Generation Star Wars

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art first look

2026-09-12T11:00:00.000+01:00

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is opening to the public later this month in Los Angeles.

Exhibits include a life-size Naboo Starfighter, General Grievous on his wheel-bike and original concept art for Indiana Jones.

Lucasfilm founder and Star Wars creator George Lucas said, “The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art was created to honor humanity’s stories and the artists who illustrate them. The artists in this collection didn’t just create images, they connected our modern imaginations with our ancient emotions—with common beliefs creating community. Their work spans genres, media, and time. They deserve to be in a museum.”

Fans were invited to a press preview earlier this month.

The starship-like Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, a $1 billion passion project envisioned by Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, will open to the public on 22nd September.

Are you planning to visit the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars in IMAX

2026-09-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

The original Star Wars and Star Wars: Starfighter are in IMAX 70mm for the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera.

The restored re-release of Star Wars is in cinemas on 19th February 2027.

Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone story set 5 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) and starring Ryan Gosling (Project Hail Mary), is due to be released on 28th May 2027.

Are you looking forward to seeing the original Star Wars and Star Wars: Starfighter in IMAX? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Trek at 60

2026-09-08T16:45:51.848+01:00

My earliest memories of watching Star Trek: The Original Series are of midweek primetime reruns on BBC One in the late seventies and early eighties!

Before we had our first VCR, I would tune in hoping to see The Corbomite Maneuver or Arena, where Captain Kirk (William Shatner) battled the Gorn!

Christmas 1977, I was gifted Dinky Toys’ Starship Enterprise, Klingon D7 Battlecruiser and Mego action figures (Kirk, Spock, Klingon, and a Gorn). These toys were a staple of watching Star Trek reruns for full immersion in an era long before augmented reality (AR) apps.

When Star Trek was revived, and its voyages moved to the big screen in the wake of Star Wars, I couldn’t wait to board the USS Enterprise for further adventures…

Whilst Star Trek: The Motion Picture was more star bore than star war to this hyperactive kid, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was a tale of revenge at too high a price.

Spin-off series soon followed, from Star Trek: The Next Generation to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Star Trek: The Next Generation was a seminal series foreshadowing technology many of us use daily. From touchscreens to voice assistants... “Alexa, play Star Trek!”, words my younger self never imagined saying for real as I avidly read Marvel UK’s official magazine.

Soon I had a teenage crush on Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) and Ro Laren (Michelle Forbes), who vied for poster space with actresses Jennifer Connelly (Labyrinth) and Winona Ryder (Heathers).

Gene Roddenberry’s allegorical Wagon Train in space is sci-fi born of optimism and hope for the future. And the human race needs that more than ever. Live long and prosper.

What are your memories of watching Star Trek? Let me know in the comments below.

50 years of The Muppet Show

2026-09-05T20:32:08.161+01:00

50 years ago, The Muppet Show was first broadcast!

Jim Henson’s anarchic, fuzzy-felt creations were a staple of Sunday teatime telly and later moved to the big screen, from Star Wars to Labyrinth (don't get me started on teenage crush Jennifer Connelly)!

The original series ran for five seasons from 1976-1981 and featured memorable guest star appearances, including Mark Hamill (Star Wars).

Kermit and Miss Piggy (who scared me as a kid) became pop culture icons and adorned my childhood bedroom walls alongside Luke Skywalker and the Fourth Doctor.

We all have our own Muppetational stories… My parents gifted Muppet memorabilia to the children's hospital where my life was saved, against all odds, in 1977. The Muppet Show is as important to me as Doctor Who and Star Wars.

There's no new series following a one-off special on Disney+ earlier this year, which is a travesty. All 120 episodes of the original The Muppet Show are streaming on Disney+.

What are your memories of watching The Muppet Show? Let me know in the comments below.

