“The design definitely harkens back to that classic Return of the Jedi look, but with a twist,” adds Martin. “This is the first time that we really get to experience a large-scale Star Wars creature in VR, so I think we all wanted it to have a familiar feel while still being unique to Vader Immortal.”
“The importance of his contribution isn’t lost on Williams.
Although Williams couldn’t attend in person, in a pre-recorded message he addressed the fans to talk about how privileged he felt to have composed the music that defined Star Wars over more than 40 years, creating an emotional bond for generations of fans. “You almost want to say you wish you could meet them all,” he said. Creating the score is just one part of making music, a delicate balance that requires an interpreter to play the composition and a listener to actively consume and interact with it. When fans at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge hear the new track, Williams said he hopes “listening to the music will take us out of the corporeal world for five minutes…just as these films have done.” Williams and the Los Angeles Philharmonic will premiere the symphony suite during a performance later this month, Walker said.”
Later on Friday afternoon, honorary Fantha Tracks member Kathleen Kennedy was on stage for the Disney+ Presentation to talk to the audience (and Star Wars fans across the globe whom were refreshing their socials eagerly) about Lucasfilm’s upcoming slate on the new streaming platform. The Clone Wars, The Mandalorian, Cassian Andor spy series inspired by Rogue One followed by an unannounced guest reveal…
“The Disney+ panel was the first to announce an all-new Star Wars series in development, one that many fans have been asking to see since the closing scenes of 2005’s Revenge of the Sith. Ewan McGregor, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi, electrified the audience when he emerged following the announcement of his involvement in a new series taking place eight years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, where we last saw Obi-Wan delivering the infant Luke Skywalker to his Tatooine homestead.”
Fans in the room for the Mandalorian panel at Star Wars Celebration Chicago this year got a glimpse of the Razor Crest in some behind-the-scenes footage of a ship model flying on a special motion-control rig. But as seen soaring through the trailer, above a lush forest and a barren desert, we feel confident that this craft is about to become a welcome addition to a longstanding tradition of Star Wars ships and vehicles that become characters in their own right.”
Favreau revealed his original pitch to Kennedy, “a version of a show that took place after Return of the Jedi, after the revolution, after everybody’s done celebrating because the Empire is gone,” he said. “And then chaos reigns because there’s no central government in the galaxy and so it degrades into a world where, like the old Samurai movies and the old Westerns, where the gunfighters are roaming and people are fighting for their own safety.” The beauty of creating the first live-action Star Wars series in this uncharted era with all-new characters is that it’s as accessible to new fans as it is recognizable to existing ones, Favreau said. “If you’re new to Star Wars, it’s a whole new storyline starting in a whole new timeframe that hasn’t been covered yet,” he added. “But if you are a Star Wars fan, we got you.””
“And it’s bringing along some good company.
Within the first year, Kennedy promised that Disney+ would also be the hub for the entire Star Wars galaxy, including the forthcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. “This service will be home to the entire Star Wars collection,” she said. “Over 40 years of Star Wars storytelling in one place. I would say that’s pretty fantastic.”
Saturday
“Rey with a double-bladed red lightsaber. The sound of Darth Vader’s labored breathing. An epic duel between Rey and Kylo Ren on what appears to be a piece of debris on a roiling sea. And, turning toward the skies, Star Destroyers and X-wings are far as the eye can see.
These glimpses were just part of the exclusive preview footage from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker that left the crowd at the Walt Disney Studios panel at D23 Expo gasping Saturday morning.”
WATCH THE STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER – D23 SPECIAL LOOK
“This weekend, fans at D23 Expo got a glimpse of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, taking our next steps into the larger world of Star Wars storytelling with a new, first-of-its-kind immersive vacation experience among the stars. Inside the Disney Parks pavilion, a striking model of the starcruiser, dubbed the Halcyon, is on display for curious travelers who can’t wait to step aboard.
Once it comes in for a landing at Walt Disney World Resort, guests will check in for a two-night adventure aboard the luxury starship, interacting with characters and acting as active participants in the stories that unfold around them during their galactic journey.”
5 THINGS WE LEARNED FROM THE INSPIRING WOMEN BEHIND STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE PANEL
“Across the Star Wars galaxy, stories are being designed to reflect a diverse range of characters, reflecting the diversified world today.
“We try to be very conscious of being reflective of the world around us so these stories aren’t told to the exclusion of any one group,” said Carrie Beck, Lucasfilm’s vice president of live action development and production. “With such a breadth of storytelling, we’re talking about something that extends beyond two hours. It’s important that you have diversity from all points of view. You need to fill stories with all those different perspectives, right? To keep them engaged and interesting and, I also think, you know, exploring territory that may not have been covered already.” That approach leaves room for all kinds of characters. “It’s not about gender,” Beck said. “It’s just about trying to make sure that the stories that you’re telling are relevant to the audience that is participating in them. And so our hope with Star Wars is that everyone — everyone in this audience, everyone around the globe — can find themselves in these stories that we’re telling.”
So, what D23 Expo news got YOU most excited? The Mandalorian trailer? Ewan returning as Kenobi? The Rise Of Skywalker special look teaser? Let us know on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.