Consider this your Celebration ICYMI mega thread. The folks over at StarWars.com were busy posting Celebration articles last week and with all the travelling, attending the con, hanging out with friends or watching the livestream it’s easy for some info to have passed you by.
So, now that the dust has settled we’ve rounded them all up here to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the information. Make sure to click through to read the articles in full.
Day 1
Lego Breaks Guinness World Record With An Army of 36,440 Stormtrooper Minifigs
To open Star Wars Celebration Chicago and celebrate the 20th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars, LEGO has gathered an entire legion of its own best troops, and in historic fashion: the company has achieved a Guinness World Records title for largest display of LEGO Star Wars minifigures — featuring an astonishing 36,440 stormtroopers. Now available for fans to see on the show floor, the minifigures are arranged in the shape of a massive stormtrooper helmet, requiring 12 LEGO employees working 16 hours to place.
Alan Tudyk To Return as K-2SO in Cassian Andor Live-Action Series
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy announced today that Alan Tudyk will reprise the role of K-2SO in the upcoming Cassian Andor live-action series for Disney+, the Company’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service launching November 12. For Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Tudyk both voiced K-2SO and performed motion-capture for the towering droid, who quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his wit and sense of loyalty.
Day 2
Get Your First Look At Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker Product Packaging
Collectors can finish what they started and pick up toys and other merchandise for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Triple Force Friday this fall.
7 Highlights From Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker Teaser
1. Rey vs. the TIE fighter. Echoing the first trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, our journey begins with the sound of Rey breathing. But instead of the labored breaths of a struggling student, this is the controlled inhalation of a focused warrior ready to fight. And when she took an impossible running leap to vault herself over the TIE fighter chasing her? Mind blowing.
7. Leia! Although it’s been reported that the late Carrie Fisher would reprise her role using unused footage from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, seeing her on-screen embracing Rey is a poignant and emotional moment.
13 Things We Learned From Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker Panel
Star Wars Celebration Chicago kicked off with our first look at the beyond-highly-anticipated Star Wars: Episode IX — now revealed as Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the final film of the Skywalker saga. In a panel hosted by Stephen Colbert (who immediately won over the crowd with the brilliant in-joke, “I just flew in from Dagobah, and boy are my S-foils locked in attack position.”), fans were treated to discussions about the making of the film with director/writer J.J. Abrams, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), and Naomi Ackie (Jannah). (R2-D2, BB-8, and new droid pal D-O also made appearances.) It was a revealing, emotional talk — here are 13 things we learned.
1. The film’s official name is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and its teaser is both thrilling and shocking. Really. The panel ended with the debut of a teaser for the film, featuring mysterious words from Luke to Rey, an emotional shot of Leia embracing Rey, and an ending that left the crowd roaring.
Following the teaser, Emperor actor Ian McDiarmid took the stage to a raucous ovation. “Roll it again,” he said in full Palpatine voice. Thankfully, they did.
13. Check out the new teaser poster…
After the panel, a teaser poster — featuring the movie’s official logo — was released. December can’t get here soon enough.
7 Things We Learned From The Vader Immortal Panel
Darth Vader has chosen you.
When ILMxLAB’s Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series debuts on Oculus Quest headsets this spring, fans will get the chance to sneak through the halls of Vader’s castle on Mustafar and even meet some of the native aliens that inhabit the treacherous lava planet.
1. Maya Rudolph is about to be your best friend.The actor and comedian stars as ZOE3, the latest in a long tradition of witty droid co-pilots and partners. In fact, the role was created with Rudolph in mind. “She kind of provides the heart and the comic relief of the piece,” said Goyer. “We screwed up a bunch of takes because we were laughing.”
7. Episode I is all about lightsabers, but Episode II is focused on Force abilities. The experience includes training at a Lightsaber Dojo. “There’s something really gratifying about deflecting blaster bolts back,” Martin said.
“It’s shocking how quickly you build up a sweat,” Goyer added.
