They don’t call the scammer who fooled hundreds of entertainment gig workers out of their money, time, and dreams the “Hollywood Con Queen” for nothing. Filmmaker Chris Smith’s three-part docuseries starts streaming May 8 on Apple TV+ and aims to flesh out the staggering impact of an anonymous fraudster who preyed on hundreds of industry hopefuls from across the globe.
The criminal mastermind — whose identity you can Google but is the linchpin dramatic question in the forthcoming true crime project — posed as various major players from across development. Pretending to be everyone from Amy Pascal to Deborah Snyder to Kathleen Kennedy, the mysterious female voice dangled the promise of life-changing career opportunities in Southeast Asia before exploiting the unlucky creatives who actually tried to take them.
Based on the original reporting of “The Hollywood Reporter” journalist Scott Johnson and his book for Harper Collins (“Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt...
The criminal mastermind — whose identity you can Google but is the linchpin dramatic question in the forthcoming true crime project — posed as various major players from across development. Pretending to be everyone from Amy Pascal to Deborah Snyder to Kathleen Kennedy, the mysterious female voice dangled the promise of life-changing career opportunities in Southeast Asia before exploiting the unlucky creatives who actually tried to take them.
Based on the original reporting of “The Hollywood Reporter” journalist Scott Johnson and his book for Harper Collins (“Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt...
- 4/25/2024
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
Despite all the changes and shifts that happened in Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy has managed to “survive” as the president of the company and she is still running the Star Wars franchise in collaboration with Disney, despite many negative comments on her work, as well as some of the recent Star Wars projects. And while Kennedy is certainly responsible for a lot of the franchise’s successes, she has also been blamed for a lot of the failures.
Kennedy is known for voicing her opinion, and her opinions have often been subject to criticism as well, but this has not stopped her from speaking out. Not so long ago, the president of Lucasfilm talked about the issue of recasting popular roles, and from what we can understand, she is not a big fan of the practice.
This was said as a reaction to the relatively lukewarm reception of Solo: A Star Wars Story,...
Kennedy is known for voicing her opinion, and her opinions have often been subject to criticism as well, but this has not stopped her from speaking out. Not so long ago, the president of Lucasfilm talked about the issue of recasting popular roles, and from what we can understand, she is not a big fan of the practice.
This was said as a reaction to the relatively lukewarm reception of Solo: A Star Wars Story,...
- 4/23/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
The Academy’s Board of Governors has approved the new awards rules and campaign regulations for the 97th Oscars ceremony to be held on March 2.
Significant changes have been made in the original score category. Now, up to three composers can receive individual Oscar statuettes if they all significantly contribute to a film’s music. This marks a departure from previous rules that required composers to submit as a group, such as the band Son Lux for the nomination for the best picture winner “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, winners for the animated film “Soul” (2020), also received a single statuette. The definition of a group has been specified to include a recognized band. Additionally, the shortlist in this category has been expanded from 15 to 20 titles, which will be announced in late December before the official nomination voting period begins in January.
The Academy...
Significant changes have been made in the original score category. Now, up to three composers can receive individual Oscar statuettes if they all significantly contribute to a film’s music. This marks a departure from previous rules that required composers to submit as a group, such as the band Son Lux for the nomination for the best picture winner “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, winners for the animated film “Soul” (2020), also received a single statuette. The definition of a group has been specified to include a recognized band. Additionally, the shortlist in this category has been expanded from 15 to 20 titles, which will be announced in late December before the official nomination voting period begins in January.
The Academy...
- 4/22/2024
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
It’s not a secret that Star Wars fandom is facing sort of a social crisis. In recent times, much of the focus of the franchise has been put on female leads and representation within live-action projects. Some fans consider it to be a good thing, while some are criticizing that direction.
The reasons behind the criticism are numerous, some fans are genuinely misogynistic, but a vast majority feel that the female and minority representation feels forced and therefore falls flat and bland, being there just for the sake of being there, which makes the overall products all that worse.
For many the face of that new woke direction is Kathleen Kennedy, a film producer and the current president of Lucasfilm. She has been perceived as “woke” by some due to her approach to diversity and inclusion within the Star Wars franchise. This perception largely stems from her decisions regarding...
The reasons behind the criticism are numerous, some fans are genuinely misogynistic, but a vast majority feel that the female and minority representation feels forced and therefore falls flat and bland, being there just for the sake of being there, which makes the overall products all that worse.
For many the face of that new woke direction is Kathleen Kennedy, a film producer and the current president of Lucasfilm. She has been perceived as “woke” by some due to her approach to diversity and inclusion within the Star Wars franchise. This perception largely stems from her decisions regarding...
- 4/20/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
It’s no secret that the Star Wars fandom is experiencing a social dilemma. Lately, there’s been a lot of emphasis on female leads and representation in live-action projects. Some fans see it as positive, while others criticize this direction.
There are various reasons behind the criticism. Some fans are genuinely misogynistic, but the majority feel that the female and minority representation feels forced, resulting in flat and bland characters. They’re there just for the sake of being there, which makes the overall products worse.
For many the face of that new woke direction is Kathleen Kennedy, a film producer and the current president of Lucasfilm. She has been perceived as “woke” by some due to her approach to diversity and inclusion within the Star Wars franchise. This perception largely stems from her decisions regarding the representation of women and minority groups in the Star Wars films and related media.
There are various reasons behind the criticism. Some fans are genuinely misogynistic, but the majority feel that the female and minority representation feels forced, resulting in flat and bland characters. They’re there just for the sake of being there, which makes the overall products worse.
For many the face of that new woke direction is Kathleen Kennedy, a film producer and the current president of Lucasfilm. She has been perceived as “woke” by some due to her approach to diversity and inclusion within the Star Wars franchise. This perception largely stems from her decisions regarding the representation of women and minority groups in the Star Wars films and related media.
- 4/20/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
On Thursday afternoon, members of the Kennedy endorsed President Joe Biden at a campaign rally in Philadelphia.
Biden’s rally in Philadelphia is the last major stop in a three-day swing through Pennsylvania.
During this trip, he laid out his economic and tax agenda and attacked former President Donald Trump as an enemy of working people.
Kennedy family members approached the Biden team and requested a joint event for the endorsements.
Joseph Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Rory Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy, Maxwell Kennedy and Christopher Kennedy backed Biden during this rally.
The event is a further rejection of their family member and independent presidential candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The president’s campaign released a list of 15 Kennedys scheduled to appear at this rally but also mentioned that other family members would endorse him.
Joe Kennedy III, a former Democratic congressman from Massachusetts, introduced Biden at a second event.
“We can say today,...
Biden’s rally in Philadelphia is the last major stop in a three-day swing through Pennsylvania.
During this trip, he laid out his economic and tax agenda and attacked former President Donald Trump as an enemy of working people.
Kennedy family members approached the Biden team and requested a joint event for the endorsements.
Joseph Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Rory Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy, Maxwell Kennedy and Christopher Kennedy backed Biden during this rally.
The event is a further rejection of their family member and independent presidential candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The president’s campaign released a list of 15 Kennedys scheduled to appear at this rally but also mentioned that other family members would endorse him.
Joe Kennedy III, a former Democratic congressman from Massachusetts, introduced Biden at a second event.
“We can say today,...
- 4/19/2024
- by Alessio Atria
- Uinterview
Journalist Scott Johnson in a scene from ‘Hollywood Con Queen’ (Photo Courtesy of Apple TV+)
Journalist Scott Johnson and private investigator Nicole Kotsianas’ investigation into the scam artist known as the “Con Queen” unfolds in the documentary series Hollywood Con Queen. Apple TV+ set a May 8, 2024 premiere date for the three-part docuseries, based on Johnson’s Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt for an Evil Genius.
