There’s an argument to be made that Anakin Skywalker is the greatest Jedi in Star Wars history. Sure, Obi-Wan Kenobi wins more duels and Luke Skywalker plays an instrumental part in bringing down the Empire and bringing balance to the Force, but they don’t achieve as much as Anakin, and the Chosen One pulls off all his amazing feats in just a few years. He wins countless battles in the Clone Wars, takes down Count Dooku, and successfully trains his apprentice, Ahsoka Tano, before she leaves the Jedi Order due to circumstances outside of his control. Despite all the notches in his belt, however, the Jedi Council never trusts Anakin.

The problems start all the way back in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, when Qui-Gon Jinn brings Anakin to the Jedi on Coruscant and asks to train the young boy. The Council thinks he’s too old, and they only agree to let him start training because Qui-Gon believes he’s the Chosen One. Most of the Jedi aren’t convinced, though, so they act as roadblocks in Anakin’s journey, even embarrassing him by putting him on the Council without making him a master, which only happens one other time in a galaxy far, far away.

Anakin Skywalker Isn’t the Only Jedi Knight to Sit on the Jedi Council

Anakin has little left to prove in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. He proves himself a capable warrior during the Clone Wars, so when the opportunity arises to face off against his nemesis, Count Dooku, he’s ready for it. Anakin easily defeats the Sith Lord and kills him at the request of Chancellor Palpatine, who is the Jedi’s mentor. The leader of the Republic is so impressed by Anakin’s growth that he asks the Jedi to put him on the Council. Anakin is over the moon because he believes he’s ready to take that next step, but Mace Windu and Co. don’t trust Palpatine and believe he has ulterior motives. They’re right, of course, but they take their frustration out on Anakin, putting him on the Council but not promoting him.

Without knowing any better, Anakin sees the move as an insult, believing that the Jedi don’t appreciate his accomplishments and dedication to the cause. However, there’s another Jedi in the room who went through the same thing: Ki-Adi Mundi. Supplementary Star Wars material, including visual guides and merchandise, has confirmed that Mundi was put on the Jedi Council while he was still a Knight. While his reaction to the decision wasn’t documented, it’s unlikely he was all that happy at the time. Mundi still had it better than Anakin, though, because the Jedi eventually made him a Master.

[RELATED – Andor Was Right to Leave Out Big Character Cameos (And Star Wars Needs to Learn From It)]

The Jedi Never Embracing Anakin Leads to Their Downfall

The Jedi spurning Anakin and asking him to spy on Palpatine is the beginning of the end for the Order. Windu makes Anakin feel unwelcome at his first meeting, and Obi-Wan doesn’t help matters by talking about how great an honor it is to sit on the Council. With nowhere else to turn, Anakin seeks out Palpatine’s advice, and the politician has all the answers. Palpatine even provides the young Jedi with a solution to his Padmé Amidala problem. Of course, Anakin is eating out of the palm of the Dark Lord of the Sith’s hand, being a pawn in the scheme to destroy the Republic and build the Empire.

Despite it being clear that Palpatine is a bad guy, it’s hard to blame Anakin when he doesn’t take Windu’s side during the fight in the chancellor’s office. Anakin really tries to do the right thing, but the moment in the Council Chamber is likely in the back of his mind while Windu and Palpatine argue about the right course of action. Maybe things would’ve turned out differently if Mundi had been the one to talk to Anakin, explaining that things can still end up just fine after getting passed over for a promotion.

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith is streaming on Disney+.

Did you know that Ki-Adi Mundi was put on the Jedi Council while he was still a Knight? Do you think knowing that would’ve helped Anakin in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith?

The post Star Wars Fans Forget That Anakin Wasn’t the Only Jedi to Face This Shameful Moment appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Since Disney acquired Star Wars, there have been some concerns over the saturation of the Star Wars brand with the frequent cadence of new films and television shows that have arrived. However, Andor Season 2 was exceptionally well-written television that restored faith in how the franchise is being handled. The same thoughts could soon arise with video games, as more and more studios look to develop Star Wars projects.

To date, there have been over a hundred Star Wars games that have been produced to varying levels of success. Since the debut of home consoles, Star Wars has been a part of the journey of every single major platform as fans have been able to become a Jedi, fight against the Empire, or perhaps become a Sith leader themselves. From all the Star Wars games, here are the six best that you should look to play in 2025.

6) LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, PlayStation)

Relive and play through the cinematic journey of the Skywalkers in the best way possible: as a LEGO character. LEGO has the rare ability to take a great film and change it into a LEGO universe version that pays homage to the original film, but also offers the family-friendly humor that resides in the DNA of the toy brand. That humor and style that exists within LEGO’s brand also makes for a great introduction of the Star Wars series to families with little kids, where the cinematic action perhaps could be too intense for children.

However, don’t think LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is only silliness. A lot of love went into an abridged version of the nine stories that exist within the mainline Star Wars films. Those stories are brought to the forefront and offer a piece of nostalgia to those who have already seen them, with a digestible version for kids that still honors the source material.

5) Star Wars: Squadrons (Xbox, PlayStation, PC)

There is an art to Star Wars. It’s the music, the narrative, the lore, but one part that should not be forgotten: it’s also about the space battles. And that’s the beauty of Star Wars: Squadrons, where you can enter the cockpit of some of the most iconic starfighters from both the Republic and Imperial fleets, like the X-wing and the TIE fighter.

The game truly shines in its 5v5 PvP multiplayer that is perfect for those who enjoy team-based games, but with all the iconic sound effects of Star Wars fighters. There is also still the single-player experience, which offers the ability to play from the perspective of both the Republic forces and the Imperial forces.

4) Star Wars Episode I Racer (Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, PlayStation)

Feel however you want to about Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom of Menace, but when it comes to podracing, the formula in Star Wars: Episode I Racer nailed it for taking one of the few good experiences from Episode I and bringing it to the gaming environment. The high-octane risk and reward nature of podracing was exemplified in the video game with races across the major scenes on Tatooine and other worlds.

Notable characters like Anakin Skywalker or the ruthless Sebulba become playable racers for the game, which provided some real nostalgia for what was a pivotal point in The Phantom Menace. Mixed into the gameplay is the ability to upgrade your podracer, making you feel like you’re stepping into the shoes of Anakin and his robust mechanical expertise.

3) Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (PC, PlayStation, Xbox)

If you are looking into getting into, or back into, Star Wars: Battlefront 2, this is the best time to do so, as the servers are exploding again with players. This means that old maps or modes that have been previously unavailable due to the limited capacity to fill servers are no longer an issue, as people have flocked back into Star Wars: Battlefront 2. The greatest surprise is that Battlefront 2, within this last week, beat its all-time high of concurrent players on Steam and passed 10,000 in total. Considering the game was released in 2017, the hype train is not one worth missing when this many folks are back in the fold of Star Wars: Battlefront 2.

2) Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Xbox, PlayStation, PC)

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was the beginning recipe and foundations for this new series in the Star Wars universe, but Star Wars Jedi: Survivor perfected the formula. Those foundations in Fallen Order created a well-rounded platforming and combating system that was boosted and seamlessly updated for a more robust combat and movement system, with the splash of more powerful abilities at a more frequent cadence.

In the sequel, you pick up directly where you left off with the protagonist, Cal Kestis. The benefit is that the skills and abilities aren’t forgotten from the first title, but are further built upon in the story of Survivor. It’s relieving to see that a successful single-player action-RPG experience can still exist in the Star Wars universe of gaming.

1) Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic I & II (Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox)

The day may come when a new Star Wars game comes and dethrones Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, but it is not today. These two Star Wars games are the gold standard of Star Wars games, despite their age, for a fundamental reason: they are exceptionally fantastic.

The Knights of the Old Republic series offered the full advantage of turn-based RPG mechanics, similar to Baldur’s Gate 3, and allows for full immersion into a Star Wars narrative. Whether you play as a Jedi, Dark Jedi, Wookie, Droid, Republic War Hero, a Mandalorian, or a Twi’lek, they’re all here, and each can be customized with their gear, weapons, attributes, and Jedi powers (specifically for the Jedi characters).

Much like most turn-based RPGs, your actions have repercussions, which makes the game highly replayable, as different quests will have different outcomes depending on your decisions and whether you are a Dark Jedi or a noble Jedi. The only miss in the game by modern standards is that you can’t play it in co-op like other modern turn-based RPG titles.

The post 6 Best Star Wars Games to Play in 2025 (And Where to Play Them) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Last year, LEGO and Lucasfilm celebrated the 25th anniversary of their Star Wars partnership with a promotion that ran throughout the year. Numerous 25th anniversary sets were launched during that time, but today you can score discounts of 20% off or more on the very first sets that debuted in the collection.

These LEGO Star Wars 25th anniversary sets include a Starship Collection line featuring brand-new builds inspired by the Millennium Falcon and the Invisible Hand starships, two building sets inspired by the Tantive IV, and a special building set honoring R2-D2. Some of these sets will include special, never-before-seen minifigures and anniversary tiles. Below you’ll find a breakdown of the sets with links to the deals followed by a gallery of images. While you’re at it, make sure to check out all of the new LEGO sets that are dropping on June 1st.

• 75379 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary R2-D2  – $99.99 $79 / 1050 pieces / Exclusive Darth Malak Minifig –  See on Amazon / Walmart
• 75375 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Millennium Falcon – $84.99 $67.99 / 921 pieces – See on Amazon
• 75376 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Tantive IV –  $79.99 $63.95 / 654 pieces – See on Amazon / Walmart
• 75387 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Boarding the Tantive IV – $54.99 $43.99/ 502 pieces / Exclusive Arc Trooper Fives Minifig – See on Amazon
• 75377 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Invisible Hand – $49.99 / 557 pieces – See at LEGO (Not on sale)

“The LEGO Star Wars collaboration has enjoyed a most impressive 25 years with products, video games, animated content, big builds, merchandise, and more! We want to celebrate all those years and milestones with everyone who helped us get here, but especially with the fan community as we would never be where we are today without their creativity and passion,” says Mike Ilacqua, Head of Product at the LEGO Group.

“It’s been 25 years of true fun combining Lucasfilm’s expansive Star Wars galaxy with the ingenuity of the LEGO Group, offering fans exciting ways to recreate their favorite scenes, vehicles and characters from our stories,” said Paul Southern, Senior Vice President, Lucasfilm Franchise and Licensing, Disney Experiences. “With the enthusiasm of our fans to engage with the Star Wars galaxy and express creativity through building, we look forward to continuing the legacy of fun for decades to come.”

75379 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary R2-D2 Packaging

75379 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary R2-D2

75375 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Millennium Falcon Packaging

75375 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Millennium Falcon

75376 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Tantive IV Packaging

75376 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Tantive IV

75387 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Boarding the Tantive IV Packaging

75387 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Boarding the Tantive IV

75377 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Invisible Hand Packaging

75377 LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Invisible Hand

The post LEGO Star Wars 25th Anniversary Sets Are On Sale, Including The Millennium Falcon appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Earlier this month, Disney+ launched a 24/7 Star Wars livestream called “In A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” and it didn’t take long for fans to get hooked. Sadly, the stream was always meant to be a temporary feature celebrating several big milestones in the Star Wars franchise, and after 18 days, it ended last week. Now, fans are wondering why a feature like this can’t go longer, and why streamers don’t offer more of these kinds of streams, playlists, and shuffle buttons. Many enjoyed the feeling of jumping in and out of a broadcast, recalling the sensation of finding a favorite movie or TV show running on cable in the days before streaming. Now, many are imagining the potential of a stream like this running all the time.

“In A Galaxy Far, Far Away” was streaming 24 hours a day for 18 days straight on Disney+ this month, concluding on May 22nd. It marked several big occasions of the Star Wars franchise — May the Fourth, the conclusion of Andor, and the 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith. The stream played nothing but Star Wars content continuously, and by now, there’s plenty of that to go around. Disney+ has all 11 Star Wars movies, plus most of its TV shows and many shorts and specials as well.

The stream helped introduce fans to parts of the franchise they hadn’t gotten around to, or hadn’t even heard of in some cases. Many who are not typically animation fans found it easier to get into a show like Star Wars: Rebels this way, for example, while others finally got hooked on a show like Skeleton Crew that they’ve been meaning to check out. This was a great, low-pressure way for families to get involved in each others’ interests as well.

[RELATED: Andor Was Right to Leave Out Big Character Cameos (And Star Wars Needs to Learn From It)]

One possible reason the stream was short-lived is because of the cost of broadcasting. Fans have speculated that Disney was required to pay residuals to the casts and crews of these productions every time their work played on a livestream. By contrast, an on-demand streaming app does not typically demand the same cost. However, Disney always advertised the stream as temporary, and has not specified a reason why it won’t continue.

Streams like this are often popular, and commenters are left wondering why the can’t go on. However, it’s not clear if this kind of chatter relates to real-life use. In 2023, Netflix discontinued its “shuffle button” features, claiming that they were not used enough to be worth supporting. Those were marked either “surprise me” or “play something.”

Star Wars fans will need to answer the call to adventure themselves for now. The franchise is streaming on Disney+, but the livestream is officially over.

The post Major Star Wars Feature Removed From Disney+ After Just 18 Days (But Why?) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

When Disney bought Star Wars in 2012, it left a lot of projects in limbo. Among them, Star Wars: Underworld, a live-action TV series that would bridge the gap between Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: A New Hope while focusing on the seedier side of the galaxy. Fans who were looking forward to Underworld and its companion video game Star Wars: 1313 were understandably disappointed when the projects were abandoned, but to paraphrase Luke Skywalker, nothing is ever really gone.

Star Wars has a long history of recycling ideas from canceled projects, and in true franchise fashion, several elements from Underworld eventually found their way into various animated series, books, and even a film or two. Here is a list of 10 concepts from Star Wars: Underworld that were reused for other projects.

1) Saw Gerrera’s Live-Action Debut

Before his standout role in Star Wars: Rogue One and Andor, Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) showed up in the fifth season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars (voiced by Andrew Kishino). Saw is far from the only Star Wars character to get his start in animation before making the leap to live-action, but unlike Ahsoka Tano and Bo Katan Kryze, Saw was supposed to be flesh and blood in the first place.

George Lucas initially created the Rebel extremist for Star Wars: Underworld, but when the series was abandoned, he asked Dave Filoni to incorporate the character into The Clone Wars.

2) Director Krennic Was Originally Working With Jyn Erso and the Rebels

Like Saw Gerrera, Rogue One‘s Director Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) was also supposed to make his debut in the abandoned Underworld. Apparently, the outline for what would eventually become Rogue One was developed during pre-production on the show, with one big difference: Krennic was supposed to be a Rebel spy.

In the earliest drafts of Rogue One, Orson Krennic was also a double agent, working for the Imperial Security Bureau and secretly leaking intel to Jyn Erson. While this might have been a cool concept in theory, after watching Ben Medelson gleefully chew the scenery as Rogue One‘s resident villain, we prefer the version of Krennic we have now.

3) Han and Chewie’s Bromance Was Supposed to Start Earlier

Say what you will about Solo: A Star Wars Story, but the movie did a good job telling the origin of Han Solo’s (Alden Ehrenreich) friendship with Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo). If George Lucas had his way, however, the pair would have met a lot earlier than 2018. While the two best friends would have still hooked up around the same time chronologically, the story would have been told through the live-action Star Wars: Underworld series rather than a one-off anthology movie.

Considering how many iterations Solo went through before it hit theaters, there’s a good chance Han and Chewie’s first meeting would have played out differently on the small screen. Unfortunately, fans will probably never know for sure unless Lucasfilm decides to publish the 50 or so Underworld scripts that were written before the project was cancelled.

4) Lando’s Most Humiliating Defeat Would Have Been Must-See TV

Another bit of long-time Star Wars lore that Solo made canon was Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) losing the Millennium Falcon to Han Solo during a card game. Much like Han’s introduction to Chewie, the infamous Sabaac game, where Lando gives up his favorite ship, was planned to happen in an episode of Underworld.

It is unknown whether the two events would have occurred in one Han Solo-themed episode of Underworld or separate episodes. Given how George Lucas and Dave Filoni structured The Clone Wars, though, it’s highly likely that Underworld would have had a Han Solo origin arc at some point, spread out over several chapters.

5) Palpatine Finally Gets a First Name

It’s hard to imagine millions of Star Wars fans losing sleep over not knowing the Emperor’s first name, but we’re sure someone was curious. Those handful of fans were no doubt ecstatic when author James Luceno included that bit of trivia in his 2014 novel Tarkin. Luceno, however, will be the first to tell you that he didn’t create the moniker “Sheev” —George Lucas did, and he originally planned to unveil it to the world via Underworld.

It’s anybody’s guess how long Lucas had been sitting on Sheev before 2014, but Luceno suspects the creator had the name in his back pocket for a long time, probably before Underworld was even a thought in his mind.

6) John Williams Returns to A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Fans were divided over most aspects of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, but one thing everyone agreed on was that John Williams’ score slapped. While Disney’s decision to bring the maestro back for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a good one, if producer Rick McCallum had his way, Williams would have returned to the franchise even sooner. McCallum, who worked closely with George Lucas on the prequels, had initially played with the idea of asking Williams to return as composer for Star Wars: Underworld before the project was abandoned.

Underworld would have marked the first time Williams composed anything Star Wars-related for the small screen. With the show never making it past the planning stage, fans would have to wait until Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) to hear the composer’s first contribution to the Star Wars on television.

7) The Church of the Force Gives Non-Force Sensitives a Taste of Jedi Life

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: The Visual Dictionary by Pablo Hidalgo officially introduced the Star Wars fandom to the Church of the Force, an organization made up of non-Force users who worship the Force and study the ways of the Jedi. While technically, the Church was represented in The Force Awakens through member Lor San Tekka (Max Von Sydow), the group’s name is never mentioned onscreen. Hidalgo would reveal during an episode of the Star Wars Book Worms podcast that the Church of the Force was supposed to be a part of Star Wars: Underworld, though he suspects George Lucas came up with the general concept even earlier than that.

8) The Pyke Syndicate Was Central to Underworld

With a name like Underworld, it only makes sense that the series would focus on Star Wars’ various outlaws. Chief among these would have been a brand new gang of cutthroat miscreants, the Pyke Syndicate. George Lucas envisioned Underworld‘s Pykes as one of the galaxy’s biggest criminal empires, a role they eventually fulfilled when they showed up in the fifth season of The Clone Wars. Lucasfilm would finally fulfill Lucas’s initial vision of a live-action Pyke Syndicate with 2018’s Solo before giving them an even bigger role in 2021’s Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett Disney+ series.

9) Even Kratos Is Powerless to Resist the Influence of Star Wars

Perhaps the weirdest project to rise from the ashes of Star Wars: Underworld is 2018’s God of War reboot. According to the game’s director, Cory Barlog, the seeds of what would eventually become God of War were planted during his tenure at Lucasfilm when he was allowed to read some of the scripts that had been written for Underworld.  “It was the most mind-blowing thing I’d ever experienced.” Barlog told VentureBeat in 2016.

The director went on to describe a script depicting a young Palpatine’s fall from grace that particularly tugged at his heartstrings. “They made the Emperor a sympathetic figure who was wronged by this [expletive] heartless woman. She’s this hardcore gangster, and she just totally destroyed him as a person. I almost cried while reading this.”

We don’t know how that story specifically inspired Barlog to resurrect the then-dormant God of War series, but gamers everywhere should be glad it did.

10) The Return of Boba Fett

Fan favorite character Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) was always destined for greater things. When George Lucas unceremoniously fed him to the Sarlaac in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, fans refused to believe that was the end of the character. The fans would be proven right when Lucas resurrected the character for Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, although not in the way they expected. Instead of the armored warrior with the stones to stand up to Darth Vader, Fett returned as a little kid (Daniel Logan) who basically got all of his cool stuff from his dad. It wouldn’t be until Star Wars: The Mandalorian that fans would finally get to see the Boba Fett they remembered in action, and boy was it worth the wait.

Had Star Wars: Underworld not gone the way of the dodo, however, fans would have been treated to the return of Boba Fett much sooner. While Underworld’s Boba Fett would have been closer to the little kid version — Daniel Logan even started training with Darth Maul actor Ray Park to prepare for the role — we can assume Fett would have gotten to do a lot more than he did in Clones. Luckily for fans, most of Fett’s Underworld arc was later incorporated into The Clone Wars with Daniel Logan reprising the role, albeit not in the way he expected.

The post 10 Pieces of Star Wars Lore Created for George Lucas’ Final Project appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars: Ahsoka star Rory McCann opens up about taking over the role of Baylan Skoll for the show’s second season. In an interview with ComicBook to promote his new film Tornado (which is out in theaters on May 30th), the actor shared his thoughts on replacing the late Ray Stevenson and continuing the character’s journey on Ahsoka Season 2. He also discussed his lightsaber training, crediting his experience portraying the Hound on Game of Thrones with helping him prepare for sword fighting in the galaxy far, far away. McCann is excited about joining the franchise.

“I think it’s the right decision to carry on his storyline, not just cut it off,” he said about playing Baylan Skoll. “We’ve done it before with other things. I hope the fans embrace it and I’ll do my best. I’m just starting now, so I’m just trying to be in the right zone for doing it. It’s pretty bloody exciting. I mean, I remember being a kid with my dad, going to the first one probably in the late ’70s and ’80s. Now I’m training with a lightsaber at night, so it’s pretty exciting.”

McCann then shifted gears to his lightsaber training. “Thrones has really helped with that. Same kind of moves, same blocking,” he said. “Doesn’t have the same sexy sound though. Oh, my God … Lightsabers are lighter, but having said that, the Thrones swords were stunt swords and you’ve got to pretend that they’re three times heavier than they are. But it’s all pretend, really. It’s all very exciting.”

[RELATED – Every Star Wars Rebels Character Confirmed for Ahsoka Season 2 (And Where You Last Saw Them)]

Stevenson portrayed Baylan on Ahsoka Season 1, which was released shortly after the actor’s passing. Many fans considered Baylan to be one of the show’s most compelling characters. Back in January, it was reported that McCann had been cast to take over the role, a development that was confirmed during Star Wars Celebration Japan in April.

While Ahsoka Season 2 does not have a release date yet, it is currently in production. Star Rosario Dawson has been teasing fans with behind-the-scenes glimpses that tease her physically demanding performance. Official details about what’s in store are being kept under wraps, though it has been confirmed that Hayden Christensen is once again reprising Anakin Skywalker.

Stevenson gave a memorable performance as Baylan, but McCann is correct in saying it’s the best decision to continue the character’s story. Ahsoka Season 1 left Baylan’s arc unresolved. He parted ways with his apprentice Shin Hati to follow his own path on Peridea, locating statues of the Mortis gods in the finale. That was clearly a tease for future storylines involving Baylan, and it would have been strange if the thread was dropped entirely. Recasting the role was the way to go, and McCann seems like an inspired choice to play the character. It’s clear he understands the magnitude of following Stevenson’s footsteps and will do everything in his power to deliver a captivating performance.

As fans wait to see what the Ahsoka Season 2 story will entail, McCann’s teases about his lightsaber training indicate Baylan should be involved in action sequences in some capacity. Characters such as Ahsoka, Sabine, and Shin are also on Peridea as Season 1 concludes, so there’s no shortage of potential duels Baylan could have (or perhaps he faces a different threat on his new quest). It’ll be fascinating to see how Baylan factors into the narrative and what role the Mortis gods play. Hopefully, McCann is able to put his stamp on the role and carve out his own legacy in the galaxy far, far away.

The post Star Wars: Ahsoka’s Rory McCann Breaks Silence on Taking Over Baylan Skoll appeared first on ComicBook.com.

For decades, stories of the Star Wars Rebellion have largely focused on iconic figures: Princess Leia, Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Han Solo. Even within the more recent Andor series, Luthen Rael has been presented as the shadowy and untrustworthy mastermind, pulling strings from his Coruscant antique shop. Luthen is the one making the impossible choices, orchestrating the dangerous missions, and delivering powerful monologues about the costs of freedom. Yet, with the conclusion of Andor, a new, vital truth has emerged, subtly woven into the very fabric of the story: the true architect, the foundational force behind Luthen’s entire operation and, by extension, a significant portion of the early Rebellion, is none other than Kleya Marki.

Far from being merely an assistant, Kleya is the unyielding, strategic core that kept Luthen’s desperate gamble alive, a revelation confirmed by Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy himself. This recontextualizes much of what we thought we knew about the Rebellion’s origins, showcasing the quiet, unseen labor that truly built the galaxy’s hope.

Kleya’s Calculated Resolve and Strategic Prowess Made the Rebellion a Success

Andor masterfully peeled back the layers of Kleya’s character, culminating in a striking realization: she was not Luthen’s apprentice, but rather his guiding star from their very first encounter. Tony Gilroy, in recent interviews, has been remarkably clear about this dynamic. Speaking with Nerdist, Gilroy stated, “Kleya, not Luthen, was in charge the whole time… She’s actually been in charge of the thing from day one, from the moment they met. Kleya’s been in charge of everything. She really has been the boss. He’s afraid of her all the way through.” This isn’t merely a character beat; it’s a fundamental reorientation of the series’ central partnership.

RELATED: 5 Great Concepts for More Star Wars TV Shows on Andor’s Level

From their initial, horrific meeting where a young, traumatized Kleya is discovered by a guilt-ridden Luthen during an Imperial massacre, it becomes evident that her unwavering conviction and thirst for retribution are her driving forces. Luthen’s early actions, while seemingly of his own volition, are framed by Gilroy as a response to Kleya’s innate defiance. As he further elaborated to Collider regarding the flashback episode, “The girl who plays her young […] just transfused that steel all the way through, and you realize Kleya is the organizing principle in that shop, Kleya is the muscle there, Kleya is the stalwart. [Luthen’s] only there because he’s so guilty and he’s conforming to her reality all the way through.”

Kleya’s contributions weren’t limited to mere emotional motivation. She consistently demonstrated a strategic mind, often serving as Luthen’s tether to reality and the pragmatism required for their clandestine operations. While Luthen engaged in the public-facing, high-stakes negotiations and acquisitions, it was Kleya who managed the intricate network of communications, vetted intelligence, and maintained the operational security of their antiquities business – a front that was itself her domain. Her meticulous nature and stern demeanor, often misinterpreted as mere coldness, were in fact reflections of the immense pressure she carried, knowing that every detail, every misstep, could lead to catastrophe. She was the one who ensured the Tinian Codex was cleaned of listening devices, the one who deciphered critical messages, and ultimately, the one who made the gut-wrenching decision to end Luthen’s life to protect their network and the vital Death Star intelligence. This grim act, born of pure, unadulterated dedication to the cause, underscores her paramount importance.

Kleya’s Unsung Sacrifice for the Greater Good Illustrates the True Cost of Commitment

The very nature of Kleya’s role demanded a level of self-effacement that kept her largely in the shadows. Unlike Luthen, who occasionally indulged in theatricality or faced direct threats in the field, Kleya remained largely unseen, her sacrifices often unacknowledged. Her existence was the rebellion, her justification the downfall of the Empire. Actress Elizabeth Dulau, who portrays Kleya, echoed this sentiment in an interview with Vogue Singapore, noting that Gilroy had told her, “the rebellion is her entire life. It is her raison d’etre. She wakes up in the morning, and she’s thinking about that. She goes to work and she waits her entire day. Everything she does goes into trying to achieve that end goal of building this rebellion with Luthen.”

