Star Wars with occasional sarcasm
Today was the film’s big press day, which meant that Kathleen Kennedy, Chris Terrio, Billy Dee Williams and the elusive Adam Driver all joined the folks we’ve been seeing over the past few days… Plus, quite possibly, the ghost of Carrie Fisher.
On Twitter this morning, The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson revealed that Luke Skywalker’s Force illusion on Crait has some precedent in Legends – a mention in 2010’s The Jedi Path.
UPDATE: Since Johnson has deleted his old tweets en masse in the time since the post was originally written, here are the screenshots:
The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson appeared on the Empire Podcast Spoiler Special to talk about the movie. It’s two hours long, so for those of us who prefer to read or are all podcasted-out for the day, Empire has helpfully written up some of the highlights. They include more about Luke and Kylo, broom boy, new Force powers, and the Rey/Kylo connection, but I’m sure there’s plenty more on the podcast.
And now that we’ve all had a chance to take the movie in, the behind-the-scenes stuff has started flowing in… There are several Rian Johnson interviews out and about, with the best perhaps being at the Los Angeles Times. There he talks about introducing new Force powers, Rey and Kylo, and the whole purpose of the shirtless scene. Also: Business Insider, a Variety podcast and The Director’s Cut podcast.
Continue reading “Behind The Last Jedi: Story, effects, costumes, and more”
Dave Filoni tells Entertainment Weekly that the last arc of The Clone Wars is George Lucas’ “last statement about Yoda and The Force and how things fit together” and “absolutely must-watch story content.”
We tried several seasons to tell a Yoda arc, but the problem is he’d come in and be able to solve a problem in five minutes. In the end, George finally decided to tell a big story about The Force and the balance of The Force and what it means when some people appear after they die and some don’t. Fans have long wondered about that. This goes a long way to explaining that issue. These are things that were the backbone of his Jedi ideas. How can a Star Wars fan not get excited by that?
Filoni also touches on Order 66 and what the future may hold for the untold Clone Wars stories. Be warned, there is another small spoiler in the interview, so it may be best to read this only after you watch the final arc.
The 13 ‘Lost Missions’ episodes are streaming on Netflix now, along with the show’s first 5 seasons and debut movie.
In his latest blog entry, J.W. Rinzler looks back at George Lucas’ evolving thoughts on the Force and the ever-controversial midi-chlorians.
On a fictional grammar note, ‘midi-chlorian’ bothers me, though I have to assume if Rinzler is using it, it is indeed the kosher spelling. ‘Midichlorian’ just seems far more naturalistic.
The Force Skeptics Page has clearly been around for a while, but it’s new to me:
The Jedi Knights are known for their supposed ability to perform “miracles.” They can influence others’ thoughts with a wave of their hand, use a slender light saber to deflect blaster bolts with their eyes closed, jump great heights in full gravity, move objects without touching them, see into the future, and do many other things that normal people can’t. Or so they claim.
Perhaps Karen Traviss subscribes to his newsletter. (via)
Someone has a sense of humor… Of all the animals to name after Yoda, a giraffe? He is, however, an “unusually gentle and calm giraffe,” according to the director of his former zoo.
James Earl Jones is fifth on the list of Forbes‘ most trusted celebrities.
Is the Force becoming reality? Or do science writers just really, really want you to read their story?
The Infinite Force explores the idea of being a Jedi or a Sith in real life. Just stay away from the census polls, okay?
Pablo talks about the origin of the Rookies webstrips.
Ravenclaw Devi considers Mary Sues and related issues.
Jedimaster13109 provides us with a nice overview of the Force.
In EU corner, Mike Beidler has some thoughts on Vector Prime. Meanwhile, Padawan Katis is reading The Phantom Menace novelization and Sunnyskywalker continues her spot-on Courtship of Princess Leia analysis with Chapter 5.
In An American Mythology: Why Star Wars Still Matters Steven D. Greydanus looks at the mythic roots of the saga – and a few common criticisms.
Pablo finds an amusing letter in one of the old Marvel Comics…
Darth Morbus ponders religion and the force. Should we tell him about the folks who think they’re actual Jedi?
The Wookiee has no pants explores the use of religious metaphors in fandom.
Taxy’s adorable Pirates review doodle bring up Star Wars similarities. Beware spoilers!
Discussion: Beej wonders why people still make zines. I’ve been wondering that myself for years. Yeah, having fanfic in tangible form is nice, but that’s why Adobe gave us PDF format.