the-galaxy-series-teaser-trailer-poster-darth-jar-jar/ Mon, 06 May 2024 16:39:00 +0000 Patrick Cavanaugh 4f2f2bb8-8c3d-4af2-a7f2-6d2fa100a659

This past weekend saw Star Wars fans around the world celebrating "Star Wars Day" on May the 4th, which brought with it an all-new trailer for the upcoming live-action series Star Wars: The Acolyte, but the fun isn't stopping there, as an all-new trailer for the upcoming animated series LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy was released today. Even though LEGO Star Wars projects aren't official parts of Star Wars canon, they are still delightful and engaging in their own right, with this new "four-piece" series even giving us a glimpse at the fan-favorite concept of "Darth Jar Jar." You can check out the teaser for LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy below before it premieres on Disney+ on September 13th.

"It's hard to believe that it's been 25 years since the ground-breaking collaboration between Lucasfilm and The LEGO Group began," executive producer James Waugh shared in a statement. "In that time, LEGO Star Wars has given our fans the unique power to unlock their imaginations and play with the galaxy's elements in any way they can conceive... and build. It's with that playful spirit in mind that we set out to 'Rebuild the Galaxy' like never before. Tapping into the comedic genius of Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, two of the most talented comedy writers I've had the fortune of working with, we've mixed and matched LEGO sets to snap together Imperial X-fighters, Rebel TIE-wings, and yes, even Darth Jar Jar. This four-piece special is a celebration of all things Star Wars, LEGO, and the incredible explorations that can only happen when these two amazing brands come together."

Showrunners and executive producers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit added, "The opportunity to work with LEGO and Lucasfilm to rebuild the galaxy has been a dream come true. We've been collecting LEGO Star Wars sets for 25 years, and we have approached this project with a fan's enthusiasm, crafting this story quite literally brick by brick. For new fans, this will be an exciting place to enter the world of LEGO Star Wars, and for lifelong fans, you're going to see some things that you never thought possible."

Per press release, "In LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, the entire Star Wars Galaxy gets completely mixed up when an ordinary nerf-herder, Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo), unearths a powerful artifact from a hidden Jedi temple. He finds himself thrust into adventure in a new, wondrously wild, and twisted version of the galaxy where good guys are bad, bad guys are good, and the fate of all depends on Sig becoming the hero who can put all the pieces back together."

The talented voice cast features Gaten Matarazzo (Sig Greebling), Tony Revolori (Dev Greebling), Bobby Moynihan (Jedi Bob), Marsai Martin (Yesi Scala), Michael Cusack (Servo), Ahmed Best (Darth Jar Jar), and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker). Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, Josh Rimes, Jill Wilfert, Jason Cosler, and Keith Malone are the executive producers. Chris Buckley directs with Daniel Cavey & Dan Langlois producing.

LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy premieres on Disney+ on September 13th.

Are you looking forward to the new series? Contact Patrick Cavanaugh directly on Twitter or on Instagram to talk all things Star Wars and horror!

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New LEGO Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer Set Includes a 25th Anniversary Cal Kestis Minifigure https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/new-lego-star-wars-imperial-star-destroyer-set-includes-a-25th-anniversary-cal-kestis-minifigure/ Mon, 06 May 2024 16:28:00 +0000 Sean Fallon a49a92ea-fb59-47e2-9ea1-069c5884d6f5 81djboqstyl-ac-sl1500.jpg

The dust hasn't even settled on LEGO's Star Wars Day 2024 releases, but they're back with another set in celebration of 25th anniversary of the LEGO x Lucasfilm partnership. This time it's a new Imperial Star Destroyer (75394) set that comes with 7 LEGO Star Wars minifigures: Darth Vader, Commander Praji, an Imperial Gunner, Imperial Navy Trooper, a Stormtrooper and a LEGO Star Wars 25th anniversary minifigure of Cal Kestis.

The LEGO Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer set clocks in a 1555 pieces and features a foldout carry handle for flying, 2 spring-loaded shooters, and lift-off top panel and foldout side panels to view interior details like the bridge, command room, break room, armory, control panels and cargo box with thermal detonator elements. The set won't arrive until August 1st, but you can get your pre-order in here at the LEGO Shop priced at $159.99. The set is also available to pre-order here on Amazon. If you missed out, a full breakdown of Star Wars Day LEGO releases can be found below.

See new Star Wars sets at LEGO

LEGO Star Wars Day 2024 Sets

  • LEGO Star Wars TIE Interceptor building set ($229.99 / 1931 pieces) - See at LEGO:
  • LEGO Star Wars Mos Espa Podrace Diorama building set ($79.99 / 718 pieces) - See at LEGO
  • LEGO Star Wars Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator building set ($69.99 / 640 pieces) - See at LEGO (Pre-order early)
  • LEGO Star Wars Droideka building set ($64.99 / 583 pieces) - See at LEGO
  • LEGO Star Wars BARC Speeder Escape building set ($29.99 / 221 pieces) - See at LEGO
  • LEGO Star Wars BrickHeadz Clone Commander Cody building set (5 pack) ($9.99 / 147 pieces) - See at LEGO
  • LEGO Star Wars BrickHeadz The Phantom Menace building set ($54.99 / 732 pieces) - See at LEGO
  • LEGO Star Wars: The Force of Creativity Coffee Table Book ($149.99) - See at LEGO
  • You can check out a ton of additional Star Wars Day new releases right here.
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Star Wars Explains One Villain's Origin Connection to A Pivotal Clone Wars Battle https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-morgan-elsbeth-origin-nightsisters-massacre-clone-wars-grievous-tales-empire/ Mon, 06 May 2024 15:54:00 +0000 Kofi Outlaw bfab5489-e344-4316-873e-2bddf215a83b

Star Wars has revealed how one key villain's origin story is connected to a pivotal battle from The Clone Wars.

In Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, we get to see the origin story of Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto), and she has a dark beginning, indeed. The first episode of Tales of the Empire, "The Path of Fear", looks back at the pivotal "Battle of Dathomir," which changed the fate of the Nightsisters forever.

What Is Star Wars' Battle of Dathomir?

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(Photo: Lucasfilm Animation)

The Battle of Dathomir also goes by the more tragic title of the "Nightsisters Massacre". It occurred when Count Dooku's former Sith apprentice, Asajj Ventress, failed to assassinate her master and fled home to Dathomir. Ventress left her Sith allegiances behind and rejoined the Nightsisters coven led by Mother Talzin. However, Dooku had a target on her back and sent Count Dooku and his droid army to Dathomir to eradicate the Nightsisters. That battle ended with the death of Mother Talzin's coven (and the witch herself), while Morgan Elsbeth's mother was killed in a duel with Grievous.

Morgan barely survived the Battle of Dathomir, and was taken in by the local Mountain Clan. However, Morgan's thirst for vengeance ultimately poisons the village; she convinces the clan matron's daughter to accompany her on a mission to get Nightsisters weaponry to fight against the droids, and the errand goes tragically wrong. Battle droids discover the would-be thieves and the Matron's daughter is killed in the fight. The Matron's Force abilities defeat the droids, proving to Morgan that her dark and violent methods aren't the only ways to be strong. Morgan is cast out of the village, to follow her own path.

The Nightsisters are becoming bigger players in Star Wars lore, these days. They got major focus in the Ahsoka live-action series, which ended with several direct ties to the Nightsisters' origins on the distant galaxy world of Peridea, and implications about their future, as one coven returned to Dathomir in the company of Morgan's Imperial master, Grand Admiral Thrawn. Tale of the Empire's three-part segment about Morgan Elsbeth makes it clear why she is such a pivotal character in the series, with her multi-faceted role as a powerful Force-using witch; a uniquely brilliant Imperial scientist, and brutal warlord and leader.

Meanwhile, Star Wars: The Bad Batch brought back another pivotal Nightsisters character: Asajj Ventress, setting up a potential showdown on Dathomir we'd love to see!

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is now streaming on Disney+.

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Super Limited Edition Star Wars Day Queen Amidala Doll Is Still Available https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/disney-will-drop-a-super-limited-edition-queen-amidala-doll-on-star-wars-day-2024-update/ Mon, 06 May 2024 15:37:00 +0000 Sean Fallon f9b5f2c4-1104-4cb7-a3cc-2e806ce730ea psx-20240501-115731.jpg

Star Wars Day aka May the 4th 2024 coincided with the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, so it's no surprise that Disney has some special Phantom Menace-themed releases slated for the event. In fact, they launched an entire collection inspired by the film, and it was headlined by the limited edition Darth Maul ligthtsaber hilt and the stunning 11-inch Queen Amidala Doll pictured above.

The doll is based on the character portrayed Natalie Portman as she appeared in her throne room gown. Disney notes that "the extravagant gown featured sein jewels that illuminated from within and was accessorized with an elaborate headdress. Her traditional royal makeup included a white base, red dots on both cheeks, and a red stripe painted on her lower lip to represent the suffering endured by the Naboo people before the Great Time of Peace."

Those details have been incorporated into the Queen Amidala Doll design, which will be a super limited edition of only 3,100 units. UPDATE: Amazingly, it was still available to pre-order at the time of this update right here at the Disney Store priced at $129.99. It's only a matter of time before it sells out and ends up on eBay at 2x3 times the price.

Shop Star Wars at the Disney Store

Queen Amidala Limited Edition Doll Details:

  • Limited Edition of 3,100
  • Certificate of Authenticity
  • Queen Amidala dressed in her silken throne room gown with embroidered stripes
  • Tabard features golden embroidered detailing
  • Gown is trimmed in faux fur
  • Decorative jewel accents around hem
  • Molded golden headdress features Jewel of Zenda
  • Rooted, braided hair
  • Makeup includes Scar of Remembrance on lip
  • Molded boots
  • Gown features satin lining
  • Fully poseable
  • Presented in window display packaging
  • -nspired by Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
  • Part of the Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Collection
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As for the rest of the The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Collection, look for the aforementioned Darth Maul lightsaber along with items like a hoodie, ear headband, t-shirt and more. You can find them all right here at the Disney Store's Star Wars page now. Direct links are available below.

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Last Call For The Darth Maul Star Wars Day Legacy Lightsaber Hilt Replica https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/darth-maul-legacy-lightsaber-hilt-replica-drops-on-star-wars-day-2024-update/ Mon, 06 May 2024 15:25:00 +0000 Sean Fallon 91f28a9f-0409-4812-8696-12627d4aa986 the-sith-apprentice-darth-maul-legacy-lightsaber-set-star-wars-episode-1-the-phantom-menace-25th-anniversary-limited-edition-3000x2000-111bcae.jpg
(Photo: Richard Harbaugh)

Celebrations for Star Wars Day 2024 aka May the 4th took place over the weekend, and it included a ton of new product reveals. One of the biggest releases was the The Sith Apprentice: Darth Maul Legacy Lightsaber Set that headlined their Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Collection. Only 7000 will be produced, but it was still available here at the Disney Store priced at $400 at the time of this update. It must be getting close to a sellout at this point, so grab one while you still have the chance. Note that Disney relaunched Star Wars lightsaber hilt replicas in the week leading up to the Darth Maul drop.

"'Fear is my ally,'' proclaims the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Maul, whose other ally is this Legacy Lightsaber Set. This special limited edition set was created in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The finely detailed reproduction of the Dathomirian's legendary double hilt features sound effects and illuminates red when you attach two of our Lightsaber Blades, sold separately. Presented in a spectacular wooden box with Darth Maul graphics, the interior lights up red and plays Duel of the Fates when you slide open the lid."

Shop Star Wars at the Disney Store
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As for the rest of the The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Collection, look for the aforementioned Darth Maul lightsaber along with items like a hoodie, ear headband, t-shirt and more. You'll be able to find them all right here at the Disney Store's Star Wars page and direct links are available below.

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Star Wars Death Star Wall Panel Light Changes Color and Reacts To Music https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-death-star-wall-panel-light-changes-color-and-reacts-to-music/ Mon, 06 May 2024 14:28:00 +0000 Sean Fallon 77a1a32c-78ab-4749-9b2d-182cdef6066a psx-20240506-102357.jpg

Star Wars Day aka May the 4th 2024 was jam-packed with new product reveals, but this new Star Wars Death Star wall panel light is awesome enough to warrant special attention. In addition to the Death Star aesthetic, the light can change from white to red with a remote control. It even features a setting that dynamically responds to music and other sounds. It measures roughly 49-inches tall.

Naturally, this Star Wars wall light would be ideal for a home theater, game room, collection room, Halloween decor, and so on. However, you could probably get away with incorporating it into a general living space. The average person might not pick up on the fact that it has a Star Wars theme, though we have no doubt that it will be noticed by pretty much everyone that sees it.

You can pre-order Star Wars Death Star Wall Panel Light from Paladone here at Entertainment Earth for $149.99 with free US shipping. Note that the light was developed in collaboration with Entertainment Earth, and it's eligible for their Star Wars Day discount. Star Wars orders over $100 are eligible for discounts of $10 - $50 through today, May 6th. Also, keep in mind that a USB cable is included for operation.

See the Star Wars Death Star Panel Wall Light at Entertainment Earth

"Experience the thrill of the Death Star in your own home. Equipped with color-changing capabilities and innovative music-reactive modes, this light dynamically responds to sound and music, immersing you in the intense drama of Star Wars. Whether you're setting the mood for a movie night, adding a cosmic touch to your Halloween decor, or elevating your everyday home ambiance, this light is an essential for fans and interior design enthusiasts alike.

Featuring a convenient remote control for effortless operation, this piece allows you to navigate the galaxy with the touch of a button. Let your friends and fellow Star Wars aficionados marvel at its unique design and interactive features, making it a conversation starter and a standout in any collection. Setup is a breeze too, thanks to the included USB cable."

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Hasbro Adds New Black Series Amazon Exclusives To Star Wars Day 2024 Lineup https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/hasbro-adds-new-black-series-amazon-exclusives-to-star-wars-day-2024-lineup/ Mon, 06 May 2024 13:42:00 +0000 Sean Fallon 1d999299-b2ee-4087-8f10-78bddf3f7bb9 716kqdu23ql-ac-sl1500.jpg

As you might have expected, a ridiculous amount of new products and deals launched for Star Wars Day / May the 4th 2024, and that included a big wave of new figures from Hasbro. On May the 4th they launched the Star Wars: The Vintage Collection X-Wing Pilot 4-Pack, Star Wars: The Black Series Darth Sidious, Super Battle Droid, Yoda & Clone Commander Gree, The Phantom Menace 3-Pack, and Retro Collection Episode II & Episode III Multipack. Today, May 6th, they added to that list with two Amazon Black Series exclusives - the Jedi: Survivor 3-Pack and Emperor Palpatine & Throne. A complete breakdown of Hasbro's Star Wars Day 2024 lineup can be found below.

