JOURNEY TO THE RISE OF SKYWALKER !
HAN SOLO
THE LIFE AND DEATH
OF A SCOUNDREL
EXCLUSIVE
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WIN! Warwick
REY AND PALS
THE NEW JEFFREY Davis
BROWN BOOK!
Part two of
Insider’s chat
with the Star
Wars legend.
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of
Nature HIVES &
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TITAN EDITORIAL
Editor / Chris Cooper
Managing Editor / Martin Eden
Associate Editors / Tolly Maggs,
Jake Devine
Remember when you didn’t know who or what the phantom Art Editor / Andrew Leung
menace of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999) was? LUCASFILM
Previous titles had generally given audiences a hint at Senior Editor / Brett Rector
Art Director / Troy Alders
what to expect from the next movie – the Empire would
Creative Director / Michael Siglain
strike back, Jedi would return – but the Episode I title was Asset Management / Tim Mapp,
disconcertingly ambiguous, and it got fans talking. Similarly, Erik Sanchez, Bryce Pinkos,
Nicole LaCoursiere, Sarah Williams,
when the title of Episode VII was first revealed, fans Shahana Alam
worldwide immediately shared their befuddlement online Story Group / Pablo Hidalgo,
— The Force would apparently awaken, but what exactly did Leland Chee, Matt Martin
that mean? Could midi-chlorians fall asleep? Or had Luke CONTRIBUTORS
been caught napping in his X-wing? Tricia Barr, Natalie Clubb, Pat Jankiewicz,
Michael Kogge, Mark Newbold, Amy Ratcliffe,
The Force, of course, awakened in Rey, but moreso
Jay Stobie, Dan Wallace, Toby Weidmann,
the force of Star Wars was reawakened in the public and Bryan Young.
consciousness. And look where we are now? Huge new
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Disney theme parks, a live action TV series just around Lucy Goldsmith, Erich Schoeneweiss
the corner, and more books and toys out there than any at Random House, Holly McIntosh, Joseph
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at Marvel Comics, Lizzy Draeger, Tracy
were ever dark times in the Star Wars galaxy, we’re on Cannobbio and Chris Argyropoulos
the planet they are farthest from. at Lucasfi lm
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STAR WARS INSIDER AUG/SEPT 2019
(USPS 003-027) (ISSN 1041-5122)
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CONTENTS
I SSUE 192 / OC T OBER 2019
18
A Force to be Reckoned With
Our trip through the Skywalker saga enters its final phase, with fresh
heroes, villains, and stories to be told in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
4 / STAR WARS INSIDER
NEWSSTAND COMIC STORE SUBS
EDITION EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE
Subscribe
to Staar Wars
Insider
g
Page 66
06 32 56
Launchpad Warwick Davis Interview Voice of a Stormtrooper
We round up the latest news from The second part of our exclusive Actor and voiceover artist Kat Sheridan
the Star Wars galaxy, including the best conversation with the versatile Star Wars tells Insider how a cosplayer wound up
merchandise, books, and comics. actor and Celebration host. being part of the Star Wars galaxy.
18 40 60
The Beginning of the End Han Solo: A Scoundrel’s Life David Tattersall Interview
The Skywalker saga blasted back From the slums of Corellia to the guts The cinematographer discusses
in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. of Starkiller Base, Insider tells the full making the Star Wars prequel trilogy,
Insider examines its links with the fi rst story of the reluctant hero who met his and how its innovative cameras
episodes of both previous trilogies. end in The Force Awakens. changed movie making.
26 50 74
Life on the Edge Hives & Dives The False Economies of Scale
Insider visited Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Join us on a guided tour Insider asks: What is it about
on opening day. This is our story, from of watering holes favored by oppressive galactic regimes and their
a certain point of view... the galaxy’s scum and villainy. reliance on extreme superweapons?
INCOMING TRANSMISSIONS
24 48 68 78
Competition! Jedi Master’s Quiz Worldwide Image Archive
Win a prize bundle of Jeffrey Brown’s Test your knowledge of Hoth cosplay, a pink Wookiee, fan art, A happy happabore steals a scene
Rey and Pals books and goodies. the mighty First Order! and more Star Wars inspired creativity. on The Force Awakens set.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 5
NEW S / BOO KS S /F A SHI ON
Opening at
Walt Disney
World on
December 5!
Rise and Shine at Disneyland, Anaheim just over
a month later, on January 17, 2020.
The trackless simulator promises an
attraction “unlike anything you’ve ever
experienced at Walt Disney World
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Rise of the Resistance dates set Resort… or anywhere else in the
galaxy!” Featuring state-of-the-art
hile visitors to Walt Disney East coast’s version of the immersive animatronic characters, huge set pieces,
W World, Florida, had to wait a attraction, when it debuts at the world and a pair of life-sized AT-AT walkers,
few months longer than their
guests will find themselves immersed in
famous theme park on December 5,
Californian cousins to enjoy 2019—coinciding with the birthday a battle between the First Order and the
the delights of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, of Walt Disney himself. Resistance. Recruits board a transport
they will be the first to experience the Those on the West coast needn’t feel that lifts off from Batuu only to be
all-new Rise of the Resistance ride at the jilted, however, as the attraction opens captured by a First Order Star Destroyer,
6 / STAR WARS INSIDER
LAUNCHPAD
The Rise of Ren
Lucasfilm Publishing teases new Star Wars books and comics
nnouncements concerning involvement with the mysterious
A offi cial new Star Wars stories Knights of Ren. The story, written by
fan-favorite Charles Soule, is due out
come thick and fast during
convention season, and in December 2019.
San Diego Comic-Con 2019 was no Other titles, out in November,
exception, with Lucasfi lm Publishing include Young Adult novel Star Wars:
revealing a raft of new books and Force Collector, by Emmy Award-
comics during a special panel at the winning author Kevin Shinick, which
annual event. follows the adventures of a teenage boy
Preparing fans for the finale of the who has never even heard about the
Skywalker saga, the company’s Journey Force. Rebecca Roanhorse’s novel, Star
to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Wars: Resistance Reborn focuses on the
publishing program launches this efforts of Poe Dameron, Leia Organa,
October, with an array of titles to cater Rey, and Finn to rebuild the Resistance
to fans of all ages. One of the most after its defeat in The Last Jedi.
exciting for acolytes of Kylo Ren was Fun activity books include Star
and that’s where the fun really the news that Marvel Comics will be Wars: The Resistance, featuring six
begins. Expect favorite characters to publishing a four-issue mini-series, sounds from the movies, and a sequel
show up, including Rey, Finn, and exploring the troubled Kylo’s era Seach & Find book.
Poe Dameron, and to come face to
face with the villainous Kylo Ren
along the way. Fortunately, a covert
team of Resistance soldiers is at the
ready to give you a fi ghting chance
to escape the clutches of the First
Order, hopefully in one piece.
Live your own adventure at Star
Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, open now at
Disneyland, California, and at Walt
Disney World, Florida.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 7
LAUNCHPAD
Allegiances Chosen Darth Maul and Thrawn comics, plus
the adaptation of Star Wars: The Force
Awakens (2015). The incredible cover
art by Maro Checchetto combines to
Prelude to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker incoming form one truly impressive piece of art
(pictured above).
arvel Comics revealed an The four-part series, entitled Issue 1 of Star Wars: The Rise of
M exciting new Star Wars Allegiance, is a prelude to the final Skywalker: Allegiance will be available
in stores on October 9, with each
chapter in the Skywalker saga, and
miniseries at San Diego
Comic-Con, set to lead is written by Ethan Sacks—writer of subsequent installment releasing
fans into the events of the much- the recent Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge weekly. Issue 2 is out on October 16,
anticipated movie, Star Wars: The miniseries for Marvel—with art by issue 3 on October 23, with the fi nal
Rise of Skywalker (2019). Luke Ross, who did the art for Marvel’s epic issue out on October 30.
Boba Bounty Bagged
Rare firing Fett figure fetches a fine price at auction
lucky bidder with deep Meanwhile, a cache of prototype
A pockets secured one of the versions remained lost in the wild,
many kept by Kenner staff as souvenirs,
most famous collectibles
in Star Wars action figure while a few fell into the hands of
history on July 11, when a rare Boba private collectors. Well known but
Fett prototype action fi gure—complete hardly ever seen, the rocket-fi ring Boba
with rocket firing mechanism—sold at Fett soon became the stuff of legend.
auction for $112,926. With only an estimated 100 or so of
When the original 3.75 inch Boba the prototype ever made, the Fett fi gure
Fett launched as a mail-away fi gure is now one of the most highly sought
in 1979, it delivered without the after toys based on the franchise, and
promised firing mechanism of the a mere handful have come up for sale
prototype, despite the offer being at auction in the decades since. One
illustrated with this exciting play fetched a cool $86,383.47 in 2018.
option intact. However, following If you missed out on this occasion,
fears at manufacturer Kenner that the another prime example of the Boba
tiny rocket could cause injury or be a Fett prototype figure—this time with
choking hazard, the all-action rocket a full paint job—comes up for auction
feature had been replaced by a more at Hakes this November.
underwhelming static missile. Visit hakes.com for details.
8 / STAR WARS INSIDER
Featuring
Return of
the Jedi’s
Death Star!
Every Picture Tells a Story
The latest on George Lucas’ Museum of Narrative Art
lthough the building itself book illustration, cinema, comic art, Of particular interest to fans of
A is still under construction in photography, and world art before Star Wars and the broader output of
1950. “At the Lucas Museum, what
Lucasfilm, exhibits from the saga will
Los Angeles, attendees at San
Diego Comic-Con 2019 were matters is the kind of story that an include a number of matte paintings
given an incredible insight into what artwork can tell, and the effect that from the original trilogy, and the
to expect from the expansive museum story has on people,” Curtis told the museum will become the permanent
founded by Star Wars creator George attendees. “We aim to help audiences home to Star Wars concept art created
Lucas, during a fact-filled panel. understand that everyone has their by Ralph McQuarrie. Storyboards will
Museum curator Erin M. Curtis own story to tell, and that art is an also form part of the collection, as will
revealed that the museum collection important tool that everyone can use the 6-feet-tall, screen-used model of the
will focus on American art, children’s to tell their diverse stories.” second Death Star, as seen in Star Wars:
Return of the Jedi (1983) and exhibited
to the public for the first time at the
Lucas Museum.
Items from the Indiana Jones movie
series will also be on display, including
the Ark of the Covenant from Raiders
of the Lost Ark (1981) and concept art
by Jim Steranko, along with items from
the 1988 movie Willow.
The George Lucas Museum of
Narrative Art is on target to complete
construction in 2021, and you can
discover more about its mission at
lucasmuseum.org.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 9
LAUNCHPAD
Triple Force The Rise of
Celebrate
Skywalker on
Friday Lands Triple Force
Friday!
in October
New Star Wars products to
arrive in stores to celebrate
three major releases
ucasfilm and Disney have
L announced that Triple
Force Friday will launch at
midnight on October 4th.
Retailers will unveil new products
to commemorate a trio of fourth
quarter Star Wars releases: the highly-
anticipated fi lm Star Wars: The Rise of
Skywalker hitting theatres in December,
the fi rst live-action Star Wars series
The Mandalorian debuting on Disney+
in November, and the latest action-
adventure game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen
Order that will be available for the
holiday season.
