Star Wars The Phantom Menace: Where Are They Now in 2024 on Film's 25th Anniversary? - Main Image
What happened to the cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace since 1999? Where are they now? In celebration of Star Wars: Phantom Menace's 25th anniversary, fans will get to rewatch the entire Skywalker Saga in theaters this May.
Where Are the Original Cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 2024?
As fans reminisce about the first chapter of the Skywalker saga, here's where the cast is, as of 2024!
Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn
Initially starring as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in 1999's Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Liam Neeson later became involved in several projects in the franchise.
Moving past being best known for his action flicks like Taken, Neeson lent his voice in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker and Tales of the Jedi to reprise his role.
What happened to the cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace since 1999? Where are they now? In celebration of Star Wars: Phantom Menace's 25th anniversary, fans will get to rewatch the entire Skywalker Saga in theaters this May.
Where Are the Original Cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace in 2024?
As fans reminisce about the first chapter of the Skywalker saga, here's where the cast is, as of 2024!
Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn
Initially starring as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in 1999's Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Liam Neeson later became involved in several projects in the franchise.
Moving past being best known for his action flicks like Taken, Neeson lent his voice in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker and Tales of the Jedi to reprise his role.
- 5/1/2024
- EpicStream
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace celebrates a major milestone this year, and fans will never forget how the movie created a divisive opinion among its viewers, particularly on the matter of Jar Jar Binks.
Jar Jar Binks
The character was beloved by some and hated by many, and this remains a mystery among the cast and crew. Fans did not like the figure because of his clownish behavior and was too cartoonish for the movie.
Star Wars Actor Liam Neeson Reacted To Jar Jar Binks Issue
In an interview with Empire, Liam Neeson recalled how much he loved working with Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best. He admitted feeling offended after the surge of backlash on the character and the actor.
“Ahmed was so funny and inventive. Myself and Ewan were personally hurt and offended by the critical reaction to the character.”
Suggested“I want this to...
Jar Jar Binks
The character was beloved by some and hated by many, and this remains a mystery among the cast and crew. Fans did not like the figure because of his clownish behavior and was too cartoonish for the movie.
Star Wars Actor Liam Neeson Reacted To Jar Jar Binks Issue
In an interview with Empire, Liam Neeson recalled how much he loved working with Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best. He admitted feeling offended after the surge of backlash on the character and the actor.
“Ahmed was so funny and inventive. Myself and Ewan were personally hurt and offended by the critical reaction to the character.”
Suggested“I want this to...
- 4/24/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Has it been that long? George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is getting a 25th anniversary re-release by Disney on May 3. That’s in time to celebrate Star Wars day, May the 4th.
As part of the “The Phantom Menace” screenings, fans will be treated to an exclusive look at Disney+/Lucasfilm new series Star Wars: The Acolyte which takes place 100 years prior to Phantom Menace, that latter movie being the origin story of Anakin Skywalker who ultimately becomes Darth Vader. The Acolyte hits Disney+ on June 4.
Also the next Star Wars Celebration is headed to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan on April 18-20, 2025. Tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 P.M. Edt (US Time)/Friday, May 3, at 8:00 A.M. Jst (Japan Time).
Phantom Menace starred Ewan McGregor as young Obi Wan Kenobi, Liam Neeson as his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn,...
As part of the “The Phantom Menace” screenings, fans will be treated to an exclusive look at Disney+/Lucasfilm new series Star Wars: The Acolyte which takes place 100 years prior to Phantom Menace, that latter movie being the origin story of Anakin Skywalker who ultimately becomes Darth Vader. The Acolyte hits Disney+ on June 4.
Also the next Star Wars Celebration is headed to Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan on April 18-20, 2025. Tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 P.M. Edt (US Time)/Friday, May 3, at 8:00 A.M. Jst (Japan Time).
Phantom Menace starred Ewan McGregor as young Obi Wan Kenobi, Liam Neeson as his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Warning: This article deals with heavy topics related to mental illness.
Let me speak plainly: I'm not going to try and convince you the "Star Wars" prequels are great, actually. They're fascinating in their political prescience -- although, for as much as "Star Wars" has always been a fierce rebuke of fascism and imperialism, George Lucas had admitted the parallels between Palpatine's rise to power and the War on Terror were not intentional -- and it's hard not to (somewhat begrudgingly) admire Lucas for making the films he wanted to see. That's especially true when it comes to "Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," a profoundly flawed movie that represents the purest version of what the storyteller had in mind with these films, for better and for worse.
25 years later, though, "The Phantom Menace" is still a strangely affectless, stilted picture full of interesting ideas but clunky execution. That does not,...
Let me speak plainly: I'm not going to try and convince you the "Star Wars" prequels are great, actually. They're fascinating in their political prescience -- although, for as much as "Star Wars" has always been a fierce rebuke of fascism and imperialism, George Lucas had admitted the parallels between Palpatine's rise to power and the War on Terror were not intentional -- and it's hard not to (somewhat begrudgingly) admire Lucas for making the films he wanted to see. That's especially true when it comes to "Episode I -- The Phantom Menace," a profoundly flawed movie that represents the purest version of what the storyteller had in mind with these films, for better and for worse.
25 years later, though, "The Phantom Menace" is still a strangely affectless, stilted picture full of interesting ideas but clunky execution. That does not,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Ahmed Best is known for his iconic role as Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars movies including The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), and Revenge of the Sith, but he’s more than that. Best is a versatile actor, musician, and creator and his talents go beyond just this role.
Jar Jar Binks actor, Ahmed Best in The Mandalorian
Now, it’s reported that the 50-year-old actor might be joining another Star Wars project. It seems he’s being pulled back into the franchise despite past controversies and the abuse he faced.
Suggested“Such a downgrade”: Fans Revolt Against Denis Villeneuve Directing a Star Wars Film After Dune: Part Two’s Epic Success
Ahmed Best Revisits Star Wars Amidst Controversial Circumstances
Disney might be working on another Star Wars project, after Ahmed Best gave an update about his involvement in it.
Best, the actor who played Jar Jar Binks,...
Jar Jar Binks actor, Ahmed Best in The Mandalorian
Now, it’s reported that the 50-year-old actor might be joining another Star Wars project. It seems he’s being pulled back into the franchise despite past controversies and the abuse he faced.
Suggested“Such a downgrade”: Fans Revolt Against Denis Villeneuve Directing a Star Wars Film After Dune: Part Two’s Epic Success
Ahmed Best Revisits Star Wars Amidst Controversial Circumstances
Disney might be working on another Star Wars project, after Ahmed Best gave an update about his involvement in it.
Best, the actor who played Jar Jar Binks,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Shreya Jha
- FandomWire
Back in 1999, no cinema event was as hotly anticipated as the return of Star Wars. Thus the prequel trilogy began, unfolding George Lucas’ epic tragedy – vastly expanding the galaxy that fans loved, while pioneering the future of digital production. Now, to celebrate 25 years of the prequels, Empire presents an epic new look back at the trilogy that changed everything – packed with brand new interviews, rarely-seen concept art, and explorations of the greatest set pieces.
The issue hits newsstands on Thursday 15 February, with collectible light side and dark side covers – but in the meantime, here’s a sneak peek inside the mag.
Star Wars: 25 Years Of The Prequels
This is where the fun begins. Empire celebrates the Star Wars prequels on a landmark anniversary in a massive special – packed with brand new interviews. Including…
Hayden Christensen
Anakin speaks! The man who would become Darth Vader revisits his wild ride with Star Wars,...
