Star Wars Insider #177

2 EXCLUSIVE STAR WARS: DESTINY CARDS FREE INSIDE!

















JANINA
GAVANKAR
INTERVIEWING

™ THE STAR OF
T H E O F F I C C I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
















Skywalker’s You Will



Learn

Story about the heroes
Discover more

and villains of
The Last Jedi

John
From Farm Williams
Exploring the
Boy to Jedi iconic composer’s
Ten moments themes for
that define Luke Princess Leia
Skywalker’s legacy
Game On!
Jedi Journals Full details on the

Interviews with the all-new, action-packed
authors of the Journey Star Wars Battlefront II
to The Last Jedi books videogame


+



ISSUE #177
U.S. $7.99 77
CAN $9.99
DEC 2017
Display Until Dec Your guide to
26, 2017
the best new
books, toys,
0 74808 01805 5 and apparel!
© & TM 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Used under authorization.


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ADVERTORIAL
INTERVIEW


Star Wars : Destiny lets you pit
TM
iconic characters against each other
in thrilling battles to the death—and
it’s never been easier to get into.
It is a period of civil war…

Star Wars: Destiny is a collectible dice and
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Choose your heroes (or villains), pick your
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LEARN YOU WILL
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© & ™ Lucasfi lm Ltd.


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INTERVIEW


players to start battling it out. The only
question is, will you pledge yourself to the
dark side, or the light?
Each game of Star Wars: Destiny begins
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STAR WARS INSIDER / 3




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THE OFFI C IAL MO VIE SPE C
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TITAN TITAN TITAN

A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
™
DECEMBER 2017
WELCOME... Senior Executive Editor / Divinia Fleary
TITAN EDITORIAL
Editor / Will Salmon
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Jake Devine
Art Editor / Andrew Leung
“Who is Luke Skywalker?”
Designers / Dan Bura, Russ Seal,
That was the question Kathleen Kennedy posed to J.J. Donna Askem
Abrams when she first invited him to direct The Force LUCASFILM
Awakens back in 2013. While it may seem simple at first, it’s Senior Editor / Brett Rector
Image Archives / Newell Todd,
surprisingly difficult to answer. Luke has been many things in Erik Sanchez, Bryce Pinkos,
the decades that we’ve known him: naïve young farm boy; Nicole LaCoursiere, Tim Mapp
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daring X-wing pilot; Jedi in training; and then later a fully- Creative Director / Michael Siglain
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fledged Master. And now he’s something else—though exactly
Matt Martin
what, we won’t know until The Last Jedi opens in December.
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and Jim Nausedas at Marvel Comics, Lizzy
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3 / STAR WARS INSIDER STAR WARS INSIDER / 3
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CONTENTS





I SSUE 177 / DE CEMBER 2017





20

Heroes and
Villains
Get excited for
The Last Jedi with our
guide to the characters
of the new fi lm.



























































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NEWSSTAND COMIC STORE SUBS
EDITION EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE
Subscribe
to Star Wars
Insider
Page 72






















08 26 52

Launchpad The Stories of Their Lives Hero of a Saga
The latest news from the galaxy, including Delilah S. Dawson, Ken Liu, and Claudia As Luke returns to the big screen, we look
the return of J.J. Abrams and updates on Gray tell all about their novels in the back at 10 of his most defi ning moments.
Solo: A Star Wars Story . Journey to The Last Jedi series. 58
12 32 An Audience with

So You Want to be a Jedi? The Soundtrack of Her Life Mark Hamill
Lenovo’s Star Wars: Jedi Challenges John Williams’ music has defi ned We present an archive interview with

brings lightsaber-wielding augmented Star Wars. Insider explores the iconic the man himself, first published in 1978.
reality action into your home. composer’s themes for Princess Leia. 60
16 40 Developing the Dykstrafl ex


Book club Heading into Battle Inside the creation of the revolutionary
The latest books headed your way, Videogame Star Wars: Battlefront II has camera that was used to great effect
including the gorgeous new Art of arrived. We get the scoop on its creation in A New Hope.
The Last Jedi hardback. and what gamers can look forward to. 66

18 46 A Walk on the Dark Side

Comics Roundup The Fist of the Empire A complex and dangerous fi gure, Asajj
Luke and Leia head to Crait in Janina Gavankar tells us about taking Ventress is both noble hero and deadly
Marvel’s new comic. the lead in Battlefront II. villain. We look at her murky history.




INCOMING TRANSMISSIONS

50 74 79 80
Jedi Master’s Quiz Worldwide Competition Archive
Test how strong your knowledge Discover what Star Wars fans from Your chance to win more than A choice image plucked from

of Luke Skywalker really is! around the world have been up to. $500 of Bandai model kits! the Lucasfilm photo archives.


STAR WARS INSIDER / 7




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LAUNCHPAD









NEW S / BOOK S /COMI CS / T O Y S / G AME S /F A SHI ON
























Pilots of the
future! J.J.
Abrams and
Kathleen
Kennedy.

Return of the J.J.





The Force Awakens’ director returns to helm Star Wars Episode IX


he lure of the Force has December 20 release slot—in line (2001—2006), and the paranormal
T proven strong once more. with the Christmas release of both mystery Fringe (2008—2013). His
biggest TV success, however, was
Award-winning director
The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
J.J. Abrams, who helmed Abrams will co-write the fi lm’s script Lost (2004—2010). The story of the
The Force Awakens, has signed on with screenwriter Chris Terrio, survivors of an air-crash fi nding
to direct the upcoming Star Wars previously best known for the themselves on a mysterious island,
Episode IX. award-winning Argo (2012). it lasted for six intriguing seasons.
Abrams’ appointment on the fi lm It’s perhaps not a surprise that At the same time, Abrams was

was announced shortly after news Abrams has returned to the Star Wars pursuing a feature film career. He

broke that the film’s original director, galaxy. The director has previously made his directorial debut with the
Colin Trevorrow, had departed the stated that he regretted not directing hit Mission: Impossible III (2006),
project in early September. the follow up to The Force Awakens, produced monster movie Cloverfi eld
“With The Force Awakens, J.J. and he reportedly told his close friend (2008), and successfully rebooted
delivered everything we could have (and Snap Wexley actor) Greg Star Trek (2009) into a blockbuster

possibly hoped for,” said Lucasfi lm Grunberg that the script for Johnson’s film franchise. He also directed the
President Kathleen Kennedy. “I am film was, “So good, I wish I were 1980s-infl ected Super 8 (2011) before

so excited that he is coming back to making it!” returning to Captain Kirk and co.
close out this trilogy.” Abrams has a long and storied with Star Trek Into Darkness (2013).
The appointment comes with a career, particularly in science fi ction. He also has an impressive string of
slight delay to the film’s release date. He began in television with teen producer credits to his name. The

Originally planned for May 24 2019, drama Felicity (1998—2003), followed so-far-untitled Episode IX will begin
it has now been nudged back to a by the SF-tinged spy series Alias shooting in 2018.



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GOOD TO BE BACK
Abrams return has been
met with enthusiasm
from fans and cast
members alike.
Domhnall Gleeson—
AKA General Hux—said,
“I think it’s really cool
that he’s doing it, and
I’m interested to see
how he approaches it
because he’s a superb
fi lmmaker... J.J. will do
a fantastic job.”



























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“Fulfill Your Destiny!”




The first full trailer for The Last Jedi was released on October 9, during Monday Night Football

he suspenseful two-minutes- see in training on the planet Ahch-To, forces clashing on a sandy planet,
T and-44-seconds video hones with Luke Skywalker. “I’ve seen this with the monstrous new First Order
raw strength only once before. It didn’t
in on the two key characters
Walker, the AT-M6 leading the charge.
that look set to defi ne the scare me then. It does now,” says the Other characters that we caught
eighth saga movie, while also showing Jedi Master—and indeed the trailer a glimpse of included Finn clashing
off some of the explosive action scenes strongly plays on the oppositional with Phasma, Chewbacca piloting
and intriguing aliens that we’ve yet to similarities between Rey and Ren, as the Falcon, BB-8, and Poe, who
meet, plus one very cute, very startled- well as Luke and Snoke. triumphantly states, “We have a
looking porg! The trailer also teased some of spark that will light the fi re that
The trailer opens with Kylo Ren, and the film’s key conflicts. In one space will burn the First Order down!” We



an ominous voiceover from Supreme battle we find Ren piloting his deadly also get a real look at Snoke—and a

Leader Snoke. “When I found you I saw new TIE silencer starfighter in combat confrontation between him and Rey.
raw, untamed power—and beyond that against a Resistance flagship that seems Watch the trailer, then watch it

something truly special.” The same, it to be carrying his mother, Leia, while again, and again, at the offi cial Star
appears, can be said for Rey, who we another sees First Order and Resistance Wars YouTube channel.































“Desperate and Dangerous Times”



Ron Howard drops more hints about the Han Solo film... which now has a name

he long-awaited Han Solo instagram account, is going through,
T movie now has an offi cial “desperate and dangerous times”.
title. Blasting its way into
In a short video released online,
cinemas on 25 May, Solo: Howard announced that the fi lm had
A Star Wars Story, directed by Ron completed production and thanked
Howard, will show us the man that Han the crew for their hard work, before
was before he met Luke and Leia in a announcing the title... with a little help
galaxy that Howard has stated, on his from Chewbacca.



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President
and Vice

President, too


Kathleen Kennedy
re-elected as Academy VP


he Board of Governors
T for the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences recently
held its elections for its 2017-’18
officers, and Lucasfi lm President

Kathleen Kennedy was re-elected
Infiltrate the Empire to her post as a Vice President.

Kennedy is a member of the
Academy’s Producers Branch
and also serves as chair of the
The Secrets of the Empire hyper-reality experience is almost here Academy’s Museum Committee.
The Board of Governors is
he Last Jedi wasn’t the only the rebellion. Luckily, you’ll have help charged with setting the Academy’s
T thing to get a new trailer this on hand from Rogue One’s sarcastic strategic vision, preserving the

organization’s financial health, and
month. ILMxLAB, Lucasfi lm’s
droid, K-2SO.
immersive entertainment Made by ILMxLAB, Lucasfi lm, and working toward the fulfi llment of
division, and hyper-reality company The Void (who previously partnered with its mission. Three governors from
The Void have released a fi rst-look video Sony for their Ghostbusters experience), each of the Academy’s 17 branches
that teases the new experience coming Secrets of the Empire offers a far more are elected to serve for a three-year
to Downtown Disney and Disney immersive experience than at-home term, and governors may serve
Springs this winter. VR systems. You wander freely around a maximum of three consecutive
Titled Secrets of the Empire, the a stage with walls and props that you three-year terms.
30-minute experience transports you physically interact with, while seeing the As a governor, Kennedy is
to the Star Wars universe with multi- Star Wars universe with your own eyes. automatically appointed to her
sensory immersion. On a rebel mission, Secrets of the Empire opens on branch’s executive committee,
your team of four is disguised as December 16 at Disney Springs, which meets at least once a year to
stormtroopers tasked with recovering and comes to Downtown Disney in review candidates for membership
Imperial intelligence on the fi ery world Anaheim on January 5. Tickets are on and to debate changes to the
of Mustafar that could spell doom for sale at TheVoid.com. Academy Awards Rules.