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR 3-PACK ($69.99) - Amazon Exclusive: "STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR 3-pack, inspired by the appearances of the MagnaGuard, Super Battle Droid and Battle Droid characters in the iconic STAR WARS video game. In his fight to protect the galaxy, Cal Kestis must face a number of enemies - including reprogrammed MagnaGuards, advanced Super Battle Droids, and variant B1 Droids. Fans and collectors can display these fully articulated figures featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes 3 figures and 3 entertainment-inspired accessories including a spear with lightning FX for the MagnaGuard, blast FX for the Super Battle Droid, and an axe accessory for the Battle Droid."

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STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES EMPEROR PALPATINE & THRONE ($44.99) - Amazon Exclusive: "STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES EMPEROR PALPATINE & THONE pack, inspired by the character's appearance in STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Emperor Palpatine manipulated the Galactic Republic's political system until he was named Supreme Chancellor and eventually Emperor, ruling the galaxy through fear and tyranny. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail, photoreal design and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and 5 entertainment-inspired accessories including his throne, two alternate portrait heads and a set of alternate hands."

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As for the May the 4th Hasbro drops, you'll find details on those in the list below. Keep in mind that Entertainment Earth is offering $10 - $50 discounts on Star Wars purchases over $100 with free shipping through 5/6. Eligible items can be found here. Walmart is also running a special Star Wars Day promotion that will offer a free limited edition Star Wars pin when you upload your receipt for any Hasbro Star Wars item pre-ordered through Walmart.com between 3/21/24-5/13/24. That said, the upcoming Black Series Captain Enoch and Night Trooper 2-pack will be a Walmart exclusive. Odds are it will go up for pre-order here at Walmart along with other pin-eligible Star Wars items. Specific instructions on how to get the pin are as follows:

  • Shop: Purchase qualifying items(s) between 3/21/24-5/13/21 in one transaction, and star/check items(s) and the date on your receipt. These exclusive pins are available for a limited time only on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Snap: Snap a clear photo of the entire receipt with your phone.
  • Send: Head to www.preorderforapin.com and click "Get Started" to submit your receipt.
  • Register: After your photo is submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation and request to complete a registration form.

Star Wars Day 2024 Hasbro Drops:

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STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION X-WING PILOT 4-PACK: $54.99 - See at Entertainment Earth / Amazon: "A new generation of talented X-wing pilots proudly serve the New Republic, flying the venerable T-65 starfighters on both security patrols and critical missions. Fans can celebrate the legacy of STAR WARS, the action-and-adventure-packed space saga from a galaxy far, far away, with this premium 3.75-inch scale STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION X-WING PILOT 4-pack inspired by the characters' appearances in STAR WARS: AHSOKA. These figures feature premium detail and design across product and packaging inspired by the original Kenner line, as well as the entertainment-inspired collector grade deco. Includes 4 figures and 10 entertainment-inspired accessories including removable helmets, plus 3 sets of small and medium-size blasters."

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STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES DARTH SIDIOUS: $24.99 - See at Entertainment Earth / Amazon: "STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES DARTH SIDIOUS figure, inspired by the character's appearance in STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH. The scheming Darth Sidious lived a double life as Palpatine, a Naboo Senator and phantom menace who manipulated the Galactic Republic's political system until he was named Supreme Chancellor. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and 3 entertainment-inspired accessories including Darth Sidious' signature red-bladed Lightsaber and two alternate lightning FX hands."

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(Photo: Q)

STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES SUPER BATTLE DROID: $24.99 - See at Entertainment Earth / Amazon: "STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES SUPER BATTLE DROID figure, inspired by the character's appearance in STAR WARS: ATTACK OF THE CLONES. Stronger and more advanced than the standard mechanical soldier, super battle droids run tirelessly and fearlessly into battle, reducing their targets to smoldering ruins with their cannon fire. Fans and collectors can display this fully articulated figure featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes figure and blast FX accessory."

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STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES CAPTAIN ENOCH & NIGHT TROOPER: $49.99 - See exclusively at Walmart: "STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES CAPTAIN ENOCH & NIGHT TROOPER 2-pack, inspired by the characters' appearances in STAR WARS: AHSOKA. Captain Enoch, Grand Admiral Thrawn's captain of the guard, is an ominous sentinel who wears a modified helmet with a golden face hammered into its mask. Brought to life by the sinister majik of the Great Mothers, Night Troopers are a macabre fighting force. Fans and collectors can display these fully articulated figures featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes 2 figures and 2 blaster accessories. "

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STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES YODA & CLONE COMMANDER GREE: $49.99 - See exclusively at Hasbro Pulse: "STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES YODA & CLONE COMMANDER GREE 2-pack, inspired by the characters' appearances in STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. Small in size but wise and powerful, Jedi Master Yoda played an integral role in the Clone Wars - including briefly commanding a sub-unit of the 41st Elite Corps on Kashyyyk. Clone Commander Gree, designation 1004, assisted Yoda as second in command until Order 66 was enacted. Fans and collectors can display these fully articulated figures featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes 2 figures and 7 entertainment-inspired accessories including for Yoda an alternate head, his signature green Lightsaber and unlit hilt, plus his council chair and walking stick. Clone Commander Gree includes 2 blaster accessories."

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STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE 3-PACK: $74.99 - See exclusively at GameStop: "STAR WARS fans and collectors can imagine scenes from the STAR WARS galaxy with this premium 6-inch STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE 3-pack, featuring Qui-Gon Jinn, Darth Maul and Obi-Wan Kenobi, inspired by the characters' appearances during the "Duel of Fates" scene in STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE. Darth Maul came to Naboo with a mission to destroy Queen Amidala. Instead, he was met with the formidable Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi - and a fateful battle began. Fans and collectors can display these fully articulated figures featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation in their collection. Includes 3 figures and 3 entertainment-inspired accessories including each character's signature Lightsabers.."

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STAR WARS: RETRO COLLECTION EPISODE II & EPISODE III MULTIPACK: $59.99 - See exclusively at Hasbro Pulse: "After the onset of the Clone Wars, the Jedi bring together a massive clone army to fight the Separatists in a battle that will alter the course of history for the noble Jedi Order. Inspired by the original 1970s Kenner STAR WARS action figures, this STAR WARS: RETRO COLLECTION EPISODE II & EPISODE III MULTIPACK features premium design and five points of articulation across all figures. These 3.75-inch-scale figures are detailed to look like the Padm? Amidala, Jango Fett, Mace Windu as they appeared in STAR WARS: ATTACK OF THE CLONES, and Anakin Skywalker, a clone trooper, and General Grievous as they appeared in STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH. These figures feature classic Kenner branding, as well as packaging treated with a weathered look. Imagine the excitement of the '70s when the STAR WARS original trilogy had just begun. Includes 6 figures and 10 accessories."

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Star Wars: The Phantom Menace's Ahmed Best Talks Franchise's "Strong Political Undertones" https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-the-phantom-menace-ahmed-best-jar-jar-franchise-strong-political-undertones/ Sun, 05 May 2024 22:54:00 +0000 Jamie Jirak 449b5621-7129-4e3f-8b07-d5ee2eb449db

Yesterday was May 4th, which means fans of Star Wars celebrated the franchise in various ways. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was rereleased in theaters, and ComicBook had the chance to chat with Jar Jar Binks actor, Ahemd Best, at the grand opening of Bricks and Minifigs in Pasadena, California. In addition to playing Jar Jar in the prequel films, Best also portrayed Kelleran Beq in Jedi Temple Challenge and Star Wars: The Mandalorian. During our chat, Best spoke about The Phantom Menace rerelease and how May 4th has become a huge day for Star Wars fans. We brought up the fact that "Star Wars Day" has only become a craze in recent years, and the actor joked that it was taking away from Cinco De Mayo.

"I was just thinking, Mexicans must be pissed, because Cinco De Mayo was the holiday and now they're just like, 'Man, these nerdy Star Wars people are just taking the whole weekend,'" Best quipped. After giving the room a good laugh, Best turned the conversation a little more serious by explaining why the political sides of Star Wars are so important.

"All of these movies have very strong political undertones," Best began when asked if he had a message for fans on May 4th. "So Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Sith were all done under the George W. Bush era. And even so much so that Anakin in Sith has a line, 'You're either with us or against us.' And that's directly from what happened during the George Bush era."

"And there is a reason why there is a light and a dark and a journey in between them," he continued. "And that is a direct reflection on who we are as human beings. And I think as we watch these movies, we have to also remember that what we are watching is not just 'a galaxy far, far away, a long time ago,' but it is a reflection of how history repeats itself. And we have the ability to create a history that we can either see as a dark side of history or a light side of history."

"So this isn't just movies that we watch that we love. This is a mythology that we can learn from," Best explained. "And as we move forward, and the more of these things that are being made, we can look at them and we can make them as a reflection of who we are, but we can also make them as a reflection of who we want to be. And if there is anything that this May the 4th day should bring to us all, it is the idea that we can actually build these universes and be these people that we want to be, and make the feeling of the Force something real, and something that could move us to be better as human beings."

Stay tuned for more from our interview with Ahmed Best.

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Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Star Ahmed Best Plans To See Rerelease in Theaters, Addresses Star Wars Celebration Japan https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-the-phantom-menace-ahmed-best-jar-jar-rerelease-star-wars-celebration-japan/ Sun, 05 May 2024 18:59:00 +0000 Jamie Jirak 8892ee75-a2cb-488a-9e0b-194e9d4e7683

It's been a big week for Star Wars fans as folks around the world celebrated the franchise on May 4th. In addition to the annual "Star Wars Day," Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was rereleased in theaters this weekend in honor of its 25th anniversary. Not only did the movie have a successful little haul at the box office, but some fans were surprised by an appearance from Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi). Turns out, McGregor isn't the only Phantom star who plans to glimpse the movie on the big screen. Yesterday, ComicBook had the chance to interview Ahemd Best (Jar Jar Binks) at the grand opening of Bricks and Minifigs in Pasadena, California. Best was there with Popup Con, a cool event he started a few years ago. During the chat, the actor explained the history of the con, talked about catching the Phantom Menace rerelease in theaters, and addressed the upcoming Star Wars Celebration in Japan.

"It came out yesterday, so I haven't been to theaters yet, but I'm going to go this weekend and see what it's like," Best shared. However, the actor doesn't plan to make his presence known, adding that he will "try to be incognito" to "see how the reception is." Best has had a complicated history with Jar Jar and has opened up in the past about how the backlash to his character was incredibly difficult for him. However, there has been a resurgence of love for the character in addition to the film, and Best is "excited that it's back on the big screen."

"I think something needs to bring people back to these theaters, and for that big screen experience," Best explained. "And Phantom Menace was made for a big screen experience ... George [Lucas] always looked at movies in a 'real estate.' So things are put on the screen for a reason. When he built Phantom Menace, he built it for the dimensions that this screen was supposedly going to take up ... It's about the experience, and he's very specific about that ... He's not only just a wonderful cinephile, but as somebody who is able to craft screen art, he's incredibly detailed and incredibly specific, and he means everything he puts on a screen, every frame has a meaning. And the size of the screen matters just as much as what's on the screen."

What Is Popup Con?

"So Popup Con actually started before the pandemic," Best shared. "I always wanted to do something primarily to look at small niche businesses. When it came to entertainment stuff, I grew up in comic book stores all my life. I grew up in toy stores all my life ... And I always loved the cultures that were around it. Every time I would go to a comic book store when I was a kid, it'd be all the same people ... You'd have all of these people who were so passionate, not just about what was in the store, but the store itself. It's something that I always really loved. And when big box stores came in, that kind of disappeared."

"The big conventions are cool, but sometimes it gets a little much," Best explained. "Sometimes it's very difficult to have the stamina to do all of them, and sometimes it gets kind of transactional, more transactional than I like. I kind of like the fact that you get to talk to people. I like the fact that you get to know people and you get a little bit of time. So I was like, 'Well, what if there was a con that would just pop up in these very niche mom-and-pop stores?' Especially things like comic book stores or video stores or Lego stores or toy stores, and it would be the people affiliated with the store, but you can also spend a little bit more time with people coming through, and that's when Popup Con comes."

We asked Best if his preference for smaller venues meant he wouldn't be going to Star Wars Celebration Japan in 2025, but the actor still isn't sure.

"I don't know yet," Best explained. "It's about scheduling more than anything else. I want to go to Japan. I love Japan so very much."

Stay tuned for more from our interview with Ahmed Best.

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Star Wars: Ewan McGregor Surprises Fans at Phantom Menace Rerelease https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-phantom-menace-rerelease-ewan-mcgregor-surprise-fans-obi-wan/ Sun, 05 May 2024 18:09:00 +0000 Charlie Ridgely e0a49612-90fa-4a8b-a385-615511987bfa

This May the 4th has certainly been an eventful one for Star Wars fans. Disney and Lucasfilm rereleased Star Wars: The Phantom Menace back into theaters for its 25th anniversary, and its return to the big screen has been wildly successful. The Phantom Menace pulled in more than $8 million at the box office over the weekend, finishing second domestically despite being more than two decades old. As it turns out, fans of the film weren't the only ones heading out to see it.

Ewan McGregor, who made his Star Wars debut as Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Phantom Menace, made a surprise appearance at one of the film's screenings over the weekend. In the photo below, you can see McGregor in front of a crowd at a screening of The Phantom Menace, microphone in hand and addressing those in attendance. Take a look!

McGregor first appeared as the younger Obi-Wan in 1999, taking over for Sir Alec Guinness who originated the role in 1977's Star Wars. The actor would go on to reprise the role in the rest of the prequel trilogy. He returned back in 2022, bridging the gap between the prequels and original trilogy for a limited series on Disney+.

Since that show's debut, Star Wars fans have wondered if they will see McGregor again, especially considering how much love he has for the role.

"The truth is I've talked about having to cover for doing the Obi-Wan season for years, I had to lie about that and I'm not lying about this now," McGregor told LADbible. "I don't know. There's been no phone call to me from Lucasfilm, or Disney saying, 'Let's do another one.' Obi-Wan was made as a limited series and it's out and people like it, which I'm very, very pleased about. I love doing it. I hope we get a chance to do another one and I'm sure we will. I'm pretty sure, you know, I've got a few years yet before I'm the same age as Alec Guinness was in [Star Wars:] A New Hope. So there's time to tell more stories in there."

The Phantom Menace continues its latest run in theaters into the week. The film is also streaming on Disney+, along with the rest of the Star Wars franchise.

