May the Fourth be 'I do': Ohio city has 'Star Wars' weddings
When Julia and Robert Jones discovered that a judge from the Akron Municipal Court in Ohio was officiating “Star Wars”-themed weddings on May the Fourth — essentially a holiday for fans of the franchise — the couple felt the force calling them to commit to the ceremony.
‘Mandalorian’ sets scene for ‘Ahsoka,’ ‘Rangers of New Republic,’ ‘Book of Boba Fett’
MIAMI – Lucasfilm and Disney+ are counting on “The Mandalorian’s” second season finale’s unsettled ending on Friday to leave “Star Wars Universe” fans wanting more. Fans will have to wait a year for “The Book of Boba Fett” after the bounty hunter and Fennec Shand returned to the planet Tatooine to visit Jabba’s Palace. Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, the executive producers, are also working on “Ahsoka” with Rosario Dawson as Anakin Skywalker’s padawan, and on “Rangers of the New Republic.” The two spinoffs are both set during “The Mandalorian’s” time frame. The Mandalorian (LUCASFILM)The defining CGI scene of the finale: Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 return to save Grogu while separating him from Mando who will continue his journey with Kosha Reeves and Bo-Katan.
Disney unveils plans to stream a galaxy of new series, films
NEW YORK – The Walt Disney Co.’s streaming plans shifted into hyper speed Thursday, as the studio unveiled a galaxy’s worth of new streaming offerings including plans for 10 “Star Wars” series spinoffs and 10 Marvel series that will debut on Disney+. But Disney also kept its biggest films — including Marvel's “Black Widow," Pixar's “Luca,” a “Lion King” prequel — on course for theatrical release. Jenkins becomes the first woman to direct a “Star Wars” film. Among the “Star Wars” series are two spinoffs of “The Mandalorian,” set during the series' timeline: “Rangers of the New Republic” and “Ahsoka,” with Rosario Dawson. Seven Disney films topped $1 billion worldwide.
Dave Prowse, actor who played Darth Vader, dies at 85
The British actor, Prowse who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, has died aged 85 on Saturday, according to an announcement by his agent Sunday Nov. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, FILE)LONDON – Dave Prowse, the British weightlifter-turned-actor who was the body, though not the voice, of arch-villain Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, has died. Prowse died Saturday after a short illness, his agent Thomas Bowington said Sunday. Prowse donned Darth Vader's black armor and helmet for “Star Wars” (1977), “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and “Return of the Jedi" (1983). He was a regular at “Star Wars” fan events but was banned from official conventions by Lucas in 2010 after the pair fell out.
John Boyega isn't going to 'take the money and shush'
This year, Boyega has made it clear he doesn't feel that way, that he isn’t going to bite his tongue. The five-film series is playing on the BBC in the U.K. and on Amazon Prime in the U.S.; “Red, White and Blue” will debut Dec. 4 on Amazon. In the true story, Boyega plays Leroy Logan, an aspiring research scientist who gives up the lab to join the overwhelmingly white London police force in the 1980s. “Red, White and Blue” puts Boyega front and center and wrestles with many of the social issues -- race, change, belonging -- that he is grappling with, too. Since Boyega’s comments about “Star Wars,” he’s received a supportive phone call from producer Kathleen Kennedy that Boyega has described as frank and transparent.
John Boyega quits perfume ambassador role over Chinese ad
LONDON – Black actor John Boyega has stepped down from his role as a global ambassador for perfume brand Jo Malone after the company decided to hire a Chinese actor to replace him in an ad he created. “The film celebrated my personal story– showcasing my hometown, including my friends and featuring my family,” Boyega wrote. He played a leading role as Finn in 2015′s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” but he and other nonwhite characters were removed or diminished from a Chinese poster for the movie. Boyega recently told GQ that Black characters have been “pushed to the side” in Disney’s “Star Wars” franchise. In June, the star made an emotional speech on racism when he joined Black Lives Matter protests in London.
