Sci-fi.com has video from this year’s 2006 Science Fiction Hall of Fame inductions. Watch Rob Coleman’s acceptance speech for George Lucas and speeches from the other inductees, including Anne McCaffrey. Plus Neil Gaiman! Greg Bear! Kevin J. Anderson! (Erm…)
A Jedi craves not these things
Speaking of rumors… Kevin Smith addresses last year’s gossip of his involvement with the Star Wars TV show.
Was there ever any truth to the your involvement with a Star Wars TV show?
“No, no,” Smith says with a chuckle. “Which was so strange, because I was like, ‘Really? I wish somebody had told me.’ People kept saying, ‘Dude, you gonna be doing that?'”
Up with People
NerfHerdersAnonymous has a list of Star Wars folks who’ll be at Comic Con.
George Lucas was a celebrity judge at Britain’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Scottish playwright Brian McGeachan gets a call from Carrie Fisher, who is considering performing his one-woman play.
Kenny Baker auctioning off his 1982 Rolls-Royce.
Check out Life, the Star Wars Universe and Everything for more Star Wars alumni news.
Don’t go betting on Portman yet
The old rumor that Natalie Portman may be playing Indiana Jones’ daughter in Indy 4 resurfaces yet again, thanks to Raiders of the Lost Ark’s Karen Allen. Cinematical reports that she mentioned that Portman had been cast. A comment by the runner of an Allen fansite at Cinematical claims the actress heard it from him, not from an inside source. In any case, I remain skeptical.
Wedge up for Emmy
Denis Lawson is up for an Emmy for his work in the recent PBS/BBC adaption of Dicken’s Bleak House. The Scottish actor recieved a nomination for Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie.
Lawson played fan favorite Wedge Antilles in the original trilogy and is Ewan McGregor’s uncle. Thanks to Beth for the tip!
Jim Baen, 1943-2006
Publisher Jim Baen passed away yesterday. Author David Drake has written an appreciation of his life and career.
He’s also remembered fondly by Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Cory Doctorow and many more.
It gives you focus, makes you stronger
George Lucas is #15 on Forbes list of the Top 100 celebrities. That’s down from last year’s #4, but still pretty respectible when you consider most of Lucasfilm’s big projects are still in the pre-production stages. Tom Cruise is #1, with Steven Spielberg and U2 making the top 10. J.K. Rowling also makes a respectible showing at #19.
In other Lucas news, his previously unreleased student film is now available in Europe.
In the News
Ian McDiarmid won a Tony Award yesterday for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
In less positive news, Tim Hildebrandt has passed away. Along with his twin brother Greg, he created some of the most iconic Star Wars art.
Star Wars in the news
Associated Press: Carrie Fisher among the celebrities to roast Jane Fonda.
Sydney Morning Herald: Interview with Susie Porter, who played the waitress at Dex’s Diner in Attack of the Clones
Star Wars in the News
The Columbus Dispatch lets us know that Star Wars toys still sell. ROTS toys generated 3 billion in worldwide retail sales.
Green Bay Press Gazette profiles R2-D2 builder Troy Noel.
StarWars.com reports that Cream, a Hong Kong design magazine, features Star Wars in its Summer edition.
Backstage takes another look at Ian McDiarmid and Faith Healer