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Star Wars Brings Dejarik to Life in New Board Game https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/star-wars-brings-dejarik-to-life-in-new-board-game/ Sun, 05 May 2024 14:10:00 +0000 Christian Hoffer 702f4f2f-283b-4d4f-bdac-c92a171a54d1

A new version of the Star Wars game Dejarik is now available both at the Disney Store and at Disney theme parks. Yesterday, Disney began sales for the Galactic Archive Series version of Dejarik, the classic chess-like game first seen in Star Wars: A New Hope. While Disney had previously produced versions of Dejarik to sell at their parks, the new version comes with clear plastic pieces and a board that lights up, making the pieces look like holographic projections like in the movies. The new game set can be found on the Disney Store now.

Dejarik, in Star Wars canon, is a holographic board game that dates back before the Clone Wars. The game consists of eight pieces, four controlled by each player, with the goal being to clear the board of opponent pieces. On a turn, players could either move their piece, attack another piece, or activate a special ability. The game notably featured the pieces fighting each other in holographic form. Most infamously, Chewbacca supposedly ripped off the arms of opponents who beat him, leading to the popular Star Wars quote "Let the Wookie win." Lucasfilm created rules for Dejarik, but never publicly released them. However, Disney released a version of the game for sale in 2019, which also included a checkers board on the flip side.

Disney has also notably has released a version of Sabaac, a card game found in the Star Wars universe. That game involves trying to play a hand that adds up to 23, although the game uses cards with holopatterns that shift unpredictably. Han Solo notably won the Millennium Falcon in a game of Sabaac from Lando Calrissian, with Solo: A Star Wars Story revealing that Solo had prevented Calrissian from cheating by stealing a hidden card.

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Mark Hamill Visits White House for Star Wars Day https://comicbook.com/irl/news/mark-hamill-visits-white-house-for-star-wars-day/ Sun, 05 May 2024 03:16:00 +0000 Nicole Drum 122cb228-283e-4734-94ad-8910d71f3842

It's May 4th, better known to Star Wars fans as, well, Star Wars Day and this year, Luke Skywalker himself Mark Hamill paid a visit to the White House in what he described as a "make-believe defender of the galaxy" meeting a "real-life defender of democracy". On social media, Hamill shared a photo of himself with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office. Hamill also told press (via USA Today) that his visit this year, while not his first to the White House, was the first time he'd ever been to the Oval Office.

"I was honored to be asked to come to the White House to meet the President, the most legislatively successful president in my lifetime," Hamill said. He went on to say that the president had said that he could call him "Joe" but Hamill asked if he could call him "Joe-Bi-Wan-Kenobi".

"He liked that," Hamill said.

Star Wars: The Acolyte Got a New Poster, Trailer For Star Wars Day

Hamill visiting the White House wasn't the only way that Star Wars Day was celebrated by and for fans of the beloved franchise. On Saturday, Star Wars: The Acolyte got a new trailer and poster for the upcoming series to mark the day. The series is set to take place in The High Republic and, according to series creator Leslie Headland, will honor all eras of Star Wars and include elements from across the franchise so there is something truly for every Star Wars fan.

"It's a show packed with everything I wanted to explore: I wanted EU [Expanded Universe] stuff in there, references to the original trilogy, The Phantom Menace, the Disney sequels... it's absolutely packed. Because you never know, you may not get the chance again," Headland said previously.

"[Cinematographer] Chris [Teague] and I talked a lot about honoring George Lucas' camera moves," the showrunner continued. "I would say the original trilogy became our touchpoint for how to craft the world, while the Episode I-ness of the show is a bit more thematic."

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew's Release Window Was Also Just Revealed

On Friday, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, the next big Star Wars series to land on Disney+, was given an official release window with the series set to arrive sometime during this holiday season. Skeleton Crew will star Jude Law and Kerry Condon and will focus on a young generation of characters in a galaxy far, far away. Season 1 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is set to consist of eight episodes.

"Jon Watts came to me, very much wanting to do a sort of Goonies in Star Wars," Kennedy told ComicBook at least year's Star Wars Celebration. "Needless to say, I'm going to say yes. And so, it's just evolved out of that kind of enthusiasm in wanting to tell stories in this space."

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Star Wars: Josh Gad Volunteers to Play Jabba the Hutt's Nephew for Franchise https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-josh-gad-casting-franchise-jabba-the-hutt/ Sat, 04 May 2024 17:15:00 +0000 Patrick Cavanaugh e2a14db4-c843-4c0b-9c3c-87caa6d7dbc9

With the legacy that the Star Wars franchise has earned over nearly 50 years, for some actors and filmmakers, becoming an official part of the series could spoil other elements of enjoying the franchise as a fan. Actor Josh Gad has been involved with the galaxy far, far away in a number of promotional opportunities for the saga, and while he contributed a voice to Star Wars Rebels, he's yet to become a significant part of a Star Wars project. While Gad expressed that he had an experience visiting the set of The Mandalorian and how that spoiled the debut of "Baby Yoda" initially, his passion for the franchise means he would "absolutely" become an official part of the saga, even if he was relegated to playing a member of Jabba the Hutt's family.

While speaking with ComicBook.com about his recent Star Wars Day video regarding an OREO cookie fan theory, when asked about if he was interested in crossing the fandom threshold to become a part of the franchise, Gad confirmed, "Oh, yeah, absolutely. If they were to offer me Donnie the Hutt, like Jabba's nephew or something like that, I would do it in a second."

He added, "I will tell you that I have actually been on the flip side of this where I have been invited to numerous Star Wars sets, and have learned things way before the movies came out that I was actually very sad that I knew. I saw Baby Yoda about a year before anybody knew about Baby Yoda, so that was both cool, but also slightly disappointing because then I couldn't be surprised."

Interestingly enough, Gad isn't the only person to recently express their interest in being involved in Star Wars by any means necessary, as Billie Lourd, who played Lieutenant Connix in the sequel trilogy, isn't ready to put the franchise behind her entirely.

While speaking with ComicBook.com about her recent collaboration with eBay and her acting future with Star Wars, Lourd expressed, "Bring back Connix! I would love to bring back Connix. I would love to be involved in the universe in any way possible. I love being an ambassador. I wrote an essay, 'The Keeper of Leia,' and I love playing that role. I'm also obsessed, I'm a fangirl. I would do anything. I'll be a creature, I'll do whatever, run a droid and do the controls from behind the scenes. Anything I can do to be involved in this universe, I would do, because I just adore it so much."

Stay tuned for updates on Gad's possible future with Star Wars.

Would you like to see Gad join the franchise? Contact Patrick Cavanaugh directly on Twitter or on Instagram to talk all things Star Wars and horror!

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Star Wars: Josh Gad Celebrates May the 4th by Revealing Secret OREO Fan Theory https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-day-josh-gad-oreo-theory-hidden-interview-baby-yoda-reaction/ Sat, 04 May 2024 17:10:00 +0000 Patrick Cavanaugh f29a3741-7047-4e2a-9559-1b57b9c7e96b

During the development and the release of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, fans crafted all manner of theories about how the films connected to other corners of the galaxy far, far away, while also speculating about how clues in the films could hint at what was to come for the saga. With today being Star Wars Day, fans around the world are sharing their love of the sci-fi series, with comedian and vocal supporter of Star Wars Josh Gad taking to social media to introduce an all-new theory: that OREO cookies were hidden throughout the franchise as a way for the filmmakers to pay respects to the beloved snack.

In the video below, you can see Gad hilariously point out all the ways in which OREO has influenced the saga, and while some of his theories come across as almost believable, Gad descends into absurdity by claiming R2-D2 even had compartments specifically designed to carry the confectionary.

In honor of Star Wars Day and his new OREO theory, ComicBook.com caught up with Gad to talk his love of Star Wars, OREO cookies, and his real feelings about Baby Yoda.

ComicBook.com: I think you can get a sense that I'm not one to mess around, I'm not one to pull my punches, so we are going to start off on something controversial and I need to hold you accountable and figure out: are you a regular OREO fan or are you a Double Stuf OREO fan?

Josh Gad: You know what? I'm going to have to go with regular. Look, I was born in the '80s. It's what I grew up with. It's what I know. It may be traditional, but look at me. I'm traditional. I'm a traditionalist.

They each have their merits and I do appreciate you coming clean and owning up to a hot-button issue that has been out there for quite a few years. Along those lines, when it comes to beverages and OREOs, are you a dunker or are you more of a drinker?

I'm a dunker. There's something about -- and it's actually very interesting, the only time I will ever voluntarily consume milk on its own is with an OREO cookie. I have a "no milk" policy. There's something about drinking milk that just makes me feel like I'm six years old and about to be screamed at by a teacher, and so I do it covertly, but I will pour a cold glass of milk and dip my OREO in it and consume it. I like the texture as it's dunked and inserted into my mouth.

That actually is my very next question, so I appreciate you setting me up. When we're talking milk, are we doing dairy milk, are we doing almond milk, or are we doing blue milk?

If I had access to authentic blue milk, I would choose blue milk. Sadly, Whole Foods doesn't yet carry intergalactic milk products, so I'm stuck with more of a whole milk situation. I think that that's not to say it wouldn't work in almond milk, I've never tried it. I've also never tried it in goat's milk or soy milk. There's various opportunities to see different flavor profiles that I feel it could be like the new version of wine pairing. That could be exciting. I just haven't done those yet. I just pour a glass of regular old-fashioned milk from a cow's udder, and I dip my cookie made in a processing plant into my mouth.

It's hard to argue with the classics. They don't go out of style. However, when it comes to new innovations in cookie technology, especially how OREO has been pushing things to new heights and introducing lots of different varietals, outside of the traditional OREO cookie, do you have a favorite varietal? Or do you even have an idea for a varietal that doesn't exist yet?

My friend Adam Shapiro, Shappy, as I call him, has been bringing the flavor variations of OREO to my attention for quite some time now, and so I've dabbled in quite a few of them.

I would love to see a savory OREO. I don't know if that exists. I haven't tried one, but I'd love to see what would happen if we had -- think of a pretzel-infused OREO situation. It may not work, it could even be catastrophic, but again, we won't know until we've at least experimented.

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

That's right.

Plus, even if there has been a savory flavor, I feel like these varietals are on the shelf for a week before it's replaced with whatever the new innovation is.

Do you know what I've never tried that I really want to try? A fried OREO. That's something that I'd really like to try at some point. My doctor does not want me to try that. I think it would be really delicious, though.

Listen, as a temporary representative of OREO, I don't think you're necessarily endorsing that people go out and do this, but you can say, as a human being with wants and needs, let's get you some deep-fried OREOs.

I think so. I think I've earned them.

Well, we've chatted at least a fair bit about OREO--

I don't think we've chatted enough about OREO, actually.

Let's hear about this partnership, you've collaborated with OREO in honor of Star Wars. How did this OREO theory that fans will be learning about, how did this whole opportunity come about?

Well, as anyone who knows me can attest, two of my favorite things -- outside of my children -- are OREOs and Star Wars, and both of them I actually share with my children. Occasionally, I will hold back on OREOs sometimes, but I love both of those things.

It came to my attention that there's more crossover between both of these incredible, fan favorites than one may have noticed until now. When you look deeply enough, you start finding OREOs popping up in all sorts of places in the Star Wars universe. From architecture to face masks to, dare I say, even lightsaber blades. I think that if you look hard enough, you will see that there's no way that the Star Wars films could have been made without OREO cookies.

And that's not meant to be a controversial statement, it's just meant to be a statement of fact. That's just something that is, what's the word? Indisputable. It's very hard to look at the Millennium Falcon and not think to yourself, "That's a flying OREO cookie." It's not impossible, but it's unlikely that wasn't what the filmmakers were attempting.

I remember specifically ahead of the sequel trilogy coming out and things about Snoke and his origins before we learned his true origins in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, but as a Star Wars fan, are you one to dive deep into Reddit theories about "does this actually mean this?" and who really was Darth Plagueis? Or are you more just thinking, "You know what, I'm going to let these filmmakers just tell me what's what,"?

If you've ever seen my videos interrogating Daisy Ridley, you'll know that I am not one to settle for just what is readily available. I like to go deep. I'm curious to hear your theory on Darth Plagueis. I think we both think Palpatine killed him, but do we have a motive? Do we have DNA?

I heard that Palpatine killed him. It was actually a dispute that Plagueis was attempting to use bantha milk to dunk some OREOs in, and Palpatine refused to allow such a thing to happen.

Well, I know that Doku was lactose intolerant, so I knew that that was very difficult for him, but I didn't know about this theory. That's interesting.

Because I guess since there's always two, according to the Sith "Rule of Two," it was that Palpatine had heard from Plagueis' doctor that his Midichlorian counts were really out of whack.

Well, you've got to do a physical once a year. You have to check your Midichlorian counts.

I apologize, by the way. I said "Doku" and I meant "Dooku," and now the entire Star Wars fan base is going to come after me with OREO lightsabers and I don't want that. I don't want that headache. I don't need that headache. I want to apologize. Switching that vowel was below me, and I'm very sorry.

I'm glad because I was about to mention that Plagueis' Doctor was actually Dr. Evazan, and then I thought, "Wait, actually, the timeline might not line up."

It might not line up.

Evazan might've been pre-med, so I'm glad that you made such a blunder to prevent me from implicating myself. When it comes to Star Wars Day, how do you and your kids and your family celebrate it? Is it just every day is Star Wars Day in your house?

May the 4th is the one day that's ... It's every other day for me that is Star Wars Day, and that becomes my Sabbath. My day of rest.

No, every year is different. Sometimes there will be a lightsaber battle in my home, other times there will not. So it's really those two variations that play out the most. I'm very excited about May the 4th.

Again, it's the rule of two. It's either there are lightsaber battles, or there are not lightsaber battles.

Or there's not, yeah. There's not much else, I wish I could tell you that my family and I use the Force on each other. We don't. We don't have that genetic attribute.

You love Star Wars, and you've even gotten to contribute to a variety of Star Wars projects over the years, and with the franchise growing, a lot of people are getting opportunities to enter the franchise in ways previously unavailable. For you, if there was the opportunity of, "Josh, we really want you to play a main character in a Star Wars thing," and therefore it would ruin the mystery of Star Wars as a fan, do you think you'd jump at the opportunity to become an official part of the franchise?

Oh, yeah, absolutely. If they were to offer me Donnie the Hutt, like Jabba's nephew or something like that, I would do it in a second.

I will tell you that I have actually been on the flip side of this where I have been invited to numerous Star Wars sets, and have learned things way before the movies came out that I was actually very sad that I knew. I saw Baby Yoda about a year before anybody knew about Baby Yoda, so that was both cool, but also slightly disappointing because then I couldn't be surprised.

And also realizing, "Oh, this is just a puppet on set," as opposed to an actual character.

Yeah, but it was a very cool puppet. I got to play with it.


Stay tuned for updates on the Star Wars franchise.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. You can contact Patrick Cavanaugh directly on Twitter.