Perfume brand says cutting Black actor from ad was misstep
NEW YORK – British perfume brand Jo Malone has apologized to Black actor John Boyega of “Star Wars” fame after cutting him out of the Chinese version of a cologne commercial he helped create. Jo Malone London said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that the ad designed for Chinese audiences was a misstep and has been removed. The recreated ad replaced Boyega with Chinese star Liu Haoran. It's not the first time Boyega has been deleted from a China-based ad. Boyega has spoken out about Hollywood racism, recently telling GQ that Black characters have been “pushed to the side” in Disney’s “Star Wars” franchise.
2Q earnings to show how virus menaced Corporate America
Thats how Wall Street is approaching the upcoming earnings season for companies. Earnings reporting season gets underway in earnest on Tuesday, when Delta Air Lines and several of the country's biggest banks are scheduled to release their results. When the quarter began in April, Wall Street was forecasting a loss as fliers nervous about the new virus increasingly stuck to the ground. Earnings reports tend to matter deeply to investors because corporate profits are the lifeblood of the stock market, with prices tending to track the path of earnings over the long term. Low expectations for this earnings season also mean CEOs have an easier hurdle to jump.
Celebrate ‘Star Wars’ Day with new ‘Mandalorian’ docuseries on Disney+
Disney is planning to drop a new eight-part docuseries called “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian,” beginning Monday. Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian, an Original Series, starts streaming May the 4th, only on #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/gRSge03Hzn — Star Wars (@starwars) April 23, 2020The series takes a behind-the-scenes look at how the fan-favorite series, “ The Mandalorian , ” was created. “After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe. Production has been shut down on all of its shows, including some upcoming Disney+ series.
Disney selling face masks with beloved characters, donating proceeds to charity
Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, Disney is getting in on the face mask game, and making masks featuring your favorite Disney characters. Disney said the company would donate all profits from the sales in the U.S. of Disney’s cloth face masks to Medshare, now through Sept. 30. That’s right, you can have Baby Yoda on your face mask while you grocery shop at Trader Joe’s. In addition to donating the proceeds of these colorful masks, Disney said it will donate 1 million cloth face masks to children and families in vulnerable communities across the United States. From Elsa, Anna, Buzz and Woody, there is a face mask for every Disney fan.
Nickelodeon’s Slime City is a messy good time
On comes the catchy theme song to Nickelodeon’s hit show “What Would You Do?” and you’re in your happy place. Slime City is a messy, interactive experience, using you guessed it! From getting your hands sloppy with the iconic green slime to a green-themed slime beach with green sand, Slime City is trying to bring young parent’s nostalgia out, and with it, a good time for your whole family. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 13: Headkrack attends Nickelodeon's Slime City Atlanta preview on June 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for Nickelodeon) (2019 Getty Images)If you want to get messy, you better hurry, Slime City gets cleaned up on January 20th.
‘Rise of Skywalker’ is almost here, but a dark side looms
With “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” opening in theaters Dec. 20, director J.J. Abrams expects more backlash. Several thousand fans signed a petition for Disney to remake “The Last Jedi,” which showed Luke Skywalker as a surly recluse disillusioned with his powers. “That in no way is a “Star Wars” phenomenon,” Abrams told The Associated Press. There’s a point at which the insanity of what it means to be working on a ‘Star Wars’ movie blinds you. Some also questioned why Rey was able to obtain Jedi-like abilities much quicker than Luke Skywalker.
These baby Yoda memes are driving the internet crazy
Whether you’re a fan of “Star Wars” or not, we’re sure you have fallen prey to the baby Yoda craze that is sweeping social media. Thus, the baby Yoda craze was born, but we’re not complaining. Well, we’ve scoured the web looking for the best baby Yoda memes the internet had to offer. Every single baby Yoda meme has been me like HOWWW pic.twitter.com/z4yLusRgYv — scandal (@eskandalowithak) November 29, 201921. We know the internet is full of other baby Yoda memes, so share your favorite in the comments below.