This year’s epic Triple Force Friday
will take place globally and feature
in-store events, midnight openings,
and brand-new Star Wars products
inspired by The Rise of Skywalker, The
Mandalorian, and Jedi: Fallen Order
that include toys, collectibles, apparel,
books, and much more.
THE LIGHT SIDE By Jamie Cosley
10 / STAR WARS INSIDER
LAUNCHPAD
Timeline
A Bounty of Important dates
in Star Wars
history.
Pez Dispensers
A feast fit for a Sarlacc 1956
October 21: Carrie Fisher
ou don’t need to hunt for (Leia Organa) is born.
Y any Kaminoan cloners to find 1978
these Star Wars Boba Fett Pop!
October 28: Gwendoline Christie
Pez dispensers from Funko.
(Captain Phasma) is born.
The iconic candy contraption comes in
both white and holiday variants, and 1979
each item comes with a single sleeve of October 12: Han Solo’s Revenge,
Pez to whet your appetite. Measuring by Brian Daley, is published by
in at 5 1/2-inches tall and 1 3/4-inches Del Rey.
wide, the dispensers can easily fit into
your starship’s cargo hold. collection. Reasonably priced at $4.99 1983
Individually packaged in a window each, the Boba Fett Pop! Pez dispensers October 17: Felicity Jones
(Jyn Erso) is born.
display box, you can opt to show off are available for online pre-order with an
your bounty alongside the rest of your expected shipping date of October 2019.
1986
October 3: Joonas Suotamo
(Chewbacca) is born.
1986
October 23: Emilia Clarke
(Qi’ra) is born.
1996
October 2: X-Wing: The Krytos
Trap, by Michael A. Stackpole, is
published by Bantam Spectra.
2008
October 3: Star Wars: The Clone
Wars debuts on Cartoon Network
with the episodes “Ambush” and
“Rising Malevolence.”
Let Your Tabletop Take Flight 2017
October 22: The Star Wars:
Forces of Destiny: Volume 1
Lock S-Foils into expansion pack position special is released on Disney’s
YouTube channel.
he fifth wave of expansion for launch. The six new packs each
T packs for Fantasy Flight debut one new starship, including
the Nantex-class Starfighter, a BTL-B
Games’ popular tabletop
game Star Wars: X-Wing Y-wing, an Inquisitors’ TIE, Dengar’s
Second Edition is being prepared Punishing One, an M3-A Interceptor,
and Star Wars Rebels’ very own
modified VCX-100, the Ghost.
Each vessel is sold separately and is
accompanied by an array of new cards
to enhance the playing experience.
The prices range from $19.95 for the
smaller fighters up to $49.95 for the
Ghost, which comes with a detachable
Sheathipede-class shuttle. The new
wave is set to deploy in the third
quarter of 2019, and pre-orders are
now live at fantasyfl ightgames.com.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 11
Un-“Crait”
a Skywalker
Collectible
Honor Luke’s stand-off on the salt fl ats
uke Skywalker’s legendary confrontation
L with Kylo Ren has been enshrined by the
sculptors at Gentle Giant Studios as part
of their Star Wars resin bust line. Based
on the Jedi Master’s garb during Star Wars: The Last
Jedi’s climactic Battle of Crait, the mini-bust depicts
Skywalker reaching out with one hand and clutching
his iconic blue lightsaber in the other.
You might be tempted to Force project yourself
into the future once you see this incredible likeness
of Luke, but the item’s fourth-quarter release date will
arrive soon enough. The collectible is priced at $99.99
and will arrive in a numbered, full-color box that also
includes a certificate of authenticity. Pre-order yours
now at gentlegiantltd.com.
The Office Miniature
Strikes Back mynocks not
included!
Deck out your desk with
crafty creatures
eel the Force and spruce up
F your office with two new
items from Regal Robot
that were inspired by classic
creatures from Star Wars: The Empire
Strikes Back (1980).
Avoid Imperial entanglements
and keep your work area clutter free
with the Space Slug Desk Organizer.
Standing at 5 1/4-inches tall (not
including a pencil), the hand-painted
resin sculpture is based on a detailed
scan of the original prop exogorth
puppet and includes the slug, asteroid,
resin Millennium Falcon pencil topper,
and a black pencil. The organizer is Tauntaun Maquette Replica Sculpture of a limited edition run of 250 pieces
priced at $99.99 (plus $12.50 shipping Signature Edition, a 1:1 recreation and comes with a metal plaque signed
in the U.S.) and expected to ship in late of Phil Tippett’s original concept by Tippett, as well as a snow-themed
summer 2019. sculpture for the creature that warmed display base. The 14” tall sculpture
Regal Robot have also ventured Luke Skywalker while Han Solo set up is priced at $699.99 and currently
to the frozen tundra of Hoth with its their shelter. This resin replica is part available to order online.
12 / STAR WARS INSIDER
LAUNCHPAD
A Bundle
of Buckets
Add these helmets to
your cosplay repertoire
alling all costume
C enthusiasts! Anovos is
bolstering its impressive
line of wearable Star Wars
headgear based upon 3D scans and
photographs from original screen-
used items. Join the Galactic Empire
with a crimson Imperial Royal
Guard Helmet or a street-ready
Imperial Patrol Trooper Helmet
from Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018),
each of which is made of fi berglass
with a fully lined interior.
Back in Action very own Emperor? Then strap in with the
Uncomfortable fighting for the
throne.
Popular
Formidable figures for your characters Red Leader Rebel Pilot Helmet that
recreates Garven Dreis’s protective
Black Series collection from the headgear from A New Hope. Made
prequel trilogy, of precision-cast ABS plastic and
asbro’s Black Series returns in Star Wars Rebels, featuring a comlink boom, chin
H full force this fall, headlined and recent Marvel comics will also strap, and earcup cushions, this
arrive in the next wave of The Black
by the Amazon exclusive
helmet will make you feel ready
figure of Emperor Palpatine Series. Obi-Wan Kenobi in his Padawan to make a run on the Death Star.
that is part of the Triple Force Friday attire from The Phantom Menace, Ezra Whether you sympathize with the
event occurring on October 4th. Based Bridger, Chopper (C1-10P), Doctor Empire or the Rebellion, all three
on his appearance aboard the second Aphra, 0-0-0 (Triple Zero), and BT-1 helmets are currently available for
Death Star, the 6-inch-scale Emperor (Beetee) will join the ranks of Hasbro’s pre-order at anovos.com.
comes with interchangeable heads, acclaimed line of detailed action fi gures
electric blue Force lightning, and his later this fall.
Join Forces
With Jabba
A big shot gangster is putting
together a crew
ake a one way trip to the
T Great Pit of Carkoon with
two new sets from Hasbro’s
Vintage Collection. Tatooine Skiff Set consists of three
Jabba’s Tatooine Skiff Vehicle is the highly articulated 3 3/4-inch-scale
perfect partner for HasLab’s recent Sail action figures of Jabba’s henchmen
Barge, and features movie-accurate Vizam, Vedain, and Brock Starsher.
detailing and a desert styled stand. Your Both the Tatooine Skiff Set and Jabba’s
new Skiff will need a crew, so be sure Tatooine Skiff Vehicle are priced at
to pick up Hasbro’s accompanying set $39.99, and are available for pre-order
of villainous action figures too. The at hasbropulse.com.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 13
LAUNCHPAD
Book Club
Fun with friends, ultimate facts, and adventurous choices
la
in the latest Star Wars book releases!eleases!
in
the
s
s
book r
test
Star W
ar
Rey and Pals
is available
in bookstores
now.
The Best Pals in the Galaxy
Sequel era fun and games in Jeffrey Brown’s Rey and Pals
New York Times bestselling author old Jakku with no one to play with? and mischief. Meanwhile, parental
Jeffrey Brown has been wowing fans And what if those chums were cute influence is exerted by Han Solo,
with his charming take on the Star kid versions of her fellow sequel era General Leia, Luke Skywalker, and
Wars galaxy since 2012’s Darth Vader characters, including Kylo Ren, Finn, Chewbacca. Drawn in Brown’s
and Son. Having followed that up with Rose Tico, Poe Dameron, and even signature cartoon style, the essence
three equally entertaining illustrated Amilyn Holdo? (And yes, her hair was of each character has been captured
sequels and the four-book Jedi evidently purple from an early age!) with each seemingly simple pen
Academy series of novels, Brown is What follows is a delightful stroke, creating a version of the Star
back with Rey and Pals. collection of fun vignettes and Wars galaxy that will make readers
The premise is simple: What if Rey hilarious scenes, as these much-loved feel warm and tingly inside.
had grown up with a bunch of friends (maybe not so much in Kylo’s case) Rey and Pals from Chronicle Books
around her, instead of alone on dusty figures get into all kinds of scrapes is available in bookstores now.
14 / STAR WARS INSIDER
LAUNCHPAD
02
01
03
01 02 03
Star Wars: Ultimate Star Wars: Choose Your Destiny:
Spark of the Resistance New Edition A Finn & Poe Adventure
Written by Justina Ireland (Lando’s Don’t even think about seeing The Another title appearing under the
Luck) and illustrated by Phil Noto Rise of Skywalker unless you’ve Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of
(Marvel Comics’ Star Wars), middle brought yourself up to speed on the Skywalker banner is this multi-path
grade novel Spark of the Resistance saga with DK’s Ultimate Star Wars. adventure from Disney Lucasfi lm
is part of the Journey to Star Wars: This all-encompassing visual guide Press that puts the story in the
The Rise of Skywalker publishing contains an encyclopedic trove of hands of the reader. Written by
initiative that will carry fans through facts covering every Star Wars fi lm Cavan Scott, the popular author
to the release of the new movie. and animated project, focusing on of Star Wars: Adventures in Wild
The adventure—aimed at key characters, terrifying creatures, Space, the book features illustrations
readers aged 8-12—is set just sleek vehicles, bizarre technology, by Elsa Charretier (IDW Comics’ Star
before the events of Episode IX, as and exotic locations. Wars Adventures).
the Resistance picks up a distress This latest edition has been This latest Choose Your Destiny
plea emanating from the isolated updated with new character data, installment unites Finn, Poe, and BB-8
planet Minfar. A team takes shape details, and imagery from Star Wars: as they embark on a dangerous-but-
consisting of Rey, Poe Dameron, and The Last Jedi (2017), Solo: A Star necessary mission for the Resistance.
Rose Tico, and together they must Wars Story (2018), and Star Wars: There are over twenty possible
face down a First Order battalion Resistance (2019), and is jam- outcomes to the tale, and readers
and hair-raising fl ying creatures packed with exhaustive trivia and will have to choose carefully which
while grappling with the existence eye-popping photography, including path they follow to keep their heroes
of a weapon that could change the a sneak peek at things we’ll be away from the clutches of the evil
entire course of the war. Spark of seeing for the first time in Episode First Order. Choose Your Destiny:
the Resistance is in bookstores IX! Look for it on bookstore shelves A Finn & Poe Adventure will be
from October 4. from October 4. available from October 4.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 15
LAUNCHPAD
Comics Roundup
Falling Jedi and Resistance on the rise
in this month’s Star Wars Comics
Into the Heart
of Darkness
Setting the scene Jedi: Fallen Order
in Dark Temple #1
Set during the fading years of the Old Republic, Marvel
Comics presents Dark Temple—a five-part prequel to
Jedi: Fallen Order, the upcoming action-adventure Star
Wars video game from Lucasfilm, Electronic Arts, and
Respawn Entertainment.