7 Things We Learned From The Star Wars Hasbro Panel
In a panel discussion today, Patrick Schneider (senior manager, global brand development & marketing, Star Wars), Sam Smith (product design manager, Star Wars), Vickie Stratford (director product design and development, Star Wars), Chris Gollaher (director, product development at Lucasfilm), Sarah Carroll (director global brand strategy & marketing, Star Wars), Mark Boudreaux (senior principal product designer, Star Wars), and Eric Franer (associate product designer, Star Wars) discussed the latest in the Hasbro Star Wars galaxy, from upcoming releases to some surprise announcements. Here are seven things we learned.
1. The 6-inch Black Series is coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Three sets of exclusive figures are on their way to the upcoming Star Wars-themed land. The First Order 4-pack includes an existing Kylo Ren, Commander Pyre (the first Star Wars Resistance character brought to the Black Series), the Mountain Trooper, and an MSE (or mouse) droid. “The inspiration, the authenticity that we see in Galaxy’s Edge, we can bring in here,” said Chris Gollaher. And of course, the mouse droid has rolling wheels.
7. One more thing… Hasbro cut the lights and showed off a lightsaber — just a prototype with no plans for release as of yet — that actually ignites a beam of light. As Vickie Stratford said, it’s the latest in their efforts to develop “the ultimate Star Wars lightsaber.” No photographs or video were allowed, but based on what we saw, it’s safe to say they’re on their way.
12 Insights and Announcements From The Lucasfilm Publishing Panel
On the same day we got our first look at the teaser trailer for Episode IX and an official title for the film, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Lucasfilm Publishing confirmed a galaxy of new stories being prepped ahead of the film’s release this December.
Lucasfilm Publishing’s Creative Director Michael Siglain announced plans for a Journey to Episode IX program similar to the books that have preceded Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
1. We got our first look at the cover of Zoraida Córdova’s forthcoming book, A Crash of Fate. The book is part of a series of comics and novels that tie in to the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge themed-land coming soon to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
10. Some of the new books include familiar characters. Timothy Zahn revealed that Eli Vanto will return for Star Wars: Thrawn Treason. And Phasma‘s Cardinal shows up in Dawson’s forthcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge tie-in novel Black Spire.
Day 3
6 Things We Learned From The LEGO Star Wars 20th Anniversary Panel
Not only does 2019 mark the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Celebration, but that of LEGO Star Wars, as well. A full playset of LEGO Star Wars creators assembled on the Galaxy Stage at Star Wars Celebration Chicago to share reminiscences, insights, and a couple brand-new announcements. Here’s what we learned.
1. The return of the Tantive IV. For many LEGO fans, the best moment was the announcement of a re-imagined Tantive IV vehicle set. The new and improved creation sports 1,768 pieces and includes six minifigures, including Bail Organa and a brand new Princess Leia sporting a rare skirt element rather than the traditional legs. Limited sets will be made available here at Celebration (some fans at the panel left before its conclusion to jump in line) and will be available to the public on May the 4th.
6. Creativity passed down. What has made LEGO Star Wars so enduring? For Christoffersen, it’s that “the essence [of Lucasfilm and LEGO] is creativity. It’s what brings us together.” Frederiksen would add that “we have these stories being passed from generation to generation, and now the toys are being passed down in the same way.” It all adds up to inspiration. “We’ll go another 20 years,” as Frederiksen concluded.
Revelations At The Music Of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Panel With David Collins
Galaxy Stage host and Star Wars music devotee David Collins treated Star Wars Celebration Chicago attendees to a delightfully intricate exploration of John Williams’ score for Star Wars: The Phantom Menace — now enjoying its own 20th anniversary.
“I had absolutely nothing to do with the score of this film,” Collins jokingly reminded the audience. To him, music “enhances the story” of a film and is itself a sort of universal language. “We understand it when it is spoken to us,” he explained, “but many of us don’t readily speak it.”
‘Duel of the Fates’
Perhaps the most iconic piece of the film’s score, “Duel of the Fates” on the surface exemplifies what George Lucas himself described as “the prime of the Jedi” with its epic lightsaber combat. Its blend of the choral and orchestral styles literally sends musical tremors across the saga.