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Star Wars: The Acolyte Reveals New Poster https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/star-wars-day-acolyte-carrie-anne-moss-lee-jung-jae-amandla-stenberg-poster/ Sat, 04 May 2024 15:58:00 +0000 Aaron Perine f8f27fc6-4bd0-41d0-9507-7433fd145027

Star Wars: The Acolyte decided to shake things up on Star Wars Day with a new trailer and a poster. A morning that was already buzzing with Star Wars content on social media has now morphed into fans cheering the new trailer for Star Wars: The Acolyte. All of the principal cast is there including Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, and Carrie-Anne Moss. With this show occurring so early in the Star Wars timeline, viewers get to meet a lot more Jedi this time around.

However, Stenberg's villain is looking to cut those numbers down where they stand. There's also the fact of the mysterious masked Force user that arrives near the end of that trailer to do battle with Lee Jung-jae and those horrified Jedi. (For what it's worth, our money is on that being the first massive Sith rebirth that accelerates the downfall of our noble heroes in time for things to completely hit the fan in the Prequel Trilogy...) There's a lot of freshness to Star Wars: The Acolyte and that makes all of these new drops exciting to experience. Check out the poster for yourself right here!

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(Photo: Disney+)

Star Wars: The Acolyte Honors All Eras Of Star Wars

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(Photo: Lucasfilm)

With Star Wars: The Acolyte taking place in The High Republic, the canvas is a lot more open for the creative team to spread their wings. Such an idea makes Leslie Headland very excited. She told Total Film that her approach to the Disney+ series was to include as much Star Wars as possible. So, expect elements from all across the franchise to pop-up in unexpected and delightful ways when The Acolyte streams on Disney+. This has remained a fun element of the current era of Star Wars. Creators can sift through untold tomes of ideas to make their own shows or movies. While paying respect to, and rewarding longterm fans for their investment.

Headland told the site, "It's a show packed with everything I wanted to explore: I wanted EU [Expanded Universe] stuff in there, references to the original trilogy, The Phantom Menace, the Disney sequels... it's absolutely packed. Because you never know, you may not get the chance again."

"[Cinematographer] Chris [Teague] and I talked a lot about honoring George Lucas' camera moves," the showruner continued. "I would say the original trilogy became our touchpoint for how to craft the world, while the Episode I-ness of the show is a bit more thematic."

Star Wars: The Acolyte Quickly Approaches

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(Photo: Lucasfilm)

Lucasfilm and Disney+'s new live-action series is set to cause quite a stir. Here's what they have to say about it: "In "Star Wars: The Acolyte," an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems...."

Star Wars: The Acolyte begins the journey towards the end June 4, exclusively on Disney+.

Are you digging the new poster? Catch all of our pop culture discussion at @ComicBook on social media!

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Star Wars: The Acolyte Teases New Villain In May 4th Trailer https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/star-wars-the-acolyte-trailer-sith-villain-star-wars-day/ Sat, 04 May 2024 15:12:00 +0000 Aaron Perine 085fa7df-80b5-4e90-a5a9-e45a1a6d953b

Star Wars: The Acolyte's new trailer just hit for Star Wars Day. As social media lights up with messages celebrating the Lucasfilm franchise, they decided to ring in the holiday with a new look at what the Jedi are up against this time. Star Wars: The Acolyte is a story from long before even the Prequel Trilogy. In the time of The High Republic, the Jedi are basically unopposed. However, times are changing and the end of their reign as unchallenged peacekeepers is closer to ending than any of them realize.

With all of that in mind, will a small group investigating a Force-user realize what's going on before things are too far gone. A telltale red lightsaber is a shocking sight in an era where The Sith are more legend than fact. All of the Jedi in this new trailer look genuinely horrified by the discovery. Something is hunting their friends and if they don't get a handle on the situation quickly, they're probably going to be next! Check out the new clip for yourself down below.

Star Wars: The Acolyte Turns Attention Towards The Sith

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(Photo: Disney+)

Of course, the biggest draw in the trailer so far is the Sith opposing the Jedi in an era where the noble knights have no substantive opposition. The show's creator Leslye Headland talked to Entertainment Weekly about her intentions for this Star Wars entry. In her eyes, anyone who stepped up to the Jedi would be an underdog in their own right. So, how do you make instantly recognizable villains interesting as a motivating factor? That was the question that Headland had to grapple with assembling The Acolyte. What drives someone to do a "bad thing" and are the absolutes of Jedi and Sith really that cut and dry when you get right down to it?

"I really wanted to tell a story about the Sith," Headland told the outlet earlier this year. "That was kind of my dream Star Wars idea. But it felt like the time period to do that in would be something pre-Phantom Menace. That seemed to be the most interesting trajectory for the Sith: How did the Sith go from the Rule of Two and being quote-unquote 'extinct' to Palpatine coming into power without the Jedi knowing about it?"

What's Coming In Star Wars: The Acolyte?

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Disney+ has a new description for the live-action series: "In "Star Wars: The Acolyte," an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems...."

Star Wars: The Acolyte ignites on June 4, exclusively on Disney+.

What do you think of the new trailer? Catch all of our pop culture discussion at @ComicBook on social media!

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New Fortnite Star Wars Twitch Drops Give Players Free Loot https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/fortnite-star-wars-twitch-drops/ Sat, 04 May 2024 14:39:00 +0000 Tanner Dedmon f94a4b84-e1c4-4e6e-85f3-c2bed86f6c7f

The Item Shop in Fortnite is filled with different Star Wars outfits, back blings, emotes, and much more now that the big May 4th celebrations are well underway, but not everything that you can get from this event will drain your V-Bucks in the Item Shop. While not nearly as big as some of the outfits like Lando and Chewbacca, Fortnite players can score some easy loot from Twitch by participating in a Twitch Drops campaign again, but this one looks a bit different compared to the usual ones where you just have to watch Fortnite streamers for a set amount of time.

This Twitch Drops campaign, by comparison, is a bit more interactive, but only for half of it. The first half of the new Twitch drops (and arguably the better half, too) can be acquired by just linking up your Epic Games and Twitch accounts. If you've done that in the past already for previous campaigns, you should automatically get the Growling Chewbacca emote, but if you haven't, all you have to do is pair them together to get the emote below.

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If you're happy with your Twitch Drops loot after that, you can stop there, but if you want a new loading screen as well, you can take part in a virtual scavenger hunt where you have to watch Twitch streamers while they're playing Fortnite and collect items that show up on your screen.

To get started, simply head over to Twitch and find Fortnite streamers that have the "Choose Your Side" Twitch extension enabled. Most who do have it will likely have it marked in the tags for their stream or the stream's name itself, so it should be pretty easy to pick out who to watch. Once you find your streamer, just watch their stream and make sure to look for items that appear on-screen related to this Star Wars quest. If you see them, you have to click on them to add them to your collection, and once you've collected them all, you get the Galaxies Collide loading screen below.

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"Be quick: you only have a limited time to click and catch the items, otherwise they'll disappear and you'll need to wait for them to show up again! You can see a list of all the items you've caught in the Collection tab of the extension," the Epic Games announcement about these Twitch Drops warned. "Once you complete your collection on Twitch, you'll be rewarded with the Galaxies Collide Loading Screen in Fortnite!"

Fortnite's new Twitch Drops for the Star Wars loot above are both live now.

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Star Wars: Tales of the Empire: Meredith Salenger Explains the Moral of Bariss Offee's Story https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/star-wars-tales-of-the-empire-meredith-salenger-explains-bariss-offee-story/ Sat, 04 May 2024 04:51:00 +0000 Jenna Anderson 8449306c-20b7-47b6-98a1-a395609d134f

With this week's Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, the galaxy far, far away is once again being expanded upon. The Disney+ miniseries offers a batch of animated episodes about two of the Empire's most surprising antiheroines, including Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger). Star Wars fans know that Barriss has had quite the unique path over the years, with her story being told throughout animation and other mediums. While speaking with ComicBook about her role in Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, Salenger spoke about the biggest lessons fans can learn from Barriss' story, especially when they take her complicated history into consideration.

"Listen, I think every character is presented with choices that can define their destiny," Salenger explained in our interview, which you can check out above. "I think the show leaves you with this wonderful message that you always have a choice of how you're going to proceed in your life. Where fates take you, where your inner moral code takes you. There is something in Barriss, she has a strength and she has conviction in her beliefs and I think she follows them. I think sometimes you're forced to do you might not want to do, but I still think there is an inherent strength in Barriss that leads her to her choices."

Will Barriss Offee Reunite with Ahsoka?

In the same interview, Salenger addressed the possibility of continuing one of Barriss' most surprising narrative threads -- her dynamic with Ahsoka Tano.

"All I'm gonna say is, this was three episodes, so we don't know what happens," Salenger explained in our interview, which you can check out above. "I hope things happen, I believe she would like to have a reunion with her to hash things out and, perhaps, apologize, I don't know. That's my personal thought but it's all up to Dave [Filoni] and I would love to see Bariss chatting with Ahsoka again. I think they'd have a lot to talk about. "

What Is Star Wars: Tales of the Empire About?

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.

The voice cast of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire includes Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth), Meredith Salenger (Barriss Offee), Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor) and Matthew Wood (General Grievous). Dave Filoni created the series and is the supervising director. He is also an executive producer along with Athena Yvette Portillo and Carrie Beck. Josh Rimes serves as co-executive producer and Alex Spotswood is the senior producer.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire launches exclusively on Disney+ on Star Wars Day, May 4, with all six episodes. If you haven't signed up for Disney+ yet, you can try it out here.

Note: If you purchase one of the awesome, independently chosen products featured here, we may earn a small commission from the retailer. Thank you for your support.

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Star Wars Citizen Darth Maul Mastermind Watch Debuts For Star Wars Day 2024 https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/citizen-star-wars-day-2024-darth-maul-mastermind/ Sat, 04 May 2024 04:00:00 +0000 Sean Fallon 566e9e64-d7fa-4f0f-9388-3557340044c3 darth-maul-mastermind-lifestyle.jpg

Citizen's Star Wars watches are the go-to timepieces for the refined geek. The designs are fun but classy, and the watches are well made and often include their Eco-Drive light-powered technology. As part of the Star Wars Day aka May the 4th festivities, Citizen is adding to their extensive collection of watches from a galaxy far away with the Darth Maul Mastermind.

"This timepiece features the Sith Lord engraved on the backside of the case and on the seconds sub-dial. His signature double-bladed red Lightsabers are represented in the hands, and an illustration on the dial and two gold-tone pushers replicate his horns evoking the powerful and daring nature of the infamous warrior." You can pick up the Darth Maul Mastermind watch here at the Citizen website starting today, May 4th. Inside that link you'll find additional Star Wars designs, many of which are heavily discounted for Star Wars Day. Some of our favorite designs include the following:

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While you're at it, make sure to check out our extensive list of all the big product drops and deals that are happening on Star Wars Day 2024. The lineup includes LEGO sets, limited edition ligthsaber replicas, apparel, hot sauce and blue milk - you name it.

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Star Wars: Tales of the Empire: Meredith Salenger on Barriss Offee Reuniting With Ahsoka Tano https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/star-wars-tales-of-the-empire-meredith-salenger-barriss-offee-reuniting-ahsoka-tano/ Fri, 03 May 2024 23:58:00 +0000 Jenna Anderson 10bc01d3-2db2-40a0-a9f3-6a4d926a51fb

The release of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is almost here, bringing to life an animated miniseries about some of the galaxy's most formidable antiheroes. This will include Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger), an Inquisitor who has appeared in a number of Star Wars stories over the years. While speaking to ComicBook about her role on Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, Salenger addressed the possibility of continuing one of Barriss' most surprising narrative threads -- her dynamic with Ahsoka Tano.

"All I'm gonna say is, this was three episodes, so we don't know what happens," Salenger explained in our interview, which you can check out above. "I hope things happen, I believe she would like to have a reunion with her to hash things out and, perhaps, apologize, I don't know. That's my personal thought but it's all up to Dave [Filoni] and I would love to see Bariss chatting with Ahsoka again. I think they'd have a lot to talk about. "

Is Star Wars: Ahsoka Renewed For Season 2?

Earlier this year, with the announcement that a new movie surrounding The Mandalorian and Grogu is officially in the works, Lucasfilm also confirmed that a second season of Star Wars: Ahsoka has been greenlit. A release date for the project has yet to be set, although series creator Dave Filoni has already teased work on it.

"I'm absolutely putting it out into the universe. We're joking about it, but I'm manifesting it because I feel like I helped Dave [Filoni] manifest this role," series star Rosario Dawson previously shared with Empire Magazine about a second season. "So I'm ready. I'm excited. I'm willing. I got my ice-packs ready to go for Season 2 and beyond! I would not be mad at that."

What Is Star Wars: Tales of the Empire About?

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.

The voice cast of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire includes Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth), Meredith Salenger (Barriss Offee), Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor) and Matthew Wood (General Grievous). Dave Filoni created the series and is the supervising director. He is also an executive producer along with Athena Yvette Portillo and Carrie Beck. Josh Rimes serves as co-executive producer and Alex Spotswood is the senior producer.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire launches exclusively on Disney+ on Star Wars Day, May 4, with all six episodes. If you haven't signed up for Disney+ yet, you can try it out here.

Note: If you purchase one of the awesome, independently chosen products featured here, we may earn a small commission from the retailer. Thank you for your support.

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How Star Wars Ahsoka's Diana Lee Inosanto Embodied Morgan Elsbeth in For Animated Tales of the Empire https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/how-star-wars-ahsokas-diana-lee-inosanto-embodied-morgan-elsbeth-in-for-animated-tales-of-the-empire/ Fri, 03 May 2024 22:09:00 +0000 Jamie Jirak ba0b0241-82fe-4bca-9bb9-90995ebcd685

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is hitting Disney+ tomorrow in honor of May 4th AKA Star Wars Day, and the new show is a character-focused animated anthology series that follows Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) and Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger). Inosanto first played Morgan Elsbeth in live-action in Star Wars: The Mandalorian before playing the villain again in Star Wars: Ahoksa. Recently, ComicBook had the chance to chat with Inosanto about the new series, and she talked about playing the character in animation.

"You know, it's interesting because I was watching Pedro Pascal behind the scenes when he was doing the recordings for Mandalorian, so I go, 'Oh, that's probably gonna be what I would do.' It is. I mean, I don't know how you can arrive in a booth and not do those things to physically prep you, or at least that's my process," Inosanto explained.

"I do all the breathing. I sometimes, if I knew the fight scene was right, I will jump in place," she added with a laugh. "I'm literally in my own actress bubble, pulling creatively from my imagination and seeing in the space and time, whatever is happening in the scene. So, yeah, I don't see that much of a difference, you know, other than I'm in a recording booth."

"I love doing animation. I love it," Inosanto added.

What Is Star Wars: Tales of the Empire About?

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.