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The headset works with the user’s
smartphone; with the Jedi Challenges
app downloaded and opened, Goslin
explains, “slip your phone into the
headset, put it on, and you’re ready
to play.”
The lightsaber controller doubles as
a detailed replica of Anakin Skywalker’s
weapon. The controller offers haptic
“Force feedback” to complement the
AR experience’s visual cues, so that
when the lightsaber is ignited, the
user will feel the blade come to life.
Furthermore, a centerpiece attraction
of Jedi Challenges is its lightsaber-battle
mode, which allows players to match
blades with the likes of Darth Vader,
Darth Maul, and Kylo Ren.
Jedi Challenges also offers a strategic
So you want to be a Jedi combat mode, wherein players can lead
rebel and Imperial forces against one
another in large-scale ground battles.
Disney and Lenovo enables fans to face Jedi Challenges In all cases, players use the
lightsaber controller to direct the action
tar Wars: Jedi Challenges for Disney Consumer Products and while wearing the Mirage headset.
S was unveiled at this year’s Interactive Media. “We were inspired by The controller and headset work in
that moment when Luke turns on his
conjunction with the tracking beacon
D23 Expo. The Augmented

Reality game was developed lightsaber for the first time. That’s what to accurately position the AR elements

by Disney, Lucasfilm, and Lenovo. we’re going for.” in relation to the player, as the player
“AR has always been a big part of To that end, Jedi Challenges comes moves throughout the space.
the Star Wars universe, going back all out of the box with three primary pieces: Star Wars: Jedi Challenges is
the way to the beginning,” said Mike a lightsaber controller, a Lenovo Mirage available for pre-order now through
Goslin, VP of advanced development AR headset, and a tracking beacon. Lenovo for $199.99.
Collective

Memory



A New Hope ’s 40th
anniversary is celebrated in
a series of interviews


thena Studios, a stop-motion
A animation and visual-effects veritable who’s who of the behind-the- Gawley, Ned Gorman, Joe Johnston,
The list of subjects comprises a
Howard Kazanjian, Ira Keeler, Lorne
production studio located in
the San Francisco Bay Area, scenes talent who lent their skills and Peterson, Ken Ralston, Pete Ronzani,
was on hand to record interviews during artistry to the original trilogy. Interviews David Scott, Thomas Smith, Patrick
the Star Wars 40th anniversary reunion were recorded with Jon Alexander, Sweeney, Kirk Thatcher, Phil
that was held in San Rafael, California, Charles Bailey, Craig Barron, Jon Berg, Tippett, and many, many more!
earlier this year. The company has since Jim Bloom, Jean Bolte, Marty Brenneis, These men and women played
shared those interviews via Vimeo, in Ben Burtt, Don Dow, Patricia Rose key roles in shaping Industrial
a new series of 40 short videos titled Duignan, Duwayne Dunham, Randal Light & Magic as well as Lucasfi lm
“40 at 40: Behind the Scenes Stories Dutra, John Dykstra, Richard Edlund, overall, and their candid interviews
From Those Who Created the Original Harrison Ellenshaw, Chris Evans, Scott make for a priceless addition to Star
Star Wars Trilogy.” Farrar,Warren Franklin, Sid Ganis, Steve Wars’ historical record.



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Own an Astromech

Meet Sphero’s latest droid


stromech R2-Q5 is
A a skilled starship
mechanic, an Imperial
spy—and its also the Fast on
most recent character to join the
ranks of Sphero’s app-enabled the draw
droids. Launched with BB-8 in
advance of the release of The
Force Awakens and followed up The pen is mightier than
just recently with R2-D2 and
BB-9E, Sphero’s droids are loaded the (laser) sword...
with interactive features for fans Sphero, which connects droid
to explore via smartphones. and smartphone via Bluetooth ross Townsend has
R2-Q5 features authentic and offers control over Sphero’s C announced a run of
astromech movements, including full line of droids. limited edition, Star
a rotating dome, emotive Thanks to an enhanced radio Wars-themed pens.
waddles, and bipod and tripod system, R2-Q5 can react to its Comprising three different styles,
stances. The droid also allows owner’s presence. Authentic LEDs the new collection incorporates
fans to explore various facets of enables fully functional front and the stylings of Han Solo,
the Star Wars galaxy—including rear lights on the droid, and an Chewbacca, and Boba Fett. Each
starships and the Death Star— integrated speaker allows all of pen is crafted with impeccable
through holographic simulations R2-Q5’s signature sounds to come character detail that’s etched
via the Star Wars Droids app by right from the astromech itself. into the finish and topped with a

faceted Swarovski crystal. The pens
come packaged in a luxury gift box
containing a decorative sleeve, a
certificate of authenticity, and a

black pen stand.
The Boba Fett pen features a
unique conical top and a semi-
gloss army-green lacquer with
polished black PVD-coated
appointments. The Han Solo pen
features gunmetal-gray PVD plating
and polished rhodium-plated clip
and cap band. Finally, the mighty
Chewbacca pen is highlighted by
a translucent mahogany-brown
lacquer and finished with 23-karat

Claim your territory gold-plated appointments. Each
Cross Star Wars Limited Edition
Collection pen is limited to a run
EA’s Galaxy of Heroes mobile game is expanding of 1,977 units.
For fans looking to show their
he Star Wars: Galaxy of making for a much more exciting and Star Wars style with a less-exclusive
T Heroes mobile game has unpredictable experience. option, Sheaffer Pen & Art Supply
Alongside the release of The Last Jedi,
Co. is also offering a collection of
received several updates,
including an exciting new Galaxy of Heroes gives players a chance Star Wars-themed refi llable pens,
gameplay mode called Territory Wars, to take the next step in Rey’s journey. carry-all pouches, and journals,
which allows more options for players Set against backdrops seen in The Force each of which has been designed
who are members of guilds. Rather than Awakens, Rey will face powerful enemies to honor one of three iconic
your guild simply taking on the game to unlock her hidden past and untapped characters: R2-D2, Jedi Master

itself, they can now fight other guilds, potential with the Force. Yoda, and Sith Lord Darth Vader.


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Metal Machines



Steel models capture the action of The Last Jedi

etal Earth has introduced Metal Earth model kits are made of previously released Star Wars kits,
M four new steel model kits from parts that are cut out of high- which includes offerings from the
quality 4-inch-square steel sheets. The
based on vehicles from Star
original and prequel trilogies, The Force
Wars: The Last Jedi. The pieces are snipped out of the sheets, Awakens, and Rogue One. In addition
Resistance Ski Speeder, Kylo Ren’s TIE and are then assembled by bending to vehicles, droids have proven
Silencer, the AT-M6 Heavy Assault tabs and inserting them through their popular, and fans can find Metal Earth

Walker, and the Resistance Bomber corresponding connecting points, kits for C-3PO, R2-D2, BB-8, and K-2SO.
each comprise two sheets of parts and without the need for glue or solder. Metal Earth also offers a Millennium
can be assembled with only a moderate The new vehicles from The Last Falcon model in its larger-scaled Iconx
degree of diffi culty. Jedi join Metal Earth’s impressive array line, which boasts even more detail.


Road-Ready Cosplay


Style and safety combine in these motorcycle helmets


ow you can protect yourself that mark them as being part of Star
N on the road, while fl ying your Wars’ 40th-anniversary celebration.
fan flag. Motorcycle helmet
Each helmet’s graphics offer incredible

company, HJC Helmets, offers attention to detail, including distress
motorcyclists with a penchant for the marks that give the helmets a lived-in,
galaxy far, far away the opportunity to “used-universe” feel appropriate for the
ride in style thanks to its growing line of characters being represented.
Star Wars-themed helmets. Each helmet “We are thrilled to be working with
is inspired by a different character. the awe-inspiring brand that Lucasfi lm
Those so far released include Kylo Ren, has created,” enthuses George Hong,
Boba Fett, and Luke Skywalker’s X-wing president of HJC America. “We
pilot helmet. anticipate great response around the
Both the Kylo Ren and Boba Fett world to the character graphics that we
graphics are represented on HJC’s have chosen. In particular, riders and
premium helmet model, the RPHA 11. fans of Star Wars will love the RPHA
The Luke Skywalker X-wing graphic 11 Kylo Ren’s special chrome and fl at-

appears on the company’s IS-5 helmet finish graphic design, and the uniquely
in North America and FG-70 helmet distressed graphic of the RPHA 11 Boba
in Europe, which are DOT- and ECE- Fett. They are beyond cool!”
approved, respectively. Both Skywalker HJC promises that these helmets

versions are retro-style open-face helmets represent only the first steps into
with drop-down amber-hued sunshields; a larger world. The company plans on
given their classic styling, the X-wing producing additional graphics from
helmets come equipped with special tags throughout the saga.



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Back in Black



The Black Series Darth Vader helmet takes center
stage among Hasbro’s latest announcements


asbro recently held the sounds—in this case
H inaugural Hascon show including breathing,
and the sound of the
in Providence, Rhode
Island. Described by the helmet’s component
company as a “FANmily event,” pieces sealing
the convention offered fans an together. The
array of ways to connect and helmet is planned
interact with Hasbro’s various toy for spring next year.
lines, and their Star Wars team 2018 will also see
was on hand to unveil a number the return of the Vintage
of soon-to-be-released toys. Collection, which packages
The biggest splash was made 3.75” action fi gures on
by the announcement of the Black old-school Kenner-inspired
Series Darth Vader electronic cardbacks. At Hascon, the
helmet. Based on the Dark company offered looks at the looks at new sculpts for Obi-Wan
Lord’s headpiece as it appears First Order Stormtrooper, Jyn Kenobi as he appears in A New
in Return of the Jedi, the highly Erso, Kylo Ren, Hoth Rebel Hope, R2-D2 with his rocket
detailed, wearable role-playing Soldier, and Rey in her Jakku thrusters, and a prequel-era Yoda.
toy comprises three pieces that scavenger’s garb. The company From The Last Jedi, the Force
assemble via magnetic connectors: also confirmed that Supreme Link line will see the addition

the collar, face mask, and domed Leader Snoke will receive the of General Leia Organa, Luke in

helmet. As the company has Vintage treatment. his “Jedi exile” outfit, Rey in her
done with its other Black Series Hasbro also introduced a “island journey” poncho, and the

electronic role-playing helmets, number of action figures in its new slicer known as DJ. There
such as Poe Dameron’s electronic standard 3.75-inch, fi ve-points- will also be a three-pack that
X-wing pilot helmet, the Vader of-articulation “Force Link” includes Rose in her First Order
helmet incorporates electronic line. The company provided fi rst disguise, BB-8, and BB-9E.