Optimus Prime: Awakening

2026-09-04T10:23:20.566+01:00

On Tuesday, Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment unveiled new details about The Transformers: The Movie, returning to theatres internationally in 4K from September 17–22. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Hasbro has created Optimus Prime: Awakening as a special animated short as part of its broader anniversary brand celebration.

The short, which will be presented following select anniversary screenings of the original 1986 film, is a fully realized, 12-minute animated video designed as a love letter to the Transformers community and the late Peter Cullen, the legendary talent and voice of Optimus Prime.

Optimus Prime: Awakening builds on the acclaimed storytelling and visuals of The Transformers: The Movie (1986), offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the franchise’s iconic cultural moment from its past while exploring its future on the big screen.

The animated short delivers emotional storytelling, electric action, and new performances by legends Frank Welker as Megatron/Soundwave and Peter Cullen in his final original voice performance as Optimus Prime.

Peter shared that returning for Optimus Prime: Awakening meant a great deal to him. He felt the project was a homecoming to a character he had shaped for more than four decades. Peter’s performance reveals a deeper vulnerability while retaining the unmistakable strength and authority that made his portrayal iconic.

Frank Welker shared, “Optimus Prime and Megatron were made for each other. After all, one needs the perfect hero against the epitome of evil to create great drama. Peter’s portrayal of Prime was born of his own personal beliefs: honesty, loyalty, and always insisting on doing the right thing.

“This made it easy to be friends. Returning as Megatron and Soundwave for one final story opposite Peter’s Optimus in ‘Optimus Prime: Awakening’ was a real gift. I will miss my friend, but that voice and his heart and values will always be part of Optimus Prime.”

In addition to previously announced regions, Fathom Entertainment today confirmed screenings of The Transformers: The Movie in France, Singapore, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Peru.

Are you going to see The Transformers: The Movie on the big screen? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO PlayStation at State of Play

2026-09-03T15:38:41.752+01:00

Today, the LEGO Group invites fans to press ‘Start’ on a brick building trip down memory lane with the reveal of the LEGO PlayStation. This epic 1,911-piece set pays tribute to the console that redefined gaming, featuring the unmistakable grey silhouette of the original PlayStation console, alongside its very first revolutionary controller.

Designed for adult builders, this premium display model celebrates the console that helped shape a generation of play. For the first time, fans can build a detailed, near 1:1 scale replica of the iconic console, measuring over 6 cm high, 26 cm wide, and 19 cm deep. From plugging the brick-built controller into the console to pressing the tactile, functional Open and Power buttons, every detail has been designed to capture the ritual and excitement of ‘90s gaming on the original PlayStation console.

The real cheat code? Pop open the console to discover hidden, buildable dioramas inspired by two games that are a part of video game history. Builders can assemble a mini track from Gran Turismo (originally released in 1997) with tiny cars ready to race, and a scene from Ape Escape (released in 1999) featuring the game's iconic red or blue monkey helmet. These dioramas can be concealed inside the console or pulled out to be displayed alongside your setup.

LEGO PlayStation is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

What do you think of the LEGO PlayStation? Will you add this to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Doctor Who Pops! from Funko

2026-09-02T12:00:00.000+01:00

Whovians (myself included) rejoice! Funko has announced its first new Doctor Who Pop! collection in seven years, featuring the Fifteenth Doctor.

You can pre-order Doctor Who Pops! that are still in stock today, with an estimated ship date of 18th November. The only exception is the exclusive Bronze Dalek (Metallic), which ships on 30th December.

Pre-order Doctor Who Pops! from Funko (affiliate link).

Are you collecting Doctor Who Pops! from Funko? Which characters would you like to see added in the future? Let me know in the comments below.

Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime, dies

2026-09-01T15:40:55.964+01:00

40 years ago, Optimus Prime (often viewed as a surrogate dad) died in The Transformers: The Movie! Hasbro's controversial decision to sell new toys by killing off fan-favourite characters traumatised a generation of kids (myself included).

Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime, recalled hearing the stories that prompted the return of the heroic leader of the Autobots:

"I did Optimus Prime up until the movie in 1986, where I was put to rest. 'There lays Optimus Prime. See ya, kid!' And I didn't come back, I wasn't resurrected until the first Michael Bay film. So, there's a lot of time in between; however, I did come back to do two or three shows because a lot of kids evidently had trouble with that scene, and they were not coming out of their rooms and hiding under beds, I was told."

On a personal note, my late mum bought me the original Optimus Prime toy - as a surprise gift - whilst I was off sick from school in 1984. The Transformers, combined with the Marvel Comics tie-in, would soon become one of my all-time favourite toy lines, which I still collect.

Cullen, who voiced Optimus Prime for almost 4 decades, has died aged 85.

He died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, a statement said.

"Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family - and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide.

"His family asks that you honour his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember 'be strong enough to be gentle'."

Cullen's other roles included the evil KARR in Knight Rider, Monterey Jack in Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, and he voiced characters in 1980s and 1990s animated series including Spider-Man, Donkey Kong, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Dungeons & Dragons, My Little Pony, Duck Tales and Adventures of the Gummi Bears.

Like many Transformers fans, I will be forever thankful for Cullen's contribution to my life.

'Til all are one.

Grand Theft Auto VI shines on PS5

2026-08-29T10:52:45.908+01:00

After days of leaked gameplay footage, which I avoided like the bitcoin plague, Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto VI extended look on Netflix left me overwhelmed and even more hyped for the November release!

GTA VI heads to the state of Leonida, home to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond, in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series yet. With a reported budget of over a billion dollars and a female protagonist (Lucia), GTA VI was originally due to release in 2025.

The footage was captured on a base PlayStation 5 (PS5) and looks phenomenal...

IGN's Ryan McCaffrey said GTA VI "might be the best-looking game I've ever seen." The soundtrack includes inspired use of Cliff Richard's Devil Woman, and I've fallen in love with Lucia before even downloading the Ultimate Edition for PS5 and picking up a controller. Even with GTA VI locked at 30FPS, the PS5 Pro is selling out everywhere.

Rockstar Games has confirmed to Kinda Funny Games that GTA VI will launch without microtransactions or generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Pre-order Grand Theft Auto VI at Amazon (affiliate link).

What did you think of the extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI? Have you pre-ordered the game? Let me know in the comments below.

LEGO Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer

2026-08-27T12:12:01.631+01:00

On Wednesday, the LEGO Group unveiled the LEGO Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer (75457), a spectacular 6,130-piece building set designed for adult fans. This highly detailed Ultimate Collector Series (UCS) model invites builders to recreate the legendary flagship of Darth Vader, capturing the vessel’s vast scale and razor-sharp silhouette as seen in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

Designed as a tribute to one of the saga’s most recognisable ships, the set gives fans a striking display piece worthy of a galaxy far, far away... Builders can showcase the completed flagship on its built-in minimal stand alongside a companion Star Destroyer built to scale, complete with a tiny Millennium Falcon on a 1x1 round tile as a playful nod to the Executor’s colossal proportions.

Measuring over 53.5 inches (136 cm) in length, this is the longest LEGO Star Wars brick-built model to date. To achieve this impressive feat, the design team engineered a LEGO System core with slender LEGO Technic outriggers that anchor the exterior panels, delivering strength without bulk.

Authenticity and detail are at the heart of this set, which features dense central greebling contrasted against sleek side panels. Among the 6,130 elements is a newly designed decorated tile graphic used 60 times to recreate the tiny hull lights and central detailing. The graphic works across multiple orientations and overlaps, allowing the repeated tiles read as organic "random lights". Controlled inversions are utilised to switch building orientation mid-build, exposing both stud and tube sides for richer detailing on the center spine and underside.

