I I T’S SHOWTIME: INSIDE THE STAR WARS SHOW!
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SOLO:
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masterpiece from a
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exclusive interview: DOUG CHIANG GUIDING THE VISUAL AESTHETICS OF THE STAR WARS FILMS!
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JUNE/JULY 2018
WELCOME... Editor / Chris Cooper
TITAN EDITORIAL
Senior Editor / Martin Eden
Copy Editor / Simon Hugo
Assistant Editors / Tolly Maggs,
Jake Devine
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A long time ago, roughly five miles away from where I’m
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early issues followed the original movie adaptation with Creative Director / Michael Siglain
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fans a must-read glimpse into that galaxy far, far away, Nicole LaCoursiere, Shahana Alam
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Corellian scoundrel and his Wookiee co-pilot getting
CONTRIBUTORS
themselves into all kinds of trouble… Tricia Barr, Kristin Baver, Megan Crouse,
Tara Bennett, Darren Scott, Mark Wright,
And here we go again! Michael Kogge, Dan Wallace, Tom Miller
Solo: A Star Wars Story is out now, adding new layers
SPECIAL THANKS TO
to one of Star Wars’ most iconic characters while taking Lucy Goldsmith, Erich Schoeneweiss
us on a thrilling ride through the depths of the Empire’s at Random House, Holly McIntosh, Joseph
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at Lucasfi lm
well as an interview with comics legend Roy Thomas,
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STAR WARS INSIDER JUNE/JULY 2018
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@ TaraDBennett @ blogfullofwords @ michaelkogge @ KristinBaver @ fangirlcantina @ danwall88 Star Wars Insider is published eight times per year (January/
February, March/April, May, June/July, August, September, October/
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3 / STAR WARS INSIDER
CONTENTS
I SSUE 181 / JUNE-JUL Y 2018
32
Not a Piece
of Junk!
The Millennium
Falcon as you’ve
never seen her before
4 / STAR WARS INSIDER
NEWSSTAND COMIC STORE SUBS
EDITION EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE
Subscribe
to Star Wars
Insider
Page 28
06 32 66
Launchpad Lando’s Pride and Joy Doug Chiang
All the news from across the Star Wars Take a look inside the Millennium Falcon The concept artists, production designer,
galaxy, including hot new collectibles and before Han and Chewie took charge. and Lucasfilm vice president talks about
the best in books and comics. 36 his early career and aspirations.
18 It’s Showtime! 76
Soldiers of the Empire Star Wars Insider goes behind-the-scenes Finn’s Continuing Journey
Solo: A Star Wars Story adds new of the show that goes behind-the-scenes of Finn wakes up to a new world in Star
variations to the stormtrooper ranks, from Star Wars: It’s The Star Wars Show! Wars: The Last Jedi, but is he still the
range troopers to mudtroopers. 46 same man we met in The Force Awakens?
24 Cinematic Infl uences 84
Solo: A Twitter Story Insider takes a look at the movies Building a Bigger Figure
The highlights of Ron Howard’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Gentle Giant reveals how they turned a
production journey via his top tweets. Rian Johnson was inspired by. 1978 Kenner action figure into the biggest
R2-D2 toy you’ve ever imagined.
30 56
Plotting a Course Into Danger New Planets, New Perils 94
Have you got what it takes to navigate Legendary comics writer Roy Thomas Ugnaughts
the most dangerous smuggling run in takes us back to the fi rst Star Wars spin-off They’re not big, they’re not pretty, but
the galaxy? Find out why few do. tale starring Han Solo and Chewbacca. they’re the true heroes of the galaxy.
INCOMING TRANSMISSIONS
54 64 88 96
Competition Jedi Master’s Quiz Worldwide Image Archive
Win a copy of The Art of Test your knowledge of Republic, 501st Underworld cosplay, painted “You came in that thing?”
Solo: A Star Wars Story. Imperial, and First Order troopers. drum kits, and a Funko Filoni. The Millennium Falcon circa 1977.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 5
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In cinemas
Flying Solo world now! premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film
across the
Festival in France on May 15.
Scripted by father and son team
Lawrence and Jon Kasdan, and starring
Solo: A Star Wars Story hits cinemas worldwide Alden Ehrenreich as the eponymous Han
Solo, the movie was listed in the Offi cial
t may not seem so long since the worldwide release of Solo: A Star Selection of movies playing at the much
I cinema aisles last rocked to Wars Story. renowned 11-day festival, which also
the sound of the Millennium
Ron Howard’s tale of mercenaries,
hosted red carpet events for Star Wars:
Falcon’s engines (just fi ve scoundrels, and life among the Star Wars Attack of the Clones in 2002 and Star
months in fact, give or take a day or galaxy’s criminal underworld opened in Wars: Revenge of the Sith in 2005.
two), but the sub-light thrusters on that European territories on May 23, before The screening took place in the Grand
famous YT-1300 freighter are currently hitting U.S. shores on May 25, but the Amphitheatre Lumière at the Palais des
thrilling audiences once again following movie had received its glittering world Festivals in Cannes, and was attended by
6 / STAR WARS INSIDER
LAUNCHPAD
A Noble Contribution
Star Wars artist donates his papers for posterity
f you’re a fan of The Star art led me into these opportunities.
I Wars Show, or have ever However, without the support of
Lucasfilm, George Lucas, the State
found yourself admiring
the main entrance to of California, and many others,
Lucasfilm’s Presidio headquarters my journey would have been a
in San Francisco, you’ll be familiar lot shorter.”
with the sage-like serenity of the Executive director of the Briscoe
Yoda statue which resides on a Center, Don Carleton, added that
fountain pedestal outside. What the Noble Studio Archives would
you may not be aware of is the be “a significant addition to the
name of the artist who sculpted center’s growing holdings.”
it—Lawrence Nobel. Noble’s Star Wars art and more
Noble, who designed posters for at www.lawrencenoble.com
Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) and
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
(1980), is donating papers covering
his 40-year career as a sculptor and
director Ron Howard along with lead cast illustrator to the Briscoe Center
members including Ehrenreich, Woody for American History, including
Harrelson (Beckett), Emilia Clarke (Qi’ra), sketches, plaster models, research
Donald Glover (Lando Calrissian), Paul files, correspondence, concept
Bettany (Dryden Vos), Thandie Newton drawings and other artefacts.