Fast Ship, Perfect Grade


The Millennium Falcon receives Bandai’s screen-accurate
Perfect Grade treatment

or its new 1/72-scale Perfect This attention to detail is evident
F Grade Millennium Falcon all across the model, which takes full
advantage of the 1/72 scale to capture
model kit, Bandai wanted
to capture all the details of every subtle component from the
the screen-used Falcon model from A Falcon’s sublight engines to the shapes
New Hope. To produce a ship worthy of the seats, accurate instrument panels
of its lineage, the designers were given and working LEDs. True to the ship as
access to the screen-used prop. They it appeared in A New Hope, there are
took some 3,800 reference photos, from three landing-gear legs.

which they identified and tracked down ILM CG modeler Masa Narita, who
the original kit-bashed parts that ILM’s worked on the CG Falcon for The Force
model makers had used to construct Awakens said, “Speaking as someone
the freighter. Creating 3D data from who researched that prop with his own
those pieces, Bandai’s artists were able to eyes, I can say that this 1/72 model kit
assemble their 19-inch Falcon. can be called a defi nitive portrayal.”



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Book Club




The latest Star Wars books offer insight into the making
o f T he Last J i , adv entur es f or R ose and lots of por gs !
of The Last Jedi, adventures for Rose—and lots of porgs!
ed
i









































Vistas and Visions


Get a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process in
The Art of Star Wars: The Last Jedi

One of the things that evolution from concept all (Captain America: The From the very fi rst
defi nes the Star Wars the way to the big screen. First Avenger, 2011) looms gathering of the artists
saga is its breathtaking The book offers some large in the book, too. and production designers

visuals: the strange alien fascinating insights for Published by Abrams at Lucasfilm’s HQ in San
vistas and the towering Star Wars fans and fi lm Books, the book is a Francisco, through the
scale of the technology. buffs alike. The creative showcase for the hard fever pitch of production
This book by Lucasfi lm’s decisions of director Rian work and inspiration of at Pinewood Studios, all
Phil Szostak—who also Johnson and his team are the artists and effects the way to the wrapping
lent his insider’s on display through the technicians who crafted of post-production at
perspective to 2015’s book’s costume sketches, this cinematic ecosystem. the VFX facilities of
The Art of Star Wars: concept art, storyboards, Planets, droids, vehicles, Industrial Light & Magic,
The Force Awakens— and blueprints, and he characters, and creatures everything you need to
demonstrates that with also supplies the book’s all get their due with rare know is in this essential
300 color illustrations foreword. Production art pieces and exclusive archive of the year’s
that trace The Last Jedi’s designer Rick Heinrichs creator interviews. most exciting movie.



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02





01 04






















03









01 02 03 04
Star Wars: The Star Wars: The Star Wars: The Star Wars: The
Last Jedi: The Last Jedi: Incredible Last Jedi: Cobalt Last Jedi: Chewie
Visual Dictionary Cross-Sections Squadron and the Porgs

DK’s visual dictionaries As past Incredible Cross- From New York Times The new film isn’t even
have been a Star Wars Sections books have best-selling author out yet, but many fans
tradition since 1998, and demonstrated, the iconic Elizabeth Wein (Code are already suffering
on December 15 The Last starships and speeders Name Verity, Rose Under from severe cases of
Jedi: The Visual Dictionary of Star Wars look even Fire), this middle-grade porg-mania! This Disney

becomes the latest entry more amazing when you novel is all about the Lucasfilm Press story
in the popular reference can see inside them! With pilots and technicians of is penned by Emmy
series. Over the course The Last Jedi: Incredible the Resistance’s very own award-winning writer
of its 80 pages, Lucasfi lm Cross-Sections, published Cobalt Squadron. New Kevin Shinick and richly
creative executive Pablo December 15, the inner characters from The Last illustrated by Fiona Hsieh.
Hidalgo takes readers workings of 13 craft Jedi, including mechanic When Chewbacca and
on a visual tour of from the new movie are Rose Tico and her gunner Rey set out to fi nd Luke
The Last Jedi, packed revealed. Author Jason sister Paige, get the chance Skywalker on Ahch-To,
with fascinating facts Fry and illustrator Kemp to shine in this hardcover the last thing that Chewie
and photos that fully Remillard bring readers adventure. Featuring thought he’d have to deal
explores the lore around full-color cutaways of each illustrations by Phil Noto with was a flock of pesky

the characters, planets, vehicle, accompanied by (X-23, Black Widow), porgs! Aimed at readers
vehicles and weapons text that places the details Cobalt Squadron goes on aged 6-8, The Last Jedi:
that will be revealed in in the larger context of the sale December 15 from Chewie and the Porgs is
the new fi lm. Star Wars universe. Disney Lucasfi lm Press. out December 15.






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Incoming
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Don’t Miss These
Great Titles
Star Wars: The Last
Jedi—Storms of Crait
Luke and Leia explore a
perilous new world NOVEMBER
Star Wars #38 & #39
December’s one-shot comic Star
Writer Kieron Gillen
Wars: The Last Jedi—Storms of Artist Salvador Larroca
Crait is a tie-in to the new fi lm, Cover Artist David Marquez
with a timeline twist. Its backstory-
rich plot stars Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader #7 & #8
Princess Leia as they travel to Crait Writer Charles Soule
in the days of Empire, looking for Artist Giuseppe Camuncoli
Cover Artist Francesco Mattina
somewhere to establish a new
Rebel Alliance base.
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #14
The comic is written by Ben
Writer Kieron Gillen and Simon
Acker and Ben Blacker, authors Spurrier
of the illustrated young adult book Artist Emilio Laiso
Star Wars: Join the Resistance and Cover Artist Ashley Witter
its sequel. Mike Mayhew (The Star
Wars) illustrates, while Marco Star Wars: Poe Dameron #21
Checchetto (Star Wars: Shattered Writer Charles Soule
Artist Angel Unzueta
Empire) provides the cover. know is that decades later the
Cover Artist Phil Noto
Outside the YA novel Leia: Resistance and the First Order
Princess of Alderaan and a few will face each other on the hostile
Star Wars: Jedi of the Republic
shots of the world from the movie planet. If you want to get a fi rst – Mace Windu #4 (of 5)
trailers, very little has been revealed taste of what it might be like, this Writer Matthew Owens
about the planet Crait. What we do is the comic to read. Artist Denys Cowan
Cover Artist Jesus Saiz
Star Wars

Adventures:
Forces of Destiny
More fun for younger fans
with IDW’s new tie-in


Fans who took their first step into a
larger world with IDW Publishing’s
all-ages Star Wars Adventures comics
are destined to love this new title.
Inspired by the Forces of Destiny
animated shorts, this fi ve-part series
will release weekly starting in January,
and will explore the exploits of Star
Wars heroes such as Leia, Rey, Padmé,
Ahsoka, and Hera—along with Rose
and Paige from The Last Jedi.
Equally exciting are the creators
involved, including a roster of writers
from across the galaxy: Delilah S.
Dawson, Elsa Charretier, Beth Revis, “Forces of Destiny has won over
Jody Houser, and Devin Grayson. fans with inspiring tales about these
Covers and interior art will be provided iconic heroes,” says IDW senior editor
by Charretier, Arianna Florean, Eva Denton J. Tipton. “IDW Publishing
Widermann, Valentina Pinto, and couldn’t be more excited to be part of
Nicoletta Baldari. the celebration of these characters.”



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CHARACTER BIOS






















THE LIGHT




AND THE DARK




The heroes and villains

of The Last Jedi



Get read y for The Last Jedi
with Insider ’s guide to the key
characters who play a major role
in the galaxy’s biggest conflict!

he time has almost come. An agonizing
two years after The Force Awakens
returned us to the Star Wars universe,
TThe Last Jedi will reveal exactly what
has become of Rey since meeting with Luke
Skywalker, how Finn is recovering from his
injuries, and what the First Order plans to do in
retaliation for the destruction of Starkiller Base.
With the Resistance in more danger than
ever before, here’s where you’ll find our cast of

heroes and villains at when The Last Jedi opens
in just a few short weeks...






















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Rey and Luke
Rey and Luke


Rey’s journey will be one
of the main threads in The
Last Jedi. After arriving on the
watery world of Ahch-To at
the end of The Force Awakens,
and with the power of the
Force now growing inside

her, she has finally found the
long-lost Luke Skywalker.
The fabled Jedi is not how
she imagined him, however.
Weary and haunted by his
failure to restore the Jedi
Knights, and having lost
Kylo Ren to the dark side, he
has retreated into exile. He
now lives a simple existence,
surviving on the food that
nature provides, with only the
local wildlife for company.
Yet the Resistance
desperately needs Luke’s help.
Can Rey convince him to
rejoin the fight as she pursues

her own Jedi training? And
what does Luke mean when
he says “It’s time for the Jedi
to end”?



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CHARACTER BIOS























R2-D2 And C-3PO
R2-D2 & C-3PO


The beloved droid duo will
once again find themselves in the

heart of the conflict. R2-D2 has

accompanied Rey and Chewbacca
to Ahch-To in their hunt for his
former owner. C-3PO meanwhile
is standing loyally alongside Leia,
just as he was all the way back
in A New Hope!




General Leia
Organa
General Leia

Organa


The destruction of Hosnian
Prime by the First Order has
all but annihilated the New
Republic, and the Resistance now
find themselves on the run from

an ascendant enemy.
Of course, this isn’t the fi rst
time that Leia—veteran of the war
against Palpatine’s Empire—has
Poe Dameron and BB-8 been in such a situation and she
Poe Dameron and BB-8 will be using all of her experience,
wisdom and tactical cunning to
keep the spirit of rebellion alive

Poe Dameron continues to fight for the Resistance with within the Resistance, with help
help from his loyal astromech droid, BB-8. Brave though Poe from new allies like Vice Admiral
undoubtedly is, however, his sometimes reckless actions may Amilyn Holdo (Laura Dern), the
land him in trouble with his allies, let alone his enemies, commander of the Resistance
and he’s recently been demoted from Wing Commander to cruiser Ninka. Having recently
Captain! Luckily, his T-70 X-wing has been kitted out with a lost her love, Han Solo, Leia is no
new accelerator pod, which should give him the edge in the doubt down, but not out—and no
arena where he most excels: high-speed space combat. less of a brilliant, inspiring leader.