'The Mandalorian' blasts 'Star Wars' into the streaming frontier
(CNN) - "The Mandalorian" arrives with a lot of weight on its armored shoulders, not only representing the first live-action "Star Wars" series but easily providing the biggest original draw to help launch Disney+. That's a shrewd strategy, not only in keeping with "Star Wars'" roots but emulating the half-hour westerns that populated TV in its infancy -- an appropriate analogy, since "The Mandalorian" represents an ambassador for another new means of delivering entertainment. The character of Sabine in the animated "Star Wars Rebels" added to that lore, but it's still visually striking to see it elevated and showcased in this live-action format. That includes its real-world mission of giving "Star Wars" fans an incentive to subscribe, which the maiden flight looks well-suited, or armored, to carry out. The first episode of "The Mandalorian" is streaming on Disney+.
'The Mandalorian' powers Disney's launch into streaming
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - It's early days for Disney+, but the opening original-programming salvo for the new streaming service looks a whole lot like "The Mandalorian" -- the first live-action "Star Wars" series -- and the seven dwarfs. Disney hasn't made "The Mandalorian" available for review, unconvincingly citing a desire to ensure that all its surprises remain spoiler-free. Based on previews, the company certainly appears to have brought feature-film production values to the project, but time will tell. Kristen Bell hosts and produces this show that brings together former high school classmates to restage a musical from their younger days. "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" premieres Nov. 8 on ABC, Disney Channel and Freeform.
New trailer for 'The Mandalorian' features big 'Star Wars' vibe
(CNN) - A new trailer has been released for "The Mandalorian," the original "Star Wars" series coming to Disney+. The "Star Wars" spinoff show is Lucasfilm's first live-action series. Jon Favreau writes and directs the series, set after the fall of the Empire but before the emergence of the First Order. The show, about a Mandalorian bounty hunter played by Pedro Pascal, debuts on November 12, the same date as the service's launch. The service will be the exclusive streaming home of films like "Captain Marvel," "Avengers: Endgame," "Frozen 2" and "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."
'Game of Thrones' creators exit upcoming 'Star Wars' films
Weiss, the creators of HBO's "Game of Thrones," are exiting the Star Wars trilogy they had been set to write and produce. "Getting to talk about Star Wars with him and the current Star Wars team was the thrill of a lifetime, and we will always be indebted to the saga that changed everything." Phil Lord and Christopher Miller left the Star Wars spinoff, "Solo: A Star Wars Story," during production. Disney's four Star Wars films have totaled more than $4.8 billion at the box office worldwide since 2015. Star Wars films and a new Star Wars series, "The Mandalorian," will be a part of the service's offerings when it launches on Nov. 12.
Boba Fett figurine could fetch $500,000
A rare Star Wars action figurine of bounty hunter Boba Fett (not pictured) estimated to sell for between $200,000-$500,000. Hake's Auctions is currently auctioning an original Kenner Toys' "J-Slot" rocket-firing Boba Fett prototype online. As of Friday afternoon, the price tag to own the pint-sized Boba Fett was already $133,126.88 after only 12 bids. So, what makes this Boba Fett figurine so valuable? Only 24 to 26 examples of the original "J-Slot" version of the Boba Fett prototype made in the late 1970s are still known to exist.
Star Wars' trailer showcases final chapter of Skywalker saga
Disney has released the trailer for the next film in the "Star Wars" franchise. The official trailer for "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" Disney's latest film in the massively popular "Star Wars" franchise debuted during halftime of ESPN's Monday night NFL match up between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. Disney's trilogy has been a big box office success for the company, which acquired Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012. The original Star Wars trilogy, the prequels, "The Force Awakens" and "Rogue One," will be on the service. Disney also opened Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge the largest expansion ever at its theme parks over the summer.
Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige to develop Star Wars film for Disney
Kevin Feige is developing a Star Wars movie for Lucasfilm. HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Kevin Feige, the president of Disney's Marvel Studios, is one of the most successful producers in Hollywood history. Star Wars is one of the most successful franchises in Hollywood history. Disney will conclude the Skywalker saga this December with "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker." "And knowing what a die-hard fan Kevin is, it made sense for these two extraordinary producers to work on a Star Wars film together."