The set includes seven Minifigures: Darth Vader and, for the first time in a single set, all six bounty hunters: Boba Fett, Dengar (featuring a refreshed backpack build), Bossk, IG-88 (featuring a brand-new moulded head), 4-LOM, and Zuckuss. The model includes a detailed Minifigure-scale scene of the Executor's bridge, where builders can recreate the legendary moment these characters meet.

LEGO Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

What do you think of the LEGO Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer? Will you add this to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Spider-Man swings towards Star Wars

2026-08-26T16:00:00.000+01:00

Spider-Man: Brand New Day disproves superhero fatigue by passing Avengers: Endgame at the US box office as the beloved webslinger swings towards Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“The press talks a lot about that, but right now, on anything, the theatrical audience demands greatness,” Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman told The Hollywood Reporter (THR). “If it’s only OK, they can stay home and see ‘only OK’ all day long on television. If we’re going to ask them make a trip out of it, it’s got to be great. The answer is as simple as that.”

The Tom Holland-led Marvel Studios blockbuster has taken $2.22 billion worldwide.

Have you seen Spider-Man: Brand New Day? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Alien director says he's an influencer

2026-08-24T16:18:25.781+01:00

Sir Ridley Scott, the 88-year-old director of seminal sci-fi movies Alien and Blade Runner, told The Times of London how his legacy has inspired others:

"Every time, you are vulnerable. Also, I never want to repeat myself and all my films have been on the money. I've been ahead of the game frequently and, if you're ahead of the game, you're an influencer. So I'm not a filmmaker, I'm an influencer."

Scott is one of the highest-grossing directors of all time – winning two Golden Globes and two Emmys – as well as being nominated for four Oscars, eight Baftas and a Grammy.

Like many, I watched the original Alien on home video far too young and the titular xenomorph has stalked my nightmares and woven itself into the fabric of fragmented memories of a life-changing childhood trauma featuring creepy hospital corridors, flickering neon lights and faceless adults.

Do you agree that Ridley Scott is an influencer, not a filmmaker? Let me know in the comments below.

Harrison Ford and Cookie Monster team up

2026-08-21T15:06:24.473+01:00

The cast of Shrinking on Apple TV visited the set of Sesame Street earlier this year, where Harrison Ford and Cookie Monster teamed up.

The odd couple hummed composer John Williams' Raiders March from the Indiana Jones franchise in a viral clip that has broken the internet! As a kid growing up watching Sesame Street, Star Wars and Indiana Jones, this made my day.

Shrinking is streaming exclusively on Apple TV.

LEGO DC Batman: Batman Returns Batmobile

2026-08-20T16:00:00.000+01:00

The LEGO Group, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, unveils the LEGO DC Batman: Batman Returns Batmobile (76355). The 2,269-piece set, inspired by the legendary vehicle from the 1992 film Batman Returns, recreates the sleek silhouette, intricate details and unforgettable transformation sequence of one of cinema's most recognisable Super Hero vehicles.

The latest in a series of LEGO Batman display models, this set brings the distinctive vehicle from Tim Burton's Batman Returns to LEGO brick form for the very first time. Featuring authentic details, an innovative transformation function and hidden references from the film, the model celebrates one of Batman's most memorable on-screen appearances.

From its elongated bodywork and jet turbine rear engine to the opening canopy and detailed cockpit, every element has been carefully recreated to reflect the Batmobile as seen on screen. Builders can also discover several hidden details throughout the model, including The Penguin's tracking device, inspired by memorable moments from the film.

LEGO DC Batman: Batman Returns Batmobile is available from LEGO AU, CA, UK and US (affiliate links).

What do you think of the LEGO DC Batman: Batman Returns Batmobile? Will you add this to your collection? Let me know in the comments below.

Doctor Who legends launch the Pondcast!

2026-08-19T10:00:00.000+01:00

Doctor Who legends Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) and Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams) have officially launched their new podcast, The Pondcast!

The duo, who played fan-favourite companions of the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), will be featuring guests from the beloved BBC sci-fi series, including former showrunner Steven Moffat.

