The Week in Star Wars is back with news on Carrie Fisher in Episode IX, details on The Last Jedi, a possible Obi-Wan movie and more…
Following her tragic passing last December, there has been a lot of talk and speculation about the involvement of Carrie Fisher’s Leia Organa in Episode IX. We already know that her footage won’t be edited in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but what about the ninth chapter in a galaxy far, far away? “Both of us were like, ‘Yes, how do you take her out of it?’ And the answer is you don’t,” said her brother Todd Fisher. “She’s as much a part of it as anything and I think her presence now is even more powerful than it was, like Obi Wan — when the saber cuts him down he becomes more powerful. I feel like that’s what’s happened with Carrie. I think the legacy should continue. You don’t mess with this legacy. It would be like rewriting the Bible. To me, Star Wars is the holy grail of storytelling and lore and you can’t mess with it.” So it looks like we’re getting another Tarkin moment in Episode IX…
…Speaking of which, the film is looking to start production in July in London, presumably at Pinewood Studios…
…Over to Star Wars: The Last Jedi now, and aside from some official promo art featuring Rey, Poe, Finn and BB-8, we got loads of rumours. First up are some details on Benicio del Toro’s character and his ship. Of course we won’t post them here in case of spoilers, but you can read them for yourself here. Next up are some details on a battle scene, which you can read here…
…The spoilers continue with some details on Kylo Ren’s costume change, which you can read here…
…Remember that bit of news that told us Gary Barlow would feature in Star Wars: The Last Jedi? Well it looks like Justin Theroux (The Leftovers) will be making an appearance in the hotly-anticipated film. Read more about that here…
…Rogue One: A Star Wars Story got its home entertainment release this week; read Brad Cook’s review here, and check out some comments from ILM’s John Knoll, who revealed that he originally conceived the idea as a pitch for the aborted live-action Star Wars: Underworld TV series…
…And here we are once again, with rumours of a Obi-Wan spin-off movie. Ewan McGregor himself has said that he would be happy to return, but a recent report suggests that we’re going to hear more about the film at Star Wars Celebration next weekend. Not only that, but it will appeal to the YA audience, and could have Gareth Edwards directing. With the so-called announcement coming at Celebration, it won’t be long before we find out whether this story is complete Bantha poodoo…
…Myself and Oli Davis talked about the Obi-Wan movie and what we’d like from it on this week’s Flickering Myth Podcast…
…Speaking of Star Wars Celebration, LEGO has revealed its event exclusive Detention Block Rescue set. In order to get your hands on the set, attendees must register for the LEGO lottery and the lucky winners will be able to purchase it at the convention for $40.oo. Check it out here…
…Sideshow has unveiled its upcoming Boba Fett Premium Format figure which is based on the image of the Bounty Hunter is Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi. The limited edition collectible stands at around 20 inches tall and is available to pre-order now, priced at $549.99. Check it out here…
…And here are your comic book previews for the week. First up is Marvel’s Star Wars: Rogue One Adaptation: The Rebellion is here! The biggest movie of the year jumps from the big screen to the comic book page! All looks lost for the Rebellion against the Empire as they learn of the existence of a new super-weapon – the Death Star. New heroes Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor set out on a desperate mission to steal the plans to destroy the new super-weapon. Written by Jody Houser (MAX RIDE) and drawn by Emilio Laiso (STAR WARS ANNUAL; HERCULES), join as the story is set up for the epic saga to follow. And lastly, we have Star Wars #30: It seems a battle from Yoda’s past has come to Luke’s present! Luke has stumbled upon the last native on the planet…and the stonepower is strong with this one!
That’s all for this week – may the Force be with you.
Luke Owen is the Deputy Editor of Flickering Myth, the co-host of The Flickering Myth Podcast and the author of Lights, Camera, GAME OVER!: How Video Game Movies Get Made (which you can pre-order from Amazon UK and Amazon US). You can follow him on Twitter @ThisisLukeOwen.
Originally published April 9, 2017. Updated November 30, 2022.