(Val), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (L3-37), and “My journey in art originated
Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca). in Houston, Texas in 1967,” Noble,
2018 marks the 71st season of the told Insider, adding, “As a native
Festival De Cannes, which exists to raise Houstonian, I am honored to
the profile of film and contribute to the know that the Briscoe Center, as
development of the art of cinema. The well as the University of Texas, is
highlight of the entire festival is the interested in the significance of the
presentation of the coveted Palme d’Or projects I have been so fortunate
award for best director. to be involved in. My passion for
STAR WARS INSIDER / 7
LAUNCHPAD
Watch now on
the official Star
Wars YouTube
channel
The Watchlist
Creating a soundtrack in 360 degrees
ith John Williams recently via the offi cial Star Wars YouTube Alongside unique behind-the-scenes
W announcing his retirement channel, commemorates William’s footage, the 7-minute long 360-degree
work in Scoring The Last Jedi: A 360
experience follows the legendary fi lm
from composing Star Wars
music once he has completed VR experience, which takes viewers on composer as he conducts the London
work scoring Episode IX, now is a great an immersive visual and audio journey Symphony Orchestra, and creates the
time to celebrate his enormous impact through the recording of the movie’s sounds of the Canto Bight casino using
on the sound of Star Wars. Disney, awe-inspiring soundtrack. kazoos and plastic trumpets.
May The 4th
Be Musical
Star Wars soundtracks
remastered and rereleased
fter extensive remastering
A by Shawn Murphy and
Skywalker Sound, using new
hi-resolution transfers from
the original recordings, John Williams’
epic Star Wars scores were released
on audio CD on May 4th, Star Wars
Day. Featuring all-new artwork and
collectible mini-posters, the remastered
soundtracks, from A New Hope (1977)
to Revenge of the Sith (2005), feature
iconic tracks familiar to fans across the
world, presented with the enhanced
clarity offered by modern remastering
technology and techniques.
8 / STAR WARS INSIDER
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Timeline
A Hot Pot Of Porg Important dates
in Star Wars
history.
Do you take your milk blue or green?
1927
here’s nothing like a decent in a full-color July 2: Brock Peters (Darth
T cuppa to soothe away the gift box, each Vader in the Star Wars radio
adaptations) is born.
hand-sculpted
troubles of your day, whether
you’ve been wrestling with and painted teapot
1964
your conscience over that awkward holds 32 oz. of your favorite Ahch-To
July 3: Yeardley Smith (EV-9D9
moment between you and your dark beverage (even green milk).
in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
side-leaning nephew, or just the daily Having made your brew, you will of is born.
confusion over which color your milk course need something to drink it from,
should be. Thanks to Vandor—haven’t and Vandor strikes back with a range 1972
we heard that name somewhere else of premium sculpted ceramic mugs, July 10: Peter Serafinowicz
recently?—the Utah-based purveyor of including a perfectly-formed porg mug, (the original voice of Darth Maul)
lifestyle products, Star Wars fans can and a more fulsome Jabba the Hutt is born.
now rustle up a brew in a delightful mug. The Vandor range is available now
1985
porg-styled ceramic teapot. Presented from a variety of retailers.
July 14: Phoebe Waller-Bridge
(L3-37 in Solo: A Star Wars
Story) is born.
1995
July 1: Star Wars: Tales from the
Mos Eisley Cantina is published
by Bantam Spectra.
1997
June 26: Filming for Star Wars:
The Phantom Menace begins.
1998
June 3: Jabba the Hutt: The Art
of the Deal collection is released
by Dark Horse Comics.
2003
July 15: LucasArts release
videogame Star Wars: Knights of
A Throne For Any Budget the Old Republic for Microsoft’s
Xbox console.
Furniture fit for Coruscant cafes to Imperial geek-caves 2007
July 13: Celebration Europe
opens in London, becoming the
egal Robot, the innovative Countdown Display and Holochess first Celebration to take place
R furniture, art, and décor café tables, perfect for some in-universe outside the U.S.A.
snacking. Chairs start at $119, with café
company famous for creating
a bespoke desk from a block tables priced at $299. 2017
of carbonite (with a certain space At the higher end of Regal Robot’s July 3: The first episode of
Forces of Destiny Season 1,
scoundrel trapped inside), has launched product line is the Emperor Throne
Sands of Jakku, airs on YouTube.
a new range of affordable Star Wars Armchair, upholstered in two-tone faux
themed furniture. leather shades of black and purple with
A wide selection of café-style tables a polished chrome base that would
and director’s chairs give fans the complement any throne room. The
opportunity to add a touch of a far-away throne will set your average Naboo
galaxy to their home décor, with designs senator with a dastardly masterplan
featuring a choice of movie logos or back some $1,499 plus shipping.
the emblems of in-universe factions, Currently Regal Robot only ships to
all officially licensed by Lucasfi lm addresses in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Ltd. Highlights include the Death Star Discover more at regalrobot.com.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 9
LAUNCHPAD
Build and
Mandalorian Merch your own Fett
decorate
jetpack
Wearable Wren and flying Fetts from ANOVOS
till mourning the end of the production assets, both helmets Fett-fl avored flying gear in either Boba
S Disney XD’s hit animation replicate the original animated version’s or Jango variations. And because it’s a
series Star Wars Rebels? If the
unique custom paint jobs over a screen-
kit that you build and decorate yourself,
tears won’t stop fl owing, then accurate fiberglass construction. The featuring all the authentically detailed
you can at least hide them beneath a interior is fully-lined and features an parts required for both, Fett fans can
rebellious new accessory from costume adjustment pad to ensure a comfy fi t. either adhere to canon or follow Sabine’s
replicators ANOVOS. The helmet’s adjustable rangefi nder lead, and mix-and-match those parts
Shipping this summer is another rotates through 90 degrees and locks to create their very own customized
stunning addition to their range of securely into two separate positions. Mandalorian Jetpack!
helmet reproductions, with Season 2 Also on pre-order from ANOVOS, The Star Wars Rebels Sabine Wren
and Season 4 renditions of the Star Wars with delivery due in summer 2018 is Helmet accessory is priced $499, with
Rebels Sabine Wren Helmet. Re-created the Star Wars Mandalorian Jetpack Kit, the Star Wars Mandalorian Jetpack Kit
directly from Lucasfi lm Animation’s offering bounty-hunting cosplayers a snip at $350. Both are available for
3D data and references taken from the choice of building their very own pre-order from anovos.com now.