Setting the scene for Jedi: Fallen Order, the series—
written by Matthew Rosenberg with art by Paolo
Villanelli—follows Jedi Master Eno Cordova and his
impulsive Padawan Cere Junda on a dangerous mission
to an outlying world. The Jedi Council has sent them to
the remote planet Ontotho where they are to oversee the
peaceful excavation of a mysterious, recently discovered
temple. But they will come to learn that what surrounds
the temple may be even more dangerous than what lies
within. Clandestine local resistance forces and ruthless
corporate security troops are locked in a war for control
of Ontotho, and the Jedi are caught right in the middle!
Issue #1 is available in stores now, with cover art by
Marco Checchetto.
In issue #2, out on September 25, Junda fi nds herself
in a fight for survival in the jungles of Ontotho, where
local freedom fighters are happy to take her under their
wing so long as she chooses to fight on their side.
Star Wars #71
Greg Pak and Phil Noto’s run on planet Lanz Carpo, a rogue takes a
Marvel Comics’ ongoing Star Wars fall and a princess fights a vigilante,
title continues apace, as our heroes’ while elsewhere, Luke Skywalker robs
mission to divert the Imperial fl eet a Kalakan bank.
spins out of control in the latest In issue #72, Chewbacca grapples
instalments of their epic “Rebels with a moral choice, Luke questions
and Rogues” storyline. where he has placed his trust, and
Is it possible that a droid could Warba reveals her true relationship
have more in common with a rock to the Force. Meanwhile, Han Solo
monster than a human? C-3PO looks discovers the true villains of Lanz
set to find out in issue #71 (in stores Carpo, and Darth Vader reveals his
now), as the Rock Elders of K43 plan for the rock people of K43. So
probe the protocol droid’s memories why is Princess Leia taking a spin on
for all they can uncover, including the dancefloor? Find out when issue
goldenrod’s allegiances! On the #72 is released on September 18.
16 / STAR WARS INSIDER
Incoming
LAUNCHPAD
Don’tMissThese
UpcomingReleases
Star Wars: Age of
Resistance: Rey #1
Filling the narrative gap between Star
Wars movies The Force Awakens (2015)
and The Last Jedi (2017), Rey takes SEPTEMBER
center stage in this one-shot title, part of
Marvel’s Star Wars: Age of Resistance.
StarWars:Ageof
Written by Tom Taylor, the story Resistance:KyloRen#1
includes touching scenes featuring Rey MarvelComics
and General Leia Organa, as the young Writer: TomTaylor
woman sets out on her quest to fi nd Artist:LeonardKirk
Leia’s long-lost brother, Luke Skywalker. Cover Artist: PhilNoto
But what will Rey, Chewbacca, and
DoctorAphra#36
R2-D2 encounter as they begin their
MarvelComics
search? With art by Ramon Rosanas and
Writer:SiSpurrier
a cover by Phil Noto, Rey #1 is available
Artists:WiltonSantos
in stores on September 18. Cover Artist: AshleyWitter
StarWars:Galaxy’sEdge
Star Wars: Age of Collected Edition
MarvelComics
Resistance: Rose #1 Writer:EthanSacks
Artist:WillSliney
Growing up, Rose and Paige Tico were
Cover Artist: RodReis
everything to each other. More than
just sisters, they were friends and co-
StarWars:
pilots in life—until the First Order tore TargetVader#3 (of 6)
their world apart. Marvel Comics
Tom Taylor spins a tale highlighting Writer: Robbie Thompson
the close bond between these two Artist: Stefano Landini
young women before the tide of Cover Artist: Nic Klein
galactic history turned it to dust, long
Star Wars Adventures #26
before Paige’s heroic sacrifi ce helped
IDW Comics
save the Resistance as it fled its base
Writers: Cavan Scott and
on D’Qar. Ramon Rosanas is again
Adam Christopher
on art duty for this Star Wars: Age of Artists: Megan Levens and
Resistance one-shot, while Phil Noto Derek Charm
provides the cover. Rose #1 is out in Cover Artist: Derek Charm
stores now.
Star Wars: Age of
Resistance: Supreme
Leader Snoke #1
Flipping the Star Wars coin to its
dark side, Supreme Leader Snoke
spreads his malicious presence across
the pages of this Star Wars: Age
of Resistance story by Tom Taylor,
featuring art by Leonard Kirk.
Taylor puts some long-awaited meat
on the bones of this twisted character,
as we witness the Supreme Leader’s
brutal training of Kylo Ren. Will the
sadistic Snoke break his tormented
protégé, or has he underestimated
the son of Han and Leia? Find out
when the issue arrives in stores on
September 11.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 17
THE
SKYWALKER
SAGA
THE BEGINNING
OF THE END
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
To introduce new legions of fans to the Star Wars galaxy,
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) welcomed a fresh generation
of characters to the mythos alongside a smattering of returning faces,
each with their own stories to tell. But this new chapter also
marked the beginning of the end for the Skywalker saga.
Words: Tricia Barr
THE SKYWALKER SAGA
“The new faces up there on the screen
are as compelling as the familiar
ones because the y remind us that in
the world of Star Wars, as in our
world, life goes on, no mat ter what.”
Mat t Zoller Seitz, rogerebert.com
FACTS & n kicking off Skywalker family saga. In The Force
FIGURES another Star Awakens, Rey and Finn work to
Title / Star Wars: I Wars trilogy, The return Poe’s droid to the Resistance,
The Force Awakens Force Awakens and Rey twice repels Kylo Ren in
Episode / Seven took its place the process.
Poster Tagline / Every alongside Star By the time the prequel trilogy
generation has a story Wars: A New Hope (1977) and concluded with Star Wars: Revenge
Theatrical Release / Star Wars: The Phantom Menace of the Sith (2005), the broader
December 18, 2015
(1999) in marking the start of scope of the tragic fall of the
Run time / 136 mins
an epic adventure. Those three Republic that led to civil war and
MPAA / “Rated PG”
beginnings—initiating the stories the defeat of Emperor Palpatine in
Budget / $245 Million
of Anakin, Luke, and Rey—form Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
Domestic Opening
Weekend / $247,966,675 their own trilogy of sorts: a trio of had been fleshed out. The six-
opening episode films within the movie arc tied Luke Skywalker
Domestic Box Offi ce /
$936,662,225 nine-movie Skywalker saga. Their and Leia Organa’s journey to
Worldwide Box Offi ce / similarities showcase the core reclaim galactic control from the
$2,068,223,624 nature of a Star Wars tale, while oppressive regime of the Empire
Awards / BAFTA for Best their differences highlight how to the pivotal choices made by
Special Visual Effects,
Saturn Award for Best the character arcs of the three their parents, Anakin Skywalker
Science Fiction Film, Empire leads take them each down a and Padmé Amidala, 20 years
Award for Best Director, different path. The seeds planted earlier. The next trilogy begins 30
MTV Movie Award for
Movie of the Year. in these opening films come into years after Return of the Jedi, and
bloom as each trilogy progresses, builds on the consequences of the
and as each protagonist grows Rebellion’s costly triumph.
into the hero they were meant The Force Awakens opens with
to be. a new tyrannical threat known as
As trilogy openers, each fi lm the First Order besieging the village
introduces the core characters in Tuanul on the desert world of
the three-story arc: the protagonist, Jakku. The landing party is led
their allies, and their adversaries. by a shadowy figure, who evokes
In The Phantom Menace, Anakin the imposing specter of Star Wars
Skywalker meets Padmé and Obi- übervillain Darth Vader, formerly
Wan Kenobi, as well as Palpatine, known as Jedi Knight Anakin
who will define his trilogy’s tragedy. Skywalker. Village elder, Lor
In A New Hope, Luke befriends San Tekka, who has discovered
Leia and Han, and faces off against a piece of the map to fi nd the
Darth Vader, the principals of the location of the missing Luke
STAR WARS INSIDER / 19
THE SKYWALKER SAGA
Skywalker, is brought before the 01
dark commander Kylo Ren as his
stormtroopers burn the village and
round up its inhabitants. As Ren
demands San Tekka turn over the
map, the conversation reveals the
two know each other.
“The First Order rose from
the dark side...you did not,” San
Tekka says, prompting Ren’s threat
to show him the dark side. “You
may try, but you cannot deny
the truth that is your family,”
Tekka responds. The script then
reads: “Suddenly Kylo Ren raises
his LIGHTSABER—IGNITES
IT—PERPENDICULAR SMALLER
BLADES AT THE HILT, A UNIQUE
BUZZ—YELLOW/RED ENERGY,
SPITTING SPARKS AND SMOKE
—as he RIPS IT DOWN ACROSS
SAN TEKKA!”
It is only as the movie unfolds
that we understand quite why this
mention of “family” leads to Lor
San Tekka’s sudden murder in a fi t
of Kylo Ren’s rage.
Forsaking a Name
Kylo Ren is revealed as Ben Solo,
the son of former rebel general 01 Poe Dameron 02
Han Solo and Leia Organa, hero (Oscar Isaac)
has no defense
of the Rebel Alliance and leader against Kylo
of the Resistance—the First Order’s Ren’s invasive
Force-powered
opposition. He’s also the nephew of
interrogation.
the now legendary Luke Skywalker.
Ben Solo can trace his lineage 02 Rey (Daisy
Ridley) with
to many important families of
her new
the Skywalker saga; he is also the friend BB-8.
grandson of Padmé Amidala and
03 Kylo Ren (Adam
Anakin Skywalker. His mother kept Driver) and the
the name of the Alderaanian royal forces of the
First Order
family that adopted her and were
make their
instrumental in the formation of presence felt
the Rebel Alliance. Yet, her son on Jakku.
shares the modest first name Jedi
Master Obi-Wan Kenobi assumed
for 20 years after the fall of the
Republic to secretly guard Luke
as the boy was raised by Owen
and Beru Lars. And Ben also has
his father’s last name, which in
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018,
The Force Awakens opens
with a new tyrannical threat
known as the First Order.
20 / STAR WARS INSIDER
THE SKYWALKER SAGA
Like his grandfather Darth Vader, Kylo Ren
has shed the name he used as a Jedi to take
on a title meant to deny his former self.