This deep-seated commitment manifested in the quiet endurance of immense personal cost. Kleya lived a life of constant vigilance, stripped of personal attachments or comforts. Her journey is a stark reminder that the Rebellion was built not just on grand gestures, but on the relentless, thankless toil of individuals like her. The final scene, with Kleya taking in Yavin in all its glory, offers a rare moment of introspection. Gilroy described this moment to Star Wars News Net, highlighting how Elizabeth Dulau conveyed “just the little slightest Mona Lisa, kind of bit of pleasure that she realizes what her contribution has been. She sees what they’ve built.” He emphasized that “none of this stuff exists if she hadn’t been the person and lived the life that she had, and made the sacrifices that she had, and no one will ever know that.”

This speaks volumes to the core theme of Andor: the quiet, often unacknowledged labor that fuels major movements. Kleya’s story is a powerful testament to the idea that true leadership isn’t always about being the public face, but about possessing the foresight, the resolve, and the unwavering dedication to build the foundation, piece by painstaking piece. The Rebellion may have found its voice in Mon Mothma and its hero in Cassian Andor, but it found its foundational backbone in Kleya Marki, the unsung architect who was truly in charge all along. Her sacrifice, often in the shadows, ensured that the sunrise of freedom would eventually break.

Andor and other Star Wars content is streaming on Disney+.

The post Star Wars Finally Revealed the True Architect of the Rebellion appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The time has arrived. Developer Broadsword and publisher Electronic Arts just released the newest major update for its MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic. Known as Dynamic Worlds, update 7.7 introduces tons of new content for newcomers and veterans to enjoy. This includes a new PvP season, dynamic encounters, the Relentless Replication Master Mode, and other general quality-of-life improvements for the long-running game.

It should be noted that the Galactic Threads and Master’s Enigma story content for Star Wars: The Old Republic, which should have both been added by this update, is still delayed. This is due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA voice actor strike. In a recent update regarding the content, the developer confirmed that they are almost finished with the anticipated new story quests. They will announce everything players need to know about experiencing that content when it is done.

Here are the full patch notes for the latest major update for Star Wars: The Old Republic:

Star Wars: The Old Republic Update 7.7 “Dynamic Worlds” Patch Notes

Highlights

Dynamic Encounters

First introduced in 7.6, Dynamic Encounters offer a variety of new adventures for players to experience. In addition to Hoth, Tatooine, and Hidden Chain Invasions, with 7.7, new Encounters will become available on: 

• Tython
• Korriban
• Hutta
• Ord Mantell
• Coruscant
• Dromund Kaas
• Ilum

Relentless Replication Master Mode

The highest difficulty for Relentless Replication has been released in Game Update 7.7! With it comes new Achievements and rewards to earn including Legendary Augments and themed mount!

Augment Updates

Legendary Augments will now be available with Master Mode Relentless Replication! Crafters brave enough to defeat XR-53, with a little luck, can begin their crafting journey into our new Legendary implants. For those of you that may not want to venture into Master Mode just yet, we are making some adjustments to our PvP Weekly Missions and Veteran Mode Relentless Replication for a few alternate paths to the new Augments as well.

Read here for all the details! 

Eras Window

Whether you are a new, returning, or seasoned player, the Eras Window will guide you in your journey through SWTOR’s story. Content from the game’s launch to the present is categorized into Eras, providing summaries for each as well as a chronological visual guide to the story. The Eras Window will show you where you are in the overall crit path storyline, what you’ve completed, and what is still to come for each of your characters. 

This window also acts as a great refresher if you are coming back to a character you haven’t played in some time as the overviews are tailored to your journey, show you where that character is in the overall narrative, and allow them to quickly jump directly into their next Mission! 

Important note: Players should expect a larger download for this update as the Eras Window will be importing all the cinematic trailers and this will affect the download size for 7.7.  

Mission Log Updates

Alongside the introduction of the Eras Window, we have also made a few Quality of Life improvements to the Mission Log to help in ensuring that important information is easier to find as you move through the game. Some of the key changes we made include:

• Introduction of a Galaxy Map button within your Mission Log for easier navigation from Missions to galactic travel!
• Reorientation of various UI elements for improved navigation.
• Adjustments to make Mission Prioritization clearer (Ex: reduction of non-crit path Missions using Purple)

PvP Season 8 “Champions of the Wild”

PvP Season 8 “Champions of the Wild” begins with 7.7 launch and will run for 16 weeks! 

Alongside the new season, we will be providing players with a Cartel Coin purchase option to bring more parity with other seasonal content such as Galactic Seasons. Catch up via credits will still be available. Read here for details on the new rewards! 

Additional Quality of Life Improvements 

World Map 

We have made a host of quality of life improvements to the World Map to help in navigating the Galaxy! The first thing to note is that we have added a 3 section accordion menu to the left side of the World Map: 

• Quick Travel – This now has a filter button that can be used as a toggleable shortcut to quickly isolate Quick Travel points in respect to important Mission icons. Toggling it off will put your filters right back to your original preference!
• Encounters – The most exciting of the new sections, the Encounters section will highlight all available Dynamic Encounters in your area. Clicking on one will begin tracking it, this will act as an aid to help breadcrumb you straight to the event location
• Filters – The Galaxy Map, Filter options, and Magnifying Glass have been organized into this small utility menu.

Combat Updates

We want to ensure that players have a viable, fun, and fantasy-fulfilling experience from the default choices that we make within your Combat Style. We’ve reevaluated the default choices within Disciplines and have made a variety of changes in 7.7. 

A full list of changes is listed below in the Combat Updates section of the patch notes. 

Cartel Market items

Two new armors (inspired by Andor

Character Modernization Updates

Coming in 7.7 are the following: 

• Further definition changes
• Chiss Texture Improvements
• Preview Window and Game Lighting Parity 

We’re continuing to work on modernization for additional species to be released in future updates. Read here for additional details. 

Expanded Customization Options! 

New skin colors will be available to all players with 7.7! Cathar, Chiss, Mirialan, Nautolan, Sith Pureblood, Togruta, and Twi’lek characters will see an abundance of new skin colors added to their skin customization sliders.

Nar Shaddaa Nightlife

SWTOR’s summer seasonal event returns with a plethora of new rewards and will begin on July 8th! More details on the new rewards will be posted the first week of July. 

General 

• Movement bonuses will now stack correctly with Sprint. 
• This does not affect mounts
• When a player begins a task or a mission that requires their companion to be desummoned (such as while controlling droids, etc.), the companion will now be properly resummoned when the task or mission is completed.
• Corrected many instances across the game of companions not being resummoned after players return from a polymorph state.
• Weapons Tunings that are always visible will now be displayed in cinematics. 
• The cinematic scenes for arriving on Makeb and CZ-198 now play as intended. 
• The path to the Corellian Datacron is no longer impeded by a troublesome tree. 
• Imperial players will no longer be teleported to an unplayable area when exiting their Strongholds.

Dynamic Encounters

• [Tatooine: In Search of a Problem] Fixed an issue with the facial textures for the Imperial Scientists. 
• [Hoth: White Maw Assault] The encounter will now correctly share progress if the fight is started by a player who has already completed the event. 
• [Hoth: Hidden Chain Invasion] The encounter will now correctly progress to the “Defeat the Hidden Chain Lieutenant” step even if the fight is started by a player who has already completed the event. 

Galactic Seasons

• The “Regal Senator” and “Senator’s Consort” hairstyles are now unlocked account wide. 
• The Key to West Wing Exterior and Suite item no longer disappears from the vendor if the player purchases the Key to the East Wing Exterior and Suite for the Copero Stronghold first. 

Nar Shaddaa Nightlife

• Players will now see an alert and a chat text indicating when they have won the “Good Karma” and “Feeling Lucky” buffs. 
• Players will be able to use the “Smuggler’s Luck” machine after receiving a Push. 

Relentless Replication Operation Boss

• The Shielded buff is no longer missing its icon. 
• Updated the “Becoming The Hunter” and “Just Stay Calm” Achievement descriptions to clarify that it can only be completed on Veteran and Master Mode difficulties. 
• All Relentless Replication Achievements now award Achievement points as intended.
• The Hungering Bite Ability no longer affects players who are outside of the displayed VFX effect. 
• Updated the spawn conditions for the Mistaken Constructs so only one Construct is summoned at a time. 
• Mistaken Constructs spawned from the fourth Prime Directive now engage players in combat as intended. 
• The Aura of Rust debuff no longer uses the same icon as the Digestive Enzyme debuff. 
• Fixed an issue with the map notes for the elevator inside the Imperial Base Camp and phase gate not displaying correctly. 

Uprisings 

• [Done and Dusted: Story Mode] The following changes have been made to the Bel Nerodia and G9-RX boss fight: 
• Lowered total amount of additional enemies that spawn during the encounter
• Reduced damage output from bosses  
• Additional enemies will despawn if players are defeated
• [Crimson Fang: Port Nowhere] Fixed an issue with part of the boss encounter room glitching when players moved their camera.   

Missions

• [DAILY] Capture and Release Mission obtained from the Onderon terminal now displays the mission item icon when the mission is being tracked. 
• [Remote Trading Outpost: Contact the Manufacturer] Players will now receive the correct mail if they abandon the mission. 

Dantooine Abundance Spring Festival

• [DAILY] Pirates. Again. When entering the polymorph state to become a turret, the companion is desummoned. 

Items

• The Peerless Explorer’s Enviro-Suit helmet no longer clips through the back of the neck for characters using Male Body Type 3. 

Combat Updates

Vengeance Juggernaut:

• Level 27 default is now Projected Scream (was Overwhelming Slashes)  
• Level 68 default is now Mad Dash (was Intimidating Roar)  
• Level 73 default is now Crushing Fist (was Through Passion)

Vigilance Guardian:

• Level 27 default is now Blade Burst (was Debilitating Slashes)  
• Level 68 default is now Blade Blitz (was Awe)  
• Level 73 default is now Purifying Sweep (was Through Peace)

Juggernaut:

• Sweeping Slash made baseline at lvl 7
• For all disciplines the lvl 27 talent that formally gave Sweeping Slash now gives Path Carver the 15% damage buff to Sweeping Slash.
• Projected Scream now does damage in a sphere around the target of Force Scream instead of a cone.

Guardian:

• Cyclone Slash made baseline at lvl 7
• For all disciplines the lvl 27 talent that formally gave Cyclone Slash now gives Trailblazer the 15% damage buff to Cyclone Slash.
• Blade Burst now does damage in a sphere around the target of Blade Storm instead of a cone.

Carnage Marauder:

• Level 27 default is now Predation (was Overwhelming Slashes)
• Level 43 default is now Swiftness (was Quickness)  
• Level 64 default is now Cloak of Retribution (was Path Carver)  
• Level 68 default is now Mad Dash (was Force Choke)  
• Level 73 default is now Brazen (was Thirst for Rage)

Combat Sentinel:

• Level 27 default is now Transcendence (was Debilitating Slashes)  
• Level 43 default is now Swiftness (was Quickness)  
• Level 64 default is now Adjudicator (was Trailblazer)  
• Level 68 default is now Blade Blitz (was Force Stasis)  
• Level 73 default is now Stoic (was Inspired Focus)

Fury Marauder:

• Level 27 default is now Predation (was Overwhelming Slashes)  
• Level 68 default is now Mad Dash (was Force Choke)

Annihilation Marauder:

• Level 27 default is now Predation (was Overwhelming Slashes)  
• Level 68 default is now Mad Dash (was Force Choke)

Concentration Sentinel:

• Level 27 default is now Transcendence (was Debilitating Slashes)  
• Level 68 default is now Blade Blitz (was Force Stasis)

Watchman Sentinel:

• Level 27 default is now Transcendence (was Debilitating Slashes)  
• Level 68 default is now Blade Blitz (was Force Stasis)

Carnage Marauders:

• Force Scream now benefits from Ferocity

Combat Sentinels:

• Blade Storm now benefits from Precision

Marksmanship Sniper:

• Level 39 default is now Retargeting (was Penetrating Rounds)  
• Level 51 default is now Ballistic Dampers (was Snap Shot)  
• Level 73 default is now Seek Cover (was Augmented Shields)
• Changed Penetrating Blasts for have 6 damage ticks (up from 5)

Sharpshooter Gunslinger:

• Level 39 default is now Lucky Draw (was Penetrating Rounds)  
• Level 51 default is now Ballistic Dampers (was Snap Shot)  
• Level 73 default is now Heads Up (was Hotwired Defenses)
• Changed Penetrating Rounds to have 6 damage ticks (up from 5)

Moved Takedown/Quickdraw from level 1 to level 4 for Marksmanship Sniper, Virulence Sniper/ Sharpshooter Gunslinger, Dirtyfighting Gunslinger

Assassin / Shadow 

• Default Assassin Discipline changed from Deception to Hatred
• Default Shadow Discipline changed from Infiltration to Serenity

The post Star Wars: The Old Republic Update Ushers In Dynamic Worlds appeared first on ComicBook.com.

If you missed the sale earlier this month as part of the May the 4th / Revenge of the Sixth Star Wars festivities Disney bringing back their 30% off sale popular Star Wars lightsaber hilt replicas. Until the end of the day today, May 28th (presumably Pacific time – until 3am ET on May 29th) you can score the discount right here at The Disney Store on a selection of hilts. Head below to check out some of our favorite picks, and keep in mind that many (but not all) of these replicas require you to purchase the blade separately (fortunately, one of the options is also part of the sale). Note that the recent Star Wars Day lightsaber hilt releases are not eligible, but they are still awesome.

Skywalker Legacy Lightsaber Collectible Set $219.99 $153.99 – See at The Disney Store: This set includes Skywalker Legacy Lightsaber Hilt, Lightsaber Blade, Display Stand, and Lightsaber Belt Clip.

Stellan Gios Legacy Lightsaber Hilt $179.99 $125.99 – See at The Disney Store: This new version of the Stellan Gios hilt won’t include the wooden box or the comic book from the super limited edition release, opting for a standard hilt case with a lined interior and a Rebel Alliance Starbird insignia. The hilt itself appears to be the same, complete with crossguard blades and the ability to fold up. It will also produce sound effects and illuminate blue when a lightsaber blade is added.

Star Wars Darth Maul Lightsaber Hilt and Blade Set $249.99 $153.99 – See at The Disney Store: For Star Wars Day 2024, Disney launched a spectacular Darth Maul Legacy Lightsaber Set as part of their Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Collection. Limited to only 7000 units, it sold out quickly. It featured two hilts in a fancy wooden box that lights up red and plays Duel of the Fates when you slide open the lid. If you wanted blades, you had to purchase them separately. However, this set will come with a single hilt, a blade, a stand, a blade connector and a belt clip. Thanks to the deal you can get two hilts with two blades for a whole lot less than the original May the 4th set.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Legacy Lightsaber Collectible Set $219.99 $153.99 – See at The Disney Store: This set includes Obi-Wan Kenobi Legacy Lightsaber Hilt, Lightsaber Blade, Display Stand, and Lightsaber Belt Clip.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Electronic Lightsaber Hilt Set ($550 $385 Limited to 3000 units) – See at The Disney Store: Includes replicas of the hilts carried by Ahsoka Tano, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker. Presented in a wooden box featuring art depicting the three Jedi with their names spelled out in Aurebesh lettering.

The post Star Wars Lightsaber Hilt Replica 30% Off Sale Is Back For One Day appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Ahsoka series on Disney+ has already brought beloved characters from Star Wars Rebels into live-action, thrilling fans by bridging the animated and live-action realms of the galaxy far, far away. With the second season already in production, excitement is building as several more key figures from Rebels are confirmed to join the upcoming inevitable battle against an old foe. The first season of Ahsoka left audiences with significant cliffhangers, most notably the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra Bridger to the main galaxy, while Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren remained stranded on Peridea. These developments set the stage for an epic continuation, deeply intertwined with the fates of the Ghost crew and other characters vital to the early rebellion. Let’s take a look at the Rebels characters confirmed to appear in Ahsoka Season 2, revisiting their last known whereabouts and speculating on what the future has in store for them.

1) Ezra Bridger

In animation, Ezra Bridger (voiced by Taylor Gray and played in live-action by Eman Esfandi) was last seen in the emotional finale of Star Wars Rebels, making the ultimate sacrifice to remove Grand Admiral Thrawn and his fleet from Lothal by calling upon the Purrgil to hyperspace them to an unknown location. This heroic act saved his home planet and cemented his status as a true Jedi. For years, his fate was a mystery, a lingering question in the minds of his friends and the audience. The first season of Ahsoka finally resolved this cliffhanger, revealing that Thrawn and Ezra had indeed been transported to Peridea, a planet in a distant galaxy. In Ahsoka, we see Ezra having survived this journey, albeit stranded far from home, demonstrating his resilience and growth as a Force user. His reunion with Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren was a central plot point, culminating in his eventual long-awaited and hard-earned return to his home galaxy alongside Thrawn.

[RELATED: Star Wars: Ahsoka Star Just Gave Us a Big Hint About Season 2]

Now officially back in the main galaxy, Ezra’s role in Ahsoka Season 2 will undoubtedly be a significant one. Having been away for so long, he will undoubtedly experience a degree of culture shock, which includes the news of a full-fledged Galactic Civil War that culminated in the fall of the Empire, as well as the growing threat posed by Imperial remnants. Ezra’s connection to the Force, honed during his isolation, and his experience as a pivotal player in the early rebellion will make him a valuable ally in the coming conflict with Grand Admiral Thrawn. 

Additionally, up until this point, Ezra had no knowledge that Hera Syndulla and his beloved late Master, Kanan Jarrus, had a child together. Ahsoka Season 1 ended before viewers could witness any real reunion between Hera and Ezra beyond Hera’s shock at seeing him again, but Jacen was notably absent. Ezra’s relationship with Jacen, who himself is not only Force-sensitive, but clearly possesses great talents like his father, will likely play a significant role in Season 2. Ezra’s journey from a street-smart orphan to a capable Jedi Knight has been compelling, and his continued evolution in live-action promises to be a highlight of the season.

2) Hera Syndulla

Captain Hera Syndulla (voiced by Vanessa Marshall and played in live-action by Mary Elizabeth Winstead) was last seen in animation in the epilogue of Star Wars Rebels, continuing her distinguished service in the New Republic military and raising her and Kanan Jarrus’ son, Jacen Syndulla. Her unwavering leadership, exceptional piloting skills, and strategic brilliance were instrumental throughout the rebellion, earning her immense respect within the New Republic. In the first season of Ahsoka, Hera reprised her role, now a formidable general advocating tirelessly for the recognition of Grand Admiral Thrawn’s potential threat, often facing skepticism from her New Republic peers. She played a crucial part in assisting Ahsoka and Sabine’s perilous journey to find Ezra, providing essential logistical support and demonstrating her characteristic blend of determination, pragmatism, and compassion.

With her confirmed return for Ahsoka Season 2, Hera’s involvement is set to deepen, especially with Thrawn’s return to the main galaxy. Her military expertise and long-standing personal history with the Grand Admiral will undoubtedly position her as a key player in the unfolding conflict. Her enduring love and concern for Ezra’s well-being and her strong bond with Sabine also suggest she will be deeply involved in their future endeavors. 

Furthermore, the development of her son, Jacen, could become a significant storyline, potentially seeing him interact more directly with the Jedi legacy that his father left behind in the form of his apprentice, Ezra. Hera’s continued presence provides a vital link to the events of Rebels and a grounded, strategic perspective amidst the more mystical aspects of the Force.

3) Sabine Wren

Sabine Wren (voiced by Tiya Sircar and played in live-action by Natasha Liu Bordizzo) made her last appearance in Star Wars Rebels, which saw her alongside Ahsoka Tano, embarking on a determined journey to find Ezra Bridger in the unknown regions of space following the defeat of Thrawn on Lothal. This epilogue left Sabine grappling with her Mandalorian heritage and her deep connection to the Ghost crew, while also hinting at a new path. The Ahsoka series picked up this thread directly, revealing Sabine’s continued search for Ezra, even living in his old hideout on Lothal, and her eventual reunion with Ahsoka, now as Ahsoka’s former Padawan. The first season showcased Sabine’s struggles with her latent Force abilities and complicated history with Ahsoka, but ultimately, she began to tap into them, learning to wield a lightsaber and playing a critical role in reaching Peridea and aiding Ezra’s return.

[RELATED: What Hayden Christensen’s Return in Season 2 of Ahsoka Could Mean]

With her return confirmed for Ahsoka Season 2, Sabine’s journey will undoubtedly continue to explore her development as a Force-sensitive Mandalorian warrior. Her experiences on Peridea, including facing off against Shin Hati and the Nightsisters, would have profoundly shaped her understanding of the Force and her own capabilities. Now stranded on Peridea with Ahsoka, her continued training could be central to the plot. Additionally, with Shin Hati and Baylon Skull also on Peridea, Sabine will no doubt find herself wrapped up in their machinations. 

Furthermore, if and when Sabine returns to the main galaxy, her Mandalorian heritage might become even more significant as the story unfolds, especially if it delves into the political landscape of the rebuilding of Mandalore under Bo-Katan Kryze as seen in Season 3 of The Mandalorian. Sabine’s unique blend of artistic creativity, warrior spirit, and burgeoning Force abilities makes her a compelling character with many potential avenues for future storylines.

4) Zeb Orrelios

Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios (Steve Blum) was last seen in a delightful live-action cameo in The Mandalorian Season 3. He was residing on the New Republic correctional facility planet Adelphi, where he shared a drink and friendly banter with Captain Carson Teva. This appearance confirmed his continued survival after the events of Star Wars Rebels and subtly hinted at his role within the New Republic era, suggesting he was involved in some capacity with law enforcement, pilots, or security. It was a welcome sight for long-time fans of Rebels, providing a tangible link to his journey and showing that the Lasat warrior had found a place in the galaxy after the fall of the Empire.

With his confirmed return for Ahsoka Season 2, Zeb’s role is expected to expand beyond a mere cameo, potentially reuniting him with his surviving Ghost crewmates. Given the events of the finale of Rebels that showed Zeb bringing former ISB agent turned rebel, Alexsandr Kallus, to Zeb’s new home planet, it’s highly likely Zeb and Kallus will both return for Season 2. His immense strength, formidable combat skills, and unwavering loyalty to his friends would make him an invaluable asset in facing the looming threat of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Furthermore, his unique perspective as believing himself to be one of the last of his kind for years could bring interesting dynamics, particularly if the story touches upon themes of rebuilding civilizations or finding one’s place in a changing galaxy. Seeing Zeb interact more extensively with Chopper, Ezra, Sabine, and Hera in live-action promises to be a fan-favorite moment, bringing the full Rebels crew closer to a live-action reunion.

Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka Season 1 are streaming on Disney+.

The post Every Star Wars Rebels Character Confirmed for Ahsoka Season 2 (And Where You Last Saw Them) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Mandalorian star Katee Sackhoff opens up about the frustrations she has with fans over their treatment of her character Bo-Katan Kryze. On an episode of her podcast The Sackhoff Show, the actress talked Star Wars with her Mandalorian co-star Brendan Wayne. At one point, Wayne explained why he’s a big fan of Bo-Katan’s arc across franchise canon. He enjoyed that the character was “a tough leader who had to learn how to lead again.” While Wayne loves the Bo-Katan redemption story, Sackhoff pointed out that there are fans who are still critical of the character even though she’s evolved over the years.

“I think it really frustrates me when people don’t see her pain or they don’t see the redemption,” Sackhoff said. “They still hold her to the terrible, terrible mistakes she made but they don’t allow the growth of her 15-20 years later.”

Prior to making her live-action debut in The Mandalorian Season 2, Bo-Katan was a recurring character on the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. She’s introduced as a member of the Death Watch, a Mandalorian terrorist group at odds with Bo-Katan’s sister Satine, who is a pacifist. A key arc on The Clone Wars features Death Watch teaming up with Maul to take control of Mandalore. Maul eventually takes the throne for himself, leading Bo-Katan to see the error in her ways. After the Republic defeated Maul’s forces, Bo-Katan became Regent of Mandalore, but was removed when she went against the Empire.

[RELATED – New The Mandalorian Season 4 Rumor Isn’t What Star Wars Fans Want to Hear]

On The Mandalorian, Bo-Katan’s primary goal is to reclaim her home planet years after the Great Purge that saw the Empire wipe the Mandalorians out, with her main target being Moff Gideon. During the show’s third season, Bo-Katan is successful in her mission, overcoming the Imperial remnants still on Mandalore, ushering in a new era for her people.

Sackhoff’s feelings are very understandable. Part of what makes following a character for years so great is watching them evolve over that time. It can be a fun experience to see them change, reflecting the very human desire to improve and be better. While Bo-Katan wasn’t always a heroic figure, nobody is perfect and she deserves her chance at redemption like anyone else. Her arc is compelling because she realized her mistakes and made efforts to correct them — and, like all the best characters, she always felt like she was acting out of best intentions. On The Clone Wars, she was doing what she thought was best for her homeworld, and on The Mandalorian she’s atoning for those errors.

From an actor’s perspective, it’s probably a more appealing prospect to play a character who does evolve over the course of several years. It can always be entertaining to play a one-note villain who relishes in being evil, but that can get stale. Sackhoff has clearly enjoyed getting a chance to paint a fascinating portrait of Bo-Katan, exploring multiple sides of the character as she reemerges as a dedicated leader. Whether or not she returns in The Mandalorian & Grogu remains to be seen, but hopefully Bo-Katan will return at some point.

The post The Mandalorian Star Shares Frustration With Fans’ Treatment of Their Character (& They’re Right) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars: Andor has concluded, leaving fans eager for what’s to come in a galaxy far, far away. Andor’s two seasons chronicled the events leading up to 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, fixating on Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) rise to a revolutionary leader. Although failing to achieve a cultural impact comparable to Star Wars: The Mandalorian, Andor‘s resounding critical success places it among the best-received Star Wars projects of all time. In the wake of Andor‘s riveting and complex story, one has to wonder what Star Wars’ upcoming slate has in store for the future. Some projects have been confirmed while others remain up in the air, and there is a lot to anticipate when it comes to forthcoming tales in the Star Wars universe.

Since Dave Filoni was named Lucasfilm’s Chief Creative Officer in 2023, Star Wars has put out a variety of live-action TV series on Disney+, such as Star Wars: Ahsoka and Star Wars: The Acolyte, in addition to Andor Season 2. Meanwhile, the franchise has been noticeably absent in theaters, as Star Wars appears to be taking its time before returning to the big screen. Even so, fans of the franchise shouldn’t be too concerned, as Lucasfilm has concrete plans in both the TV and movie sectors of Star Wars. The following contains everything Star Wars lovers need to know about what’s next after Andor.

[RELATED: Andor’s Twist Ending Shakes Up the Future of Star Wars]

Everything We Know About Upcoming Star Wars TV Shows

With Andor‘s second and final season having aired, the next live-action Star Wars property to premiere on Disney+ will be Ahsoka Season 2. The next chapter of Ahsoka Tano’s (Rosario Dawson) story is currently filming. No release date has been made public, though Disney+ subscribers shouldn’t expect Ahsoka Season 2 to premiere any earlier than 2026.

Surprisingly, nothing else in the world of live-action Star Wars TV has been confirmed. It still isn’t certain whether The Mandalorian Season 4 is happening, as it’s likely the show’s future will depend on how Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu performs in theaters. Recently, it was reported that an upcoming Star Wars series helmed by Lost co-showrunner Carlton Cuse and his son Nick Cuse is in development. Plot details and release date information have been kept under wraps thus far.

Relating to animated projects, Star Wars: Visions Season 3 is set to premiere on Disney+ on October 29th. Further down the road, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, focusing on the famous Sith Lord Darth Maul, was announced in April and is expected to debut on Disney+ in 2026. Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord takes place between the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels.