“The medium of chorus and orchestra would give us a sense that we’re in a big temple,” Williams himself explained in an archival clip which Collins shared. “The decision to make [“Duel of the Fates”] choral was just the result of my thinking that it should have a kind of ritualistic or quasi-religious feeling,” he continued. “The drama is a contrast and a contest between good and evil. This lore taps into some kind of collective memory that we all have, which is itself what the definition of a myth is.”
Disney And Lucasfilm Team Up With First To Inspire The Next Generation Of Heroes And Innovators
Lucasfilm and parent company Disney, and the global K-12 nonprofit organization FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) are teaming up to inspire the next generation of heroes and innovators. As part of their Star Wars: Force for Change philanthropic initiative, Disney and Lucasfilm are providing a $1.5 million donation, in-kind, and mentorship resources to help expand access to FIRST programs for more students globally, with a focus on underserved communities.
“Star Wars has always inspired young people to look past what is and imagine a world beyond,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “It is crucial that we pass on the importance of science and technology to young people — they will be the ones who will have to confront the global challenges that lie ahead. To support this effort, Lucasfilm and Disney are teaming up with FIRST to bring learning opportunities and mentorship to the next generation of innovators.”
7 Highlights From The Collectibles Panel
A museum-worthy bust of the queen of Naboo, lightsabers so intricate they look like you could ignite them at any moment, and a towering replica of Chewbacca were just some of the highlights during a collectibles panel hosted by Lucasfilm’s Brian Merten Friday at Star Wars Celebration Chicago.
1. Lladró is giving Queen Amidala the royal treatment. Lladró, a maker of handmade porcelain art from Valencia, Spain, is making its debut in a galaxy far, far away to honor Queen Amidala — and other heroes like her — with the Born to Rebel series. The collection will eventually include characters like Leia, Amilyn Holdo, Rey, and Ahsoka, in honor of each rebel’s willingness to fight back against the totalitarian oppression of the Trade Federation, the Empire, and the First Order. Featuring color, a pristine glaze, and a gold luster, the handcrafted figurine celebrates the 20th anniversary of Padmé Amidala’s introduction in 1999’s The Phantom Menace.
7. Let the Wookiee in. There’s also a massive Chewbacca bust and full-sized, furry statue of the mighty Wookiee coming from Regal Robot. Need we say more?
6 Things We Learned From The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Panel
The minds behind Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the upcoming Star Wars-themed land, gathered for a special panel discussion — “Bringing Star Wars to Life at Disney Parks — today at Star Wars Celebration Chicago. Hosted by Josh Gad, the panel featured Scott Trowbridge (portfolio creative executive / studio leader at Walt Disney Imagineering), Asa Kalama (executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering), Margaret Kerrison (managing story editor at Walt Disney Imagineering), Chris Beatty (executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering), Doug Chiang (Doug Chiang, legendary concept artist and now vice president and creative director at Lucasfilm), and Matt Martin (creative executive, Lucasfilm Story Group). This preview featured a look at the Hondo Ohnaka Audio-Animatronics figure, new announcements, and much more. Here are six things we learned.
1. You Can’t Beat the Real Thing…at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You’ll be able to enjoy a Coca-Cola at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — but one that’s truly in-world. The Coca-Cola Company has collaborated with Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm to create extremely cool, new bottles for Coca-Cola and other beverages that look like they’d be right at home on Batuu, or maybe in Lando’s fridge. “We wanted something that almost appeared like it was pulled off of a ship or left behind,” said Matt Cooper of The Coca-Cola Company, “and was repurposed as something that you could consume some of your favorite drinks in.”
“We translate the Coca-Cola name in more than 100 languages,” added Brad Spickert of The Coca-Cola Company, “but now, being able to share them for the first time in Aurebesh with this crowd at Celebration truly takes my breath away.” Attendees of the panel went home with a free Aurebesh Coca-Cola T-shirt, inspiring understandable jealousy from host Josh Gad.