03
co-written by The Force Awakens Ren’s propensity for tantrums first interact with their droids.
screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan with might have left him clueless to the Young Anakin, scavenging parts
his son Jonathan) was revealed whereabouts of Luke except for in his owner’s junkyard, has
to be not a family name but one Poe’s rash reaction to San Tekka’s built a protocol droid to make
randomly assigned by an Imperial execution. Poe’s frozen blaster his mother’s life as a slave easier.
bureaucrat when Han enlisted in shot introduces new Force powers Shmi tells Jedi Master Qui-Gon
the Imperial war machine to escape to the Star Wars franchise when Jinn that her son “knows nothing
a desolate life on Corellia. Like his the dark student halts the bolt in of greed,” as he volunteers to risk
grandfather Darth Vader, Kylo Ren mid-air. Poe is taken captive, but his life in a podrace to help a Jedi
has shed the name he used as a Jedi he has bought time for BB-8 to and handmaiden he just met.
to take on a title meant to deny his disappear into the expansive Jakku Teenage Luke, by contrast, is a
former self and the baggage of his sandscape with the map. Eluding bored farmhand who wishes for
family history. the First Order turns out to be the adventures in the stars. Acquiring
One out-of-universe assumption least of BB-8’s problems though, as a pair of droids from Jawas, Luke
could be that Ben Solo was named the resource-poor planet harbors treats them as little more than
in a patriarchal normative mindset, many desperate scavengers. While useful machinery—even after he
in which children take the surname Kylo tortures Poe for information sees the fateful hologram from
of their father. But perhaps in back on his Star Destroyer Finalizer, Princess Leia. Rey too lives a
this fictional galaxy, Solo is the BB-8 is captured by a scavenger, monotonous life in the desert, but
name with the least amount of Teedo. Destined to be sold for scrap she is patient rather than restless in
baggage. Organa, Amidala, and at Niima Outpost, BB-8’s calls for her wait for a family who will never
Skywalker each play an iconic role help are heard by a young woman return. Heeding a droid’s cries for
in turning the tide against the whose life was defined not by rescue, she immediately treats the
Sith’s stranglehold on the galaxy, privileged birthright but rather spherical robot with dignity: giving
keeping the spark of hope burning the absence of family bonds. directions to a destination, warning
in the darkest of times—imagine of other hazards along the way,
having to live up to that. The name Destiny and Droids offering it temporary shelter from
Solo, by contrast, is one with a less In Star Wars, we learn much the impending nightfall—at least
illustrious connection to the past. about our heroes from how they until the morning.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 21
THE SKYWALKER SAGA
05 In the depths 05
of Maz’s castle,
Rey is drawn
to a chest
containing
Luke’s old
lightsaber.
06 Kylo Ren stalks
Rey and Finn
on the snowy
surface of
Starkiller Base.
07 Leia (Carrie
Fisher) and
Rey.
08 The trio of
droids who’ve
played a vital
role in the
Skywalker
saga.
06
07
The droids follow our heroes begins, Luke has both C-3PO
as their adventures progress, too, and R2-D2 with him all the way
and serve as points of view into through his journey from the farm
their mythic adventures. Anakin’s to Mos Eisley to the escape from
flaw is his familial attachment; the Death Star. Like his father, Luke
his emotions towards missing his flies with R2-D2 into the Battle of
mother are the first steps along Yavin and carries off an even more
what becomes a much darker path. spectacular miracle shot.
Although he apparently pays little Like Luke, Rey and BB-8 share
mind to leaving C-3PO behind to their adventure from Niima
help Shmi, Anakin readily teams up Outpost to Han Solo’s freighter
with R2-D2 for a brazen flight of an and on to Takodana—where they
N-1 starfighter in the space battle become separated when Rey is
over Naboo. Once his adventure captured in the droid’s place, in
service of Kylo Ren’s quest for the
We learn much about map to the last Jedi. At Starkiller
Base, Rey frees herself from
our heroes from how captivity before reuniting with
Finn, along with Han and Chewie,
they first interact on the ground, while BB-8 gets to
with their droids. fly in the air battle with his original
companion, Poe.
22 / STAR WARS INSIDER
THE SKYWALKER SAGA
08
Equal And Celebration Chicago, Star Wars
Opposite Reactions works because it is timely. In the
Since Star Wars: A New Hope age of the internet, indoctrinated
(1977), Star Wars movies have bullying goes hand-in-hand with
told sprawling mythic journeys systemic oppression.
through a series of character Rey beseeches Finn to stay
introductions: Darth Vader’s in the fight, but moments later
storming of the Tantive IV learns through her fi rst encounter
corvette leads to Princess Leia, with Luke’s lightsaber in the cellar
who previously hands the Death of Maz’s Castle how frightened
Star plans to R2-D2, who takes even heroes can be. That doesn’t
C-3PO down to Tatooine, where stop her from trying to draw the
they meet simple farm boy troopers away from BB-8 so he can
Luke Skywalker and hermit Ben escape Takodana. Ultimately, her
Kenobi. Much like Episode IV, nemesis Kylo Ren sees the map
an astromech droid’s persistence and his father in her mind, and
helps propel the hero of The Force takes her prisoner.
Awakens on her adventure. At Starkiller Base, Rey faces
Once Rey saves BB-8 and further interrogation by the
straightens out his askew antenna, character set up at the beginning
she tries to send him on his way. of the movie as the worst kind
But she can’t resist his little ball of bully: one who will invade
droid wiggle and plaintive beeps, your mind, force his will upon
resulting in the iconic shot of Rey your body, and kill you when he
and her new friend rolling next doesn’t get what he wants. Anyone
to her across a sand dune. This who has tackled bullying knows
moment is the beginning of her that having the fortitude to stand
finding the belonging she has up for yourself in those moments
dreamed of. Along the way, Rey, is a superpower. So, while Kylo’s
like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz parents, Han and Leia, embark
(1939), meets the other people who on a personal quest to try to save
will shape her journey, including what remains of their son, Rey is
Han Solo, less of a mentor and on a solitary journey in which she
more of a guide. chooses to push back. The hard
While Kylo’s introduction marks lessons about survival she learned
him out as the classic bully type, during her life on Jakku, the thing
Rey reveals herself to be a character she uses against Teedo to save
who opposes that kind of behavior. BB-8, is to stand tall, because often
She doesn’t simply denounce the bully is more afraid than most.
bullying, she pushes back against Strapped to the interrogation
it: first with Teedo to save BB-8, chair, Rey proves the stronger
then to defend BB-8 when she of the two. Kylo thinks himself
thinks Finn has stolen his master’s superior, but quickly fi nds
jacket. The escaped stormtrooper otherwise. Rey isn’t just powerful
Finn hasn’t yet found his willpower in the Force—she is strong
to stand up against the repressive enough to learn Kylo’s deepest
regime that trained him, but he has fear. “You’re afraid,” she hurls
discovered that, despite the First at him, “that you’ll never be as
Order’s indoctrination, he knows strong as Darth Vader.” She is
what they are doing is wrong. His defenseless, yet Kylo Ren fl ees the
chance encounter with Rey and her room and Rey escapes. It is not
endless resolve, allows Rey to begin until Kylo kills his father, Han,
to nurture a team—BB-8, Finn, and and maims her friend, Finn, that
even the wayward Han Solo and his Rey reaches for the lightsaber
co-pilot Chewbacca—that will resist once held by Luke and his father
and protect. Anakin before him. Now is her
As producer Kathleen Kennedy time to continue the legacy of
noted about the storytelling of Padmé Amidala and Leia Organa
the sequel trilogy at Star Wars to resist when others cannot.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 23
GIVEAWAY
Five
bundles
to give
away!
Rey’s Perfect Pals
Win the latest masterpiece by New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Brown!
What if Rey hadn’t grown up all alone to play hide and seek, Jeffrey Brown’s Which of the following three
on the dusty planet Jakku, but instead charmingly hilarious vision will delight Star Wars characters was not
had a galaxy of friends to play with? Star Wars fans of all ages. known as a talented artist ?
Thanks to this issue’s galactic prize Star Wars Insider has teamed up
giveaway you can find out, in the latest with Chronicle Books to offer five prize A) Kylo Ren
illustrated book from the New York bundles that include a copy of Rey and B) Sabine Wren
Times bestselling author of the Darth Pals, a set of postcards featuring Jeffrey C) Zeehay Versio
Vader and Son series, Jeffrey Brown. Brown’s delightful illustrations from
Brown makes his long-awaited return the book along with several additional Send your answer to our regular email
to the Star Wars galaxy with a brand pieces of exclusive artwork, and a full- or postal address (see ‘Contact Us’ on
new collection of adventures starring color flexi-journal in which you can page 3), marked “REY AND PALS” by
young Rey and Kylo, Finn and Poe, Hux keep a diary of your own adventures. October 28, 2019.
and Phasma, Rose and BB-8, all under To be in with a chance of winning
the watch of Luke, General Leia, Han, one of five fantastic prize bundles, all Terms and conditions are available
and Chewie. Whether it’s Kylo trying you have to do is send us the correct at titanmagazines.com
to use the Force to cheat at Go Fish, Poe answer to the following art-related Star
bowling with BB-8, or Rey lifting rocks Wars trivia question: May the Force be with you!
www.chroniclebooks.com
© and TM 2019 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
24 / STAR WARS INSIDER
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A POSTCARD FROM BATUU
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers fans a unique opportunity to live
their own Star Wars adventure, interacting with the theme park’s
attractions as if they really are on the planet Batuu. With Disney
cast members playing characters that interact with guests too, it’s
easy to create your own Star Wars story as you explore the stalls,
streets, alleys, and eateries of Black Spire Outpost.
Insider reporter Tricia Barr headed to Disneyland Resort in
Anaheim, California, adopting a character she invented for her
visit—a smuggler called T’Bar Ricair—and let her own story
unfold. What follows is a dramatization of her experiences at
the edge of the galaxy far, far away....
W ORDS: TR I C IA B ARR
A
ALIFORNI
ARK, ANAHEIM, C
S EDGE | DISNEYLAND P
’
ALAXY
G
ARS:
AR W
T
S
LIFE ON THE EDGE
hen the news they were just filling time between
hit the HoloNet jobs working as contractors to
W about the total large corporations that oversaw
annihilation of
space station overhauls. They were
Hosnian Prime, lucrative jobs but kept my parents
I had used up my busy. Vacation meant time spent
welcome with the smuggling crew with family.
who had been my companions My father liked to hang out at
for the past few months. Luckily, Oga’s Cantina, while my mother
I parted ways from them with a preferred to explore the petrifi ed
pocket full of credits after a few trees that had been standing for
fortuitous hands of sabacc. Like centuries, long before the fi rst
most smugglers, I’d rather avoid buildings were constructed at the
hanging around in spaceports infamous outpost. Mom would tell
frequented by government me stories about each petrifi ed tree
bureaucrats and intelligence we would come across; the fossilized
types, which was remains of an
why it was in all MY FATHER LIKED ancient forest were
of our interests to the playground of
make a stopover TO HANG OUT IN my imagination.
01
on Batuu. OGA’S CANTINA, One story she
With all this liked related to the
galactic turmoil, WHILE MY MOTHER adventures of the
it would be the PREFERRED TO Jedi who came to
safest place to a particular tree,
lie low while the EXPLORE THE which housed a
New Republic and PETRIFIED TREES. mysterious cave
First Order sorted inside where the
things out. Or Padawans would
at least that’s what I thought as I go to discover their greatest fears
scanned my current identifi cation through the Force. Such a wild
through the turnstile at the customs imagination my mother had, to
checkpoint and received a happy think there were ever Jedi on Batuu,
greeting of “Bright Suns!” from a but her stories often centered
local attendant processing the new around a time when the Jedi were
arrivals. “Bright suns!” I responded guardians of peace and justice,
in kind, smiling. The attendant’s before the Empire and the Galactic
cheerful welcome confi rmed my Civil War. When she told those
expectation that recent galactic stories, there was a glimmer in
events hadn’t changed the mood her eye. Something like hope.
at Black Spire.