“A mysterious figure dubbed the ‘Con Queen’ impersonates the industry’s most powerful women, luring unsuspecting victims to Indonesia with the promise of a life-changing career opportunity,” reads Apple TV+’s synopsis. “The ‘Con Queen’s marks exhaust their personal finances in pursuit of a big break while being exploited in a perverse psychological game spanning the globe. The scam eventually draws the attention of veteran investigative journalist Scott Johnson of The Hollywood Reporter, and dedicated private investigator Nicole Kotsianas, formerly of K2 Integrity, who...
Journalist Scott Johnson and private investigator Nicole Kotsianas’ investigation into the scam artist known as the “Con Queen” unfolds in the documentary series Hollywood Con Queen. Apple TV+ set a May 8, 2024 premiere date for the three-part docuseries, based on Johnson’s Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt for an Evil Genius.
“A mysterious figure dubbed the ‘Con Queen’ impersonates the industry’s most powerful women, luring unsuspecting victims to Indonesia with the promise of a life-changing career opportunity,” reads Apple TV+’s synopsis. “The ‘Con Queen’s marks exhaust their personal finances in pursuit of a big break while being exploited in a perverse psychological game spanning the globe. The scam eventually draws the attention of veteran investigative journalist Scott Johnson of The Hollywood Reporter, and dedicated private investigator Nicole Kotsianas, formerly of K2 Integrity, who...
- 4/15/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Apple is turning the story of the Hollywood con queen into a documentary series.
The streamer is launching Hollywood Con Queen, which tells the story of a scam that targeted the likes of Kathleen Kennedy, Sherry Lansing, Amy Pascal, Wendi Deng Murdoch and Stacey Snider, on May 8.
The series comes from Tiger King and Fyre filmmaker Chris Smith and his production company Library Films.
It tells the story of an international con artist impersonating the industry’s most powerful women.
The scam involved the con artist approaching production staff, claiming to be an executive or senior figure in the industry, to work on a project in Indonesia. In 2020, it emerged that the FBI and Department of Justice had arrested a suspect in Manchester, UK.
The series is based on the reporting of Scott Johnson, who wrote a book – Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt for an Evil Genius.
It is the...
The streamer is launching Hollywood Con Queen, which tells the story of a scam that targeted the likes of Kathleen Kennedy, Sherry Lansing, Amy Pascal, Wendi Deng Murdoch and Stacey Snider, on May 8.
The series comes from Tiger King and Fyre filmmaker Chris Smith and his production company Library Films.
It tells the story of an international con artist impersonating the industry’s most powerful women.
The scam involved the con artist approaching production staff, claiming to be an executive or senior figure in the industry, to work on a project in Indonesia. In 2020, it emerged that the FBI and Department of Justice had arrested a suspect in Manchester, UK.
The series is based on the reporting of Scott Johnson, who wrote a book – Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt for an Evil Genius.
It is the...
- 4/15/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Original deep reporting by The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Johnson is getting the true-crime docuseries treatment at Apple TV+.
The streaming giant has picked up the three-parter Hollywood Con Queen from director Chris Smith, based in part on Johnson’s book Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt for an Evil Genius from Harper Collins.
The docuseries, to premiere May 8, promises an in-depth exploration of a mysterious Indonesian man and the masquerade behind his elaborate Con Queen scam. This was no garden-variety swindler. His criminal exploits eventually drew the attention of THR investigative journalist Johnson and private investigator Nicole Kotsianas as they set out to unmask the serial imposter by tearing back the layers of one of Hollywood’s most elaborate schemes.
As part of Johnson’s original reporting, he interviewed unwitting victims of the Con Queen’s daring schemes, which wreaked havoc across the entertainment industry and impacted a who’s who of Hollywood.
The streaming giant has picked up the three-parter Hollywood Con Queen from director Chris Smith, based in part on Johnson’s book Hollywood Con Queen: The Hunt for an Evil Genius from Harper Collins.
The docuseries, to premiere May 8, promises an in-depth exploration of a mysterious Indonesian man and the masquerade behind his elaborate Con Queen scam. This was no garden-variety swindler. His criminal exploits eventually drew the attention of THR investigative journalist Johnson and private investigator Nicole Kotsianas as they set out to unmask the serial imposter by tearing back the layers of one of Hollywood’s most elaborate schemes.
As part of Johnson’s original reporting, he interviewed unwitting victims of the Con Queen’s daring schemes, which wreaked havoc across the entertainment industry and impacted a who’s who of Hollywood.
- 4/15/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There are plenty of ways to describe what happened at Caesars Palace on Wednesday when Universal Pictures delivered Lee Isaac Chung’s Twisters to the Colosseum stage. Some examples: The film whipped up a frenzy; exclusive footage spun through Sin City; action scenes blew away theater owners, etc., etc.
All of the above work as Universal debuted never-before-seen scenes of the summer release courtesy of Chung and his castmembers Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos, who turned up for an extended introduction.
Chung was first to walk out — an appearance that marked his first time at CinemaCon — and the director said that many in the audience might be wondering why he decided to jump into summer blockbuster tentpole territory after carving out a career in independent film. “I’ve been fascinated by tornadoes all my life,” he said, adding that he grew up in Arkansas, where tornadoes were just a way of life.
All of the above work as Universal debuted never-before-seen scenes of the summer release courtesy of Chung and his castmembers Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos, who turned up for an extended introduction.
Chung was first to walk out — an appearance that marked his first time at CinemaCon — and the director said that many in the audience might be wondering why he decided to jump into summer blockbuster tentpole territory after carving out a career in independent film. “I’ve been fascinated by tornadoes all my life,” he said, adding that he grew up in Arkansas, where tornadoes were just a way of life.
- 4/11/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Star Wars currently has several projects in development, ranging from Mangold’s new film set thousands of years in the past to Waititi’s project, which he teased would challenge fan expectations. In the midst of these, there’s a new movie focusing on Rey.
Announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023, this film follows Rey’s journey after ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, it depicts Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order. Originally, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were set to write, but Steven Knight took over. The story is set 15 years after ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ delving into the aftermath of the war and the state of the galaxy with the Jedi scattered. Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Rey is dedicated to honoring her promise to Luke by rebuilding the Jedi Order, drawing from the teachings found in the ancient books.
Recently, Ridley mentioned how she finds the...
Announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023, this film follows Rey’s journey after ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, it depicts Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order. Originally, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were set to write, but Steven Knight took over. The story is set 15 years after ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ delving into the aftermath of the war and the state of the galaxy with the Jedi scattered. Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Rey is dedicated to honoring her promise to Luke by rebuilding the Jedi Order, drawing from the teachings found in the ancient books.
Recently, Ridley mentioned how she finds the...
- 4/9/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Star Wars has quite a list of projects in the works currently, from Mangold’s new Star Wars film that takes place thousands of years in the past to Waititi’s undisclosed project that he claimed “will piss off the fans.’ Somewhere in the middle of this is a new Rey movie.
A new Star Wars movie was announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023, focusing on Rey after ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the film follows Rey’s journey to rebuild the Jedi Order. Originally, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were set to write, but Steven Knight took over. The story is set 15 years after ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ exploring the post-war, post-First Order galaxy with the Jedi in disarray. Kathleen Kennedy shared that Rey is working to fulfill her promise to Luke and rebuild the Jedi Order based on the books.
Ridley recently commented how the story so...