THE LIGHT SIDE By Russ Brown and Jamie Cosley
10 / STAR WARS INSIDER
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Smuggling Gooey
Muggs Chewie
Face-changing Solo Give the walking carpet a
figures turn heads PLAY-DOH haircut
wap a smile for a frown hewbacca may not
S on the faces of Han Solo, C have sported as many
Lando Calrissian, Qi’ra and
hairstyles as Leia or
other Star Wars characters Padme, but he’s still the
with the latest batch of Mighty Muggs most hirsute hero in a galaxy far,
from Hasbro. These hyper-stylized far away. Now you have a chance
figures feature a special push-and-turn to give the furball a much needed
mechanism that spins each character’s trim, thanks to PLAY-DOH.
head through three different facial Squidge a blob of PLAY-DOH
expressions, from quizzical concern to compound inside the Wookiee
incredibly amused. Priced at $9.99, the and press down on his arms, and
Mighty Muggs are available in stores watch in astonishment as Chewie’s
and at HasbroToyShop.com. famous fringe begins to grow. And
when it gets too long, cut it back
with the included pair of BB-8
scissors, or style with Chewie’s
bowcaster comb. Priced $14.99.
Take a chance
(card) on Han
Solo Edition
Monopoly!
Own The Universe
Monopolize the Star Wars galaxy, Solo style
rom Mimban to the Kessel rags to riches exploits an intergalactic
F Run, there are fortunes to be twist. The Star Wars Monopoly:
made for a scoundrel with
Han Solo Edition is out now, with a
an eye for turning a profi t, gameboard that features Han Solo’s
and the latest Star Wars-themed edition wildest adventures and four Solo
of Monopoly gives the classic game of character figures, priced $19.99.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 11
LAUNCHPAD
Size Matters
Not, But
Scale Is
Legendary
Sideshow Collectibles’
limited edition Yoda
magine a pitch-perfect
I Jedi Master Yoda, precise in
re-creation of diminutive
every detail from furrowed
brow to wispy white hair. Now picture
him at half his normal size, and you’ll
be getting close to the miniature majesty
of Sideshow Collectibles Legendary Scale
Yoda figure, available to pre-order now
from sideshowtoy.com.
Inspired by his appearance in Star
Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and
cast in resin with a weathered, custom-
tailored fabric costume, the 18-inch tall
Yoda rests on a Dagobah tree branch,
meditating on the mysteries of the
Force with a blissful expression on his
wizened face. The limited edition fi gure
costs $700, and is estimated to ship from
January to March 2019.
12 / STAR WARS INSIDER
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Han
Funko
A Pop! Vinyl Story
unko give the characters
F of Solo: A Star Wars
Story a POP! Vinyl
makeover with a new
collection of figures based on the
movie. Bobble-headed Han and
Chewbacca are joined by Lando,
Qi’ra, Beckett, Val, L3-37 and Rio
Durant, with the bad guys ranks
bolstered in similarly bobbley
fashion by a Range Trooper, a
Mudtrooper, and the mysterious
Going Enfys Nest.
For Gold Features 1,967
individual
LEGO bricks
LEGO’s Ultimate Y-wing Starfi ghter
anish building-brick maker detail, authentically styled after the
D LEGO celebrated May the 4th, long-range bomber as it originally
2018 with the release of the
appeared in Star Wars: A New Hope. The
latest expert-level kit in their wheel-activated cannons on the topside
Ultimate Collector Series, which is now of the cockpit even rotate.
available exclusively from LEGO stores The model contains 1,967 individual
and shop.LEGO.com. pieces, measuring over 24 inches-long
Featuring an exclusive Gold Leader when fully constructed, and the set is
minifigure at the controls, and R2- completed by a constructible display
BHD droid minifigure riding shotgun, stand featuring an information plaque
The Ultimate Collector Series Y-Wing and a special tilt function, enabling you
Starfighter promises an intricate build to angle your deflectors to fend off any
experience with an incredible level of incoming TIE fi ghters.
Sail Barge Success
HasLab hits a crowd-pleasing home run
ith 8,810 backers sending to a close, the entire Star Wars team
W Hasbro’s Jabba’s Sail Barge would like to extend a huge THANK
project hurtling across the
YOU to all of the fans that supported
pre-order finish line, the the Khetanna. You #BackedTheBarge!!!”
company posted a thank you message The almighty Jabba celebrated the
to backers on its Instagram account, win by transforming his barge into a
saying “What an AMAZING 45 days. sushi platter, while backers can expect
As our first-ever #HasLab project comes to receive their prize very soon.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 13
LAUNCHPAD
Book Club
There’s something for every Star Wars reader with
these upcoming publishing releases.
Available
now!
Smugglers’ Showcase
The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story offers premium presentation and eye-popping visuals
Han Solo gets by on lucky execution. Expert testimony went into the making of the the design process behind
breaks, but the talented from the creatives involved cinematic caper. Szostak’s the vehicles, costumes, and
people behind Solo: A Star accompany many stunning responsibilities as creative sets is brought to vivid life.
Wars Story had to put in artworks, covering every art manager afford him a Forewords by production
countless hours of hard aspect of the fi lm’s design unique perspective on the designer Neil Lamont and
work. Their passion is on story and realization. role of visuals in creating design supervisor James
full display in The Art of Lucasfilm’s Phil Szostak a fi lm like Solo, which he Clyne add an extra layer
Solo: A Star Wars Story, (Author of The Art of the brings to bear with great of interest to this already
a gorgeous coffee-table Force Awakens and The Art success and insight in this essential volume.
book that chronicles the of The Last Jedi) uses his fascinating book. The Art of Solo: A Star
film’s development from insider’s edge to uncover Drawing on hundreds of Wars Story is available from
earliest concepts to fi nal the artistic decisions that carefully selected images, Abrams Books on May 25.
