EU Roundup: Republic Commandos, Rogues, and the Naberries

Author Karen Traviss tells fans what we can expect – within limits – from the new Republic Commando book, Triple Zero.

Meanwhile, on starwars.com, Sue Rostoni confirms that Triple Zero is an add-on to the existing contract and there are still two books left unassigned in the current Lucasfilm/Del Rey contract. No plans for them yet: they don’t have to be assigned until mid-2006.

Sue does refrain from comment on the fate of the Skywalker-Solo clan meeting up with Padme’s family, which could warrant a hardcover. I’m betting they show up in Legacy; with a title like that…

And, of course, September comics. Dark Horse is actually doing something newsworthy: Star Wars: X-wing Rogue Leader #1. Huh.

Not just a misspelling any more

Name of newborn Norwegian princess inspired by Star Wars:

“I must admit that I have always been a big ‘Star Wars’ fan, and Princess Leia has always been the most beautiful in the whole world,” Princess Martha Louise said in an interview with the Norwegian daily Aftenposten.

Princess Leah, born on April 8 this year and fifth in line to the Norwegian throne, was due to be baptised on Thursday.

Hamill to play Joker?

The Internet Movie Database reports that Mark Hamill is in the running to play the Joker in the sequel to “Batman Begins.”

The actor, who played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi, has become a fan favorite to play Batman’s colorful foe. He joins Crispin Glover and Aussie actor Lachy Hulme on the three-strong internet shortlist.

Hamill became an obvious choice for some Batman fans after voicing The Joker for the Batman cartoon series. A spokesman for top Batman website Darkhorizons.Com points out, “The net basically picked Christian Bale to play Batman, so who knows.” Batman Begins opens across America and Europe this week.

Make Poverty History

Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor have both done promos for Make Poverty History. Neeson narrates and appears in the spot called “Click,” while McGregor is featured in a parody ad for Orange that will be appear in British cinemas.

Both spots and more information about Make Poverty History can be found here.

McGregor to host Youth G8 Summit

Sixteen kids from some of the richest and poorest countries in the world will meet in Scotland on July 3 to hold the first “Youth G8 Summit.” Ewan McGregor and violin prodigy Nicola Benedetti will host the event.

Topics of discussion will include poverty, HIV/AIDS, and education. The youngsters will create a manifesto, which will be presented to world leaders when they arrive in Scotland later in the week for the G8 Summit.

McGregor, from Crieff in Perthshire, said: “Whenever I meet children as Unicef ambassador, I am amazed at their eloquent, articulate and passionate views.

“They really have a unique perspective on the world. Many living in other countries have had direct experience of issues such as poverty, education, HIV and Aids and deserve to have their voices heard.”

Thanks to Ewan News for the head’s up.