BREAKING DOWN STAR WARS NEWS FROM WEEK 2, OCTOBER 2018. BECAUSE IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR, AWAY — THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT.
Without a December Star Wars movie this year, most thought Lucasfilm and its epic sagas would simply fade into the background. This week in Star Wars news, however, proved this logic to be faulty, or as Luke says in TLJ, “every word of what you just said was wrong.”
And it seems The Mandalorian is the series most fans are truly excited about (not including The Clone Wars return). With so many creative minds working on the project, though, who wouldn’t be nerding out? Even Star Wars Resistance created a decent buzz with its premiere on October 7th.
Everything in the Star Wars news world was peachy throughout our favorite “far, far away galaxy” — until Chuck Wendig announced on Twitter Marvels decision to fire him.
Chuck Wendig Fired Over Tweets
I put all this in a blog post, if any require it —
Also thank you again, seriously, SERIOUSLY, to everyone who has reached out. It has meant the world to me. https://t.co/n7wz3GIaqm
— Chuck Wendig (@ChuckWendig) October 12, 2018
Most know Chuck Wendig for the work he’s done with Lucasfilm and Marvel since Disney took over as Captain of the ship. He’s been instrumental in helping bring about a new era of Star Wars lore, writing three novels (Aftermath series) leading up to the events of The Force Awakens and post Return of the Jedi. Within the last month, it was announced Wendig would serve as the lead writer for the Star Wars/Marvel Comic Shadow of Vader.
What most don’t know about Wendig is he got his start as an RPG writer, working on Hunter: The Vigil and other White Wolf projects. He’s also loud and unapologetic regarding his political and personal beliefs, which he often blasted through his Twitter platform.
While some of his Tweets are on the crass side, with an abundance of non-child friendly language, they’re not racist and don’t joke about rape or pedophilia. They’re simply loud and boisterous politically based Tweets.
Why is Wendig’s offense greater than Racheal Butera’s?
“My understanding over this call was that this was a Marvel decision, not an LFL decision, but I can’t really confirm that,” states Wendig on his blog (TerribleMinds) following his termination. “The editor said he had made the call. He seemed genuinely upset at my tweets and profanity, so maybe that’s accurate. And again, that’s his right to do so. If they honestly feel that my presence will damage the book, I don’t want that. I want the book to shine, and artists like Juanan Ramirez and Greg Smallwood to do their amazing thing. Artists like that are gods in my mind, so I’m happy to not distract from their literal magic.”
Wendig states his termination is due to his “lack of civility.” But he also goes on to say, “it seems odd to be mad that I’m mad about politics when – well, look around. Climate change, kids in cages, sexual harassers at the topmost tiers of power, and so on. A call for civility as the PA GOP candidate threatens Tom Wolf with a golf cleat stomping. I dunno, man.”
Because Wendig is a freelancer and isn’t financially tied to comics only, he didn’t miss a beat voicing his opinions once again on Twitter.
Seriously though thanks to all of you for being awesome.
Fucking awesome, even.
— Chuck Wendig (@ChuckWendig) October 13, 2018
Other Star Wars News
The hot topic in Star Wars news for the week goes to The Mandalorian. Not only is the shared list of directors beyond impressive, but the series itself is also peaking all of fandoms interest.
The Mandalorian Rifle Reveal
Thanks to Jon Favreau’s Instagram, fans got a sneak peek image of The Mandalorian’s rifle strapped on the back. The blaster is ironically a callback to none other than the infamous Holiday Special.
Known in Legends as the Amban phase-pulse blaster, it also made an appearance on Boba-Fett’s back in the animated 1978 series, The Story of the Faithful Wookiee.
Other updated speculation surrounding The Mandalorian includes Taika Waititi taking on a droid role in addition to directing while Bryce Dallas Howard will stretch her acting chops too. No additional castings have been either confirmed or denied since our update last week.
Episode IX Rumors
Despite The Mandalorian hogging attention, Episode IX rumors are on a rampage. Rey’s lineage is back in the forefront after a rumor last week stated her parents would appear in Episode IX. Piggybacking on her bloodline is the rumor which states Palpatine (Darth Sidious) will also make an appearance in Episode IX.
Fans are speculating that Emperor Palpatine arranged Rey’s birth, like how he arranged Anakin Skywalk’s. Yes, the Prequels say it was because of midi-chlorians, but there have been hints dropped regarding an orchestration created by the big baddie himself, Darth Sidious. Which isn’t a stretch because he loves to play the long game.
Additionally, planets from previous Star Wars movies are rumored to play an intricate part in Episode IX, with several filming locations named.
Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic Remake Shut Down
It's with a great sadness that I'm posting today; I recently received a letter from Lucasfilm instructing Poem to end production on Apeiron. After a few days, I've exhausted my options to keep it afloat; we knew this day was a possibility. I'm sorry and may the force be with you pic.twitter.com/OCRmMIjwGT
— Poem Studios (@PoemStudios) October 11, 2018
The studio was tasked with overhauling and redesigning the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic game. However, the cords been officially cut. With Lucasfilm and Disney shutting the project down, speculation has arisen as to why.
Some feel another game focusing on the same era is in development, while others feel it was shut-down do avoid Canon disputes. It’s possible a new movie or series is coming in which the Old Republic takes center stage. And we know how Disney likes to rewrite Legends material into their new Canon.
Star Wars Resistance
The first episode “The Recruit” from Star Wars Resistance aired last weekend, with fans and critics equally enjoying it. Even the Rotten Tomatoes score is above 90%. Stay up-to-date and be sure to check out our review of Star Wars Resistance: “The Recruit.”
While the series is full of Disney kid-like humor, the groundwork is there for serious and darker events to occur. It is a show targeted to those under 12, but it’s also for adults too — because it’s Star Wars. Adults are allowed to like kid stuff, and for those who don’t, it seems The Mandalorian will bring balance to the Force.
Be sure to check back in for our review of episode 2 of Star Wars Resistance: “The Triple Dark.”
What Star Wars news excited you the most this past week? Let us know in the comments below!
Stay current on all Star Wars news related items with The Weekly Spiel, and throughout the week here on Monkeys Fighting Robots. Until next time, “May the Force be with you, always.”