The issue hits newsstands on Thursday 15 February, with collectible light side and dark side covers – but in the meantime, here’s a sneak peek inside the mag.
Star Wars: 25 Years Of The Prequels
This is where the fun begins. Empire celebrates the Star Wars prequels on a landmark anniversary in a massive special – packed with brand new interviews. Including…
Hayden Christensen
Anakin speaks! The man who would become Darth Vader revisits his wild ride with Star Wars,...
- 2/14/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
2024 marks the 25th anniversary of George Lucas' mediocre mega-hit "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." One cannot understate the enormity of this film's release back in 1999; there were news stories for months postulating its content and what its success levels might be. People camped out for weeks wanting to be the first to buy tickets. When the film's trailer was released, people would pay a full ticket price to watch it and then leave before the feature it preceded. Others would watch the trailer online, but in the days before streaming technology, this took several hours of dial-up-supported downloading.
One also cannot understate how disappointing the movie was. The story was dry and difficult to follow, involving with a trade route blockade, a treaty signing, and a wicked conspiracy with no known conclusion. The characters were either shrill or thin, delivering dull, ridiculous dialogue that felt out-of-place in...
One also cannot understate how disappointing the movie was. The story was dry and difficult to follow, involving with a trade route blockade, a treaty signing, and a wicked conspiracy with no known conclusion. The characters were either shrill or thin, delivering dull, ridiculous dialogue that felt out-of-place in...
- 2/12/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Star Wars Prequel Cast Revisits The Trilogy 25 Years Later In Empire’s Anniversary Issue – Exclusive
Back in 1999, a brand new era in the galaxy far, far away came to life. George Lucas’ Star Wars prequels told an epic tale of fallen Jedi, forbidden romance, and the dismantling of democracy – assembling a whole new cast to inhabit his vast space-opera. The stars who entered that sandbox took a bold step, not only working at the frontier of digital filmmaking techniques, but conjuring a Star Wars saga that stood apart visually and tonally from the beloved originals. The likes of Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson and Ian McDiarmid became an entire generation’s set of Star Wars heroes (and villains) – and they all spoke to Empire for our epic new issue, celebrating 25 years of the trilogy.
For Ewan McGregor, the pressure of playing the young Obi-Wan Kenobi was eased by working alongside Liam Neeson – whose Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn suffers a noble end in...
For Ewan McGregor, the pressure of playing the young Obi-Wan Kenobi was eased by working alongside Liam Neeson – whose Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn suffers a noble end in...
- 2/9/2024
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Sometimes it seemed like Carl Weathers could do anything. The football star-turned-actor also directed a fair number of television episodes (including two episodes of "The Mandalorian") and worked as a producer, extending his experience into all parts of entertainment. He worked with an incredible range of talent and touched many lives even beyond those he interacted with directly, making his passing a massive blow to anyone who loves movies or TV. The absolute titan sadly died yesterday at the age of 76, and many of the people who he worked with and who were inspired by him took to social media to share their feelings about the late, great man.
The outpouring of love included words from co-stars like Pedro Pascal and Jesse Ventura, along with regular collaborators like Adam Sandler, whom Weathers worked with on movies like "Happy Gilmore," "Little Nicky," and "Eight Crazy Nights." There's a Carl Weathers-shaped hole in the world,...
The outpouring of love included words from co-stars like Pedro Pascal and Jesse Ventura, along with regular collaborators like Adam Sandler, whom Weathers worked with on movies like "Happy Gilmore," "Little Nicky," and "Eight Crazy Nights." There's a Carl Weathers-shaped hole in the world,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
Carl Weathers, the legendary actor known for his roles in movies like "Rocky" and "Predator," has only just passed away at the age of 76. Though not talked about nearly as much as his on-screen work, Weathers was also an accomplished director and called the shots on many shows during his decades-long career, including "Hawaii Five-o" and "Law & Order." In recent years, he's played Greef Karga on the "Star Wars" TV show "The Mandalorian." Even then, however, Lucasfilm made use of his talents behind the camera as well, with Weathers directing not one but two episodes documenting the galactic adventures of Mando and Grogu.
Most recently, Weathers directed an episode titled "The Foundling," which aired as part of the show's third season in 2023. Speaking to Hype Beast after the episode premiered, the actor-turned-director explained his approach to directing specifically in the "Star Wars" universe," which is no small thing. In short?...
Most recently, Weathers directed an episode titled "The Foundling," which aired as part of the show's third season in 2023. Speaking to Hype Beast after the episode premiered, the actor-turned-director explained his approach to directing specifically in the "Star Wars" universe," which is no small thing. In short?...
- 2/2/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Will "Star Wars Detours", the unaired, 52-episode CG-animated comedy TV series, produced by Lucasfilm and "Robot Chicken" creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, ever stream on Disney+ ?:
"...'Star Wars: Detours' differentiated from other 'Star Wars' animated series...
"...revealing a satiric, foul-mouthed, but beloved parody of the 'Star Wars' franchise...
"...with a comedic take on what happened between the prequel trilogy ('Episodes I–III') and the original trilogy ('Episodes IV–VI')..."
Cast includes Dee Bradley Baker, Abraham Benrubi, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Felicia Day, Donald Faison...
...Nat Faxon, Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Zachary Levi, Joel McHale...
...Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Andy Richter, Cree Summer, Catherine Taber...
....Billy Dee Williams, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Grey DeLisle and Seth MacFarlane.
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Star Wars: Detours' differentiated from other 'Star Wars' animated series...
"...revealing a satiric, foul-mouthed, but beloved parody of the 'Star Wars' franchise...
"...with a comedic take on what happened between the prequel trilogy ('Episodes I–III') and the original trilogy ('Episodes IV–VI')..."
Cast includes Dee Bradley Baker, Abraham Benrubi, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Felicia Day, Donald Faison...
...Nat Faxon, Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Zachary Levi, Joel McHale...
...Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Andy Richter, Cree Summer, Catherine Taber...
....Billy Dee Williams, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Grey DeLisle and Seth MacFarlane.
Click the images to enlarge...
- 12/23/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
We take CGI for granted these days. It seems the only time we notice it is when something is wrong. If you get into acting in 2023, you know that there is a strong likelihood that you'll be working in front of a screen, imagining characters that aren't there and scenery that you can't really see. It's a very specific skill, trying to make people believe that you, too, can see what the audience is seeing. When "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" (1999) was filming, however, star Natalie Portman, who played Padmé Amidala, hadn't had much experience with it at all.
This amount of work in front of a blue screen added a lot of issues that she hadn't dealt with in the industry before. To be fair, "The Phantom Menace" had a lot more CGI than most films at the time. Whether you believe that was to the...
This amount of work in front of a blue screen added a lot of issues that she hadn't dealt with in the industry before. To be fair, "The Phantom Menace" had a lot more CGI than most films at the time. Whether you believe that was to the...
- 12/10/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The "Star Wars" prequels bring up a lot of things for people. Some grew up with the original trilogy and didn't love the backstory for Darth Vader. Others saw their first "Star Wars" film with "The Phantom Menace" and fell in love with the franchise because of it. Whatever side you fall on, or even if you rest somewhere in the middle, there are a few parts of the prequels that are largely considered problematic. Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best was bullied to an insane degree, though he did return as Jedi Kelleran Beq in "The Mandalorian" season 3 to much admiration. Then there is Watto (Andrew Secombe), the Toydarian who ran a second-hand shop in Mos Espa on Tatooine, and forced the enslaved Shmi Skywalker (Pernilla August) and her son Anakin (Jake Lloyd) to work for him.