14 / STAR WARS INSIDER
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01 02 03
Solo: A Star Wars Story: Star Wars: Star Wars: The Mighty
The Offi cial Guide Most Wanted Chewbacca in the
Get to know the Outer Rim and This young-adult novel from Forest of Fear!
its lawless denizens in this deep Disney Lucasfilm Press goes back Chewbacca is a proud Wookiee
dive into the world of young Han before the events of Solo: A Star warrior, so a softball assignment to
Solo. From Corellian hounds to Wars Story to reveal how Han and pet-sit a herd of tooka cats hardly
Chewbacca’s cool new bandolier, Qi’ra got to know each other in seems like something to worry
nothing that’s glimpsed on the big the first place. Author Rae Carson about. But Chewie gets more than
screen goes unexamined in this (The Girl of Fire and Thorns) he bargained for in this middle
comprehensive reference work explores how the cruel Corellian grade novel by Tom Angleberger
from DK, written by Lucasfi lm’s slums trained both Han and Qi’ra (The Strange Case of Origami
own Pablo Hidalgo. Illuminating to do whatever it took to survive. Yoda), which introduces Mayv
descriptions along with hundreds When, independently of each Trillick—surely Star Wars’ fi rst
of photos detail every aspect of other, the two of them jump at a “librarian bounty hunter”—and
Solo: A Star Wars Story, with a chance to make their mark, they guest-stars Rogue One’s K-2SO
focus on production photography find themselves running the same as a humble cargo droid secretly
and an exclusive cross-section of mission for Lady Proxima of the on assignment for the Rebellion.
the “newer” Millennium Falcon White Worms. Enemies are soon When Chewie’s crew encounters
by artist Richard Chasemore. The on their tail, including pirates, the a blue forest that emits a mist that
significance of “those dice” from Empire, and Lady Proxima herself. induces fear, they must battle their
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is just But can Han and Qi’ra trust each own terrors in a quest to recover a
one of many revelations that DK’s other long enough to see another sacred book and rescue Han Solo
official guide brings to life. day —or trust each other at all? from deadly peril.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 15
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Comics Roundup
A stylish scoundrel headlines the latest
crop of Star Wars comics
Press Your
Luck
Lando Calrissian risks it all in
Lando: Double or Nothing
Long before he became the suave
baron-administrator of Cloud City, and
even before he lost the Millennium
Falcon to Han Solo on a bet, Lando was
a galactic wild card in search of love
and money. This fi ve-part miniseries
from Marvel takes inspiration from
Donald Glover’s charismatic portrayal in
Solo: A Star Wars Story, telling the tale
of a young, confident, and impeccably
stylish Lando Calrissian.
Writer Rodney Barnes and artist
Paolo Villanelli depict a Lando who isn’t
about to stick his neck out for anyone—
not unless there’s a pile of credits
waiting for him on the other side. So
when Lando somehow fi nds himself
fighting on the same side as some
oppressed workers toiling in a droid
junkyard, it’s no surprise that he hopes
their liberation will come bundled with a
respectable payday.
Issue #1 of Lando: Double or Nothing
is available from May 30.
Authors and Artists
As well as being a Peabody award-winning
screenwriter who has worked on the likes of
Everybody Hates Chris and The Boondocks,
Rodney Barnes is no stranger to comics, having
written for one of Marvel’s Avengers in Falcon, and
helped bring Marvel’s Runaways to TV screens.
Artist Paolo Villanelli’s Marvel credits include
Squadron Supreme and the comics adaptation of
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and he has also
worked for Boom! Studios and IDW.
16 / STAR WARS INSIDER
Incoming
LAUNCHPAD
Don’t Miss These Great
Forthcoming Titles
Captain Phasma
Hardcover Collection
This deluxe hardcover collection reprints
Marvel’s four-issue Journey to Star Wars:
The Last Jedi miniseries Captain Phasma. JUNE
Set between the events of Star Wars: The
Star Wars #49
Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, the
Writer Kieron Gillen
epic tale sees Phasma escaping from the Artist Salvador Larroca
destruction of Starkiller Base at the last Cover Artist David Marquez
possible moment before the planet-sized
weapon explodes, and begin plotting her Darth Vader #17
revenge against Finn and the Resistance. Writer Charles Soule
On sale from July 18, fans of the imposing Artist Giuseppe Camuncoli
Cover Artists Giuseppe
First Order officer won’t want to miss this
Camuncoli & Elia Bonetti
compilation by writer Kelly Thompson
and artist Marco Checchetto, featuring a
Star Wars: Thrawn #5 (of 6)
cover by Paul Renaud. Writer: Jody Houser
Artist: Luke Ross
Cover Artist: Paul Renaud
Star Wars Legends Epic Star Wars: Poe Dameron #28
Collection: The Original Writer Charles Soule
Marvel Years Vol. 3 Artist Angel Unzueta
Cover Artist Phil Noto
The latest Star Wars Epic Collection
presents more legendary tales at
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #21
unbeatable value. This 488-page Writer Si Spurrier
compilation boasts Al Williamson’s Artist Kev Wa ker
classic Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Cover Artist Ashley Witter
Back adaptation as its centerpiece,
and fan-favorite tales including “Droid Star Wars: The Last Jedi
World,” and the Tarkin superweapon Adaptation #3 (of 6)
Writer Gary Whitta
saga. Written by Archie Goodwin, Wally
Artist Michael Walsh
Lombego, Larry Hama, Mike W. Barr,
Cover Artist Phil Noto
David Michelinie, Chris Claremont, Steve
Moore, and Steve Parkhouse, with art by Star Wars: Lando – Double or
Al Williamson, Carmine Infantino, Walt Nothing #2 (of 5)
Simonson, John Stokes, Adolfo Buylla, Writer Rodney Barnes
and Alan Davis, it is on sale in early July. Artist Paolo Villanelli
Cover Artist W. Scott Forbes
Darth Vader Annual #2
The Dark Lord of the Sith must defend
an incomplete Death Star from enemy
saboteurs in the second Darth Vader
Annual, on sale in July. A massive battle
station is taking shape above Geonosis,
and Governor Tarkin and lead researcher
Orson Krennic stand poised to reap the
rewards. But sabotage threatens to undo
all their efforts, and Emperor Palpatine
views this crime as worthy of Vader’s
direct attention. The Emperor’s enforcer
uproots traitors to enable the supremacy
of Tarkin’s “technological terror” in this
standalone adventure by writer Chuck
Wendig (Star Wars Aftermath) and artist
Leonard Kirk. The issue features a cover
by Mike Deodato Jr.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 17
SOLO : SOLDIERS OF THE EMPIRE
Soldiers of
the Empire
Introducing the new specialized stormtrooper
units of Solo: A Star Wars Story, and the
unruly new planets they patrol.
rime runs rife throughout the Galactic Empire, from
the smugglers and pirates of the Outer Rim territories to
pockets of insurgency on worlds which refuse to accept
Cthe rule of the Emperor. Maintaining order in such
lawless times are the stormtroopers, policing the worlds of Solo: A
Star Wars Story with ruthless effi ciency and relentless versatility.
