Rian Johnson, Mark Hamill on The Last Jedi behind-the-scenes

Rian Johnson and (eventually) Mark Hamill showed up at SXSW for The Director and the Jedi, and you can watch their Q&A, or check out The Hollywood Reporter’s article, which highlights my favorite Rian Johnson quote re: Luke. (The post-screening Q&A is this way.)

If you’re waiting for the Blu-ray, here’s a few more clips: Luke’s struggle, above, plus Mark Hamill and Frank Oz reunite, Paige Tico and the bomber attack and the gorilla walkers. Meanwhile, also check out Mike Ryan’s observations on Johnson’s commentary.

StarWars.com has an interview with puppeteer Brian Herring, one of the BB-8 operators, who also worked with the porgs in The Last Jedi.

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Solo posters go simpler for Brazil

A new set of Solo posters has turned up in Brazil, featuring the same artwork but without the title frame. It seems likely that this could be a reaction to the recent claims that the original design was (quite blatantly) based on a set of 2015 album covers from Sony – or it could be that the title down there – Han Solo – doesn’t lend itself to the original treatment. In any case, I wouldn’t be surprised to see future waves of U.S. posters more closely resemble these.

Meanwhile, another set of new images have shown up courtesy of Denny’s. Their Solo menu debuts April 3, but it seems we might get an earlier look.

Carrie, crystal foxes and more in latest The Last Jedi behind the scenes featurettes

A few new behind the scenes clips have emerged since we last checked in. The first, on Kylo’s choice to not kill Leia, features a new priceless quote from Carrie Fisher. The second is on the crystal foxes (err, vulptices), finally giving us a long-awaited look at the actual dog-wearing-straw-costume used to help develop them. And from yesterday, how a Ralph McQuarrie painting from Empire inspired the final showdown and a bit on the red of Crait.

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And the Star Wars live-action series goes to… Jon Favreau?

Iron Man director/actor Jon Favreau will be executive producing and writing the upcoming Star Wars live-action TV series, Lucasfilm announced today.

Favreau’s formal Star Wars connections began in The Clone Wars, where he voiced Pre Vizsla. He also has a voice role in Solo.

“I couldn’t be more excited about Jon coming on board to produce and write for the new direct-to-consumer platform,” says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “Jon brings the perfect mix of producing and writing talent, combined with a fluency in the Star Wars universe. This series will allow Jon the chance to work with a diverse group of writers and directors and give Lucasfilm the opportunity to build a robust talent base.”

Favreau is thrilled to be returning to the Star Wars galaxy: “If you told me at 11 years old that I would be getting to tell stories in the Star Wars universe, I wouldn’t have believed you. I can’t wait to embark upon this exciting adventure.”

The series, which doesn’t yet have a release date, will debut on Disney’s upcoming direct-to-consumer platform, which isn’t expected until 2019.

The Last Jedi behind-the-scenes with Andy Serkis, Carrie Fisher, Oscar Isaac and Daisy Ridley

With The Last Jedi home release imminent, several behind the scenes clips and featurettes have been released. There’s an interview with Andy Serkis on Snoke at Entertainment Weekly; Oscar Isaac, Carrie Fisher and The Slap at People; Daisy Ridley and Rian Johnson on Rey at E!.

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