Right now, it’s clear that Ahsoka Season 2 remains Lucasfilm’s primary focus in its TV endeavors. Fans might be pleased to learn that the franchise is slowing down its TV slate, given that many of its Disney+ releases, like 2022’s Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, 2024’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, and The Acolyte, didn’t even remotely compare to the triumphs of The Mandalorian and Andor. As a result of moving away from a packed TV schedule, it looks like Star Wars will ramp up its movie production again.

Everything We Know About Upcoming Star Wars Movies

Six years have passed since Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opened in theaters, marking the last time the franchise graced the silver screen. Fortunately, the drought comes to an end in the next year with the release of The Mandalorian spinoff film, The Mandalorian and Grogu — which hits theaters on May 22, 2026. The story returns Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his baby apprentice Grogu to the forefront of Star Wars, chronicling their next big adventure together following The Mandalorian Season 3.

The following year, director Shawn Levy and star Ryan Gosling will team up in Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled to release on May 28, 2027. Set roughly five years after The Rise of Skywalker, the movie exists as a standalone tale in the Star Wars universe with a unique set of characters. Production on Star Wars: Starfighter is slated to begin this fall.

Elsewhere, numerous Star Wars movies are in the works. Earlier this year, Simon Kinberg was confirmed to be developing a new Star Wars trilogy, while James Mangold’s film about the origin of the Jedi Order 25,000 years before Phantom Menace is also in development. Furthermore, the next installment centering on Rey (Daisy Ridley) and the New Jedi Order post-The Rise of Skywalker will be helmed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy after years of waiting to get off the ground with writers. Taika Waititi’s untitled Star Wars movie has been known publicly for years now, but it will eventually come to fruition. As of February 2025, Mangold and Waititi have not finished their scripts, per Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. Production timelines and release dates for all of the aforementioned projects have not been revealed.

Evidently, Star Wars has put together a substantial lineup of upcoming movies, yet some other titles have seemingly fallen into limbo. Filoni’s New Republic-era Star Wars film is still in early stages of development, thus there’s no telling when or if it will be released. In 2023, a sequel to Solo: A Star Wars Story revolving around Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) was reportedly switched from a TV series to a movie; however, updates on the project have been scarce. Finally, Patty Jenkins’ movie Star Wars: Rogue Squadron has faced extensive delays since its initial announcement in late 2020. Many fans believe Lucasfilm and Disney have shelved the film, but neither a cancellation nor a production update has been made public.

Despite a multitude of setbacks and unknowns regarding upcoming projects, Star Wars fans have reason to look forward to the franchise’s future. The Mandalorian and Grogu mark Star Wars’ long-awaited theatrical comeback, and the fan-favorite pair of characters have the chance to inject new life into Lucasfilm’s realm of movies following the poorly-received Rise of Skywalker. A hopeful return to form on the big screen and a steadier flow of high-quality shows on Disney+ could spell a bright new era for Star Wars. Although fans still await more concrete updates on most of the upcoming Star Wars films, the filmmakers’ attached and known story details indicate an encouraging sense of ambition on the part of Lucasfilm.

Current List of Confirmed Star Wars Projects

• TV – Star Wars Visions 3 (Oct. 2025)
• TV – Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (2026)
• TV – Ahsoka Season 2 (TBA)
• TV – Untitled Star Wars Series from Carlton & Nick Cuse (In Development)
• Movies – The Mandalorian & Grogu (May 2026)
• Movies – Star Wars: Starfighter (May 2027)
• Movies – New Star Wars Trilogy from Simon Kinberg (In Development)
• Movies – Taika Waititi’s Star Wars Film (In Development)
• Movies – James Mangold’s Jedi Order Origin Film (In Development)
• Movies – Rey’s New Jedi Order Film (In Development)

All episodes of Star Wars: Andor are available to stream on Disney+.

The post After Andor, What’s Next for Star Wars Fans? appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars: Andor‘s mission is to build toward the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: A New Hope. The Empire’s power is at an all-time high, and the people of the galaxy are really only starting to believe that a rebellion is a cause worth pursuing. With that being the case, there’s little time for the show to tease stories that don’t directly tie into its own. Even Star Wars Rebels, which features an episode that picks up right after the events of Andor Season 2, Episode 9, “Welcome to the Rebellion,” barely gets any love.

Looking closely at the events of Andor will reveal a few breadcrumbs that set the stage for the Star Wars sequel trilogy, however. In fact, in a couple of instances, the Disney+ show reveals something that makes the controversial set of films much more tolerable.

1) Force Healing Is Pretty Common

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker‘s plot is messy, to say the least. It brings Emperor Palpatine back into the mix, sends Rey on a journey to discover her strange heritage, and shoehorns in a relationship for Poe Dameron. The wildest part of The Rise of Skywalker‘s story, though, is the addition of Force healing, which allows Ben Solo to save Rey after she dies fighting Palpatine.

Andor goes out of its way to show that Force healers are a pretty common thing in a galaxy far, far away. The titular rebel doesn’t believe in the practice, but it’s hard to believe the woman on Yavin IV isn’t in tune with the Force when she calls Cassian a “messenger,” teasing his mission to get the Death Star plans into the right hands.

2) The Resistance Base Already Helped the Rebellion

Like the original trilogy, the sequels don’t spend much time diving into the history of their freedom-fighting force. The Resistance’s leaders are familiar faces, such as Admiral Ackbar and Leia Organa, so there’s really no need to explore anything but the fact that they’re fighting back against the First Order.

With Andor showing all the different sides of the Rebellion across the galaxy, it has the unique opportunity to reveal aspects of the Resistance in their earlier years. The most prominent example is the base on D’Qar, which Saw Gerrera uses in Andor while trying to teach his men how to extract rhydonium.

3) General Hux’s Betrayal of the First Order Makes More Sense

In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, General Hux is every bit as evil as Grand Moff Tarkin and the other Imperials in the original trilogy. That’s why it’s hard to understand when he turns out to be the Resistance spy in The Rise of Skywalker, feeding information to Poe and Co. to help them defeat the First Order.

Andor helps Hux’s character by showing how some Imperials, like Deedra Meero, don’t necessarily believe in every part of the cause but follow orders because they think it will get them a better job. However, they’re ready to give it all up and throw others under the bus when things don’t go their way.

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4) The New Republic’s Shortcomings Start to Form During the Rebellion

Despite helping rebuild the Republic after the original trilogy, Leia isn’t in good standing with the government when the sequels kick off. Their inability to act when the First Order starts to gain power leads Leia to build the Resistance, which is the only thing standing in the way of Kylo Ren and Co. gaining total control of the galaxy after they destroy the New Republic systems.

Throughout its two seasons, Andor proves how hard it is to get anything done when politics are part of the game. Even major Rebellion figures like Mon Mothma and Bail Organa struggle to seize opportunities, making it easy to see how another version of the Empire is able to grow right under their noses.

5) It Takes More Than Jedi to Win a War

Finn has as much potential as anyone in The Force Awakens. He shows initiative by defecting from the First Order and holds his own with a lightsaber. However, the next two movies fail to make Finn much more than an agent for the Resistance, touching on Force sensitivity but never exploring it fully.

Andor retools the classic Star Wars stories by making them less about the Force and more about the everyday people who make sacrifices to benefit the cause. Characters like Luthen Rael and Cassian never wield a lightsaber or move things with their mind, but their contributions are every bit as important as Luke Skywalker’s.

Star Wars: Andor and the Star Wars sequel trilogy are streaming on Disney+.

Do you think Star Wars: Andor helped make the sequels better? What other moments do you think belong on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 5 Ways Andor Makes the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Better appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Star Wars sequel trilogy features many story beats and plot points that proved to be divisive, but there’s one in particular from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker that continues to inspire debate. In that film, General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) reveals that he is secretly working as a spy feeding First Order intel to the Resistance. In a Reddit discussion about this twist, some fans are still trying to understand how Hux, a dedicated First Order officer who seemed to relish being evil, could possibly be the one who helped the heroes get an upper hand. “That part was so bad I’ve forgotten all about it,” wrote one user.

While The Rise of Skywalker earned the worst reviews of the sequel trilogy in part due to an underwhelming script, there are several fans who do not take issue with the Hux subplot. As many point out in the Reddit thread, Hux didn’t become a spy for altruistic reasons. He was attempting to undermine Kylo Ren, who became Supreme Leader after the events of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Some commenters even directly quoted Hux’s line, “I don’t care if you win. I need Kylo Ren to lose.”

Hux’s storyline in The Rise of Skywalker didn’t come out of nowhere. Throughout the sequel trilogy, it’s clear that there is some sort of rivalry between Hux and Kylo Ren. The two appear to be at odds with each other during The Force Awakens, and in The Last Jedi, Hux has nothing but disdain for Kylo Ren. Though Kylo tried to pin Snoke’s death on Rey, Hux likely suspects Kylo was the real culprit. Considering how loyal Hux was to Snoke, it isn’t surprising he’d take action against Ren.

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At the beginning of The Rise of Skywalker, the Resistance discovers Emperor Palpatine is alive and on Exegol — information they received from a mysterious spy within the First Order’s ranks. When the main heroes infiltrate a Star Destroyer to rescue Chewbacca, Hux assists Finn, Poe, and Chewie in their escape, revealing to them that he is the spy. Unfortunately for him, Allegiant General Pryde deducts Hux is a traitor and executes him. Hux dies because of a petty grudge.

The Rise of Skywalker has some notable storytelling issues, but Hux’s spy subplot isn’t a bad development. It feels like a natural continuation of the Kylo/Hux arc that had been established in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. If anything, Rise of Skywalker‘s Hux storyline suffers from being underdeveloped. The prospect of infighting amongst First Order ranks is a tantalizing one, and it would have been interesting to see separate factions led by Kylo and Hux in conflict with each other, adding a bit more depth to the film and its villains. As it stands, Hux has very little to do in The Rise of Skywalker and could have benefitted from stronger writing. Again, the idea of having him try to undermine Kylo Ren’s authority and gain favor with the Emperor is good, it just wasn’t executed in the best way.

The poor execution might be why some fans are confused about Hux being the spy, but the character clearly spells out his intentions in the film. It’s a shame this plot twist wasn’t as captivating as it could have been. Star Wars has found success telling stories about Imperials who defected over the years (see: Agent Kallus in Star Wars Rebels), and The Rise of Skywalker could have featured a fun variation of that concept. Perhaps one day there will be a Hux novel or comic series that dives deeper into his attempts to usurp Kylo Ren.

The post Star Wars Fans Are Still Debating the Sequel Trilogy’s Weirdest Twist appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Brendan Wayne has spoken. Along with Lateef Crowder, the actor and stuntman has doubled for Din Djarin actor Pedro Pascal since the first season of The Mandalorian in 2019, often wearing the beskar armor and helmet that almost always conceals Djarin’s face. (As part of the Children of the Watch, Djarin swore an oath: “I shall walk the Way of the Mand’alor, and the words of the Creed shall be forever forged in my heart. This is the Way. From this moment on, I shall never remove my helmet.”)

But when Djarin violated the Mandalorian creed by removing his helmet, it wasn’t Wayne’s face underneath: it was Pascal, who developed the character’s physical traits early on but would often have Wayne and Crowder filling in during production and dubbing the voice in later.

“I think, initially, it probably was a little bit more [frustrating] for my family,” Wayne, also the grandson of actor John Wayne, told Bo-Katan Kryze actor Katee Sackhoff on her podcast when asked about fans sometimes overlooking his contribution to the role.

RELATED: Star Wars: Updated Official Timeline of Every Movie & TV Show

Wayne went on to reference James Earl Jones, who voiced Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, and body actor David Prowse, who embodied the Sith Lord with Jones’ voice dubbed over his physical performance.

“I think I needed that not to be important to me,” he said of receiving recognition and credit as another actor portraying the titular Mandalorian alongside Pascal. “When it bothers me is when I’m trying to get a job and they’re like, ‘You’re a stunt guy.'”

Wayne next embodies Din Djarin in The Mandalorian and Grogu, the Jon Favreau-directed feature film that introduces New Republic Adelphi Ranger Col. Ward (Alien and Avatar star Sigourney Weaver).

“Then there’s moments you meet Sigourney Weaver, and she walks up to you and she goes, ‘Your work is seamless. It’s absolutely beautiful.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m Brendan. Who are you looking for?'” he joked. “She goes, ‘James Cameron and I were talking about it.’ Those moments, I’ll allow my pride to be there.”

Receiving the respect of his colleagues, including Pascal, Sackhoff, and Weaver “makes it all worth it,” Wayne added. “Would I like the business aspect of it to benefit me more? 100 percent.” But after being hospitalized for 42 days with a life-threatening illness during the production of the show’s second season, Wayne said, “[If not for surviving the hospital], I don’t think I would have taken this the way I have. It would have meant more to me that I get that credit, but now I don’t feel that way.”

Pascal has frequently acknowledged his Mandalorian doubles, including introducing Wayne and Crowder to the Star Wars Celebration crowd in 2022. “Before Celebration, they were like, ‘We’re gonna walk you out there.’ And that was a big deal,” Wayne said. “I didn’t know it, honestly. But it was a big deal. That was cool.”

“It’s been a collaborative process from the beginning,” Pascal told Entertainment Weekly in 2022 about sharing the Mandalorian role with Wayne and Crowder. “I was given the opportunity to establish physical specificity in some ways at the start of the show, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t observing and picking up from what they’re doing and handing over so much of it as well. They do the heavy lifting.”

Disney and Lucasfilm have slated Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu to open in theaters on May 22, 2026.

The post The Mandalorian Star Weighs In on Din Djarin Credit Controversy (& It’s Important) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Ryan Reynolds has a good feeling about this. The Deadpool star reveals he pitched an R-rated Star Wars project to Disney, which released last summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine — not only the first Marvel Studios movie to receive an R rating, but the highest-grossing R-rated film in history with $1.33 billion at the global box office. With Marvel moving into the mature space occupied by Disney and 20th Century Studios’ R-rated sci-fi franchises like Alien and Predator, Reynolds argues that the galaxy far, far away can go far, far beyond a PG or PG-13 rating.

“I pitched to Disney, I said, ‘Why don’t we do an R-rated Star Wars property?'” Reynolds shared on on a recent episode of The Box Office Podcast. “It doesn’t have to be overt, A+ characters, there’s a wide range of characters you could use, and I don’t mean R-rated to be vulgar. R-rated is a Trojan horse for emotion. I always wonder why studios don’t want to just gamble on something like that.”

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Reynolds, also a producer who received his first writing credit as a co-writer (with Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick) on 2018’s Deadpool 2 before scripting Deadpool & Wolverine with Reese & Wernick, Zeb Wells, and director Shawn Levy, clarified, “I’m not saying I want to be in it — that would be a bad fit. I would want to produce and write or be a part of behind the scenes.”

Andor, the Rogue One prequel series about the burgeoning rebellion against the Galactic Empire, already pushed the boundaries of Star Wars with mature storytelling and, in the second season, an attempted rape scene. It was a first for a franchise that has gone no further than PG-13 (starting with 2005’s Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith) and TV-14 (with such streaming series as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and Andor).

“You’re never going to get the same emotional investment from a streamer that you are from a theatrical movie, because they’re getting in cars and paying for parking, and babysitters, and sitting down, and watching the movie, and then driving home. That’s the emotional investment you can try to sell,” Reynolds explained. “On a streamer, my only note, always, is that, for God’s sake, with everything you can, to grab them in that first shot, like that first thing that happens in the movie… Start with something, ‘Holy s—!’ and then, ‘How did we get here?'”

“Streamers, I think that model is even more important because we have all these distracto-fat things clogging our arteries of attention, and it is so easy to tune out unless you have them right at the top,” he said.

Reynolds also pushed the former Fox X-Men movies franchise into R-rated territory with 2016’s Deadpool, which was followed by the R-rated, James Mangold-directed Logan in 2017. Mangold later revealed that the planned Boba Fett: A Star Wars Story movie he was developing was envisioned as “a borderline-rated R spaghetti Western” before the Boba Fett spinoff was reworked into a TV-14 series on Disney+.

“At the point I was doing it, I was probably scaring the sh-t out of everyone,” Mangold said in 2023, adding that “in a moment of corporate realignment after whatever happened with the Han Solo movie, they just suddenly decided they weren’t making pictures like that. I think the opportunities, streaming, presented themselves.”

In fact, The Mandalorian and Grogu — a feature film continuation of The Mandalorian TV series — will be the first Star Wars film since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker when it blasts into theaters in May 2026. And it will likely be rated PG-13.

Before creator George Lucas sold Star Wars to Disney, he was developing the live-action series Star Wars: Underworld, which producer Rick McCallum described as “much darker” and “much more adult” than the films — like The Empire Strikes Back “on steroids.”

“These were dark. These were sexy, they were violent,” McCallum said recently of the unproduced scripts. “They were just absolutely wonderful, complicated, challenging. I mean, it would have blown up the whole Star Wars universe, and Disney definitely would have never offered George to buy the company.”

The post Why Ryan Reynolds Won’t Star In the R-Rated Star Wars Project He Pitched to Disney appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A galaxy far, far away is home to some of the most iconic heroes of all time. From Luke Skywalker to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars‘ good guys fight to protect the innocent and keep those they care about safe. However, with the franchise having as much material as it has, there are a few do-gooders who just fall flat, never really making the most of their opportunities. But the only thing worse than a character never living up to their potential is doing it initially, only to regress and end up in a bad spot. Star Wars has plenty of characters that fall into the category, and a few of them are pretty well-known.

The easy way that Star Wars hurts its heroes’ reputations is by doing too much. Early on, these characters are great and bring a lot to the table, but after being tasked with a lot of heavy lifting, they end up dropping everything and never really return to form.

1) Yoda

Yoda’s reputation precedes him in the original trilogy. Obi-Wan tells Luke about this mysterious Jedi who can teach him the ways of the Force, but once the young hero finds him, he’s out of his mind. Of course, Yoda’s attitude turns out to be a test, and after a bit of back and forth, he becomes the wise mentor that Luke needs.

When Yoda returns in the prequels, he feels like the same character from the ’80s. However, as Palpatine slowly begins to reveal his plan, it becomes clear that the leader of the Jedi Order isn’t nearly as smart as he lets on. He constantly talks a big game in the prequels but fails to act, leading to the fall of the Jedi and his exile.

2) Mace Windu

Another prequel-era Jedi, Mace Windu starts off on rocky footing in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Fortunately, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: The Clone Wars do a lot to repair his image, showing his skills outside of the Jedi Council Chambers. It becomes very clear why Windu has the ear of Yoda, even if he’s a bit hard-headed at times.

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith undoes all that hard work, making Windu just another pawn in Palpatine’s scheme. While he has the Sith Lord dead to rights, his poor treatment of Anakin Skywalker comes back to haunt him when the young Jedi arrives and chooses to embrace the Dark Side. Barring another appearance, Windu’s tenure in Star Wars ends as a major disappointment.

3) Han Solo

Han Solo has one of the most iconic entrances in all of Star Wars, sitting in the cantina on Tatooine when Luke and Obi-Wan show up looking for a ride. Their quick interaction sets the stage for a wonderful arc that sees Han go from scoundrel to full-blown Rebellion hero, helping take down both of the Death Stars.

By the time Han returns in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, he’s back to being the kind of guy who runs away from his problems. Sure, losing his son to the Dark Side probably doesn’t help, but he gives up the rest of his family and the fight against the First Order despite knowing how important it all is.

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4) Rey Skywalker

Rey takes to her role as the face of the sequel trilogy pretty quickly. After finding herself in the middle of a conflict between the First Order and the Resistance, she does everything she can to help the good guys, even going as far as to face Kylo Ren in a lightsaber duel despite having no training. By the end of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Rey looks ready to become a hero on the level of Luke and Anakin.

Sadly, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker can’t help itself and retcons Rey’s origins. Once it becomes clear she’s part of Palpatine’s bloodline, Rey’s character suffers as she grapples with her true heritage. The whole situation makes the end of her story in the sequels feel out of place, and while her taking the “Skywalker” name makes sense in some ways, it feels like it’s out of necessity more than anything.

5) Sabine Wren

Sabine Wren joins the crew of the Ghost and never looks back in Star Wars Rebels. She’s a headstrong Mandalorian, but unlike some of her colleagues, she works well with others and proves to be instrumental in the Rebellion’s fight against the Empire. However, Star Wars can’t leave well enough alone because Sabine isn’t the same character when she returns in Star Wars: Ahsoka.

Ahsoka’s solo series focuses on her fight against the remnants of the Empire, including Grand Admiral Thrawn. The former Jedi has been busy in the years since her last appearance, though, spending some time training Sabine in the ways of the Force. But the Mandalorian doesn’t end up being a great student, and by the time she reunites with her former master, she’s much less mature than she was in Rebels, being able to see the big picture despite having fought in the Galactic Civil War.

Do you agree that these Star Wars heroes have gotten worse? Who else do you think deserves a spot on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 5 Star Wars Heroes Who Have Only Gotten Worse Over Time appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The quiet brilliance of Andor has always been its commitment to the grim realities of Imperial occupation, illustrating the terrible and heartless nature of fascism through the eyes of both the oppressed and the oppressors. For two seasons, viewers witnessed Cassian Andor’s gradual radicalization against a backdrop of increasing Imperial tyranny, but perhaps no character’s journey has been as chillingly complete, or as ironically tragic, as that of Imperial Security Bureau (ISB) Supervisor Dedra Meero. Her relentless ambition, her unwavering belief in the Empire’s order, and her almost clinical dedication to hunting down perceived threats made her a nigh unbeatable antagonist.

Yet, in a final, stunning twist of fate in the series finale, the very system Dedra upheld with such steadfast devotion delivered a punishment more fittingly cruel than any Rebel could have devised, cementing her as one of Star Wars‘ most profoundly tragic and complex villains.

The Empire’s Cannibalistic Nature Makes Dedra Meero the Architect of Her Own Demise

Dedra Meero’s trajectory throughout Andor Season 2 was a slow, agonizing descent into the very chaos she sought to control. Her obsession with dismantling Luthen Rael’s network and her singular focus on “Axis” led her down increasingly perilous paths, blurring the lines of procedure and pushing the boundaries of what was permissible, even for the ISB. The Ghorman Massacre, a horrific act of Imperial brutality that she not only suggested but helped facilitate, left Dedra visibly shaken but ultimately undeterred. If anything, it seemed to steel her resolve, perhaps out of a twisted sense of responsibility or a desperate need to justify the atrocities committed in the name of order. Her final, ill-fated confrontation with Luthen, an unsanctioned attempt to capture him fueled by personal vendetta and a hunger for glory, proved to be her ultimate undoing.

Dedra Meero was, in every sense, a product of the Empire she so fiercely served. Raised in an Imperial “Kinder-block,” her life was meticulously shaped by its doctrines of order, control, and absolute obedience. Her exceptional intelligence and unwavering dedication saw her rise through the ranks of the Imperial Security Bureau, becoming a shining example of the system’s ability to forge utterly loyal, utterly ruthless instruments of its will. She believed in the Empire with a fervent, almost religious zeal, seeing it as the ultimate defense against galactic anarchy. Yet, the series finale brutally demonstrated that the Empire, in its insatiable hunger for control and its paranoid fear of any perceived weakness, is inherently cannibalistic.

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During her time on Ghorman, Dedra was inadvertently forwarded highly classified information about “Project Stardust,” the very existence of the Death Star. In her arrogance and conviction, she believed she could manage this sensitive intelligence, using it to her advantage in her personal crusade. However, the Empire cares nothing for individual ambition or loyalty once a liability arises. Her unauthorized access, coupled with the revelation that her peer, Lonni Jung (a double agent for the Rebellion), had exploited her clearance codes for months, painted her as a catastrophic security risk. Director Orson Krennic, a man whose own ambition mirrors Dedra’s, but whose position grants him untouchable authority, delivered the crushing verdict. The scene where he forces her to utter the words “Death Star” is chilling, not just for the ominous power of the name, but for the utter humiliation and existential dread in Dedra’s eyes. She had dedicated her life to building this Empire, to perfecting its systems of control, only to have those very systems turn on her without a shred of hesitation or remorse. It was a stark reminder that in the Empire, there are no allies, only tools, and once a tool is perceived as broken or compromised, it is discarded.

Her meticulously constructed world of order crumbled, replaced by the arbitrary, self-serving brutality that she had championed. Her intelligence and drive, once her greatest assets, became the very instruments of her downfall, proving the twisted reality that in the Empire, even the most loyal can be devoured.

Dedra Faces a Poetic, Industrial Irony as She is Forced to Feed the Beast That Will Consume Them All

The ultimate, deeply twisted irony of Dedra Meero’s fate is revealed in the series’ closing montage. Stripped of her rank, her authority, and her meticulously crafted identity, she is seen in an Imperial labor prison, visually and functionally similar to Narkina 5, where Cassian Andor himself suffered in Season 1. The visual parallel is intentional and devastating. Where Cassian found camaraderie and a spark of rebellion in the dehumanizing conditions of the prison, Dedra is utterly isolated, a solitary figure weeping in the dimly lit confines of her cell. The final gut punch, however, comes with the revelation that she is now contributing to the very project that sealed her doom: she is making parts for the Death Star.

This is a fate far more insidious than mere execution. To be imprisoned by the system she championed and adored, to be forced to labor on the very weapon that symbolizes its ultimate, ruthless power and her downfall, and to do so in a facility reminiscent of the one that held the very Rebel she once obsessively hunted, is the epitome of poetic justice. Dedra, who reveled in control and hierarchy, is reduced to a number, her intellect and drive channeled into the most mundane and dehumanizing of tasks. She is literally building the physical representation of the Empire’s terror, the very expression of the power she coveted, now as a cog in its machinery rather than a guiding hand. The fact that she accidentally stumbled upon the Death Star’s existence, a discovery that directly contributed to her imprisonment, only amplifies the bitter taste of this irony. She was intelligent enough to deduce the truth behind Project Stardust, ambitious enough to try and leverage that knowledge, and ultimately, a victim of the very paranoia inherent in the Empire’s secrets.

Her fate also serves as a chilling foreshadowing for the audience. We know the Death Star’s ultimate intended purpose – its destruction by the very Rebellion Dedra fought so hard to suppress. The image of Dedra, broken and alone, building components for a weapon destined to fail at the hands of the forces she despised, underscores the futility of her entire life’s work. She is trapped in a loop of self-defeat, unknowingly contributing to the eventual victory of her enemies. It’s a tragic, yet deeply satisfying, ending for an antagonist whose greatest strength was her unwavering belief in a system that ultimately consumed her. Dedra Meero’s final moments in Andor are not of heroic defiance or dramatic death, but of quiet, soul-crushing despair, forever making parts for a weapon whose terrible purpose and ultimate demise she will likely never witness; a prisoner of the very order she so desperately craved. It is a finale that twists the knife, leaving a lasting impression of the dark, self-destructive heart of the Empire.

Star Wars: Andor is streaming on Disney+.

The post Andor’s Surprise Ending for Its Big Villain Was Even More Twisted Than You Realized appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Lucasfilm is reportedly shifting its strategy for its flagship Disney+ series, Star Wars: The Mandalorian, with plans for a fourth season said to be off the table, according to prominent scooper DanielRPK. Instead, the beloved adventures of Din Djarin and Grogu are set to continue, and potentially conclude, on the big screen with the upcoming film Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu. If true, this development marks a significant turn for the series that launched Disney+ and has been a cornerstone of the Star Wars universe’s expansion. Furthermore, the success or failure of Din Djarin’s theatrical outing will determine the ultimate fate of the titular bounty hunter and his Force-sensitive foundling, impacting other interconnected projects within the Star Wars galaxy.