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Finn
Finn


Things weren’t looking so
good for former First Order
stormtrooper FN-2187 at the
end of The Force Awakens.
Having taken on Kylo Ren
alongside Rey, he sustained
terrible injuries. That fi lm
left him unconscious, slowly
recovering in intensive care.
Finn fans need fear not,
however—he’s back up and
on fighting form in The Last

Jedi. Although Finn will be
torn between his desires to
support the Resistance and
the urge to run and hide
from the enemy, we can
also be certain that he will
be at the forefront of the
action in this fi lm.
Indeed, The Last Jedi
will see Finn embark on
a dangerous undercover
mission, wearing the
uniform of a First

Order officer in a bid to
blend into the ranks of
his former comrades.




Rose Maz
Rose Tico Kanata
Maz

A new addition to the Kanata
saga’s cast is Kelly Marie
Tran as Rose. A tech in the
Resistance, Rose’s role is Maz Kanata’s fate was
to maintain the Resistance’s left ambiguous at the end
fighters and keep them in of The Force Awakens.

flying and fi ghting order The First Order’s assault

—an increasingly diffi cult left her ancient castle
job with the enemy’s on the planet Takodana
persistent attacks. in ruins, forcing her to
Rose, along with her sister become more mobile and
Paige (Veronica Ngo), has take a more active role in
loathed the First Order all the criminal underworld.
her life, and is now grasping Whatever the case may
the opportunity to fi ght be, the “pirate queen”
back. She will be joining remains a firm ally of the

Finn—who she greatly Resistance and is essential
respects—on his undercover in connecting our heroes
mission into enemy territory. with a mysterious new ally.



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CHARACTER BIOS




General Hux INFO
General Hux BURST
A few more hints
at what to look
General Armitage Hux may forward to in
have lost Starkiller Base, but The Last Jedi!
his planet-sized weapon did
immeasurable damage to the New A BARRAGE
OF BB UNITS
Republic, wiping out billions of the
We’ll meet
First Order’s enemies in one fell
several other
swoop. From the bridge of his Star BB astromech
Destroyer, the Finalizer, Hux now droids in The Last
leads the chase for the Resistance. Jedi, including
BB-4 and 2BB-2.
BB-8 will also
have a sinister
counterpart in
the form of
Supreme Leader First Order
astromech, BB-9E!
Snoke
Supreme RED MENACE
Supreme
Leader Snoke Leader Snoke
is protected on
Chewbacca the Supremacy by
his deadly, blade-
Chewbacca the shadowy mastermind behind wielding elite
Barely anything is known about
Praetorian Guards.
the vast armies and space fl eets of They wear crimson

Having flown to Ahch-To the First Order, and the man who armor, reminiscent
of Palpatine’s
in the Millennium Falcon with turned Kylo Ren to the dark side. Royal Guard.
Rey and R2-D2 in The Force But with victory now seemingly
Awakens, Chewbacca now within his grasp, it’s fi nally time FIRST ORDER

finds himself interacting with for the Resistance’s Force-wielding HARDW ARE
the ancient planet’s wildlife, foe to step out of the shadows. The First Order
including the inquisitive, He’ll be leading the charge to crush will be equipped
with a couple of
penguin-like porgs. But how the Resistance from the bridge
new walkers: the
will the Wookiee fare without of the Mega-class Star Destroyer, All Terrain Heavy

his long-time friend and the Supremacy, flanked by his Hauler (AT-HH)
comrade Han Solo? crimson-clad Praetorian Guard. and the terrifying
Heavy Assault
Walker (AT-M6),
nicknamed the
“knucklebuster”! 
Captain Phasma RESISTANCE
Captain Phasma ISN’T FUTILE
The Resistance
have had
upgrades too,
Humiliated by her failure to including a
stop the Resistance at Starkiller new heavy
bomber. However,
Base, Phasma nevertheless
with resources
escaped a crushing end in a trash increasingly
compactor and is back leading the limited, they
forces of the First Order. are forced to
look to the past:
Both Rian Johnson and
specifi cally, the
actor Gwendoline Christie have Roche Machines

confirmed that Phasma will play a V-4X-D Ski
larger role in the action this time Speeder—a high-
powered assault
around. A hardened survivor and
vehicle that pre-
ruthless warrior, the Resistance dates even the
had better keep running! Rebel Alliance.

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Kylo Ren
Kylo Ren


Now fully committed
to the dark side following
his brutal murder of
his father, Han Solo,
Luke’s one-time pupil
has new scores to settle.
Scarred both literally and
figuratively by his defeat

at the hands of Rey, he is
determined to crush the
Resistance forever. 
His dark side powers
are growing, making
him an even deadlier
foe than before. Like his
grandfather, Darth Vader,
he is a superb pilot and
he demonstrates those
skills by taking to space
in his new TIE silencer
and bringing the fi ght to
his enemies. Does he still
have any glimmers of the
light side left within him?
Or has he been entirely
corrupted by his mentor,
the mysterious Supreme
Leader Snoke? 





DJ
DJ



One of the most
intriguing new characters
that we’ll meet in The
Last Jedi is DJ, played
by Benicio Del Toro. DJ
has a tattered, rough
and ready fashion style
that conceals the fact he
has one of the sharpest
minds in the galaxy. A
thief and slicer (computer
hacker) by trade, he sees
little difference between
the First Order and the
Resistance and will work
for whoever offers him the
most credits.



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INTERVIEW








The


Stories DELILAH



of their S. DAWSON


Lives What secrets lurk beneath that chrome
helmet? Phasma reveals all...


What can you tell us about
As the Journey to Star the plot of Phasma?
Wars: The Last Jedi book We get to see a little slice of life
line explores new corners on a First Order Star Destroyer:

specifically, a torture chamber.
of the galaxy, Insider spoke The ensuing interrogation
with the authors who are introduces a new planet and
adding new facets to Luke, follows Phasma’s rise to power
Leia and Captain Phasma. and the creation of her unique
armor, and all the dirty little
secrets that she keeps hidden
he release of The underneath it. I listened to the
Last Jedi is now so STAR WARS: Mad Max: Fury Road soundtrack
T close to release we PHASMA while writing Phasma, if that tells
can practically smell
you anything.
PUB / DEL REY
the blaster fi re and RELEASE / SEPT, 2017 The book is about her past,
taste the salt winds but of course we also see her
of Ahch-To. Can’t wait that long? Us in the First Order. If you want
neither, and that’s where Journey to to know how she got out of that
Star Wars: The Last Jedi comes in. trash compactor that Finn tossed
This expansive series of fact and her into, you’ll have to read the

fiction books will enhance your Captain Phasma comic miniseries
knowledge of the fi lm’s characters, from Marvel, written by Kelly
its plot and the new corners of the Thompson with art by Marco
galaxy that we will soon be exploring. Checcheto. Kelly and I talked
The books aren’t just about fi lling in to make sure that our stories
the background characters either. It’s were complementary.
in some of these books that you’ll
discover Phasma’s secret history, What were your fi rst impressions
Leia’s teenage years and intriguing of Phasma when you saw The
tales of Luke’s adventures. Force Awakens?
Insider spoke to authors Delilah S. Impressive, powerful, confi dent,
Dawson, Ken Liu, and Claudia Gray strong. Discovering that there was

to find out more about the books, and
their histories with Star Wars.
“I LOVE THAT ONE THIRD OF THE FIRST

ORDER TRIUMVIRATE IS FEMALE AND
THAT HER ARMOR DOESN’T FALL INTO

ANY OVER-SEXUALIZING TROPES.”




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INTERVIEW












































“I THINK THE BEST
VILLAINS HAVE

REDEEMING AND EVEN
a woman inside that chrome What were the challenges
armor made me need to know of writing this book? SEDUCTIVE FEATURES.”
more. I love that one third of the I felt like my task was to write
First Order triumvirate is female the best book I could, a story

and that her armor doesn’t fall that fit with what Lucasfi lm do because they think it’s the
into any over-sexualizing tropes. needed, but one that would also right path. Perhaps I should
appeal to Star Wars fans, both question how easily I can slip into
How much input did you get old and new. Time was part of Phasma’s psychology, but... I’ve
into creating her backstory? that challenge, as was got other worlds to conquer.
A lot! I knew where she started incorporating ideas and

out and where she ended up, feedback from a variety of Did you find any redeeming
and it was my job to imagine the sources. When you write Star features in the character?
experiences that would shape Wars, you can’t pretend that it’s I think the best villains have
her and haunt her. I had so much your own precious baby, as you redeeming and even seductive
fun meeting with Lucasfi lm and can with most books. This baby features. That’s one of the things
brainstorming with them as we has many proud parents, and I’m I’ve always loved about Star
stitched together the plot. I see so grateful I got to work with Wars—the opportunity to
myself as a problem solver, as such a smart, supportive team. acknowledge one’s dark side
someone who can be given while being reminded not to go
several puzzle pieces and really Is it difficult writing a novel too far down that path. When you

dig deep to find a way to fi t where the central character read Phasma’s backstory, you’ll

them together for a story that’s is a villain? see that she has many redeeming
exciting, emotionally fulfi lling, Definitely not. Everyone thinks qualities. You’ll see why her


and true to the Star Wars they’re the protagonist of their troopers fight for her, and gladly.
universe we love so much. own story. Villains do what they My goal was to make you love her.

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INTERVIEW





there’s also a seventh story
as the deckhands have an
KEN LIU ship. They have to deal with a
adventure of their own on this
crisis and in that process Luke
is again seen from different
The Legends of Luke Skywalker is perspectives. He inspires some
of the deckhands to do
a unique collection of short stories something they wouldn’t have
exploring different facets of the Jedi. done before. The novel is a junior
novel so most of the deckhands
are young people. I think it’s
Ths is rather different to the their perspective of Luke as a
novels in the book line. How so? great hero of the Rebellion, of
It’s kind of a unique book. It’s not the Republic, that comes across
a single novel—rather there’s a most powerfully.
framing story about a bunch of
deckhands on a long haul Which of the stories in the
transport barge going towards book is your favourite?
the planet Cantonica, to the city There’s a story called “The
of Canto Bight. The deckhands Tale of Lugubrious Mote.”
and the officers tell each other Lugubrious is a little mole-fl ea

stories that they have heard about who lives on Jabba’s court jester,
STAR WARS: Luke Skywalker. We know him as Salacious B. Crumb, who is a
THE LEGENDS the hero of the saga, but to most favorite character of mine from
OF LUKE people in the galaxy he’s a fi gure Return of the Jedi. Lugubrious is
SKYWALKER
PUB / DISNEY LUCASFILM of legend. He’s become this a very interesting character—she
PRESS almost mythological fi gure whose really views herself as the brains
RELEASE / OCT, 2017 exploits are passed down from behind all of Salacious’s antics.
person-to-person, and through all The story takes some of the
kinds of propaganda and it’s hard scenes from the original fi lm
to tell after a while which stories and gives it an entirely different
are true and which aren’t. new spin. To her, a little mole-
There are six stories being told flea, Luke is this giant mountain

through different people and it’s of a creature. I had so much fun
up to the reader to decide which trying to imagine Luke from
of these stories are true. Some her perspective.
of the stories are told from the
perspective of admirers and some Who is Luke to you?
of the stories are told from the Luke Skywalker is probably the
perspective of detractors and most powerful example of a hero
some of the stories are done from in that Joseph Campbell sense
those who have an axe to grind of the hero’s journey. He is the
against the Republic. One of the perpetual apprentice, the one
stories is told by a droid! who’s always searching and
learning and discovering for
Can you talk a little more about himself what the Force means
the linking narrative? and what being a Jedi means.
As well as the six different stories, For all of us, what is life but this
endless journey of discovery
trying to learn from those who
“THERE ARE SIX STORIES BEING TOLD are wiser than we are and trying
to integrate these lessons into
THROUGH DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND ourselves and then trying to pass
these lessons onto the next
IT’S UP TO THE READER TO DECIDE generation. I think as you age,
WHICH OF THESE STORIES ARE TRUE.” Luke starts to take on different
meaning because different



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cover of the Chinese translation
of The Empire Strikes Back. I
had never seen anything like it.
One interesting thing about
Star Wars fans who are of my
generation in China is that we
didn’t get to see the movies when

they first came out because back

then American films weren’t shown
in China at all. Many kids my age
got exposed to Star Wars through
comic books or other adaptations.
My exposure to Star Wars came
out of this book.