A new Star Wars movie was announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023, focusing on Rey after ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the film follows Rey’s journey to rebuild the Jedi Order. Originally, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were set to write, but Steven Knight took over. The story is set 15 years after ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ exploring the post-war, post-First Order galaxy with the Jedi in disarray. Kathleen Kennedy shared that Rey is working to fulfill her promise to Luke and rebuild the Jedi Order based on the books.
Ridley recently commented how the story so...
- 4/9/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
There’s never been a better time to be a Star Wars fan in terms of quantity. There’s more Star Wars on screen and on the page now than ever before in the franchise’s history. From Disney+ series to video games to The High Republic books and Marvel comics, you can experience new adventures in the galaxy far, far away pretty much any way you want it right now. If Lucasfilm were able to get some movies off the ground, we’d be able to say that the franchise is firing on all cylinders.
Whether or not we finally do get some new Star Wars on the big screen in the years to come, the future of the franchise is still very bright, thanks to TV series like The Mandalorian, which has already expanded across multiple spinoffs full of Original Trilogy nostalgia and exciting new characters. In fact,...
Whether or not we finally do get some new Star Wars on the big screen in the years to come, the future of the franchise is still very bright, thanks to TV series like The Mandalorian, which has already expanded across multiple spinoffs full of Original Trilogy nostalgia and exciting new characters. In fact,...
- 4/8/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Howard Kazanjian served as a producer on two of the original three Star Wars films. While Kazanjian went uncredited on Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, arguably one of the best in the franchise, he also worked on its sequel Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Having worked on the original trilogy makes Kazanjian a reliable source of critique on the widely divisive and polarizing sequel trilogy of Star Wars films produced under Disney. When asked about the sequels Kazanjian had stern words for the films, and blasted them for their inconsistent storylines. Here is what the veteran producer had to say about the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
Original Star Wars Trilogy Producer Howard Kazanjian Slams Sequel Trilogy With a Harsh Remark
A brainchild of George Lucas, the Star...
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Having worked on the original trilogy makes Kazanjian a reliable source of critique on the widely divisive and polarizing sequel trilogy of Star Wars films produced under Disney. When asked about the sequels Kazanjian had stern words for the films, and blasted them for their inconsistent storylines. Here is what the veteran producer had to say about the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
Original Star Wars Trilogy Producer Howard Kazanjian Slams Sequel Trilogy With a Harsh Remark
A brainchild of George Lucas, the Star...
- 4/8/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
THR reports that Beau Willimon is set to co-write the script for James Mangold’s Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi.
Willimon is a playwright and screenwriter best known for developing House of Cards for Netflix, but he also has some Star Wars experience as he worked on the first season of Andor, writing three episodes of the critically acclaimed series. He will co-write the script for Dawn of the Jedi (which is just a working title) alongside Mangold, who will also direct.
Related Timothée Chalamet goes full Bob Dylan in new set photos from A Complete Unknown
We don’t know all that much about the project, only that it will take place 25,000 years before the Skywalker Saga and explore the first Jedi and the discovery of the Force. “It was something that Jim [Mangold] immediately sparked to, and I think it’s a really nice compliment to what we...
Willimon is a playwright and screenwriter best known for developing House of Cards for Netflix, but he also has some Star Wars experience as he worked on the first season of Andor, writing three episodes of the critically acclaimed series. He will co-write the script for Dawn of the Jedi (which is just a working title) alongside Mangold, who will also direct.
Related Timothée Chalamet goes full Bob Dylan in new set photos from A Complete Unknown
We don’t know all that much about the project, only that it will take place 25,000 years before the Skywalker Saga and explore the first Jedi and the discovery of the Force. “It was something that Jim [Mangold] immediately sparked to, and I think it’s a really nice compliment to what we...
- 4/5/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Disney’s Mandalorian & Grogu, Tron: Ares, Toy Story 5, and more get release dates ahead of CinemaCon
I’ve got great news for all of you Mouseketeers out there! Disney has revealed the studio’s 2026 release schedule, with dates for projects like Mandalorian & Grogu, Tron: Ares, Toy Story 5, the live-action adaptation of Moana, and more!
Mandalorian & Grogu is Disney’s untitled Star Wars title, dated May 22, 2026, with Tron: Ares as Disney’s untitled film, dated October 10, 2025. Toy Story 5 is the studio’s untitled Pixar project, dated June 19, 2026. Also, Disney’s live-action adaptation of Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui, is moving to July 10, 2026.
You can see the complete list of film titles and release dates below:
The Amateur (20th) previously dated on 11/8/24 moves to 4/11/25
Nightbitch (Searchlight) is now dated on 12/6/24 (Limited)
Moana (Disney) previously dated on 6/27/25 moves to 7/10/26
Untitled Disney (Disney) previously dated on 7/10/26 is removed from schedule
The Mandalorian & Grogu (Disney) is the updated title of Untitled Star Wars dated on 5/22/26
Toy Story 5...
Mandalorian & Grogu is Disney’s untitled Star Wars title, dated May 22, 2026, with Tron: Ares as Disney’s untitled film, dated October 10, 2025. Toy Story 5 is the studio’s untitled Pixar project, dated June 19, 2026. Also, Disney’s live-action adaptation of Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui, is moving to July 10, 2026.
You can see the complete list of film titles and release dates below:
The Amateur (20th) previously dated on 11/8/24 moves to 4/11/25
Nightbitch (Searchlight) is now dated on 12/6/24 (Limited)
Moana (Disney) previously dated on 6/27/25 moves to 7/10/26
Untitled Disney (Disney) previously dated on 7/10/26 is removed from schedule
The Mandalorian & Grogu (Disney) is the updated title of Untitled Star Wars dated on 5/22/26
Toy Story 5...
- 4/5/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
The Mandalorian & Grogu will arrive in theaters around Memorial Day… a few years from now.
The big-screen film based on Disney+’s The Mandalorian series will be released on Wednesday, May 22, 2026, our sister site Deadline reports.
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Jon Favreau, showrunner of Disney+’s The Mandalorian, will direct. He’ll also produce alongside Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni.
“I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created,...
The big-screen film based on Disney+’s The Mandalorian series will be released on Wednesday, May 22, 2026, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineMissing 1923 Actor Cole Brings Plenty Found DeadBold & Beautiful Reveals That the 'Late' Sheila Carter Is Alive and KickingTWD: Dead City Casts Sons of Anarchy's Kim Coates in Pivotal Season 2 Role
Jon Favreau, showrunner of Disney+’s The Mandalorian, will direct. He’ll also produce alongside Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni.
“I have loved telling stories set in the rich world that George Lucas created,...
- 4/5/2024
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
There are two sides to every story, but nothing is ever really black and white, good versus evil, or even Jedi versus Empire.
Disney+ animated series “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire,” the follow-up to 2022’s “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi,” centers on the rise of the Galactic Empire. The six-episode show follows two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras: After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, per the official synopsis, while former Jedi Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger) does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.
The voice cast also includes Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor), and Matthew Wood (General Grievous).
“Ahsoka” showrunner and Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni created the series...
Disney+ animated series “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire,” the follow-up to 2022’s “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi,” centers on the rise of the Galactic Empire. The six-episode show follows two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras: After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, per the official synopsis, while former Jedi Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger) does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.
The voice cast also includes Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor), and Matthew Wood (General Grievous).
“Ahsoka” showrunner and Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni created the series...
- 4/4/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Star Wars has several projects in the works right now. There’s Mangold’s new Star Wars movie set way back in the past, and Waititi’s secret project, which he hinted might upset some fans. Also, there’s a movie in the works about Rey rebuilding the Jedi order 15 years into the future.
