Friday 30 September 2016

ROGUE ONE: 'FORCE FRIDAY' - TOPPS PROMOTIONAL ART CARDS


Celebrating today's mammoth worldwide toy bonanza launch for ROGUE ONE, here are the celebratory official art cards released online via TOPPS, featuring art compositions from popular saga illustrator veteran Steve Anderson.

Main cast.
Imperial occupation on Jedha.
At Yavin Base.
Vader monitors the Death Star's prime weapon.
Bistan, K-2SO and Pao.
Jyn on Scarif.

Topps Star Wars | Facebook

Other recent TOPPS card releases for the movie.







New Russian Rogue One Poster Suggests Movie Will Have PG-13 Rating. | Star Wars News Net

STAR WARS REBELS: THE ARRIVAL OF THRAWN!

Bringing on the bad guys for Season Three of STAR WARS REBELS. All images: DISNEY/LUCASFILM.

Though he never appeared in any live-action STAR WARS films (well, at least not yet), the quietly lethal alien tactician and key silent hand to the Emperor's military conquests at the Outer Rim, Grand Admiral Thrawn, captured the enthusiasm and attention of STAR WARS fans from his 1991 get-go, then cemented his reputation through continued, highly satisfying novel appearances crafted by his talented creator, Timothy Zahn.

Evil duo. Thrawn and Governor Pryce.

Now, after lots of previous online whispers, Thrawn, voiced with chilling and calculating distinction by Lars Mikkelsen, is finally becoming a reality for the STAR WARS REBELS to face, as their thrilling new third season starts its UK run from 9am tomorrow (October 1st, 2016) on Disney XD. It's the kind of present fans couldn't be more thrilled or delighted to receive.

Let this unique and consequences bringing battle of wills and firepower commence!

Season Three trailer: Star Wars Rebels Season Three Trailer (Official) - YouTube

Thrawn clip: Face to Face with Thrawn | Star Wars Rebels - YouTube

Rebels Recon: The Star Wars Rebels Cast Looks Ahead to Season Three | Star Wars Rebels - YouTube

Grand Admiral Thrawn is Like an Evil Sherlock Holmes on 'Star Wars: Rebels' | Inverse

Grand Admiral Thrawn Will Make Life Miserable for the STAR WARS REBELS Heroes | Nerdist

Know That Voice: The Familiar Names Bringing Star Wars Rebels Characters to Life | StarWars.com

Official UK DISNEY XD site: Disney XD - The Official Home of Disney XD in the UK

STAR WARS REBELS Season Three is here!

Other STAR WARS REBELS news:

Watch a teaser for Star Wars Rebels Season 3, Episode 2

Darth Maul Returns in a New Star Wars Rebels Clip

Star Wars Rebels Season 3 to See the Return of Bo-Katan | Collider

Big Shiny Robot | 'Star Wars Rebels:' Filoni No Longer Supervising Director

Star Wars Rebels Season 3 “is Empire Strikes Back.5” | SciFiNow - The World's Best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Magazine

The Dark Side is building its power base in Season Two.

And don't forget to renew your acquaintance with the greatest ever STAR WARS villain we love to have and hate to love, the fearsome Darth Vader, making his pre-ROGUE ONE return with STAR WARS REBELS Season Two, available on UK Blu-ray and DVD from 3rd October, 2016, launching a dangerous cat and mouse hunt from which things will never be the same again for Lothal's brave heroes.

Season Two trailers: Star Wars Rebels Season Two Trailer (Official) - YouTube
Star Wars Rebels Season Two - Mid-Season Trailer (Official) - YouTube

Get it here: Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season 2 [Blu-ray]: Amazon.co.uk: DVD & Blu-ray

CLASSIC ART: THE WALKERS OF ENDOR!


As sunset hits the forest moon of Endor, an Imperial Walker patrol gets "their first catch of the day" - a unique prisoner who has surrendered himself over- in a move ultimately expected by Darth Vader, newly arrived at the nearby shuttle platform, in this lovely art piece by Ralph McQuarrie for RETURN OF THE JEDI.



Out now is the new ABRAMS essential two-volume hardcover covering all of Ralph McQuarrie's incredible contributions to the Classic Trilogy: STAR WARS ART: RALPH McQUARRIE

Celebrating a Master: Inside Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie | StarWars.com

Get it here: Star Wars Art: Ralph Mcquarrie: Amazon.co.uk: Ralph McQuarrie, Brandon Alinger, Wade Lageose, David Mandel: 9781419717932: Books

Thursday 29 September 2016

ROGUE ONE: AERIAL CAMERAWORK!

