Alabama’s top commit says Colin Kaepernick’s Nike ad could actually HELP the Tide roll … with Pierce Quick telling TMZ Sports some recruits could be swayed even more to the Nike-sponsored program now. As we previously reported … Kaep inked a…
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Ron Howard Not Buying Reports that "Star Wars" Story Spin-offs on Hold
Ron Howard is taking issue with reports Disney is putting future ‘Star Wars’ spin-offs on ice after his flick fell short, money-wise. We got the director of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” Tuesday in Bev Hills just days after it was reported Disney…
Ron Howard Not Buying Reports that "Star Wars" Story Spin-offs on Hold
Ron Howard is taking issue with reports Disney is putting future ‘Star Wars’ spin-offs on ice after his flick fell short, money-wise. We got the director of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” Tuesday in Bev Hills just days after it was reported Disney…
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Obi-Wan Kenobi "Star Wars Story" Movie Has Its Plot and Director
The next movie in the ‘Star Wars Story’ franchise will feature Obi-Wan Kenobi — but it ain’t an origin story … far from it actually. According to a newly released production bulletin — obtained by TMZ — Disney’s next foray into their spin-off…
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Harrison Ford Chats with "Solo: A Star Wars Story" Star Alden Ehrenreich and Ron Howard
Harrison Ford made up for no-showing at the Hollywood premiere of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” by getting a little quality time with the film’s star … who’s playing the role he made famous. As we reported … Ford said he’s seen the movie and thinks…
Friday, May 11, 2018
Harrison Ford a No-Show at "Solo: A Star Wars Story" Premiere
Harrison Ford not showing up to the “Solo: A Star Wars Story” premiere would be like Ron Howard not showing up to anything remotely related to “Happy Days” … so it begs the question — where the heck was Harrison? The entire cast and crew –…
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
"Star Wars" Auction of Signed Stormtrooper Helmets to Benefit Victims of Northern California Fires
A few fun ‘Star Wars’ props from the last 2 franchise films are on the auction block, and are expected to fetch thousands for a good cause — helping victims of last year’s fires in California’s wine country. Lucasfilm donated 2 screen-used First…
"Star Wars" Auction of Signed Stormtrooper Helmets to Benefit Victims of Northern California Fires
A few fun ‘Star Wars’ props from the last 2 franchise films are on the auction block, and are expected to fetch thousands for a good cause — helping victims of last year’s fires in California’s wine country. Lucasfilm donated 2 screen-used First…
Monday, February 5, 2018
Solo: A Star Wars Story - Teaser for Han Solo Origin Film is Here!
Everything about Solo: A Star Wars Story — from the lead"s casting to whatever backstory they"ve given a beloved character to the fact that this story introduces yet another white brunette leading lady — is bound to be controversial.
Get excited, or angry, or nervous along with fans and watch the highly anticipated story teaser trailer below!
And check out Donald Glover"s comments about playing the iconic Lando Calrissian.
The IMDB synopsis of Solo: A Star Wars Story is very succinct:
"During an adventure into a dark criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future copilot Chewbacca and encounters Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebellion."
There"s a lot to get people excited in this film.
True, many people feel that there"s no way that anyone can live up to Harrison Ford as Han Solo.
Also true, there were apparently some difficulties in the film"s production, to the point that they switched directors.
And, admittedly, as wonderful as Emilia Clarke is, we"re starting to get the impression that every woman in Star Wars is in fact a white brunette. (Rey, Jyn Erso, Leia, Padme)
But let"s look at the positives.
It looks like there"s going to be some sort of heist, and I am all about some heist movies. Especially in a science fiction setting. (Yes, I know that Star Wars is technically science fantasy … my excitement stands)
The cast includes Donald Glover (Community, Atlanta), Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Woody Harrelson (I"m straight up not going to list stuff because he"s been in so many great things), and Thandie Newton (Westword, The Chronicles of Riddick).
And, from the teasers that we"ve seen so far, it looks like there"s going to be some sort of Dark Sided individual whose nature we don"t know. It doesn"t look like an Inquisitor (because he lacks a lightsaber), so … we"ll all find out together.
At the start, Han Solo is trying to enlist in the Empire in an effort to become a pilot. As we all know, life will end up taking him in a very different direction.
We cannot strongly enough emphasize that everyone"s reaction to the TV spot during the Superbowl was a positive response to seeing Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian. Wearing black fur.
Seriously, the delight was almost universal.
Speaking to Us Weekly, Donald Glover reveals what little he can about his experience becoming part of Star Wars.
"I remember going on set one of the first times and [Howard] was like, ‘Yeah, I want to follow you onto the Millennium Falcon and do this.’ I was like, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen the outside go into the inside.’ And he’s like, ‘Yeah, no one’s ever done that shot.""
I"d never really thought about it, but you normally only see the Millennium Falcon from the outside or from the interior. It looks like viewers will be getting a tour of what it looks like when you enter the ship.
"As a fan, I was like, ‘I’m really excited!’ For me, it was a dream."
Obviously, we"re sure that he"d have liked to share more, but he cannot.
Speaking to ABC, Ron Howard spoke of directing the film but refused to leak any spoilers.
"Those are challenging projects. And they take, you know, a lot of very talented people’s energy to try to live up to the legacy of Star Wars and everything that it means."
No one person can control the fate of Star Wars. There"s an entire team that makes sure that everything is consistent with established canon and lore and with future plans for the franchise before production begins.
"Of course, no spoilers coming from me but I had a great experience and I think fans are going to really enjoy it."
That"s quite a contrast. Famously, when a reporter asked George Lucas what titular "phantom menace" was before the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Lucas simply replied "Palpatine."