Rumor has it that it won’t kick off a whole new trilogy but will be a standalone film. Plus, Filoni is busy with ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2 and other stuff. Among all these, fans kept asking about ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Season 2. Ewan McGregor talked a bit about what could happen next in his LADBible interview.
The truth is I’ve talked about having to cover for doing the Obi-Wan season for years, I had to lie about that and I’m not lying about this now. I don’t know. There’s been no phone call to me from Lucasfilm,...
Rumor has it that it won’t kick off a whole new trilogy but will be a standalone film. Plus, Filoni is busy with ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2 and other stuff. Among all these, fans kept asking about ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Season 2. Ewan McGregor talked a bit about what could happen next in his LADBible interview.
The truth is I’ve talked about having to cover for doing the Obi-Wan season for years, I had to lie about that and I’m not lying about this now. I don’t know. There’s been no phone call to me from Lucasfilm,...
- 4/1/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Star Wars has quite a list of projects in the works currently, from Mangold’s new Star Wars film that takes place thousands of years in the past to Waititi’s undisclosed project that he claimed “will piss off the fans.’ There’s also a new movie focusing on Rey’s restoration of the Jedi order 15 years in the future, which won’t, according to the rumors, lead to a new trilogy but will rather be a standalone movie. Additionally, Filoni is actively working on the development of ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2, among other upcoming projects.
In this sea of upcoming projects, fans were consistently asking about ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ season 2. Ewan McGregor shed some light on the potential future of the series during his LADBible interview:
The truth is I’ve talked about having to cover for doing the Obi-Wan season for years, I had to lie about that and I’m not lying about this now.
In this sea of upcoming projects, fans were consistently asking about ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ season 2. Ewan McGregor shed some light on the potential future of the series during his LADBible interview:
The truth is I’ve talked about having to cover for doing the Obi-Wan season for years, I had to lie about that and I’m not lying about this now.
- 4/1/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
Elon Musk has led this year’s April Fool pranks, telling his 179.5million followers on X that he’s off to a new job – at Disney.
The Tesla chief wrote:
“Excited to join @Disney as their Chief Dei Officer. Can’t wait to work with Bob Iger & Kathleen Kennedy to make their content More woke!
“Even the linguini.”
Others to join in the April Fool frivolity included a Ricky Gervais Clips account (@GervaisClips) on X, who posted that Gervais’s alter ego David Brent – the character he played in his breakthrough hit sitcom The Office – will be returning to our screens. It said:
“Breaking news: Brent is Back! It has just been announced that after eight years, David Brent will be returning for a new movie and album, titled ‘David Brent: Life on the Road to Vegas’.
“Cumin summer 2024.”
Stranger things have happened.
@DMovies_org...
The Tesla chief wrote:
“Excited to join @Disney as their Chief Dei Officer. Can’t wait to work with Bob Iger & Kathleen Kennedy to make their content More woke!
“Even the linguini.”
Others to join in the April Fool frivolity included a Ricky Gervais Clips account (@GervaisClips) on X, who posted that Gervais’s alter ego David Brent – the character he played in his breakthrough hit sitcom The Office – will be returning to our screens. It said:
“Breaking news: Brent is Back! It has just been announced that after eight years, David Brent will be returning for a new movie and album, titled ‘David Brent: Life on the Road to Vegas’.
“Cumin summer 2024.”
Stranger things have happened.
@DMovies_org...
- 4/1/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Star Wars has several projects underway, including Mangold’s new film set thousands of years in the past and Waititi’s mysterious project that he said will upset fans. In the mix is a new Rey movie, tentatively titled ‘Star Wars: Episode X – New Jedi Order,’ which ties closely to its storyline.
Announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023, this movie focuses on Rey’s journey post-‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, it follows Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order. Originally, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were slated to write, but Steven Knight took over. The story is set 15 years after ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ exploring the aftermath of the war and the struggles of the Jedi. Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Rey is fulfilling her promise to Luke by rebuilding the Jedi Order, drawing from the books.
In a recent interview with Screenrant, Daisy expressed her desire to...
Announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023, this movie focuses on Rey’s journey post-‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, it follows Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order. Originally, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were slated to write, but Steven Knight took over. The story is set 15 years after ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ exploring the aftermath of the war and the struggles of the Jedi. Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Rey is fulfilling her promise to Luke by rebuilding the Jedi Order, drawing from the books.
In a recent interview with Screenrant, Daisy expressed her desire to...
- 4/1/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Star Wars has quite a list of projects in the works currently, from Mangold’s new Star Wars film that takes place thousands of years in the past to Waititi’s undisclosed project that he claimed “will piss off the fans.’ Somewhere in the middle of this is a new Rey movie ‘Star Wars: Episode X’ with the current working title ‘New Jedi Order,’ which is rather connected to what the movie is supposed to be about.
A new Star Wars movie was announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023, focusing on Rey after ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the film follows Rey’s journey to rebuild the Jedi Order. Originally, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were set to write, but Steven Knight took over. The story is set 15 years after ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ exploring the post-war, post-First Order galaxy with the Jedi in disarray. Kathleen Kennedy shared that...
A new Star Wars movie was announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023, focusing on Rey after ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the film follows Rey’s journey to rebuild the Jedi Order. Originally, Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson were set to write, but Steven Knight took over. The story is set 15 years after ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ exploring the post-war, post-First Order galaxy with the Jedi in disarray. Kathleen Kennedy shared that...
- 4/1/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
After a highly successful run with HBO’s Game of Thrones, many expected David Benioff and D.B. Weiss would smoothly move on to another pop culture juggernaut — Star Wars.
Star Wars
However, fans eager to see their vision for the galaxy far, far away, were disappointed. Just months after signing a massive $250 million deal with Netflix, Benioff and Weiss stepped down from their planned Star Wars project.
Star Wars Missed Out on Game of Thrones Directors Due to Netflix Deal
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss on the sets of Game Of Thrones
The news that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss were leaving the Star Wars project, which caught many off guard. They had landed a huge $250 million deal with Netflix, which they signed in August 2019. Their joint statement read (via THR):
“There are only so many hours in the day, and we felt we could not do...
Star Wars
However, fans eager to see their vision for the galaxy far, far away, were disappointed. Just months after signing a massive $250 million deal with Netflix, Benioff and Weiss stepped down from their planned Star Wars project.
Star Wars Missed Out on Game of Thrones Directors Due to Netflix Deal
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss on the sets of Game Of Thrones
The news that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss were leaving the Star Wars project, which caught many off guard. They had landed a huge $250 million deal with Netflix, which they signed in August 2019. Their joint statement read (via THR):
“There are only so many hours in the day, and we felt we could not do...
- 4/1/2024
- by Shreya Jha
- FandomWire
Giancarlo Esposito, often cast as a villain, gained prominence in ‘The Mandalorian’ by portraying Moff Gideon, a central antagonist throughout the series. While the Mandalorian and Grogu’s journey will continue, it’s been announced that their story will transition into a live-action movie format.
Speculation arose following the conclusion of strikes by SAG-AFTRA and writers, with rumors circulating about ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 4 being scrapped in favor of a movie adaptation. Confirmation seemed more likely with recent reports of Pedro Pascal’s unavailability for the next season due to commitments on other projects.
Instead, he’ll only be doing Mando’s voiceover. The rumors were confirmed a few months back when they announced a movie centered around The Mandalorian & Grogu is being developed. This new movie, directed by Jon Favreau and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni, is set to start filming in 2024.
Giancarlo recently participated in a...
Speculation arose following the conclusion of strikes by SAG-AFTRA and writers, with rumors circulating about ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 4 being scrapped in favor of a movie adaptation. Confirmation seemed more likely with recent reports of Pedro Pascal’s unavailability for the next season due to commitments on other projects.