Image: Jonathan Olley/Lucasfilm/Disney.

Chirrut Imwe and Baze Malbus cover the rear as the small but efficient Rebel commando force continues on in its vital mission on the tropical world of Scarif, during the explosive finale to ROGUE ONE, filmed in part on the beaches of the Maldives- as seen with this great behind the scenes image recently released.

Star Wars: Rogue One - final trailer arriving with Doctor Strange | Den of Geek

CLASSIC IMAGE: A JOB WELL DONE...


Inside his solar sail vehicle departing Geonosis, a confident Count Dooku (aka Darth Tyranus) is satisfied with the handiwork he has just initiated: wounding the two esteemed Jedi in Obi-Wan Kenobi and young Anakin Skywalker, bringing trouble to and dark side power against his former master in Yoda, and at last launching the galaxy-spanning Clone Wars that will fracture the lives of billions, in a well captured frame from EPISODE II.

Wednesday 28 September 2016

ROGUE ONE: BATTLEGROUND JEDHA!


On one of the streets of Jedha, an Imperial force comes under attack from Rebel insurgents (likely belonging to the in-hiding Saw Gerrera) during a scene from ROGUE ONE that will surely relate to our own world's contemporary real-life troubled times, following in the footsteps of the previous STAR WARS saga, what with its own unique echos of Vietnam and the controversies of the Richard Nixon Presidency.

CLASSIC IMAGE: WHO'S THE BOSS(K)!


Not ready to take insults from a lowly human, no matter what his Imperial rank, bounty hunter Bossk gives Admiral Piett a reptilian glare to remember, in an always cool moment from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, seen here in rehearsal- note the costume dresser behind Alan Harris inside the Bossk outfit.

Tuesday 27 September 2016

ROGUE ONE: THE MYSTERY SCENE!


In an unknown Imperial facility, watched over by the Emperor's striking and efficient crimson guards, an ominous cloaked figure heads towards a gleaming and smoky central point, in the most mysterious image yet from the ROGUE ONE teaser trailer.

Online speculation is rampant as to who this mystery figure is. Some have suggested it's an early version of Snoke, or possibly the Emperor (Ian McDiarmid recently stated that he wasn't appearing in ROGUE ONE, but that doesn't stop him from voicing the role, with another actor as a stand-in). As to the environment itself (full of EPISODE IV Imperial set dressing tributes), that too is an enigma: some kind of weapons or energy chamber, or possibly some kind of field containing a life force or person/creature in containment/stasis? Whatever it is, the fact that it is guarded by the elite is a sign of genuine importance to the story.

Whatever this scene is, we have a hunch that its ramifications will be vital not just to this film, but also to the continuing sequel saga being mapped out by LUCASFILM.

CLASSIC IMAGE: PANORAMA's 'PHANTOM'


No matter how big or small the coverage, STAR WARS, old or new, sells magazines and newspapers, as seen here with the cover to the Italian magazine PANORAMA, which likely increased its circulation figures aplenty with their cover for the then approaching EPISODE I in 1999, alongside a summer movies preview of which the first of the Prequels was the main highlight section opener.

Monday 26 September 2016

EPISODE VII: PREPARING FOR RETALIATION!


"We're still at war with First Order. A war that won't end until either it or the Resistance is destroyed. The next time, without Luke, we won't stand a chance."

A potential lead-in to the events of EPISODE VIII, General Leia Organa addresses the members of her Resistance, warning them that the First Order will retaliate with the destruction of Starkiller Base. This scene can be found in Alan Dean Foster's novelisation of THE FORCE AWAKENS and takes place just as Artoo is reactivating himself from self-enforced slumber. In post production, the gathering scene was likely cut/re-worked for pacing reasons, to hammer home the events of Han's death with Leia and Chewie and then get the audience swiftly perked up for Artoo's return with his vital piece of the holographic map leading to Luke.

ROGUE ONE: DIRECT HIT!


As the once tranquil shoreline of Scarif is brutally disturbed with the fire and noise of heavy-duty blaster weapons, one of the Empire's fearsome Shuttle Transports takes a direct hit, in this memorable image from the ROGUE ONE teaser trailer.

At the recent STAR WARS CELEBRATION 2016 event, Director Krennic's personal two-wing shuttle was on display, with the following official description...