“There won’t be a Season 4 of The Mandalorian, but if the movie succeeds, a sequel will be made,” DanielRPK said on his Patreon page. “However, if it flops, it will serve as the final chapter for Mando and could also put Filoni’s movie at risk,” he added. While series creator Jon Favreau has remained non-committal publicly about the show’s future beyond the film, telling ComicBook that he’s focused on the movie right now and couldn’t comment on The Mandalorian Season 4, the scooper’s information points to a more decisive behind-the-scenes plan.

[RELATED: Star Wars: The Mandalorian Should Have Ended After Season One]

While any scooper information should be taken with a grain of salt, DaniealRPK highlights the considerable pressure riding on The Mandalorian & Grogu. Not only does it carry the weight of concluding the Mandalorian’s current narrative arc if it underperforms, but its failure could also negatively impact the broader interconnected storyline Dave Filoni is developing, which is expected to culminate in a major theatrical event film. Lucasfilm has been carefully seeding plot threads across The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka that are anticipated to converge in Filoni’s movie, and a stumble by one of its main projects could lead to a re-evaluation of those ambitious plans.

Everything We Know About The Mandalorian & Grogu Movie

The Mandalorian & Grogu is the first Star Wars theatrical release since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, a controversial movie that displeased critics and fans alike. Favreau, the creative force behind The Mandalorian series, directs the upcoming film and serves as a producer alongside Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni, Lucasfilm’s chief creative officer. Favreau also penned the screenplay, meaning that Lucasfilm is betting high on his ability to draw people into theater. Production on The Mandalorian & Grogu wrapped in October 2024, with a surprisingly small production budget of approximately $166.4 million in “qualified expenditures,” less than the Sequel Trilogy films, all of which soared beyond $260 million. Pedro Pascal is expected to return as Din Djarin.

Filoni will make his big-screen debut in The Mandalorian & Grogu, reprising his role as Trapper Wolf, a veteran X-wing pilot who served the New Republic. Filoni portrayed this character in four episodes across the three seasons of The Mandalorian, where Wolf often appeared alongside other New Republic pilots, including Captain Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee), encountering Din Djarin during patrols and engaging threats in the Outer Rim. In addition, Sigourney Weaver has been cast to play a new character, a seasoned Rebellion veteran pilot who dispatches Din Djarin on his mission. Her character is described as experienced, knowledgeable about space, and politically committed. 

Furthermore, Jonny Coyne has been cast as an Imperial Warlord, while Jeremy Allen White is reportedly voicing Rotta the Hutt, son of Jabba. Katee Sackhoff’s return as Bo-Katan Kryze remains unconfirmed, but the actress has made cryptic comments indicating she’s in the movie. The plot of The Mandalorian & Grogu is rumored to involve Din Djarin rescuing Rotta the Hutt, with the bounty hunter Embo from The Clone Wars potentially serving as the primary antagonist. The movie is also expected to establish groundwork for Filoni’s larger New Republic-era film, which is rumored to feature the final battle against Grand Admiral Thrawn.

The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled to premiere in theaters on May 22, 2026.

What are your hopes for The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, and do you think it’s the right move to potentially end the series for a film? Join the discussion in the comments!

The post New The Mandalorian Season 4 Rumor Isn’t What Star Wars Fans Want to Hear appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In the geek culture world, it may seem like Andor is the biggest hit of the year so far, but in the overall streaming ecosystem, it’s actually pretty far behind the number one show right now: You. Andor Season 2 premiered on April 22nd on Disney+, while You Season 5 — the show’s final season — dropped on April 24th on Netflix. Nielsen just released its ratings and viewership metrics for that week, revealing that You was the most-watched series by far, while Andor just barely made the chart at number 10. Andor still had a lot going for it, and was the number five most-watched original series on the streaming chart that week. Still, it couldn’t come close to the grand finale of Netflix’s psychological thriller-drama.

In the week of April 21st to April 27th, fans collectively watched Andor for 721 million minutes, according to Nielsen. That’s nothing to scoff at, but in the same time frame, You was watched for a total of 1.67 billion minutes — nearly two and a half times the total viewership. This in spite of the fact that Andor Season 2 was out for two days longer than You Season 5. However, there are a lot of factors that make it hard to draw conclusions from this comparison.

For one thing, You dropped its season all at once in the typical Netflix binge-watch model, meaning fans could chew through all 10 new episodes all at once. Andor, on the other hand, dropped three episodes per week, meaning there was over three times as much new content to watch for You fans. You also has the advantage of being an older show which has had more time to gather a loyal audience, though perhaps we can call that even since Andor has the full momentum of the Star Wars franchise behind it.

[RELATED: 6 Star Wars Heroes Who Have Only Gotten Better With Time]

As for similarities, both shows were dropping their final seasons here, and both were saw a boost in the viewership of older episodes as well as new ones. In fact, they were relatively even in that regard — according to Nielsen, Andor Season 2 accounted for 65% of Andor views that week, while the rest came from Season 1. You Season 5 accounted for 67% of views that week, while Season 1 was the second-most-viewed season. That’s because the finale of You drew heavily from the storyline of its first season, tying up loose ends and bringing the original story full circle.

Many of the other shows in Nielsen’s top 10 list are older shows that consistently pull in high streaming numbers as people binge-watch or re-watch them. These range from children’s shows like Bluey to procedurals like NCIS and dramas like Grey’s Anatomy. The other originals on the chart are The Last of Us, Black Mirror, and the Netflix original film Havoc.

These kinds of metrics offer us some interesting perspective on what we’re all watching, what we may be missing out on, and the relative popularity of our personal favorites. Still, they don’t convey the real cultural impact of each show on the list, or the legacy they will leave behind. For Star Wars fans, Andor is undoubtedly going to stand out as one of the most exciting streaming series of 2025.

The post Andor’s Series High Streaming Ratings Don’t Come Close to This Returning Netflix Favorite appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It feels surreal to realize that over two decades have passed since Episode I: The Phantom Menace first transported us back to a galaxy far, far away, ushering in a new era filled with fresh faces and unfolding mysteries. Amidst the thrilling podraces and the menacing presence of Darth Maul, one figure immediately captured my attention with her quiet strength and undeniable regal bearing: Padmé Amidala. Even as a young fan, I recognized in her something beyond the typical fantasy archetype. Here was a queen, barely older than myself, who exuded intelligence, fierce independence, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of her people. She wasn’t relegated to the role of a passive figure awaiting rescue; instead, she was a skilled diplomat, a capable warrior when necessary, and undeniably the very heart and soul of her planet, Naboo. Her poise and conviction left a lasting impression, solidifying her as a character whose significance would only deepen as the saga unfolded. She was, after all, the mother of Luke and Leia, the closely guarded secret that Obi-Wan Kenobi so fiercely protected.

Yet, despite her foundational importance to the entire Skywalker saga, and the thriving landscape of Star Wars comics exploring numerous characters and timelines, Padmé’s presence in this medium has been strikingly, and I believe wrongly, minimal. Her poise and conviction left a lasting impression, solidifying her as a character whose significance would only deepen as the saga unfolded, making her absence from the comic book universe all the more noticeable.

Despite Her Importance to the Entire Skywalker Saga, the Comics Have Largely Overlooked Padmé Amidala’s Untold Stories

Think about the current state of Star Wars comics. The landscape is incredibly vibrant and expansive, offering stories that explore the aftermath of iconic moments like the Battle of Endor, delve into the ancient history of the High Republic era centuries before the Skywalkers, and fill in the gaps that exist between the cinematic trilogies. Characters who played relatively minor roles on the silver screen have been granted rich backstories and compelling character arcs within the pages of comic books. We’ve seen in-depth explorations of figures like Captain Phasma and Qi’ra, and even characters originating from Solo: A Star Wars Story, each receiving nuanced development and expanded lore. Given this dedication to fleshing out the Star Wars universe through comics, the near-total absence of Padmé Amidala feels not only conspicuous but also deeply perplexing.

It’s not as if the well of potential stories surrounding Padmé has run dry. Her life prior to the events of The Phantom Menace is brimming with possibilities just waiting to be explored. From her early political career on Naboo, to charting her swift ascent to the throne of Queen, the options are endless. Comics provide the perfect medium to explore the formative development of her unwavering sense of justice and the honing of her exceptional diplomatic skills, the very qualities that would later make her such a formidable force on the galactic stage.

REALTED: The Inspiration Behind These Classic Star Wars Looks Are Deeper Than You Think

Then there’s the largely uncharted territory of the period between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. This era remains surprisingly underexplored in the comic book medium. What were Padmé’s experiences as a newly elected Senator representing Naboo in the increasingly turbulent Galactic Senate? How did she navigate the growing political unrest and the subtle manipulations that were beginning to sow discord throughout the Republic? What were her crucial early interactions with other key figures who would later form the Rebel Alliance, such as Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, as they began to collectively sense the ominous shadow of the looming conflict? These are precisely the kinds of stories that comic books excel at telling, offering invaluable insights into the complex political climate that ultimately paved the way for the devastating Clone Wars.

Darth Vader (2020) by Greg Pak saw the return of Padmé’s loyal and devoted handmaidens, long after her death. The handmaidens, as well as others who followed Padmé’s tenets of democracy, refer to themselves as Amidalians as a homage to their lost leader. However, the comics have not explored the relationship with Padmé and her handmaidens during her reign as Queen or time as Senator. An exploration of that vital part of Padmé’s story would make a fascinating comic series.

Of course, the Clone Wars themselves present an almost limitless array of opportunities for Padmé. While the acclaimed Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series offered valuable glimpses into her involvement in the conflict and her relationship with Anakin, a dedicated comic book series could delve into the specifics of her many missions, showcase her strategic thinking and tactical mind beyond the battlefield, and explore the profound personal toll that the galaxy-spanning war exacted upon her. We could witness her working alongside Anakin, not just in the midst of dramatic battles, but also in the quieter, more intimate and reflective moments, allowing for a deeper exploration of the complexities surrounding their evolving relationship against the backdrop of galactic conflict and rigid Jedi Code. 

Padme’s Later Years Also Offer Endless Untapped Potential 

Even in the immediate aftermath of the tragic events of Order 66 and her heartbreaking death in Revenge of the Sith, there are still poignant stories to be considered. While her physical presence in the galaxy ended prematurely, her enduring legacy lived on through her twin children. Perhaps a compelling limited series could explore the immediate aftermath on Polis-Massa, the secretive births of Luke and Leia, and the immense sacrifices made by those who risked everything to protect them from the newly formed Empire. While Padmé herself would not be the central protagonist, her absence would serve as a powerful and ever-present force, shaping the actions and crucial decisions of those who carried the burden of her children’s safety.

REALTED: In Another Version of Revenge of the Sith, Padme Lived to See Her Children Grow

Padmé Amidala represents far more than simply a romantic interest or a tragic figure destined for a heartbreaking fate. She embodies timeless ideals that remain incredibly relevant and resonant in our own world today: the power of peaceful political activism, the crucial art of diplomacy, and an unwavering, deeply ingrained dedication to the principles of justice and equality. In a galaxy constantly grappling with the devastating consequences of conflict and oppression, Padmé consistently stood as a luminous beacon of hope, reason, and unwavering moral clarity. Her untold stories have the potential to inspire entirely new generations of Star Wars fans and offer invaluable lessons about principled leadership, the vital importance of empathy, and the enduring power of fighting tirelessly for the values in which one deeply believes.

The noticeable lack of Padmé Amidala’s presence in the vast landscape of Star Wars comics feels like a significant missed opportunity, like a vital piece of the intricate Star Wars puzzle remaining stubbornly out of place. Comics have eagerly explored the intricate backstories and compelling side stories of countless other characters, both major and minor, yet one of the most foundational and influential figures in the entire saga remains, for the most part, conspicuously absent from the medium.

Padmé Amidala undeniably deserves her rightful place within the panels of Star Wars comics. Her wealth of untold stories are patiently waiting to be brought to light, her insightful voice deserves to be heard once more by a devoted fanbase, and her enduring legacy deserves to be further explored and celebrated for the countless fans, myself included, who were inspired by the courageous Queen and dedicated Senator from the beautiful world of Naboo. The time has come for Padmé to finally have her moment to shine within the comic book galaxy, proving once again that her lasting influence extends far beyond the films or animation.

The post More Than 20 Years After Their Debut, One Major Star Wars Character Is Very Absent From the Comics (& I Think That’s Wrong) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Disney era of Star Wars media has had its highs and lows, just like all eras of Star Wars productions. Star Wars in the 80s, for instance, produced both The Empire Strikes Back and those two Ewok TV movies. Meanwhile, Disney’s Star Wars has produced the two best Star Wars productions in history (Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Andor) while also reveling in the kind of fan service that capsized the Prequel Trilogy. Outings like The Rise of Skywalker and The Book of Boba Fett were decimated by relying too heavily on yesteryear Star Wars projects rather than creating new material to engage viewers.

Five moments from post-2012 Star Wars media, in particular, stand out as the nadir of Disney’s Star Wars ownership in terms of clumsy fan service. Modern Star Wars has given the world Porgs, “I have friends everywhere,” and iconic new orchestral tracks like “Rey’s Theme.” However, it’s also, unfortunately, delivered five moments of especially cringeworthy fan-service.

1) Familiar Cantina Faces on Jedha in Rogue One

Rogue One has an unfortunate problem with relying too heavily on nods to older Star Wars media, including those creepy CG replicas of Original Trilogy actors and Michael Giacchino’s score leaning too much on pre-established musical leitmotifs. The worst example of Rogue One’s fan-service, though, comes from Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor encountering A New Hope characters Dr. Evazan and Ponda Baba while navigating Jedha. In just a few days’ time, these two would encounter Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Mos Eisley Cantina and walk away missing an arm. For some reason, though, Rogue One had to stop its plot to feature the pair’s earlier exploits for just a second. It simply doesn’t work, including how neither of these have a big enough fanbase to justify such a cameo.

2) Somehow, Darth Maul Has Returned in Solo

Solo: A Star Wars Story’s leading lady, Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke), spends the movie’s entire runtime hesitating to tell a young Han Solo about her true allegiances. In the film’s finale, it’s revealed she’s actually working for Darth Maul, who briefly appears via a hologram. This bizarre cameo plays off of the character’s ascent to gangster overlord in The Clone Wars. However, for most general moviegoers, Darth Maul was last seen getting sliced in half on The Phantom Menace. His inexplicable resurrection is more confusing than anything else, while suddenly shoehorning in a Force-user into a story about bounty hunters is gravely disappointing.

3) Chewie Finally Gets His Medal

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker had no time to give Rose Tico anything substantial to do or thoughtfully explore the interior lives of Finn and Poe Dameron. What it did have time for, though, was Maz Kanata giving Chewbacca a medal in the film’s final moments. This finally paid off a long-standing fan complaint that this furry critter never got a medal at the award ceremony at the end of A New Hope. It’s a beat only making sense for viewers at home rather than something that works on its own inside the feature. How fitting that a film immersed in shoddy storytelling would end on such ham-fisted fan-service.

4) Anything Involving CG Luke Skywalker in The Book of Boba Fett

In the past, different ages of a fictional character’s life would be played by different actors. In projects ranging from The Godfather: Part II to even the Prequel Trilogy, audiences could fascinatingly witness performers combine familiar traits with fresh approaches to a pre-existing character. Now, in the modern world, a character is trapped forever at the mercy of whoever played them first thanks to terrible-looking digital de-aging nonsense. This phenomenon reared its head for The Book of Boba Fett, which continued extensively using the digitally de-aged Luke Skywalker from The Mandalorian’s season two finale.

God forbid anyone else get a crack at playing this role. This attempt to make Star Wars fans clap their hands in glee over seeing Return of the Jedi-era Luke Skywalker again just looked so eerie. Any low-key conversations between this digital Luke and Ahsoka Tano or Grogu were distracting because of the character’s unconvincing skin and dismal lip movements. A character who once represented richly human aspirations of defying your upbringing was now a hollow digital manifestation of a franchise refusing to let the past die.

5) And Then There’s Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker

Every aspect of Star Wars media has its fans. Whether it’s the goofiest parts of the Expanded Universe, divisive movies like Attack of the Clones, or even obscure corners of the franchise like the Droids cartoon, there’s always a devotee to every parsec of Star Wars projects. Yet it’s doubtful Palpatine’s return in The Rise of Skywalker has any significant fanbase or any real defenders. It’s a universally despised element for countless good reasons. An attempt to “rhyme” The Rise of Skywalker with Return of the Jedi, bringing back this familiar foe just left the new elements of the Sequel Trilogy adrift.

Props to Ian McDiarmid for chewing up all the scenery in his screentime, but Palpatine’s return was still such a lazy route to take this trio of films. Even the reveal of him being Rey’s ancestor just rang as a hollow attempt to make the “I am your father” lightning strike twice. Palpatine’s dreadful comeback encapsulates the problems of leaning so hard on the past. Looking backwards so much leaves you vulnerable to tripping in the here and now.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is now streaming on Disney+.

The post 5 Worst Fan-Service Moments In Disney’s Star Wars appeared first on ComicBook.com.

For years, Star Wars fans have clamored for more stories featuring some of the franchise’s most compelling and tragic characters. While new films and series frequently revisit familiar faces, it’s rare for a direct continuation of a beloved, previously completed story to appear without much fanfare. Yet, in a move that has delighted and surprised many, Star Wars has done just that. The premiere episode of the newly released Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld anthology series, “A Way Forward,” doesn’t just feature fan-favorite characters Asajj Ventress and Quinlan Vos; it picks up precisely where the critically acclaimed 2015 canon novel Dark Disciple by Christie Golden left off. This isn’t merely a cameo; it’s an emotionally resonant continuation of their heartbreaking love story never before seen on screen and a direct sequel that many believed would never see the light of day. For those who experienced the poignant conclusion of Ventress’ journey in the pages of Dark Disciple, “A Way Forward” offers an unexpected and powerful epilogue, confirming their shared love and the ultimate sacrifice that defined it.

Quinlan Vos’ and Asajj Ventress’ Love Transcended Death

The impact of “A Way Forward” truly resonates because it directly confronts the emotional fallout of Asajj Ventress’ death, a sacrifice that was the culmination of her redemptive arc in Dark Disciple. While Ventress’ death has never been depicted in the animated Star Wars world, the novel meticulously detailed her transformation from a vengeful Sith assassin to a complex bounty hunter with questionable morals who found love and purpose with Jedi Master Quinlan Vos. Their relationship was fraught with peril, born from a desperate mission to eliminate Count Dooku, but blossomed into a genuine, deep connection. Ventress, despite her dark past, ultimately gave her life to save Vos from succumbing to the dark side, shielding him from Dooku’s Force lightning. This act of selflessness, the ultimate expression of her newfound love and goodness, was the heart-wrenching climax of the novel.

REALTED: Star Wars’ New Jedi-Sith Romance Raises Questions About Anakin Skywalker’s Fall

“A Way Forward” opens with a palpable sense of loss, thrusting viewers in the immediate aftermath of Ventress’ unseen sacrifice. A grief-stricken Quinlan Vos tenderly carries Ventress’ lifeless body to a lake on her home on Dathomir, telling his accompanying trusted friend, Obi-Wan Kenobi, that Ventress spoke about Dathomir often. As he lays her to rest in the lake, his pain is heartbreaking and rife with raw emotion, showcasing Vos grappling with the weight of her death and the love they shared. This direct continuation is crucial; it acknowledges the emotional investment fans of Dark Disciple walked away with and validates the significance of Ventress’ journey. Her sacrifice in the novel wasn’t just a plot device; it was the ultimate demonstration of her growth and the strength of her bond with Vos.

The episode powerfully reinforces that her sacrifice was not in vain, and that her love for Vos, and his for her, transcended the physical realm and was strong enough to give her a second chance at life. The very premise of the opening moments of the episode, its focus on Vos’ internal struggle and his connection to Ventress even in her death, is a testament to the enduring power of their relationship, cementing it as a foundational element of his character moving forward, should the animated Star Wars universe continue his story.

Tales of the Underworld Establishes An Unseen Relationship Without Explanation

What makes “A Way Forward” a true “secret sequel” is its willingness to delve into themes that were left largely to the imagination after the novel’s conclusion. Furthermore, the animated Star Wars world, notably The Clone Wars series from which both characters originated, never depicted Ventress’ complex redemption arc or her intimate interactions with Quinlan Vos. For viewers who have only followed the animated canon, the sudden appearance of Vos mourning Ventress, with a clear history of a deep romantic bond and her ultimate sacrifice, comes without any on-screen explanation of their shared past or the tragic conclusion of her journey.

While Dark Disciple ended with Vos mourning Ventress, Ventress was still alive and well in the animated world, most recently seen in her appearance in The Bad Batch. “A Way Forward” provides that crucial insight into Ventress’ redemption arc and her return from a death that only those who read Dark Disciple knew about. “A Way Forward” cleverly utilizes the connection between the novel and the beginning of the episode to drive its plot, picking up the thread of their story as if the audience were already privy to the events of Dark Disciple. Quinlan Vos’ deep mourning and Ventress’ desperate desire to return to the world of the living to be with him suggests that true love, especially one forged in sacrifice, can transcend the boundaries of life and death, continuing to guide and shape those left behind.

Ventress’ three episode arc in Tales of the Underworld, beginning with “A Way Forward” shows a mature exploration of grief and enduring love, not only by bringing Ventress back to life because of her undying devotion to Vos, but by showing how her post-resurrection journeys were shaped by the man she loved and ultimately saved. For readers of Dark Disciple, this unexpected continuation is a powerful and fitting epilogue to a story that many had already considered complete, while for animated-only viewers, it’s a tantalizing glimpse into a hidden chapter of the Star Wars saga.

Tales of the Underworld is streaming on Disney+.

The post Star Wars Secretly Released a Sequel to a Fan-Favorite Story appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Star Wars universe is filled with beloved characters, many of whom captured our imaginations from their very first appearance. Yet, some heroes resonate even deeper as their journeys unfold, their complexities deepen, and their impact on the saga becomes more profound with each passing story. These are the characters who aren’t static figures of heroism, but dynamic individuals who learn, grow, and evolve. Because of this, their initial portrayals often feel like just the tip of the iceberg. Their subsequent appearances in films, television series, comics, and novels enrich their stories in ways that are unexpected in the best way, adding layers of nuance, resilience, and wisdom that make them even more compelling and cherished by fans.

With each new chapter of their stories, these heroes become richer, more multifaceted figures whose contributions to the fight against the Empire are even greater than previously known, and whose legacies continue to inspire generations of fans.

1) Obi-Wan Kenobi

Initially introduced as the wise and mysterious Jedi Master in Episode IV: A New Hope, Obi-Wan Kenobi was the archetypal mentor figure, guiding Luke Skywalker on his first steps into a larger world. While Alec Guinness’ portrayal was undoubtedly iconic and solidified Obi-Wan as an iconic staple of Star Wars, Ewan McGregor’s version, as seen in later stories, have peeled back the layers of this legendary Jedi. The prequel trilogy and the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars (where he’s voiced by James Arnold Taylor) showcased his younger, more impetuous days as a Padawan and later General, as well as his heartbreaking relationship with Anakin Skywalker, adding tragic depth to his later solitude on Tatooine.

REALTED: We Finally Know Why Obi-Wan Didn’t Raise Luke Skywalker on His Own

However, it’s arguably the Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+ that has truly enriched his character. In this series, audiences witness his internal struggles with the trauma of Order 66 and his guilt over Anakin’s fall, showcasing a vulnerability and emotional complexity that goes beyond the serene exterior seen in the original trilogy. His fierce protectiveness of Leia and his eventual acceptance of his role in the fight against the Empire solidify his status not just as a mentor, but as a deeply compassionate and resilient hero whose sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the light shine even brighter with time.

2) Ahsoka Tano

Ahsoka Tano’s journey is a testament to the power of character development outside the main film saga. Introduced as Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan in The Clone Wars in 2008, the character initially was met with skepticism from some fans. However, Ahsoka’s spirited personality, deep connection to the Force, and evolving relationship with Anakin quickly won audiences over. The series chronicled her growth from a headstrong youngling to a skilled and independent Jedi, grappling with the moral implications of war and the flaws within the Jedi Order itself.

Her departure from the Jedi Order after being wrongly accused of treason marked a pivotal moment, setting her on a unique path that had not been seen in Star War before. Later appearances in Star Wars Rebels and her own self-titled live-action series, Ahsoka, have showcased her continued growth as a powerful Force user and a compassionate leader. She navigates the galaxy with a wisdom born from experience, no longer bound by the rigid code of the Jedi, and her interactions with both old and new characters reveal the enduring impact of her journey and her unwavering commitment to justice.

3) Captain Rex

Initially presented as a competent but somewhat generic clone trooper in The Clone Wars, Captain Rex evolved into one of the most beloved and deeply human characters in the entire Star Wars canon. His unwavering loyalty to his Jedi Generals, Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, and his fellow clones was evident from the start, but the series delved deeper into his individuality, his camaraderie with his brothers, and his growing awareness of the Republic’s flaws.

His defiance of Order 66, thanks to his removed inhibitor chip, and his appearances in Star Wars Rebels alongside Ahsoka Tano, cemented Rex as a hero who transcended his programming to fight for the greater good. He fought for what was right, not just what he was ordered to do, demonstrating remarkable courage that others did not. Rex’s continued fight against the Empire and his eventual peaceful retirement with his fellow clones highlight the enduring spirit of resistance and the humanity that can flourish even within the most artificial of origins.

4) Hera Syndulla

Introduced as the skilled Twi-lek pilot and beating heart of the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels (voiced by Vanessa Marshall), Hera Syndulla immediately established herself as a capable leader and a fiercely dedicated rebel. Her piloting skills were unmatched, rivaling even Anakin Skywalker, and her commitment to her crew and the early rebellion became greater in every episode. However, as the series progressed, her character deepened significantly, revealing the weight of her responsibilities and the sacrifices she made for the greater good.

Star Wars Rebels tells her family history, and The Bad Batch shows her youth and early involvement in the fight against the Empire, adding layers to her motivations. Even as a child, Hera’s thirst for freedom, both for her beloved homework of Ryloth and the galaxy as a whole, gave her strength that not many others possessed. Her staunch optimism in the face of overwhelming odds and her ability to inspire those around her made her a crucial figure in the rebellion’s success. Her appearances in Ahsoka (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead) further solidify her role as a seasoned leader and a mentor figure who managed to continue on and rise to the rank of General after the devastating loss of the love of her life (Jedi Knight Kanan Jarrus), fighting in the Rebellion, and raising her Force-sensitive son in the galaxy she fought so hard to defend, demonstrating the lasting impact of her courage and her unwavering belief in the fight for freedom.

5) Cassian Andor

In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Cassian Andor (played by Deigo Luna) was introduced as a hardened Rebel Alliance intelligence officer and a pragmatic, often ruthless operative willing to do whatever it took for the cause. While his dedication to the rebellion was clear, his backstory and the events that shaped him into this cynical, yet ultimately heroic, figure remained largely unexplored. His final act of self-sacrifice alongside Jyn Erso, ensuring the Rebel Alliance received the schematics for the Death Star, was impactful, but it left room for a deeper understanding of his journey.

REALTED: Andor Provides a Heartbreaking Answer to One of the Biggest Debates About Rogue One

The Andor series on Disney+ has masterfully filled in those gaps, digging deep into Cassian’s origins and the events that radicalized him into the selfless rebel hero in Rogue One. Cassian’s early life on Kenari, the traumatic loss of his sister, and his gradual descent into a life of survival and petty crime marked the beginning of his origin story, but so much more followed. The series meticulously depicts his initially reluctant, but inevitable, involvement with the rebel cell led by Luthen Rael, following him through the loss, sacrifice, and suffering that crafted one of the bravest heroes in Star Wars. Andor transforms Cassian from a somewhat enigmatic rebel agent into a fully realized and deeply human character, whose sacrifices in Rogue One carry even greater weight knowing the path he traveled to get there.