Instead, he’ll only be doing Mando’s voiceover. The rumors were confirmed a few months back when they announced a movie centered around The Mandalorian & Grogu is being developed. This new movie, directed by Jon Favreau and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Dave Filoni, is set to start filming in 2024.
Giancarlo recently participated in a...
- 3/25/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Giancarlo Esposito, who we frequently see in the role of a villain, is one of the most notable characters in ‘The Mandalorian’ TV show, as he embodied Moff Gideon, one of the main villains of the overarching storyline in all three seasons of the show.
We know that the story of Mandalorian and Grogu will continue but in the form of a live-action movie. Several weeks after the SAG-AFTRA and writer strikes ended, industry-wide rumors started swirling around about ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 4 getting booted completely and turned into a movie. Then, those rumors got even more legit when we recently heard that Pedro Pascal won’t physically return for ‘The Mandalorian’ due to his commitments on ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 and 2024’s new ‘Gladiator’ film.
Instead, he’d only provide Mando’s voiceover. The rumors were confirmed several weeks ago when it was announced that a movie focusing...
We know that the story of Mandalorian and Grogu will continue but in the form of a live-action movie. Several weeks after the SAG-AFTRA and writer strikes ended, industry-wide rumors started swirling around about ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 4 getting booted completely and turned into a movie. Then, those rumors got even more legit when we recently heard that Pedro Pascal won’t physically return for ‘The Mandalorian’ due to his commitments on ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 and 2024’s new ‘Gladiator’ film.
Instead, he’d only provide Mando’s voiceover. The rumors were confirmed several weeks ago when it was announced that a movie focusing...
- 3/25/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
The trailer for Star Wars: The Acolyte has finally dropped, and it once again whisks you away to a galaxy far away. Announced by Lucasfilm in 2020, it took the production four years to get off the ground, but it is finally here, and it looks good.
Like most Star Wars projects, The Acolyte has been the subject of many discussions and speculation over the years. One of the major topics was the period in which the show was set. The trailer offers an interesting peek into the lives of the Jedi, but the fandom is less than impressed, and the show has already hit a disappointing milestone.
The trailer for the new show is out (Source: The Acolyte)
The Acolyte will take you back to the era of the High Republic
Star Wars is one of the most beloved franchises of all time. A New Hope kicked off the series,...
Like most Star Wars projects, The Acolyte has been the subject of many discussions and speculation over the years. One of the major topics was the period in which the show was set. The trailer offers an interesting peek into the lives of the Jedi, but the fandom is less than impressed, and the show has already hit a disappointing milestone.
The trailer for the new show is out (Source: The Acolyte)
The Acolyte will take you back to the era of the High Republic
Star Wars is one of the most beloved franchises of all time. A New Hope kicked off the series,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Sreshtha Roychowdhury
- FandomWire
La batalla entre el bien y el mal alcanza un nuevo nivel en ‘The Acolyte’. © Disney Plus+
¡La espera ha terminado para los fans de Star Wars! El primer tráiler y el emocionante póster de la nueva serie original de Lucasfilm, “Star Wars: The Acolyte”, ya están aquí.
En “Star Wars: The Acolyte”, la investigación de una espeluznante ola de crímenes enfrenta a un respetado Maestro Jedi (Lee Jung-jae) con una peligrosa guerrera de su pasado (Amandla Stenberg). A medida que van apareciendo más pistas, se adentran en un oscuro camino en el que fuerzas siniestras revelan que no todo es lo que parece…
La serie cuenta con un elenco estelar, incluyendo a Amandla Stenberg (“Los Juegos del Hambre”), Lee Jung-jae (“El Juego del Calamar”), Manny Jacinto (“The Good Place”), Dafne Keen (“Logan”), Charlie Barnett (“Men in Black 3”), Jodie Turner-Smith (“After Yang”), Rebecca Henderson (“Appropriate Behaviour”), Dean-Charles Chapman (“1917”), Joonas Suotamo...
¡La espera ha terminado para los fans de Star Wars! El primer tráiler y el emocionante póster de la nueva serie original de Lucasfilm, “Star Wars: The Acolyte”, ya están aquí.
En “Star Wars: The Acolyte”, la investigación de una espeluznante ola de crímenes enfrenta a un respetado Maestro Jedi (Lee Jung-jae) con una peligrosa guerrera de su pasado (Amandla Stenberg). A medida que van apareciendo más pistas, se adentran en un oscuro camino en el que fuerzas siniestras revelan que no todo es lo que parece…
La serie cuenta con un elenco estelar, incluyendo a Amandla Stenberg (“Los Juegos del Hambre”), Lee Jung-jae (“El Juego del Calamar”), Manny Jacinto (“The Good Place”), Dafne Keen (“Logan”), Charlie Barnett (“Men in Black 3”), Jodie Turner-Smith (“After Yang”), Rebecca Henderson (“Appropriate Behaviour”), Dean-Charles Chapman (“1917”), Joonas Suotamo...
- 3/21/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
After a wait that felt like years, Lucasfilm finally unveiled the first look and trailer of the new “Star Wars” mystery thriller, “The Acolyte.” With the veil on the shadowy, secretive project lifted, the show’s creator, Leslye Headland (“Russian Doll”), could finally delve into the series’ details. In A new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Headland spoke about the series’ influences, such as “Kill Bill” and “Rashomon,” and how exactly she pitched the idea to Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy.
Continue reading ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Creator Says Pitch For New ‘Star Wars’ Show Was ‘Frozen’ Meets ‘Kill Bill’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Creator Says Pitch For New ‘Star Wars’ Show Was ‘Frozen’ Meets ‘Kill Bill’ at The Playlist.
- 3/20/2024
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
The Acolyte is an ambitious new series set in the Star Wars universe, which takes place during a previously unexplored era of the space-opera franchise. The series is created by Leslye Headland, who also serves as the showrunner, and follows a Jedi Master and former Padawan’s quest to solve a series of unsettling murders.
Amandla Sternberg as Mae in The Acolyte
Ahead of the show’s premiere later this year, Headland discussed the themes and inspirations behind the series. During an interview, Headland revealed certain aspects of the series were inspired by elements from the Star Wars franchise that had previously been sidelined under producer Kathleen Kennedy. Here is how these elements inspired Headland’s The Acolyte.
The Acolyte Showrunner Leslye Headland Reveals Star Wars Extended Universe Inspiration
Lee Jung-jae as Sol in The Acolyte
Russian Doll creator Leslye Headland is the mind behind the live-action series The Acolyte,...
Amandla Sternberg as Mae in The Acolyte
Ahead of the show’s premiere later this year, Headland discussed the themes and inspirations behind the series. During an interview, Headland revealed certain aspects of the series were inspired by elements from the Star Wars franchise that had previously been sidelined under producer Kathleen Kennedy. Here is how these elements inspired Headland’s The Acolyte.
The Acolyte Showrunner Leslye Headland Reveals Star Wars Extended Universe Inspiration
Lee Jung-jae as Sol in The Acolyte
Russian Doll creator Leslye Headland is the mind behind the live-action series The Acolyte,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
A new series of films based on The Neverending Story is in the works, which will seek to tackle the fantasy tale in “a fresh way”.
Forty years after Wolfgang Petersen’s 1984 fantasy film The Neverending Story traumatised a generation of young movie-goers with its image of a depressed, sinking horse, a new adaptation of the original book has been announced.
See-Saw Films, the production company behind Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning The Power Of The Dog, is partnering with the estate of late German author Michael Ende to make a potential series of films based on the successful book, first published in 1979.