6. You can enter a Twitter sweepstakes for a chance to win a vacation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort. As announced at the panel, Lucasfilm and parent company Disney, and the global K-12 nonprofit organization FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) are teaming up to inspire the next generation of heroes and innovators. This sweepstakes is meant to help spread awareness of FIRST — go here for full details!
8 Highlights From The Rebels Remembered Panel
Star Wars Rebels may be over, but fans at Star Wars Celebration Chicago were reunited with cast members Vanessa Marshall, Tiya Sircar, and Taylor Gray, as well as show runner Dave Filoni, to talk about the fourth and final season.
Here are eight of our favorite highlights from the panel hosted by Amy Ratcliffe.
1. At the end of the show’s run, Tiya Sircar was the only member of the cast to know about the epilogue “for months and months and months.”Sircar received the script on a piece of notepad paper in Filoni’s handwritten scrawl, which he had written on a flight to Los Angeles, he said. “So I read it, I’m like fully shaking, start sobbing like full-on ugly crying,” she said. “It was a big deal…It’s the best secret I’ve ever kept.”
Months later, when the cast gathered for the series finale, Vanessa Marshall was shocked to learn that Hera Syndulla was a mother. “I just recovered last week from how hard you grabbed my arm,” Taylor Gray joked.
7. Freddie Prinze Jr. was adamant about Kanan dying in the final season. Filoni said it was important for the show to deal with some serious themes, including the loss of a loved one and Kanan’s selfless sacrifice to save his family. And the voice actor behind the character wouldn’t have had it any other way. “I was like, ‘man, Freddie, this is depressing,” Filoni joked.
5 Things We Learned From The Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Panel
Respawn Entertainment is here at Star Wars Celebration Chicago, and the company has brought something very exciting with them: the story reveal trailer for Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. This is the developer behind Titanfall, the massively acclaimed Titanfall 2, and mega-hit battle royale Apex Legends, and this fall they’re bringing players the first all-story, single-player-only Star Warsgame since 2010’s The Force Unleashed II. Saturday’s Celebration panel in Chicago featured a discussion between host David Collins, game director Stig Asmussen (God of War III), Respawn CEO Vince Zampella (Call of Duty), narrative lead Aaron Contreras (BioShock Infinite), producer Kasumi Shishido, and the Lucasfilm Story Group’s Steve Blank.
Here’s what we know about Fallen Order so far.
1. Fallen Order is a single-player experience, full stop. Players won’t find any multiplayer component in this narrative-focused Star Wars game. “Star Wars is part of my DNA. It helped form who I am,” Respawn’s Vince Zampella said. “This is a Jedi fantasy story game: no multiplayer.” At that moment, the entire arena erupted with applause. Fans of classic titles like Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast and The Force Unleashed have been hungering for a story-centric Jedi action game for roughly a decade, and Fallen Order aims to deliver on the promise of Lucasfilm’s story tradition as well as Respawn’s penchant for phenomenal gameplay.
5. While the game tells a fresh, original story full of new characters, it also ties into the larger world of Star Wars storytelling. One of Fallen Order’s headlining baddies is the Jedi hunter known as the Second Sister, one of the Emperor’s Sith Inquisitors. She was created by writer Charles Soule and artist Giuseppe Camuncoli for their acclaimed run on Marvel’s Darth Vader, and appeared for the first time in issue #19. Another Soule-Camuncoli creation, the red-eyed purge troopers, will also play a prominent role in the game as elite stormtroopers specially trained to fight Jedi — making them all too eager for the day they finally come face to face with one of the dwindling Order’s last.
Some of the game’s all-new creations include Seer, played by MadTV alum and voice actress Debra Wilson, and a droid named BD-1, whom narrative lead Aaron Contreras based on his own beloved dog. BD-1’s voice has been devised and performed by none other than legendary Star Wars sound designer Ben Burtt.
“[Fallen Order] is an absolute labor of love,” said Story Group’s Steve Blank.
“We’re putting our heart and soul into this game,” producer Kasumi Shishido added, “so we really can’t wait to show you more.”