"With its starkly geometric hull shape and folding bat-like wings, the approach of Delta-class T-3c shuttle is an imposing sight. Once it lands and deploys its passengers-the cruel Director Krennic and his squad of elite troopers, all sense of dread proves extremely warranted."

Sunday 25 September 2016

EPISODE VIII: LATEST NEWS (SEPTEMBER 2016)

THE FORCE AWAKENS key female characters return for EPISODE VIII.

Notable snippets emerging from the worldwide web these past few weeks:

DELETED SCENE: WASTELAND CHORES!


Working on the South Ridge with the Vaporators proves the most boring and mundane of tasks for young Luke Skywalker, in his daily life on the dustball that is Tatooine. But things are about to get a lot more interesting in very quick time, in this deleted scene image from the original STAR WARS.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO sends Birthday Greetings out today to that eternal Star Warrior, Mark Hamill. 

Saturday 24 September 2016

ALL-NEW 'STAR WARS REBELS' - BACK ON UK TV THIS OCTOBER!

A strike back for our STAR WARS REBELS. Images: DISNEY UK.

New villains, new worlds, new adventures, and special surprises await our bold and seasoned heroes from the Rebel ship Ghost, as the action-packed third year of the eagerly awaited STAR WARS REBELS comes to the UK's DISNEY XD channel from October 1st, 2016 (9am), following on from today's noteworthy US launch. With the extended season opener, Steps into Shadow, an opportunity to steal a batch of old but space worthy Y-wing fighters becomes an imperative, helped on by the wily return of money grabbing old favourite Hondo Ohnaka.

Season Three trailers: Star Wars Rebels Season Three Trailer (Official) - YouTube

Rebels Recon: The Star Wars Rebels Cast Looks Ahead to Season Three | Star Wars Rebels - YouTube

Clips: Star Wars Rebels Season 3 Trailer - Ezra and the Sith Holocron [Dash Star] - YouTube
Face to Face with Thrawn | Star Wars Rebels - YouTube
Meet Bendu - Steps Into Shadow Preview | Star Wars Rebels - YouTube


Darth Maul returns and Grand Admiral Thrawn debuts in Season Three.

Other STAR WARS REBELS news: 

New Star Wars Rebels: Season Three Clip Revealed On The Star Wars Show | The Star Wars Underworld
New Star Wars Rebels: Season Three Clip Revealed On The Star Wars Show | The Star Wars Underworld
Super-Fan Vanessa Marshall Teases 'Star Wars Rebels' Season 3 Secrets | Moviefone.com
New Star Wars Rebels: Season Three Clip Revealed On The Star Wars Show | The Star Wars Underworld

OFFICIAL SITE: Disney XD - The Official Home of Disney XD in the UK

Friday 23 September 2016

EPISODE VII: TO BRING BACK BALANCE!


At Pinewood, Oscar Isaac rehearses his dialogue and reaction shots for the scene where Poe Dameron meets the mysterious and galaxy-travelled explorer Lor San Tekka on Jakku. Max von Sydow, who played Tekka, was either not called to the set or unavailable for filming at this point, so a stand-in takes his place. A fun behind the scenes image from THE FORCE AWAKENS.

CLASSIC ART: CHARACTER CHRONOLOGY!


Back in the days when the first Expanded Universe incarnation meant a lot to the Lucasfilm publishing empire, this lovely cover to the Japanese edition of the STAR WARS ESSENTIAL CHRONOLOGY edition of 2000, superior to anything printed elsewhere, wasn't afraid to bring the written and filmic universes together, as exemplified by the additions of then new favourites like Mara Jade, Grand Admiral Thrawn and Prince Xizor, alongside the iconic film heroes and baddie we'd loved since 1977.

Thursday 22 September 2016

ROGUE ONE: BLIND SPIRIT!


On the people packed streets of Jedha, during a mission of rescue and recruitment, Jyn Erso encounters the enigmatic Force worshipper and spiritualist Chirrut Imwe, soon a vital part of her team against the Empire, during the exciting events of ROGUE ONE.

This original introductory scene for Chirrut Imwe would ultimately be deleted and reshot for the film by early 2016.

THE CLONE WARS: CORUSCANT CRISIS!


Under siege in their own capital, Clone Troopers are armed and ready but ultimately powerless to stop Cad Bane and his bounty hunters flee with the now released Ziro the Hutt, in a memorable scene from the gritty Season One finale to THE CLONE WARS: Hostage Crisis.