6) Mon Mothma

First appearing in Return of the Jedi as a composed and quiet leader of the Rebel Alliance, Mon Mothma initially served as a symbol of the organized resistance against the Empire. While her brief appearances conveyed her dedication and conviction, they offered limited insight into the personal sacrifices and political maneuvering required to build and sustain such a movement. She represented the calm and collected face of a rebellion forged in secrecy and fueled by desperation.

However, the Andor series has dramatically expanded Mon Mothma’s character, revealing the immense personal and political risks she undertook to undermine the Empire from within the Imperial Senate. She navigates the treacherous landscape of Coruscant politics, maintaining a facade of loyalty while secretly funding and orchestrating rebel cells. The series delves into the moral compromises she is forced to make, the constant threat of exposure, and the isolation from her daughter and husband she experiences as she balances her public persona with her covert activities. Andor elevates Mon Mothma from a figurehead to a deeply compelling and courageous hero who left behind everything and risked her life to speak up against the evils of the oppressive Empire; whose quiet determination and unwavering commitment to freedom, even in the face of immense danger, make her an even more significant and admirable figure in the Star Wars saga.

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The Special Editions of the original Star Wars trilogy are a major point of contention in Star Wars fandom, and one element of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope shows how long George Lucas had planned for, or at least thought about, them. The Special Editions of Star Wars began during the 20th anniversary commemorative re-release of A New Hope in 1997, with Lucasfilm polishing up the visual effects of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, along with re-integrating deleted scenes and other discarded elements. At the time, this sounded like music to the ears for Star Wars fans across the planet, only for the Special Editions to incur considerable backlash from the Star Wars fanbase, and arguably kicking off the contentious relationship between Star Wars and its most diehard fans (as well as with George Lucas, as outlined in the documentary The People vs. George Lucas).

The alterations the Special Editions made to the original Star Wars trilogy have given Lucas somewhat of a reputation as an artist continually modifying and tweaking his own work long after its release. At the same time, one of the scenes featured in A New Hope‘s Special Edition – and more specifically, the deleted original version of it – showcases that the changes made in the Special Editions were always on Lucas’ mind since the beginning of Star Wars.

The Deleted Jabba the Hutt Scene From A New Hope Shows Jabba as a Human Character

Jabba the Hutt didn’t originally appear in A New Hope in 1977 (the movie itself not even re-titled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope until years later), but is name-dropped multiple times by the Millennium Falcon’s pilot Han Solo (Harrison Ford) as a gangster to whom he owes a significant amount of money. However, Jabba was meant to appear in A New Hope, with George Lucas filming a scene of Han meeting Jabba by the Millennium Falcon to discuss his debts, with Jabba portrayed by Thomas Declan Mulholland. The scene was ultimately deleted from the movie, and later re-added into the 1997 special edition of A New Hope, with a CGI Jabba in the design of his appearance from Return of the Jedi.

Indeed, Lucas already had the general design of Jabba the Hutt in his mind at the time of filming A New Hope, with Jabba described as a slug-like alien mafioso in the movie’s original script. Lucas had Mulholland act as a human stand-in whom he hoped to replace with the alien design of Jabba later. Ultimately, Lucas wasn’t able to realize Jabba as he’d intended until his appearance in Return of the Jedi. However, having Jabba already scripted with the full design in mind exemplifies Lucas’s full imaginative scope as the creator and overseer of Star Wars.

RELATED: Star Wars: Josh Gad Volunteers to Play Jabba the Hutt’s Nephew for Franchise

Jabba’s Appearance in Return of the Jedi Shows George Lucas Always Wanted To Go Back and Adjust Star Wars

The fact that Lucas filmed a placeholder scene for Jabba the Hutt in A New Hope with a general vision of what he wanted the villainous space crime boss to look like shows that the seeds of the Special Editions of Star Wars were already in George Lucas’ mind as far back as the the franchise’s infancy. Despite Star Wars being known as a massive game-changer in visual effects and epic sci-fi world-building for its time, it is easy to forget how modest A New Hope was in terms of its budget ($11 million) and effects. Both were significantly expanded upon with The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, which is the nature of sequels to major box office hits. Even still, there was a great deal in the ’70s and ’80s that Lucas wanted to do with Star Wars that he simply wasn’t able to do, given that visual effects technology was not capable of it at the time.

That, of course, changed greatly with the Star Wars prequels, where Lucas was able to mine all of his envisioned plans for Star Wars with the advancements in visual effects and, most especially in CGI, making more and more elaborate sci-fi worlds and characters possible. Still, he didn’t quite have what he needed at the time for Jabba the Hutt, and A New Hope‘s deleted scene with the villain stands as a sort of bookmark on Lucas’ part for something he wanted to, and eventually did, go back and re-integrate into the movie as he’d envisioned it. However, that hasn’t necessarily gone over well with Star Wars fans.

Why the Star Wars Special Editions Are So Controversial Among Fans

Despite Lucas adding many new scenes and effects into the Special Editions of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, many Star Wars purists have bemoaned the retroactive alterations made by George Lucas as changing much of the essence of what made Star Wars the break out sci-fi space opera hit that the original trilogy became. The infamous “Han Shot First” internet argument emerged from Lucas altering the scene of Han Solo shooting Greedo to have the bounty hunter take the first shot at Han, which many Star Wars fans have argued undercuts the anti-heroic nature of Han (to say nothing of Greedo missing from just a few feet away and the clunkily edited-in dodge of Han’s head). Other changes to inserting Hayden Christiansen’s Anakin Skywalker in the final scene of Luke’s seeing the Force Ghosts of Anakin, Yoda, and Obi-Wan have also ruffled many fans’ feathers. In going back and tweaking Star Wars to match many of his original but at-the-time unrealized ideas, George Lucas inadvertently kicked off a major backlash within the Star Wars fanbase.

Many Star Wars fans continue to petition Lucasfilm to re-release the original versions of the original Star Wars trilogy on home media and streaming for that reason. In the end, while Lucas ultimately managed to bring Jabba the Hutt to life as he’d envisioned him in Return of the Jedi, the deleted Jabba scene in A New Hope highlights that a retroactive remolding of the original Star Wars trilogy along the lines of the Special Editions was always inevitable. As with so many things in the Star Wars universe, Lucas had to wait for the effects to catch up with what he wanted to do, with his creator-introduced Star Wars retcons ultimately coming to the chagrin of the very Star Wars loyalists the Special Editions were made for.

All the Star Wars movies are available to stream on Disney+.

The post This Star Wars Deleted Scene Proves George Lucas Was Already Thinking About the Special Editions in the ’70s appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In the wake of Star Wars: Andor‘s conclusion, it’s a great time to reflect on what the Disney+ series teaches about cameos. Created by Tony Gilroy, Andor prefaces the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, chronicling Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) journey to becoming a revolutionary leader. Differing from other Disney+ series such as Star Wars: The Mandalorian, Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett, and Star Wars: Ahsoka, Andor doesn’t feature major character cameos or supporting appearances at any point during its two seasons. Instead, Andor opts to focus on telling Cassian’s story, while developing the arcs of Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona), Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård), Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), and more.

By keeping prominent Star Wars figures out of its story, Andor successfully delivers a contained narrative with all of the spectacular action and compelling characterization fans of the franchise love. The likes of Darth Vader, Princess Leia, or Jyn Erso could have appeared in Andor in some form, however, the series never exhibited a need for this type of presence. Looking ahead, Star Wars must learn that the key to its long-term triumph as an IP revolves around in-depth stories with relevant themes and interesting characters rather than repeated cameos of the same legendary personas.

[RELATED: Andor Proves That Star Wars Can Leave the Jedi Behind Entirely]

Andor Never Needed Cameos to Take Over Its Spotlight

Even while functioning as a prequel, Andor prevails as an excellent story in the Star Wars Universe. Over 24 episodes, the show dives deep into the beginnings of rebellion against the Empire, fixating on the perspectives of resistance operatives, ordinary citizens, and Imperial authority figures. Andor‘s broad scope enables it to engage with its subject material with a remarkable level of complexity. Audiences learn and see the Empire’s atrocities and behind-the-scenes meetings in a way Star Wars has never brought to the screen, and it’s incredibly eye-opening to draw comparisons between the series and real-world events. Andor‘s own score of compelling characters leaves no room for the larger-than-life presence of icons like Darth Vader or Princess Leia, while the involvement of Jyn Erso likely wouldn’t have fit during the series’ place in the timeline.

Gilroy explained his reasoning for excluding Felicity Jones’ Jyn Erso from Andor, telling EW that there just wasn’t space for her involvement.

“In the end, I realized if people didn’t absolutely have to be there, they shouldn’t,” he said. “And it would’ve been lame to bring Jyn back as a cameo. That would’ve been really disrespectful in a way. I’d rather honor Rogue and keep it straight.”

Furthermore, Gilroy revealed that a Princess Leia cameo was also on the table before Andor‘s writing team decided it was unnecessary.

“There was some basic cool things for a scene, but it never got past that, and it never went to the casting stage, or it never got more real than that,” he told Screen Rant. “I remember talking to [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy about it and talking to [Star Wars lore advisor Pablo Hidalgo] about it, but it never got traction, and then it became a distraction.“

All in all, big character cameos would have taken away from Andor‘s fascinating exploration of what it means to build resistance under a fascist government, as the concept of well-known faces popping in and out is entirely antithetical to Gilroy’s approach. Darth Vader’s menacing Rogue One appearance was a sight to behold, but something akin to that scene never would have worked in a smaller-scale, more fleshed-out story like Andor. Andor’s success proves that it’s better to focus on a show’s main characters and let them shine in big moments rather than forcing beloved franchise icons into an unnecessary spotlight. Thankfully, Andor doesn’t make the mistake of ruining its finale with a big cameo like The Mandalorian Season 2 finale did with a random Luke Skywalker reveal.

Star Wars Needs to Learn Andor‘s Lesson About Major Character Cameos

The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett nearly ruined their contained narratives by needlessly bringing in a CGI-rendered version of Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker. Ahsoka‘s inclusion of Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) makes more sense, yet the character’s return always felt more like nostalgia bait than a necessary element. Forcing characters where they don’t belong isn’t good storytelling, and Andor hints that Star Wars could be heading in the right direction when it comes to cameos. Future Star Wars showrunners and writers need to consider whether a cameo is truly necessary for the story they’re telling before moving forward with one. By following Andor‘s model of an outstanding character-driven narrative with deep political themes and not a legendary character in sight, Star Wars seamlessly moves toward a new era of top-notch movies and TV shows.

All episodes of Star Wars: Andor are available to stream on Disney+.

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Ryan Reynolds has left his mark on the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Deadpool & Wolverine, and he’s also looked for a way to break into Disney’s other major blockbuster franchise. During an appearance on the podcast The Box Office, Reynolds shared that he once pitched the studio an R-rated Star Wars project. He didn’t provide any details about what the story entailed, just that he wanted to use the R rating as “a Trojan horse for emotion.” Reynolds remarked that he’s surprised studios aren’t more willing to take chances with their IP, believing an R-rated Star Wars film would be a great way to surprise audiences.

“I pitched to Disney, I said, ‘Why don’t we do an R-rated Star Wars property? It doesn’t have to be overt, A+ characters. There’s a wide range of characters you could use,’” Reynolds said. “And I don’t mean R-rated to be vulgar. R-rated as a Trojan horse for emotion. I always wonder why studios don’t want to just gamble on something like that. I’m not saying I want to be in it. That would be a bad fit. I’d want to produce and write or be a part of behind the scenes. Those kinds of IP subsist really well on scarcity and surprise. We don’t get scarcity really with ‘Star Wars’ because of Disney+, but you can certainly still surprise people.”

From the beginning, Star Wars has always been a family-friendly franchise, as children are a core part of the target audience. The first five films released were rated PG. Since 2005’s Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, all Star Wars movies have been rated PG-13, allowing the projects to appeal to the widest possible audience to maximize box office profits.

[RELATED – Ryan Reynolds Reveals The Two Rules Disney Had for Deadpool & Wolverine]

After an extended hiatus from the big screen, Lucasfilm is planning to bring Star Wars back to movie theaters. Next summer sees the release of The Mandalorian & Grogu, while Star Wars: Starfighter follows in May 2027. Obviously, neither film has been rated yet, but the former is a direct continuation of the TV series The Mandalorian, which is rated TV-14 and features the cuddly character Grogu. Both titles are positioned as Disney’s Memorial Day tentpoles, meaning they’re likely targeting PG-13.

The specifics of Reynolds’ pitch sound pretty close to a movie akin to Andor, which earned rapturous acclaim over its two-season run for its mature tone. Andor is arguably as “adult” as Star Wars has ever gotten, and its success illustrates the franchise doesn’t need to be wrapped in kid-friendly packaging to make an impact. Like The Mandalorian, Andor was rated TV-14, but it was probably just a few tweaks away from an R rating. It’d be interesting to see what kind of emotional story Reynolds would want to tell in this sandbox. Andor showed there’s a place for an exploration of dark, dramatic themes and character arcs in Star Wars. There was a time when an R-rated Star Wars project might have seemed blasphemous, but after Andor, it doesn’t sound as far-fetched.

Reynolds also makes a good point about how surprise is necessary for a long-running property like Star Wars. After being around for nearly five decades, filmmakers need to be able to mix things up in order to keep the franchise fresh and viable for the years to come. With an entire galaxy at its disposal, Star Wars has unlimited potential for storytelling, and an R-rated movie would definitely inject some new energy into it. Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy previously noted Lucasfilm has a Star Wars horror project in the works. Perhaps that could be an outlet for something riskier like an R-rated film. With a modest budget and the right creative team in place, a more adult Star Wars movie could be a massive hit.

The post Ryan Reynolds Pitched a Star Wars Movie (& It’s R-Rated) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars: Andor never tries to hide the fact that it takes place not long after the prequel trilogy. It’s all about the Empire’s efforts to try to hold its power in the galaxy, which includes building the Death Star, a superweapon that appears briefly at the end of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. But Andor likes to make its Easter eggs as subtle as possible to avoid distracting from the story it’s telling. That’s why it’s easy to miss the Loth cat in the final arc and all of the goodies in Luthen Rael’s shop. However, one callback that’s nearly impossible to miss comes in Season 2, Episode 10, “Make It Stop.”

The first episode of the final arc of Andor focuses on Kleya’s mission to kill her boss, Luthen, so the Empire can’t torture him for information. While killing stormtroopers and infiltrating restricted areas, she remembers her childhood when she and Luthen traveled around the world gathering information and causing problems for the Empire. They even traveled to a location important to Emperor Palpatine at one point to raise hell.

Luthen Rael Takes the Fight to Palpatine in Andor Season 2

Luthen struggles with his role as an Imperial following the fall of the Republic. The cause he’s dedicating his life to is going down a path he can’t follow, so he has a crisis of faith. During a particularly nasty battle, he sits on a ship and wishes for it all to end. Luthen only doesn’t go off the deep end completely because he finds a stowaway in need of help. He abandons his post and gives the young girl the name “Kleya.” The two of them spend the next couple of years amassing resources by selling antiquities, waiting for the right moment to strike against the Empire.

They find an opportunity while visiting Naboo, the homeworld of both Padmé Amidala and, more importantly, Sheev Palpatine. Kleya and Luthen have lunch in a cafe while a group of Imperials work on a bridge in the distance. Kleya thinks she’s ready to blow the structure to smithereens, but Luthen tells his young friend to exercise patience because firing the first shot isn’t something to take lightly. Luthen pulls the trigger himself and gives Kleya another lesson about blending in before they depart. The attack on Naboo marks Luthen’s initial strike in a long war that sees him give everything to defeat the Empire.

[RELATED – Andor’s Most Intense Scene Happened Outside the Battlefield]

Luthen Rael’s Hatred of the Empire Never Wavers

Years after attacking the Imperials on Naboo, Luthen still fights against the Empire; the only difference in his tactics is that other people do the dirty work for him. He lives a relatively quiet life on Coruscant, posing as an antique shop owner who supplies high rollers with nice-looking relics. However, he continues to hold back despite interacting with some of the most important Imperials. He even comes face-to-face with Director Orson Krennic, who’s always up to no good, and shows restraint. Sadly, Luthen doesn’t get to live out his days in peace because the Empire comes calling after a while.

Following the Ghorman Massacre, ISB agent Deedra Meero turns her attention to the Axis rebel network, which Luthen leads. It takes her a few years, but she’s able to track down the mastermind and confronts him at his store. Before attempting to take his own life, Luthen lets Deedra know just how much he hates the Empire and that everything she stands for will come crashing down soon enough. And what he warns her about comes to pass because her failure to capture Luthen and keep the details of the Death Star under wraps lands her in jail, unable to witness the “chaos” that the Rebel Alliance spreads across the galaxy.

Luthen knows he’ll never get the credit that Mon Mothma and Bail Organa do, but he makes peace with that early on. He chooses to operate in the shadows until the sun shines a light on his actions, and with that being the case, he never misses an opportunity to go big, such as hitting Palpatine right where it hurts.

Andor Season 2 is streaming on Disney+.

Did you notice Naboo in Andor Season 2? Are you happy with the conclusion of Luthen Rael’s story in the Disney+ series? Let us know in the comments below!

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The Star Wars universe, a sprawling tapestry of heroes and villains, triumph and tragedy, consistently sparks the imagination with its boundless possibilities. Yet, even within its established canon, tantalizing “what ifs” linger—pivotal moments where a different choice could have irrevocably altered the galaxy’s fate. For dedicated fans, these hypotheticals aren’t just fan fiction; they are the perfect opportunity for deep exploration, particularly within the comic format. From pivotal choices to unexpected turns, these six scenarios offer a fresh take on beloved characters and storylines. What if Anakin never turned? Or Luke joined Vader? Each idea is a goldmine for an epic comic series, packed with dramatic possibilities and jaw-dropping art. 

1) What if Ahsoka Raised Luke and Leia?

Imagine a galaxy where Padmé Amidala doesn’t survive childbirth, leaving Anakin devastated, but without the immediate pull of the dark side fueled by her impending death. Instead, his former Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, burdened by the loss of her friend, steps in. Having left the Jedi Order, she possesses a unique perspective, understanding both the Jedi ways and the complexities of the wider galaxy. She takes the infant Luke and Leia into her care, raising them in secret, perhaps with the help of trusted allies like Captain Rex.

RELATED: After 20 Years, It’s Long Past Time for One of Star Wars’ Most Popular Characters to Have Their Own Original Comic

How would their upbringing differ? Would they be more attuned to the Force in unconventional ways, learning from Ahsoka’s experiences outside the rigid Jedi structure? Picture Luke and Leia trained not just in lightsaber combat, but also in navigating the political undercurrents of the galaxy, guided by a more world-weary and perhaps less rigid mentor. This scenario opens up fascinating possibilities for their development and their eventual confrontation with the Empire, shaped by Ahsoka’s unique wisdom and fighting style.

2) What if Anakin Never Joined Palpatine and Stopped Order 66?

In this altered timeline, Anakin’s loyalty to the Jedi and his trust in Mace Windu prevail over Palpatine’s manipulations. Instead of betraying the Jedi, a conflicted Anakin ultimately sides with Windu during the fateful confrontation in Palpatine’s office. Together, they manage to subdue and arrest the Sith Lord before he can issue Order 66. The galaxy breathes a collective sigh of relief as the immediate threat of a Jedi purge is averted.

However, the underlying tensions and the Clone Wars don’t simply vanish. With Palpatine exposed as a Sith Lord, a new political landscape emerges. How would the Republic and the Separatists react? Would there be a swift end to the war, or would new power struggles erupt? Anakin, hailed as a hero for his pivotal role, would face the complex task of rebuilding trust within the Jedi Order and the Republic, forever marked by his near fall to the dark side and the revelation of Palpatine’s treachery.

3) What if Obi-Wan Didn’t Leave Anakin on Mustafar?

Picture the devastating duel on Mustafar taking a different turn. Instead of the heartbreaking moment where Obi-Wan, believing Anakin lost beyond redemption, leaves him to his fate, he makes a different choice. Perhaps he manages to subdue Anakin without inflicting such grievous injuries, or maybe he carries his fallen friend back to the Jedi, refusing to give up on him entirely. This act of compassion, though difficult and potentially dangerous, could drastically alter the galaxy’s trajectory.

RELATED: Star Wars: 5 Essential Obi-Wan Kenobi Comics To Read For Revenge of the Sith’s 20th Anniversary

What would become of a severely injured, but alive, Anakin Skywalker in the hands of the Jedi? Would they attempt to heal him, both physically and mentally? Could he be redeemed without the extreme suffering that birthed Darth Vader? This scenario presents a compelling exploration of forgiveness, recovery, and the enduring power of friendship. The galaxy might face the looming Empire with a wounded but potentially repentant Anakin at the Jedi’s side, or perhaps his path to redemption would be a far more complex and internal struggle within the confines of the Jedi Temple.

4) What if Ahsoka Never Left the Jedi Order?

Consider a reality where Ahsoka, feeling the growing darkness surrounding her former master, chooses to remain within the Jedi Order. Her unwavering loyalty and unique bond with Anakin might provide the crucial anchor he desperately needed. Perhaps she uncovers Palpatine’s manipulations earlier, or her presence serves as a constant reminder of the light within him, preventing his descent. When the visions of Padmé’s death plague him, Ahsoka, still a Jedi Knight, could offer a different kind of support, grounded in the Jedi teachings but also in their deep personal connection.

Imagine Ahsoka standing alongside Anakin during the later years of Clone Wars, their combined strength and understanding a formidable force against the Separatists and the shadows lurking behind the scenes. How would the dynamics of the Jedi Council shift with Ahsoka’s continued presence? Would they be more receptive to Anakin’s concerns? This timeline could see a stronger, more united Jedi Order facing the rise of the Empire, with Anakin and Ahsoka as key figures in the fight for the Republic’s survival.

5) What if Qui-Gon Jinn Didn’t Die on Naboo?

Envision the events of The Phantom Menace unfolding with Qui-Gon Jinn surviving his duel with Darth Maul. His wisdom, his connection to the Living Force, and his more unconventional approach to the Jedi way would continue to influence the Jedi Council and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. With Qui-Gon alive, Anakin’s introduction to the Jedi Order might be handled with more nuance and understanding, potentially tempering some of the anxieties and attachments that later contributed to his fall.

RELATED: Star Wars Needs to Bring Back Their “What If” Inspired Legends Comic

How would Qui-Gon’s presence have shaped Anakin’s training? Would he have been a more grounding influence, offering a different perspective than the more traditional Jedi Masters? Imagine a Jedi Order guided by both the pragmatism of Obi-Wan and the intuitive wisdom of Qui-Gon. This timeline could see a Jedi Order better equipped to understand and guide the Chosen One, potentially preventing the rise of the Sith and the devastating Clone Wars altogether, or at least navigating them with a different strategy and outcome.

6) What if Luke Skywalker Joined Darth Vader?

Consider the chilling “what if” where Luke Skywalker, faced with the revelation of his parentage and the seductive power of the dark side, chooses to join his father. Imagine Luke accepting Vader’s offer, believing they could rule the galaxy together and end the conflict. This father-son alliance would create a terrifyingly powerful duo, the combined might of the Skywalker bloodline unleashed upon the Rebel Alliance.

How would the galaxy react to this dark turn? Would the Rebellion crumble under the weight of their combined power? What would become of Leia and their friends? This what-if offers a grim exploration of the call of power and the struggle against one’s destiny. A comic series exploring this path could delve into the corrupting influence of the dark side on Luke and the complex dynamic between a father and son ruling the galaxy, perhaps not in harmony, but in a constant battle for dominance.

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Twenty-three years later, Natalie Portman is finally coming clean about what she stole from the Star Wars prequels sets. The actress, who is currently promoting her upcoming film, Fountain of Youth, stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week, where Colbert convinced Portman to share if she’s ever stolen anything from a movie set. Portman confessed that she took one of Anakin Skywalker’s (Hayden Christensen) Padawan braids during the making of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. “There were like 30 of them, ’cause he had to have a new one every, a freshie, you know?” Portman said.

When Colbert asked if anyone on the Attack of the Clones set knew if Portman stole one of Anakin’s braids, she pleaded the fifth. She also insinuated that this may be how director George Lucas finds out about her theft. However, if Lucas wants the braid back, he’s out of luck. “I lost it, so I can’t give it back,” Portman revealed.

It’s hard to choose what’s more insane here: that Portman misplaced a highly valued piece of Star Wars contraband, or that she stole one of Anakin’s braids despite portraying the most stylish character in the galaxy. Portman played Padmé Amidala in all three Star Wars Prequel films and wore some of the most intricate, memorable costumes ever to appear in that galaxy far, far away. So, one would think that if Portman would nick anything from the set, it’d be a piece of her iconic wardrobe. Or maybe a lightsaber or the blaster Amidala used in the Battle of Genosis?

[RELATED: 20 Years Later, Here’s How Natalie Portman Could Return to the Star Wars Universe]

Although, when taking her character’s forbidden romance with Anakin into consideration… It’s oddly romantic? Perhaps she wanted something small that could easily be smuggled off-premises. Either way, we doubt there’s much Lucasfilm can do to retrieve the missing braid now, and we hope that Lucas will forgive Portman for her theft. How very not Queen Amidala of her.

Perhaps Portman could return to braid to Lucasfilm’s props department if she followed Christensen’s lead by returning to the Star Wars Universe in one of its upcoming projects. Yes, Padmé is dead, but that hasn’t stopped Anakin from popping up in flashbacks in Obi-Wan Kenobi and scenes from the World Between Worlds in Ahsoka. Perhaps Portman’s Padmé could make a similar appearance. Portman seems game for it.

Star Wars content can be streamed on Disney+.

The post Natalie Portman Reveals the Hilariously Weird Star Wars Prop She Stole From the Prequels Set appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Since the launch of Disney+ in 2019, the Star Wars franchise has expanded its reach to live-action television, bringing in characters from the movies and animated projects, as well as introducing new faces to its vast universe. Star Wars: Andor Season 2 made a very interesting change for the franchise though by replacing Jimmy Smits with Benjamin Bratt in the role of Bail Organa. This prompts the question of whether more characters from Star Wars films should be recast for live-action TV shows. Deceased actors and scheduling difficulties are just a couple reasons for Star Wars’ inability to integrate renowned characters into projects, and as a result, Lucasfilm has decisions on its hands. On numerous occasions in the past, the studio opted for CGI recreations of performers no longer available, eliciting much debate. While it would be too early to recast roles from the sequel trilogy, the original and prequel sets of films could reasonably see some changeover if certain roles are adapted to TV.

The following seven Star Wars movie characters would benefit from a recast should Lucasfilm incorporate them in a live-action TV show.

1) Mace Windu

Samuel L. Jackson hasn’t portrayed Mace Windu on screen since 2005’s Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Even 20 years later, it’s possible that the icon could once again grace the big screen as Windu — given his voice cameo in 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker — but a TV show appearance will be harder to achieve. If Star Wars has plans to feature Windu in an upcoming TV series, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to recast him (assuming it called for a younger Mace Windu). Although following in Jackson’s footsteps appears a daunting task, a younger actor could play a rendition of Windu before he became the renowned purple lightsaber-wielding Jedi Master.