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order launches November 15, 2019, on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC
Also…
The Art of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order goes on sale November 19, 2019, and is available for pre-order through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Things from Another World, and at your local comic shop.
Day 4
See New Photos From The Mandalorian
9 Things We Learned From The Mandalorian Panel
Showrunners Jon Favreau, who wrote and executive produced the series, and Dave Filoni, who directed the first episode, were joined by actors Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, and Carl Weathers as they answered a few questions about their characters and what the series has in store.
Here are nine things we learned during the panel celebrating the arrival of The Mandalorian.
1. The main character’s ship, the Razorcrest, was a practical model, not a computer-generated effect. For the completely new ship, ILM model maker John Goodson built the craft using old-school techniques combined with cutting-edge 3D printing and LEDs for the engine lighting effects. Meanwhile, special effects legend John Knoll crafted a special motion-control rig in his garage so the model could be used for composite shots. It was important to pay homage to the tradition of using practical effects to ground Star Wars in reality but, like each Star Wars film that’s come before, taking advantage of the most current technology available, Favreau said, although the idea for the miniature began “for lighting reference.”
“For your desk,” Filoni corrected.
The show is the product of new technology, including virtual reality storyboarding, game engine software, and video walls, Favreau said, “but Star Wars at its core has to feel handmade and like a practical show.”
9. But it’s not the first time Filoni and Favreau have collaborated — they were each other’s test audiences for Iron Man and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, respectively. The two revealed they met working at Skywalker Ranch and called upon each other to be the first to review these projects more than a decade ago. Favreau went on to voice the character of Pre Vizsla, a fearsome Mandalorian warrior wielding a dark saber, on the animated series. Now they’re almost ready to reveal their newest collaboration to the world.
5 Things We Learned From The ILMxLAB Panel
Moderator Bryan Bishop of ILMxLAB was joined by Director of Experience Development Mohen Leo, Production Coordinator Sarah Barrick, Senior Manager of Talent and Production Julie Peng, Senior Experience Designer Jose Perez III, and Executive Creative Producer Mark Miller to give the packed room a peek behind the curtains of ILMxLAB. Here are five things we learned.
1.There’s a huge difference between mixed reality and virtual reality. “People often lump virtual reality and mixed reality or augmented reality into one,” said Mohen Leo, “and they’re almost completely the opposite. Virtual reality is really about transporting you somewhere different, taking over your whole world, basically… [mixed reality] brings fictional elements in the real world. And fictional elements can be part of your everyday life when you’re going shopping or sitting on the bus. So how do we make Star Wars part of the real world?”
5. Your pet porg in Project Porg can play with a stuffed Chewbacca doll, chase a laser pointer, and more. Julie Peng recalled losing hours by simply playing with the laser pointer with her porg. Chewbacca and Threepio have entrusted you with the cute critters, and it’s up to you to keep them entertained. Anthony Daniels even returns as C-3PO to guide you through your new life with your porg companion. “It really moves the bar up from something where you’re just interacting with characters to where there’s a little story that’s very fun,” said Miller.
9 Things We Learned From The Star Wars: The Clone Wars Panel
Dave Filoni, supervising director on the series, actors Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), Dee Bradley Baker (Rex and all the clone troopers), Sam Witwer (Darth Maul), and more of the cast discussed the return of the show — and offered a glimpse of what’s to come when it debuts on Disney+. Here are 9 things we learned, along with many of the images shown, including concept sketches from the original production of the show, new character designs, and stills from upcoming episodes.
1. Ahsoka and Darth Maul will have an “epic” lightsaber duel — and the Sith Lord actor himself, Ray Park, helped bring it to life. As much as the Obi-Wan versus Maul fight in Star Wars Rebels was brief, Dave Filoni was determined to make Ahsoka’s battle with the Sith Lord a big one. “This one had to be among the best [duels], if not the best, we ever did,” Filoni said. To achieve this, he went to someone who’s actually been in a lightsaber duel. Filoni called Park, and the actor, who played Maul in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and Solo, performed motion-capture for the sequence. “When you see Maul fighting, it’s going to really be Maul fighting,” Filoni said.