As a child, my parents would Into the Den
often bring me to Batuu for a I made my way over toward mom’s
‘vacation.’ They called it that, but favorite petrifi ed tree—buildings
as I grew older I realized really close in all around it now—and
02
28 / STAR WARS INSIDER
SUCH A WILD
IMAGINATION MY
MOTHER HAD,
TO THINK THERE
WERE EVER JEDI
ON BATUU.
recalled that Dok-Ondar’s Den of
03
Antiquities was close by—a store
filled with all sorts of memorabilia
from across the galaxy. I couldn’t
help peeking inside the round
stone entrance to see the latest and
strangest antiques lining the walls.
There was Dok-Ondar, haggling
with a younger human woman,
who wanted to pay half of the
Ithorian collector’s asking price. The
woman seemed to be holding her
own, and I decided to see what was
04
on sale today.
The shelves were stocked with
reproductions of jewelry and attire
made famous by those who had but then I grabbed the purple, held 01 The skyline of Black Spire Outpost.
worn them: Queen Amidala’s japor it for a few seconds in my palm, and 02 Jedi were once common on Batuu.
03 The Ithorian trader, Dok-Ondar.
snippet, the one she held in her knew it was meant to be mine. 04 The YT-1300 freighter more comonly
funeral casket; Jedi Master Yoda’s With my newly purchased Jedi known as the Millennium Falcon.
robe and cane; and Princess Leia’s holocron and kyber crystal tucked
dress worn when the first Death Star into my travel bag, I climbed the Forgetting the famous YT-1300
was defeated. I’ll admit the Jedi and stairs and passed Docking Bay 7 momentarily, I leaned against a wall
Sith holocrons caught my eye, just Food and Cargo. I saw a freighter built up around another petrifi ed
like when I was a child. My parents docked outside a nearby hangar. It tree, this one with magnifi cent
never indulged those types of looked like the famous Millennium black, red, and burnt orange swirls
fancies, tending to be rather frugal, Falcon, which is why I blinked a around it, and remembered the
but there was nothing stopping me few times in surprise. It couldn’t sound of my mother’s voice. I
from splurging as an adult. possibly be, I scolded myself. How closed my eyes, allowing my fi ngers
My hand reached for a kyber many knock-offs had I seen in my to caress the fossilized wood, and
crystal. Red, blue, purple, yellow, day? Plenty! Besides, the Falcon thought about how long this tree
green—which one should I choose? hadn’t been seen in years. And I’d had stood here, resistant to change
My fingers hovered over green, the heard Han Solo had got his hands so much that Black Spire had to be
color of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, on a bigger ship, anyway. built around it.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 29
LIFE ON THE EDGE
Close Encounter
06
When I opened my eyes again, I
caught sight of three blaster holes
in an inverted triangle on the
wall. The calm slipped away and I
suddenly needed something cool
to drink. Oga’s Cantina was a short
walk away, but my timing was
off. The latest relieved shift from
Ohnaka Transport Solutions had
already formed quite a queue. A
sympathetic Batuuan suggested the
blue milk stand. “If you’re feeling
brave, try the green variety. It’s all
the rage,” she called after me.
Wandering in that direction, I
was surprised to see a First Order
banner erected in the outpost
square. They were a small faction
of extremists. Sure, they had dealt a
huge blow to the New Republic, but
the First Order would be dealt with
one day.
“State your business, traveler.”
At the sound of the stormtrooper’s
voice, I halted in my tracks.
“On my way for a glass of green
milk,” I replied. search my bags. If they were to fi nd
The trooper commander and that holocron...
his companion blocked my path. “There’s a sizable bounty for
07
“You’re not from around here.” any information about Resistance
The lead one said, the tip of his activity in this sector,” the lead
helmeted head indicating my lack snarled at me.
of brown and blue attire favored by “I’ll make sure to keep that in
the locals. “Where are you from?” mind,” I answered, sidling in the
“Nowhere. Not lately, at least.” I direction of the milk stand, but
tried to sound relaxed despite my they’d found another non-local to
heart pounding in my chest. “Been harass and paid me no more mind.
working a crawler in the Outer Rim
for a while.” Bright Suns
“Doesn’t look like Resistance,” the “I’ll take one blue milk, please,” I
second trooper noted. said to the vendor as I nervously
“Resistance? I’m in this life for me dug around in my bag, searching
and no one else. A girl’s got to make for credits.
a living.” I waved my hands in front “Thought you wanted to try a
of me, hoping they wouldn’t ask to green,” he replied. Eavesdropping
06 First Order stormtroopers were making
life difficult for Batuu’s citizens.
07 The outpost was built around petrified
trees from an ancient forest.
08 Resistance starfighters, hidden in a
clearing not far from the outpost.
09 You can buy anything in the stores
08 and stalls of Black Spire Outpost.
30 / STAR WARS INSIDER
A STORMTROOPER WALKED
THROUGH RONTO ROASTERS,
A LOCAL EATERY WHERE A
PITDROID ROASTED MEAT ON
A SPIT, AND INTO THE SQUARE
OF SHOPPING STALLS BEYOND.
09
is a local pastime on Batuu, always He put a finger to his lips. “I Just then, a stormtrooper walked
has been. wouldn’t say that name too loudly through Ronto Roasters, a local
“Chatting with those bucketheads in this part of town.” eatery where a pitdroid roasted
was enough of new things for one As I strolled off, toward the meat on a spit, and into the square
day,” I replied as I rooted around in shopping district, I pondered all I of shopping stalls beyond. The
my bag looking for enough credits had seen and heard. Stormtroopers. woman glanced in my direction,
to pay for the milk. The Millennium Falcon. Rebel and I saw fear in her eyes. A quick
He handed me the glass. “This hero Chewbacca, here? As I tried shout to that trooper and I could
one is on the to casually shop in have made some easy money, but
house.” I SAW WITH MY the creature stall, I instead, I stepped between her and
“I couldn’t.” noticed a Loth- the stormtrooper, blocking his line
“Sure you can. OWN EYES WHAT cat purring in its of sight. Once he had gone, she let
Just pay it forward cage and thought out a deep breath, and whispered,
one day.” SUPREME LEADER about the story my “Thank you, friend!”
“Thank you,” KYLO REN WAS mother had read Before heading off towards the
I said, accepting me of a Jedi named forest at the edge of the outpost,
the cool glass and CAPABLE OF WHEN Ezra Bridger, who she gave me a curious look, as if
taking a long drink. HE VISITED BLACK had freed his planet she wanted me to follow her. I held
“Delicious!” Lothal from the back, unsure. But later, after I began
“Til the Spire, SPIRE OUTPOST. grips of the Empire to hear about the things the First
traveler!” and disappeared Order was doing—and learned of
As I started to walk away, he into the Unknown Regions. “One the terrors that Supreme Leader
called after me. “Have you seen person can make a difference,” she Kylo Ren was capable of when
the Millennium Falcon at the would say as she finished Ezra’s tale he visited Black Spire Outpost—I
spaceport?” he asked. and tucked me into bed. headed down that same path that
“A nice replica.” A woman brushed past me, the woman had taken. A path
“Saw the Wookiee pilot board wearing an orange flight jacket with towards my future.
that thing here with my own eyes.” a black emblem on the chest, trying Now I am part of something far
I nearly spit out my milk in to stay hidden in the shadows. The bigger than myself. I have joined
disbelief. “Chewbacca?” Resistance was here, on Batuu. the Resistance.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 31
Warwick
Davis
Part Two: From W To W
In this second installment of our exclusive
interview, Warwick Davis discusses the new
horizons he’s enjoyed since returning to
Star Wars, performing multiple roles in the
prequel and sequel trilogies, Star Wars stories,
and on stage at Star Wars Celebration.
W ORDS: MARK NEWBOLD
INTERVIEW: WARWICK DAVIS
s a boy, Warwick know there was going to be a 01 Warwick someone picked out a picture of
Davis had lived rubber head and the Tunisian Davis as Wald Weazel and said he looked kind of
A the Star Wars desert, but that’s where we in Star Wars: cool. Initially I queried how that
The Phantom
dream, starring
Menace.
would work but, looking at the
ended up. At one point, George
as Wicket the did say, “Oh, I realize what timeline, it works out almost to the
02 Davis, Neil
Ewok in Star I’ve done. You’ve done Willow Scanlan and year; the timeline’s exactly right.
Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) (1988) since Return of the Jedi his team, test I’m that much older than I was in
fit a droid
and two made-for-TV spin-off and now I’ve stuck you back The Phantom Menace, and Solo
costume for
movies. But a return to the galaxy in a rubber head again. Why Solo: A Star takes place that many years after, so
far, far away was surely too much don’t you be someone else? You Wars Story. everything is exactly right for him
to hope for? Davis reveals to can be a spectator watching the 03 Davis with to have been the right age. The look
Insider that he was somewhat podrace!” So that’s how I ended Ron Howard, then kind of dictated itself based on
George Lucas,
proactive in making his Star Wars up playing Weazel as well. an older version of the character.
and Kathleen
comeback. Kennedy. I thought it was perfect, and then
Weazel returned in Solo: A Star I started to think about what his
Star Wars Insider: 2019 marks Wars Story (2018). Had you journey could have been between
two decades since the release of ever have imagined reprising those two points. He went from a
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace the role almost 20 years later? gambler to a freedom fi ghter, trying
(1999). How did you get involved No, not at all. When we were to help Enfys make a difference. It
again with the Star Wars saga? working on Solo, we were looking all made sense.
Warwick Davis: There came a at the design of this character, one
point in the early 1990s when of Enfys Nest’s gang, and we were And like so many of your other
George Lucas first mentioned the talking about it for ages. We were Star Wars characters, his name
prequel trilogy, telling the origins trying different things, making once again began with a ‘W’.
of Anakin, and I sent a few faxes to drawings, and throwing ideas into Absolutely. We didn’t have to
him. They were always humorous the hat—scars and lenses, shaved invent another character name
and fun, but basically it was me head, all sorts of things—until that began with ‘W’ because it was
saying, “I’m excited to hear you’re already there.
doing new Star Wars, and if you I remember before we came up
do, don’t forget me!” Eventually I “Making these newer with the name Weazel, I was invited
got a call from the casting director, trilogy films feels like by George to go to the recording
Robin Gurland, and she said George session at Abbey Road Studios
wanted me to play Wald, who was working on the original and watch John Williams score
described as Anakin’s best friend. trilogy—there’s a very The Phantom Menace. You can
I didn’t know what it was going imagine being in that room while
to involve at that stage. I didn’t similar vibe.” the choir sang “Duel of the Fates.”
It’s a wonderful piece of music, but
to be in that room and hear it live
01
was pretty special. While we were
there I said to George, “Is there a
connection between your name
and Wicket’s name, in that yours is
George W. Lucas and his is Wicket
W. Warwick?” He didn’t answer, but
what he did say was, “You know,
we need to give your character
in The Phantom Menace a name
beginning with “W.’”
At that point, I wasn’t really
making the connection that every
character I’d played up to that point
began with ‘W’. I said, “Well, he’s
a bit of a sneaky guy,” and George
suggested Weasel, but with a ‘Z’
instead of an ‘S’. So that was when
we named him, in the mixing
room at Abbey Road Studios. We
never imagined that he would have
further life beyond that fi lm.