2) Grand Moff Tarkin

Given Peter Cushing’s death almost two decades after playing Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin in 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope, one would think a recast of the character was inevitable. However, 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story instead employed a CGI recreation of Cushing to serve as Tarkin. Visually unsettling, Rogue One‘s digitally-rendered Tarkin should have been rejected in favor of recasting Cushing’s villain. The recast of Bail Organa in Andor hopefully indicates that Star Wars will move away from this practice and that the franchise will grant actors the chance to portray well-known characters. Andor‘s conclusion could mean that the opportunity for another Tarkin appearance has passed, but if the need for his presence arises in a future Star Wars TV show, a recast needs to happen.

3) Darth Maul

Darth Maul’s first and only live-action appearance came in 1999’s Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, and fans have long expressed their desire to see the Sith Lord return. Portrayed by Ray Park and voiced by Peter Serafinowicz in the film, Darth Maul might be better suited for TV than movies in his potential live-action comeback. It’s unknown whether the aforementioned actors would reprise the role of Darth Maul in a live-action show, as Sam Witwer has already taken over the character’s voice in the 2018 film Solo: A Star Wars Story, and the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels. Thanks to the character’s unique facial appearance, there would be nothing wrong with recasting Darth Maul in a future Star Wars TV series. What matters most is that he comes back in some form.

[RELATED: Star Wars Is Wasting Darth Maul’s Potential in Live-Action (Here’s How They Can Fix It)]

4) Count Dooku

Christopher Lee’s Count Dooku proved a formidable Sith Lord in 2002’s Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, though the actor’s death means a recast could be in store in a future live-action project. Dooku didn’t get much screen time in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith before his death, and while The Clone Wars expanded his arc, the villain needs to reappear in live-action. Ideally, a future Clone Wars-era TV series would bring him back, and he would be played by a new actor instead of a CGI version of Lee. Many Star Wars fans want to see more of Dooku’s story in live-action, and the franchise shouldn’t shy away from replacing Lee’s rendition of the Sith Lord.

5) Jango Fett

Temuera Morrison’s revolving door of Star Wars roles began with Jango Fett in Attack of the Clones. Now more than 20 years later, Morrison has thrived as the aged Boba Fett in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. In regards to Jango, the bounty hunter’s lone live-action Star Wars appearance leaves a lot to be desired, making him an excellent choice to feature in any TV show taking place prior to Attack of the Clones. A younger actor could step into the role and establish Jango as a Mandalorian mercenary just as fierce as his reputation suggests.

6) Princess Leia

Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia was exclusively a movie character in Star Wars before Vivien Lyra Blair played a child version of the character in 2022’s Obi-Wan Kenobi series. To date, an original trilogy-era Princess Leia has not appeared in TV, though Andor‘s writing team almost decided to incorporate her in a cameo. Thus, an upcoming Star Wars TV show has the chance to cast a new actor in the role, rightfully taking the place of the digitally-rendered portrayal of Fisher’s Princess Leia used in Rogue One. Incorporating such an iconic Star Wars hero should not a decision Lucasfilm should take lightly, but if Princess Leia fits in a TV story, a recast has to be in order.

7) Luke Skywalker

The multiple CGI recreations of Mark Hamill’s original trilogy-era Luke Skywalker used in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett must cease, and another actor should be cast to play the esteemed Jedi Knight. One could argue that Star Wars TV has no room for a character such as Luke, but given the right circumstances, a small appearance could make sense. In that case, though, Hamill’s likeness should be retired. It must be stressed that CGI cannot take the place of human actors. Recasting a role usually doesn’t generate a one-to-one character comparison, but the nuance and sincerity different performers bring to the same character is always fascinating. Sebastian Stan has frequently come up as a popular fancast, but there are tons of actors who could flourish in the footsteps of Hamill.

Do you agree with these potential Star Wars character recasts? Let us know in the comments!

The post 7 Star Wars Characters That Should Be Recast for TV Shows appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Since the days of the original trilogy, Star Wars has been about the fight between good and evil. When Star Wars: A New Hope kicked off, the Empire was the greatest threat, with arguably cinema’s most iconic villain, Darth Vader, being the face of the oppressive government. However, Vader couldn’t do it alone, so George Lucas and Co. introduced more bad guys as the Skywalker Saga continued, and for the most part, they hit the mark. From General Grievous to Cad Bane, each new adversary for the heroes of Star Wars felt like a worthwhile addition to a galaxy far, far away.

But just because a villain had a solid appearance or two doesn’t mean there wasn’t room for improvement. In fact, some of the most notable evildoers in Star Wars history got better as time went on, with the franchise fleshing them out and proving they’re so much more than their actions.

Boba Fett

There are few characters in Star Wars with as much aura as Boba Fett. He became so popular after his appearance in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back that the Mandalorian culture was built around his look. However, despite being influential, Boba leaves a lot to be desired early on.

The original trilogy shows Boba at his peak, taking on bounties and showing no mercy. There isn’t a lot of depth to his character, though, and projects like Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: The Clone Wars help explain where his ruthless nature comes from. All that work pays off when Boba returns in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and gets right back to wreaking havoc.

Kylo Ren

During the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren is nothing more than a whiny brat. He’s a Darth Vader wannabe who has enough daddy issues that he makes a deal with just the worst kind of person. Kylo’s so out of whack that, after killing his father, Han Solo, and eating a blast from Chewbacca’s bowcaster, he loses a fight to Rey, who has no experience with a lightsaber.

Things change drastically in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, though. Kylo still has little confidence, but the events of the movie point him in the right direction, and he caps things off by killing Supreme Leader Snoke and taking control of the First Order. While he redeems himself at the end of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, his time with the dark side is still pretty impactful.

Darth Maul

In Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Darth Maul is more of a physical threat than a mental one, being a puppet that Palpatine uses to announce the Sith’s return. Sure, he’s part of one of the greatest lightsaber fights ever, but he barely has any lines and fails to make much of an impact outside of killing a single Jedi.

Fortunately, Maul’s return in The Clone Wars and subsequent projects make up for The Phantom Menace‘s failures by giving the villain real motivation. He wants to get revenge by any means necessary, so he spends the next couple of decades influencing galactic events and causing trouble wherever he goes. By the end, he’s every bit the bad guy Darth Vader is.

[RELATED: Ahmed Best Reveals Why There’s a Jar Jar Renaissance With Star Wars Fans]

Emperor Palpatine

Emperor Palpatine in the original trilogy is the personification of evil. After all, the person running the Empire can’t have any redeeming qualities. But Palpatine’s first couple of appearances still don’t do the character any favors, with him never really leaving his chair in his throne room.

The prequels make it their mission to show Palpatine’s rise to power, and they do a pretty good job. While he’s still the worst of the worst, projects like Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and The Clone Wars show just how far the Dark Lord of the Sith will go to achieve his goals. Palpatine even returns for one last battle in The Rise of Skywalker, and it takes the entire galaxy coming together to stop him.

Count Dooku

As soon as Count Dooku pops up in Attack of the Clones, he’s as interesting as any other villain in the franchise. A former Jedi who abandons the Order, he tries to warn Obi-Wan Kenobi about his master’s plans before turning on his former allies completely. He outduels Obi-Wan and his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, and looks to be on his way to becoming one of the all-time greats. Unfortunately, he dies only a few minutes into Revenge of the Sith.

While a lackluster death is a stain on Dooku’s legacy, The Clone Wars gives the Sith Lord more time to shine. The animated series reveals how Dooku makes life difficult for the Jedi during the titular conflict, even showing another fight between him and Anakin that once again proves the villain has no equal when it comes to lightsaber technique.

Do you think these Star Wars villains got better as the franchise went on? Who else would you put on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 5 Star Wars Villains Who Have Only Gotten Better With Time appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Natalie Portman discusses about a possible return to the Star Wars franchise, sharing that she’d be open to reprising Padmé Amidala. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight while on the red carpet for her new film Fountain of Youth, Portman was asked if she’d follow the footsteps of her prequel trilogy co-stars Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen and come back to the galaxy far, far away. The Oscar-winner admitted that nobody at Lucasfilm has contacted her about a potential return, she would be game for it if the opportunity presented itself.

“Listen, nobody’s asked me, but I’m open to everything,” Portman said. “Life’s only fun if you’re open to every possibility.”

Portman’s made similar comments in the past, but so far, Lucasfilm hasn’t looked to bring her back. The actress’ only appearances in the Star Wars franchise are the three installments in the prequel trilogy. Padmé appears throughout the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, but Catherine Taber took over the role to provide the character’s voice.

[RELATED – 20 Years Later, Here’s How Natalie Portman Could Return to the Star Wars Universe]

Earlier this year, there were conflicting reports that Portman could reprise as Padmé in Ahsoka Season 2. Kristian Harloff indicated showrunner Dave Filoni wanted to use Padmé for a “World Between Worlds type thing.” However, other outlets have heard that Portman “is not in negotiations to return.” Ahsoka Season 2 recently started production, but a full official cast list has not been announced. It has been confirmed that Christensen is returning to play Anakin Skywalker.

If Lucasfilm is going to bring Portman back into the fold, now would be the ideal time to do so. Ahsoka Season 2 is the one project the studio has in development that makes the most sense for a Padmé appearance. Though the character died years before the New Republic era (where Ahsoka fits on the Star Wars timeline), Padmé was close with Ahsoka when the latter was Anakin’s Padawan during the Clone Wars. If Filoni is utilizing the World Between Worlds again, that could be a spot for Padmé. As seen in Ahsoka Season 1, Episode 5, the mythical location allows Force users to jump between time and space, allowing Ahsoka to revisit key moments from her youth. Portman could also appear in a more straightforward flashback sequence as Ahsoka recalls a conversation they had.

Given that Lucasfilm doesn’t have any Star Wars movies or shows set in the prequel era in the works, it would be difficult to see how Portman could fit in something other than Ahsoka Season 2. It’ll be interesting to see if the studio takes advantage of this opportunity. Whether or not it happens will depend on what Filoni has in mind for the story. It would be disappointing if Portman made just a small cameo for the sake of fan service. If she’s going to come back, she should play a worthwhile role in the narrative, similar to how Anakin factored into Ahsoka Season 1. In the past, Star Wars has been guilty of leaning on nostalgia as a crutch, but Andor shows the franchise doesn’t need to resort to that to create something compelling and entertaining. Should an icon like Portman return, there should be good reason.

The post Natalie Portman Comments on Star Wars Return (& Now Is the Perfect Time) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Rian Johnson offers a hopeful update for his Star Wars trilogy, expressing a desire to return to the galaxy far, far away at some point. In an interview with The Independent to promote Poker Face Season 2, Johnson was asked about his mysterious Star Wars project, which was announced several weeks before his Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiered in 2017. The director made it seem like the trilogy is still on the table; it just got pushed to the back burner as he pursued other projects, such as the Knives Out movies.

“What happened? Knives Out!” Johnson said when explaining why his Star Wars trilogy hasn’t gotten off the ground. “I mean, I kind of went down the murder mystery rabbit hole – I’m focused on making other stuff. But that wouldn’t rule out it happening down the line. If I get back in the Star Wars universe someday, I’d be the happiest person.”

Over the years, there have been a plethora of similarly worded updated on Johnson’s trilogy, with claims that it’s still in active development at Lucasfilm despite not gaining any significant traction in the time since it was announced. Johnson has kept himself plenty busy with other projects and doesn’t appear to be in a rush to get back to Star Wars. In addition to Poker Face Season 2, he has Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery due later this year.

[RELATED – I Still Want Rian Johnson’s Star Wars Trilogy]

As Johnson continues to spend time crafting entertaining murder mysteries, Lucasfilm has been ironing out its next slate of Star Wars movies. Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian & Grogu comes out next summer, followed by Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter in May 2027. During Star Wars Celebration Japan in April, Lucasfilm confirmed a bevy of other films are in development, but did not list Johnson’s trilogy among them.

Johnson’s wording implies his Star Wars trilogy isn’t guaranteed at this point. Still, it’s encouraging for fans that he remains open to it. While The Last Jedi proved to be extremely divisive among viewers, a compelling argument can be made that Johnson’s vision is just what the Star Wars franchise needs right now. The filmmaker is renowned for his ability to think outside the box, putting a fresh spin on established Hollywood tropes and formulas. The Last Jedi was infamous for subverting expectations people had about the legendary Skywalker saga, but perhaps Johnson’s approach would benefit a completely new story with new characters audiences don’t have any preconceived notions about. As Andor showed, there’s space in the Star Wars sandbox for captivating ideas that push the property’s boundaries.

While it’s great to hear Johnson’s trilogy hasn’t been cancelled, right now, it seems unlikely it will come to fruition anytime soon. Lucasfilm’s priorities are The Mandalorian & Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter, and after that, there’s no shortage of Star Wars movies in search of a release date. George Nolfi is working on a script for New Jedi Order; James Mangold can now turn his attention to Dawn of the Jedi; Kathleen Kennedy is still waiting for Taika Waititi’s Star Wars script. Based on what’s been said about Johnson’s trilogy, he hasn’t made any headway writing scripts yet, so it will probably be several more years before viewers see it — if they see it at all.

The post Rian Johnson’s Star Wars Trilogy Gets Hopeful Update (But Will it Happen?) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story‘s whole purpose is to provide additional context to the events of Star Wars: A New Hope. In the franchise’s first movie, the Rebellion faces the threat of the Death Star, a superweapon that Emperor Palpatine is looking to turn on planets that aren’t getting in line. Rogue One shows how Leia gets her hands on the plans for the Empire’s big secret, focusing on the group that infiltrates the Imperial stronghold on Scarif and loses their lives in the process. However, the movie’s story is so strong that several other Star Wars projects, including Star Wars: Andor, flesh it out.

Watching Rogue One now provides a very different experience than when the movie first hit theaters. Characters are stronger, motivations are clearer, and every piece of the Rebellion feels much more significant.

1) Beezer Fortuna Is Everything His Cousin Is Not

One aspect of Rogue One that gets a boost after watching Star Wars: The Mandalorian is Saw Gerrera’s crew. The madman employs all kinds of beings, including Beezer Fortuna, who is related to the Twi’lek that takes over Jabba the Hutt’s empire in the Disney+ series, Bib Fortuna. However, unlike his cousin, Beezer fights for others instead of himself and dies a noble death.

2) Mon Mothma’s Place in the Rebellion Feels More Important

Mon Mothma appears in various Star Wars projects as one of the faces of the Rebellion. She plays that role in Rogue One, but Andor gives her hesitation to attack the Empire a whole new meaning. Mothma has to live a lie for years until the Ghorman Massacre forces her to cut her ties to the Empire, meaning she understands when the right time to strike is.

3) Cassian Andor’s Sacrifice Is Much More Tragic

Andor focuses on the early days of the Rebellion as much as its titular character, but he still gets plenty to do. He goes from a criminal who doesn’t believe he has a higher calling to a rebel ready to give it all for the cause. With all that extra emotion in the mix, Cassian’s death in Rogue One hits ten times harder.

4) Director Krennic’s Aspirations Are More Clear

Orson Krennic can feel like any other Imperial during his appearance in Rogue One. After all, Darth Vader puts him in his place like he would any other lackey. However, Andor shows Krennic at the top of the food chain as he begins to put the pieces in place to get the Death Star operational.

[RELATED – 7 Spy and Revolution Shows to Watch After Star Wars: Andor]

5) Bail Organa Knows the Best Course of Action

With the threat of the Death Star looming over them, the Rebellion’s council tries to formulate a plan to bring it down. Bail Organa helps get things moving, and he believes Cassian is the best choice to lead the mission. Andor shows how Bail comes to trust Cassian and how far the former Republic senator is willing to go to defeat the Empire.

6) There’s No Wiggle Room in Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor’s Relationship

The ending of Rogue One is tragic because the members of the titular team lose their lives. However, some always believed there was an extra knife twist due to Jyn Erso and Cassian embracing on the beach on Scarif. Andor puts any love theories to bed, though, by showing that Cassian always holds a special place in his heart for Bix Caleen, whom he falls in love with while living on Ferrix.

7) Melshi Always Has Cassian Andor’s Back

Another character who loses their life on Scarif is Melshi, a rebel soldier who comes to Cassian during his hour of need. Andor reveals how the two characters meet each other during their time in the Narkina 5 prison and the missions they go on that allow them to grow close before the events of Rogue One kick off.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is streaming on Disney+.

Are you planning to rewatch Rogue One: A Star Wars Story after finishing all of the Disney+ Star Wars series? What other aspects of the movie do you think will feel different? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 7 Things About Rogue One That Are Way Cooler After Star Wars Disney+ Series appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars Day 2025 passed earlier this month, and it included a ton of new lightsaber hilt releases at The Disney Store. However, if you still have room in your collection several popular hilts have been restocked after a long absence. The most interesting of these, definitely for those of us who went and saw Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith in theaters recently, is the Anakin (Jedi Apprentice) Lightsaber Hilt, a fantastic and detailed remake of the Padawan’s weapon. Cal Kestis’ Jedi Survivor lightsaber is also back and it includes a color changing feature that can switch the blade from blue, red, green, purple, yellow, and white. Lastly, if you prefer the allure of the dark side, you can also grab Darth Vader’s saber once again. Head to Disney here to see all available sabers, and read below for some details on each of the restocked hilts.  

• Anakin Skywalker (Jedi Apprentice) Legacy LIGHTSABER Hilt Star Wars – $159: “Includes hilt and case. Hilt case features hinged lid and lined interior. Jedi Knight symbol on front of case. Push switch on hilt to activate Lightsaber noises and illuminate blue when attached to one of our Lightsaber Blades, sold separately.” – See here at The Disney Store
• Darth Vader Legacy LIGHTSABER Collectible Set Star Wars – $219.99: “Set includes Darth Vader Legacy Lightsaber Hilt, Lightsaber Blade, Display Stand, and Lightsaber Belt Clip. Push switch on hilt to illuminate the attachable Lightsaber Blade in red.”  – See here at The Disney Store
• Cal Kestis (Jedi Survivor) Color Changing Legacy LIGHTSABER Set Star Wars – $219.99: “Set includes Cal Kestis (Jedi Survivor) Legacy Lightsaber Hilt, Lightsaber Blade, Display Stand, and Lightsaber Belt Clip. Hilt includes color-changing feature. When holding down the hidden button on backside of saber hilt for five seconds, the Lightsaber blades will change in sequence to the following colors: blue, red, green, purple, yellow, white (for a total of six different color options)” – See here at The Disney Store

Released earlier this month as part of the Star Wars Day celebrations, these new Star Wars Squishmallows plushies are inspired by The Mandalorian, Grogu, Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper. Fortunately, all four designs are 12-inches tall and super soft, so they’re perfect for cramming, cuddling, and collecting.

You can find all of the new Star Wars Squishmallows designs right here on Amazon priced at $19.99. However, the release date is set for December 15th, so we highly suggest getting your pre-orders in now as there’s a chance that tariffs will increase the prices before the release date. When you pre-order, you automatically get the lowest price offered during the period, and you won’t be charged until they ship.

Want to stay up to date with all the latest Star Wars news and collectibles? Then keep an eye on our Gear Page!

The post Darth Vader, Cal Kestis and Anakin’s Padawan Lightsaber Hilt Replicas Are Back In Stock appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Franchises handing the keys to the kingdom to kids is all the rage these days. Stranger Things starts with children at the center of the action, but the adults do a lot of the heavy lifting. However, as the season goes on, the young people become more and more important, even pulling off crazy schemes to fight back against terrifying threats. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is also looking to lean on a new generation, introducing heroes like Ms. Marvel and Wiccan, who are going to be around for the long haul. The latest franchise to try to appeal to a younger crowd is Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which is getting a reboot at Hulu.

The creatives behind the new series searched long and hard for a young person to appear alongside original series star Sarah Michelle Gellar, and they landed on Ryan Kiera Armstrong, an up-and-coming actress. Fighting side-by-side with Buffy will probably open a lot of doors for Armstrong, but it may also confirm that another one in a galaxy far, far away is closing.

Ryan Kiera Armstrong’s Claim to Fame Is a Star Wars Series

Before landing the role in Buffy, Armstrong appeared in American Horror Story and the 2022 adaptation of Stephen King’s Firestarter. Two years later, she made the jump to streaming shows, appearing in Disney’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, which focuses on a group of kids on the mysterious planet, At Attin. The children, including Armstrong’s Fern, want to learn more about the galaxy around them, so they head out into space. Unfortunately, they soon find themselves in the middle of a pirate conflict that threatens not only them but their families back home.

Skeleton Crew isn’t as highly regarded as Star Wars: Andor or even Star Wars: The Mandalorian, but it’s got a lot going for it. Jude Law delivers a great performance as the former Jedi Ja Na Nawood, while the kids help the show bring a Goonies-type vibe to the franchise. In a world full of generic streaming shows that rarely take chances, Skeleton Crew sticks out by traveling to a corner of the galaxy that’s mostly untouched by the Skywalker Saga. Despite all that, the show’s ending doesn’t exactly lend itself to a second season, and Armstrong’s new job may mean Lucasfilm doesn’t have any intention of returning to At Attin.

[RELATED – The Movie Industry’s Fate May Hang On Star Wars’ Future Plans For Darth Vader]

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew May End Up Just Like The Acolyte

Fern plays a major role in Skeleton Crew‘s finale, helping her friend, Wim, distract Nawood long enough to allow the New Republic to arrive on At Attin and deal with the pirate threat. She proves herself a brave and ambitious person, and once At Attin opens itself up to the rest of the galaxy, there’s no doubt that she will find herself in an important position somewhere. However, Armstrong’s availability isn’t what it once was because if Buffy lands a full-season order at Hulu, there will be little time for her to return for a second season of Skeleton Crew.

The more likely scenario is that Lucasfilm isn’t looking to continue the series and will either have the characters return in a future project that brings all of the Dave Filoni-produced shows together or forget about them entirely. If it ends up being the latter, Skeleton Crew will join The Acolyte in the club of Star Wars shows that only run one season and don’t get a second shot at making an impact. Ratings surely play a factor in that scenario, but it’s Lucasfilm’s job to make shows feel important, and when some are quick to get the ax, it’s unlikely that any future projects that don’t follow established characters or lore are going to catch the eyes of non-diehard Star Wars fans.

The original Buffy series didn’t even really hit its stride until the middle seasons. It had time to grow and learn from its mistakes, which rarely happens in the streaming era. But if Lucasfilm wants to hang on to its talent, it should take another look at how it handles its TV division.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is streaming now on Disney+.

Are you disappointed that Star Wars: Skeleton Crew may not get a second season? Do you plan to watch Ryan Kiera Armstrong in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot? Let us know in the comments below!

The post The New Buffy Reboot Might Be Bad News for a Favorite Star Wars Show appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Developer Broadsword and publisher Electronic Arts announced the release date for Star Wars: The Old Republic‘s next major update. Known as Dynamic Worlds, update 7.7 will introduce a plethora of new content for long-time players and newcomers to enjoy. This includes a new PvP season, dynamic encounters, and some welcome quality of life improvements for the long-running MMORPG based on the beloved film franchise. The best part is that players will not have to wait long for the upcoming update.

The Star Wars: The Old Republic‘s Dynamic Worlds update will be available on May 28th. However, servers will be down that same day to deploy update 7.7. Specifically, servers will be down at 7 A.M. CT / 12 P.M. UTC. The maintenance period is estimated to last around four hours. More specific patch notes will be available for players to view the day before the update is implemented, on May 27th. For those interested in hearing what’s coming in the update from the developers, a VOD of the livestream regarding Dynamic Worlds is available to watch, which can be seen below.

In terms of highlights from the Star Wars: The Old Republic Dynamic Worlds update, PvP Season 8 is definitely among them. The season’s theme is called Champions of the Wild and includes several new rewards. Additionally, similar to Galactic Seasons, players will be able to purchase season levels with Cartel Coins, which can be purchased with real money. Purchasing levels with credits will still be available.

Another highlight is the Relentless Replication Master Mode. This brings the game’s highest difficulty to the quest’s XR-53 boss. This will include new Achievements and rewards to earn, like Legendary Augments and a new mount.

RELATED: Star Wars Describes the Old Republic in Canon for the First Time

Lastly, character modernization updates are coming to the Star Wars: The Old Republic Dynamic Worlds update. Specifically, further definition changes, Chiss texture improvements, and a preview window fix will be introduced in update 7.7.

It should be noted that the Galactic Threads and Master’s Enigma story content is still delayed. For those unaware, this is due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA voice actor strike. The developers do give a bit of an update about the content. Specifically, they confirm that the development of this content is nearly finished, and they will announce how it will be released when it is done.

Here are all the changes coming according to the recap of Star Wars: The Old Republic update 7.7:

Star Wars: The Old Republic Update 7.7 “Dynamic Worlds” Recap:

Galactic Threads

As a refresher, the events in Galactic Threads immediately follow the conclusion of Desperate Defiance (Game Update 7.5). As you pursue Darth Malgus and Shae Vizla, you will also investigate the puzzle that is Darth Nul’s holocron, track the threat of the Hidden Chain, and uncover Malgus’ ultimate plans for the galaxy.

Master’s Enigma

Master’s Enigma immediately follows the events of Galactic Threads. Players will be diving into a deeper investigation into Darth Nul’s holocron and discover a mysterious figure who has been pulling strings from behind the scenes…

A note about story content. Galactic Threads was our intended 7.6 storyline with Master’s Enigma intended for 7.7. The development for these story updates has continued on and it is nearly finished! Once we have all the missing pieces to complete this content, we will be communicating how they will be released for players to enjoy. We are eager for everyone to experience the next chapters of Legacy of the Sith, and we appreciate your patience!

Eras Window

Whether you are a new, returning, or seasoned player, the Eras Window will guide you in your journey through SWTOR’s story. Content from the game’s launch to the present is categorized into Eras, providing summaries for each as well as a chronological visual guide to the story. The Eras Window will show you where you are in the overall crit path storyline, what you’ve completed, and what is still to come for each of your characters.

This window also acts as a great refresher if you are coming back to a character you haven’t played in some time as the overviews are tailored to your journey, show you where that character is in the overall narrative, and allow them to quickly jump directly into their next Mission!

Mission Log Updates

Alongside the introduction of the Eras Window, we have also made a few Quality of Life improvements to the Mission Log to help in ensuring that important information is easier to find as you move through the game. Definitely check out the before and after images to spot the differences but some the key changes we made include:

• Introduction of a Galaxy Map button within your Mission Log for easier navigation from Missions to galactic travel!
• Reorientation of various UI elements for improved navigation.
• Adjustments to make Mission Prioritization clearer (Ex: reduction of non-crit path Missions using Purple)

(Mission Log currently live)

(Mission Log as it will be displayed in Game Update 7.7)

Relentless Replication Master Mode

The highest difficulty for Relentless Replication will be released in Game Update 7.7! With it comes new Achievements and new rewards to earn. New rewards include both Legendary Augments and a brand new Mount!

Augment Updates

Legendary Augments will now be available with Master Mode Relentless Replication! Crafters brave enough to defeat XR-53, with a little luck, can begin their crafting journey into our new Legendary implants. For those of you that may not want to venture into Master Mode just yet, we are making some adjustments to our PvP Weekly Missions and Veteran Mode Relentless Replication for a few alternate paths to the new Augments as well.

Replication Throne Mount

PvP Season 8 “Champions of the Wild”

A new PvP season begins with 7.7 launch and will run for 16 weeks! Season 8 “Champions of the Wild” comes with new rewards:

• Bestial Champion’s Armor Set
• Bestial Warrior’s Armor Set
• Armor Set of the Wild
• Armor Set of the Beast
• Legacy Title: Way of the Warrior
• Character Title: Stalker of Prey
• Season 8 Battle Flags (Red and Blue)
• Season 8 Trophy Decorations (Small and Large)
• Champion’s Seat Decoration
• Throne of the Beast Decoration
• Wild Warrior’s Respite Decoration

(Bestial Champion’s Armor Set)

PvP Season 8 System Update

Alongside the new season, we will be providing players with a Cartel Coin purchase option to bring more parity with other seasonal content such as Galactic Seasons. Catch up via credits will still be available.