9. A hint of things to come. The panel ended with a full trailer, featuring tantalizing glimpses of the return of The Clone Wars. We see Ahsoka reclaim her lightsabers (and use them to great effect), some Mace Windu and clone action, Trace and Rafa, and just a sliver of that Ahsoka/Maul clash. Get ready, Clone Wars fans.
Day 5
Marvel’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge #1 Art and More Revealed
Star Wars Celebration Chicago attendees got a peek into the future of Star Wars comics — no Force powers required. Matt Martin of the Lucasfilm Story Group, Tom Groneman (assistant editor ), writers Greg Pak and Ethan Sacks, and cover artist John Tyler Christopher gathered for a discussion on their work thus far and what’s to come. Here are the biggest announces and insights.
1. Marvel’s upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge series will take us inside the infamous outpost. The comic, which ties to the upcoming Star Wars-themed land of the same name, sounds like an essential read for those excited about visiting. “It’s a five-issue series,” said Matt Martin, “and it will introduce you to Dok-Ondar, who is the antiquarian at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” The book will show how Dok-Ondar came into possession of some of the artifacts we’ll soon see for ourselves, in person. But one item might not be safe. “There is a criminal gang out to plot a heist for a very specific object there,” Ethan Sacks teased.
10. Doctor Aphra begins a new story arc in May. And it sounds like a new kind of challenge for the sometimes good, sometimes bad archaeologist. “We’re gonna see a little bit of her growing up [as a child]. Some of the lessons that she learned as a kid from her mom come into play as she takes on a parental role with a young character.”
6 Surprises From Inside The Mos Eisley Cantina
Mos Eisley cantina expert/effects artist/Regal Robot founder Tom Spina returned to Star Wars Celebration for another installment of his in-depth cantina history panels. “The cool thing about Star Wars is that there’s always more to discover,” Spina explained. He joined stage host Amy Ratcliffe to unveil some rare trivia and even add a small (but important!) addition to the Star Wars lexicon.
6. A new addition to the Star Wars galaxy. The Gotal species — sometimes known simply as “goats” — are well known to many fans even beyond the cantina sequence. In a rare production photograph, Spina uncovered a Gotal character that had never been separately identified. It was decided that this alien would be named in tribute to a lucky fan in attendance at the panel.
Leland Chee — Lucasfilm’s Keeper of the Holocron — made a special appearance to craft an original name inspired by the fan’s name. That winner turned out to be Kenneth Haynie, a name which Chee quickly morphed into the one and only “Hennet Kayn,” now officially recognized as a denizen of the Mos Eisley cantina. Welcome to the galaxy far, far away, Hennet Kayn!
5 Highlights From The Phantom Menace Anniversary Panel
Warwick Davis, who petitioned George Lucas via fax to be included in this first chapter, was joined by fellow cast members Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and crew including Visual Effects Supervisor John Knoll, Viewpaint Supervisor Jean Bolte, Design Director Doug Chiang, and Supervising Sound Editor Matthew Wood. Here are 5 of our favorite highlights from the panel.
1. Ahmed Best’s standing ovation. George Lucas has called Jar Jar Binks his favorite character, and the fans seem to truly adore the actor who brought the lovable Gungan to life. When Best walked on stage he was not only greeted by an arena full of applauding fans on their feet, but the crowd even broke into a chant of his name.
5. Ray Park revealed that in his headcanon, Darth Maul has a very different theme — Prodigy’s “Firestarter.” It’s the song he was listening to in preparation for Maul’s big reveal before the duel of the fates.
9 Highlights From The ILM Model Shop Panel
Host David W. Collins was joined by legendary modelmaker Lorne Peterson, model makers Bill George, Jean Bolte, and John Goodson, and visual effects supervisor John Knoll as they recounted their decades of experience helping to forge the Lucasfilm legacy. Here are some of the most exciting moments from their discussion.