The character has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and while I won't go into that here,...
The character has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and while I won't go into that here,...
- 12/4/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Before the "Star Wars" prequels came out, people were really excited to get the backstory of Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen). I certainly was. While I'm not a huge prequel fan, there were some really fascinating story points in there, and between those three films and the animated series "The Clone Wars," many of us know more about Anakin's story than any other character in the history of the galaxy far, far away.
Though we also learned a lot about Padmé (Natalie Portman), Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), Jar-Jar (Ahmed Best), Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), and Yoda (Frank Oz), the real focus of the prequels -- particularly "Revenge of the Sith" -- was Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader. However, when it comes to the final chapter of the prequels, that wasn't always the case, according to the 2005 book "The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" by J.W. Rinzler.
Though we also learned a lot about Padmé (Natalie Portman), Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor), Jar-Jar (Ahmed Best), Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), and Yoda (Frank Oz), the real focus of the prequels -- particularly "Revenge of the Sith" -- was Anakin Skywalker and his transformation into Darth Vader. However, when it comes to the final chapter of the prequels, that wasn't always the case, according to the 2005 book "The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" by J.W. Rinzler.
- 10/7/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The following article contains spoilers for "The Mandalorian" season 3.
Whether you were a fan of the "Star Wars" prequel character Jar Jar Binks or one of his original critics, your heart was probably lifted when you saw actor Ahmed Best in the third season of "The Mandalorian." By now, most of us know that Best went through absolute hell because of his portrayal of the Gungan senator in the prequels, leading him to consider suicide.
The character was hit with complaints that he was racially insensitive, subservient to white characters, and using a speech pattern that enforced these stereotypes. When Best posted about his harrowing experience, according to a feature in The Guardian about the new podcast "The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks," fans rallied around him. He was given the persona of Jedi Master Kelleran Beq and hosted the children's game show "Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge."
In the feature,...
Whether you were a fan of the "Star Wars" prequel character Jar Jar Binks or one of his original critics, your heart was probably lifted when you saw actor Ahmed Best in the third season of "The Mandalorian." By now, most of us know that Best went through absolute hell because of his portrayal of the Gungan senator in the prequels, leading him to consider suicide.
The character was hit with complaints that he was racially insensitive, subservient to white characters, and using a speech pattern that enforced these stereotypes. When Best posted about his harrowing experience, according to a feature in The Guardian about the new podcast "The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks," fans rallied around him. He was given the persona of Jedi Master Kelleran Beq and hosted the children's game show "Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge."
In the feature,...
- 9/4/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
It may be difficult for anyone under 30 to imagine, but humanity once went 16 years without a new "Star Wars" movie. Yes, there were books and comic books and video games, but the series' official canon basically ended in 1983 with "Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi." Why the long gap? The franchise's creator, George Lucas, was determined to wait until CGI advanced to a level where he could seamlessly blend visual effects with practical sets and locations. Once that time arrived, he began pre-production on "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." And it wasn't long before word got out that he was creating a 100 percent CG character that would interact with the film's flesh-and-blood actors.
That character was, of course, Jar Jar Binks, who would go on to become the lightning rod for everything "Star Wars" fans found lacking in the 1999 blockbuster. Some folks hated the character so much,...
That character was, of course, Jar Jar Binks, who would go on to become the lightning rod for everything "Star Wars" fans found lacking in the 1999 blockbuster. Some folks hated the character so much,...
- 8/27/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
With an audience that knows every nook and cranny of the Star Wars franchise, executive producer and director Deborah Chow took on a monumental challenge by agreeing to continue the story of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen) in between the prequel and original trilogies. Development of the McGregor-led project had already become its own saga, beginning in 2017, with Stephan Daldry tackling a stand-alone Obi-Wan film. In 2019, when the feature evolved into a limited series for Disney+, Chow stepped in for Daldry, shepherding the project through numerous rewrites and Covid restrictions until cameras finally rolled in spring 2021.
Director Deborah Chow
Once Chow signed on, the series’ biggest surprise was already in the works, as the kidnapping of 10-year-old Leia Organa would compel Obi-Wan to depart Tatooine, leaving young Luke Skywalker temporarily unprotected. It also was essential to Chow and McGregor that Christensen get a second bite...
Director Deborah Chow
Once Chow signed on, the series’ biggest surprise was already in the works, as the kidnapping of 10-year-old Leia Organa would compel Obi-Wan to depart Tatooine, leaving young Luke Skywalker temporarily unprotected. It also was essential to Chow and McGregor that Christensen get a second bite...
- 8/16/2023
- by Brian Davids
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain," Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) declares in "The Dark Knight." Well, when it comes to George Lucas' "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, it's the opposite. In an era of cookie-cutter tentpoles that refuse to take risks or say anything meaningful about the real world, many "Star Wars" fans have formed a newfound (if somewhat begrudging) respect for Lucas' idiosyncratic prequel films. That reappraisal extends to those who acted in Lucas' films, perhaps none more so than Jar Jar Binks performer Ahmed Best.
As with his "Phantom Menace" co-star Jake Lloyd, Best was the target of much-undeserved scorn for his work on the prequels. It's why it's been so rejuvenating to see "Star Wars" fans embrace Best as he takes a second go at the franchise playing the Jedi Master Kelleran Beq. Having started out as the...
As with his "Phantom Menace" co-star Jake Lloyd, Best was the target of much-undeserved scorn for his work on the prequels. It's why it's been so rejuvenating to see "Star Wars" fans embrace Best as he takes a second go at the franchise playing the Jedi Master Kelleran Beq. Having started out as the...
- 8/14/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The actor who played Jar Jar Binks has revealed the devastating personal toll of fans’ hatred of his Star Wars character.
Ahmed Best thought all his dreams had come true when he was plucked from obscurity to play the gregarious creature in George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace.
Best had been performing in a percussive dance troupe when he was selected to audition, but his lifelong dream had been to appear in a Star Wars movie… until the reality.
The actor told the UK’s Guardian newspaper how the wrath of the fans – who took against both the character and him – left him depressed and even, at one point, standing on the Brooklyn Bridge and considering taking his own life.
Best told the paper, he thought, “I’ll show all of you. I’ll show you what you’re doing to me. And when I’m gone,...
Ahmed Best thought all his dreams had come true when he was plucked from obscurity to play the gregarious creature in George Lucas’s Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace.
Best had been performing in a percussive dance troupe when he was selected to audition, but his lifelong dream had been to appear in a Star Wars movie… until the reality.
The actor told the UK’s Guardian newspaper how the wrath of the fans – who took against both the character and him – left him depressed and even, at one point, standing on the Brooklyn Bridge and considering taking his own life.
Best told the paper, he thought, “I’ll show all of you. I’ll show you what you’re doing to me. And when I’m gone,...
- 7/29/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Ahmed Best was overjoyed when cast as Star Wars’s Jar Jar Binks – until the threats of violence began. As a podcast tells his story, he talks about hate, making movie history and a glorious comeback in The Mandalorian
One foggy night at 3am, the actor who plays Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars found himself clinging to the edge of Brooklyn Bridge. An instant ago, he had been on the public walkway, but now he was teetering on its brink. As the breeze blew around him, he gazed out at the Statue of Liberty. He saw the river below, and as he hung precariously above a 39m drop, one thing kept going through his mind: “I’ll show all of you. I’ll show you what you’re doing to me. And when I’m gone, then you’ll feel exactly what I went through.”