Walt Disney World and Hurricane Dorian: Should I stay or should I go?
Orlando park visitors have been debating Hurricane Dorian since Wednesday. Orlando parks rarely closeIt's rare that the parks close. Disney has only closed its Orlando theme parks a handful of times since its initial opening in 1971, mostly for weather related reasons. More recent closures were in response to Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. "If you're staying at a Universal Orlando or Disney World hotel, they will likely try to add some extra entertainment when the parks close," he said.
TSA bans Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge 'thermal detonator' Coke bottles
Disney and Coca Cola partnered to make these specialty soda cans for the new Star Wars land. (CNN) - To commemorate your visit to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, you can bring home a $200 lightsaber, a Chewbacca backpack, or a puppet Porg. The bottles, which are for sale exclusively inside Star Wars lands in Anaheim and Orlando, are shaped like small orbs that resemble either a droid or a thermal detonator, depending on your point of view. Scott Trowbridge, the lead Imagineer on the Galaxy's Edge project, said the design of the bottle looked "cool, kind of thermal detonator-ish" on a panel earlier this year. At $5.49, the bottles are one of the cheapest souvenirs available at Galaxy's Edge -- and popular: Disney has limited guests to three bottles per transaction to prevent hoarding.
TSA bans Galaxy's Edge-themed Coca-Cola bottles
ORLANDO, Fla. - When Disney first announced the new Coca-Cola themed beverages for "Star Wars": Galaxy's Edge, the internet went crazy. If our officers discover a replica item during screening and believe it's real, the item will be treated as such until advised otherwise by law enforcement. AskTSA (@AskTSA) August 28, 2019This news comes one day before "Star Wars": Galaxy's Edge is set to open to the public at Walt Disney World in Orlando. AskTSA (@AskTSA) August 13, 2019If you aren't able to take one home with you, make sure to get a good picture with the well-themed beverages. Click or tap here for our guide on how to get the best pictures at "Star Wars": Galaxy's Edge.
Star Wars hotel at Disney World like a cruise into space
ORLANDO, Fla. - It's going to be a cruise to nowhere, but that will be just fine with die-hard "Star Wars" fans. "Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser" will be like a two-day cruise in that it drops visitors into a completely self-contained world. Visitors staying at the Star Wars hotel will get to visit the new land, "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge," as their "port of call" during their two-day stay. It has "everything that makes Star Wars' Star Wars, all in one attraction," said Scott Trowbridge, creative portfolio executive at Walt Disney Imagineering. "It just sounds awesome, everything we've heard about it," said Cline, a lifelong Star Wars fans who was visiting from Raleigh, North Carolina.
4 insider 'Easter eggs' you'll want to find inside 'Star Wars': Galaxy's Edge
As you look around Batuu, you won't find any mouse silhouettes, but instead, look for the hidden Falcon, which is strategically placed on its larger counterpart. While inside the Falcon, look around the waiting area. Along the back wall, you'll also see a keypad with a large red button on it. For once, we want you to press the large red button. As you look around the speeder, you'll find the letters "LMA" inscribed on the green paint.
Disney reveals new details about Star Wars hotel, Epcot overhaul
In the "Star Wars" hotel concept in Orlando, guests will board the Halcyon, a "legendary ship with an unparalleled level of service," said Ann Morrow Johnson, creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering. (Disneyland's "Star Wars" land is already open.) Disney has emphasized the interactivity of the new "Star Wars" land, and the hotel extends that idea. New at Epcot: Mary Poppins, Moana and moreBeyond "Star Wars," Disney outlined major developments to Epcot, which opened in 1982 as a futuristic World's Fair. Disney Genie to show you the wayThe modernizing of Disney Parks didn't stop at new rides and lands.