34 / STAR WARS INSIDER
INTERVIEW: WARWICK DAVIS
02
But he absolutely did in Solo:
A Star Wars Story.
And I got that lovely reveal shot.
You always want to do those kind
of shots, where you take your
helmet off and have that moment.
Also getting to shoot that massive
gun was kind of fun. People don’t
believe these things happen, but
when you’re given a part in these
kinds of films, the props guys come
to you and lay everything out on a
table and ask which one you’d like.
There was a selection of blasters, but
I picked up this massive gun and
said, “Look at me; the gun is taller
than me,” and they said, “Do you
want that one?” I thought it might
be ridiculous, but they said, “No, it’s
cool.” The thing is, the one I tried
that day was a rubber replica for
stunts and it was fairly lightweight.
I didn’t realize there was a real
03 version of it, which I could
STAR WARS INSIDER / 35
INTERVIEW: WARWICK DAVIS
barely lift. That’s why you see me in
04
most shots holding it beside me like
a staff, because I couldn’t lift it.
How are you enjoying the new
era of Star Wars?
It still has that wonderful family
atmosphere. You know you’re
working on something quite special.
Making these newer trilogy fi lms
feels like working on the original
trilogy—there’s a very similar vibe.
The prequels felt like we were in the
filmmaking future, because some of
it was shot digitally, you had these
brand-new cameras that nobody
had ever seen before.
I remember sequences that I was
involved with where there was no
set; it was literally blue everywhere.
In one scene, George said to me,
“There’s this creature called an when I was doing my first shot. shoot to the surface and I would
eopie. I want you to go over to it, I could barely see out of the head of forget all of the decorum that
grab the reins, and kind of lead it Wollivan—there was a little circle I existed before that. It’s very hard
off, but it’s putting up a bit of a could see through, about the size of to be in those situations—which
fight so you’ve really got to drag a five pence piece (one dime)—but I have to do daily—and not tell
it and pull at I could see the anyone about it because it’s all top
it.” So, I said, clapperboard, secret. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
“Okay, how are “Walking onto those which said Star (2016) and Solo, they really brought
we doing that sets makes me feel Wars: The Force back a lot more memories of things
then?” To which Awakens on I remember enjoying as a child.
he replied, like I’m a kid again, it. The words
“You’ve just and that I’ve been Star Wars were Your daughter, Annabelle, is now
got to imagine shrunken down and engraved on it involved with the series. What’s it
it.” I literally in the Star Wars been like watching her on set?
had to imagine put inside my Star font, and I was Star Wars wasn’t her first entry into
grabbing these Wars playset. It’s thinking, “Wow, acting, but she always wanted to be
reins and this is actually in one of the films, and she worked
tugging this fabulous.” happening really hard on The Force Awakens.
creature that I’d again. This is so
05
only seen as an cool, that I’ve
illustration across this vast expanse managed to get back here and be
of blue in the studio. Some sets had doing this. Who would have ever
one wall or two walls and much of believed it?” I never thought it was
the stuff around us was going to be going to happen again.
filled in later, but with the newer When I would visit the Creature
films there are complete sets again. Shop to have my measurements
For me, walking onto those sets taken, I saw a lot of stuff from the
makes me feel like I’m a kid again, original trilogy, like a mouse droid
and that I’ve been shrunken down being worked on, and it would
and put inside my Star Wars playset. excite me to see the things that
It’s fabulous. I recognized.
There was also a Gamorrean
You’re clearly still a fan at heart. Guard around for a while. I don’t
Do you still get excited when you think it ever made it into any of the
walk onto a new set? films, but I was so excited when I
All the time. I remember some saw it again. Then when I saw Nien
specific moments, especially on Star Nunb or Admiral Ackbar walking
Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) around, the fan inside me would
36 / STAR WARS INSIDER
06
She had a difficult costume to work the same time. I said, “Well, 04 Davis played job and would basically do a very
in and on a difficult set—it was very Annabelle can jump in because six characters straightforward interview. Each year
in Solo,
hot, and you’re inside these things I can tell her what to do and I went back I would start adding
including
for many hours at a time. You have she’ll understand that from me.” the droid in elements of fun and thinking of
to have a certain level of endurance. We would often double up, so DD-BD. things to do, to either surprise the
Annabelle did really well with all sometimes when you see one of 05 Weazel was host or the other guests who I was
of that. She enjoyed the experience. my characters, it’s actually her. first played onstage with. It went down very well
by Davis in
I worked closely with her on She even doubled up for Weazel, and the Disney team really enjoyed
The Phantom
Solo because I was playing so because I was doing scenes at the Menace. it, so when I was asked to host I
many different parts, and there sabacc table and she was on the thought about how I could do it so
06 Davis as
came a point where we suddenly back of the swoop doing some that it would appeal to the parents
Weazel,
realized that I was playing multiple stuff with Enfys. There was a lot in full in the audience who might not be
characters in the same scene at of crossover, and she did a great Cloud-Rider the Star Wars fan, and are only there
armor.
job. She could jump into the because their partner or their kids
fighting droid, and she could enjoy it. I want everyone to have a
lift all of the heavy, heavy costumes good time, and that’s what Disney
as well. It takes all your strength to is all about; the guest experience. I
move those droids around. Even was also thinking that I still needed
though they’re made of fi berglass, to appeal to the fans, so, I started
there’s a lot of metal and a lot of to think about what people read,
fiberglass. If anybody’s ever lifted a and Star Wars Insider was one of
canoe, they will understand—those those things. We’ve read all about
things can be pretty heavy. a certain actor and their character,
but where can I fi nd something
You’ve been a stage host at Star different? That’s the springboard
Wars Celebration for many years that takes you to different places.
now. How much work goes into Then it became, “How can we learn
preparing for your panels? more about the real person behind
My whole approach came from the this character?” So you start doing
Star Wars Weekends. I used to go as something interactive with them
a guest in the early days—I was at onstage, maybe a game that’s to do
the very first one—where they had a with their character, because those
Disney host who used to do a great things make it fun.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 37
07
I’d host the weekend and then then the following week, during “Celebration is all about
I had Monday to Thursday free the middle of the show, the phone
before I started again on the Friday. rang. I picked it up and it was Rick, the guests having a
What I did was I would record and he said, “Warwick, when I willingness to have some
with a guest, let’s say Jeremy was on the show last week I left
Bulloch. I’d record a fake telephone something, I think it might have fun, and the fans adore it;
conversation with Jeremy, and then fallen down the back of the sofa, they love those moments
the following weekend I’d say, “Oh, I wondered if you could look after and seeing their heroes
Jeremy was here last week, let’s give it for me?” So that week’s guest
him a ring,” and I’d call onstage as went fishing down the back of the having a good time.”
if I was actually phoning him up sofa and pulled out a huge wad of
and having a conversation. dollar bills, and I went back on the
I did it with Rick McCallum phone and said, “No, no, we’ve not here at all, Rick. Sorry about 07 Warwick Davis.
once. We had him as a guest and found anything, there’s nothing that mate.”
08 Hosting
Thinking back to when I the main
started hosting at Celebration, Celebration
stage gives
I had the second stage, and
Davis a chance
it was a great place to start to have fun
because there was less focus with Star Wars
cast members
on it and I got to have fun.
like Ian
Some of my first panels are still McDiarmid
among my favorites, including (Palpatine).
one of the early ones called 09 Davis on stage
Mint Imperials (at Celebration at Star Wars
Celebration in
Europe in 2007), with all the
Orlando, 2017.
Imperial officers. What a joy
those actors were. Sadly so
many of them are no longer with
us, but people like Michael Sheard
(Admiral Ozzel from The Empire
Strikes Back) re-enacting their
death at the hands of Vader was
08 something to behold, although I
38 / STAR WARS INSIDER
INTERVIEW: WARWICK DAVIS
got a bit worried that he was going 09
to get hurt when he threw himself
to the floor. I had Jake Lloyd playing
the podrace video game in front of
everybody, and what fan doesn’t
want to see Anakin actually trying
to drive the pod? Those guys were
such good sports and we had fun on
those stages, and because I wasn’t
the focus of the event I was able to
hone my craft.
You got the actors to play their
characters as well.
I knew that fans loved to hear the
actors do the voices and recreate
performances, so I started to do
something called Stage Wars, where
I’d re-enact scenes with the original
actors and members of the audience,
or I’d ask them to try and remember
their lines. I thought about what
I wanted to see and hear as a fan.
Celebration is all about the guests
having a willingness to have some bit and poke fun at him because are going and what’s going on, and
fun, and the fans adore it; they love nobody else did. I thought he was when you host a show like Tenable
those moments and seeing their fair game because he’s very proper— [Warwick’s U.K. TV quiz show]
heroes having a good time. which to me was an invitation. He it’s all about the interaction with
Nowadays I spend a lot of time took it really well each time, and the contestants. My style is that I
creating audio and video content that relationship has developed take liberties and I poke fun, but
and putting a lot of effort into in front of the fans, so now we hopefully I stay on the right side of
the show. It’s more diffi cult now poke fun at each other constantly. good taste. I’ll often be the voice of
because, being streamed, it’s not We’ve done it on the main stage at the viewer or the audience, pulling
only the people in the room who Celebration over the years and we people up on what they’re saying
see it—it’s all the other people did it again this year, even though to me or what their answer has
around the world as well, so it’s I didn’t think been. Celebration
harder to repeat material and I have we’d have the “I had Jake Lloyd has definitely
to try and reinvent things every opportunity contributed
year. There’s a lot more Star Wars because I playing the podrace towards my
these days, and a lot more panels wasn’t hosting video game in front ability to do
that I’d love to do. If I’m involved a panel that he that, but again,
in another Celebration, a Rogue was involved of everybody. I don’t think it’s
One panel would be a delight, and with. He said, What fan doesn’t ever something
I think we’d love a Solo one as “Come on you master. You
well. Those movies, as they settle over to the want to see Anakin do get better at
into the Star Wars culture, become Galaxy Stage, actually trying to it over the years
the things that you really want we’ve got to and you learn
to explore, along with the new do something drive the pod?” something every
announcements. The Phantom together,” and time that you
Menace 20th Anniversary panel we literally wrote the show ten go into the studio.
was a nice opportunity to look back minutes before we did it. Celebration has been a great
and reminisce, especially with those training ground for me in fulfilling
great people who we had as part of Do you think doing these panels my dream of having a chat show
that event. opened the door for you to try on TV, as it has helped me with
I was also thinking about something different? developing ideas and playing with
my relationship with Anthony You learn something new every the format of a conventional chat
Daniels, which started at Star Wars time, and the Chicago event show. And I’ve been able to do
Weekends when we were both taught me loads again. On stage that with the safety net of a few
guests. I would rib Anthony a little you’re registering how reactions thousand people in the room!
STAR WARS INSIDER / 39
HAN SOLO: A LIFE
Here’s Where
The Fun Begins!
Han Solo is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars galaxy. Outwardly,
he may look like a half-witted, scruffy-looking Nerf-herding scoundrel, with no respect for
hokey religions or ancient weapons, but his heart has always been in the right place, even if
his motivations have often been driven by the promise of riches beyond his imagination.