This is the lowest...
One foggy night at 3am, the actor who plays Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars found himself clinging to the edge of Brooklyn Bridge. An instant ago, he had been on the public walkway, but now he was teetering on its brink. As the breeze blew around him, he gazed out at the Statue of Liberty. He saw the river below, and as he hung precariously above a 39m drop, one thing kept going through his mind: “I’ll show all of you. I’ll show you what you’re doing to me. And when I’m gone, then you’ll feel exactly what I went through.”
This is the lowest...
- 7/28/2023
- by Alexi Duggins
- The Guardian - Film News
Lando Calrisian: charmer, administrator, pirate. The Baron Administrator turned Rebel has worn many hats over his distinguished life, but Television Star is yet to be determined. Despite plans to launch a Disney+ series spinning out the prequel movie Solo: A Star Wars Story, with Donald Glover reprising his take on the character that Billy Dee Williams originated, the series faces an uncertain future.
Speaking with The Direct, writer and producer Justin Simien offered a disappointing update on the show’s plans. The Lando series was first announced in a December 2020 investors’ day call, with Dear White People creator Simien attached to write and produce. As recently as Star Wars Celebration in April, Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy assured viewers that the series was still happening.
But Simien’s latest statement paints another picture: “I don’t know, I have no idea what’s going on with it,” he told The Direct...
Speaking with The Direct, writer and producer Justin Simien offered a disappointing update on the show’s plans. The Lando series was first announced in a December 2020 investors’ day call, with Dear White People creator Simien attached to write and produce. As recently as Star Wars Celebration in April, Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy assured viewers that the series was still happening.
But Simien’s latest statement paints another picture: “I don’t know, I have no idea what’s going on with it,” he told The Direct...
- 7/18/2023
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Weekly Commentary:
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Primetime Emmy predictions in the major categories.
The rankings for the category are below.
The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. Pt and close on Aug.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Weekly Commentary:
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Primetime Emmy predictions in the major categories.
The rankings for the category are below.
The final Emmy voting rounds open on Aug. 17 at 9 a.m. Pt and close on Aug.
- 6/22/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Might Natalie Portman be the next former “Star Wars” actor to return to the galaxy far, far away? The Oscar-winning star – who could be a Best Actress contender again in 2024 thanks to her new film “May December” – recently told GQ she’d be “open” to a “Star Wars” return.
“I have no information on this,” Portman said in response to a fan comment in the GQ video. “No one’s ever asked me to return, but I’m open to it.”
Starting in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” Portman played Padme Amidala, the Queen of Naboo and a senator in the Galactic Senate. Padme had a lengthy romantic relationship with Anakin Skywalker (played as an adult in “Episode II” and “Episode III” by Hayden Christensen) and was the mother of Luke and Leia. She died shortly after giving birth to the twins due to a broken heart...
“I have no information on this,” Portman said in response to a fan comment in the GQ video. “No one’s ever asked me to return, but I’m open to it.”
Starting in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” Portman played Padme Amidala, the Queen of Naboo and a senator in the Galactic Senate. Padme had a lengthy romantic relationship with Anakin Skywalker (played as an adult in “Episode II” and “Episode III” by Hayden Christensen) and was the mother of Luke and Leia. She died shortly after giving birth to the twins due to a broken heart...
- 5/23/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
"Star Wars Detours", the unaired, 52-episode CG-animated comedy TV series, produced by Lucasfilm and "Robot Chicken" creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, will stream in 2023 on Disney+ :
"...'Star Wars: Detours' differentiated from other 'Star Wars' animated series...
"...revealing a satiric, foul-mouthed, but beloved parody of the 'Star Wars' franchise...
"...with a comedic take on what happened between the prequel trilogy ('Episodes I–III') and the original trilogy ('Episodes IV–VI')..."
Cast includes Dee Bradley Baker, Abraham Benrubi, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Felicia Day, Donald Faison...
...Nat Faxon, Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Zachary Levi, Joel McHale...
...Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Andy Richter, Cree Summer, Catherine Taber...
....Billy Dee Williams, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Grey DeLisle and Seth MacFarlane.
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Star Wars: Detours' differentiated from other 'Star Wars' animated series...
"...revealing a satiric, foul-mouthed, but beloved parody of the 'Star Wars' franchise...
"...with a comedic take on what happened between the prequel trilogy ('Episodes I–III') and the original trilogy ('Episodes IV–VI')..."
Cast includes Dee Bradley Baker, Abraham Benrubi, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Felicia Day, Donald Faison...
...Nat Faxon, Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Zachary Levi, Joel McHale...
...Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Andy Richter, Cree Summer, Catherine Taber...
....Billy Dee Williams, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Grey DeLisle and Seth MacFarlane.
Click the images to enlarge...
- 5/9/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
This post contains spoilers for season 3 of "The Mandalorian."
Season 3 of "The Mandalorian" ended on a glorious note. The Mandalorians were able to reclaim their home planet, Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) was defeated, and our favorite father-son duo, Din (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu even got their own little home in Nevarro. Despite assuming an often directionless, meandering pace, season 3 of the show had some impressive highlights, including a flashback to Order 66 from Grogu's point of view. When The Armorer (Emily Swallow) forges Grogu a beskar rondel, the kid has some intense flashbacks to the fateful night, and it is revealed that Jedi master Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best) was the one who saved him during the purge at the Jedi temple.
This begs the question, was Grogu ever at the risk of running into Anakin Skywalker, who had already turned to the Dark Side by then? As Anakin was the one...
Season 3 of "The Mandalorian" ended on a glorious note. The Mandalorians were able to reclaim their home planet, Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) was defeated, and our favorite father-son duo, Din (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu even got their own little home in Nevarro. Despite assuming an often directionless, meandering pace, season 3 of the show had some impressive highlights, including a flashback to Order 66 from Grogu's point of view. When The Armorer (Emily Swallow) forges Grogu a beskar rondel, the kid has some intense flashbacks to the fateful night, and it is revealed that Jedi master Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best) was the one who saved him during the purge at the Jedi temple.
This begs the question, was Grogu ever at the risk of running into Anakin Skywalker, who had already turned to the Dark Side by then? As Anakin was the one...
- 5/7/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
Over on Disney+, The Mandalorian Season 3 has just wrapped up. Once again we got to see Din and Grogu set out on numerous adventures within the Star Wars universe. This time they set out to finally reunite all the Mandalorians that had split into different factions and even return them to their rightful home of Mandalore. As usual, this season was jam-packed with all sorts of references and Mandalorian Easter Eggs. What did you end up missing?
WArning!!!! There will be spoilers for The Mandalorian Season 3 and previous Mandalorian seasons!
Purrgil Space Whales
When Din jumps to hyperspace Grogu gets to see what it looks like out in space during travel. Within the lights and clouds of this super fast travel, we can see some shadows of what looks like some sort of animals traveling along hyperspace. These creatures are known as Purrgil. They are sort...
WArning!!!! There will be spoilers for The Mandalorian Season 3 and previous Mandalorian seasons!