The voice cast of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire includes Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth), Meredith Salenger (Barriss Offee), Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor) and Matthew Wood (General Grievous). Dave Filoni created the series and is the supervising director. He is also an executive producer along with Athena Yvette Portillo and Carrie Beck. Josh Rimes serves as co-executive producer and Alex Spotswood is the senior producer.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire launches exclusively on Disney+ on Star Wars Day, May 4th.

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Star Wars Teams With Apple for New Mandalorian-Themed iPhone Commercial https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-apple-mandalorian-themed-iphone-commercial-may-the-fourth/ Fri, 03 May 2024 21:53:00 +0000 Nicole Drum 5ea4a4ab-44bc-4f2f-a851-1c26ee2fd614

Star Wars may be one of the world's most popular franchises, but in a galaxy as big as Star Wars there are lots of factions -- and fandoms -- and sometimes all you really want to do is find your friends. Now, just in time for Star Wars day on Saturday, May 4th, Apple has debuted their new, Mandalorian-themed iPhone commercial that features one Mandalorian (played by real-life fan Owen Jardiniano) heading off to a local convention and using the iPhone 15's Precision Finding for Find My Friends feature to locate the rest of his Mandalorian clan. You can check out the ad for yourself in the video below.

According to StarWars.com, the ad features 172 fans as part of the production and is stuffed with Star Wars Easter eggs, including a "New Hope" street sign, and a bus stop sign that reads "The first transport is away". There are even some clever little jokes as well, such as Jardiniano's Mandalorian stopping to get a boba tea along the way ("boba", get it?)

A Mandalorian and Grogu Movie Is On The Way

If a gathering of Mandalorians in the new iPhone ad for Star Wars Day wasn't quite enough for you, there's more Mandalorian action on the way -- if you're patient. It was announced earlier this year that Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu movie will be released in theaters on May 22, 2026. The film is set to be a feature-length spinoff of The Mandalorian television series starring the principal characters of Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) and his young ward Grogu. Specific plot details are unknown at this time.

Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy has previously described The Mandalorian & Grogu as a "new story" that is a "perfect fit for the big screen," The Mandalorian co-creator John Favreau adding that he has "loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created. The prospect of bringing the Mandalorian and his apprentice Grogu to the big screen is extremely exciting."

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew's Release Window Was Just Revealed

Fortunately, however, there is plenty of non-The Mandalorian content coming well before The Mandalorian & Grogu fly their way into theaters in two years. On Friday, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, the next big Star Wars series to land on Disney+, was given an official release window with the series set to arrive sometime during this holiday season. Skeleton Crew will star Jude Law and Kerry Condon and will focus on a young generation of characters in a galaxy far, far away. Season 1 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is set to consist of eight episodes.

"Jon Watts came to me, very much wanting to do a sort of Goonies in Star Wars," Kennedy told ComicBook at least year's Star Wars Celebration. "Needless to say, I'm going to say yes. And so, it's just evolved out of that kind of enthusiasm in wanting to tell stories in this space."

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Tales of the Empire: Diana Lee Inosanto on How Morgan Elsbeth is Ahsoka Tano's Dark Opposite https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/tales-of-the-empire-diana-lee-inosanto-morgan-elsbeth-ahsoka-tano/ Fri, 03 May 2024 21:16:00 +0000 Jenna Anderson ad6a7b9a-a0b1-431e-a7ab-786a60d79633

This year's May the 4th festivities are set to bring a lot by way of the Star Wars universe, including the launch of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire. The new animated series is dedicated to exploring the stories of Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) and Barris Offee (Meredith Salenger), two antiheroic women who have had a unique role in the franchise thus far. Morgan Elsbeth's appearance comes after live-action roles in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Ahsoka, and it sounds like we will get even more of an indication of her dark origin story. While speaking with ComicBook about her role on Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, Inosanto argued that Morgan and Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) represent characters who could have taken very similar paths, but instead mirror each other.

"I have, definitely, more sympathy for Morgan, now that we really have a confirmation of her history on Dathomir," Inosanto said in our interview, which you can check out above. "But I also feel she's a cautionary tale, too. She's a cautionary tale in the sense that, if you look at Ahsoka and her, these are two characters that have both have seen horrible things growing up as children. Yet, you have the Ahsoka character who would take a road of light and be a force for good. And then you have Morgan, who really, for whatever reason, it was her anger that carried her through. Her attitude of revenge, and just remembering her people, and in one way or another, she was gonna make sure that the galaxy was gonna pay back for what had happened. She was gonna keep to her vision of what will happen for her people, hopefully restoring Dathomir, which we see in Ahsoka. But I just love the prequel, and I think what's more fascinating -- and I say this over and over -- is that we get to see too, that she was capable of loving people too. I think that's very important."

Is Star Wars: Ahsoka Renewed For Season 2?

Earlier this year, with the announcement that a new movie surrounding The Mandalorian and Grogu is officially in the works, Lucasfilm also confirmed that a second season of Star Wars: Ahsoka has been greenlit. A release date for the project has yet to be set, although series creator Dave Filoni has already teased work on it.

"I'm absolutely putting it out into the universe. We're joking about it, but I'm manifesting it because I feel like I helped Dave [Filoni] manifest this role," Dawson previously shared with Empire Magazine about a second season. "So I'm ready. I'm excited. I'm willing. I got my ice-packs ready to go for Season 2 and beyond! I would not be mad at that."

What Is Star Wars: Tales of the Empire About?

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is a six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.

The voice cast of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire includes Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth), Meredith Salenger (Barriss Offee), Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor) and Matthew Wood (General Grievous). Dave Filoni created the series and is the supervising director. He is also an executive producer along with Athena Yvette Portillo and Carrie Beck. Josh Rimes serves as co-executive producer and Alex Spotswood is the senior producer.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire launches exclusively on Disney+ on Star Wars Day, May 4, with all six episodes. If you haven't signed up for Disney+ yet, you can try it out here.

Note: If you purchase one of the awesome, independently chosen products featured here, we may earn a small commission from the retailer. Thank you for your support.

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Star Wars Day 2024: The Best New Merch, Deals, and Promotions For The Big Event https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-day-2024-the-best-new-merch-deals-and-promotions-for-the-big-event/ Fri, 03 May 2024 20:56:00 +0000 Sean Fallon e52125c1-4bda-4075-a0d8-9a844ddc048b img-0633-sss1306x1038-1e64869.jpg

Star Wars Day 2024 / May the 4th isn't a one day celebration anymore. Announcements and promotions have been running for weeks now, and there's more to come. Some of the biggest releases include Star Wars Day drops from LEGO, the Darth Maul lightsaber hilt release from Disney, and new action figures from Hasbro, but there are a ton of things happening. Fortunately, you can keep on top of all right here.

We've put together a list of some of the best deals, new releases, and promotions that Disney has in store for Star Wars fans in the list below, and it will be updated as new items become available. So stay tuned for new additions through May 4th.

Star Wars Day 2024 Product Launches:

Star Wars Day 2024 Deals and Promotions:

  • Amazon: Get special offers on the Amazon Deal of the Day on select Star Wars toys, apparel, and more on May 4.
  • Disney Store: Get free shipping on all orders with the code FREESHIP starting on 5/4 9pm EST running through 5/5 3am EST
  • Disney Store: Get a Star Wars Day 2024 collectible key with select Star Wars purchases using the code DISNEYPLUS
  • Disney Store: Get 30% off select items with the code EXTRA30
  • BoxLunch: Get 25% off all Star Wars products from May 4-5.
  • Funko: Buy 2 Star Wars items, get 1 free from May 1-5.
  • Loungefly: Take 25% off all Star Wars products from May 1-5.
  • Macy's: Buy 1 Star Wars Toy get 2nd 40% off on May 4.
  • Target: Get 20% off select Star Wars items from April 28 - May 4.
  • Walmart: Get an exclusive limited-edition free pin with a Walmart pre-order purchase on purchases of qualifying Hasbro products, while supplies last. Offer valid now until May 13.
  • Billie Lourd eBay Collectibles Auction - Details here
  • Denuo Novo - Save 10% off sitewide
  • Entertainment Earth Star Wars Day Sale - Get up to $50 off with free shipping on orders $100 or more
  • Fifth Sun: 30% Off Sitewide at Fifth Sun with Coupon Code: EWOK. Offer Valid 05/04/24 - 05/06/24
  • GameStop Star Wars Day Deals

Of course, Star Wars Day 2024 will be about more than just product releases. Fans can keep up with the latest news about Star Wars movies and tv shows right here.

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Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Release Window Revealed https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/star-wars-skeleton-crew-release-window-christmas-2024/ Fri, 03 May 2024 20:19:00 +0000 Timothy Adams dbb26702-2ce2-494a-a383-3a983598635c

Star Wars fans may want to set some time aside this holiday season, as Star Wars: Skeleton Crew has an official release window. The next big Star Wars series to land on Disney+ stars Jude Law and Kerry Condon, and joins the recently concluded Star Wars: The Bad Batch and the upcoming Star Wars: The Acolyte. Each Star Wars series looks to make itself stand out from a packed crowd, with Skeleton Crew focusing on a young generation of characters in a galaxy far, far away. While we wait for an official trailer for Skeleton Crew, director Jon Watts has at least confirmed when the show will premiere.

According to Collider, Jon Watts said during a CCXP interview that Star Wars: Skeleton Crew will land on Disney+ around Christmas. That gives it enough distance between Star Wars: The Acolyte, which debuts on June 4th. That will make at least four Star Wars shows to stream on Disney+ in 2024, including the animated Star Wars: Tales of the Empire.

How many episodes is Star Wars: Skeleton Crew?

According to a listing on the WGA website, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew's first season will consist of eight episodes.

This certainly isn't unprecedented for Star Wars television series, as The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and the High Republic series The Acolyte all also have eight-episode orders.

What is Star Wars: Skeleton Crew about?

Skeleton Crew will follow a ragtag group of lost kids trying to find their way home. It will star Jude Law in a significant, but mysterious role.

"Jon Watts came to me, very much wanting to do a sort of Goonies in Star Wars," Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy exclusively told ComicBook.com at Star Wars Celebration last year. "Needless to say, I'm going to say yes. And so it's just evolved out of that kind of enthusiasm in wanting to tell stories in this space."

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Star Wars Day: RSVLTS Dropping Massive Collection for May the 4th https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-day-2024-rsvlts-collection-shirts-items-shorts-lineup/ Fri, 03 May 2024 20:10:00 +0000 Patrick Cavanaugh 3b1908ba-4f1b-4fff-bb48-d65b515eb831
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Star Wars' Diana Lee Inosanto Wants to Know How Morgan Elsbeth Got Her Beskar Spear https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-tales-of-the-empire-mandalorian-ahsoka-diana-lee-inosanto-wants-to-know-morgan-elsbeth-beskar-spear/ Fri, 03 May 2024 19:53:00 +0000 Jamie Jirak d685a4ac-9907-43bc-9cb9-d663ccb2f6f3

Star Wars Day is tomorrow, and Disney+ is celebrating May 4th with a brand new miniseries: Star Wars: The Tales of the Empire. The new show is a character-focused anthology series that follows two key characters across six episodes. The characters in question will be Nightsisters Witch and Thrawn ally Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) from The Mandalorian and Ahsoka and former Jedi padawan Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger) who fell to the dark side and framed Ahsoka Tano for the Jedi Temple bombing in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Morgan Elsbeth's weapon of choice is a Beskar spear, which is featured in The Mandalorian. During a recent chat with ComicBook.com, Inosanto revealed that she wants to know how Morgan Elsbeth originally came in possession of the iconic weapon.

"I love this question," Inosanto replied when asked if there are any gaps in Morgan Elsbeth's story that she still wants to see filled in. "Because the one thing that was never answered for me, but I'll let Dave [Filoni] and company surprise me ... I want to know how she got the Beskar spear. I really do. That's the one thing I was pondering going, 'Oh, but we haven't arrived at knowing how or where or why she has the Beskar spear.'"

"And that's a huge question," she continued. "So inquiring minds out there. I don't know. Do you want to know? It's fascinating. I can only use my imagination, but it does beg the question of how and why."

You can watch our interview with Inosanto at the top of the page.

Dave Filoni Talks Morgan Elsbeth:

Dave Filoni may not have shared with Inosanto how Morgan Elsbeth got her spear, but he has shared some love for the actor's performance as the character.

"I needed the performance from the Magistrate to challenge Ahsokaand be someone that could go toe to toe with her instantly," Dave Filoni previously said of Morgan Elsbeth (via Vanity Fair). "Diana brings such experience and knowledge about martial arts to her performance. The instant she takes up the Beskar spear you can tell that she is a lethal opponent. For me, as a director, it was a great advantage to have someone of Diana's skill and experience with fight choreography as one of the main players, especially for the final battle in the courtyard."

Star Wars: The Tales of the Empire stars Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth), Meredith Salenger (Barriss Offee), Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor) and Matthew Wood (General Grievous).

Stay tuned for more updates about Star Wars, and May the 4th be with you.

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Star Wars Day 2024 CASETiFY iPhone and Android Collection Is On Sale Now https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-day-2024-casetify-iphone-and-android-collection-is-on-sale-now/ Fri, 03 May 2024 19:14:00 +0000 Sean Fallon e76d187a-c14e-4d21-8ce1-7b0b444cc2fd 11-pr.jpg

CASETiFY, makers of high-end cases and accessories for iPhone and Android, are back with a new collaboration with Lucasfilm as part of the Star Wars Day aka May the 4th festivities. This time around, they're taking their inspiration from the dark side and the Phantom Menace, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024.

The collection is headlined by a laser-engraved Death Star Aluminium Case, a Darth Vader Leather Embossed Case, and a Darth Vader power bank, though a variety of cases inspired by the Death Star, Darth Vader's helmet, storm troopers, the Empire's crest, and more are available here at the CASETiFY website priced at $38 - $112 USD. Note the collection is a limited edition, so they won't be around for long. Previous Star Wars case collections have sold out quickly.

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The Star Wars designs extend to accessories made for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, AirPods, AirPods Pro, Apple Watch, iPads and CASETiFY' Snappy ecosystem including wireless MagSafe chargers, Power Banks, and Card Holder Stands.

While you're at it, make sure to check out our extensive list of all the big product drops and deals that are happening on Star Wars Day 2024. The lineup includes LEGO sets, limited edition ligthsaber replicas, giant Darth Vader figures, apparel, hot sauce, blue milk, and much much more.