From humble beginnings to a heroic sacrifi ce, Insider charts the life and loves of the galaxy’s
most notorious smuggler.
W ORDS: MI CHAEL K OGGE
he last thing Han than Han, such as Lady Proxima. It an urchin like Han. This wasn’t
Solo wanted was meant keeping one eye in front of to say that Han didn’t know the
T to be a hero. him and one looking behind, with difference between right and wrong,
it was more like morality wasn’t
his hand always close to his holster,
Growing up
in the underbelly ready to draw at a moment’s notice. something he spent much time
of the Corellian Surviving also forced him to do ruminating over. When the business
shipyards didn’t lend itself to things that others, in more fortunate ends of blasters are pointed at you
heroism. What it did do was kindle circumstances, would never from an early age, your conscience
what the privileged classes call consider. Sometimes it involved quickly takes a backseat to your
juvenile delinquency—hotwiring stealing. Often it involved violence. survival instincts. The basic code
speeders, trafficking in contraband, On more than one occasion, it of the street is always find a way to
busting heads, and running scams involved shooting back at those stay alive, because no one else will
for local gangs. For someone like who took a shot at you. do it for you.
Han, this wasn’t about breaking Moral quandaries that might Han’s parents sure didn’t help
the law or a misspent youth, it was paralyze others had no hold over him in that regard. Of Han’s mother,
about survival. not much is known. But Han’s
This meant doing what was father worked starship construction
necessary to make it to the next day. “I don’t have people. like millions of other laborers on
It meant staying in the good graces I’m alone.” Corellia, longing to be more than
of those who were more powerful Solo: A Star Wars Story just a hand on a factory fl oor.
40 / STAR WARS INSIDER
01
01
He had a classic case of Corellian When a deal to sell a valuable with a single vial of coaxium Han
wanderlust, aspiring to fly one of batch of coaxium hyperfuel went had secretly kept.
the light freighters he had helped south, Han was presented with Sadly the duo were soon
build and explore the stars. Perhaps an opportunity he couldn’t resist. separated when the White Worms
this explains why Han chose to Hauled before Lady Proxima for his captured Qi’ra before she could pass
forget his father, to the extent that failure, Han improvised to escape through a spaceport checkpoint
he never associated himself with his punishment, breaking a window to join Han. Alone and desperate,
paternal surname. By the time Han above the crime lord’s head and Han was forced to improvise again,
was a teenager, his father was out scorching her photosensitive skin enlisting in the Imperial military
of his life and Han was just another with sunlight. In the resulting to avoid capture himself. It was the
orphan on the streets, a “scrumrat” confusion, Han and Qi’ra escaped, conscripting officer who gave him
doing dirty work for Lady Proxima’s
White Worms in exchange for meals
02
and shelter.
A Scrumrat Life
Han’s skill in racing speeders and
making deals allowed him to rise
up through the lower ranks of Lady
Proxima’s crime gang, until he met
his match in another ambitious
scrumrat named Qi’ra. Their rivalry,
however, proved short-lived, as each
recognized the other’s talents and
the feelings that they shared for one
another. At first, Qi’ra played hard to
get, but Han was never one to give
up, and soon the pair became more
than just friends. Both dreamed of
a new life away from Proxima and
the White Worms, yet neither could
muster enough credits, or perhaps
the courage, to leave.
42 / STAR WARS INSIDER
HAN SOLO: A LIFE
03 the ropes of working in the criminal Legendary
underworld beyond Corellia.
Han grew to trust the older man, Exploits
even admire him, but much like
his father, Beckett abandoned Han
Just as Lando Calrissian had his own
before betraying him. For his own
adventures in the Millennium Falcon—
self-preservation, Han was forced to some of which he indubitably embellished
draw his blaster on a comrade he’d and exaggerated to the point of fi ction in
his memoirs—Han Solo and Chewbacca
quickly grown to respect.
also had their fair share of fun in the Falcon.
Lando Calrissian—periodic Written in the late 1970s, Brian Daley’s
businessman, professional gambler, trilogy of Solo-centered novels, The
Adventures of Han Solo, remain much
and perpetual smoothie—always
loved by fans. Whether these events
04 claimed that the Millennium actually happened or not is anyone’s guess,
Falcon was his ship. And it was, at but Han Solo is never one to deny a good
least until he wagered it in a game story—especially if it makes him look
good...
of sabacc that Han won “fair and
square” (or so Han insisted). Han Han Solo at Stars’ End
took the YT-1300 Corellian light Han and Chewbacca set out to rescue
freighter—the kind of ship his father their friend, the outlaw tech, Doc, from
the maximum security prison complex
had forever dreamed of fl ying—and
known as Stars’ End.
made it his own, transforming it
from a thing of beauty into a vessel Han Solo’s Revenge
of speed, switching out Lando’s When they discover the cargo they’re
luxury accouterments to make smuggling is a group of slaves, Han
and Chewbacca aim to get revenge on
room for a never-ending assortment
the slavers who tried to dupe them.
of jury-rigged, military-grade, off-
the appellation with which he’d market enhancements. Han Solo and
henceforth be known: Solo. Within no time at all, the the Lost Legacy
Han didn’t complain. The name formerly immaculate floors of the Cash-strapped and pursued by a
notorious gunman, Captain Solo and
fit. He had lost not only his parents, Falcon were scuffed free of polish,
his Wookiee friend seek to turn their
but the girl he loved. He had no wires left dangling from conduits, fortunes by finding the treasure hoard
family, no friends, and, even in and Lando’s stateroom closet of an ancient despot.
‘comradeship’ of the army ranks, he stuffed full of everything but capes.
felt alone. Until he met one large, The Falcon cemented Han and
lumbering Wookiee. The rest is Chewie’s partnership—they had a
history; few interspecies friendships place to call home as they romped
in the galaxy have been so strong— around the stars, taking odd
or so memorable—as that of Han and often dangerous smuggling 01 Solo gets a cool 17,000 for a straightforward
Solo and Chewbacca. assignments, trying to hit his surname. gig—that would go a long way to
it big and make a name for 02 Han (Alden pay off their debts to the gangster
Moving On themselves, indulging in the life Ehrenreich) Jabba the Hutt. After a hurried
and Chewie
If Lady Proxima served as something of reckless scoundrels. Though blast-off from the spaceport, the
(Joonas
of a surrogate mother, of sorts, for the pair might never have found Suotamo). journey through hyperspace was
Han in his adolescence, Tobias that big payday they thought uneventful, one could even say
03 Han’s first
Beckett became a proxy father they deserved, their death- relaxed, until they reached what
adventure on
figure for Han as a young man. defying adventures in their the Falcon. remained of Alderaan. The Falcon
But, like the Corellian gang boss, beloved ship became the stuff of was pulled into the docking bay of
04 Qi’ra (Emilia
Beckett was not really the best role legend across the galaxy—or at Clarke) was what appeared to be a manmade
model: he was a thief, a gun-for- least Han liked to think so. Han’s first moon, but was in actuality
love.
hire, and a master of lies. He never the Empire’s planet-destorying
had qualms about working for the In It For The Money superweapon, the Death Star. After
highest bidder, even if it was for A chance encounter in the Mos evading stormtroopers and Imperial
such villainous crime syndicates as Eisley Cantina led to Han and officers on the battle station, Han
Crimson Dawn. Chewbacca accepting a job that begrudgingly decided to help
When Han deserted from the changed their lives forever: they carry out a chaotic jailbreak of an
Imperial army to join Beckett’s were to transport an old man, his imprisoned princess, tantalized by
group of misfits, the gruff bandit young companion, and a pair of the prospect of a reward of wealth
seemed to take a liking to the droids to the peace-loving world of more than he could imagine (and
spirited young man and taught him Alderaan. It seemed like easy money, he could imagine quite a bit).
STAR WARS INSIDER / 43
HAN SOLO: A LIFE
Off -Screen 05
Adventures
Han Solo’s life and exploits
have been explored in
numerous books and
comics, adding further
depth, thrills, and perilous
adventure to his legend.
Star Wars: Most Wanted
After an auction for a portable
deflector shield turned disastrous,
Han and his onetime rival Qi’ra
overcome their differences to save 06
themselves in Rae Carson’s novel.
“Han Solo, Imperial Cadet”
This five-issue Marvel Comics series,
written by Robbie Thompson and
illustrated by Leonard Kirk, shows
how the newly minted Corellian recruit
handles life in the Imperial military, as
he tries to earn his wings and become
a pilot.
“Han Solo”
On a secret mission for Princess Leia,
Han Solo enters the Dragon Void Run,
one of the galaxy’s premier starship
races, in the eponymously-titled
Marvel Comics series, scripted by
Marjorie Liu with art by Mark Brooks.
Star Wars Comic
Many of Han’s adventures during
his years with the Rebel Alliance are The princess turned out to He wasn’t Beckett. As much as he
chronicled in the pages of Marvel
Comics’ monthly Star Wars comic. be Leia Organa, one of the last might be loath to admit it, he has
Perhaps most notable is the story arc survivors of Alderaan and a secret a soft spot, a conscience, however
“Showdown on the Smuggler’s Moon,” leader of the Rebel Alliance in their deeply hidden he might like to keep
by Jason Aaron and illustrators Stuart civil war against the Empire. Han it. So, he and Chewbacca fl ew the
Immomen and Simone Bianchi. Han
and Leia run into Sana Starros, his had no use for galactic politics—or Millennium Falcon straight into the
former smuggling cohort who also royalty, for that matter—even dogfight and gave Luke the chance
calls herself his spouse.
though he dared to contemplate he needed to blow the Death Star
Star Wars: Last Shot – what life could be if a guy like to smithereens.
A Han and Lando Novel him and a princess like her ever
In Daniel José Older’s novel, Han Solo got together. As the Death Star Reluctant Rebel
leaves his son and wife behind as he approached the Alliance base on Han might have rescued a princess
joins Lando Calrissian in a quest to Yavin 4, Han was about to take his and aided in destroying a Death
stop a madman from using a device
that will reshape the galaxy, financial reward and scram before Star, but he didn’t fully commit
the battle station closed in, until himself to the Rebel Alliance, at
Star Wars: Aftermath something made him reconsider. least not at first. Nevertheless, he
In Life Debt, the second book of Maybe it was Chewie’s pestering and Chewie kept hanging around
Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath trilogy,
Han makes good on the sacrifi ces his that made Han change his mind; the rebels and got caught up in
co-pilot has made for him by helping maybe it was the way the princess their operations, particularly if
Chewbacca liberate the Wookiee always had a snappier quip to Han’s Princess Leia was involved. One
homeworld from the remnants of
the Empire. sarcasm; or maybe it was the close reason Han might not have jetted
kinship he had formed with Luke off for good was that Leia made
Skywalker, the kid he had promised him feel the way Qi’ra once had
to transport to Alderaan. In the and he couldn’t shake her off, no
end, Han couldn’t just up and leave matter how hard he tried. After
these people. He wasn’t his father. evacuating Hoth in the Falcon, their
44 / STAR WARS INSIDER
HAN SOLO: A LIFE
07
even Lando would not allow Han
to remain a wall ornament in
Jabba’s palace, so they hatched a
daring plan to rescue the smuggler.
After tricking her way inside, Leia
released Han from his carbonite
encasement. He slumped into her
arms, free again, but this time not
alone. Unlike so many other people
in Han’s life, Leia had refused to
leave him.