Purrgil Space Whales
When Din jumps to hyperspace Grogu gets to see what it looks like out in space during travel. Within the lights and clouds of this super fast travel, we can see some shadows of what looks like some sort of animals traveling along hyperspace. These creatures are known as Purrgil. They are sort...
- 4/29/2023
- by Bryan Wolford
- JoBlo.com
No film in the history of the motion picture medium has ever been burdened by a more crushing weight of expectations than "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace." The original trilogy of movies that kicked off with 1977's "Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope" had their roots in the try-anything era of New Hollywood. The studios were chasing trends and taking risks, trying to replicate the blockbuster success of "The Exorcist," "The Godfather" and, most importantly, "Jaws."
George Lucas' "Star Wars" was a box-office rainmaker. It is still the highest-grossing domestic movie of all time (adjusted for inflation). It revolutionized the film business at every level. The merchandising, the franchising ... everything that drives the industry today was pioneered by and ripped off from "Star Wars."
On an emotional level, just about every Gen X-er on the planet had been dreaming of Lucas' promised prequel trilogy since they walked...
George Lucas' "Star Wars" was a box-office rainmaker. It is still the highest-grossing domestic movie of all time (adjusted for inflation). It revolutionized the film business at every level. The merchandising, the franchising ... everything that drives the industry today was pioneered by and ripped off from "Star Wars."
On an emotional level, just about every Gen X-er on the planet had been dreaming of Lucas' promised prequel trilogy since they walked...
- 4/16/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
There has been a lot of discussion about the Star Wars character Jar Jar Binks from the prequel trilogy lately. Especially with Jar Jar actor Ahmed Best returning to the universe as Jedi Kelleran Beq, who saved Grogu from Order 66 in "The Mandalorian." Jar Jar was an unpopular character, and cruel Star Wars viewers who made fun of the role — and Best for playing him — almost drove the actor to take his own life. It was wonderful to see his return. Some people are reexamining that role, as well as the increasingly toxic nature of fandom in general.
Critique is something filmmakers have to deal with as part of the job. It's always a risk when you put yourself out there as an actor, a writer, a creator, or a director. Your work will be reviewed, and not everyone is going to love what you made. Still, even before the days of social media,...
Critique is something filmmakers have to deal with as part of the job. It's always a risk when you put yourself out there as an actor, a writer, a creator, or a director. Your work will be reviewed, and not everyone is going to love what you made. Still, even before the days of social media,...
- 4/15/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Season 3 of The Mandalorian is treating fans to several exciting Easter eggs and nods to the wider Star Wars universe. One particular Easter egg in Episode 5, “Chapter 21: The Pirate,” harks back to Return of the Jedi and features a creature that many fans will recognize.
Pedro Pascal attends an event for ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3. I Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney A familiar ‘Star Wars’ creature helps the Mandalorians during the battle with pirates on Nevarro
In The Mandalorian Season 3 episode, “The Pirate,” Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) convinces his tribe of Mandalorians to help defend Nevarro against the Pirate King Gorian Shard’s (Nonso Anozie) forces. With the promise of new land and homes, the bounty hunters team up to take down the pirates.
During the battle, a creature in the trees — a group of whom were shot at for fun by Gorian Shard’s henchmen in the first...
Pedro Pascal attends an event for ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 3. I Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney A familiar ‘Star Wars’ creature helps the Mandalorians during the battle with pirates on Nevarro
In The Mandalorian Season 3 episode, “The Pirate,” Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) convinces his tribe of Mandalorians to help defend Nevarro against the Pirate King Gorian Shard’s (Nonso Anozie) forces. With the promise of new land and homes, the bounty hunters team up to take down the pirates.
During the battle, a creature in the trees — a group of whom were shot at for fun by Gorian Shard’s henchmen in the first...
- 4/11/2023
- by Mishal Ali Zafar
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Those who were alive in 1999 will be able to recall the tremendous drama surrounding the release of George Lucas' "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." It was perhaps one of the most anticipated films of all time, with some audience members camping out on sidewalks for days, waiting to get tickets (a necessity in a time prior to internet ticket sales). Before streaming technology was widely available (YouTube didn't debut until 2005), people used their dial-up modems to download the "Phantom Menace" trailer, a practice that took the better part of a day. The film bow to respectful, if modest, applause from critics.
But very quickly, public perception turned sour. Many soon recognized that the script was clunky, the story wasn't terribly interesting, and the characters were flat, dray, and inhuman. Many pointed specifically to Jake Lloyd, who played the young Anakin Skywalker, as one of the central reasons the film didn't work.
But very quickly, public perception turned sour. Many soon recognized that the script was clunky, the story wasn't terribly interesting, and the characters were flat, dray, and inhuman. Many pointed specifically to Jake Lloyd, who played the young Anakin Skywalker, as one of the central reasons the film didn't work.
- 4/7/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Lizzo has shared some behind-the-scene moments from her appearance in The Mandalorian’s latest episode.
In the episode, titled “Chapter 22: Guns for Hire”, the pop singer baffled fans with her surprise appearance as The Duchess, opposite Jack Black as her partner Captain Bombardier – two characters whom Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), Grogu and Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) meet on their travels.
The day after the episode’s release, Lizzo described the opportunity as “a dream I never thought was possible” in an Instagram post, sharing on-set photos of her in costume.
“When I was a young girl my dad introduced me to Star Wars like a rite of passage. The trilogies are his favourite movies and quickly became mine,” the “About Damn Time” singer wrote.
“When [director] Jon Favreau called me and offered the role of The Duchess I cried all day wishing my dad was still with us cus he’d be so proud.
In the episode, titled “Chapter 22: Guns for Hire”, the pop singer baffled fans with her surprise appearance as The Duchess, opposite Jack Black as her partner Captain Bombardier – two characters whom Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), Grogu and Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) meet on their travels.
The day after the episode’s release, Lizzo described the opportunity as “a dream I never thought was possible” in an Instagram post, sharing on-set photos of her in costume.
“When I was a young girl my dad introduced me to Star Wars like a rite of passage. The trilogies are his favourite movies and quickly became mine,” the “About Damn Time” singer wrote.
“When [director] Jon Favreau called me and offered the role of The Duchess I cried all day wishing my dad was still with us cus he’d be so proud.
- 4/7/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
Lucasfilm debuted the first footage from the upcoming “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte” to thousands of fans at Star Wars Celebration in London on Friday. The new live-action show hails from creator Leslye Headland and is set the furthest back in the “Star Wars” timeline for a live-action TV show or film yet.
The series takes place between the High Republic era and the beginning of the prequels and tells the story of “the bad guys.”
“I wanted to delve into the ‘Star Wars’ universe and I wanted to tell the story of the world I love so much from the perspective of the villains,” Headland said from the stage. “What I pitched to Kathleen Kennedy was ‘Frozen’ meets ‘Kill Bill.'”
“We had to set this between the High Republic and the beginning of the prequels,” she continued. “This is when the bad guys are outnumbered, they are the underdogs,...
The series takes place between the High Republic era and the beginning of the prequels and tells the story of “the bad guys.”
“I wanted to delve into the ‘Star Wars’ universe and I wanted to tell the story of the world I love so much from the perspective of the villains,” Headland said from the stage. “What I pitched to Kathleen Kennedy was ‘Frozen’ meets ‘Kill Bill.'”
“We had to set this between the High Republic and the beginning of the prequels,” she continued. “This is when the bad guys are outnumbered, they are the underdogs,...