Both the novel and the film told the tale of a shy young boy, Bastian, who retreats into the fantasy world of the titular Neverending Story book.
“The story is both timely and timeless, and really has an opportunity to be told in a fresh way,” producer Iain Canning told Variety.
Forty years after Wolfgang Petersen’s 1984 fantasy film The Neverending Story traumatised a generation of young movie-goers with its image of a depressed, sinking horse, a new adaptation of the original book has been announced.
See-Saw Films, the production company behind Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning The Power Of The Dog, is partnering with the estate of late German author Michael Ende to make a potential series of films based on the successful book, first published in 1979.
Both the novel and the film told the tale of a shy young boy, Bastian, who retreats into the fantasy world of the titular Neverending Story book.
“The story is both timely and timeless, and really has an opportunity to be told in a fresh way,” producer Iain Canning told Variety.
- 3/20/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
During the premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’, television writer Leslye Headland discussed her potential ideas for Star Wars films if approached by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. By April 2020, Headland was confirmed to write and serve as showrunner for a new female-centric Star Wars series on Disney+.
The series was anticipated to be set in the High Republic Era, in a different timeline from other Star Wars projects. Now, after several years in development, ‘The Acolyte’ finally has a trailer and a release date. In light of this, Leslye Headland has shared her inspiration for the show and what fans can expect. Headland revealed that she has been a fan of the franchise since her teenage years, finding a sense of escape in the galaxy far, far away.
I think it just meant so much to me because it was a place to live, a place to escape to.
The series was anticipated to be set in the High Republic Era, in a different timeline from other Star Wars projects. Now, after several years in development, ‘The Acolyte’ finally has a trailer and a release date. In light of this, Leslye Headland has shared her inspiration for the show and what fans can expect. Headland revealed that she has been a fan of the franchise since her teenage years, finding a sense of escape in the galaxy far, far away.
I think it just meant so much to me because it was a place to live, a place to escape to.
- 3/19/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
Disney+ has unveiled the first trailer for Star Wars: The Acolyte, the latest entry in the ever-expanding Star Wars Universe. The new live-action series starring Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game) and Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) is set to premiere on June 4, 2024 with the release of the first two episodes.
New episodes will stream on Tuesdays.
“In Star Wars: The Acolyte, an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems,” reads Lucasfilm’s synopsis.
The series, set 100 years before Phantom Menace, also stars Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), Rebecca Henderson (Inventing Anna), Charlie Barnett (Russian Doll), Dean-Charles Chapman (1917), Joonas Suotamo (Star Wars‘ Chewbacca), and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix franchise...
New episodes will stream on Tuesdays.
“In Star Wars: The Acolyte, an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems,” reads Lucasfilm’s synopsis.
The series, set 100 years before Phantom Menace, also stars Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), Rebecca Henderson (Inventing Anna), Charlie Barnett (Russian Doll), Dean-Charles Chapman (1917), Joonas Suotamo (Star Wars‘ Chewbacca), and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix franchise...
- 3/19/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
At the premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’, television writer Leslye Headland shared her ideas for potential Star Wars films if approached by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. By April 2020, Headland was confirmed to write and serve as showrunner for a new female-centric Star Wars series on Disney+. The series was expected to be set in a different timeline from other Star Wars projects in the High Republic Era.
Now after several years in the making, ‘The Acolyte’ finally has a trailer, and a release date. Due to that, Leslye Headland opened up regarding her inspiration for the show and what the fans can expect. Leslye revealed that she had been a fan of the franchise since she was a teen as the Galaxy far far away offered her a sense of escape:
I think it just meant so much to me because it was a place to live,...
Now after several years in the making, ‘The Acolyte’ finally has a trailer, and a release date. Due to that, Leslye Headland opened up regarding her inspiration for the show and what the fans can expect. Leslye revealed that she had been a fan of the franchise since she was a teen as the Galaxy far far away offered her a sense of escape:
I think it just meant so much to me because it was a place to live,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
Disney has just dropped a new trailer for the upcoming “Star Wars: The Acolyte” series coming to Disney+ in June. The show will release on June 4 with two episodes and then another six episodes will run to complete the show.
Here is the trailer:
The show takes place about 100 years before “The Phantom Menace.”
An official synopsis by Lucasfilm reads, “In The Acolyte, an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems….”
Leslye Headland is the creator and showrunner for this series. It was a surprise when it was “leaked” by Hollywood publications before an official announcement, or depending on who you listen to, any official plans were made for the show.
Headland directs the first two episodes,...
Here is the trailer:
The show takes place about 100 years before “The Phantom Menace.”
An official synopsis by Lucasfilm reads, “In The Acolyte, an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems….”
Leslye Headland is the creator and showrunner for this series. It was a surprise when it was “leaked” by Hollywood publications before an official announcement, or depending on who you listen to, any official plans were made for the show.
Headland directs the first two episodes,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Creator Leslye Headland Talks the Unique Perspective of Her Upcoming Series
Star Wars: The Acolyte creator Leslye Headland is currently putting the finishing touches on a four-year journey that started with Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy buying her overall series pitch in the room. At the time, her hook was “Frozen meets Kill Bill,” and now the first trailer provides a few more of the puzzle pieces. Set a century before Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Amandla Stenberg’s mysterious character appears to be hunting Jedi during a time of peace near the end of the High Republic era.
The trailer kicks off with Lee Jung-jae’s Jedi Master urging a group of Padawans to not trust their own deceitful eyes, and perhaps the same can be said of the trailer and the series’ overall narrative. The show will be taking a page out of Rashomon’s playbook, exploring different perspectives on the same events.
“One thing to know about the show...
The trailer kicks off with Lee Jung-jae’s Jedi Master urging a group of Padawans to not trust their own deceitful eyes, and perhaps the same can be said of the trailer and the series’ overall narrative. The show will be taking a page out of Rashomon’s playbook, exploring different perspectives on the same events.
“One thing to know about the show...
- 3/19/2024
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In an interesting turn of events, “Star Wars” creator George Lucas publicly supports Disney CEO Bob Iger and the Walt Disney Company board against the activist investor groups trying to obtain board seats. This is highly ironic given that George Lucas was very vocal about how he felt betrayed by Bob Iger. Iger himself even talked about how Lucas felt betrayed in his book.
Now, George Lucas has seemingly put out this statement saying, “Creating magic is not for amateurs. When I sold Lucasfilm just over a decade ago. I was delighted to become a Disney shareholder because of my long-time admiration for its iconic brand and Bob Iger’s leadership. When Bob recently returned to the company during a difficult time, I was relieved. No one knows Disney better. I remain a significant shareholder because I have full faith and confidence in the power of Disney and Bob’s...
Now, George Lucas has seemingly put out this statement saying, “Creating magic is not for amateurs. When I sold Lucasfilm just over a decade ago. I was delighted to become a Disney shareholder because of my long-time admiration for its iconic brand and Bob Iger’s leadership. When Bob recently returned to the company during a difficult time, I was relieved. No one knows Disney better. I remain a significant shareholder because I have full faith and confidence in the power of Disney and Bob’s...
- 3/19/2024
- by Kambrea Pratt
- Pirates & Princesses
Star Wars fans now have their first full look at the next live-action Disney+ series, The Acolyte, leading many to ask where it fits on the grand Star Wars timeline.
The High Republic era of Star Wars, which will be used for The Acolyte, has only been used sparingly on screen. In fact, the animated Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures is Lucasfilm's first project to explore that era in a TV show or movie.
The Acolyte is now set to change that status nearly two years after Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy teased that this initiative, were it successful, would "open up new storytelling opportunities beyond the page."