New Responsibilities
Soon after his recuperation and
daring escape from Jabba with
his comrades, the Rebel Alliance
made Han a general, a promotion
that would have seemed almost
inconceivable to the young soldier
used as cannon fodder in the
“Those guys Imperial army. Despite his distaste
must be really for formal command structures, Han
desperate. This did his duty and led a ground force
could really down to the forest moon of Endor
where they dismantled the defl ector
save my neck.” shield of the Empire’s second Death
Star Wars: A New Hope Star. The destruction of this second
planet-buster and the celebration
that followed resulted in another
major change that a younger Han
08 slow journey to Bespin, minus a 05 Bounty hunter would have thought impossible:
working hyperdrive, heightened Greedo tracks he gave up his bachelorhood. The
down Han.
the tension between this scoundrel married the princess,
“scoundrel” and his princess, 06 Han Solo, and within a few years, they had
rebel general.
and yet it also made clear their a son, Ben.
mutual attraction to each other. 07 An easy Having spent so many years as an
Bespin’s Cloud City, now job ferrying independent operator, gallivanting
passengers
administrated by Han’s old from system to system, Han found
to Alderaan
buddy Lando Calrissian, may changed settled life and fatherhood a
have seemed like a safe haven Han’s life. challenge. While he was at home
to Han and Leia. However, the 08 Han encased with the kid, his wife was busy
Emperor’s enforcer, Darth Vader, in carbonite.. establishing the New Republic. His
had arrived right before they best friend was also gone, having left
did, and he forced Lando to turn to live with his own Wookiee family
them over in order to save Cloud and rebuild his planet Kashyyyk.
City from Imperial occupation. And to make matters worse, Han
Vader froze Han in carbonite as a had his beloved Millennium Falcon
test to see if it would work for his stolen from him, making him a
true prize, Luke Skywalker. The captain without a ship.
experiment proved successful, Han did his best to be a good
with the bounty hunter Boba Fett dad, but he would be the fi rst
shuttling Han’s frozen body back to to admit he had no clue about
Jabba the Hutt to collect the price fatherhood, having never really
that had been hanging around experienced true paternal love
Han’s neck ever since Tatooine. himself. As someone sensitive
Leia, Chewbacca, Luke, and to the Force, Ben possessed
STAR WARS INSIDER / 45
Han didn’t, powers more attuned
to his mother, Leia, and his Uncle
Luke. Han never really fully
understood the Force, so sending
Ben to apprentice under the last Jedi
seemed like a better education than
anything he could provide or offer.
Ben wasn’t going to be brought up
like a scrumrat, as his father was, he
was to become a noble warrior of
legend, a Jedi.
As time would tell, Ben’s destiny
lay along a different path. He wasn’t
a Jedi; he was something else. He
turned against his uncle and joined
the oppressive forces his parents—
Leia, in particular—had risked their
lives fighting against. He even cast
aside his given name in favor of a 08
new one, Kylo Ren. This loss drove
a painful wedge into Han and Leia’s
relationship, and Han ran, letting he could to mentor her in the short “Crazy thing is... it’s true.
his Corellian wanderlust get the time they knew each other. Soon, The Force. The Jedi. All of it.”
better of him. a battle on the planet of Takodana
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
reunited Han and Leia, and it was
Free Solo his wife who reminded him of his
Han reteamed with Chewbacca, and fatherly duties, what he had been mission to blow up the oscillator
scoured the stars for the Falcon. Find running away from all these years, of Starkiller Base. And, after laying
her they did, piloted by a teenage what he had to do. the charges, he found what he had
girl named Rey from the desert Bold and brash as ever, Han truly come looking for: his son.
world of Jakku. Acknowledging the led a small group into the heart He approached Ben on a
girl’s piloting skills, Han did what of the First Order, on a desperate catwalk, urging him to leave the
First Order and come home. As
Leia had said to him, there was
09
still light in Ben—even Han saw it.
But Kylo did not and stabbed
his father with his lightsaber,
killing him.
Han might have failed to
persuade his son to return to the
light, but his life did not end in
vain. He had grown far beyond
the aspirations of that young man
on Corellia, whose sole motivation
was survival, or the adult sardonic
smuggler who viewed everything
10
as a cash transaction. And he had
grown beyond his father, beyond
Beckket. At the end, Han had not
08 Han leads
a team to abandoned or betrayed his son. He
infiltrate had done everything he could to
Starkiller save him.
Base.
Han Solo never wanted to
09 At home in be a hero. Yet, in the bowels of
the Falcon’s Starkiller Base, skewered on the
cockpit.
blade of his son’s red lightsaber,
10 Rey (Daisy Had Solo died, sacrifi cing his
Ridley) life to try to redeem the soul of
with Han on
Takodana. someone he loved.
46 / STAR WARS INSIDER
The First Order has
taken over the mantle of
the Empire in its pursuit of
galactic dominance. Can you
answer these questions to help
the Supreme Leader eradicate
the New Republic and
crush the Resistance?
Compiled by
Jay Stobie
BOW TO THE FIRST ORDER!
t
Prove yyouur loyyalty to the FFirst Order by demonstrrating your knowledge of the organization.
r
t
g
o
g
m
g
w
SUPREME LEADERS GENERAL MISDEMEANORS WEAPONS OF WAR
1: Who murdered 11: Which New Republic planet
Lor San Tekka did Starkiller Base target to
on Jakku? demonstrate its power?
A/ Captain A/ Coruscant
Phasma B/ Hosnian Prime
B/ Kylo Ren C/ Corellia
C/ General Hux D/ Tatooine
D/ FN-2187
12: What class of Star Destroyer
2: Snoke disapproved of which is the Finalizer?
item belonging to Kylo Ren? A/ Renaissance-class
A/ Helmet B/ Resurgent-class
B/ Cape C/ Rebirth-class
C/ Tunic D/ Resurrection-class
D/ Lightsaber
13: Which First Order vessel did
3: Whose level of strength did Kylo Ren pilot during the strafi ng
Kylo Ren seek to ascertain? attack on the Raddus?
A/ Darth Vader 6:Who commanded the 8: General Hux took umbrage A/ Command shuttle
B/ Han Solo First Order’s Starkiller at Kylo Ren’s suggestion to B/ Light shuttle
C/ Emperor Palpatine Base superweapon? use what type of army? C/ TIE fi ghter
D/ Leia Organa A/ Captain Phasma A/ Clone army D/ TIE s ilencer
B/ Captain Canaday B/ Droid army
C/ General Hux C/ Mercenary army
D/ Colonel Datoo D/ Bounty hunter army
7: Captain Phasma utilized 9: Which First Order offi cer
what material to construct informed Kylo Ren that BB-8
her distinctive armor? had escaped Jakku on a
A/ Kyber crystals Corellian freighter?
B/ Crait minerals A/ Petty Offi cer Thanisson 14: What First Order walker
4: Which vessel served as C/ Chromium B/ Captain Peavey variant did BB-8 commandeer
Snoke’s fl agship and the First D/ Coaxium C/ Chief Petty Offi cer Unamo on Snoke’s fl agship?
Order’s mobile capital? D/ Lieutenant Mitaka A/ AT-ST
A/ Dominator B/ AT-AT
B/ Ascendancy 10: What does C/ AT-M6
C/ Supremacy stormtrooper D/ AT-HH
D/ Avenger FN-2199
accuse Finn 15: The Fulminatrix was tasked
5: Who protected Snoke in of being on with destroying a Resistance
his throne room? Takodana? base located on which planet?
A/ Royal Guards A/ A liar A/ Takodana
B/ Elite Praetorian Guards B/ A traitor B/ D’Qar
C/ Executioner Troopers C/ A janitor C/ Yavin 4
D/ Flametroopers D/ A Jedi D/ Dantooine
48 / STAR WARS INSIDER
“SO WHO TALKS FIRST?”
a
n
e
Stand aat attention and determine whhich Firsst Order characteers said the followwing:
1.
“THE NEW REPUBLIC LIES TO THE GALAXY,
WHILE SECRETLY SUPPORTING THE
TREACHERY OF THE LOATHSOME RESISTANCE.”
“SHOW ME AGAIN, THE “Can you fly
2. 3.
POWER OF THE DARKNESS.” a TIE fighter?”
4.
“IF SKYWALKER RETURNS,
THE NEW JEDI WILL RISE.”
5.
“My troops will storm this block and kill you all.”
“THE REBELLION IS REBORN TODAY.”
s
n
Identify whhich heroes of thhe Rebellion returned to join the fight against the First OOrder
i
n
y
i
e
1. 2. 3. 4.
ARE YOU WORTHY ENOUGH TO SERVE THE FIRST ORDER?
4 Chewbacca.
0-9:Pathetic.GrabamopandjoinFN-2187onsanitationdetail.
“THE REBELLION IS REBORN TODAY. ” 1 Admiral Ackbar, 2 Nien Nunb, 3 Leia Organa,
10-19:Notbad.Brushuponyourskillsandyoujustmightearn a promotion.
Snoke, 5 Captain Phasma.
20-24:Superb!YourknowledgeoftheFirstOrderrivalsthat of the Supreme Leader himself.
“SO WHO TALKS FIRST?” 1 General Hux, 2 Kylo Ren, 3 FN-2187, 4 Supreme Leader
QUIZ 1 B, 2 A, 3 A, 4 C, 5 B, 6 C, 7 C, 8 A, 9 D, 10 B, 11 B, 12 B, 13 D, 14 A, 15 B.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 49
HIVES
&DIVES
A GUIDE TO THE FAVORED
WATERING HOLES OF THE
GALAXY’S SCUM AND VILLAINY
The cantinas, clubs, and assorted
gambling dens of the Star Wars galaxy
have much to offer those looking for a
clandestine meeting place at the hottest
of nightspots, where shady deals can be
made to the backdrop of the latest music,
clinking of glassware, and ‘cha-ching’
of the gaming tables. Join us on a crawl
through the roughest, smartest, and most
exclusive establishments from
Coruscant to the Outer Rim.
W ORDS: AMY R AT CLIFFE
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The official Star Wars Insider magazine is your one-stop guide to the greatest space adventure ultimate saga
of all time, Star Wars Insider really gets the reader inside the worlds of Star Wars through interviews,
behind-the-scenes exclusives and unrivalled access to the Lucasfilm archives. Each issue offers star
interviews, ‘making of’ features and merchandise coverage, plus the unique ‘Blaster!’ section covering up-
coming books, comics, action figures and other collectibles.
Keep up to speed with any incoming transmissions within the Star Wars galaxy, with updates with any news, fan questions answered, reminisce with regular archive features and so much more.
In This Issue
In Star Wars #192, our trip through the Skywalker saga enters its final phase, with fresh heroes, villains,
and stories to be told in Star Wars: The Force Awakens!
From the slums of Corellia to the guts of Starkiller Base, Insider charts the life and loves of the galaxy's most notorious smuggler. In the second part of our exclusive conversation with the versatile Star Wars actor, Warwick Davis discusses new Star Wars horizons, Star Wars stories, and Star Wars celebration. Join us on a
crawl through the roughest, smartest and most exclusive establishments, from Coruscant to the Outer Rim.
All this and much, much more!
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