- 4/7/2023
- by Adam Chitwood and Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Season three of The Mandalorian has been surprising to say the least. With returning characters like Bo-Katan and Zeb, Star Wars fans have had plenty of exciting moments to savor thus far. However, a new surprise character, played by actor Ahmed Best, has fans truly over the moon, and not just because of what his character does in the show.
Ahmed Best played Jar Jar Binks in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ Ahmed Best is seen onstage at Star Wars Celebration in 2019. I Daniel Boczarski/FilmMagic
Best is best known for his role as Jar Jar Binks Star Wars prequel movies, plus video games and cartoons, according to IMDb. According to People, Jar Jar Binks was such a poorly received character by fans that Best said in recent years that he considered taking his life after the backlash.
He said in an Instagram post, “I don’t...
Ahmed Best played Jar Jar Binks in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ Ahmed Best is seen onstage at Star Wars Celebration in 2019. I Daniel Boczarski/FilmMagic
Best is best known for his role as Jar Jar Binks Star Wars prequel movies, plus video games and cartoons, according to IMDb. According to People, Jar Jar Binks was such a poorly received character by fans that Best said in recent years that he considered taking his life after the backlash.
He said in an Instagram post, “I don’t...
- 4/6/2023
- by Sarah Ruszkowski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Fans of The Mandalorian have been left divided by a pair of high-profile guest stars in the latest episode of the Star Wars spin-off.
Released on Disney+ on Wednesday (5 April), the episode “Chapter 22: Guns for Hire”, saw Jack Black and Lizzo play an eccentric couple.
The pop musician and School of Rock star appeared as “The Duchess” and her partner “Captain Bombardier” respectively, two characters whom Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), Grogu and Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) meet on their travels.
The episode also featured Back to the Future’s Christopher Lloyd, who played Commissioner Helgait.
However, it was Black and Lizzo who drew the strongest reactions from the Star Wars fanbase, with viewers sharing their thoughts on social media after watching.
Pointint to a scene in which Lizzo’s character awards Grogu (aka “Baby Yoda”) with a knighthood, one fan wrote: “Lizzo just knighted Baby yoda aka grogu. What is happening in Star Wars?...
Released on Disney+ on Wednesday (5 April), the episode “Chapter 22: Guns for Hire”, saw Jack Black and Lizzo play an eccentric couple.
The pop musician and School of Rock star appeared as “The Duchess” and her partner “Captain Bombardier” respectively, two characters whom Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), Grogu and Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) meet on their travels.
The episode also featured Back to the Future’s Christopher Lloyd, who played Commissioner Helgait.
However, it was Black and Lizzo who drew the strongest reactions from the Star Wars fanbase, with viewers sharing their thoughts on social media after watching.
Pointint to a scene in which Lizzo’s character awards Grogu (aka “Baby Yoda”) with a knighthood, one fan wrote: “Lizzo just knighted Baby yoda aka grogu. What is happening in Star Wars?...
- 4/6/2023
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - TV
This Star Wars article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.
While Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin and Katee Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze are at the heart of The Mandalorian, there are no shortage of great actors and new characters making their way to the Star Wars galaxy this year. We’ve already seen Mark Hamill return as Luke Skywalker as well as Rosario Dawson bringing fan-favorite Ahsoka Tano to live-action. And of course, the series is anchored by returning cast like Carl Weathers as Greef Karga, Emily Swallow as the Armorer, and Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon.
Let’s take a look at all the characters, both new and returning, that have made their way to The Mandalorian season 3:
Pedro Pascal is The Mandalorian aka Mando aka Din Djarin
Pedro Pascal is returning as the titular Mandalorian Din Djarin for season 3. The former bounty...
While Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin and Katee Sackhoff’s Bo-Katan Kryze are at the heart of The Mandalorian, there are no shortage of great actors and new characters making their way to the Star Wars galaxy this year. We’ve already seen Mark Hamill return as Luke Skywalker as well as Rosario Dawson bringing fan-favorite Ahsoka Tano to live-action. And of course, the series is anchored by returning cast like Carl Weathers as Greef Karga, Emily Swallow as the Armorer, and Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon.
Let’s take a look at all the characters, both new and returning, that have made their way to The Mandalorian season 3:
Pedro Pascal is The Mandalorian aka Mando aka Din Djarin
Pedro Pascal is returning as the titular Mandalorian Din Djarin for season 3. The former bounty...
- 4/5/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Jack Black (@jackblack)
Why are Mandalorians great til they gotta be great? That's a question you could ask yourself while watching the newest episode of "The Mandalorian," released on April 5, because it features some major celebrity cameos - including Lizzo and Jack Black!
In the new episode, the sixth of the third season, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), Grogu (aka Baby Yoda), and Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) head to an independent planet, Plazir-15, to meet up with a group of Mandalorians, which includes Bo-Katan's former Nite Owls colleague Axe Woves (Simon Kassianides). When they get there, they're quickly brought to the palace to meet the planet's rulers, the Duchess and Captain Bombardier. The Duchess is played by Lizzo, while Black plays the Captain, and they both have big personalities and a taste for the finer things in life.
Bombardier, it turns out,...
A post shared by Jack Black (@jackblack)
Why are Mandalorians great til they gotta be great? That's a question you could ask yourself while watching the newest episode of "The Mandalorian," released on April 5, because it features some major celebrity cameos - including Lizzo and Jack Black!
In the new episode, the sixth of the third season, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), Grogu (aka Baby Yoda), and Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) head to an independent planet, Plazir-15, to meet up with a group of Mandalorians, which includes Bo-Katan's former Nite Owls colleague Axe Woves (Simon Kassianides). When they get there, they're quickly brought to the palace to meet the planet's rulers, the Duchess and Captain Bombardier. The Duchess is played by Lizzo, while Black plays the Captain, and they both have big personalities and a taste for the finer things in life.
Bombardier, it turns out,...
- 4/5/2023
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
Since its debut on Disney+ back in December of 2019, "The Mandalorian" has delivered a number of memorable moments that have quickly become true standouts in the "Star Wars" canon. The adventures of Din Djarin and Grogu have taken them to a few new locales, but the series is at its best when it's tying in beloved characters like Ahsoka Tano from the animated series "Star Wars: Rebels" and filling in gaps that give a little more insight into what legacy characters like Luke Skywalker were up to after "Return of the Jedi." When "The Book of Boba Fett" took a left turn to catch up with Luke and Grogu in "Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger," Luke taps into Grogu's traumatized memories of being inside the Jedi Temple during the night that Emperor Palpatine gave the dreaded "Order 66" that eliminated the Jedi.
Of course, "From the Desert Comes...
Of course, "From the Desert Comes...
- 4/4/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
Trying to have a nuanced conversation about George Lucas' "Star Wars" prequels is a little like attempting to thread the Stone Needle in Beggar's Canyon on Tatooine. Thanks to the toxic fan discourse that sprung up around them, it's difficult to discuss these movies without wondering how much of your reaction is being colored by their rather complicated legacy -- both the good and the bad.
Take Hayden Christensen. At first, critics weren't exactly wowed by his turn as the man who would become Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker, in his moody young adult years. Then again, they weren't exactly wowed by any of the acting in Lucas' prequels. Roger Ebert, reviewing "Attack of the Clones" in 2002, wrote that the film's leads — Anakin, Padmé (Natalie Portman), and Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) — "seem so strangely stiff and formal in their speech that an unwary viewer might be excused for thinking they were the clones,...