Read full article on The Direct.
The High Republic era of Star Wars, which will be used for The Acolyte, has only been used sparingly on screen. In fact, the animated Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures is Lucasfilm's first project to explore that era in a TV show or movie.
The Acolyte is now set to change that status nearly two years after Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy teased that this initiative, were it successful, would "open up new storytelling opportunities beyond the page."
Read full article on The Direct.
- 3/19/2024
- by Richard Nebens
- The Direct
The “Star Wars” universe is finally expanding further with Disney+ series “The Acolyte.”
The highly-anticipated show hails from “Russian Doll” creator Leslye Headland and stars “Bodies Bodies Bodies” breakout Amandla Stenberg as a Sith in training. The series is billed as a mystery-thriller that will “take the audience into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark side powers in the final days of the High Republic era,” per Disney+. “The Acolyte” takes place in the final days of the High Republic era of the “Star Wars” timeline, when the Republic and the Jedi are at their zenith and peace is the order of the day — though there may be seeds of the dark times to come.
The official logline states, “An investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-Jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down...
The highly-anticipated show hails from “Russian Doll” creator Leslye Headland and stars “Bodies Bodies Bodies” breakout Amandla Stenberg as a Sith in training. The series is billed as a mystery-thriller that will “take the audience into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark side powers in the final days of the High Republic era,” per Disney+. “The Acolyte” takes place in the final days of the High Republic era of the “Star Wars” timeline, when the Republic and the Jedi are at their zenith and peace is the order of the day — though there may be seeds of the dark times to come.
The official logline states, “An investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-Jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down...
- 3/19/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Updated: Disney+ has released the first trailer for The Acolyte ahead of its June 4 premiere date on the streaming service.
The trailer opens with Lee Jung-jae’s Jedi master teaching a group of younglings as danger lurks. Amandla Stenberg stars as an unnamed warrior who is bent on taking out Jedi with her first attempt aimed at Carrie-Anne Moss. A galaxy-wide search is then launched to take out the assassin.
Lee Jung-jae also stars along with Manny Jacinto, Jodie Turner-Smith, Dafne Keen, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Barnett and Dean-Charles Chapman also star. Watch the trailer above.
Previous, March 18: Disney+ has revealed a spring premiere date for The Acolyte, the new Lucasfilm Star Wars series. Star Wars: The Acolyte will be released June 4 on the streaming service. The date was revealed Monday on Star Wars verified X account, which also teases more news to come tomorrow. (See below).
Created by Lesley Headland...
The trailer opens with Lee Jung-jae’s Jedi master teaching a group of younglings as danger lurks. Amandla Stenberg stars as an unnamed warrior who is bent on taking out Jedi with her first attempt aimed at Carrie-Anne Moss. A galaxy-wide search is then launched to take out the assassin.
Lee Jung-jae also stars along with Manny Jacinto, Jodie Turner-Smith, Dafne Keen, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Barnett and Dean-Charles Chapman also star. Watch the trailer above.
Previous, March 18: Disney+ has revealed a spring premiere date for The Acolyte, the new Lucasfilm Star Wars series. Star Wars: The Acolyte will be released June 4 on the streaming service. The date was revealed Monday on Star Wars verified X account, which also teases more news to come tomorrow. (See below).
Created by Lesley Headland...
- 3/19/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney has released the trailer for its newest “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte,” which is set to stream on Disney+ June 4.
The series takes place 100 years before the franchise’s prequel trilogy during the High Republic era of the “Star Wars” universe, which is the furthest back in the timeline “Star Wars” has gone in a live-action production. An official logline for the series reveals, “An investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems.”
The trailer begins with Lee’s Jedi master teaching a group of younglings as Stenberg’s cloaked assassin attempts to kill a fellow Jedi, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, in a cantina. A group of Jedi begin the hunt across the galaxy for...
The series takes place 100 years before the franchise’s prequel trilogy during the High Republic era of the “Star Wars” universe, which is the furthest back in the timeline “Star Wars” has gone in a live-action production. An official logline for the series reveals, “An investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems.”
The trailer begins with Lee’s Jedi master teaching a group of younglings as Stenberg’s cloaked assassin attempts to kill a fellow Jedi, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, in a cantina. A group of Jedi begin the hunt across the galaxy for...
- 3/19/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
“In an age of light… a darkness rises” in the upcoming Disney+ series “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” and the official trailer has arrived ahead of the show’s premiere on June 4.
The first Two episodes will premiere on June 4. Watch the trailer below.
Joining Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) are Emmy Award-winner Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game), Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), Rebecca Henderson (Inventing Anna), Charlie Barnett (Russian Doll), Dean-Charles Chapman (1917), and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix).
In “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg).
“As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems….”
“The Acolyte” comes from creator, showrunner, and executive producer Leslye Headland (Russian Doll). The executive producers are Kathleen Kennedy,...
The first Two episodes will premiere on June 4. Watch the trailer below.
Joining Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) are Emmy Award-winner Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game), Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), Rebecca Henderson (Inventing Anna), Charlie Barnett (Russian Doll), Dean-Charles Chapman (1917), and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix).
In “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” an investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee Jung-jae) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Amandla Stenberg).
“As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems….”
“The Acolyte” comes from creator, showrunner, and executive producer Leslye Headland (Russian Doll). The executive producers are Kathleen Kennedy,...
- 3/19/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
At the premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,’ television writer Leslye Headland shared her ideas for potential Star Wars films if approached by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. By April 2020, Headland was confirmed to write and serve as showrunner for a new female-centric Star Wars series on Disney+. The series was set to take place in a different timeline from other Star Wars projects during the High Republic Era.
Lucasfilm officially announced the development of Headland’s series on May 4, 2020, Star Wars Day. At Disney’s Investor Day event on December 10, 2020, Kennedy revealed the series title as ‘The Acolyte,’ set at the end of the High Republic era. Rayne Roberts from Lucasfilm was co-developing the series with Headland, drawing inspiration from the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
In February 2023, directors Alex Garcia Lopez and Kogonada were hired to helm episodes of the series. In March 2023, Lucasfilm faced a lawsuit from...
Lucasfilm officially announced the development of Headland’s series on May 4, 2020, Star Wars Day. At Disney’s Investor Day event on December 10, 2020, Kennedy revealed the series title as ‘The Acolyte,’ set at the end of the High Republic era. Rayne Roberts from Lucasfilm was co-developing the series with Headland, drawing inspiration from the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
In February 2023, directors Alex Garcia Lopez and Kogonada were hired to helm episodes of the series. In March 2023, Lucasfilm faced a lawsuit from...
- 3/18/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Fiction Horizon
At the premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’, television writer Leslye Headland shared her ideas for potential Star Wars films if approached by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. By April 2020, Headland was confirmed to write and serve as showrunner for a new female-centric Star Wars series on Disney+. The series was expected to be set in a different timeline from other Star Wars projects in the High Republic Era.
Lucasfilm officially announced the development of Headland’s series on May 4, 2020, Star Wars Day. At Disney’s Investor Day event on December 10, 2020, Kennedy revealed the series title as ‘The Acolyte,’ set at the end of the High Republic era. Rayne Roberts from Lucasfilm was co-developing the series with Headland, who drew inspiration from the Star Wars Expanded Universe. In February 2023, directors Alex Garcia Lopez and Kogonada were hired to helm episodes of the series. In March 2023, Lucasfilm faced a lawsuit...