1. Many of the folks who pioneered the modern visual effects industry got the job out of sheer luck. “I was the right person in the right place at the right time,” Peterson recalled. One day in 1975, he ran into a friend from school while he was working various jobs — he once worked at an auto-body shop — and his old pal asked him to come help out with a project called Star Wars. In the early eighties, model maker Bill George got a job working on films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Poltergeist, and he begged for the chance to be part of Return of the Jedi. ILM still has old photos of George dug up a few photos taken during his teenage years, when he and a small group of friends who go Dumpster diving at the ILM lot, hoping to recover bits of exploded spaceship models used on Star Wars and the original Battlestar Galactica. John Goodson began sending letters to ILM at the age of 14, to the point where they politely asked him to stop. He was hired by the studio about a week after his college graduation.
8. The advent of computer graphics caused the Model Shop a lot of anxiety in the ’90s. Bolte recalled being one of the first of ILM’s model makers to make the leap to the realm of CGI, and as a result, she feels the best visual-effects artists are typically the ones who understand the strengths and limitations of both methodologies. The best CGI artists, Knoll agreed, are generally ones who started with some form of practical effects.
Among the biggest announcements was that writer Cavan Scott will be taking a return trip to his creepy and acclaimed Tales from Vader’s Castle, with a new series launching this October. In addition, a box set of the original comics is on the way.
Jaxxon, the rabbit-like smuggler from Marvel’s original Star Wars comics, is back in Star Wars Adventures Annual, courtesy of Cavan Scott and Mauricet (first announced on the Making Tracks panel on Sunday afternoon). The book features a cover by the great Stan Sakai — himself the creator of another iconic comics rabbit.
Check out Sakai’s cover below, along with IDW’s Free Comic Book Day offering — coming on May the 4th — and more from the panel!
6 Things We Learned From The Star Wars Resistance Panel
Host David Collins — who’s also the show’s sound editor — welcomed to the stage showrunner Justin Ridge, Executive Producer Athena Portillo, and Head Writer Brandon Auman, as well as voice actors Christopher Sean, Suzie McGrath, Scott Lawrence, Myrna Velasco, Donald Faison, and Bobby Moynihan to reminisce and to tease the show’s upcoming second season. Then attendees got an extra special treat: a private screening of the Resistance season two premiere and a teaser poster which included two pieces of amazing artwork!
1. Season Two, much like The Last Jedi, will pick up right where the previous episode ended.Although you will have to wait to see for yourself, we can tell you the new season gets off to an incredible start. Making their way through hyperspace en route to D’Qar, the Colossus crew gets more than they bargained for: systems malfunctions, artificial-gravity fluctuations, fuel shortages, and even a meddling droid belonging to the First Order. After season one’s shocking finale, you definitely don’t want to miss what’s next.
6. And the Resistance cast is like a family. Myrna Velasco, who absolutely embodies the virtues of her character, Torra Doza, said she loves getting to work alongside so many talented female performers. “We’re all dangerous women on this show,” she said. She also has a special relationship with fellow Mexican-American actor Jason Hightower, who plays her father in the series, Captain Doza. The two of them often have long conversations in Spanish, which in turn strengthens the familial relationship they portray on-screen.
Fans Were Out In Full Force At Star Wars Celebration
Fans came to Star Wars Celebration Chicago from all over the world. Some live just a couple of hours away in a town in Illinois, some made the trek from the east and west coasts of the United States, and some even settled in for hours on a plane from places as far away as England, Spain, and Japan. The one thing that surrounds them and binds them all together? Their love of the galaxy far, far away.
the Kowalski family from Oswego, Illinois, weren’t there for their first Celebration — it was their sixth! With mom Diana, dad Chris, five-year-old Ben, and nine-year-old “super fan” Jude, each dressed in creative costumes as Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, John Williams, George Lucas, and J.J. Abrams, respectively, it’s plain to see that every member of the family is a Star Wars fan.
So there we have it, Celebration Chicago 2019 is over. What are you most looking forward to next time in Anaheim?