Take Hayden Christensen. At first, critics weren't exactly wowed by his turn as the man who would become Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker, in his moody young adult years. Then again, they weren't exactly wowed by any of the acting in Lucas' prequels. Roger Ebert, reviewing "Attack of the Clones" in 2002, wrote that the film's leads — Anakin, Padmé (Natalie Portman), and Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) — "seem so strangely stiff and formal in their speech that an unwary viewer might be excused for thinking they were the clones,...
- 4/3/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
This Star Wars article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian.
The Mandalorian season 3 has taken a deeper dive than ever before into the galaxy at large. From exploring what life is like under the New Republic to venturing back to the abandoned wastelands of Mandalore, the series has really taken its time fleshing out its lore this year. The same can be said about the show’s approach to its signature character. Now that Grogu is back with Din and training as a Mandalorian foundling, season 3 is excavating the little guy’s backstory and answering some very important questions about his past.
Case in point: we finally know who saved Grogu from the Jedi Temple during Order 66. We learn in “The Foundling” that it was none other than Ahmed Best’s Jedi swordmaster Kelleran Beq who helped Baby Yoda escape the siege and get off Coruscant, just as the clone troopers were closing in.
The Mandalorian season 3 has taken a deeper dive than ever before into the galaxy at large. From exploring what life is like under the New Republic to venturing back to the abandoned wastelands of Mandalore, the series has really taken its time fleshing out its lore this year. The same can be said about the show’s approach to its signature character. Now that Grogu is back with Din and training as a Mandalorian foundling, season 3 is excavating the little guy’s backstory and answering some very important questions about his past.
Case in point: we finally know who saved Grogu from the Jedi Temple during Order 66. We learn in “The Foundling” that it was none other than Ahmed Best’s Jedi swordmaster Kelleran Beq who helped Baby Yoda escape the siege and get off Coruscant, just as the clone troopers were closing in.
- 4/1/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
"Star Wars Detours", the unaired, 52-episode CGI-animated comedy TV series, produced by Lucasfilm and "Robot Chicken" creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, may finally see the light of day, reportedly streaming on Disney+ in 2023:
"...'Star Wars: Detours' differentiated from other 'Star Wars' animated series...
"...revealing a satiric, foul-mouthed, but beloved parody of the 'Star Wars' franchise...
"...with a comedic take on what happened between the prequel trilogy ('Episodes I–III') and the original trilogy ('Episodes IV–VI')..."
Cast includes Dee Bradley Baker, Abraham Benrubi, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Felicia Day, Donald Faison...
...Nat Faxon, Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Zachary Levi, Joel McHale...
...Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Andy Richter, Cree Summer, Catherine Taber...
....Billy Dee Williams, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Grey DeLisle and Seth MacFarlane.
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Star Wars: Detours' differentiated from other 'Star Wars' animated series...
"...revealing a satiric, foul-mouthed, but beloved parody of the 'Star Wars' franchise...
"...with a comedic take on what happened between the prequel trilogy ('Episodes I–III') and the original trilogy ('Episodes IV–VI')..."
Cast includes Dee Bradley Baker, Abraham Benrubi, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Felicia Day, Donald Faison...
...Nat Faxon, Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Zachary Levi, Joel McHale...
...Breckin Meyer, Dan Milano, Andy Richter, Cree Summer, Catherine Taber...
....Billy Dee Williams, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Grey DeLisle and Seth MacFarlane.
Click the images to enlarge...
- 3/31/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
One Secret Invasion secret is out: The character that Game of Thrones alum Emilia Clarke is playing in the upcoming Disney+ series in fact has been seen before in the MCU.
Based on the 2008 Marvel comic of the same name and (last we heard) earmarked for a Spring 2023 premiere, Secret Invasion follows a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls who have been infiltrating all aspects of life on Earth for years.
More from TVLineWonder Man: Demetrius Grosse Lands Key Role in New Marvel SeriesThe Mandalorian Uncorks a Murder Mystery -- Do You Have a Suspect?The Mandalorian: Ahmed Best Says 'Coming...
Based on the 2008 Marvel comic of the same name and (last we heard) earmarked for a Spring 2023 premiere, Secret Invasion follows a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls who have been infiltrating all aspects of life on Earth for years.
More from TVLineWonder Man: Demetrius Grosse Lands Key Role in New Marvel SeriesThe Mandalorian Uncorks a Murder Mystery -- Do You Have a Suspect?The Mandalorian: Ahmed Best Says 'Coming...
- 3/31/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
This post contains spoilers for "The Mandalorian" season 3
"Star Wars" fans were treated to quite the surprise in the middle of "The Mandalorian" season 3, with Chapter 20 of the series bringing back an actor who has, to say the very least of it, a complicated relationship with the franchise. That actor is Ahmed Best, who famously played Jar Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy, beginning with a very sizable part in "The Phantom Menace." But in the episode, titled "The Foundling," Best returned to the prequel era not as a Gungan, but as a Jedi.
In the episode, we flashback to Order 66 and the attack on the Jedi Temple, where Anakin Skywalker famously slaughtered many younglings on his path to becoming Darth Vader. During the fight, we see the incident from another perspective, with a Jedi named Kelleran Beq rushing in to save Grogu from the ensuing chaos. The Jedi is...
"Star Wars" fans were treated to quite the surprise in the middle of "The Mandalorian" season 3, with Chapter 20 of the series bringing back an actor who has, to say the very least of it, a complicated relationship with the franchise. That actor is Ahmed Best, who famously played Jar Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy, beginning with a very sizable part in "The Phantom Menace." But in the episode, titled "The Foundling," Best returned to the prequel era not as a Gungan, but as a Jedi.
In the episode, we flashback to Order 66 and the attack on the Jedi Temple, where Anakin Skywalker famously slaughtered many younglings on his path to becoming Darth Vader. During the fight, we see the incident from another perspective, with a Jedi named Kelleran Beq rushing in to save Grogu from the ensuing chaos. The Jedi is...
- 3/30/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
This week’s episode of “The Mandalorian” (“Chapter 21: The Pirate”) is the best of the season and easily one of the best episodes of the entire series, full of rousing fun, featuring beautifully choreographed action and big, heartfelt moments. It also had a cameo appearance by a character that might be familiar to diehard “Star Wars” fans – he’s furry, he’s purple and he is a member of the New Republic’s X-Wing squadron. But who is he, exactly? Read on to find out.
Spoilers follow, for this week’s “The Mandalorian” and several other key junctures in the “Star Wars” universe.
This character isn’t identified by name. What’s his name?
His name is Garazeb Orrelios, more commonly known as Zeb.
Who is Zeb?
Zeb is a former Captain of the Lasat high honor guard, who rose up against the Empire during the Rebellion. This led...
Spoilers follow, for this week’s “The Mandalorian” and several other key junctures in the “Star Wars” universe.
This character isn’t identified by name. What’s his name?
His name is Garazeb Orrelios, more commonly known as Zeb.
Who is Zeb?
Zeb is a former Captain of the Lasat high honor guard, who rose up against the Empire during the Rebellion. This led...
- 3/29/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
The Mandalorian this week was all about pesky pirates, in an action-packed episode that led to the reveal that someone sporting Beskar has apparently done a very, very bad thing.
Coming out of a “Previously On” that very much tipped its hand, Season 3, Episode 5 — titled “The Pirate” — found Gorian Shard’s cruiser hovering above Nevarro, before unleashing holy hell on the built-up town below. High Magistrate Greef Karga scrambled to get a message to Carson Teva at the New Republic’s Adelphi base, before leading his people to relative safety at the lava flats on the outskirts of town. Teva...