Whilst the date of the first episode hasn't been confirmed, the former co-stars launched their show on Monday with an Instagram account, with Darvill explaining: "We're going to be doing some chatting."

"And drinking tea," Gillan added. "Telling stories..."

You had me at drinking tea.

"And reminiscing," Darvill went on. "And generally having an absolutely lovely time."

Darvill and Gillan first appeared in The Eleventh Hour and remained on Doctor Who until their heartbreaking exit in The Angels Take Manhattan.

What are your favourite episodes featuring the Ponds? Will you be listening to The Pondcast? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars: Starfighter at D23

2026-08-17T11:00:00.000+01:00

During the Disney Studio Showcase panel at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, director Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) and actor Ryan Gosling (Project Hail Mary) took to the stage with Lucasfilm co-president Dave Filoni to promote Star Wars: Starfighter.

“I owe a lot to Disney,” Gosling, a former member of the Mickey Mouse Club who is playing Kade Auberon, said. “Had they not looked far and wide and come to my hometown, I would not be here today. And now here I am 30 years later... I’m back, and it’s changing my life again.”

D23 attendees got an exclusive first look at the upcoming Star Wars movie along with its retro-inspired logo.

“I am so honored to release this film on the same weekend that the original film opened 50 years earlier,” Levy said.

Like Star Wars creator George Lucas, Levy was inspired by American car culture and films like The Outsiders and Lucas’ American Graffiti.

“Starfighter embodies the themes of hope, family and adventure that have always been core to Star Wars, but our story takes place in a period of time that has never been seen before, which has been a privilege to create and explore."

Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone story set 5 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, is due for release on 28th May 2027 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera.

Are you looking forward to Star Wars: Starfighter? Let me know in the comments below.

Ahsoka brings the Force to D23

2026-08-15T11:14:34.419+01:00

During the Ahsoka Spotlight panel at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Star Wars fans (myself included) got a first look at Ahsoka season two on Disney+. Creator and Lucasfilm co-president Dave Filoni and stars Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), and Eman Esfandi (Ezra Bridger) were on stage to tease the next chapter for Ahsoka Tano.

Read the official synopsis:

"As Ahsoka and her Jedi apprentice Sabine Wren travel across a mysterious and perilous world to find their way home, their friends Hera, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper, must face the powerful Grand Admiral Thrawn and his sinister allies, who seek to plunge the New Republic into war."

It looks like the 3-year wait was worth it, with Lucasfilm pulling no punches for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars.

Season two of Ahsoka, streaming on 20th January, 2027 on Disney+.

Are you looking forward to the second season of Ahsoka on Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.

The Mandalorian and Grogu on Disney+

2026-08-14T16:27:07.957+01:00

The Mandalorian and Grogu are coming home.

The Mandalorian and Grogu hit the big screen on 22nd May. For over half a decade, Star Wars has been on the small screen with animated and live-action spin-off series on Disney+. The family-friendly adventure, featuring fan-favourites from The Mandalorian series, brought the saga back to cinemas. This is the way.

Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone story set 5 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, is due for release on 28th May 2027 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of George Lucas' space opera. The upcoming film directed by Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) stars Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams.

Experience Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, streaming 2nd September on Disney+.

Are you looking forward to watching The Mandalorian and Grogu on Disney+? Let me know in the comments below.

Stargate producer on rebooting Doctor Who

2026-08-13T12:24:21.365+01:00

The BBC is putting Doctor Who out to competitive tender after the Disney+ deal was not renewed and the departure of series showrunner Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf.

Dean Devlin, who co-wrote and produced Stargate and Independence Day, has responded to rumours that his production company, Electric Entertainment, is linked to a new series of Doctor Who with David Tennant purportedly reprising the titular role.

When approached by the Radio Times, Devlin said in a statement: "It is untrue that we have had negotiations with the BBC. Preliminary or otherwise. When the proper time comes when they are prepared to speak with people, we certainly hope to have a discussion with them."