I remember first seeing the fi lms
after I came to the United States. I
was a little older, I must have been
11 or 12. My jaw was on the fl oor the
whole time. It’s a primal story, it’s
mythical and it’s told in this
gorgeous, elaborate science-
fictional visual language where

every detail was thought through.
How has writing for Star Wars
differed from writing your
own novels?
For one thing, I’m constrained
“LUKE SKYWALKER IS PROBABLY THE by the fact that I have to stand
on the shoulders of giants, you
MOST POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF A know? George Lucas himself,
of course, but also all the other
HERO IN THAT JOSEPH CAMPBELL amazing authors who have
written for Star Wars, and all
SENSE OF THE HERO’S JOURNEY.” the set designers, actors, all the
script writers, everyone who in
some way shaped the vision of
universe is because we all have our Star Wars.
own unique vision and unique One of the great things about
voice. I wanted to share my own The Legends of Luke Skywalker,
giddiness at this universe with though, is the status of the book
stages of Luke’s journey will everyone else and I think as long is somewhat unique because it is
start to become more and more as I held true to that respect for specifically pitched as a book of

meaningful to you. the larger vision and my deep, tall tales and myths and stories
deep gratefulness to George and legends about Luke. I’m not
Is it intimidating writing such Lucas and to Disney, I can put as bound by concerns about
an iconic character? my own unique imprint onto this continuity as I would be
Yeah, of course! As a fan of the little corner of events in the Star otherwise and that gives me
universe, I know how meaningful Wars history. some freedom to tell new kinds
every bit of Star Wars lore is to the of stories and new interpretations
fans. I came into this with the idea How long have you been a of events that I think would

that I’m a fan and I’m here to Star Wars fan? otherwise be difficult. I love
participate and share my joy with As long as I can remember. In fact, the ability to reinterpret and
all the other fans, but at the same the fi rst sci-fi novel I ever read was offer new perspectives of

time you can’t let the weight of a novelization of The Empire Strikes known events.... I certainly had
the mythology take you away. One Back. This was when I was back in a great deal of fun writing it and
of the reasons that each of us gets China as a young child. I remember I think that joy comes across
asked to build something in the being just absolutely struck by the in the work.



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INTER V IE W
INTERVIEW









CLAUDIA GRAY




Leia: Princess of Alderaan takes us back
in time to the hero’s formative years.



Who is Leia to you? very early stage, when even its
To me, Leia is the archetypal core founders were unsure what
hero. For all that she’s in distress shape their alliance would take.
when we first meet her, she’s no

swooning damsel. Her humor, her Where is Leia in her life in
feistiness, her tactical smarts, her the book?
leadership: every part of her Leia is at the point in her life
nature and personality come when she will be offi cially named
together to make her a deeply heir to the throne of Alderaan,
engaging character. I see her as which means she has to take on
someone who is sincerely new challenges. She’s discovering
dedicated to her duty and to the her limitations and her strengths,

STAR WARS: greater good—but who still leads and finding out who she really is.
LEIA, PRINCESS a life with passions and pains as And she’s building new
OF ALDERAAN strong as anyone’s. relationships with her parents;
PUB / DISNEY LUCASFILM And really, Leia is the she still loves and admires them,
PRESS Rebellion and the Resistance. but she’s interacting with them
RELEASE / SEPT, 2017
She was a part of that fi ght on a more adult level. I think I can
before Luke and Han ever safely say that Bail and Breha
showed up, and she remained a Organa play major roles in the
part of it after they’d gone. Leia book. While this is fundamentally
is the core warrior in Star Wars. Leia’s story, in some sections it’s
almost as much a story about the
When does the book take place? Organas told through their
It takes place about three years daughter’s eyes.
before A New Hope, about six
months before Leia’s fi rst How is this Leia different
appearance in Rebels. This is the to the character you wrote
story of how Leia Organa fi rst in Bloodline?
became a part of the Rebellion, She’s younger, not just in years
and gives some hints as to why but in spirit. She hasn’t gone
she’s already a major leader at to war yet, hasn’t had to give
the time of A New Hope. It’s also difficult orders, hasn’t seen

a snapshot of the Rebellion at a friends die in battle. Leia’s


“I WAS FLABBERGASTED THE FIRST
TIME I WAS TOLD A SPACESHIP

COULDN’T BE SOMEWHERE, BECAUSE IT

WAS CANONICALLY SOMEWHERE ELSE!”







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INTERVIEW







“PRINCESS LEIA IS A
CHARACTER I’VE LOVED

MY WHOLE LIFE.”



already strong, but not yet as
tough as the princess we met
in A New Hope. She’s intelligent
and politically aware, but up until
now has been relatively sheltered.
It’s one thing to know about the
troubles of the Empire—another
to see them for herself, and still
another to try taking those
problems on.

Is it intimidating writing for
such an iconic character?
I should’ve been intimidated
before writing Leia in Bloodline,
but I wasn’t. Princess Leia is a
character I’ve loved my whole
life. I practically spent 40 years
asking myself what it would be
like to be her—and then Lucasfi lm
gave me a chance to ask those
questions in print! Having written
Bloodline defi nitely helped
prepare me for this.

How do you find writing in a

franchise compared to writing
your own novels?
I was flabbergasted the fi rst time

I was told a spaceship couldn’t
be somewhere, because it was
canonically somewhere else!
When you write books, you get
used to thinking that whatever
you write goes! The upsides,
however, more than make up
for the few limitations. First of all,
I get to write Star Wars! Second,
George Lucas created an amazing
world that’s supported with fi lms
and television shows and toys and
games and other books, and I get
to draw on all of that to fl esh out
my own work—and the fans are
great. They share the enthusiasm
and excitement, and that’s the
greatest aspect of it all.






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JOHN WILLIAMS

























































































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JOHN WILLIAMS
































The Soundtrack





of Her Life







John Williams has scored every step of Princess Leia’s journey.
Jon D. Witmer listens back to her iconic, emotional themes to
see how they help tell the Skywalker saga.



































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JOHN WILLIAMS




s Imperial as Erich Wolfgang Korngold and films and growing into new

stormtroopers Alfred Newman, Williams would themes that, taken as a whole,
A overwhelm steep his score for Star Wars in the provide an appropriately nuanced
the rebel
operatic traditions of the 19th-
musical portrait of this complex
forces on the century Romantics. character and her journey
Tantive IV in Identifying specifi c melodies through the galaxy far, far away.
the opening minutes of A New with individual characters in the
Hope, Princess Leia delivers a story, Williams would take those A New Hope: “Princess
small data tape to astromech motifs through various iterations, Leia’s Theme”
droid R2-D2. repeating them to accompany the After its initial, brief statement
Leia turns to leave, and the character and re-orchestrating aboard the Tantive IV, Leia’s
image is accompanied by them to reflect that character’s theme is next heard, more fully

a short, muted burst of seven emotional and physical state as developed this time, when Luke

notes, the first two of which the saga progressed. stumbles across the princess’s
are separated by six steps on a In the liner notes to the fi rst desperate holographic message for
musical scale—what’s known as Star Wars soundtrack LP, he Obi-Wan Kenobi. “I wrote a very
a major-sixth interval. Through wrote: “What I wanted to hear romantic theme for Princess Leia,”
the film, this cue will recur in a was something to do with a Williams explained in the

variety of forms, developing on character here and something to soundtrack liner notes. “I thought
each occasion and ultimately do with the same character more of it in terms of when Luke sees
becoming the theme that we developed there. I believed we her for the first time and he says

inextricably link with Leia. needed melodic themes of our how beautiful she is. It is a
This idea of having musical own which I could bend around fairytale-type princess melody.”
themes or “motifs” associated and put through all the David W. Collins is a voice
with key characters was central permutations that I would need actor, stage host at Star Wars
to writer-director George Lucas in the dramatic situations.” Celebration, and co-host of
and composer John Williams’ The motif that Williams would the Star Wars Oxygen podcast,
shared vision for the music of develop for Leia resounded well which offers a deep analysis of
Star Wars. In the vein of classic beyond A New Hope, gathering Williams’ work throughout the
Hollywood composers such additional facets in successive Skywalker saga fi lms.