The Empire has the resources to adapt its frontline troops to
meet any and all opposition, deploying troops with specialized
armor, equipment, and vehicular support to cope with any type of
environment. An overwhelming presence is often all that is needed,
but each planet presents its own unique set of demands, like the
deserts of Tatooine or the freezing wastelands of ice planet Hoth.
Solo: A Star Wars Story introduces a host of new environments for
the stormtroopers to deal with, including the industrial alleyways of
Corellia and the mud-encrusted plains of Mimban, meaning several
new looks for these elite soldiers of the Empire.
18 / STAR WARS INSIDER
SOLO : SOLDIERS OF THE EMPIRE
STAR WARS INSIDER / 19
SOLO : SOLDIERS OF THE EMPIRE
Mimban
Not every planet welcomes the Empire with
open arms. Some stubborn worlds refuse to
capitulate to Imperial rule, worlds like the
mud-covered planet of Mimban. Although
the Empire is well equipped with the latest
technology, the fifth planet of the Circarpous
system has proven to be a challenging world to
control. The environment alone makes everything
difficult, and Imperial forces have encountered
strong resistance from the native population of this
harsh, rain-soaked mudball. Well suited for combat in
the sludge-covered battlefields, the rebellious locals—
the Mimbanese—continue to battle ferociously to rid
their world of Imperial intruders.
20 / STAR WARS INSIDER
SOLO : SOLDIERS OF THE EMPIRE
Mudtrooper
MUDTROOPER
Imperial
Stormtrooper Specialized stormtroopers,
known as Mudtroopers, or
IMPERIAL Imperial swamp troopers, carry
STORMTROOPER additional equipment onto the
muck-fi lled battlefi eld, including
Forming the backbone protective capes to guard them
of Imperial army action on against the ever-present rain,
Mimban, the standard Imperial breathing apparatus to fi lter out
stormtrooper has undergone toxins, and advanced blasters
expert training, and wears armor and munitions.
that allows them to be deployed
effectively in a wide variety of
hostile environments.
ARS INSIDER / 21
HE
F T
SOLO : SOLDIERS OF THE EMPIREIRE
EMP
O
Vandor
A breathtakingly beautiful world, notable for its
jagged snow-capped mountains and lush, verdant
plains, this frontier planet has barely been touched
by technology. Vandor is home to the hard-edged
and vibrant trading port of Fort Ypso,
a haven to those of a criminal disposition.
The Imperial expansion requires the
settlement of vital operations on remote
outpost worlds such as Vandor, but these
facilities can be vulnerable, as can their
supply lines.
RANGE Trooper
RANGE TROOPER
Wearing partial cold-weather gear
and magnetic boots, range troopers
provide a resilient and unbreakable
defense against would-be thieves and
pirates, intent on stealing supplies and
cargo before it reaches its destination.
22 / STAR WARS INSIDER
SOLO : SOLDIERS OF THE EMPIRE
Patrol Trooper
PATROL
TROOPER
As the Empire asserts
its authority on planets
across the galaxy, local
defense forces are being
complemented—and
ultimately replaced—by
Imperial stormtroopers.
For policing expansive
cities and industrialized
areas on worlds such
as Corellia, the Empire
deploys Aratech C-PH
speeder bikes, piloted
by specialist patrol
stormtroopers.
Corellia
The Empire has refashioned
the famous shipyards of Corellia
into one of its primary starship
production facilities, constructing
endless TIE fighters and entire
fleets of fearsome Star Destroyers.
As such an important element in its
military pipeline, the Empire takes
security on Corellia very seriously, and
there is a strong stormtrooper presence.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 23
Solo :
A Twitter Story
Directing a movie as
mammoth as Solo:
A Star Wars Story is an
all-consuming undertaking,
yet Ron Howard made time
to share his enthusiasm for
the project with numerous
behind-the-scenes posts on
social media. Insider
collects some of those
movie-making highlights
from Howard’s Twitter
timeline...
Solo: A Star Wars Story
director Ron Howard takes
the pilot’s seat aboard the
Millennium Falcon.
SOLO : A TWITTER STORY
03
“Looks like I was
clearly enjoying this
close up performance
today on the set.”
01
02
01 “Looks like I was clearly enjoying this close up
performance today on the set.”
02 “#emiliaclarke gave us a terrific performance
& left! She completed principle photography 04
and is off on her next adventure. Busy girl. We
miss her already! Talented & great to work
with. #UntitledHanSoloMovie”
03 “Checking a camera move for
#UntitledHanSoloMovie.”
04 “Hyperspace is real. My first experience.
Wow.”
05 “Had to say goodbye to my friend
@Paul_Bettany today. Another terrific
performance from a world class talent.”
06 “Can you guess whose closet this is?
#UntitledHanSoloMovie”
05
06
AR W
ARS INSIDE
6
S
/
2
T
26 / STAR WARS INSIDER R
SOLO : A TWITTER STORY
07
PROFILE
RON HOWARD
A childhood star turned
teen heartthrob then
respected fi lmmaker, Ron
Howard is the epitome
of a modern Hollywood 08
legend, whose career in
television and fi lm has
spanned an incredible
six decades.
Born in Oklahoma
in 1954, Howard’s family
moved to Hollywood in
1958 and within a year
the young “Ronny” was
fast becoming a regular
on television. He became
a household name after
starring as Opie Taylor in
The Andy Griffi ths Show
(1960-1968), but achieved
worldwide fame as Richie
Cunningham in the long-
running sitcom Happy
Days (1974-1984).
Howard’s cinematic
directorial debut came
with Grand Theft Auto
(1977), which opened just 09
three weeks after George
Lucas’ Star Wars—Lucas’
second feature after “#Solo that’s a wrap
American Graffi ti (1973),
in which Howard starred. folks. Thanx to a
remarkable cast and
FILMOGRAPHY
crew for an amazing
Solo: A Star Wars Story
(2018) experience.”
Rush (2013)
Angels & Demons (2009)
Frost/Nixon (2008)
07 “Those #Corellian nights get a little chilly.
The Da Vinci Code (2006) Screenwriter @JonKasdan and I try to keep
A Beautiful Mind (2001) warm. #UntitledHanSoloMovie”
Apollo 13 (1995) 08 “Wildly impressive @donaldglover wrapped
his work on #UntitledHanSoloMovie last
The Paper (1994)
night. We’re all gonna miss you Donald!”