The update follows an earlier post by Devlin on Facebook, in which he shared an AI-generated video featuring himself and various other former Doctor Who actors posing on the set of the TARDIS. "So BBC is putting Doctor Who out to tender," Devlin captioned the video. "Do you think they should partner with us at Electric Entertainment?"

What are your thoughts on Dean Devlin producing Doctor Who? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars and Marvel Comics collide

2026-08-12T15:28:26.173+01:00

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, Marvel Comics and Lucasfilm Publishing unveiled Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles, the first-ever crossover between the two beloved franchises launching in January 2027.

Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles marks a new chapter in the decades-spanning relationship between Marvel Comics and Star Wars.

“On April 12th, 1977, Marvel Comics introduced readers to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars #1. Now, 50 years later, it's only fitting that the Star Wars galaxy collides with the Marvel Universe to celebrate the 50th anniversary of A New Hope,” reflects Michael Siglain, Creative Director of Lucasfilm Publishing. “With Hope Assembles, Kevin Smith has written a true love letter to Star Wars, to Marvel, and to comics in general. And combined with David Marquez's incredible art, we'll see the heroes and villains of Star Wars team-up and battle with the heroes and villains of Earth-616.”

As I've written previously, Star Wars Weekly #2 was my first comic book glimpse of a galaxy far, far away...

“Marvel and Star Wars’ histories have been intertwined for 50 years and continue to set the standard for storytelling across the world… and across the media landscape,” adds Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Stephen Wacker. “Lifelong lovers of both Star Wars and Marvel have a lot to look forward to as we finally bring the characters together in ways fans have been dreaming about for decades!”

Series scribe Kevin Smith is one such lifelong lover of both franchises. “Back in the early ‘80s, I had a subscription to Marvel’s Star Wars comics. And as fun as it was to follow the adventures of Luke, Leia and Han, I always wished that Spider-Man or Doctor Doom could cross over into their cinematic saga,” he shares. “So when the opportunity arose to actually tell that story, nobody had to Force my hand! I’m ecstatic to be writing Hope Assembles for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars! Many thanks to Marvel Comics and Lucasfilm for trusting me to fly the Falcon and the Quinjet!”

Are you looking forward to Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars at D23

2026-08-11T11:26:01.635+01:00

Lucasfilm has exciting news about the Star Wars franchise at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event this week.

Friday, August 14

A LEGO Star Wars Conversation with Shelby Young

10 a.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Go behind the bricks with voice actress Shelby Young as she discusses her experience across various LEGO Star Wars projects, including a sneak peek into new LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian special coming to Disney+ on September 2.

Ahsoka Spotlight

12 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Ahsoka’s Eman Esfandi, who plays Ezra Bridger in live action, stops by to talk about making Season 1 of the Emmy Award®-winning Disney+ series.

Creatures and Characters with Legacy Effects

2 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

The creative effects studio that brought the Mandalorian, Grogu, and the Anzellans to life talks about the craft of making lifelike creatures and costumes.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Meet & Greet

4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Saturday, August 15

Hasbro: Bringing Star Wars Characters to Life Through Toys

10 a.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Meet the Makers! Join the Hasbro team for a conversation about the creative journey behind bringing Star Wars characters from the screen into fans' hands through expressive, interactive toy design.

Designing The Mandalorian and Grogu: A Conversation with Doug Chiang

12 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Join Lucasfilm's Senior Vice President and Executive Design Director Doug Chiang for a moderated conversation about bringing The Mandalorian and Grogu to the big screen. Hear firsthand how the film's environments, creatures, and vehicles were developed from concept to screen.