Lucasfilm officially announced the development of Headland’s series on May 4, 2020, Star Wars Day. At Disney’s Investor Day event on December 10, 2020, Kennedy revealed the series title as ‘The Acolyte,’ set at the end of the High Republic era. Rayne Roberts from Lucasfilm was co-developing the series with Headland, who drew inspiration from the Star Wars Expanded Universe. In February 2023, directors Alex Garcia Lopez and Kogonada were hired to helm episodes of the series. In March 2023, Lucasfilm faced a lawsuit...
- 3/18/2024
- by Valentina Kraljik
- Comic Basics
The “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte” has set its Disney+ premiere date.
The series will debut on the streaming service on June 4. A poster for the series has also been revealed, which can be seen below.
The series stars Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, and Carrie-Anne Moss.
The official logline states, “An investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems.” The show is known to be set during the High Republic era of the “Star Wars” timeline, prior to the events of the “Star Wars” films.
Leslye Headland created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King,...
The series will debut on the streaming service on June 4. A poster for the series has also been revealed, which can be seen below.
The series stars Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Charlie Barnett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Dean-Charles Chapman, Joonas Suotamo, and Carrie-Anne Moss.
The official logline states, “An investigation into a shocking crime spree pits a respected Jedi Master (Lee) against a dangerous warrior from his past (Stenberg). As more clues emerge, they travel down a dark path where sinister forces reveal all is not what it seems.” The show is known to be set during the High Republic era of the “Star Wars” timeline, prior to the events of the “Star Wars” films.
Leslye Headland created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Jeff F. King,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Disney+ is bringing a mystery-thriller vibe to the Star Wars Universe with upcoming series “The Acolyte,” and a bloody official poster has been unleashed this morning.
Additionally, we’ve learned “Star Wars: The Acolyte” will premiere on June 4. Check out the official art below, which replaces a lightsaber beam with a streak of blood…
Bloody violence in the Star Wars Universe? It’s about time! The poster’s tagline reads, “In an age of light… a darkness rises.” Expect the show’s official trailer tomorrow, March 19.
Joining Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) are Emmy Award-winner Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game), Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), Rebecca Henderson (Inventing Anna), Charlie Barnett (Russian Doll), Dean-Charles Chapman (1917), and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix).
“The Acolyte” is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the...
Additionally, we’ve learned “Star Wars: The Acolyte” will premiere on June 4. Check out the official art below, which replaces a lightsaber beam with a streak of blood…
Bloody violence in the Star Wars Universe? It’s about time! The poster’s tagline reads, “In an age of light… a darkness rises.” Expect the show’s official trailer tomorrow, March 19.
Joining Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) are Emmy Award-winner Lee Jung-jae (Squid Game), Manny Jacinto (Nine Perfect Strangers), Dafne Keen (His Dark Materials), Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim), Rebecca Henderson (Inventing Anna), Charlie Barnett (Russian Doll), Dean-Charles Chapman (1917), and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix).
“The Acolyte” is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the...
- 3/18/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Sam Mercer, who produced seven M. Night Shyamalan films including The Sixth Sense, headed Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic and was location manager on several classic 1980s pics, has died. He was 69.
His wife Tegan Jones told Deadline that Mercer died February 12 of younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
“He was the best big brother I could have hoped for,” Shyamalan said in a statement. “He made every movie a family, and I’ve tried to emulate that in every film since.”
Mercer moved to Los Angeles from Weston, Ma, to work in the movie industry. He began his career as a location manager on such 1980s gems as Stripes, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Peggy Sue Got Married and The Witches of Eastwick before moving to Walt Disney Studios.
Paul Reubens in ‘Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure’ (1985)
There he worked as a production executive, supervising movies including Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets Society,...
His wife Tegan Jones told Deadline that Mercer died February 12 of younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
“He was the best big brother I could have hoped for,” Shyamalan said in a statement. “He made every movie a family, and I’ve tried to emulate that in every film since.”
Mercer moved to Los Angeles from Weston, Ma, to work in the movie industry. He began his career as a location manager on such 1980s gems as Stripes, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Peggy Sue Got Married and The Witches of Eastwick before moving to Walt Disney Studios.
Paul Reubens in ‘Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure’ (1985)
There he worked as a production executive, supervising movies including Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets Society,...
- 3/14/2024
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Patty Jenkins is giving a promising update on her long-presumed-dead Star Wars movie Rogue Squadron.
The Wonder Woman director says she’s back in active development on the project and is working on a draft for Lucasfilm.
“When I left Star Wars to do Wonder Woman 3, and I started working on that, we talked about, ‘Well, maybe I’ll come back to Star Wars after Wonder Woman 3,'” she told the Talking Pictures Podcast. “So we started a deal for that to happen. So when Wonder Woman 3 went away, Lucasfilm and I were like, ‘Oh, we’ve got to finish this deal.’ We finished the deal right as the strike was beginning. So I now owe a draft of Star Wars. So we will see what happens there. Who knows? They have a hard job in front of them of, ‘What’s the first movie [since the sequel trilogy] they’re going to do?...
The Wonder Woman director says she’s back in active development on the project and is working on a draft for Lucasfilm.
“When I left Star Wars to do Wonder Woman 3, and I started working on that, we talked about, ‘Well, maybe I’ll come back to Star Wars after Wonder Woman 3,'” she told the Talking Pictures Podcast. “So we started a deal for that to happen. So when Wonder Woman 3 went away, Lucasfilm and I were like, ‘Oh, we’ve got to finish this deal.’ We finished the deal right as the strike was beginning. So I now owe a draft of Star Wars. So we will see what happens there. Who knows? They have a hard job in front of them of, ‘What’s the first movie [since the sequel trilogy] they’re going to do?...
- 3/14/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A long time ago, in galaxy far, far away…or wait, just this galaxy in December 2020, Patty Jenkins was set to launch the next spate of post-“The Rise Of Skywalker” “Star Wars” movies with “Rogue Squadron,’ with the movie hitting theaters on December 22, 2023. Obviously, that never happened, with Kathleen Kennedy & co. switching their theatrical release plans around a bunch before settling on a new path forward last May, announcing three new films at Star Wars Celebration, “Rogue Squadron” not being one of them.
Continue reading Patty Jenkins Says ‘Star Wars: Rogue Squadron’ Is Back On, But, “We’ll See What Happens” at The Playlist.
Continue reading Patty Jenkins Says ‘Star Wars: Rogue Squadron’ Is Back On, But, “We’ll See What Happens” at The Playlist.
- 3/14/2024
- by The Playlist
- The Playlist
Obi-Wan Kenobi star Ewan McGregor remains positive and hopeful that the Disney+ series will get a follow-up soon. The actor has already expressed interest in reprising his iconic role; even Darth Vader himself, Hayden Christensen, wants to continue the story.
Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi via Disney+
So far, there is no engaging update about the sequel’s progress. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed that they have not talked about the subject yet, though they are keeping the door ajar for possibilities.
Ewan McGregor Wishes To Play Obi-Wan Kenobi Again
During his guesting on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, actor Ewan McGregor responded to the question of a potential Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2:
“I have no news to tell. I’m waiting for the call. I don’t know that it’s happening.”
He previously spoke with GQ and expressed interest in working on another installment.
“I really hope we do another.
Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi via Disney+
So far, there is no engaging update about the sequel’s progress. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy confirmed that they have not talked about the subject yet, though they are keeping the door ajar for possibilities.
Ewan McGregor Wishes To Play Obi-Wan Kenobi Again
During his guesting on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, actor Ewan McGregor responded to the question of a potential Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2:
“I have no news to tell. I’m waiting for the call. I don’t know that it’s happening.”
He previously spoke with GQ and expressed interest in working on another installment.
“I really hope we do another.
- 3/13/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
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