Nar Shaddaa Nightlife Event

Nar Shaddaa Nightlife returns July 8th! This seasonal event will run for 6 weeks until August 19th. New rewards will be available once this event goes live!

New rewards include:

• Supernova Helmet
• Smuggler’s Trained Vine Cat
• Smuggled Sithspawn
• Fiery Grefna
• Vixian Youngling
• Iridescent Varactyl
• Emperor’s Mewvorr
• Luxury Ice Tromper
• Pocket Orlax

(Supernova Helmet)

New Dynamic Encounters

First introduced in 7.6, Dynamic Encounters offer a variety of new adventures for players to experience. In addition to Hoth, Tatooine, and Hidden Chain Invasions, with 7.7 new Encounters will become available on:

• Tython
• Korriban
• Hutta
• Ord Mantell
• Coruscant
• Dromund Kaas
• Ilum

With these new Dynamic Encounters comes a plethora of new rewards to earn! Players can expect the following themed rewards:

• Coruscant Conspiracy Console
• Coruscant Construction Crane
• Coruscant Fireworks Launcher
• Coruscant Shipping Cargo
• Coruscant Uggernaught
• Dromund Kaas Broadcast Tower
• Dromund Kaas Hanging Cage
• Dromund Kaas Mining Drill
• Dromund Kaas Sarcophagus
• Hutta Poison Pit Sign
• Ilum Crystal Node
• Ilum Kolto Tank
• Ilum Turret
• Ord Mantell Fire Barrell
• Ord Mantell Wardrobe
• Tython Statue
• Tython Training Bay
• Killik Stalker Larva Pet
• Starter Planet Mounts
• Capital Planet Mounts

(Killik Stalker Larva Pet)

(Starter Planet Mounts)

(Capital Planet + Ilum Mounts)

Additional Quality of Life Improvements

World Map

We have made a host of quality of life improvements to the World Map to help in navigating the Galaxy! The first thing to note is that we have added a 3 section accordion menu to the left side of the World Map, let’s talk about what is in each of those sections!

• Quick Travel – This now has a filter button that can be used as a toggleable shortcut to quickly isolate Quick Travel points in respect to important Mission icons. Toggling it off will put your filters right back to your original preference!
• Encounters – The most exciting of the new sections, the Encounters section will highlight all available Dynamic Encounters in your area. Clicking on one will begin tracking it, this will act as an aid to help breadcrumb you straight to the event location
• Filters – The Galaxy Map, Filter options, and Magnifying Glass have been organized into this small utility menu.

Combat Updates

We want to ensure that players have a viable, fun, and fantasy-fulfilling experience from the default choices that we make within your Combat Style. We’ve reevaluated the default choices within Disciplines and are making a variety of changes.

In 7.7, we’ll make changes to:

• Vengeance Juggernaut and Vigilance Guardian
• Carnage Marauder and Combat Sentinel
• Marksman Sniper and Sharpshooter Gunslinger
• Deception Assassin and Infiltration Shadow
• Now Hatred Assassin and Serenity Shadow by default
  • We will be targeting 7.7.1 for the next round of updates. A full list of 7.7 combat updates will be able for players to check out when the Public Test Server opens.

Cartel Market items

Two new armors (inspired by Andor), a mount, and a repackaged decoration bundle will be coming to the Cartel Market with 7.7!

Guerilla Commander’s Armor

Imperial Director’s Armor

Manaan Mini-sub Mount

The Nar Shaddaa Decoration Bundle includes:

• Dejarik Table x 10
• Landscape: Gold Plated Hutt x 8
• Casino Table x 8
• Promenade Lanterns (Small) x 8
• Speeder Turntable Display x 6
• Ambient Machine: Casino x 6
• Holo Sign: Welcome to Nar Shaddaa x 6
• Holo Sign: Cantina Dancer x 6
• Holo Sign: Bith Musician x 6
• Trandoshan Mercenary x 6
• Cantina Bouncer x 6
• Jukebox: Core World Classics x 6
• Contraband Slot Machine x 6
• Promenade Holotree Bench (Blue/Purple) x 4
• Promenade Holotree Bench (Purple) x 4
• Promenade Holotree Bench (Yellow) x 4
• Promenade Holotree Bench (Green/Red) x 4
• Promenade Lanterns (Large) x 4
• Upbeat Twi’lek Dancer (Female) x 4
• Upbeat Mirialan Dancer (Female) x 4
• Hutt Crime Boss x 3

Note that the above decorations are already live in the game currently, but some of them can be difficult to obtain. We grouped them together in one convenient bundle for ease of accessibility!

Character Modernization Updates

Coming in 7.7 are the following:

• Further definition changes
• Chiss Texture Improvements
• Preview Window and Game Parity Along with Lighting, Environment, and Rendering Improvements

The above will be available on the Public Test Server before launch. We’re continuing to work on modernization for additional species to be released in future updates.

Expanded Customization Options!

New skin colors will be available to all players with 7.7! Cathar, Chiss, Mirialan, Nautolan, Sith Pureblood, Togruta, and Twi’lek characters will see an abundance of new skin colors added to their skin customization sliders.

The post Star Wars: The Old Republic Sets Release Date for Next Major Update appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Andor has changed the nature of the Star Wars franchise in a big way. While George Lucas introduced viewers to a galaxy (far, far, away) that is full of wondrous alien creatures, worlds, and mysticism (the Force), Tony Gilroy instead chose to focus on how Star Wars reflects the sociopolitical concerns of our times, and how complicated characters earn their “heroic” titles through often-tragic circumstances of duty and thankless sacrifice. It’s a powerful rumination on all the people and situations that had to come together to set up Luke Skywalker for his pivotal destiny as the hero who destroys the Death Star.

Now that Andor has shown us the thought-provoking maturity that Star Wars is capable of, there is another series idea that would serve as a perfect spiritual sequel to Gilroy’s masterful show. That series doesn’t have an exact title, but the subject matter would be clear: an examination of the team building the second Death Star.

Battle of Endor: The Return of the Death Star

“The Battle of Endor” was fought in the climactic act of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. The Rebel Alliance learned of the Death Star II being constructed over the moon of Endor and launched an ambitious strike against the space station. However, the “ambush” turned out to be a trap set by Emperor Palpatine, as the Death Star II was protected from attack by a shield generator hidden on the planet below. That trap split the Rebel forces, with Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia, and Lando all having to fight on different fronts of the battle to secure the Rebellion’s victory, smash the Empire’s rule, and end the Sith rule of the galaxy.

The Death Star II has never quite held the same kind of prominence as the original battle station. That’s no doubt because its existence was one of the first instances of Star Wars recycling its story tropes – a process that would continue when The Force Awakens introduced “Starkiller Base,” another twist on the Death Star concept. It is a MacGuffin with a capital “M,” as its mere presence in the film instantly created a familiar set of high stakes for the heroes that viewers could easily resonate with, thanks to nostalgia for the original film. The Death Star II’s destruction is similarly less impactful and far less iconic than the destruction of the first Death Star, but that lack of depth may be a great new opportunity for Star Wars.

[RELATED: 5 Ideas for More Star Wars TV Shows Like Andor]

Who Would Build A Second Death Star?

That’s the question that would be the thematic heart of a series focusing on the building of the Death Star II. Andor revealed in painstaking detail just how long it took the Empire to build the first Death Star, and the insane level of secrecy that was maintained around it. But what about the Death Star II?

In Star Wars canon, the second Death Star was ordered into production immediately following the destruction of the first station. The requirements for the station saw Palpatine and the Empire loot materials from scrap (Karthon Chop Fields), and was met with several key setbacks compared to the first station, including the feat of keeping it in orbit, the automated methods to build it (self-replicating droids), and the piecemeal stages of construction. All of this construction was done under the authority of a single key figure: Moff Tiaan Jerjerrod.

The real intrigue about a show focused on the Death Star II’s construction would be all the factors surrounding the station. In the canon lore, Palpatine purposefully sabotaged Moff Jerjerrod’s efforts, staging pirate and Rebel raids on the supply shipments, while also allowing spies to reach the Rebellion with word of the Death Star II’s construction. That’s a great way for a show to keep to Andor’s ground-level focus, while still integrating fantastical characters like the Emperor. The expanded lore of Star Wars has introduced characters like Bevelyn and Jon Melton, two workers on the Death Star II who were secretly spies for Lady Qi’ra and her Crimson Dawn syndicate, and eventually escaped to deliver the Death Star plans. Their story was told in comics, but there’s room for their live-action appearance, as well.

Taken altogether, a show about the Death Star II would be another sort of sociopolitical espionage drama that Andor was. However, this time around, the focus would be on those characters (new and established) who find themselves in the shadow of one of the galaxy’s darkest and most deadly evil legacies. Watching everyday members of the Empire engaged in something they know, beyond all doubts and lies, is a tool of genocide and terror, is the human drama connection that fans want more of, conveyed by complex morally-compromised characters who are squeezed between the rock of fascist agenda and a hard place of personal morals and a sense of duty… whatever form that takes.

Andor is streaming on Disney+.

The post Andor Convinced Me That Star Wars Needs A Death Star 2 TV Series appeared first on ComicBook.com.

If a parody is done right, most people don’t mind being in on the joke. Theate night sketch institution predates George Lucas’s first Star Wars movie by two years — SNL premiered in 1975, Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977. Therefore the pop culture phenomenon has had plenty of time over the past 50 years to drop in on the famous galaxy far, far away and leave us laughing. And when actual Star Wars icons are in on the joke? All the better. Here are Saturday Night Live’s top ten Star Wars sketches.

10) “Casual Friday on the Death Star” – 2001

As funny a concept as a dressed-down Vader is, there’s clearly a reason this sketch was cut for time back in 2001. Host Charlie Sheen and Chris Kattan trade their imperial ranks for the fashion police. The reveal of Vader dressed down in a Hawaiian short and shorts is funny at first, not even Tina Fey’s smack-talking Princess Leia can salvage the sketch, which includes at outdated homophobic joke. Also working against the scene is the lack of Star Wars knowledge, that helps the other entries on this list soar and be enjoyed by die-hard fans and casual viewers alike.

9) “Star Wars Toy Commercial” – 2015

The critique of covetous and overly possessive adult Star Wars fans is fair, however this sketch also burns through its fuel a bit too quickly. Yes, it’s funny to watch the adult fans interrupt the younger fan’s play and what the toys were ostensibly intended for, however the sketch doesn’t build to a satisfying, hilarious twist at its conclusion. It ultimately comes off as more mean-spirited than a playful roast that can have fans of the franchise laughing along with them.

8) “Weekend Update: Jimmy Fallon on the New Star Wars Movie” – 1999

In what was a recurring bit for Fallon, he playfully gives the top hits of the day “Every Morning” by Sugar Ray, “My Name is” by Eminem, and “Livin’ La Vida Loca” the Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace. The lyrics are catchy and the songs now serve as a potent piece of late 90s nostalgia, capturing the anticipation for the first Star Wars movie in over a decade. Since the film hadn’t been released yet, it’s hard to fault Fallon for lacking any real parody of the The Phantom Menace, but perhaps a little more color commentary could have brought the house down, or at least the “Weekend Update” desk.

7) “Monologue: Natalie Portman Answers Questions About Star Wars” – 2006

While Portman’s monologue also doesn’t paint Star Wars fanboys in the most flattering light, it shrewdly and humorously acknowledges the gatekeeping that can happen between fans of different genders. Portman embraces her role of Padmé Amidala with the aplomb, and the fanboy audience plants (Andy Samberg and Jason Sudeikis) are good-naturedly put in their place. Too bad Chris Parnell’s underage joke aged like milk.

6) “Weekend Update: Baby Yoda” – 2019

SNL alum Kyle Mooney deserves major props for the amount of prosthetics and makeup he donned for this segment on the show. Baby Yoda’s banter with “Weekend Update” is delightful and captures the moment when Grogu burst into the zeitgeist and captured our collective hearts in The Mandalorian. Mooney’s Grogu is seemingly enjoying the perks of fame a rapper typically does, making for a hilarious contrast to the character’s silent and wholesome nature in canon. Particularly funny is his insinuated beef with Baby Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy.

5) “Shopping at Home Network: Mark Hamill for Sale” – 1997

This sketch is bonkers in all the best ways. Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan play overzealous tv salespeople who intend to sell Mark Hamill himself to their viewers after running out of the rest of their Star Wars merchandise. The sold-out Jawa ashtray and Chewbacca baseball card are delightfully odd, and Ferrell and Kattan are consummate funnymen, but what really sells the skit is Hamill’s acceptance of his fate as a commodity. Hamill descends into this more and more as the sketch goes on, negotiating with Ferrell and Kattan’s hosts about how much he’s worth and his diet, in a sneakily brilliant commentary on celebrity and consumer culture.

RELATED: Star Wars Reveals Updated Official Timeline of Every Movie & TV Show

4) “Star Wars: The Force Awakens Teaser” – 2014

As the world eagerly awaited the kickoff of the next Star Wars trilogy, SNL seized the cultural moment and spliced in vignettes of the aging original cast with actual footage from Star Wars Epsiode VII: The Force Awakens teaser. The sketch is imaginative on how it integrates typical “old person behavior” into the Star Wars universe: the Millennium Falcon has a handicapped plate, Luke uses a walker made of lightsabers, and Princess Leia struggles with working Artoo’s tech. In doing so, the skit walks the fine line of playfully roasting the advanced age of some of the franchises’s actors and fans without alienating them.

3) “Undercover Boss: Where Are They Now” – 2020

SNL was admittedly reheating their nachos here, but Driver’s performance as Kylo Ren, the impeccable set and costume design, as well as the new cast members allows for Driver’s second Kylo Ren Undercover Boss sketch to be nearly as delightful as the first. The intern angle works wonderfully, Driver is as intense and awkward as ever, and the regular cast rises to the occasion in what isn’t only a laugh-out-loud Star Wars parody, but also a fun satire of modern workplace culture. Turns out the nachos still taste pretty darn good, even four years later.

2) “Lando’s Summit” – 2018

Only a performer as charming as Donald Glover could not only play a convincing young Lando Calrissian, but reprise the character in a sketch to call out the lack of representation in the franchise…and leave us all laughing. In this skit, Glover’s Lando hosts a summit for all the Black humans in the galaxy, but only four people show up. Glover and the other actors — Kenan Thompson, Chris Redd, and Leslie Jones — lean into the awkwardness and banality of the moment, while also making a salient point about Star Wars‘s casting until that point. It’s stilted and funny and ends on a literal high note with Lando singing an original composition “Making Love in Space.”

1) “Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base” – 2016

“Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base” isn’t only the best Star Wars SNL sketches of all time, it’s one of the show’s strongest ever. Kylo Ren from Star Wars and Undercover Boss belong to different universes of media, however writers and actors in the sketch Mikey Day and Bobby Moynihan, both fans themselves, stuck the landing so well that now fans cosplay at Matt the Radar Technician. SNL’s production team also deserves praise for recreating the Starkiller base so well that we could actually believe that Ren had indeed signed up for a reality show from Earth. Lastly, having Driver himself make the sketch an undeniable hit, and gave the Academy Award-nominated actor a chance to flex the comedic chops we almost forgot he had.

The skit’s success is clear. It’s been viewed over 68.3 million times on YouTube, spawned a sequel sketch, and gave us one of the most quotable lines of all time: “A buddy of mine saw Kylo Ren take his shirt off in the shower, and he said that Kylo Ren had an eight-pack. That Kylo Ren was shredded.”

The post 10 Times Saturday Night Live Perfectly Roasted Star Wars appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars: A New Hope is the gold standard when it comes to introducing a new galaxy. The settings are unique, the designs are unforgettable, and the characters, whether they look alien or human, have so much going for them. It’s nearly impossible to top the franchise’s first movie, but the one project set in a galaxy far, far away that does it is Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. With introductions out of the way, Episode V jumps right into the action, showing the latest chapter in the conflict between the Empire and the Rebellion. However, the movie still takes the time to introduce some incredible characters that still resonate.

Luke Skywalker and Han Solo usually sit atop Star Wars character rankings, but a few characters who debut in The Empire Strikes Back usually aren’t far behind. In fact, some of them are so iconic that the franchise continues to use them 45 years after their first appearances.

1) Emperor Palpatine

A New Hope makes it pretty obvious that Darth Vader isn’t the one calling the shots. Despite being the most frightening being in the galaxy, even he has a boss, Emperor Palpatine, who appears in hologram form in The Empire Strikes Back. The Sith Lord appears to warn his apprentice about Luke’s growing power, with them agreeing that the Jedi in training must turn to the Dark Side or die.

2) Yoda

As the Empire schemes against Luke, he continues his Jedi training on Dagobah, where he meets the wise Master Yoda. At first, Luke doesn’t get the appeal because the creature in front of him is a bit of a bumbling fool. However, it’s all a test so Yoda can learn more about Luke’s character before dropping the act and passing on all he knows.

3) Lando Calrissian

Han Solo seems like the suavest man in the galaxy in A New Hope, but he loses the title in The Empire Strikes Back when Lando Calrissian arrives. The two aren’t on great terms when Han brings the Millennium Falcon to Cloud City, so Lando wastes no time turning his old friend over to the Empire. Fortunately, he sees the error of his ways and helps Han’s friends escape after things go south.

4) Lobot

Helping Lando with whatever he needs in Cloud City is Lobot, a human who has his fair share of cybernetic upgrades. He doesn’t get a lot to do in The Empire Strikes Back, but when the going gets tough, he pulls out all the stops to ensure the Empire doesn’t get the upper hand against Lando. It’s a real shame he doesn’t return to help the Rebels in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

5) Boba Fett

One character who does play a big role in Return of the Jedi is Boba Fett, whose first canon appearance is in The Empire Strikes Back. Vader reaches out to bounty hunters to help hunt down Han and the rest of the rebels, and Boba is clearly the most formidable. The Sith Lord’s dig at the mercenary about avoiding disintegration is easily one of the movie’s best lines.

[RELATED – 10 Coolest Star Wars Ships]

6) Dengar

Alongside Boba in the bounty hunter lineup is Dengar, who has seen better days. However, his design makes him stand out, especially because it seems like he’s seen his fair share of battles. That didn’t become canon until years later, but Dengar is still a character to make note of during any The Empire Strikes Back viewing.

7) Bossk

Like Dengar, Bossk lets his appearance do all the talking during his one scene in The Empire Strikes Back. He’s a terrifying lizard creature that strikes fear into the hearts of the Imperials onboard Darth Vader’s Star Destroyer, which says a lot, given how much nasty stuff they get up to.

8) IG-88B

The only character more intimidating than Bossk in The Empire Strikes Back‘s bounty hunter scene is IG-88B. Like every mercenary not named Boba Fett, he doesn’t speak during his first appearance, but he seems like a problem, being a skinny robot that looks to have one purpose: to kill.

9) General Veers

It takes a lot for an Imperial to stand out, as they are a dime a dozen during the original trilogy. General Veers does all he can to make an impact during his first appearance in The Empire Strikes Back, leading the Empire’s attack on the rebel base on Hoth. He pulls no punches and forces the Rebellion to run for the hills.

10) Admiral Piett

Admiral Piett just happens to be at the right place at the right time because Vader kills his boss, Admiral Ozzel, and hands him command of his Star Destroyer. Piett takes his promotion in stride, though, getting to work to capture the Millennium Falcon. He’s not successful, of course, but he does a better job than Ozzel.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is streaming on Disney+.

Which of these characters from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is your favorite? Is there another character you think belongs on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 10 Best Star Wars Characters Introduced in The Empire Strikes Back appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The brilliance of Star Wars: Andor has recalibrated all expectations for Star Wars television. Its grounded realism, intricate character development, and nuanced exploration of rebellion beyond laser blasts have left many yearning for more storytelling of similar depth and maturity. The success of Andor proves that Star Wars can thrive in the shadows, focusing on the ordinary individuals caught in the machinations of galactic powers and the slow burn of resistance against oppression. It has demonstrated that compelling story arcs don’t always require Jedi, Sith, or galaxy-ending stakes. Instead, a focus on political intrigue, espionage, and the human cost of conflict can be just as, if not more, captivating. Building upon this foundation, there’s a fertile ground of unexplored concepts ripe for development into television series that could capture the same level of critical acclaim and audience engagement as Andor. 

Let’s delve into five concepts that could further enrich the Star Wars universe with compelling and sophisticated storytelling on the same level as Andor.

1) The Bureaucracy of the Empire

Imagine a series that delves deep into the inner workings of the Galactic Empire, not from the perspective of its military might, but through the lens of its vast and complex bureaucracy. This show could follow a diverse cast of characters within various Imperial departments – perhaps a dedicated but disillusioned records-keeper uncovering dangerous secrets, a sharp-witted political strategist navigating the treacherous hierarchies of Coruscant, or an ethical architect struggling with the moral implications of designing Imperial infrastructure on subjugated worlds. While Andor explored the consequences of blindly swearing allegiance to the Empire, particularly with Dedra Meero and Syril Karn, the Empire stood for over 20 years, with Dedra and Syril’s part only exploring the tail end of it.  

RELATED: Andor Proves That Star Wars Can Leave the Jedi Behind Entirely

The story arc could explore the everyday banality of evil, showcasing how seemingly innocuous administrative tasks contribute to the Empire’s oppressive regime. We could witness the internal power struggles, the corruption that festers within the system, and the quiet acts of defiance undertaken by those who still hold onto their conscience. Season 2, Episode 8 of Andor –  “Welcome to the Rebellion” – gave tiny glimpses into these sorts of people who exist within the Imperial framework, such as the two workers who helped stall security from reaching Mon Mothma during her pivotal speech denouncing the Empire. This series could offer a fascinating and unsettling look at how totalitarianism functions on a systemic level, drawing parallels to real-world historical examples and providing a fresh perspective on the familiar Star Wars setting.

2) Tales From the Outer Rim Underworld

While we’ve glimpsed the criminal underbelly of the Star Wars galaxy and quite a few planets in the Outer Rim (including Tatooine), a series focused entirely on the Outer Rim could offer a gritty and morally ambiguous exploration of survival in a lawless frontier. This show could weave together the stories of smugglers, bounty hunters, crime lords, and the marginalized communities struggling to exist on the fringes of galactic society, far from the concerns of the Republic or the Empire. Potential planets explored could include the familiar, yet still rich with untold stories, such as Lothal in its post-liberation era, grappling with rebuilding and the lingering presence of criminal elements taking advantage of the power vacuum.

Each season or arc could focus on a different sector or planet, introducing a new cast of characters and their unique struggles for power, resources, and freedom. We could see the brutal realities of life outside the core worlds, the complex alliances and betrayals that define the underworld, and the constant threat of both Imperial encroachment and internal conflict. This concept allows for a diverse range of storytelling possibilities, from heist story arcs to tales of survival and the formation of unexpected bonds in a harsh environment.

3) Clone Wars: The Untold Stories of Anakin and Ahsoka

Drawing inspiration from the potent dynamic hinted at in Star Wars: Ahsoka, a series could delve into the more complex and morally gray missions undertaken by Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano during the Clone Wars; stories that fall outside the scope of the animated series. This show could explore the ethical dilemmas they faced, the clandestine operations they were involved in, and the growing disillusionment with the Republic and the Jedi Order that began to take root.

RELATED: George Lucas’ Original Plan for Anakin Skywalker’s Descent to the Dark Side Is Way More Evil Than You Could Imagine

The story arc could focus on missions with significant political implications, undercover assignments requiring morally ambiguous choices, or the personal toll the constant warfare took on their relationship and their individual psyches. We could see Anakin grappling with the Jedi Code and his attachments, while Ahsoka navigates the stark reality of being a child soldier in the war. This approach would offer a more mature perspective on the Clone Wars, bridging the gap between the animated series and the darker undertones of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

4) The Jedi of the High Republic Era

Set centuries before the Skywalker saga, a series exploring the Jedi Order during the High Republic era could offer a fresh and optimistic perspective on the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. With the High Republic novels and comics, the source material for a show set in this time period is sprawling. A show could delve into the intricacies of the Jedi at their zenith, showcasing their diverse roles as explorers, diplomats, and protectors of a thriving Republic. Audiences could witness the challenges they faced in charting new frontiers, mediating disputes between worlds, and confronting emerging threats to galactic stability, particularly the Nihil.

The story arc could focus on a specific Jedi Order outpost or a team of Jedi Knights and Masters undertaking complex missions across the Outer Rim. One such character from the novels who fits the bill and has untapped potential in live action is Jedi Knight Avar Kriss, who first debuted in Charles Soule’s novel Light of the Jedi. A series could explore Jedi relationships with the Republic Senate, the unique challenges of maintaining peace in a less-charted galaxy, and the philosophical debates within the Order itself as they grapple with new discoveries and evolving threats. This era offers a rich tapestry of unexplored lore that was only briefly touched upon in Star Wars: The Acolyte, allowing for compelling character development and intricate political intrigue against a backdrop of a more hopeful, yet still complex, galactic landscape.

5) Ezra Bridger’s Exile on Peridea

Following his heroic sacrifice in order to trap Grand Admiral Thrawn and liberate his beloved home planet of Lothal, as seen in Star Wars Rebels, a television series could explore Ezra Bridger’s solitary existence on the distant world of Peridea, offering a character-driven exploration of isolation, adaptation, and the lingering effects of trauma. This show could delve into the unique environment of Peridea, its native inhabitants, and the challenges Ezra faced in surviving and potentially finding a new purpose in a galaxy far removed from the rebellion he helped to ignite. 

RELATED: Star Wars: Ahsoka Star Just Gave Us a Big Hint About Season 2

The story arc could focus on Ezra’s internal struggles as he grapples with the weight of his past, the loss of his found family and Master, and the uncertainty of his future. We could see his initial interactions with the indigenous life forms of Peridea – a relationship that was highly developed by the time he appeared in Ahsoka, the development of new skills and perspectives, and perhaps even the discovery of ancient secrets or forgotten Force traditions on this mysterious world. This concept provides an opportunity for deep character study within an alien landscape, exploring themes of resilience, self-discovery, and what it means to find peace in exile.

The post 5 Great Concepts for More Star Wars TV Shows on Andor’s Level appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars is in a pretty good place right now, and right now that’s because of Andor. A near-perfect piece of entertainment, Andor is deep story about people in every level of society dealing with the effects of fascism that incorporated everything good about Star Wars, including ideas from Star Wars Legends, the pre-Disney canon. Star Wars Legends has a lot of great stories and Andor was able to show that it still has a lot to give to the modern Star Wars canon. Andor is a Star Wars masterpiece, and a big part of it was because its creators weren’t afraid of looking at Legends, finding the parts that worked, and incorporating them.

The Star Wars fandom is a contentious place, and always has been. There are original trilogy purists, prequel partisans, and sequel lovers. There’s people who only care about the new post-Disney canon, and there are people that only love Legends. However, there’s a way to make Star Wars better for everyone by getting the Legends fans’ chocolate into the canon fans’ peanut butter. Fans want better Star Wars and the best way to get it is to reach back into the books of Legends.

Legends Has Even More to Offer Canon

Once upon a time, in the ’90s, being a Star Wars fan was very different. There were no new movies and no TV shows. Star Wars action figures had disappeared the decade beforem and the Marvel comics were no longer being published. 1991 started the change that would lead to the prequels, when the one-two punch of Heir to the Empire, by Timothy Zahn, and Dark Empire, by Tom Veitch and Cam Kennedy, blew the minds of both Star Wars and sci-fi fans. Suddenly, Star Wars was alive again in books and comics, which led to a new Star Wars TTRPG.

