Rumor: Are Benioff and Weiss heading to the Old Republic?

We’ve heard unverified rumblings before that the first of the non-saga Star Wars films from Game of Thrones’ David Benioff and D.B. Weiss would come out before Rian Johnson’s, but today we have a time frame from Star Wars News Net: It’s up after IX, with filming to begin in the fall.

They – or rather, their source, who they say has “worked on every Star Wars film since Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm” – also claim that the films will be set in the Old Republic era, which will perhaps be most familiar as the Legends (i.e. currently noncanon) video game Knights of the Old Republic and various spinoffs, which include the still-active MMO The Old Republic.

If Lucasfilm’s aim is indeed to “appeal to a more Game of Thrones style audience.”, the still somewhat controversial pick (a couple of not-in-the-books rape plots on Game of Thrones, and that whole Confederate thing) of Benioff and Weiss suddenly does make a lot more sense.

To be honest, this whole thing reads to me like a repackaging of earlier (and even shakier) rumors and fan theories/wishful thinking, so I can’t put a lot of faith in it. (If you’re curious, the first KOTOR-centric movie “rumor” dates back to early 2013.) But as little as it appeals to me, there’s no doubt that the Knights of the Old Republic games and their offshoots are beloved by many fans. It’s hardly inconceivable that Lucasfilm might want to take a whack at them in canon. But, as always, I’m skeptical.

Consider that we still know next to nothing about anything happening past Episode IX, which could change at Celebration. For the moment, let’s just hope this rumor doesn’t lead to another round of “Rian got fired” from the angry bros and their short attention spans.

Oscar Isaac on finishing up Star Wars with John Boyega

In yet another interview, Oscar Isaac talks about how Episode IX was the most fun (again) but also does some heavy lifting for Finn/Poe (or Finn & Poe, however you care to read it):

I think the one thing I can say [about Star Wars: Episode IX] is that it has been the most fun for me, particularly working with John Boyega because we have just had so much more to do together and we just really connected in a great way. It was really a wonderful way to finish it for me because John was the first person I met right when I screen-tested. It was just with me and him. So it just felt like a real full-circle thing.

We do have some illicit evidence (by which I mean possible spoilers) that points towards their adventure.

Celebration roundup: Galaxy’s Edge panel gets pinned down

→ Of course there’s a Galaxy’s Edge panel coming to Celebration. Honestly, at this point, it’s a little surprising they’re not theming the whole con after this thing. Here’s hoping there’s a neat floor setup somewhere. (Bring the booze, guys. You’ve done it before.)

→ Erin Kellyman (Enfys Nest) and Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks) join the guest list.

→ More costuming tips, this time on The Clone Wars folks.

→ Also: Tattoo Pavilion details, first look at the merch, and the official hashtag (sign).

Star Wars out this week: Han Solo, General Grievous

Two comics are out on Wednesday, March 11. Han Solo: Imperial Cadet #5 ends the miniseries, while Age of Republic: General Grievous is the last prequel-era comic of the mega-series, which becomes Age of Rebellion with the next issue.

And for Friday, March 13, there’s a trade from IDW. Star Wars Adventures Volume 5 collects issues #9, #12, and #13.

Continue reading “Star Wars out this week: Han Solo, General Grievous”

Oscar Isaac: Episode IX “the most fun it’s been,” people will be “blown away”

The Associated Press caught up with Oscar Isaac at the premiere of his film Triple Frontier, and he talked a little about Episode IX.

“It was the most fun it’s been,” he said. “There was just an energy, a looseness, an excitement to the whole production. And knowing that this was the conclusion of not only our time there, but the nine stories, these nine episodes of the Skywalker saga, it’s incredible. I think people are just gonna be blown away.”

Inside Star Wars land: Our closest look at Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge yet

Galaxy’s Edge is everywhere this morning, as Disney finally let a bunch of journalists (and StarWars.com, of course) at the upcoming park. Dan Brooks at StarWars.com has the making of, aliens/droids/shops, food/beverages and an additional 27 things. Anthony Breznican of EW, Amy Ratcliffe of Nerdist, and io9’s Germain Lussier also got the FastPass.

There’s a lot to pour over here!

Star Wars Always: The complete franchise trailer we kinda need right now

Actor Topher Grace made some headlines in 2012 when word leaked that he’d privately shown an 85-minute version of all three Star Wars prequels. That’s unlikely to ever see the light of day, but he and friend/collaborator Jeff Yorkes have now released a 5-minute “mega-trailer” for the franchise, including both complete trilogies, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, Rogue One and Solo. It’s absolutely worth a watch, and the perfect thing to come out as we await Episode IX.

No go, Solo: VFX Oscar goes home with First Man

Solo: A Star Wars Story became the latest Star Wars film to strike out at the Oscars. It was only up for one award: Best Visual Effects, which went to First Man.

Adam Driver and Richard E. Grant, both up for Supporting Actor for BlacKkKlansman and Can You Ever Forgive Me?, respectivly, lost to Mahershala Ali. Grant, who did win at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, will make his Star Wars debut in Episode IX.

One (upcoming) Star Wars connection get gold: The Mandalorian composer Ludwig Göransson won for his Black Panther score.

We did see several other Star Wars alumni, including Diego Luna, who co-presented a segment about Best Picture nominee Roma, and Laura Dern, who talked about the Academy’s upcoming mueseum.

No Star Wars film has received an Oscar since 1984, when Return of the Jedi was awarded a Special Achievement Award for Visual Effects. The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens were both up for four Oscars each; Rouge One lost on two.

Rumor: Could there be a third Star Wars TV show in the works?

Two Star Wars TV live-action shows have already been announced for the upcoming Disney+ streaming service: The Mandalorian (which apparently wrapped S1 filming around the same time as IX!) and a yet-untitled Cassian Andor show that will serve as a prequel to Rogue One. Today, Fantha Tracks reports evidence of a third show, which will film in the U.K. – unlike The Mandalorian, which filmed in southern California.

They say the show might be announced at April’s Celebration Chicago. That’s also about the time we expect our first look at The Mandalorian, given reports that Disney will be sharing a first look at Disney+ original content with investors on April 11 – which also happens to be the first day of the con, though panels aren’t expected to begin until the next day.