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Disney's May the 4th Star Wars Lightsaber Week Day 5: Darth Sideous Hilt Is Back https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/disney-may-the-4th-star-wars-ligthsaber-hilt-week-day-5/ Fri, 03 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000 Sean Fallon 417321c6-8b4e-402b-9ade-ceedbe36de09 darth-sidious-legacy-lightsaber-hilt-star-wars-galaxys-edge-2000x2000-1478e37.jpg

Disney is counting down to Star Wars Day 2024 with five secret Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lightsaber hilt launches between April 29th and May 3rd that will lead up to the big Darth Maul hilt drop on May the 4th (see below). Each day at 8am PT / 11am ET, another iconic hilt replica will be available here at the Disney Store, and so far we have seen the return of the Luke Skywalker model from Return of the Jedi, the Clone Wars Ahsoka Tano Legacy lightsaber hilt set, and the Kanan Jarrus hilt inspired by the weapon wielded by Freddie Prinze Jr.'s character from Star Wars: Rebels, and the Kylo Ren lightsaber hilt. Today, the reissues conclude with Darth Sideous.

"This Legacy Lightsaber hilt is a detailed recreation of the one wielded by Darth Sidious and comes direct from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The distinctive two-tone design features sound effects and illuminates in red when you attach one of our Lightsaber Blades, sold separately. Hilt comes in a lined display case with the Sith Eternal crest on the front." You can order one now here at the Disney Store priced at $169.99. Note that shipping is free at the Disney Store on orders $75+.

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"This Lightsaber hilt is a detailed recreation of Supreme Leader, Kylo Ren's and comes direct from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The powerful weapon includes two cross blades that activate with sound effects and illuminate red when you insert them on the sides. The main Lightsaber Blade is sold separately. Hilt comes in a lined display box with Empire symbol on front." You can order one now here at the Disney Store priced at $159.99.

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"Voted #1 Fan Choice Lightsaber hilt by readers of the official Disney Parks Blog, this detailed recreation of the one wielded by the Jedi Knight Kanan Jarrus comes direct from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The distinctive design features sound effects and illuminates blue when you attach one of our Lightsaber Blades, sold seperately. Hilt comes in a lined display case with the Wren Phoenix symbol on the front." You can grab one here at the Disney Store now priced at $159.99.

The recreations of Ahsoka's Lightsaber hilts feature sound effects and blue and green light effects if you choose to add a ligthsaber blade.The hilts come in a lined display box with Fulcrum symbol on front. You can grab a set here at the Disney Store now priced at $249.99. Luke Skywalker's Return of the Jedi Lightsaber hilt from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland is available here at the Disney Store now priced at $159.99. Features include sound effects along with green illumination with a lightsaber blade.

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(Photo: Richard Harbaugh)

A mentioned, Disney's ligthsaber promotion is counting down to the Sith Apprentice: Darth Maul Legacy Lightsaber set that will launch on May the 4th as part of their Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Collection.

A teaser for the Darth Maul hilt is available to view on Disney's secret Order 54 page, and looks as though you'll be getting a highly detailed double hilt with a fancy (most likely wooden) box with Darth Maul graphics. If you take a close look at the certificate of authenticity in the video, you'll see that it will be a limited edition of 7000 units, and we have no doubt that it will sell out in the blink of an eye. That said, be ready and waiting to grab it along with the rest of Disney's Star Wars Day 2024 drops starting at 8am PT / 11am ET here at the Disney Store's Star Wars page. UPDATE: Details regarding the Darth Maul lightsaber hilt have been confirmed. It will be priced at $400. The official description reads:

"'Fear is my ally,'' proclaims the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Maul, whose other ally is this Legacy Lightsaber Set. This special limited edition set was created in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The finely detailed reproduction of the Dathomirian's legendary double hilt features sound effects and illuminates red when you attach two of our Lightsaber Blades, sold separately. Presented in a spectacular wooden box with Darth Maul graphics, the interior lights up red and plays Duel of the Fates when you slide open the lid."

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Secretlab Launches Jedi Edition Chair Skin For Star Wars Day 2024 https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/secretlab-launches-jedi-edition-chair-skin-for-star-wars-day-2024/ Fri, 03 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000 Sean Fallon 0a7d300d-74d9-497c-8438-0610717c9be6 img-0633-sss1306x1038-1e64ss869.jpg

Secretlab is getting into the Star Wars Day aka May the 4th game with the launch of a Jedi Edition SKINS product that will give your TITAN Evo chair an instant Star Wars makeover. In fact, your chair will be better dressed than you are. The fabric for the chair sleeve features a jacquard weave that's inspired by the robe-like texture of a Jedi's garb. It also includes the symbol of the Jedi Order stitched on the back with "May the Force be with you in Aurebesh below. It actually looks quite elegant for any chair, much less a gaming chair with a Star Wars theme.

The Jedi Edition release joins Secretlab's Star Wars lineup, which includes dedicated TITAN Evo models like the Stormtrooper and Empire editions, and SKINS inspired by Ahsoka Tano and Boba Fett. If you're unfamiliar, Secrelab's SKINS make it possible to customize your chair quickly, and are designed for a super precise fit on any TITAN Evo model. They can simply be removed and cleaned as needed, and might even make your chair a little more comfortable to sit in thanks to the extra padding.

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Secretlab's Star Wars Jedi Edition chair cover will be available here at the Secretlab website starting today, May 3rd priced at $199 list. Inside that link you'll also find dozens of additional SKINS options. You can check out all of the biggest and best merch releases and deals for Star Wars Day 2024 right here via our master list.

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Star Wars Day: 5 Ways to Celebrate The Phantom Menace's 25th Anniversary https://comicbook.com/movies/news/star-wars-day-episode-i-the-phantom-menace-25th-anniversary-celebrate/ Fri, 03 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 Cameron Bonomolo 318aefe9-7142-4800-a203-75302b21b100

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away -- 25 years ago, to be exact -- George Lucas returned to the beginning of his saga with Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace.

Released into theaters on May 19, 1999, the highly-anticipated prequel introduced a young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), the future Darth Vader; Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice, Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor); Naboo's teen queen, Padm? Amidala (Natalie Portman); bumbling Gungan sidekick Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best); the horn-headed Darth Maul (Ray Park), wielder of a red, double-bladed lightsaber; and his master, the shadowy Sith Lord Darth Sidious (Ian McDiarmid).

To commemorate this Star Wars Day, May the 4th, and the upcoming 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace, we've compiled a list of so wizard ways to celebrate Episode I below.

1. See Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace in Theaters


The Phantom Menace
-- and the entire, nine-episode Skywalker Saga -- is returning to theaters for Star Wars Day. Tickets are now on sale for the 25th anniversary re-release, which hits theaters for a limited-time with an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming Disney+ series Star Wars: The Acolyte.

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2. Watch Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace on Disney+


If you aren't watching The Phantom Menace on the big screen, you can stream the complete Star Wars saga on the small screen with a Disney+ subscription. The streaming version offers access to deleted scenes, including an extended podracing sequence and more footage from Qui-Gon's lightsaber battle with Darth Maul on Tatooine.

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3. Read Marvel's Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special Comic


Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Special
is told from Anakin Skywalker's perspective and features never-before-seen stories set before, during, and after the events of the movie. Written by Greg Pak (Marvel's Star Wars: Darth Vader comic) with art by Will Sliney (Star Wars: Revelations) and a cover by Phil Noto (Star Wars: The High Republic), the one-shot comic book is on stands (and available digitally) now.

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4. Go Behind the Scenes of The Phantom Menace With a Feature-Length Documentary

Originally included on the DVD release, The Beginning: Making Star Wars: Episode I is a full-length documentary spanning every stage of production of The Phantom Menace, from pre-production, to casting, visual effects, editing, and theatrical release. The official Star Wars YouTube channel has made the full version free to watch online (below).

5. Revisit The Phantom Menace Trailer

"Every generation has a legend... every journey has a first step... every saga has a beginning." With those words, audiences attending such films as Meet Joe Black, The Waterboy, A Bug's Life, and Wing Commander were treated to a glimpse of the most anticipated movie since Return of the Jedi 16 years earlier. For a dose of late '90s nostalgia, revisit the original Star Wars: Episode I trailer below.

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Disney Stormtroopers and Droids Dress Drops On Star Wars Day 2024 https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/disney-stormtroopers-and-droids-dress-drops-on-star-wars-day-2024/ Thu, 02 May 2024 21:49:00 +0000 Sean Fallon 6d34ebc5-54f4-4229-b6dc-9197b07fa7b0 star-wars-imperial-stormtroopers-and-droids-dress-2000x2000-1478e37.jpg

A ton of Star Wars Day / May the 4th 2024 merch is on the way, and one of the many new releases from Disney is the Stormtrooper and Droids dress, which is part of the Disney Parks Dress Shop Collection. It's a vintage style sundress that features a design with C-3PO and R2-D2 trying to blend in with a line of Imperial Stormtroopers.

Naturally. this dress would be the perfect thing to wear while visiting the Parks or attending your next convention, and you will be able to make it happen starting on May 4th at 8am PT / 11am ET here at the Disney Store (link won't be active until after the launch) for $128.99. A full breakdown of features for the dress can be found below, followed by details on the previously announced Galaxy's Edge Roleplay Collection for Star Wars Day 2024. Note that the Disney Store offers free shipping on orders over $75.

  • Vintage style sundress
  • Woven sateen
  • Allover Imperial Stormtroopers pattern, also featuring C-3PO and R2-D2
  • Smocked back bodice
  • Zipper at back
  • Pleated skirt
  • Contrast adjustable shoulder straps
  • Contrast beltline and skirt insets
  • Silver puff ink Star Wars logo on inset
  • Slip skirt
  • Lined bodice
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The Galaxy's Edge roleplay collection was an early Star Wars Day 2024 drop that includes a Padm? Amidala Coak, Princess Leia Dress, Saber Trainer Tunic, and a Senator Bail Organa Security Aide Jacket. Below you'll find a complete breakdown of the new items. If you see something you like, you can get your order in here at the Disney Store now with prices that range from $69.99 to $149.99.

Shop Star Wars at the Disney Store
  • Padm? Amidala Cloak for Adults - $149.99: "Get into character as you prepare for an epic Star Wars adventure. Based on Padm? Amidala's cloak as seen in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and displayed at Skywalker Ranch Legacy archives, this dramatic flowing outfit features an oversized pleated hood so you'll feel like royalty on your exciting Star Wars mission."
  • Senator Bail Organa Security Aide Jacket for Adults - $149.99: "Based on the stately long jacket worn by Senator Bail Organa's security aide, its construction, color, and greeblie are inspired by the original piece at Skywalker Ranch Legacy archives."
  • Princess Leia Dress for Adults - $129.99: "Imagine yourself as Princess Leia in this detailed replica of her iconic dress. With its draped fabric, attached hood, and simulated leather belt you'll feel like royalty on your epic Star Wars mission."
  • Saber Trainer Tunic for Adults - $69.99: "Inspired by the Saber Trainer uniform, this detailed cosplay outfit will transform you into the role of the expert wielder of a Lightsaber as you become the hero of your exciting Star Wars mission."

Things have been especially exciting for Star Wars fans lately with details about The Acolyte and Tales of the Empire series that are coming to Disney+, the huge Imperial March event, Wondercon 2024 releases, LEGO x Star Wars 25th anniversary releases, and the Star Wars: Outlaws video game. We suspect that Disney and Lucasfilm are just getting started for the year.

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New Star Wars Starbucks Tumblers Are Coming For Star Wars Day 2024 https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/new-star-wars-starbucks-tumblers-are-coming-for-star-wars-day-2024/ Thu, 02 May 2024 21:42:00 +0000 Sean Fallon a954cdcf-f5f2-48f6-8ede-e2520cafe989 psx-20240426-160707.jpg

The Star Wars Day / May the 4th 2024 celebration is almost here, and Disney is set to drop a ton of new merch that includes a Queen Padme Amidala limited edition doll and a Darth Maul lightsaber hilt replica. It will also a new collection of Starbucks tumblers that are popular with collectors.

The lineup for Star Wars Day includes a light and dark side designs with a raised geometric pattern and Galactic Empire / Alliance Starbird symbols. There's also a Hoth tumbler that features a Tauntaun, Wampa, AT-At, and more. You will be able to grab the tumblers via the links below starting on May 4th at 8am PT/11am ET (they won't be active until after the launch). Beyond that, you'll find details on the recently released Tatooine Collection, which also included a Starbucks water bottle.

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The Sands of Tatooine collection which includes an ear headband, mini backpack from Loungefly, a Spirit Jersey, and the aforementioned Starbucks water bottle. All of the items in the collection feature a matching Tatooine design that evokes the scorching heat dual suns beating down on Luke Skywalker's desert home. A breakdown of these items can be found below.

Shop Star Wars at the Disney Store

Of course, fans can expect a lot more Star Wars products to be unveiled as part of the May the 4th festivities. You can keep tabs on all of the biggest Star Wars Day releases and deals right here.

Things have been especially exciting for Star Wars fans lately with details about The Acolyte and Tales of the Empire series that are coming to Disney+, the huge Imperial March event, Wondercon 2024 releases, LEGO x Star Wars 25th anniversary releases, and the Star Wars: Outlaws video game. We suspect that Disney and Lucasfilm are just getting started for the year.

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LEGO Star Wars Game Is Now Available to Download for Free https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/lego-star-wars-game-game-free-download/ Thu, 02 May 2024 21:34:00 +0000 Tyler Fischer 485226c3-c79a-42d0-8515-1edaee3b7955

A fan-favorite LEGO Star Wars game is now available to download for free, though there are some requirements that need to be met before Star Wars fans can enjoy the LEGO classic. For one, the free download is part of Prime Gaming, which means it requires an Amazon Prime subscription. The other requirement is you will need a PC and GOG account to play it, as the free codes are PC codes via GOG. If you check all these boxes, you can download the game for free and keep it.

As what the mystery LEGO Star Wars game is it's LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars from 2011. Developed by Traveller's Tales and published by LucasArts, it was released in March 2011 via PC, PS3, PSP, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, and Xbox 360. Upon release, the PC version of the game garnered a 76 on Metacritic. This was couple by the game selling over four million copies in it first year on the market, a strong return for the time.

"The beloved and critically acclaimed LEGO Star Wars franchise is back," reads an official description of the game. "LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, combines the epic stories and iconic characters from the Star Wars universe and hit animated TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars with all new gameplay features. Players will enjoy brand new game mechanics allowing them to create, control and explore in a galaxy far, far away like never before. Promising breathtaking visuals as well as new characters and levels, the game also features the signature tongue-in-cheek humor from the LEGO universe. With over 20 story-based missions and 40 bonus levels spanning the entire Clone Wars era, LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars will allow fans to explore endlessly and laugh their way through the Star Wars galaxy in the most humorous, accessible and action-packed LEGO game to date."

If you are an Amazon Prime subscriber with a PC that can play games, and this offer doesn't tickle your fancy, the good news is it is not the only free game being given out via Prime Gaming this month. You can check out the rest of the free games here.