Creatures and Characters with Legacy Effects

2 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

The creative effects studio that brought the Mandalorian, Grogu, and the Anzellans to life talks about the craft of making lifelike creatures and costumes.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Meet & Greet

4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Sunday, August 16

The Making of Star Wars: The Experience

10 a.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Lucasfilm’s Portia Fontes and Matt Martin join The Franklin Institute’s Abby Bysshe and MDSX’s Dan Picard to provide an in-depth look at curating the new Star Wars: The Experience traveling exhibition to celebrate 50 years of the franchise and the fandom.

Inside Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord with Matt Michnovetz

12 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Join head writer and executive producer Matt Michnovetz as he discusses the production process, creative journey, and powerful storytelling of Maul - Shadow Lord Season 1.

Creatures and Characters with Legacy Effects

2 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

The creative effects studio that brought the Mandalorian, Grogu, and the Anzellans to life talks about the craft of making lifelike creatures and costumes.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Meet & Greet

4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. at the Lucasfilm Booth

Which Star Wars panels are you looking forward to at D23? Let me know in the comments below.

Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd

2026-08-08T17:18:44.452+01:00

Lucasfilm has announced a Welsh-language dub of Star Wars: A New Hope. Entitled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, it is scheduled to air on Christmas Day on S4C in anticipation of the movie's 50th anniversary next year.

S4C's chief executive Geraint Evans said: "We were thrilled when Lucasfilm approached us to partner on producing a Welsh version of Star Wars: A New Hope.

"It's such an iconic film to so many generations of fans across the world so we're delighted to be working with them and Creative Wales to turn this ambition into reality."

Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd is directed by Ellyn Stern and produced by Michael Kohn, director of distribution operations at Lucasfilm.

"We're really excited about this project for many reasons," Kohn said.

"I've been involved in a few indigenous dubs of Star Wars over the years that aim to preserve and revitalise interest in learning the language.

"The chance to celebrate the Welsh language through Star Wars is one we couldn't pass up."

Wales has a storied history with Star Wars. A life-sized Millennium Falcon was built at Pembroke Dock in 1979 for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, as well as scenes from Disney+ series Star Wars: The Acolyte that were shot across Bannau Brycheiniog.

Lucasfilm co-president Lynwen Brennan, who was born and raised in Wales, said: "Wales has such a rich history of storytelling and a beautiful lyrical language.

"We have never before had a translation of Star Wars into Welsh and I am so thankful that in celebration of our 50th anniversary, we have been able to work with some incredible Welsh talent to make that a reality.

"Welsh speakers will finally be able to enjoy the film in our native language and my hope is that it will have the same emotional impact as if you were watching the film again for the first time."

Matthew Rhys will voice Han Solo, with Rhys Ifans as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards as Princess Leia. Star Wars veteran Mark Lewis Jones, who portrayed Captain Moden Canady in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, will take on the role of Darth Vader, and Osian Morgan will voice Luke Skywalker.

May the Force be with you, or Bydded y Grym gyda chi, as fans say in Welsh.

Are you looking forward to seeing Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd? Let me know in the comments below.

Grand Theft Auto VI extended look on Netflix

2026-08-06T16:30:43.849+01:00

Rockstar Games has announced that an extended look at Grand Theft Auto VI will first be available on Netflix later this month.

"The new iteration in the blockbuster series comes 13 years following the debut of GTA 5, the same year that Netflix was beginning its push into original programming," Netflix wrote. "This collaboration represents the next generation of storytelling and content on Netflix."

GTA VI heads to the state of Leonida, home to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond, in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series yet. With a reported budget of over a billion dollars and featuring a female protagonist (Lucia), GTA VI was originally due to be released in 2025.

“Grand Theft Auto reveals have become cultural moments in their own right," said Brandon Riegg, Netflix's VP of Nonfiction Series. "The anticipation and fandom around Grand Theft Auto 6 is unprecedented, and we’re honored that Rockstar Games has partnered with us to debut the next part of the Grand Theft Auto story with Netflix members first. It’s a reflection of what we hope Netflix is becoming: a place where the most ambitious storytelling, from any medium, can find the biggest possible audience."