Obi-Wan Kenobi and 'The Mandalorian' bring the Force to Disney+
(CNN) - Obi-Wan Kenobi will bring the Force to Disney+, which -- along with the first trailer for "The Mandalorian" -- capped the studio's presentation for its new streaming service at the D23 Expo. That includes "The Mandalorian," the first live-action "Star Wars" series, which will make its debut when the service launches. Kennedy noted that the service would have access to all the movies, including the upcoming "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," putting "over 40 years of 'Star Wars' storytelling in one place." Another series is in the works starring Diego Luna as the character he played in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." That brings to eight the total number of shows that the comic-book powerhouse is producing for Disney+, including several previously announced titles featuring Avengers characters.
This sideways galaxy looks just like a lightsaber
At first glance, an image taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope looks like every Star Wars fan's dream come true: Darth Vader's lightsaber just hanging out in a galaxy far, far away. (CNN) - At first glance, an image taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope looks like every Star Wars fan's dream come true: Darth Vader's lightsaber just hanging out in a galaxy far, far away. In truth, it's a galaxy that is far, far away Galaxy NGC 5866, about 44 million light-years from Earth, to be exact. The red lightsaber appearance is because the entire galaxy can be seen on its side, according to a NASA release. Spitzer detects infrared light, while Hubble captures visible and UV light, Compton was designed for gamma rays and Chandra sees X-rays.
Star Wars furniture sends your living room to a galaxy far, far away
(CNN) - There's been no shortage of crazy Star Wars merchandise over the years, including Wookie Crocs, R2-D2 aquariums and Millennium Falcon guitars. "We wanted to incorporate the essence of each Star Wars character into the designs, while staying true to our aesthetic and process of creating by hand ... We reimagined the Star Wars universe through the lens of the Filipino craftsman and creative. The Imperial Wings chair is arguably the coolest, but also the most difficult to position in a functional living room, because it looks like a TIE fighter -- the quick and deadly single-seat spacecraft of the Imperial Fleet. The TIE Fighter tables are meant as a companion to the TIE Fighter chair, and just like it, they come in both black and white. Because this is designer furniture, it comes at designer furniture prices: the range goes from $655 for the tables all the way up to $4,350 for the Vader chair.
Take a look at what it's like to fly the Millennium Falcon
Flying the Millennium Falcon is no longer a dream for "Star Wars" fans, it's a reality. You can show Han Solo how it is done on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
On this day: August 5
2000: English actor Alec Guinness, best known for his roles in movies such as "The Bridge on the River Kwai," "Lawrence of Arabia," "Doctor Zhivago," "A Passage to India" and "Star Wars," dies of liver cancer at age 86 in Midhurst, West Sussex, England. Guinness won an Academy Award for Best Actor for "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and was also nominated for Oscars his acting roles in "The Lavender Hill Mob," "Star Wars" and "Little Dorrit" as well as for the screenplay for 1958's "The Horse's Mouth." Hide Caption
'Star Wars' stars then and now
Friday marks not only the premiere of "Solo: A Star Wars Story" but also the 42nd anniversary of the premiere of the original "Star Wars." To mark the day, join us for a look at the 1977 movie's stars then and now while also remembering those we have lost over the years. Hide Caption
'Star Wars' fan starts petition to honor Pulse victim as franchises' first LGBT movie character
Yehl wanted to remember his friend the way he knew him, as a "big nerd" who loved Pokemon, video games and of course, Star Wars. Then Yehl got an idea, what if he could get Leinonen honored as the first LGBT Star Wars movie character? Yehl started a Change.org petition addressed to President of LucasFilms, Kathleen Kennedy, Walt Disney Company CEO, Bob Iger, and anyone behind Star Wars. In the petition Yehl gives suggestions on how his friend can be honored – such as using his likeness, or running his name through a Star Wars Name Generator. They quickly learned that they both loved movies, and were nerds at heart.
Panthers to host Star Wars night
SUNRISE, Fla. – The force is strong with the Florida Panthers. The Cats are hosting a night inspired by the Star Wars movies. The Panthers host the Maple Leafs on March 29. The Star Wars package will incude a t-shirt, interactive Star Wars photo opportunities, and a limited edition Star Wars Puck.