Breaking down STAR WARS NEWS from week 2, November 2018. BECAUSE IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR, AWAY — THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT.
After several weeks of crickets chirping around the Lucasfilm ranch, Bob Iger and crew opened the Star Wars news floodgates by announcing a Cassian Andor series for the upcoming Disney streaming service (Disney+, sometime in 2019).
Diego Luna Returns As Cassian Andor In Rogue One Series
Taking place prior to the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the Cassian Andor series will dive deeper into the early days of the rebellion with Diego Luna reprising the role.
“Going back to the ‘Star Wars’ universe is very special for me,” Luna says via a press release statement, recorded by Variety. “I have so many memories of the great work we did together and the relationships I made throughout the journey. We have a fantastic adventure ahead of us, and this new exciting format will give us the chance to explore this character more deeply.”
Described by Disney as a “rousing spy thriller,” the Cassian Andor prequel series is a pleasant addition to the already jam-packed lineup including Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian, along with several MCU live-action spin-offs.
But don’t expect the Cassian Andor series upon launch of Disney+.
Production and filming aren’t expected to begin until Luna is finished filming the new season of Narcos on Netflix. Likely, the Cassian Andor series will release after Favreau’s The Mandalorian. Meaning those who subscribe to Disney+ will have a steady flow of geek content coming their way, whether it be out of the Star Wars universe or the MCU. Which would explain why Bob Iger announced Lucasfilm and Disney were putting the brakes on big box-office like films.
“In this era of unprecedented consumer choice, brands matter more than ever,” Iger states. “We always believed we had the brands and content to be extremely competitive and to thrive alongside Netflix, Amazon, and anyone else in the market.”
Rey’s Lightsaber Reveal
Whether intentional or not, the Star Wars Show this week played off the slow news cycle by featuring the ever-changing contents of the Lucasfilm ranch display case. One of these items is Rey’s (Anakin Skywalker’s) blue lightsaber. The same one her and Kylo Ren split in two during the throne room scene in “The Last Jedi.”
Ending the Luke Skywalker (The Last Jedi) debate: Canon Vs. Eu Legends.
Speculation and rumors were afoot regarding whether the lightsaber could be saved and rebuilt. Upon viewing the model up close, however, it’s clear the Kyber crystal is broken in half.
This is good news for fans who want Rey to have a new lightsaber in Episode IX. The big question, however, is what type will she choose? Will it be the first double-bladed light side lightsaber to be featured in a Star Wars film, or will she stick with one of the classic styles? Maybe, just possibly, it’ll be completely unique and original? Although, we’re not holding our breath on that one.
Other Star Wars News
Star Wars land construction in California and Florida is rapidly progressing.
“These are the biggest lands that we’ve ever built and, in both cases, not only are they big in size and scale they’re huge in ambition — in terms of both the experience that we aim to create,” Disney stated in a press release statement.
“[Star Wars land] clearly is the biggest thing that we’ve ever done at Disneyland since it opened in 1955. And we think it’s going to drive a huge increase in demand. “We think we’re going to have some interesting challenges on our hands to manage that demand, but that’s a good problem to have.”
Talking Bay 94: A Star Wars Podcast discussed an interesting topic from The Last Jedi this week, stating an Admiral Ackbar death scene was filmed. It was cut, however, so the focus could be on General Organa instead. While most fans already assumed this, it was nice to have clarification. Admiral Ackbar, despite being a true side character, deserved more than simply a name mention. Even if the scene was eventually left on the editing room floor.
John Boyega may be wielding a lightsaber again in Episode IX.
We’ve got you in this one bro! TRUST me!
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) October 29, 2018
It’s unlikely Disney will confirm this, but it’s neat to think Finn and Rey might be fighting side-by-side against Kylo Ren again. This time, however, they’ll each have a lightsaber. Especially if Finn’s is a custom built for him like Rey’s.
What’s got you the most excited this week in Star Wars news? Does the Cassian Andor series sound interesting and will it include K-2SO? Let us know in the comments below and tune in weekly for the Star Wars News Spiel via Monkeys Fighting Robots. “May the Force be with you, always.”