01








































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JOHN WILLIAMS




02










































03


“Princess Leia’s theme, like sees as the major themes of any observes, “The fi nal crescendo

Leia herself, really stands out Star Wars film—from [both] a and solo violin fi nale perfectly
from everything else in the musical perspective and a story express Leia’s inner strength and
movie, stylistically and perspective—by which ones he yearning for the innocence of
01 Leia places melodically,” he says. “Leia gives the concert treatment to.” a time long past.”
her hologram represents the broader universe. In the concert arrangement, Collins hears connections to
in R2-D2—

unkowingly She represents what we know a flute introduction leads to the the wider story. “Another piece
setting in about the Republic, the Senate, main melody, which is fi rst that famously starts with a solo
motion the and even the Rebellion for most presented by a solo French horn French horn is Obi-Wan Kenobi’s
events of the
entire original of the movie. So her theme (see sidebar, page 38). After a theme, [aka] the Force theme,”
trilogy (left). represents the beauty in the wind interlude, a fl ute returns he says. As heard when Luke
universe and everything that’s to present the primary theme. looks out toward Tatooine’s
02 Leia’s
hologram worth fi ghting for.” Following another bridge, violins binary sunset, the theme, like
sets Luke and While Leia’s melody appears play the melody, accompanied Leia’s, starts with a horn, and
Obi-Wan on

course to their some nine times over the course by horn and flute in pronounced then the strings take over.
destinies, and of A New Hope, the version that’s supporting roles. Finally, the “The French horn has
“Princess Leia’s most widely known is Williams’ full orchestra—with strings a softness to it,” says Collins.
Theme” swells.
concert arrangement, titled still leading the way—builds “It has a sweet timbre and a
03 Of course, “Princess Leia’s Theme.” This has the melody to its climax, after lower register. Of the whole brass
things take been included in every album which a violin provides the section, French horns have the
a more sinister
turn in both release of the soundtrack to date, denouement. In his liner notes to ability to play delicate melodies
the music and but isn’t heard in the fi lm itself. the A New Hope Special Edition and really give you something
action when
Darth Vader “You can always tell,” says soundtrack release, fi lm music lyrical. If you’re going to make a
arrives. Collins, “what John Williams historian Michael Matessino piece that’s going to build, it’s a

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JOHN WILLIAMS




wonderful starting point, they board the Falcon. Why did
because you get this round, Williams turn to Leia’s theme
SOLO FOR LEIA warm, beautiful sound. When here? “I felt it had the most
you start with a horn, it gives sweeping melody of all the
John Williams recorded the music for you somewhere to go.” themes in the score,” he writes.
the original Star Wars with the London Two particularly noteworthy “This wildly romantic music in
Symphony Orchestra (LSO) over the course
of 14 three-hour scoring sessions from renditions of Leia’s theme are this tragic setting represents
March 5 to March 16, 1977. presented as the princess and her Luke’s and the princess’s reaction
David Cripps was the LSO’s principal new allies make their way to leaving Ben behind.”
horn at the time, and at this year’s San through the Death Star toward
Diego Comic-Con, he took part in a
retrospective panel dedicated to A New the Millennium Falcon. The The Empire Strikes

Hope’s music and sound. During that first is a brief but pronounced Back: “Love Theme”
session, he recalled playing the French horn appearance immediately before When scoring The Empire Strikes
solo for Leia’s theme. Leia and Luke swing across the Back, Williams sought to build
“The Princess Leia theme is surely one of Death Star chasm—giving way on A New Hope’s foundation.
the most beautiful tunes that anybody ever
wrote,” he said. “It shows the genius of John to a trumpet fanfare as the two Quoted in Matessino’s liner notes
Williams to great effect—not just because heroes soar to safety on the other for The Empire Strikes Back
it’s a wonderful tune, but because he wrote side. Despite its brevity, Williams Special Edition soundtrack, he
it for the best instrument in the orchestra! highlighted this moment in the says: “I wanted to try to develop
“I remember it so well, even 40 years
later. We were doing sessions every day for liner notes, writing: “This music material that would wed with
a week, and it was not uncommon for us is a kind of swashbuckling the original and sound like part
to be doing three sessions in a day. So we version of the princess’s theme. of an organic whole. So, in the
would start at nine o’clock in the morning, It is a little bit tongue-in-cheek in creation of new themes and the
have lunch, do an afternoon session, have tone, with a very strong ‘Errol handling of the original material,
dinner, and do an evening session. It was

exhausting work. And for brass players, we Flynn’ flavor, like the music from the task, both in concept and
all said, ‘Why does my mouth hurt at the end a late 1930s adventure fi lm.” instrumentation, was one of
of the day?’ The second—and perhaps the extending something that I had
“There was one particular day when we most intriguing—instance comes written three years before. I had
were approaching the end of the evening
session, and at the end of the session break when Obi-Wan is struck down by to look back, and at the same
John got onto the podium and said, ‘Ladies Darth Vader, and the rebels trade time begin again and extend.”

and gentlemen, everything’s going really blaster fire with stormtroopers as Leia’s original motif does
well, but I need to get one more title in this
evening. Would you do me the favor of a
half hour’s overtime?’ Well, all of us brass “I felt it [“Princess Leia’s Theme”]
players, we were kind of groaning at the
prospect of going on for another half hour, had the most sweeping melody of all
but this was John Williams, and so we
said yes. the themes in the score.” John Williams
“That title was “Princess Leia’s Theme”.
The [sheet music] parts arrived, they were
put on the stands, and I saw this thing with 04
‘solo’ written above my part. John looked
at the corner where the heavy brass were
sitting—trumpets, trombones, tubas—and
he said, ‘Don’t worry boys. This is going to
be a gentle, easy number for you.’ And then
he looked across at me and he said, ‘David,
I’ve written a little horn solo for you. I hope
you enjoy it.’
“So he rolled the picture and we started.
I was sight-reading this thing, and I started
playing—la-da-dee-dee, da-dum-ba-da-
dum—and I thought, ‘When is this thing
going to end?’
“We did that fi rst rehearsal, and then
John said, ‘OK everybody, I need to go and
listen to that. David, come with me.’ So
we went into the booth and we listened to
it, and John said, ‘Very nice indeed. That’s
lovely. Just play it like that every single time
and I’ll be happy.’ So that’s the story of the
fi rst time anybody ever played the Princess
Leia theme.”






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JOHN WILLIAMS




05































06


Nevertheless, Williams makes the
relationship between the two
motifs clear: both melodies begin
with a major-sixth interval.
Like Leia’s theme in A New
Hope, the love theme makes its

first appearance in Empire’s
opening minutes, as Han tells
Luke via comlink that he’s
returning to Echo Base. The
melody continues to accompany
Leia and Han throughout their
subsequent journey, surging
04 “Han Solo and appear in The Empire Strikes assessment. “‘Han Solo and the to great heights in celebration
the Princess”

perfectly Back, but its place in the fi lm is Princess’ is filled with much of Han’s derring-do at the
captures the largely replaced by a new theme, more caution than Leia’s theme,” conclusion of the chase through
loving-but- referred to alternately as “Han he says. “It has a push-pull, the asteroid field, and swelling

acerbic tone of
the relationship Solo and the Princess” and, which you hear through the in tragedy as Han is pulled away
between Leia more simply, “Love Theme.” entire movie. It’s what [Empire from Leia and onto the carbon-
and her favorite The cue accompanies both director] Irvin Kershner called freezing platform.
scoundrel (left).
Leia and Han as their shared a ‘game,’ because the subtext of In his analysis for the Star
05 The theme adventure draws out their true their harsh words is that they’re Wars Trilogy Original Soundtrack
takes on a
melancholy tone feelings for one another. falling for each other. That’s Anthology box set from 1993,

for The Empire As Matessino observes on the reflected in the theme.” Film Score Monthly founder
Strike’s Back’s piece, “This melody perfectly That “push-pull” structure is Lukas Kendall writes that “Han
bittersweet final
moments. complements the earlier theme, there as the main melody is Solo and the Princess” is heard
but trades in its pure innocence presented and then immediately “in its entirety in the movie,
06 Han and Leia for a more mature love theme repeated in a lower register. Leia’s beginning with the scene when
share a tender
moment before infused with an appropriate theme, on the other hand, builds Han and Leia are working inside
they are torn hesitancy and a sweeping upward on itself, pushing the the Falcon, their relationship
apart by the
forces of the 19th-century Romanticism.” melody into higher registers in growing closer despite Leia’s
Empire. Collins agrees with this a way that sounds aspirational. uncertainty. The moment is
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interrupted by C-3PO, however, the backdrop of the Ewok village, stays true to the character of Leia
and then musically destroyed reveals their true bond. we have already come to know,
altogether as we cut to the As with Leia’s original theme, saying: “Williams takes the main
Imperial fleet.” In this sequence, Williams chose to highlight title and turns it into a more

Williams again opts to build the this new music with a concert lyrical theme. Then he takes it on
melody by starting with a solo arrangement for the album a rollercoaster ride through
French horn. release. Titled “Luke and Leia,” all kinds of dark emotions by
In the wake of Han’s capture, this arrangement once again putting his dramatic emphasis
the love theme follows Leia and introduces the melody with on the softest part of the main
her friends as they try to stop a solo French horn. In the cue title’s melody.

Boba Fett’s escape on Cloud City’s from the film, the melody is “In the main title, the big
east platform and then, having instead given to the strings on notes that are accented are

failed, as they make their way to its first instance, then the oboe perfect intervals—neither major
the Millennium Falcon. Finally, when it is repeated. nor minor—and the passing
the theme crescendos at the fi lm’s However, Collins notes, unlike tones that tell us the theme is in
conclusion, as Leia, Luke, and the Leia’s earlier themes, “‘Luke and major happen very quickly. With

droids watch the Falcon depart, Leia’ is in a flatted key, which ‘Luke and Leia’, Williams pulls
with Lando and Chewbacca now gives it a mellow, muted, even 07 The mellow those tones out, transforming it
tone of “Luke
at the ship’s controls. With Han sorrowful sound. There’s no and Leia” into something that mixes
Solo imprisoned, the theme takes opening major-sixth interval, hints at the tragedy and hope together,
complex
on a new meaning, representing which had been so identifi able without ever quite giving you
nature of
Leia’s longing for her lost love. “It with Leia. Instead, it’s a totally siblings’ resolution. We hear it in the part
is a bittersweet ending,” Kendall different melodic shape. relationship. of the movie where they’re
writes, “hopeful but unresolved.” “It’s actually an offshoot of facing their biggest obstacles and
08 A shaken Han
Luke’s theme. The fi rst fi ve notes and Chewie, everything seems desperate.”
Return of the Jedi: are the same.” Given that this following In his analysis for Jedi’s Special
Solo’s brutal
“Luke and Leia” theme is introduced as Leia interrogation. Edition soundtrack, Matessino
Return of the Jedi introduces learns that she is a Skywalker, writes, “Unlike the innocent
09 Reunited for
a third motif for Leia, this time he adds, “It’s important that the ‘Princess Leia’s Theme’ from
the final
underscoring her shared lineage theme be a Skywalker theme, and time. Leia A New Hope and the wildly
with Luke. This “Brother and that a Skywalker theme becomes and Han’s fanciful ‘Han Solo and the
embrace
Sister” cue makes its fi rst Leia’s, as well.” Princess’ from Empire, ‘Luke and
later takes on
appearance when Luke, against Collins argues that this change a tragic air. Leia’ is infused with a maturity
07


































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that embodies the enlightenment 08
of the two characters and the full
comprehension of their destinies.”