Far and Away (1992)
09 “#abbeyroad exciting day as full orchestra
Backdraft (1991) begins recording #SoloAStarWarsStory
Parenthood (1989) Gr8 score under #JohnPowell including a
new #HanSolo theme by #johnwilliams.”
Willow (1988)
10 “#Solo that’s a wrap folks. Thanx to a
Cocoon (1985)
remarkable cast and crew for an amazing
Splash (1984) 10 experience.”
STAR WARS INSIDER / 27
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PLOTTING A COURSE INTO DANGER
PLOTTING A COURSE INTO
DANGER
The mysterious planet Kessel has teased our imaginations for more than
40 years, ever since Han Solo boasted that the Millennium Falcon made the
Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs, and C-3PO worried about being sent
to its dreaded spice mines. In Solo: A Star Wars Story, we finally see this
polarized world on film, and discover just how dangerous the trip can be.
W ORDS: CHR I S T OPHER COOPER
planet of stark contrasts, The Kessel Run
Kessel is a world that has There are many navigable routes to the planet
A long been exploited, not only Kessel, but the most infamous is the one
known to the galaxy’s smuggling community
by the criminal enterprises
that rampantly mine one half as The Kessel Run. An exceptionally perilous
of the planet for valuable hyperspace route that traverses an ever-
minerals, but also by its dynastic royal family. shifting path through the occluded space
The royals enjoy their luxurious existence that surrounds the planet, only the most
in the green and fertile paradise that stretches audacious (or unstable) of pilots are willing to
across one half of Kessel’s surface, but the risk their lives—and their precious cargoes—by
price of that life has its cost. The royals have navigating shortcuts through it.
surrendered the far side of their planet to Those prepared to do so must negotiate
criminal gangs, whose unfettered mining freakish interstellar phenomena including
operations burrow deep beneath the planet’s carbonbergs, electrifying plasma storms,
surface to extract every last fragment of its and the powerful gravitational eddies that
mineral wealth. Meanwhile, the Empire keeps a surround the Maw Cluster. Even the most
close eye on what is found in Kessel’s depths. powerful of navicomputers fi nd plotting
The workers in these hellish mines live a the complex series of hyperspace jumps
life of total misery, mistreated and abused by required to avoid these hazards to be all-but
operators like the Pyke Syndicate, who run the impossible. Consequently, many pilots opt to
treacherous Spice Mines of Kessel and employ follow safer—but ultimately far slower—routes
a motley crew of heavies and cut-throats to to and from Kessel. Successfully completing
protect their assets. the run is something of a badge of honor.
30 / STAR WARS INSIDER
PLOTTING A COURSE INTO DANGER
There are many navigable routes to the planet
Kessel, but the most infamous is the one known to the
galaxy’s smuggling community as The Kessel Run.
01 02
03 04
01 A crew
of daring
smugglers
negotiate the
SAVAREEN treacherous
Kessel Run.
Savareen is located on
02 A droid at
a spur of the Kessel work in the
Run, and is a regular
Kessel spice
stopping-off point for mines.
smugglers. The world
is marked by desert 03 The Pyke
landmasses amid Syndicate
huge oceans, and an guard their
abandoned refi nery on mining assets
the Pnakotic Coast is with force.
often used by space
pirates who need a bolt 04 Savareen is
hole after completing a safe haven
smuggling runs from the for those
planet Kessel. plying their
trade on the
Kessel Run.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 31
Lando’s
Pride
And Joy
WE MAY BE MORE USED TO SEEING THE MILLENNIUM
FALCON LOOKING ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES, BUT AS
SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY REVEALS, THE FASTEST HUNK
OF JUNK IN THE GALAXY ONCE HAD THE LOOKS TO MATCH.
W ORDS: CHR I S T OPHER COOPER
SOLO: INSIDE THE MILLENNIUM FALCON
Escape
he Millennium Falcon
is the apple of Lando Craft
T Calrissian’s eye. A The forward
section of the
heavily modifi ed
ship conceals an
Corellian Engineering escape vehicle.
Corporation YT-1300
light freighter, the Falcon was already
a much-travelled ship when it became
the property of Calrissian, and the vessel
has been extensively refitted to meet his
discerning tastes. Docked within the arms
of the Falcon’s forward mandibles sits a
detachable escape craft, lending to the
ship’s sleek and distinctive profi le, while
the minimalist white, black, and yellow
interior reflects the gambler’s appreciation
for sharp lines and expensive fi nishes.
Lando Calrissian
(Donald Glover) at the
controls of his ship.
The Cockpit
Dominated by its
large transparisteel
viewport, the
Millennium Falcon’s
cockpit is as clean
and high-spec as
the rest of the ship,
and can seat the
Chewbacca(Joonas Suotamo) and Han Solo The view from the pilot, co-pilot, and
(Alden Ehrenreich) make themselves at home. Falcon’s cockpit. two additional crew
members.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 33
SOLO: INSIDE THE MILLENNIUM FALCON
Main Hold
Calrissian has converted the
main hold into an area he
uses primarily for entertaining
invited guests or for relaxing
between gaming engagements.
A large recliner dominates the
space, disguising an unsightly
maintenance panel beneath.
Han and Beckett (Woody Harrelson)
join Chewie at the holochess table.
Holochess Table Smuggling Compartments
Taking pride of place in the Fal- Before becoming a professional gambler, Lando Calrissian’s
con’s main hold is Calrissian’s previous career as a space smuggler required the use of
Chewbacca contemplates holochess table, where he secret compartments aboard his ship to store contraband.
a solo game of dejarik. enjoys the odd game of dejarik Some of these were hidden beneath the decking of the
and practices his card skills. main corridor, which runs around the center of the ship.
34 / STAR WARS INSIDER
SOLO: INSIDE THE MILLENNIUM FALCON
Lando’s Wardrobe
A man of impeccable
taste and style, Calrissian
maintains a fashionable
wardrobe aboard his ship
to enhance his image as a
successful sportsman.
Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke)
tries one of Lando’s
capes on for size.
The main hold includes
a technical station
(far right).
Technical
Station
On a bulkhead
opposite the main
hold’s holochess
table, a technical
station installed by
a previous owner
allows Calrissian and
his co-pilot, the self-
A view into the main hold Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) built droid L3-37, to
from the forward corridor. explores the Falcon. monitor the ship’s
operational status.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 35
h
t
h
e
en
e-sc
Star Wars Insider goes behind-the-scenes of the
-
show that goes behind-the-scenes of Star Wars.
It’s time for The Star Wars Show!
