Samuel L Jackson — Eyes On Eisley

Little known fact, but it will come as no surprise, I have a small collection of deluxe lightsabers at my house. Of these, my favorite standard lightsaber is the purple "bladed" weapon of Mace Windu. Now StarWars.com has announced Star Wars: Jedi of the Republic - Mace Windu, a five-issue miniseries from Marvel Comics. Coming in August this, miniseries will be penned by Matt Owens & illustrated by Denys Cowan. I've always enjoyed any extra background on the character originally brought to life in the prequels by Samuel L. Jackson. Marvel's official description goes: " For over a thousand generations, the Jedi have been the peacekeepers of the galaxy...but now, at the dawn of the Clone Wars, they find themselves in a new role: generals in the Army of the Republic. As Mace Windu, one of the Jedi's greatest warriors, leads a small unit of Jedi into battle shortly after the war begins, the Jedi must make peace with their new role, or be lost to the violence around them!" I dig it. I'll be adding these to my pickup list at the comic store for sure. What do you think? More Mace? Let us know in comments below.

As we said earlier Star Wars Celebration kicked off today in Orlando with 40 Years of Star Wars. Brilliantly hosted by Star Wars alumni, Warwick Davis first out was Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy who after a few words & thanks, introduces "her Yoda", George Lucas. He takes the stage for the rest of the 40th panel for a trip down memory lane. Starting with Dave Filoni, Star Wars Rebels creator, as he talks with George about being a padwan of sorts throughout the course of Star Wars Clone Wars & how social media has connected us all. As he leaves the sage are attention goes to the screen to welcome Qui-Gon Jinn, Liam Neeson with a special "announcement" involving Jar-Jar Binks, everyone's favorite Gungan. After the video Warwick & George are joined by Anakin Skywalker, Hayden Christensen & his Emperor Palpatine, Ian McDiarmid for a darkside reunion. I was waiting for this & was not disappointed at all. A very entertaining back & forth over their experiences throughout their Star Wars careers. Mace Windu, Samuel L. Jackson appeared on screen following their departure letting us know that he feels Mace is still alive. Next on stage was Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, & Billy Dee Williams. Anthony Daniels talked some droid memories & the design of C3PO with George. Peter Mayhew was next, discussing his similarities with the mighty Chewbacca & Princess Leia. The final of the three, Billy Dee Williams, too cool to be interviewed as usual, talked about working with George & gave some insight on Lando Calrissian. Then to join our host & all four men currently on stage was Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill. After a sincere thanks to the fans, George was asked why Mark? What follows was a conversation to make every Star Wars fans dream. As if that wasn't enough, making his first appearance at a Star Wars Celebration, Han Solo himself, Harrison Ford. Ford steals the show as he tends to do. He & George explain the early years of their film relationship going back to American Graffiti. Afterwards, to cap it all off, Kathleen Kennedy & George Lucas remember Princess Leia, & introduce Carrie Fisher's daughter Billie Lord. She has some touching words about her mother followed by an amazing remembrance video. The Orlando Symphonic Orchestra bring us home with Leia's Theme followed by just about every other Star Wars theme with the only conductor they could possibly have, the great John Williams.

Jun 18, 2019

Michelle Rejwan Now Senior VP Live Action Development And Production For Lucasfilm

Hollywood Reporter reports Michelle Rejwan is now the Senior VP of Live Action Development & Production. She will oversee new feature films as well Disney+ series while still producing with president Kathleen Kennedy. That seems like a hefty responsibility to drop on someone who's previous credits at Lucasfilm are producing The Force Awakens & The Rise of Skywalker. Kennedy really sees something in her though, having “seen first-hand her skills collaborating with writers and directors, and I've been incredibly impressed with her creative skills and her ability to manage the complexity surrounding these massive projects.” Can she be the Feige of Star Wars? Time will tell. After the hate Kennedy got from the last installment, which I loved by the way, one could think this is just to give her a scapegoat if things don't go as well over the next few projects. Curious to see how much influence this winds up having as a whole. What do y'all think? Trust in Kennedy? Or do you think maybe a more vetted choice would have been better? Put it in the comments, like, & share.

May 21, 2019

Disney Reveals Name of Tokyo DisneySea's 8th Port

After breaking ground in what is to become Tokyo DisneySea's 8th port, we now have its official name. Fantasy Springs will be the title, but that's not all Dismey released on the subject. They also released some beautiful day & night concept art depicting the look of the new lands. Oriental land is investing 250 Billion Yen on this project that will feature lands themed to Frozen, Tangled, & Peter Pan. Frozen's land of post film Arendelle will feature an attraction that tells the story of Elsa and her beloved sister, Anna. Sounding like the familiar Epcot ride, suests will board boats and experience the sisters’ heartfelt journey, enjoying songs from the film, and encountering surprising thrills. There will also be a restaurant set inside the beautiful Arendelle Castle. Tangled's land will naturally feature Rapunzel’s tower rising above the forest. It will also include an boat attraction where guests will board gondolas for a romantic boat tour of Rapunzel’s “Best Day Ever” as she journeys with Flynn to the lantern festival. Flickering lanterns illuminate the attraction’s climactic scene while Rapunzel and Flynn sing an iconic song from the film. The pand will also feature a restaurant, inspired by the hideout of the band of thugs who appeared in the film in the "I've Got A Dream" sequence. Neverland will also be home to two attractions and a restaurant. Featuring landmarks including verdant mountains, Captain Hook’s pirate ship and Skull Rock. One attraction will fly over the jungles of Neverland into a battle with Captain Hook and his crew of pirates to rescue Wendy’s younger brother, John, who has been kidnapped by Captain Hook and his pirates. You'll board boats and follow the Lost Boys down a river until Tinker Bell sprinkles the boats with pixie dust, & you take off flying through Neverland on an adventure that featuring iconic music and dynamic 3D imagery of the characters from the film. The second attraction immerses us in the oversized world of Pixie Hollow, while the restaurant is inspired by the Lost Boys and their hideout. There will also be a new Disney Hllyel in the park. Themed to Disney fantasy, it will rise above and around the magical springs that serve as the core of the new themed port’s story. Offering 475 deluxe-type and luxury-type guest rooms, this park facing hotel will also feature a merchandise shop that helps share the story of the magical springs. One day I'll make it out here to see all the amazingly beautiful things TokyoSea has to offer. Luckily, I have one more reason to postpone that adventure until this amazing new addition is done.