The Force Awakens:
“Han and Leia”
As Return of the Jedi nears its
conclusion, Leia tells Han that
Luke is her brother, and Williams
guides the score through the
“Luke and Leia” melody and into
the love theme from Empire.
At the time, this marked the
culmination of Leia’s onscreen
romance with Han. But as the
Skywalker saga continued with
The Force Awakens, the trilogy’s
themes found new meaning
through fresh juxtapositions.
In fact, even the prequel trilogy 09
afforded an opportunity for
Williams to incorporate Leia’s to their hidden base on D’Qar.
theme, albeit not until the fi nal When Han and Leia share another
moments of Revenge of the Sith, moment soon thereafter, their
as Bail Organa volunteers to adopt love theme returns on a somewhat
Leia, and again when he hands surer footing, courtesy of a French
the baby to his wife. When horn. Its position is quickly
watching the saga in episode usurped by Kylo Ren’s theme,
order, this becomes the fi rst time however, as conversation turns to
the theme is heard, and its the couple’s wayward son.
“return” in A New Hope quickly Both Leia’s theme and the love
alerts the audience to Leia’s theme are again called into service
identity and secret history. when Leia and Han speak outside
When Leia—now a general in the Falcon, just before Han,
the Resistance—makes her fi rst Chewie, and Finn depart for
appearance in The Force Awakens, Starkiller Base. As Han readies his
disembarking from a Resistance ship, Leia appears, supported by
transport, she is accompanied by her original motif. The two
a woodwind rendition of her embrace, and a horn plays the
theme. “Han had been in the love theme. Lastly, when Rey
movie already for 40 minutes at arrives on D’Qar following the
that point, so that is defi nitely destruction of Starkiller Base—and
Leia’s moment,” notes Collins. the death of Han—Williams
The theme quickly transitions restates the “Han Solo and the
into “Han Solo and the Princess,” Princess” melody for the fi nal
which is here delivered by a fl ute. time, as Leia embraces the young
Where a horn might have brought scavenger. Not unlike its use at the
an air of confidence, the wind end of The Empire Strikes Back, away, there’s good cause for

instrument feels appropriately the love theme here lends further hope. After his arrival in the
tentative for this reunion between poignancy to Han’s now final moment of The Force

the estranged husband and wife. permanent absence. Awakens, Luke playa a larger
As Collins says, “After seeing The “It was great to revisit those role in the new film, and Leia’s

Force Awakens, we know ‘Han themes in The Force Awakens,” leadership of the Resistance is
Solo and the Princess’ is a love Collins enthuses. “John Williams sure to be further explored.

theme filled with caution and, brought them back and made Williams has scored Leia’s life
ultimately, tragedy.” them important all over again. from princess, through war hero
The love theme then gives way Here’s hoping we get to hear ‘Luke and sister to wife, mother, and
to “The March of the Resistance” and Leia’ sometime in the future.” leader. Whatever happens next,
as General Organa’s forces return With The Last Jedi just weeks we’ll be listening with love.



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INTERVIEW






Heading








into








battle








Insider goes behind-the-scenes on the recently
released videogame, Star Wars Battlefront II,
with Executive Producer Matt Webster


W ORDS: ME G AN CROUSE


he Star Wars an Imperial special forces team.
galaxy lends Versio is a knife in the hand of
T itself perfectly the Empire, the daughter of an
to videogame
admiral who spares no love for
adaptation. the Rebellion. You take control
Immersing of her as the Empire tries to
yourself in the sights and sounds hold itself together following
of that galaxy far, far away the destruction of the second
requires only the tiniest stretch Death Star at the end of Return
of imagination when the controls of the Jedi. For multiplayer fans,
for starfighters and lightsabers are Galactic Assault and Starfi ghter

in your hands. Assault allow players to be part
Star Wars Battlefront II, the of the huge fantasy clashes that
thrilling sequel to 2015’s action fans will recognize and enjoy,
game that brought Star Wars plus split-screen co-op missions
into the current generation of mean that you and a friend can

games consoles, hit shelves on fight side-by-side or online on
November 17, bringing with it the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.
new heroes and play types.
Published by Electronic Arts Multiplayer
(EA) and developed by DICE, Fans looking for the beautiful
Motive Studios and Criterion vistas they’ve seen on the big
Games, in close collaboration screen will find plenty to explore

with Lucasfi lm, Battlefront here. Battlefront II includes maps
II includes an all-new single- from all three eras of Star Wars,
player campaign featuring a from the prequel trilogy to The
new hero, Iden Versio, leader of Force Awakens, with content



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INTERVIEW




from The Last Jedi available after 01 This time the Star Wars hero is not just about Players also use Force powers
story is from
the movie comes out later this the iconic characters, it’s also as Rey, who has the ability to
an Imperial
year. Galactic Assault missions point-of-view the fact that you can be heroic mind trick enemies and detect
send players on multi-stage (right). as a trooper,” Webster said. “We characters from a distance with
battles in locations such as the have a great variety of heroes her Force Insight.
02 Yoda versus
grand palace in Theed on Naboo. Maul? Oh to match different peoples’ Between troopers and heroes
“Galactic Assault is there for yes... (right). motivations for play, with a great in the Battlefront II hierarchy
us to really represent epic Star 03 Meet Iden deal of accessibility for fans.” come special characters, which
Wars battles,” Webster said. Versio: hero Players can earn Battle Points have some unique abilities
of the Empire.
“It’s inspired by what we had as troopers, which will allow and are able to hold their own
(right).
with Walker Assault in the fi rst them to upgrade to vehicles against troopers without being
game, [which included] two 20 04 The second or hero characters. Webster quite as dramatically powerful as
Death Star
player armies. In this case, we’ve explained that this system is a heroes like Rey. Special characters
is destroyed,
got droid armies assaulting the leaving the carefully considered change allow players to change up how
palace at Theed with huge battle Empire reeling from the previous Battlefront they play and potentially break
(right).
tanks while the clone troopers videogame’s Hero Tokens. stalemates or turn the tide of
try to hold them at bay.” 05 Experience “That was really accessible an engagement in their favor.
stunning
Players can choose to play as and pretty well understood.
action across
four different classes of trooper every Star But to many people, it was a Starfi ghter Combat
characters: Assault, Heavy, Wars era brief experience for the lucky Space combat in the Starfi ghter
(right).
Officer, and Specialist. Assault few,” Webster said. “We wanted Assault mode is near and dear

characters are highly mobile 06 Fast-paced to increase the amount of to Criterion, since the company
and tough, perfect for up-close starfighter opportunities we give players to worked on both the speeder
combat is
combat, while Heavy troopers a core part play in a few different ways, but bikes for Star Wars Battlefront
sacrifice mobility for stronger of the game also link it to performance. So, and the Star Wars Battlefront

(right).
shields and massive fi repower. everything you do in the game Rogue One: X-wing VR Mission

The Officers provide support earns you Battle Points. If you’re for PlayStation VR. Criterion
and can generate turrets and playing the objective, if you’re also has a lot of experience in
buff other players on their team. beating enemies, all of that will working on racing games with a
The Specialist class includes give you Battle Points. And at more earthly setting.
the ability to use sniper rifl es a certain Battle Point threshold, “There’s not an obvious
as well as trickery such as trip you can spawn in with one through-line from our previous
mines and Scramble Infi ltration, of our starfi ghters, special history in cars to a starfi ghter,
which reveals the opposing team characters or heroes.” but actually one thing we hold
around them while scrambling This leads to the ability incredibly dear is what we call
enemy scanners. Troopers for players to strategize exactly game feel, and that is how
can also be customized using how and when they want to use player intention through the
Star Cards that add additional their Battle Points and when game expresses itself on screen,”
abilities and weapons. to switch between characters, Webster said. “It just so happens
Battlefront II includes iconic creating their own Star Wars that’s always been manifested in
heroes from all three Star Wars journey. The new system is also a vehicle, in a car. But actually,
eras, which can be unlocked intended to prevent players from in the fi rst Star Wars Battlefront,
to add abilities like lightsaber using heroes to the detriment of we did the speeder section and
strikes or Force throws. “What the overall experience. gave them a nice feel and speed.

distinguishes it from the last “We found in the last game That was the first time we did
game is that wanting to be a people would camp out in areas a non-wheeled vehicle, but the
they knew Hero Tokens were principles remain the same: we
coming out,” Webster said. “We care about how it feels to the
“we HAVE A GREAT VARIETY OF wanted it to be a more frequent player. When we think about

starfighters, we think about the
experience for players to come in
HEROES to MATCH DIFFERENT as a hero, and also more tactical.” same sort of message. What is
Webster said that his favorite
the player’s fantasy? How can
PEOPLE’S MOTIVATIONS FOR hero character so far is Darth they really show their intentions

through flying the starfi ghter?
Maul. In Battlefront II, Maul
PLAY, WITH A GREAT DEAL OF is a fast, agile character who So, there’s actually a lot of
similarities between the two
can quickly close the distance
ACCESSIBILITY FOR FANS.” between himself and his enemies types of vehicle.”
and use attacks like Spin Attack, Considering George Lucas’
matt webster Furious Throw, or Choke Hold. love of racing and cars, the

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INTERVIEW



01 02



















03
































04 05












06















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INTERVIEW




“The team at motive is working hard these epic capital ships that

we’re fighting in and over and
to tell a star wars story with a through. That’s the experience
that we want to give people with
this videogame.”
strong character...” matt webster
The Face Behind the
Imperial Mask
Along with the multiplayer and

comparison seems particularly At EA PLAY, Webster saw just starfighter battles, Battlefront
apt. The sensation of putting how strongly and positively fans II brings us a new story. Players
players at the controls of an reacted to the Assault on Theed will be able to experience the
X-wing or other iconic starship and was reminded of the impact campaign as Iden Versio, an

from the films is essential to that the Star Wars saga has on so Imperial special forces soldier.
making a game like this work. many people around the world. Along with her squad mates
“In much the same way we’d “I grew up with the original Gideon Hask and Del Meeko, she
do in Burnout or a Need For trilogy,” he said. “How I feel has to deal with the aftermath
Speed game, we want people about the original trilogy is of the destruction of the second
to feel like they can be a heroic how many people feel about Death Star. Her group works on
driver,” Webster said. “In my the prequel trilogy. So, when carrying out Emperor Palpatine’s
head, I can drift a Porsche we’re showing Darth Maul and wishes, even long after his death.
around a corner at 90 miles per the droids and clone armies, “The team at Motive is
hour. I can also pilot an X-wing that delivers that same hugely working closely with Lucasfi lm
through the narrowest gap. It’s excited, emotional response that to show a Star Wars story
the same fantasy.” I still have in my forties from the with a strong character from
Getting that fantasy right original trilogy. And we know a the Imperial perspective,”
was particularly important new generation of children are Webster said. “For the Empire,
because of the strong emotional getting that feeling now with the destruction of the second
attachment that fans have to The Force Awakens and I’m sure Death Star was not a moment of
the Star Wars galaxy. A preview will get it with The Last Jedi. celebration or triumph: it was
of Starfighter Assault debuted at “In our heads, we all go catastrophic. That was a really

the Gamescom industry event straight to those scenes from fresh and intriguing angle. The
in August, with players getting the movies that we most want teams at Motive and Lucasfi lm
the chance to see how the to play and that we have an looked at a wealth of interesting
customization and class-based emotional connection to. We ideas, like the Shattered Empire
systems translate to fast-paced can hear the scream of the TIE comics from Marvel, about what
space combat. fighters, feel the turns, and see would happen after the death

of the Emperor.
07
To tell a new Star
Wars story from
that alternative
perspective is
really exciting.”
Fans can get to
know the members
of Inferno Squad
even more in
the novel of the
same name by
Christie Golden.
Published in July,
the book tells
the story of the
formation of the
elite Imperial team
before sending
them undercover
to try to tear apart
the partisans, Saw