W ORDS: KR I S TIN B AVER
THE STAR WARS SHOW
utside
the Lucasfi lm
headquarters
in San Francisco,
Master Yoda is immortalized in bronze,
perched on top of a burbling fountain
in the office courtyard. But if this Jedi
could speak, he wouldn’t sound much
like Frank Oz or have the riddle-like
syntax of his on-screen counterpart.
At least that’s what Scott Bromley
thinks. The writer responsible for The
Star Wars Show—starwars.com’s weekly
news and interviews program—is also
the voice of the fountain in the show’s
opening credits, delivering the show’s
announcements each week in a voice
inspired by the perky tour guides who
regularly direct fans and sightseers
through the area. “I figured if the Yoda
fountain had a voice,” Bromley explains,
“he would base his way of speaking
on the only voices that he would hear
everyday—overly excited tour guides.”
Today, Insider is deviating from the
approved tour route to duck behind the
scenes of The Star Wars Show, with help
from Bromley and the rest of the team.
We’re here to talk about how episodes of
the seven-minute program are brought
to life each week, and how it came into
being in the fi rst place.
“It began life as a pitch by Lucasfi lm
Story Group member Matt Martin, while
he was still part of the online team,”
says the show’s producer John Harper.
But, the concept truly took form with
the arrival of the team’s director, Mickey
Capoferri, who set to work with Martin
to make the idea a reality. As The Star
Wars Show’s executive producer, Capoferri
assembled the production team, including
hiring Bromley and Harper, and did the
business legwork that got the project off
the ground. Bromley, who spent a decade
working in internet video before he was
hired by Lucasfilm, still recalls his fi rst
conversation with Capoferri and Martin
about the project. “They said they were
trying to do a weekly Star Wars show and
I said, ‘Just call it The Star Wars Show.
You’re not going to come up with a better
title than that. Stop right there.’”
STAR WARS INSIDER / 37
THE STAR WARS SHOW
Now in its third season, the show has reading and watching old interviews out onstage. “Andi saw the dog and she
come a long way since the pilot episode, featuring the slated guest to identify was crying,” says Bromley. “Then Carrie
earning itself an Emmy nomination in new and unexplored angles to take. came out as well, of course.”
2017, and garnering so many views via “By doing research you can always fi nd “That was the coolest thing anyone
StarWars.com and YouTube that hosts some line that clearly interested an has ever done for me,” Gutierrez says
Andi Gutierrez and Anthony Carboni interviewee, but which the interviewer through joyful tears.
get a movie star-style reception when didn’t follow up on,” says Bromley. “Use Just like Gutierrez, everyone working
they appear at conventions. During last that as a basis for a question and they on the show was a Star Wars fan before
year’s Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, light up. It makes them want to talk.” they joined the team. Bromley watched
one young fan even declared Gutierrez However, for one particular interview Return of the Jedi during its first run in
to be her favorite Star Wars character! the team didn’t let Gutierrez do any the theaters, before seeing the rest of
prep at all. the original trilogy at home on VHS. “I
Breaking The Script During the live show at Star Wars remember loving the Ewoks,” he says,
So, what does it take to pull together Celebration London, Bromley, Mickey “and when I was ill, I had a recurring
each new episode? Bromley starts his Capoferri, and the entire crew surprised fever dream about not being able to
week crafting the script, before the small their host with the chance to speak to lift the X-wing out of the swamp on
crew gathers to shoot the news segment. Carrie Fisher. One of Bromley’s favorite Dagobah and Yoda getting mad. So Star
“We have a tiny set, which we try to moments from the show, it’s a memory Wars really was the stuff of my dreams!”
make look much bigger,” says Harper. that still leaves Gutierrez in tears. Bromley grew up in San Francisco,
“We get a few different looks out of it “Carrie is my hero,” she says. “And and so Lucasfilm was a constant presence
and we can switch it around in a matter by the time we were at Celebration, I’d in his young life. “Star Wars is the Bay
of minutes.” had three interviews with her canceled Area,” he says. “It’s everywhere. I grew
“Scott knows our personalities and at the last minute. After that many let- up walking around and seeing people in
how we interact really well, and that downs, I’d decided that I wasn’t going Lucasfilm sweatshirts who worked here
enables him to script everything so that to get my hopes up.” and thinking, ‘Oh yeah. That is a real
it has a natural flow,” says Gutierrez. Adds Bromley: “So, I sat Andi in the thing that you can do one day.’”
“But Anthony always goes off script and cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, and Harper’s story is a little different.
has his little asides, because he’s just so I told her: ‘All right, I don’t know who “I don’t have that one moment,” he
witty like that. It keeps me on my toes we’re talking to, you might have to keep says of his journey to Lucasfilm. “I was
and it lightens the mood. It’s probably it generic. I had already taped some always a huge, huge fan of the movies,
80 percent scripted and 20 percent question cards underneath where she but I was even more a fan of all the
Anthony being weirdly creative and was sitting, but obviously Andi didn’t behind-the-scenes stuff. I liked that
trying to throw me off!” know that! She was looking at me as if even more than the movies themselves!
“That’s my favorite part,” comments to say, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing!’ I dreamed and dreamed and dreamed
Bromley, “watching him throw off Andi. And I said: ‘You’re going to be fi ne. of working for Lucasfilm or Industrial
I also love slipping silly things into the Just look at the camera, smile and say Light & Magic (ILM) one day.”
teleprompter for her to read, too.” “Welcome back! Here’s something that For Gutierrez, landing the role of
For most of the interview segments, you guys are going to love.”’ The Star Wars Show host was more
Gutierrez and Bromley sit down to go Gutierrez delivered the line, and Gary serendipitous—she had already been
over the topics they want to cover, Fisher, Carrie’s beloved pet pooch, trotted managing Lucasfilm’s social media for
more than two years before Mickey
Capoferri and Matt Martin tapped her
01
as a potential host. “I didn’t set out
wanting to work for Lucasfi lm,” she
says, “but when the opportunity arose,
I wasn’t going to say no! Now it’s just
taken over my life, and it’s really neat
to be a part of it. I was seven when my
dad first showed me Return of the Jedi
on his Laserdisc player. He just thought
I would like the Ewoks!”
The Working Week
No week on The Star Wars Show is
ever the same as the last. “There is
no standard week, ever,” says Harper.
“Mondays are for scripting and then
shooting, and Tuesdays are usually
reserved for editing, but an interview
02
01 The Star Wars
Show hosts
Anthony
Carboni and
Andi Gutierrez
at Celebration
Orlando (left).