Coming out of a “Previously On” that very much tipped its hand, Season 3, Episode 5 — titled “The Pirate” — found Gorian Shard’s cruiser hovering above Nevarro, before unleashing holy hell on the built-up town below. High Magistrate Greef Karga scrambled to get a message to Carson Teva at the New Republic’s Adelphi base, before leading his people to relative safety at the lava flats on the outskirts of town. Teva...
- 3/29/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Last week's episode of The Mandalorian featured the debut — on the show at least, if not the galaxy — of Jedi knight Kelleran Beq. And it also marked the return of a Star Wars veteran to the fold in the shape of Ahmed Best.
Beq, who actually originated in Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge, a game show created for StarWarsKids.com and YouTube. But The Mandalorian offered a chance for the character to get some truly heroic action in a flashback to how he helped save Grogu from Clone Troopers during Order 66.
Best who brought Jar Jar Binks to life across the three prequels (and Clone Wars), famously dealt with critical fans and those lambasting the character. So you can understand his concerns about returning.
“Honestly, I had to think about it," he told Starwars.com. "I’ve been in the Star Wars world for such a long time and my...
Beq, who actually originated in Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge, a game show created for StarWarsKids.com and YouTube. But The Mandalorian offered a chance for the character to get some truly heroic action in a flashback to how he helped save Grogu from Clone Troopers during Order 66.
Best who brought Jar Jar Binks to life across the three prequels (and Clone Wars), famously dealt with critical fans and those lambasting the character. So you can understand his concerns about returning.
“Honestly, I had to think about it," he told Starwars.com. "I’ve been in the Star Wars world for such a long time and my...
- 3/27/2023
- by James White
- Empire - TV
Let's clear something up: You don't have to love Jar Jar Binks to appreciate both the character and especially actor Ahmed Best's place in film history. By the same token, you're allowed to feel the inelegant Gungan was an unsuccessful attempt by George Lucas to pay homage to silent comedy giants like Harold Lloyd in the context of his "Star Wars" prequel trilogy. Or perhaps you've always had a soft spot for the flappy-eared, blundering sidekick. You're allowed to feel whichever way you want about him, I promise!
Whatever your outlook towards Mr. Binks and the way Lucas conceived him, we should all be able to agree Best wasn't the problem. The actor was unfairly maligned by toxic fans for his portrayal of the character in the wake of "The Phantom Menace" hitting theaters in 1999. Taken on its own terms, his performance as Jar Jar is quite remarkable -- seriously!
Whatever your outlook towards Mr. Binks and the way Lucas conceived him, we should all be able to agree Best wasn't the problem. The actor was unfairly maligned by toxic fans for his portrayal of the character in the wake of "The Phantom Menace" hitting theaters in 1999. Taken on its own terms, his performance as Jar Jar is quite remarkable -- seriously!
- 3/27/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Ahmed Best had to think long and hard about guest-starring in the latest episode of Disney+’s The Mandalorian, due to the “rollercoaster ride of emotions” he endured as the prequel film trilogy’s Jar Jar Binks.
A floppy-eared Gungan introduced in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, Jar Jar was met with some backlash — either framed as a blatant ploy by Lucasfilm to cater to kiddies, or criticized as a “Rastafarian Stepin Fetchit on platform hoofs” (as the Wall Street Journal put it back in the day). Regardless of the accuracy of such attacks, “Because of the backlash,...
A floppy-eared Gungan introduced in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace, Jar Jar was met with some backlash — either framed as a blatant ploy by Lucasfilm to cater to kiddies, or criticized as a “Rastafarian Stepin Fetchit on platform hoofs” (as the Wall Street Journal put it back in the day). Regardless of the accuracy of such attacks, “Because of the backlash,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
In the latest episode of “The Mandalorian,” longtime “Star Wars” fans were given a major surprise when Ahmed Best — the actor behind CGI prequel trilogy character Jar Jar Binks — made a return to the franchise as a different character, Jedi Master Kelleran Beq.
But while Best’s casting may be a shot of nostalgia for many viewers, the actor himself had his reservations about heading back to the galaxy far far away.
“Honestly, I had to think about it,” Best said in an interview with the official StarWars.com website. I’ve been in the Star Wars world for such a long time and my story is such a rollercoaster ride of emotions. So coming back to Star Wars wasn’t an easy decision for me. It wasn’t something I could have immediately said yes to. I did have to marinate over it for a bit.”
Jar Jar, a...
But while Best’s casting may be a shot of nostalgia for many viewers, the actor himself had his reservations about heading back to the galaxy far far away.
“Honestly, I had to think about it,” Best said in an interview with the official StarWars.com website. I’ve been in the Star Wars world for such a long time and my story is such a rollercoaster ride of emotions. So coming back to Star Wars wasn’t an easy decision for me. It wasn’t something I could have immediately said yes to. I did have to marinate over it for a bit.”
Jar Jar, a...
- 3/24/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Jeremy Renner has shared his delight in finally being reunited with the snowplough that ran him over.
On New Year’s Day, the Avengers star was rushed to hospital after being crushed by a large plough outside his home in Nevada. At the time, he was attempting to save his nephew from being hit by the vehicle.
Renner sustained blunt chest trauma and later revealed he had broken more than 30 bones in the accident.
Since the accident, the plough had been impounded by the police. But on Thursday (23 March) night, Renner shared the good news that the piece of machinery was coming home.
Sharing a picture of the plough on Instagram Stories, Renner wrote: “She’s finally making her way home!” alongside a prayer-hands emoji.
“The cat [gets] a police escort… Feels like The Green Mile!” he captioned a second video, which showed the last vehicle travelling home along a main road.
On New Year’s Day, the Avengers star was rushed to hospital after being crushed by a large plough outside his home in Nevada. At the time, he was attempting to save his nephew from being hit by the vehicle.
Renner sustained blunt chest trauma and later revealed he had broken more than 30 bones in the accident.
Since the accident, the plough had been impounded by the police. But on Thursday (23 March) night, Renner shared the good news that the piece of machinery was coming home.
Sharing a picture of the plough on Instagram Stories, Renner wrote: “She’s finally making her way home!” alongside a prayer-hands emoji.
“The cat [gets] a police escort… Feels like The Green Mile!” he captioned a second video, which showed the last vehicle travelling home along a main road.
- 3/24/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Film
The latest episode of “The Mandalorian” on Disney+ showed a backstory into little Grogu’s life and how he and his adoptive dad Mando (Pedro Pascal), aren’t all that different. In a brief scenario, we were taken to a flashback memory of the little green guy, and what’s more, his memories of trauma were also triggered in a similar way as that of Mando. Way back in Season 1, Din Djarin was reminded of his traumatic childhood, and this week, Grogu got the painful reminder of his own past, although he’s not quite out of his childhood yet. Here’s how the dad and his green son might be related in more ways than they might know.
If Grogu and Mando couldn’t be any more like-father like–son, the latest episode of “The Mandalorian” proved us wrong because we got to see a deep dive into the childhood of Grogu,...
If Grogu and Mando couldn’t be any more like-father like–son, the latest episode of “The Mandalorian” proved us wrong because we got to see a deep dive into the childhood of Grogu,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Indrayudh Talukdar
- Film Fugitives
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