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INTERVIEW



08 07 Starfighter
Gerrera’s extremist rebel group, Assault mode

first introduced in Rebels. puts you right
in the thick
“The Inferno Squad is a
of space
tight-knit group of people who combat (left).
work together under the orders
08 The game
of Admiral Versio,” Webster said.
puts you
“They believe in the value that right in the
the Empire stands for, that order heart of some
of Star Wars’
is better than chaos, and from most vivid
that point of view, they’re not locations.
the bad guys at all. We come
09 The Clone
from the idea that the rebels are Wars conflict
the good guys and the Empire is key to
the game.
are evil, and that’s why this is a
fascinating angle to come from 10 The war
09
in terms of the creation of Iden comes to the
city of Theed
and Inferno Squad. on Naboo.
“The book does a really good
11 Taking down
job of putting more color on
Imperial Star
it. Players who come to the Destroyers in
campaign having read the book your X-wing
never fails
will have more background
to satisfy.
to some of the characters, but
in the campaign, we also get
to explore the relationships
between Iden and her squad
mates, and the journey they go
on after the destruction of the
second Death Star.”
So, if you’ve ever wondered
10
what it would be like to don
a crisp Imperial uniform, pick
up a blaster or climb into a

starfighter and take the fi ght
to the rebel scum in the name
of the Empire, now you can
fi nd out. Star Wars Battlefront
II is out now on PlayStation 4,
Xbox One, and PC. If you want
to boost your troopers then the
Elite Trooper Deluxe edition
includes upgraded versions of all
four classes, as well as one ability
upgrade unique to each class.
This isn’t the end of the
11
game, either. In-game events
plus new quests and challenges
will continue to be released
through post-launch seasons,
and when The Last Jedi hits
theaters around the world this
winter, the game will be there to
bring you a brand new adventure
linked to the latest chapter of
the saga. The Star Wars: The Last
Jedi-themed update in December
will add Finn, Captain Phasma,
and the mineral planet Crait to
the game.



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INTERVIEW
























Fist Empire
of


the





Iden Versio is the protagonist at the center of the recently released
Star Wars: Battlefront II videogame. Megan Crouse spoke to actress
Janina Gavankar to find out what it’s like to play the Empire’s finest…


anina Gavankar is real. It’s the most incredible thing that
already known for could have ever happened, because I’m
J television roles and working in a medium that I care about.
videogames including
When I was cast, I didn’t know just
Far Cry 4 and Halo 5: how important her character would
Hunt the Truth. Now be. For all I knew I was just going to be
she shows the world her talents as lead an extra, which of course I would have
character Iden Versio in Star Wars: been okay with.
Battlefront II’s campaign mode.

Iden’s strength in battle is matched How did you first get started as an
only by her love for the Empire’s actor in videogames?

ruthless strategies. In Battlefront II, The first videogame that I ever worked
she and her team of Imperial agents on was Far Cry 4. The audition for a
come up against some iconic heroes in videogame is exactly the same as an
a brand-new Star Wars story. Fans may audition for on-camera acting. For
have already learned about Iden and Battlefront II, they sent me a fake
her father, Admiral Garrick Versio, in script; I recorded an autition on tape,
the novel Battlefront II: Inferno Squad and I sent it in to them.
by Christie Golden. Now, Iden takes the
lead. Insider spoke to Gavankar about I understand you’re also a trained
her performance capture role. vocalist. What skills from that did
you bring to your acting career?
SWI: You’re both a gamer and Yes, I was a vocalist—and also a pianist,
a Star Wars fan. What’s it like to and a percussionist. My process hasn’t
act in a Star Wars game? changed much over the years, I’m still
JG: It still feels surreal, and I was cast in quite studious. I practice and practice.
the game a year ago. I’d love to say that As you can imagine, doing the same
it’s a dream come true, but it seemed thing over and over again can be very
impossible for it to happen to me that I straining on the voice. So all of my
didn’t even dream it. It just doesn’t feel vocal training has helped.


01
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INTERVIEW






“She [iden] understands that there is
strength in quiet. She is very smart to hold

back and stay reserved until the moment

she needs to pounce.”




I also did the audiobook [of Inferno How did you find recording not the person or environment she’s in.

Squad]. That was the hardest thing I’ve only Iden’s voice for the audiobook, There’s nothing superfluous about Iden,

ever done vocally. Since we were under but the entire novel? she’s always ready to engage.

the gun, I did really long sessions. I I was terrified! I was so scared I would
had to do more than eight one-hour be terrible at doing all the voices What were the core things you that
sessions just to get the book done, because most of the characters are male. kept in mind when performing? Was
which is not normal. The only way I got There’s such a huge variety of them there an image or a line that you
through it was because I knew how to and I did not have long to prep for it. based your performance around?
support my breath and save my voice. Honestly, I only had time to read the With Iden it was more of a breath and a
book once and jot down some notes stance than basing it around a line from
before we started recording. So, in the script.
addition to voicing my entire squad, I We worked with military consultants
had to mimick Paul Blackthorne and TJ before we began shooting, and there’s
Ramini’s characters, Gideon Hask and obviously a physicality that comes with
Del Meeko respectively, and also play that training. We were very adamant
my father! And all the while I had to about getting the way we hold our guns
make each one of them sound different, in combat correct. By the way, the way
somehow. Even more daunting, there to do that and the tactics of how to
are times when these three characters, move in combat have changed. So we
who are all English, are talking to one were moving in a way that I had not
another. So there are some cases where moved on camera before. That was a
I thought to myself, “Do they sound huge thing! Where my body would be
different enough? How can I change my in rest in this character was different
voice to make these three Englishmen to other characters, so that helped a
sound different enough?” But it all lot. Any time they called action, I was
comes back to acting: I had to think standing in a position with a gun in my
about the intention in every single line, hand. As the hours, days, and months
and that helped. I haven’t listened to went by of being this character, it
the audiobook yet; I’m a little terrifi ed started becoming easier to fall right into
of hearing it! the physicality of what is rest for her.
JANINA GAVANKAR
In an interview with StarWars.com One of my favorite things about
No stranger to the sci-fi and
fantasy genre, Gavankar has you talked about Iden Versio having Iden’s characterization is one of her
starred in such notable series as a certain “rhythm” of calmness. great hardships—how much she
Stargate: Atlantis, True Blood Can you talk more about how you expects her father’s disappointment.
and Arrow. Having majored
in Theatre Performance at the portrayed that? What did you dig into when thinking
University of Illinois at Chicago, Her character is very different from me. about that troubled relationship?
she pursued a career in acting I’m easily excited about the things I’m How many times, especially growing
after a long time training as a
pianist, vocalist, and percussionist. passionate about—I can’t hold back. up nerdy, have you felt that someone is
A self-confessed fan, Janina is I’m quick to tell anyone who will listen expecting you to fail?
an avid gamer who was thrilled all of my thoughts! Iden is the opposite. I don’t feel that the Admiral wants
to earn the part of Iden Versio in
Star Wars: Battlefront II. Utilizing She understands that there is strength Iden to fail. I think that he wants her to
her vocal training and ranging in quiet. She holds back and stays succeed but perhaps he expects her to
skillset, Janina gives a powerful reserved until the moment she needs fail. I have certainly felt underestimated
performance as the Imperial to pounce. She knows how to ration in my life. You can either be defeated
squad leader.
her energy. She has the ability to listen by that or you can use it to your

and find a moment of vulnerability in advantage. Iden does the latter.


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INTERVIEW




02


































03







01 Taking charge
of fellow Inferno
Squad members,
Hask and Del,
Iden is ready to
take the fight
to the Rebellion.
(See opening
spread.)

02 Iden gets ready
for an upcoming
mission.
03 Iden prepares

to engage rebel
forces aboard
an MC80 Star
Cruiser.

How about the other characters Is there anything else you want to almost every day and had access to
on the team? Who does Iden have add about the experience? Christie Golden. Mark Thompson, who
the strongest connection with? I completely didn’t expect it, but this is the game director of the campaign,
Hask and Iden spent their formative has turned out to be one of the most was so open to ideas and Lucasfi lm
years together. They feel like family. collaborative and creative experiences of Story Group member Steve Blank was
Hask is an orphan, so Iden is the most any project I’ve worked on in my career. with us every day to help while we
family he’s ever had. They have so I got a chance to talk to John Boyega were shooting. Everyone involved
many years of friendship and support about this at D23, backstage. While we was so adamant about making this an
with one another. He makes fi ghting were making the game, I talked to the authentic Star Wars story, and that’s
for the Empire easier for Iden. writers, Mitch Dyer and Walt Williams, something that I’m so happy about.



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LUKE SKYWALKER QUIZ

h
Howw much do you rreally know aboout the ooriginaal Star Wars heroo?
k
s
ar
1: What is the name of 5: Who was Luke’s snowspeeder co-pilot at the Battle of Hoth? 9: Where did Luke get his green
Luke’s biological mother? A: Han Solo C: Wedge Antilles lightsaber in Return of the Jedi?
A: Padmé Amidala B: R2-D2 D: Dak Ralter A: Yoda gave it to him
B: Shmi Skywalker A. B. B: Obi Wan left it for him
C: Beru Lars C: He took it from Darth Vader
D: Breha Organa D: He made it himself
A.
2: Which former ally of Darth
Vader does Luke team up with in
The Screaming Citadel comics?
A: Admiral Piett
B: Agent Kallus
C: Grand Moff Tarkin
D: Doctor Aphra C. D.

3: What was Luke’s original
name in the fi rst draft of The B.
Star Wars script?
A: Luke Moonsprinter
B: Luke Starkiller
C: Luke Stargazer
D: Luke Deathstryker

4: Who was Luke’s close friend while growing up? 6: Where was Luke
A: Wedge Antilles C: Greedo planning on picking up
B: Biggs Darklighter D: Princess Leia power converters from in
A New Hope? C
A. B.
A: Mos Eisley Station
B: Anchorhead Station
C: Tosche Station
D: Mos Espa Station

7: What vehicle did Luke drive
around on Tatooine?
A: X-33 Airspeeder
B: X-33 Sandspeeder
C: X-34 Landspeeder
C. D. D.
D: X-35 Swoopcar
8: Where does Luke have his
fi rst cinematic face-to-face
encounter with Darth Vader?
A: Cymoon 1
B: Coruscant
C: Lothal
D: Bespin




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