Unlike George Lucas, however, Ron Howard actually has to answer to Disney.
A lot of fans are somewhat hesitant to become excited about Solo.
There"s a lot that can go wrong when you"re telling a character"s backstory. Many fans already felt slighted by Han Solo"s portrayal in The Force Awakens.
And, speaking of the Sequel Trilogy, The Last Jedi was a controversial film among Star Wars fans. Many felt that there were poor decisions made with respect to characterization, pacing, continuity, and the canon of the series.
(Gotta admit that I"m one of those fans; the review that I wrote up was like 11 pages because I had a lot to say)
Those fans who felt massively disappointed by the most recent film are leery of getting themselves hyped for a new movie that no one really asked for.
That said … I know that I"m going to see it. Watch the trailer and decide if you"re going to see it, too.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Alfie Curtis, Dr. Evazan in "Star Wars," Dead at 87, One Year After Carrie Fisher Death
Alfie Curtis, the man who played the disfigured thug that tried picking a fight with Luke Skywalker in the first ‘Star Wars,’ has died … a year after Carrie Fisher’s death. Curtis, who played the uncredited Dr. Evazan, in George Lucas’ ‘A New…
Saturday, December 16, 2017
UFC"s Tim Kennedy to "Star Wars" Trolls: "I Will F"ing Gut You" Over Spoilers
“I will f**king gut you! I will make you bleed. Pain. Pain. A lot of pain.” That’s Tim Kennedy — UFC and U.S. Army Special Forces vet — telling all the internet trolls what he’s gonna do to them for spoiling “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Tim’s a…
UFC"s Tim Kennedy to "Star Wars" Trolls: "I Will F"ing Gut You" Over Spoilers
“I will f**king gut you! I will make you bleed. Pain. Pain. A lot of pain.” That’s Tim Kennedy — UFC and U.S. Army Special Forces vet — telling all the internet trolls what he’s gonna do to them for spoiling “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Tim’s a…
Friday, December 15, 2017
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Brings Beefed-Up Security to Hollywood Theaters
The Force and the force — LAPD, that is — will be extra strong in Hollywood for Thursday night’s premiere screenings of ”Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” We’re told more than 20 extra uniformed officers and frequent neighborhood patrols…
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Prince William and Prince Harry Attend "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Premiere in London
Prince William and Prince Harry were royal guests on the red carpet of Europe’s premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” … and the force looks very strong with these 2. The princes suited up for the London event Tuesday night and cruised past a line…
Monday, November 6, 2017
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Is Super Fashionable to Supermodels
If you don’t think ‘Star Wars’ and fashion go hand-in-hand, step back and watch Disney’s marketing geniuses go to work … with the likes of Kendall Jenner and the Hadid sisters! Kendall, Gigi and Bella Hadid and Kaia…
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Justin Trudeau"s Stoked for "Star Wars" But Won"t Talk Nuclear War
Justin Trudeau’s stoked like the rest of us after seeing the new “Star Wars” trailer … but he’s got no time for nuke talk. We got the Prime Minister of Canada in D.C. Wednesday and asked him what he thinks about “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” … he…
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Star Wars The Last Jedi Trailer: Welcome to the Dark Side?
At halftime of ESPN"s featured Monday Night Football game, the Minnesota Vikings were leading the Chicago Bears by a non-rousing score of 3-2.
Yet viewers stuck around because they had been promised something rather unique at the break:
The second trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi!
In this surprisingly revealing preview, we open with a look at Kylo Ren"s turn to the Dark Side, as Supreme Leader Snoke says the following to the son of Han Solo and Princess Leia:
"When I found you, I saw raw, untamed power. And beyond that, something truly special."
GULP.
The footage then takes us to Rey"s training with Luke Skywalker, where her power of the Force simply astounds the Jedi.
"I"ve seen this raw strength once before. It didn"t scare me enough then. It does now," Skywalker tells his impressive pupil.
He’s talking, of course, about Kylo Ren’s massacre of the young Jedi trainees Luke was once overseeing. And he now thinks the Jedi must end… yet perhaps this fear will merely push Rey away.
Elsewhere, we"re treated to a glimpse at Finn facing off in a battle against his ex-commander, Captain Phasma, as well as our first look at Supreme Leader Snoke that isn"t an evil projection.
How does the trailer end?
In ominous fashion, with Rey telling her adversary Kylo Ren:
"I need someone to show me my place in all this."
Cue Kylo Ren extending his hand to her… and our hearts practically leaping out of our bodies.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits theaters on December 15.
Ahead of the trailer’s release, meanwhile, Lucasfilm unveiled the official theatrical poster for The Last Jedi:
Pretty darn awesome, right?
Also: rest in peace, Carrie Fisher.
Check out the full Star Wars: The Last Jedi now!
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Chris Hardwick Says J.J. Abrams Earned His Return to "Star Wars"
Chris Hardwick doesn’t have a problem with J.J. Abrams being back at the helm for “Star Wars: Episode IX” … ‘cause he’s proved he can do it, and deserves another shot. We got Chris, certified comic and sci-fi nerd, Wednesday in Bev Hills, and…
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
"Star Wars" Star John Boyega Bumps & Grinds at Notting Hill Carnival
The force is strong … in John Boyega’s shorts judging from all the bumping and grinding he did at London’s massive Notting Hill Festival. Boyega hit up the annual street festival, along with some 2 million other people, and rode a carnival…
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Big Sean Has Big Love for Star Wars, Comic Books and Stan Lee
Big Sean’s an open (comic) book … when it comes to his infatuation with superheroes. The rapper was leaving Craig’s in Weho Saturday night with his gf, singer Jhene Aiko, when we asked if he’s into the Comic-Con scene. His answer was an…