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Fortnite Players Prepare for the Star Wars Event to Cost a Fortune https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/fortnite-star-wars-event-vbucks/ Thu, 02 May 2024 21:24:00 +0000 Tanner Dedmon f64eb281-c1f3-4667-9116-55f3a0902e9d

Fortnite players and Star Wars fans alike are worried for their wallets after seeing how many different Star Wars items the battle royale game and its spinoffs are going to get once the next massive update drops. From Lando Calrissian skins to Star Wars-themed LEGO builds and more, this update coming on May 3rd was already expected to be Fortnite's biggest Star Wars collab yet, and now that prices are starting to come out for the different bundles that'll be offered in the Item Shop, players are realizing they're going to have to spend wisely.

This is the first Star Wars event in Fortnite that's transpired ever since Fortnite Festival, LEGO Fortnite, and Rocket Racing emerged last year, so even though cosmetics are cross-compatible with other games in several instances, you've still got unique things like music packs and car bodies that stand out for each individual game. As such, there are plenty of cosmetics to choose from with Fortnite itself expected to see over 10 different skins between ones that are new and ones that are returning. For Fortnite alone, we'll see Chewbacca, Dagobah Luke, Lando Calrissian, and AWR Trooper added as new skins in the Item Shop, and those only account for the ones that've been confirmed with datamining efforts pointing to even more new skins. Returning Item Shop outfits include skins for Boba Fett, Han Solo, Imperial Stormtrooper, Leia Organa, Finn, Kylo Ren, Rey, Sith Trooper, and Zorii Bliss.

How Much Will Fortnite's New Star Wars Skins Cost?

So, if we're just accounting for the new stuff, how much should completionists expect to spend if they want to own everything? While this number is naturally based off of unconfirmed albeit not unreasonable prices, Fortnite insiders like ShiinaBR have estimated that the new set of Star Wars cosmetics would run someone for 12,000 V-Bucks if they want to own everything. For context, a bundle of 5,000 V-Bucks costs $36.99.

That's a number that's difficult to digest, but of course players won't be buying up everything from the store. Rather, the lofty sum of V-Bucks should go to show how much content will be in the Star Wars event since that's not even accounting for some things specific to certain games like LEGO Fortnite.

Thankfully for Star Wars fans who don't have a ton of V-Bucks lying around, it looks like you'll be able to complete some quests as well in order to get some "free" gear, though you may end up needing the premium version of the battle pass in order to partake.

"Put your Bowcaster and Blaster skills to the test to complete Battle Royale's Star Wars Quests! You'll receive a Battle Pass Level Up for completing five of these Quests, and the AWR Pack Back Bling for completing ten.

"Battle Royale's Star Wars Quests will be released in two phases during the crossover: the first on May 3 at 9 AM ET and the second at 9 AM ET on May 7."

Fortnite's massive Star Wars update drops on May 3rd.

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Star Wars The Black Series Original Boba Fett Replica Helmet Is Back With a Deal https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-the-black-series-original-boba-fett-replica-helmet-is-back-with-a-deal/ Thu, 02 May 2024 19:03:00 +0000 Sean Fallon 0780bb2b-48bc-4041-abf9-340f1333bffb psx-20240502-145938.jpg

Collectors might be aware that Hasbro released re-armored The Black Series Boba Fett helmet in 2020 that's was inspired by Boba Fett's return in The Mandalorian tv series on Disney+ in 2020. However, the one that everyone really wants is the battle damaged version released in 2019 - the version that's inspired by the one worn by Boba Fett in original Star Wars films. The helmet is a full-size wearable replica that comes with features like a flip-down viewfinder and LEDs. If you didn't grab one before it was discontinued, we have some really great news.

The 2019 version generally runs around $200 via third parties, but you won't have to worry about that because Hasbro has reissued it priced at $109.99, which is actually $10 cheaper than it cost originally. What's more you can pre-order The Black Series Boba Fett helmet for only $99.99 right here at Entertainment Earth with free U.S. shipping thanks to a Star Wars Day promotion they're running that offers discounts on Star Wars purchases at various price points.

Of course, the timing for this The Black Series reissue is no coincidence. Star Wars Day aka May the 4th is happening this weekend, and there are tons of new products and deals on the way for fans. You can keep up with it all right here via our Star Wars Day hub.

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Note that Hasbro also re-released a Black Series Imperial Shock Trooper electronic helmet replica last month that was originally a GameStop exclusive way back in 2018. Unopened copies were going for $300 to $500 via third partie, but you can pre-order a brand new version here at Entertainment Earth right now for $99.99 with free US shipping. Note that you'll qualify for Entertainment Earth's Star Wars Day discount on purchases of $100 or more.

The helmet is inspired by the 2017 game Star Wars Battlefront II, and features a neck guard, speech projector, game-accurate sound effects and an adjustable fit.

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Star Wars Sends Off The Bad Batch With Final Posters https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-bad-batch-ending-finale-character-posters/ Thu, 02 May 2024 17:49:00 +0000 Kofi Outlaw 910f888f-355b-4883-b254-9a6582302c96
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Life-Size Animated Darth Vader Decoration Coming to Home Depot For Star Wars Day 2024 https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/7-foot-animated-darth-vader-decoration-coming-to-home-depot-for-star-wars-day-2024/ Thu, 02 May 2024 14:14:00 +0000 Sean Fallon e69c2067-0705-44a0-b9cd-63583055fec6 798-2024-halloween-ob-328196866-l-b.jpg

The Home Depot has become a go-to retailer for elaborate and enormous holiday decorations in recent years, particularly for Halloween. Being that Star Wars Day aka May the 4th falls right around the halfway point for Halloween, it's fitting that they plan to deliver something special for fans - something like a 7-foot tall animated, LED Darth Vader that includes accessories for Halloween, Christmas, and everyday display.

The Darth Vader will feature classic soundbites and sounds, lifelike animatronic movements, and interchangeable accessories for multiple holidays, including a red light saber, Death Star jack-O-lantern, candy cane light saber and a Death Star ornament.

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At the time of writing, Home Depot hasn't provided a specific launch time and location for the Darth Vader decoration, but it's expected to drop at some point "early Saturday" on Star Wars Day / May the 4th priced at $299. Honestly, that seems like a pretty fantastic deal for something like this. For example, Sideshow's life-size Darth Vader figure costs almost $9000 and it doesn't even come with a candy cane lightsaber! That said, expect The Home Depot Darth Vader to sell out quickly, leaving lots of angry fans in its wake. UPDATE: Home Depot has launched a product page for the Darth Vader that will go live in the morning on May 4th. We suggest that you check in on the link early and often as it appears that even Home Depot doesn't know exactly when it will go on sale.

See Darth Vader Decoration at Home Depot

While you're at it, make sure to check out our extensive list of all the big product drops and deals that are happening on Star Wars Day 2024. The lineup includes LEGO sets, limited edition ligthsaber replicas, apparel, hot sauce and blue milk - you name it.

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Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Confirms First Guests https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-celebration-japan-2025-confirms-first-guests/ Wed, 01 May 2024 22:57:00 +0000 Jamie Jirak cef7ce28-2055-4aa3-b6e2-457a7b72b708

Star Wars Celebration is returning next year, and the fan-favorite con is heading to Japan. Star Wars Celebration is taking place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan from April 18th to April 20th in 2025. Tickets are going on sale tomorrow, and the first guests for the event have already been announced. Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Temuera Morrison (Boba Fett), Doug Chiang (Executive Creative Director of Lucasfilm), and Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka) will all be at the event next year.

"Star Wars icon Anthony Daniels, the only actor to work on all 11 Star Wars feature films, will make an appearance. Daniels notably portrayed C-3PO in all three Skywalker saga trilogies," StarWars.com reads. "Also from live action, Temuera Morrison will be there. Morrison first played Jango Fett and his army of clones in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, and has more recently brought Boba Fett back from the (presumed) dead on The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett."

"Lucasfilm's own Doug Chiang, an Academy Award-winning artist who also serves as senior vice president and executive design director, will be there, too. Recently, Chiang has served as production designer on several Star Wars live-action series, including The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Crew," the site continues. "And from animation, Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and Tales of the Jedi, will appear. The event is excited to welcome back Official Pix as the autograph provider for the show."

When Do Star Wars Celebration Tickets Go On Sale?

"Tickets for Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 will go on sale Thursday, May 2, at 4 p.m. PST / 7 p.m. EST, and Friday, May 3, at 8 a.m. JST. along with more than two dozen limited Star Wars Celebration 2025 exclusive items available for pre-order during registration," StarWars.com confirms.

Stay tuned for more updates about the highly-anticipated convention.

The Skywalker Saga Is Coming To Theaters:

May 4th is the day to honor all things Star Wars and fans of the franchise will have an extra special way to celebrate this year. It was previously announced that Star Wars: The Phantom Menace would be heading back to theaters in honor of its upcoming 25th anniversary, but you will also have the chance to catch the rest of the Skywalker Saga on the big screen this May. The first prequel film is returning to theaters on May 3rd with a special sneak peek at the upcoming series, Star Wars: The Acolyte. StarWars.com also revealed this week that fans can watch The Phantom Menace on the big screen with the rest of the Skywalker Saga on May 4th.

"Lucasfilm announced today that in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, fans will have the chance to experience the entire Skywalker Saga in theaters this May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day," StarWars.com shared. "This includes all nine episodic films in chronological order: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."

"In addition, an exclusive look at The Acolyte, the upcoming Disney+ series set during the High Republic era, will be part of The Phantom Menace screenings," the site added. "Finally, those attending will receive a special limited edition poster. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, March 22, at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET."

Stay tuned for more updates about Star Wars.

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The Bad Batch Ending & Star Wars Saga Connections Explained https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-bad-batch-ending-explained-movie-connections/ Wed, 01 May 2024 22:50:00 +0000 Kofi Outlaw 28c60a85-bfbe-4b82-97f2-5123568c224e

Star Wars: The Bad Batch's Series Finale has been one of the more highly-anticipated stories in recent Star Wars lore - mainly because of morose curiosity about how the end of Clone Force 99's story fits into the larger Star Wars Saga.

So, did The Bad Batch kill off Clone Force 99, creating a clear ending to their place in Star Wars continuity? Read the SPOILERS below if you want to know!

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Ending Explained

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(Photo: Lucasfilm Animation)

In The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 15, "The Cavalry Has Arrived", Clone Force 99 and Omega are both (respectively) working to break into / break out of Mount Tantiss. Omega frees herself and her fellow child lab rats by releasing the Zillo Beast against the Imperial forces; Hunter, Wrecker, Crosshairs and Echo infiltrate the base, but their arrival is an ambush by Tantiss head Royce Hemlock, who releases his "CX Operatives" (enhanced and brainwashed clones) to capture Clone Force 99.

Thanks to Omega, her "mother" cloning engineer Nala Se, Echo, and Hemlock's researcher (and female clone) Emerie, the tide gets turned and Clone Force 99 is saved from Hemlock's CX conversion process. Hemlock and his "Project Necromancer" research are both destroyed - and Nala Se sacrifices herself to achieve that objective, killing the Bad Batch's nemesis, former Vice Admiral Rampart.

What Happens to Clone Force 99 & Omega After The Bad Batch?

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(Photo: Lucasfilm Animation)

An epilogue to The Bad Batch Series Finale reveals that Clone Force 99 settled on the Planet Pabu, where they had previously stashed clone brothers who were defecting from the Empire. Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshairs knew their fighting days were done; Echo and Emerie pledged to join forces with Captain Rex and continued helping clones who wanted to live free of the Empire's oppression.

A final scene reveals a time jump to years later, during the era of the Rebel Alliance's fight against the Empire. An older and more mature Omega decides to end her peaceful time living with her clone "brothers," and takes the squad's old ship to join the Rebellion. A grey and aging Hunter is there to bid Omega farewell, finally confident that Clone Force 99 raised Omega well enough for her to handle herself in the war.

How The Bad Batch Ending Connects to The Mandalorian & Star Wars Sequel Trilogy

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(Photo: Lucasfilm)

The big mystery at the heart of The Bad Batch Season 3 was Hemlock's "Project Necromancer" research and its goal of "M-Count" transfers. Star Wars fans quickly discerned that Hemlock was Emperor Palpatine's appointed scientist for solving one mystery of cloning: how to transfer Darth Sidious' Force powers to a clone body through Midi-chlorian manipulation. Omega's DNA turned out to be the key to completing M-Count transfers - critical knowledge that was lost to Palpatine when Clone Force 99 and their allies killed Hemlock and destroyed his research files completely.

Because of the Mission on Mount Tantiss, Palpatine lost a key breakthrough in his cloning research - a loss that would ripple across the eras of Star Wars following the Galactic Civil War. In The Mandalorian Chapter 23: The Spies (Season 3 Episode 7), Moff Gideon and the Imperial Remnants' "Shadow Council" mentions that Commandant Brednol Hux (father of future First Order General Armitage Hux) had finally restarted Project Necromancer.

Decades later, by the time of the Star Wars Sequels and First Order-Resistance War, Project Necromancer had presumably been enough of a success to allow Darth Sidious to transfer his consciousness and Force powers into a clone body, when he seemingly died in the Battle of Endor during Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

...But that's where The Bad Batch's ending may have had a pivotal effect on things. We know that Palpatine had to keep transferring his essence to new clone bodies - and use "Strandcast" bodies like Snoke as avatars - because his cloning process wasn't complete. It's now fair to theorize that losing out on Omega's DNA was the small but very crucial factor that kept Palpatine from ever full achieving the kind of cloning "immortality" he was chasing.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch, The Mandalorian, and The Sequel Trilogy are all streaming on Disney+.

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Star Wars Day and Revenge of the Fifth Movie Marathons Coming to TBS https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-day-marathon-movies-streaming-tbs-schedule-revenge-of-the-fifth/ Wed, 01 May 2024 22:31:00 +0000 Patrick Cavanaugh 95ff77e7-90fa-4353-bb8b-ce45651db1fe

This Saturday is May 4th, which has become known as "Star Wars Day" in pop culture due to the date reading "May the Fourth," with fans set to celebrate the galaxy far, far away in countless ways. While those fans who are subscribed to Disney+ will be able to stream the entire franchise throughout the day, those who are subscribed to the network TBS will still get to witness the beloved live-action saga, as there will be marathons of the franchise all day long. While Saturday, May 4th will feature broadcasts of both the original trilogy and sequel trilogy, the following day, which has been dubbed "Revenge of the Fifth," will broadcast the prequel trilogy and other installments from the franchise. The marathons will kick off this Saturday at 6 a.m. ET.

The schedule of the marathons is as follows:

Saturday, May 4th - May the 4th Be With You on TBS

Sunday, May 5th - Revenge of the 5th on TBS

While browsing the schedule, fans will notice that the only live-action movie that isn't being broadcast this weekend is Solo: A Star Wars Story, but hopefully audiences will take solace in knowing that we'll instead be getting a three-hour block of The Big Bang Theory episodes that are Star Wars-centric.