The long-awaited next instalment in the GTA franchise will be released on PlayStation 5 (PS5) and XBOX Series X|S on 19th November and will be digital-only. The halcyon days of midnight launches are gone forever post-pandemic, and vertical companies will have complete control over distribution, availability and dynamic pricing.

This has sparked controversy (I'm team digital on XBOX, but prefer physical on PlayStation), and now an extended look will be paywalled on Netflix for 6 hours, which will only add to the unprecedented hype.

My octogenarian dad isn't a gamer, but he knows about GTA VI given all the mainstream media coverage of this monoculture moment in entertainment and that I've pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition for PS5.

Pre-order Grand Theft Auto VI at Amazon (affiliate link).

Are you looking forward to Grand Theft Auto VI? Let me know in the comments below.

Babylon 5 on YouTube

2026-08-05T09:00:00.000+01:00

The future of Doctor Who and Star Trek may be in flux, but renewed interest in Babylon 5 could be our last, best hope for a classic sci-fi series on streaming services following the cancellation of Stargate.

Warner Bros. Discovery has launched an official YouTube channel featuring classic episodes from J. Michael Straczynski's sprawling space saga.

Read the official description:

"You’ve arrived at Babylon 5, the last, best hope for peace. A neutral station standing at the crossroads of galactic powers, where ambassadors, soldiers, traders, and dreamers all have a stake in the future.

Here you’ll find stories of destiny and choice, of politics and prophecy, of wars fought in shadows and victories won through understanding. This channel is a gathering place for the history, ideas, and moments that made Babylon 5 one of science fiction’s most enduring legacies.

Whether you’re a longtime citizen of the station or arriving through the jump gate for the first time, you’re welcome here."

Straczynski introduced the new channel, promising it would feature original commentaries, interviews, chats, and additional material in the coming months.

As I've written previously, the sci-fi series will always be synonymous with undergraduate study. SeaQuest DSV and Babylon 5 both utilised Amiga Video Toasters and were the subject of lively debate in computer animation studies. George Lucas' Star Wars prequels were still a few years away, non-linear media production was still in its infancy and prohibitively expensive for the homebrew crowd (myself included) before Steve Jobs returned to Apple, democratising the industry with the iMac and iPhone.

Babylon 5 was originally shown on Channel 4 in the UK, running for 5 seasons between 1993 and 1997. Straczynski's sci-fi opus, a galaxy-spanning retelling of The Lord of the Rings, quickly became a touchstone in the space opera firmament. There were countless carshare and water-cooler conversations with fellow fans when I was hired as an online journalist at Reuters following graduation 30 years ago.

Could Warner Bros. Discovery be testing the cosmic waters to garner reaction from fans (myself included)? There have been premature announcements of a reboot with Straczynski back at the helm on The CW.

What are your memories of watching Babylon 5? Let me know in the comments below.

Dungeons & Dragons x Star Wars

2026-08-03T10:15:14.998+01:00

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a gateway into role-playing games (RPG) for generations of fantasy fans (myself included)!

The first time I became aware of TSR's tabletop franchise (not namechecked) was in Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Subsequently, Marvel Comics' D&D animated series became an afterschool staple, and my parents bought me licensed LJN action figures, which were soon integrated into Masters of the Universe and Star Wars toy stories.

Netflix's Stranger Things introduced a new generation to D&D.

Star Wars celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027, and Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast has announced a collaboration during the D&D Vision Keynote at Gen Con!

Season of Rebellion.

"We want to let our community know that D&D Universes Beyond is additive to the incredible roadmap we have for our own worlds. We have been staffing up to support this initiative and look forward to what the future holds."

As a fan of both franchises, I'm intrigued and am envisaging Magic: The Gathering Star Wars action figures on Hasbro Pulse!

Are you looking forward to the Dungeons & Dragons | Star Wars collaboration? Let me know in the comments below.