Wednesday 21 September 2016

EPISODE VII: SON OF SULLUST!


Everyone's favourite alien co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon from RETURN OF THE JEDI, Nien Nunb, was back in action for THE FORCE AWAKENS, played once again by actor/puppeteer Mike Quinn. This time round, though, Nunb showed his singular piloting skills within an X-wing, during the epic race against time battle in and around the skies of Starkiller Base.

Ready for action once again!
Mike Quinn suits up!
Behind the scenes at Pinewood with J.J. Abrams and Neal Scanlan.
Nien's animatronic head needed for specific shots.
Assembled at D'Qar.
Publicity image used for a recent electronic TOPPS Card.

Fans will be happy to known that Nien Nunb, and other key members of Blue and Red squadrons under Poe Dameron's command, will be back for EPISODE VIII.

The Road to Rotich: Finding Nien Nunb, Part 1 | StarWars.com
The Road to Rotich: Finding Nien Nunb, Part 2 | StarWars.com

STAR WARS REBELS: STOP THOSE SHIPS!

Image: LUCASFILM/DISNEY.

Princess Leia's three cruisers, urgently needed to prop us the withering resources of the Rebel cell linked to Lothal, run into trouble against a pursuant local Imperial Star Destroyer, in this scene from STAR WARS REBELS Season Two episode, A Princess on Lothal.


Season Two arrives on DISNEY UK Blu-ray and DVD from October 3rd, 2016.

Star Wars Rebels Season Two - Mid-Season Trailer (Official) - YouTube

Get it here: Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season 2 [Blu-ray]: Amazon.co.uk: DVD & Blu-ray

Tuesday 20 September 2016

'RAIDERS' AT 35: ALL THIS GLISTERS...


Colonel Deitrich and his Nazi's aren't at all happy with Rene Belloq's planned Jewish ceremonial ritual for the opening of the captured Ark of the Covenant at their far away island base. Sure enough, the villains of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK will get their just desserts, as the "transmitter for speaking to God" is activated to terrifying effect.

CLASSIC ART: THE 'STAR WARS' MOGUL!


VANITY FAIR, EMPIRE and ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY have done it, so why shouldn't the popular sci-fi/horror/special effects magazine CINEFANTASTIQUE have its own unique version of the Most Powerful People list. Back in 1999, with the success of the STAR WARS SPECIAL EDITIONS and the all-new upcoming EPISODE I, George Lucas won the top spot and the prestigious cover of their April issue, flanked with two of his greatest saga icons, Yoda and Darth Vader, in this great art by David Voigt.

Monday 19 September 2016

CLASSIC IMAGE: KENOBI AND THE CLONES!


En route to Utapau, Obi-Wan Kenobi confers with Commander Cody and his (so far) loyal Clone Troopers about the planet and attack plans towards the in-hiding General Grievous, in a memorable moment from EPISODE III.

'SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE' AT 20: BLASTER TIME!


One of its key aspects was to provide some welcome new storytelling for our Classic Trilogy heroes in the gaps between EPISODEs V and VI, but let's face it, LUCASFILM were also keen to merchandise the characters - and the new heroes and villains they'd be mixing with/fighting against - to the maximum inside this multi-media extravaganza, especially for the ever advancing world of computer gaming, as the SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE Nintendo 64 game arrived to a million sales from STAR WARS fans and game players worldwide, making the most of the shadier sides of Steve Perry's written adventure, notably Black Sun's Prince Xizor and the smuggler for hire in Dash Rendar.

If anyone knows the artist/s of the above promotional art piece, please get in touch.

Sunday 18 September 2016

CLASSIC IMAGE: ANTILLES IN COMMAND!


In command of the fighter fleet about to make their "surprise" attack on the Death Star II, Red Leader Wedge Antilles has survived countless Imperial conflicts and proved himself as one of the Rebel Alliance's finest pilots, with a long afterlife for the character in the ever-changing times of the fictional Expanded Universe.

Image: DISNEY XD.

Fans of Wedge will soon be able to witness a younger version of the character in an upcoming episode of STAR WARS REBELS Season Three, coming to the US DISNEY XD channel from September 24th, 2016 and the UK from October 1st, where we see him in the Imperial Academy, ready with friends to jump ship and join the freedom fighters.

With thanks to Chris Baker for the ROTJ image.