For fans looking forward to new Star Wars content, Disney+ will be premiering Star Wars: The Acolyte on June 4th, while the TV series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is also expected to premiere later this year. The first season of Star Wars: Andor concluded quite some time ago, though it marked a unique instance of a Disney+ original being not only made available on Hulu, but it also earned a network broadcast on ABC.

Stay tuned for updates on the future of the Star Wars franchise.

Will you be tuning in to the marathons? Contact Patrick Cavanaugh directly on Twitter or on Instagram to talk all things Star Wars and horror!

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M3GAN 2.0 Adds Star Wars: Ahsoka Star https://comicbook.com/horror/news/m3gan-2-ivanna-sakhno-star-wars-ahsoka-star/ Wed, 01 May 2024 18:06:00 +0000 Jamie Jirak 6e3fab3d-8db3-4794-9c4f-2a62a51f3c99

Horror fans fell in love with M3GAN last year when the story of an AI doll who goes rogue hit theaters. The movie earned a 93% critics score and a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a sequel was teased soon after the film was released. M3GAN 2.0 is scheduled to hit theaters next May, and some of the original cast is already set to return. Today, Deadline announced that the sequel has added Ivanna Sakhno who is best known for playing Shin Hati in Disney+'s Star Wars: Ahsoka.

Sakhno will be teaming up with original M3GAN stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw in an unknown role that's described as "a major part." M3GAN 2.0 is being written by Akela Cooper, who also penned the first installment, along with Gerard Johnstone, who directed M3GAN. James Wan, Jason Blum, and Williams are producing the new project. Johnstone and Mark Katchur are executive producing along with Michael Clear and Judson Scott of Wan's Atomic Monster banner. Blumhouse's Ryan Turek is also an expective producer while Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath from Divide/Conquer are also executive producing.

James Wan Says M3GAN Is "Coming Back in a Big Way"

"It's early yet, but M3GAN is coming back in a big way," Wan shared with Empire Magazine back in November. "The first film came just at the right time [when concerns about AI were mounting], and we're definitely leaning into that on the next one. We're exploring the AI universe even further."

What Is M3GAN About?

The original M3GAN is described as follows: "M3GAN is a marvel of artificial intelligence, a life-like doll programmed to be a child's greatest companion and a parent's greatest ally. Designed by brilliant toy company roboticist Gemma (Allison Williams, Get Out), M3GAN can listen and watch and learn as she becomes friend and teacher, playmate and protector, for the child she is bonded to. As Gemma faces pressure at work from her boss (Ronny Chieng, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) to deliver a finished version of M3GAN, she suddenly becomes the unprepared caretaker of her newly orphaned 8-year-old niece, Cady (Violet McGraw, The Haunting of Hill House). Gemma decides to pair the M3GAN prototype with Cady in an attempt to resolve both problems -- a decision that will have unimaginable consequences."

Stay tuned for more updates about M3GAN 2.0.

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Star Wars Day 2024 Darth Vader Hot Sauce Is TRUFF's Hottest Yet (Review) https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-day-2024-darth-vader-hot-sauce-is-truffs-hottest-yet-review/ Wed, 01 May 2024 16:00:00 +0000 Sean Fallon f0ae8751-e925-42c7-96d1-c2cc2f82e2c8 img-0633-1306x1038-1e64869.jpg

TRUFF, the luxury truffle condiment brand, has collaborated with Lucasfilm to introduce Star War Dark Side Hot Sauce in celebration of May the 4th aka Star Wars Day 2024. They describe it as "a meticulously-crafted blend inspired by the menacing nature and powerful mystique of Darth Vader." They also note that this is the hottest hot sauce that they've ever produced, combining ghost peppers with notes of black winter truffles.

For starters, the packaging for TRUFF's Darth Vader hot sauce is eye-catching. Panels on the oversized collectible box open to reveal a matte back 6oz bottle topped with a Darth Vader helmet cap. Honestly, the quality of this packaging we would expect to see with a high-end perfume or maybe a watch - not a condiment. But what about the contents?

TRUFF sent us a sample to try, and the verdict is that this stuff is delicious but the level of heat seems far from the claim of 800,000-1M Scoville Heat Units (SHU) listed on the box. Honestly, it didn't seem much hotter than the average bottle of Tabasco. That suits me just fine though - I'm not one of those people that wants to sweat while I eat. Flavor is what I'm after, and I thoroughly enjoyed the fairly intense truffle flavor that's present in this sauce. It also has a super creamy texture.

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If you want to try a bottle for yourself, Star Wars Dark Side hot sauce will be available starting today, May 1st here at the TRUFF website (10% off purchases through with code DARTH10) and here on Amazon priced at $39.99. Note that this is a limited edition flavor, so when it's gone it's gone. You can check out more Star Wars Day product releases right here.

See Star Wars Dark Side Hot Sauce at TRUFF

"TRUFF has always merged pop culture with culinary experiences in an effort to weave unexpected narratives into our flavor creations," says Nick Ajluni, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at TRUFF. "Collaborating with Lucasfilm to incorporate elements of the legendary Star Wars saga into this product is a manifestation of this commitment, where we aim to craft more than just a hot sauce - we aim to create an immersive culinary adventure that resonates with Star Wars fans and hot sauce aficionados alike. Our newest spicy blend will immerse you in a flavorful experience that echoes the profound depth and intensity inherent in the Star Wars galaxy."

"TRUFF has not only elevated the condiment landscape but has fundamentally transformed it, breaking free from traditional confines to establish their products as true cultural sensations. Their commitment to crafting extraordinary flavor experiences mirrors our own mission at IGN, where we strive to offer fans immersive and unmatched connections to fuel the fandom of legendary franchises," says Karl Stewart, SVP of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation at IGN Entertainment.

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LEGO Star Wars Day 2024: TIE Interceptor Set and More Are On Sale Now https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/lego-star-wars-day-2024-sets-may-1st-release-date-buy/ Wed, 01 May 2024 14:24:00 +0000 Sean Fallon 4403e6c4-5b8f-4f9b-958f-1fb6dca26bf1

LEGO is celebrating the 25th anniversary of their partnership with Lucasfilm throughout 2024, so this year's crop of releases for Star Wars Day are designed to mark the milestone. As expected, they have a lot of exciting new sets in store for fans, but if you wait until May 4th to pick them up you might be disappointed with a sellout as the full lineup and promotions are dropping early on May 1st. The biggest of these sets is the Ultimate Collector Series LEGO Star Wars TIE Interceptor set (75282), which is a redesign of the original that kicked off the UCS line in 2000. UPDATE: The Star Wars Day LEGO lineup is live! Everything you need to know can be found below.

ORIGINAL: The LEGO Star Wars Day lineup will also include the Mos Espa Podrace Diorama (75380), the previously announced Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator (75383) and BARC Speeder Escape (75378) sets, Star Wars Droideka (75381), Clone Commander Cody and Phantom Menace BrickHeadz, and a magnificent Star Wars: The Force of Creativity Coffee Table Book. Below you'll find details about each of these sets, a gallery of images, a release date and time, and information on the freebies that will be available from LEGO with your purchase. Note that all of the sets below will be available to order starting on April 30th / May 1st at 9pm PT / 12am ET right here at the LEGO Shop unless otherwise indicated. You can check out LEGO's dedicated Star Wars Day / May the 4th page right here.

LEGO Star Wars Day 2024 Sets

  • LEGO Star Wars TIE Interceptor building set ($229.99 / 1931 pieces) - See at LEGO: LEGO Insiders get first dibs on May 1st. It will be available to the general public on May 4th at 12am ET. You can sign up for a free LEGO Insiders account right here.
  • LEGO Star Wars Mos Espa Podrace Diorama building set ($79.99 / 718 pieces) - See at LEGO
  • LEGO Star Wars Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator building set ($69.99 / 640 pieces) - See at LEGO (Pre-order early)
  • LEGO Star Wars Droideka building set ($64.99 / 583 pieces) - See at LEGO
  • LEGO Star Wars BARC Speeder Escape building set ($29.99 / 221 pieces) - See at LEGO
  • LEGO Star Wars BrickHeadz Clone Commander Cody building set (5 pack) ($9.99 / 147 pieces) - See at LEGO
  • LEGO Star Wars BrickHeadz The Phantom Menace building set ($54.99 / 732 pieces) - See at LEGO
  • LEGO Star Wars: The Force of Creativity Coffee Table Book ($149.99) - See at LEGO
  • Images are available in the gallery below.
See LEGO Star Wars May the 4th Promotions

LEGO Star Wars Day 2024 Gift Promotions

  • LEGO Star Wars Trade Federation Troop Carrier building set - See at LEGO: $160 minimum purchase
  • LEGO Star Wars: Battle of Yavin collectible building set - See at LEGO: $90 minimum purchase (LEGO Insiders Gift)
  • AAT building set - See at LEGO: $40 minimum purchase
  • All three gifts will be given to fans that purchase the TIE Interceptor set. These gifts will be available for Star Wars purchases placed from May 1st to May 5th or while supplies last. Historically, big promotional sets sell out early, so you'll want to take advantage well ahead of May 5th if possible.

Details on previously released Star Wars 25th anniversary sets are available right here. You can find more upcoming LEGO releases here in the LEGO Shop's "Coming Soon" section. After the launch, they will shift here in the "Available Now" section.

LEGO Star Wars TIE Interceptor building set

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LEGO Star Wars Mos Espa Podrace Diorama building set

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LEGO Star Wars Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator building set

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LEGO Star Wars Droideka building set

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LEGO Star Wars BARC Speeder Escape building set

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LEGO Star Wars BrickHeadz Clone Commander Cody building set

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LEGO Star Wars BrickHeadz The Phantom Menace building set

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LEGO Star Wars: The Force of Creativity Coffee Table Book

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GIFT: LEGO Star Wars Trade Federation Troop Carrier building set

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GIFT: LEGO Star Wars: Battle of Yavin collectible building set

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GIFT: AAT building set

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Star Wars: The Acolyte Promo Welcomes Back a Familiar Race https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-the-acolyte-neimoidians-promo-image-photos/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 20:31:00 +0000 Kofi Outlaw dc638987-9873-4af7-9fd3-b8fba5bba257

Star Wars: The Acolyte is going to be bringing back some pretty controversial aliens from the franchise lore: none other than the Neimoidians!

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(Photo: Disney+)

If you don't recognize the species from the Star Wars: The Acolyte promo image above, The Neimoidians were the race of aliens that ran the Trade Federation in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and were featured throughout the Star Wars Prequels era, as some of Count Dooku's primary partners in the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

Like so many of the alien species introduced in the Star Wars Prequels, the Neimoidians received backlash for seemingly being thinly veiled metaphors for real-life racial groups. The Neimoidans were speculated to be a metaphor for Asian groups - primarily Chinese people - with their wardrobe and speaking cadence making it hard to completely write off the theory. Either way, Star Wars fans haven't been too concerned with getting more of the Neimoidians in the franchise - and the powers that be at Lucasfilm haven't been too eager to push more of them into the franchise - at least in live-action.

The Neimiodians appeared in the animated series Star Wars Resistance, and have been more prominent in The High Republic line of Star Wars stories, which have unfolded in novels and comic books. It tracks, then, that they would be featured in The Acolyte, as the show will be set in the latter part of the High Republic era, and will serve as a bridge between that series of Star Wars content and the Skywalker Saga that began in The Phantom Menace.

The Acolyte showrunner Leslie Headland has gone a step further, by outright stating that she intends for The Acolyte to touch upon every era of the Star Wars franchise.

"It's a show packed with everything I wanted to explore: I wanted EU [Expanded Universe] stuff in there, references to the original trilogy, The Phantom Menace, the Disney sequels... it's absolutely packed," Headland told Total Film. Because you never know, you may not get the chance again."

She also added that "I would say the original trilogy became our touchpoint for how to craft the world, while the Episode I-ness of the show is a bit more thematic."

That sounds like a mix of more grounded and practical effects (like the animatronic masks of the Neimiodians), as well as a thematic arc about how evil can rise within a world where stability, order, and light are all supposedly infallible. Indeed, that's been a major topic of debate with the entire High Republic Era: whether Star Wars will address the fact that this era of prosperity and strength for the Republic and Jedi led to the downfall of both, the return of the Sith, and one of the darkest periods in the history of the galaxy.

Star Wars: The Acolyte will begin streaming on Disney+ on June 4th.

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Star Wars: Hunters Gets Release Date, New Trailer https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/star-wars-hunters-release-date-new-trailer-nintendo-switch/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 20:24:00 +0000 Marc Deschamps aeec7fa3-bf24-4f2f-ab69-c304be7c5bea

It's been a long wait for Star Wars: Hunters, but it seems an end is nearly in sight. Zynga and LucasFilm announced today that the free-to-play game will be arriving June 4th on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android devices. In Star Wars: Hunters, players will take part in multiplayer battles set after the events of the Galactic Civil War. The game will feature a wholly original cast of characters that will include an eclectic mix of droids, Wookies, Ugnaughts, and even Jawas! The game's cast and overall storyline were also highlighted in a new trailer released today.

The newest trailer for Star Wars: Hunters can be found below.

Classic Star Wars Locations, But With a Twist

As alluded in the trailer, all of the combat in Star Wars: Hunters takes place in an arena on the planet Vespaara, where these battles are being broadcast as entertainment for viewers around the galaxy. It would be a pretty boring Star Wars game if there weren't any locations from the films, so thankfully some of the battlefields in the arena have been designed to resemble famous places from the Star Wars universe, including Tatoonie, Hoth, and Endor. Endor is given a lot of focus in today's trailer, and while there are no Ewoks in sight, the forest moon looks pretty similar to how it appears in Return of the Jedi. Images of the game's Hoth arena also offer some familiar sights, such as a downed AT-AT.

Star Wars: Hunters will feature 4v4 combat from a third-person perspective. The game will also include multiple modes, such as Escort (which is pretty self-explanatory), and Control, where teams compete to gain control over an area before time expires. Players will not be able to create their own unique characters, but there will be customization options available, including costumes, animations, and more.

Star Wars: Hunters Soft Launch

From everything revealed thus far, Star Wars: Hunters sounds a lot like the franchise's take on Overwatch. It remains to be seen how the finished product will turn out, but the game had a soft launch in some areas of the world all the way back in 2021. However, fans in North America have been left waiting following numerous delays.

Hopefully the last few years have given Zynga plenty of time to craft a fun and enjoyable experience for Star Wars fans. It's a shame that the game won't be released in time for Star Wars Day this year, but it's hard to complain with a release date finally in sight. Fans looking for something to play on Star Wars Day are just going to have to settle for one of the many other games available on Switch and mobile platforms to tide them over.

Are you excited to check out Star Wars: Hunters when it releases? What do you think of the game's character designs? Share your thoughts with me directly on Twitter at @Marcdachamp or on Instagram at @Dachampgaming!

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