West End Gaming’s Star Wars Roleplaying Game began, with writers coming up with histories of the Empire, the Rebellion, and the various races of the galaxy in the sourcebook for players and game masters. For an entire generation of Star Wars fans there was only novels, comics, West End Gaming sourcebooks, and Star Wars Adventure Journal, a quarterly digest of short stories written by Star Wars authors like Zahn, Michael Stackpole, and Aaron Allston with RPG stats for ships and characters.

I grew up with all of this. Legends was my Star Wars and I loved the West End RPG material. I didn’t play the game — Star Wars and TTRPG fandoms weren’t nearly as ubiquitous as they are today — but I loved the lore. Watching Andor, as well as other pieces of new canon like Rogue One, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Rebels, Bad Batch, The Mandalorian, and others, I was struck by how much these stories owed to Legends. While they all changed a lot of the actual written history, they found a way to take the flavor of these stories and bring them into new canon.

RELATED: Andor’s Recast Star Reveals He’s “Wide Open” for Star Wars Return

There are a lot of problems with Legends that canon doesn’t need, and there are lots of parts of Legends that canon will not be able to incorporate. There will be no Mara Jade or Grand Master Luke Skywalker or Yuuzhan Vong or Darth Caedus, and that’s a good thing. Legends threw a lot at the wall and not all of it stuck. We’ve seen that sometimes, canon takes ideas from Legends and mess them up. Canon has brought ideas from Dark Empire in, and used them in much worse ways. Canon has also brought in Thrawn, and unless Zahn is writing the character, the stories are merely alright. However, that doesn’t mean that the ideas of Legends can’t be brought into canon and make things better. Andor shows that Legends still has a lot to offer to Star Wars.

The Ghorman Massacre first appeared in Legends, and Andor actually used the Legends version — Tarkin landing a ship on a group of protesters — as part of its story building up the events on the series. The way the Rebel Alliance and ISB are portrayed in Rebels and Andor is right out of the West End Roleplaying Game’s Rebel Alliance Sourcebook and Imperial Sourcebook. There’s a reason that Legends got so popular among the most diehard Star Wars fans of the ’90s, and it’s because great creators took the sandbox of Star Wars and used it to populate a universe. Canon can do the same thing with the ideas of Legends, and create Star Wars stories that fans actually want, like Andor.

Legends Could Give the Canon the Kickstart It Needs

Andor has left Star Wars in an interesting place. Star Wars under Disney has finally gotten a work that is beloved by fans and critics alike, a work of brilliance and craft that had something for everyone. Disney has already begun ramping things up for Star Wars again; there’s a Rey movie coming, there’s the Dawn of the Jedi film, the High Republic is ending. There’s room in all of these for the best parts of Legends to be brought back.

It’s shocking that, for example, Lucasfilms hasn’t taken the ideas of the Old Republic and found ways to bring them back. The Jedi/Sith/Mandalorian Wars of 5,000 BBY to 1,000 BBY don’t have to be brought back exactly how they happened in Legends, but bringing something like them into canon, and writing them as well as works like Knights of the Old Republic, Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords, and the Darth Bane trilogy, would definitely make things better. Legends actually made Star Wars feel like a universe, and canon needs that. Andor has showed the way Star Wars can tell better stories, and Legends stories might be the key ingredient.

How do you feel about Star Wars incorporating more Legends ideas? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Star Wars Needs More Movies & Shows Like the Legends Books (And Andor Proves It) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

When Star Wars: Andor was announced, the fates of so many of its characters were already known. After all, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is about Cassian Andor’s mission to get the Death Star plans in the hands of the Rebellion, which ends with him dying on Scarif. To avoid complete doom and gloom, Andor introduces new players who have a lot of involvement in the early days of the Rebellion. Not all of them make it out of the show’s second season, as their actions lead the Empire to their doorsteps, but one important character does see the sunrise.

Luthen Rael’s assistant, Kleya Marki, stands by her father figure’s side throughout Andor, communicating with rebel cells across the galaxy. However, unlike Luthen, who dies to avoid being tortured by the Empire, Kleya makes it off of Coruscant, leaving her status during Rogue One and the original trilogy up in the air. Well, Star Wars fans can’t be kept in the dark forever, so they took it upon themselves to find out where Kleya is hiding during the Galactic Civil War.

Kleya Marki Is the Best Radio Jockey in the Galaxy in Andor

Kleya poses as a worker in Luthen’s store, which sells rare artifacts from all over the galaxy. She watches the showroom floor as customers come in and out, but she’s always waiting for an opportunity to use her communications device in the back of the store. It’s essentially an old-school radio that allows Luthen to stay in contact with his agents out in the field. Kleya uses the device frequently throughout Andor‘s two-season run, including when she talks to Cassian about the events going on at Mina-Rau. However, the last time she uses it turns out to be the most important because she receives a message from Lonni Jung, an ISB double agent who has information about the Empire’s superweapon.

Luthen and Kleya go out in the field to find Lonni, as they can’t risk meeting at the store. After Luthen learns all he can from his agent, he returns to Kleya and gives her the information to pass along. Luthen attempts to take his own life shortly after, when Dedra Meero tries to arrest him as he’s destroying the communications device at the store, leaving Kleya with few options. She heads to the hospital where Luthen is being held, removes his breathing device, and waits for someone to arrive to take the knowledge she has. Cassian shows up on Coruscant and refuses to leave Kleya alone, fighting off Imperials and taking her to Yavin 4, where she can rest after living a lie for so long. However, if an eagle-eyed fan on TikTok is right, she doesn’t stay out of the fight forever.

[RELATED – Andor’s Latest Major Death Led to the Most Devastating Star Wars Line of All Time]

Kleya Marki May Offer Her Skills to the Rebellion in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

After the Battle of Yavin, the Rebel Alliance moves its base to the ice planet Hoth. The higher-ups believe the frigid temperatures will keep the Empire from snooping around, but a probe droid arrives not long after the base’s competition. With the full force of the Empire about to come down on them, the rebels prepare for a massive battle. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for the scales to tip in the Empire’s favor, so Princess Leia Organa calls for an evacuation of Echo Base. Ships start to leave, but Leia refuses to go until all but one transport gets off the planet. Other dedicated rebels stay with her, including a woman working hard at her station.

When Han arrives to plead with Leia to leave, she’s standing next to the woman’s workspace, looking at the progress of the evacuation. Now, the rebels aren’t working with the same device Kleya uses in Andor, but she’s good with technology in general, and the woman in Echo Base looks enough like her to make the idea somewhat believable. It’s also very much like her character to stay behind and ensure everyone else is safe before looking out for herself. So, until Star Wars reveals where Kleya is during the original trilogy, she’ll take the place of a rebel on Hoth trying to do the right thing.

Star Wars: Andor is streaming now on Disney+.

Do you believe that Kleya is the female rebel Leia interacts with in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back? Where else could she be during the original trilogy? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Star Wars Fans Believe They’ve Spotted an Andor Favorite’s Cameo in the Original Trilogy appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The galaxy’s most infamous archaeologist is back. One of the breakout stars of Marvel’s run of Star Wars comics set during the Original Trilogy was Doctor Aphra. An original character created during Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca’s Darth Vader run 10 years ago, Doctor Aphra became so popular that she eventually headlined her own solo series. Marvel recently relaunched its Star Wars line of comics, and Doctor Aphra will once again put her unique skills to the test in a new book that takes place after the events of Return of the Jedi and the Battle of Jakku.

ComicBook spoke to writer Cherish Chen (Radiant Red) about Star Wars: Doctor Aphra – Chaos Agent, her new series with artist Gabriel Guzman. We asked Chen about Doctor Aphra’s status quo when the book begins, the secret mission she’s undertaking with Luke Skywalker, the artifact Aphra is hunting for, new and returning Star Wars characters, and what it’s like getting to be the second Star Wars series to launch in Marvel’s new era of storytelling. We can also exclusively reveal interior pages from Star Wars: Doctor Aphra – Chaos Agent #1.

ComicBook: What is Doctor Aphra’s status quo when we find her in the first issue? Is she enjoying life under the New Republic?

Cherish Chen: Aphra’s status in Issue #1 is very, shall we say, typical of her character — she’s still the Aphra we know and love, sometimes against our better judgment — but I think fans may be surprised by the unexpected consequences she’s had to deal with in the aftermath of the Empire falling apart. “Enjoyable” is not how I would describe things at the moment for the good doctor.

From what we know of the series, Doctor Aphra joins Luke Skywalker as they go in search of a mysterious artifact. Why is Luke so interested in finding it?

Readers are going to see the effect of this artifact very quickly in Issue #1. What I can say is that it is an amalgamation of the old and the new, and you’ll see quickly that it’s quite dangerous. Its power is mysterious, even to Luke, and that’s why he’s so invested in getting it, understanding it, and keeping it safe.

[RELATED: Star Wars Reveals Updated Official Timeline of Every Movie & TV Show]

What type of threats and bad guys will fans get to meet? And what about any returning characters from previous runs of Doctor Aphra?

Oh, so many threats, so many bad guys across the first arc. We’ve whipped together some truly wild characters that I’m personally very excited to introduce. There are also a lot of new or previously less explored environments Aphra will be visiting, which has been very fun. And yes of course, we’re going to see many familiar faces from both the bigger Star Wars galaxy and those from Aphra’s former affiliations. We’re pouring a lot of our efforts into keeping Aphra connected to the familiar aspects fans will hopefully be excited to see while also expanding the realm of possibilities within this truly vast galaxy.

Working on the side of the New Republic offers some fresh storytelling opportunities. Does the “Chaos Agent” part of the comic’s title mean Aphra will still wind up in some sticky situations?

This era we’re working in is a very, very different heat. As mentioned earlier, some things never change for a messy disaster fiend like Aphra but the context she’s operating under now is less mobile than when she worked under the Empire. I’d say “Chaos Agent” is a very intentional title choice that infers Aphra’s new reality and that the sticky situations are only compounding for her.

Getting to be the second Star Wars ongoing series to debut after the franchise relaunch is no small feat. What are you most excited for fans to experience in your opening story arc?

I’m excited for fans to experience more of what makes Aphra so great — intense adventure, unexpected twists, ridiculous amounts of fun, all jam-packed into this clever, emotional, morally fascinating gremlin of a character — but now within the context of this newly defined post-Jakku era of Star Wars. It’s an exciting time to be working within because there is an incredible amount of room to explore. The first issue delivers a lot of the spirit of what we’re trying to do across this first chunk of stories so I hope readers find it exhilarating and fun. We’re definitely taking Aphra into new territory with this series!

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra – Chaos Agent #1 goes on sale June 18th. Let us know your thoughts on the series and the first look in the comments below!

The post Star Wars Writer Sets the Stage for Doctor Aphra’s Post-Return of the Jedi Series (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Yesterday, SAG-AFTRA filed a complaint against Fortnite’s signatory company, Llama Productions, with the National Labor Relations Board for using a conversational A.I. to replicate Darth Vader’s iconic voice and cadence on the massively popular gaming platform. The guild, which represents and collectively bargains for the rights of voice, motion, and screen performers in their work, is not anti-A.I. technology. However, they cited Fortnite’s lack of notice using A.I., along with the platform forgoing the appropriate deliberation with SAG-AFTRA, as the reasoning for their filing.

In a statement released on May 19, SAG-AFTRA said, “we must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members, including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader’s iconic rhythm and tone in video games … Llama Productions, chose to replace the work of human performers with A.I. technology.” The filing comes as SAG enters its ninth month of a strike against video game employers precisely over matters of A.I. protections and compensation for human performers and the use of their digital replicas.

RELATED: Fortnite AI Darth Vader Just Dropped an F-Bomb

In 2023, SAG-AFTRA joined the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) in striking over similar concerns in live-action film and television. That strike lasted less than half as long as the current video game strike; however, given the complaint filed by the guild, it seems their concerns are valid. Before his passing last year, the voice actor behind Darth Vader, James Earl Jones, struck a deal with Disney allowing the company to use his voice recordings, likeness, and vocal style for future portrayals of the Star Wars villain. The agreement included the use of A.I.-powered voice synthesis to create new performances of Vader. What’s concerning is that Fortnite effectively created an A.I. Vader chatbot and bypassed all the proper channels. Not only did they flout Jones’s estate, the platform also took away work from human performers who would’ve been hired to perform and “match” Vader’s unmistakable style of speech.

Hollywood Should Be Concerned About A.I. Replications of Beloved Characters

This is an issue that doesn’t merely concern voice performers, but the entire film industry as a whole. Fortnite’s use of A.I. in portraying Vader demonstrated how easy it is to bypass the hard-won protections SAG-AFTRA put in place for its members. Yes, they filed a legal complaint, but Disney (and Llama Productions) have deep enough pockets to strike back in the courts. If Disney decides not only to buck the agreement reached with Jones and his estate on the use of his voice, but eschew using human performers altogether, Vader could be an even bigger part of the Star Wars Universe.

Beyond media such as film and games, this could also have major repercussions on how Vader’s likeness is used in merchandising and theme parks. Darth Vader is undeniably one of the most, if not the most, recognizable characters from Star Wars. What happens when the mega-corporation that profits off the character doesn’t have to pay for humans to play him? Vader would be more pervasive than ever, and it would be at the cost of the people like James Earl Jones, who channeled their craft and indescribable humanness to create him.

The use of A.I. in this manner puts all of Hollywood atop a very slippery slope. Since A.I., along with the protections and litigation around is still very nascent and evolving, how the NLRB rules will undoubtedly make a major impact on performers, particularly stars who’ve been around for decades like Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill, just to name a few from the Star Wars Universe. There’s hours, if not days, of footage to train an A.I. on how to replicate them and potentially exploit them. Characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker living forever seemed inevitable, but after Fortnite’s flagrant disregard for protocol, it looks like the exploitation of these characters could too.

Fortnite is playable on PC and console platforms. Star Wars movie and TV content can be streamed on Disney+.

The post The Movie Industry’s Fate May Hang On Star Wars’ Future Plans For Darth Vader appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has taken a firm stance against the perceived unregulated use of artificial intelligence in video games, filing an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against Llama Productions LLC, a company wholly owned by Epic Games, the creators of the massively popular game Fortnite. The charge, submitted to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on May 19, 2025, alleges that Llama Productions utilized an AI-generated voice to portray the iconic character Darth Vader in Fortnite without engaging in good faith bargaining with the union. The AI-generated voice for the recently introduced Darth Vader NPC in Fortnite was developed with the consent of the estate of James Earl Jones, the legendary actor who originated the voice and passed away in September 2024. However, SAG-AFTRA contends this move unilaterally replaced the work that would typically be performed by its member voice actors. This action by SAG-AFTRA escalates the ongoing debate about AI’s role in the entertainment industry, particularly concerning performers’ rights and job security.

“We celebrate the right of our members and their estates to control the use of their digital replicas and welcome the use of new technologies to allow new generations to share in the enjoyment of those legacies and renowned roles,” SAG-AFTRA stated. “However, we must protect our right to bargain terms and conditions around uses of voice that replace the work of our members, including those who previously did the work of matching Darth Vader’s iconic rhythm and tone in video games.” Ina addition, the ULP charge specifies that Llama Productions, a signatory to SAG-AFTRA agreements, “failed and refused to bargain in good faith with the union by making unilateral changes to terms and conditions of employment, without providing notice to the union or the opportunity to bargain, by utilizing AI-generated voices to replace bargaining unit work on the Interactive Program Fortnite.”

[RELATED:  The Oscars Just Made an Official Rule About Generative AI in Movies (And It’s Unexpected)]

Essentially, SAG-AFTRA is saying that Llama Productions (Epic Games) used new AI technology to create Darth Vader’s voice in Fortnite without talking to the union first, which they were supposed to do. If a company wants to bring in a new kind of machine that could do the job a factory worker normally does, they usually have to sit down with the workers’ union to discuss how it will affect jobs, pay, and working conditions. It’s the same in Hollywood. SAG-AFTRA argues that by just rolling out the AI Vader voice, which potentially takes work away from human voice actors who specialize in emulating the character’s gravitas, Epic Games skipped this crucial negotiation step. 

Even though James Earl Jones’ family allowed his voice to be recreated in AI, SAG-AFTRA’s role is to protect its working members. To be clear, the union isn’t necessarily trying to block the use of the AI voice itself, but rather to ensure that such technology is implemented only after discussions and agreements are in place that consider the impact on human performers. They’re asking the labor board to step in because they believe the company didn’t play by the established rules of engagement.

SAG-AFTRA’s Unwavering Fight Against Unchecked AI in Hollywood

The latest confrontation with Epic Games over Fortnite‘s AI Darth Vader is a direct continuation of the larger battle SAG-AFTRA has been waging concerning artificial intelligence, a conflict that was a cornerstone of the historic 2023 Hollywood strikes. During that historic dispute, AI was a central point of contention, with widespread fears across the industry about AI’s potential to unlawfully replicate likenesses, synthesize voices, generate scripts, and ultimately displace human talent without fair consent or compensation. Those strikes resulted in groundbreaking agreements for film and television, establishing vital protections that require studios to obtain informed consent and provide equitable pay for the use of digital replicas and AI-generated performances, setting a crucial benchmark for the industry.

While those victories in the TV/film sector were significant, the battle to secure similar robust AI safeguards for performers in the video game world has been even more arduous. SAG-AFTRA members working under the Interactive Media Agreement — which covers many major game studios, including Fortnite‘s Llama Productions — have been on strike against several of these companies since July 26, 2024. This strike, now approaching its tenth month as of May 2025, is primarily fueled by the failure to reach an agreement on essential AI protections. Despite ongoing negotiations and some reported progress on other terms like pay rates, the core issues surrounding AI remain largely unresolved. 

In early May 2025, SAG-AFTRA received what video game employers termed a “last, best, and final” offer. However, the union communicated to its membership that this proposal still fell short of providing adequate safeguards, particularly concerning the use of an actor’s digital replica during a strike without their explicit consent and other critical AI-related issues. The ULP charge against Llama Productions for its handling of the Darth Vader AI voice is, therefore, particularly significant, as it directly accuses a signatory company of unilaterally implementing AI in a way that impacts union work while these very principles are being fiercely contested at the bargaining table and on the picket lines.

What are your thoughts on using AI to recreate iconic character voices in video games, and how should actor protections be balanced with technological advancement? Join the discussion in the comments.

The post SAG Files Charge Against Fortnite’s AI Recreation of James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader Voice appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Star Wars TikTok never ceases to disappoint, and a recent video from @t4ylorrussell captured how many Anakin Skywalker fangirls feel about our tortured Jedi-turned-Sith-Lord. The TikTok, which has been viewed over 570k times on the platform (at the time of writing this), raises an interesting question: if the average Jane is seemingly willing to cross over to the dark side due to their love for Anakin, what would have happened if his actual wife, Padmé Amidala, had done it?

Padmé Amidala, former Queen of Naboo and galactic senator, began a secret and forbidden romance with Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Then, Anakin was a Padawan of the Jedi Order, whose members are forbidden from participating in any romantic relationships. However, his and Padmé’s love was so strong that they defied the ways of the Jedi to marry in secret. In Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Padmé’s pregnancy and a vision of her dying in childbirth is what prompts Anakin, now a Jedi knight, to turn to the Dark Side. Anakin embraced the dark side of the Force in order to try and save his wife and mother of his children:

Love won’t save you Padmé, only my new powers can do that…I am becoming more powerful than any Jedi has ever dreamed of, and I’m doing it for you. To protect you. I am more powerful than the Chancellor, I can overthrow him, and together you and I can rule the galaxy.

We know that didn’t work out. Padmé spurned Anakin on Mustafar. Because she did, Padme did tragically end up dying as she gave birth to their twins Luke and Leia, and Anakin became the fearsome Darth Vader.

What makes Anakin’s descent to the dark side so heart-wrenching is the fact he did it from a place of misguided love for Padmé. So what if she, out of a place of misguided love herself, joined forces with her husband and Darth Sidious? What if Anakin was able to use the dark side of the Force to save her, and Padmé survived to raise Luke and Leia herself? If this had been the case, overthrowing the Palpatine/Darth Sidious and having Anakin and Padmé rule wouldn’t be so far-fetched.

RELATED: In Another Version of Revenge of the Sith, Padmé Lived to See Her Children Grow

The Galactic Empire with Padmé Amidala Would Be Terrifying

Known for her diplomacy and championing of causes like ending slavery in the galaxy, an Amidala-endorsed Galactic Empire would have been even more deadly efficient and enduring than the one we all know and fear. Where Anakin was impulsive and defaulted to brute force, Padmé was composed and calculating. Her time as Queen of Naboo trained her to be stoic in the face of enemies, and that wars are also fought at the bargaining table as much as they are on the battlefield. So was Palpatine, but Padmé could have served as the “face” of the new movement in a way that the Emperor couldn’t. She had less baggage as a politician and no Sith alter-ego to hide. In every piece of the Star Wars Universe Padmé is a part of, she’s a committed and relentless advocate of the causes she backs. Therefore, as an accomplished stateswoman and negotiator, would it really be that incredible to imagine she could have convinced allies like Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan to see things her way?

Given her history as a ruler, Padmé would’ve likely brought even more organization and bureaucracy to the burgeoning Empire. Also, as a woman, and Anakin’s wife, she would have brought a sense of legitimacy to his rule. Obviously, if Padmé hadn’t died, Bail Organa wouldn’t have adopted Leia, and Owen and Beru Lars would’ve never raised Luke. The Rebellion’s two most important and iconic leaders would’ve been heirs to the Galactic Empire. What would have their views been like if they hadn’t been orphans, but raised by Darth Vader and a former Queen? The Skywalkers would have been well-positioned to be the initiators of a galactic ruling dynasty.

And while Darth Sidious was undeniably formidable, could he really take on three Force-sensitive Skywalkers (Anakin, Luke, and Leia)? Plus, Leia famously inherited her mother’s political prowess. Throw in Padmé’s own considerable diplomatic heft, and no rebellion would have been able to topple such a powerful and multi-faceted family. Perhaps not even Palpatine himself.

All of this to say, the galaxy was much better off for Padmé’s pure heart and sacrifice in the name of the greater good. She turned her back on the love of her life, as well as the safety and power Anakin offered her to do the right thing. We’re lucky she did, otherwise, the Star Wars universe would definitely be a much darker place.

Star Wars content is streaming on Disney+.

The post If This Star Wars Character Had Turned to the Dark Side, The Rebellion Never Would’ve Stood a Chance appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s a great time to be a Star War prequel trilogy fan, and not just on screen. The upcoming novel Star Wars: Master of Evil by Adam Christopher hits shelves on November 11th, and we now have a synopsis of what this book is all about. As expected, it’s about the early days of Darth Vader’s Sith apprenticeship and his descent into the Dark Side of the Force. According to publisher Penguin Random House, it will even depict the “dark ritual” Vader conducts in order to forge an authentic Sith lightsaber. It’s a major turning point for Vader, and while we’ve never seen it on screen before, it was depicted in the 2017 comic book Darth Vader #5. Seeing it from a new perspective in Christopher’s novel should be a boon to the Chosen One’s fans.

The Star Wars prequel trilogy showed us most of Anakin Skywalker’s life from the time he was rescued from slavery by the Jedi to the time he turned on the order and succumbed to the Dark Side. It leaves the Chosen One in a mournful, broken state, and it’s not exactly clear how he becomes such a loyal follower of Emperor Palpatine by the time of the original trilogy. Thankfully, some talented creators have already begun to fill in the blanks, and Christopher is joining the effort now.

The 2017 Marvel Comics series Star Wars: Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith was written by Charles Soule and penciled by Giuseppe Camuncoli, with a long list of other artists as well as letterers and editors. It picks up right from the ending of Revenge of the Sith, and it went on for two years and 25 issues. It depicts several key events that made Vader a true believer in the Dark Side, and forging his own Sith lightsaber was the first.

[RELATED: Revenge of the Sith Commits the 3 Greatest Sins in All of Star Wars]

Judging by the synopsis, it sounds like the novel Star Wars: Master of Evil will depict this same period of transformation for Darth Vader, but from a slightly different perspective. The canonical events remain the same — “On the volcanic world of Mustafar, Vader undertakes a dark ritual, bleeding a kyber crystal to forge his lightsaber. This act unleashes a power far greater than he anticipated, giving him a glimpse into the limitless potential of the Force.”

“Bleeding” a kyber crystal is a rite of passage for a Sith, but so far, Vader’s undertaking of this ritual has only been depicted in comics. The only times fans have seen it on screen is in one video game and one Disney+ series, but never with a character as central as Vader. It’s the kind of esoteric lore many fans have been craving in the wake of titles like Andor.

Star Wars: Master of Evil is available for pre-order now in print, digital, and audiobook formats. It will be delivered on November 11th. In the meantime, fans who want to get ahead can find related events in Darth Vader (2017), available in print and digital formats.

The post Star Wars’ New Darth Vader Release Will Show an Important Anakin Moment Not Seen on Screen appeared first on ComicBook.com.

LEGO Masters is back for an all-new season of creativity, hijinks, and LEGO Bricks, and it all gets underway with tonight’s season 5 premiere. If you are going to kick off a new season, you can’t go wrong with Star Wars, and we’ve got your exclusive first look at the Star Wars-themed premiere. Those who have followed the show know that host Will Arnett loves to throw in a few obstacles during competition, and as you can see in the video, this time he gets some help from a few ever-eliable Stormtroopers to throw a wrench into the contestant’s goal to finish on time. You can check out the clip in the video above, and you can catch the full episode when it airs Monday at 8 PM EST on FOX or the next day on Hulu.

The episode is fittingly titled Rebuild the Galaxy, and once again brings in teams of LEGO enthusiasts to compete for a big cash prize, a trophy, and the elusive title of LEGO Masters. For this particular challenge, the teams have to transform the remnants of a destroyed planet into a new creation, and they only have so much time to make that happen.

As the contestants are attempting to create something unique from the rubble, they are interrupted by Stormtroopers, who come running in as alarms go off. They start talking about having a key to the override, and then one of them bashes their rifle into the time clock above the stage.

That completely disrupts it, and no one can see the time any longer, and Arnett reveals that yes, this was indeed the only clock they have. That means with two hours to go, no one has a way to keep track of time, and they will just have to guess their best as to when the time is up and when they have to be done. These builds are already incredibly tense as it is, especially with how everything can change with an unfortunate move or break, and now they have to rush even more because they aren’t sure when exactly the time ends.

[RELATED: This Lilo & Stitch LEGO Set Is Cheaper Than Ever Ahead Of The Live-Action Movie]

To say that’s stressful is an understatement, but at least as of the 2-hour mark, many of the teams were already well on their way to finishing with some impressive builds, which you can get a look at in the gallery above. You can also find the official description for the season 5 premiere below.

“501 Rebuild the Galaxy – LEGO Masters is back for an exciting fifth season, showcasing a fresh group of LEGO enthusiasts vying for a $100,000 cash prize, the coveted LEGO trophy, and the grand title of LEGO Masters. The season opens with a thrilling Star Wars-themed episode, where teams are challenged to rebuild the galaxy one brick at a time by transforming the remnants of a destroyed planet into a new creation. Beloved Star Wars characters, including Stormtroopers and Darth Vader, make a surprise appearance.”

By the way, if you are looking to compete on the show and display your LEGO skills, now is your chance, as LEGO Masters is casting for future seasons with a LIVE open call at LEGOLAND California. For more details and to RSVP, just visit legomasterstv.com.

The post Watch: Stormtroopers Bring Chaos to Star Wars Themed LEGO Masters Season 5 Premiere (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.