02 The set, in a
corner office at
Lucasfilm HQ,
is redressed for
each segment
of the show.
can happen at any time. Sometimes our “Exactly that, yeah,” agrees Bromley. “By Orlando, The Star Wars Show was
interviews are shot a couple of weeks in “I always take the team aside and say: a thing,” says Bromley. “People not only
advance, but we’ve also done interviews ‘Just stop, look around, and enjoy knew who Andi and Anthony were, but
on Tuesday for launch on Wednesday. everything that’s happening, because also, if I got up in front and said ‘This
And the field packages [the on-location this is not a normal job.” week on The Star Wars Show’ in the Yoda
reports] can happen anytime.” voice, people knew who I was, too!”
When big news breaks, the team Going Live Fan acclaim was also followed by
will get at least a couple of hours to When the team stages The Star Wars industry recognition, with an Emmy
prepare, though announcements late in Show LIVE at Star Wars Celebration, nomination for Outstanding Short
the week call for an additional breaking the preparation needed for a standard Form Variety Series in summer 2017.
news installment of the show. “We can episode gets stretched into a marathon, The awards ceremony followed in the
shoot and edit a breaking news insert as they cover back-to-back days of the fall, with The Star Wars Show going up
in 90 minutes,” says Bromley. “Nothing massive convention. against big-hitters such as NBC’s Behind
surprises us too much,” adds Harper. “It’s not just Andi and Anthony up The Voice and the eventual winner, The
Yet, while the team has learned to on stage for eight to 10 hours a day,” Daily Show—Between The Scenes.
take the unexpected in their stride, they says Bromley. “The shows also need to But, super-stardom and award shows
never forget that their work lives are be written and researched, so you’re aside, the cast and crew are still just a
anything but ordinary. “It gives you doing everything you would do for a bunch of Star Wars fans having fun with
pause when you’re on the red carpet at a regular seven-minute show, but to fi ll a their friends.
Star Wars premiere with Steven Spielberg 10-hour slot, and for four days straight.” Bromley adds: “Everything we do is
and Frank Oz,” says Bromley. “You go: “For a month and a half before that with love, and we get away with a lot of
‘Hold on guys, we’re going to get you on happens, I don’t even look at our regular silliness because of that.
camera in a second,’ and then you stop show,” says Harper. “There is just such an “Right from the beginning, when we
and think: I’m telling Steven Spielberg immense amount of planning to do.” first superimposed my mouth on the
what to do! This is wild!” At Celebration London in July 2016, Yoda fountain, I said, ‘We’re never going
The show has also acted as the key to Gutierrez started to sense fans’ growing to get away with that. It’s too silly! But
an early-morning shoot in Disneyland, awareness of the show. “We had done it got a laugh and it helped set the tone
before the park opened to the public. “I Celebration Anaheim [in April 2015], for the rest of the show, and that was
felt like Preston Waters in Blank Check and no one knew who I was,” she says. always the intention.”
(1994), doing that,” says Bromley. “I “So I was able to just walk around and “We do have fun,” Gutierrez says.
have the entire park to myself and I can enjoy it. But, by the time we arrived in “We get to come to work and be with
ride Space Mountain as many times as I London, people knew us and recognized our best friends, and I think that really
want! I always remind the team that…” us wherever we went. And when we got comes through. It’s just a perfect storm
“This isn’t normal!” Gutierrez chimes to Celebration Orlando [April 2017], it of weirdos, which makes it so easy for
in, laughing. was insane. We could not go anywhere.” people to connect with.”
STAR WARS INSIDER / 39
THE STAR WARS SHOW
A WEEK ON THE ST AR W ARS SHOW
- Production Diary -
John Harper
DIRECT OR AND PR ODUCER
We have a stacked week, shooting our show on Monday with questions to Daisy Ridley, but we also want to add video clips
several field shoots, interviewing Ron Howard in Los Angeles on of fans asking questions themselves, and some movie clips.
Tuesday, covering Mark Hamill’s Walk of Fame ceremony and We shoot our closing sequence first, saving our open/news
getting Gentle Giant b-roll (also in L.A.) on Thursday, and doing section for after our meeting, in case any extra news comes
a livestream with Daisy Ridley in London on Friday. My main job in. The set is basically ready to go before we leave on Friday,
is to oversee all of the video production. There is an overlap with so as soon as Anthony lands we put everyone into the room
Scott, but I oversee the edits, set up all of our shoots, book crews, and bang out the close within five minutes. Kyle, Frank, and I
work with legal, deal with equipment upgrades, and so forth. then switch over the room in another five minutes to shoot the
I directly oversee Frank Knight, our editor, and Kyle Kao open/news after the meeting.
who does a little bit of everything, but I work with a team In the afternoon we have a meeting to go over our video
of eight others. Scott Bromley and myself are the producers, strategy for Emmy nominations, then head for the airport, only
Mickey Capoferri is the executive producer, Dana Jennings to find out that Ron Howard has had to push his interview into
and Andi Gutierrez are associate producers, Tony Sherg does next week. I ask the driver to turn around and rebook my travel
graphics, Anina Walas is our coordinator, and Andi and for Wednesday evening.
Anthony Carboni are the hosts. In the afternoon, we send out the first cut of the show to
our own team and to legal.
Monday
I start my day on a call with Facebook in London, ahead of a Tuesday
half-hour livestream we are putting on in conjunction with I spend most of my unexpectedly free Tuesday by looking at
Disney Home Video. This is basically Andi reading out fan upcoming shoots. I work on logistics for the Daisy live chat, pull
movie clips, come up with an approval strategy for the questions,
and work with legal to make sure we can show videos of fans
asking questions. I make sure we are all set with our press badges
and logistics for the Walk of Fame shoot and oversee the show
edits. We have two upcoming sponsored shoots that take more
work than a usual shoot. One of these is in conjunction with Solo
Cup, for which we are creating a Millennium Falcon completely
out of Solo Products, so I work with 32Ten (the production studio
building the Falcon) to figure out what size we can actually make
it, collect assets from the internal image unit, and make sure they
are getting all of the Solo product they need.
Wednesday
The launch of the show goes off okay, once some small legal
01 / A Star Wars Show crew member films the action at Celebration London. snafus have been dealt with. After getting all of the necessary
40 / STAR WARS INSIDER
02 / Frank Knight checks the camera ahead of The Star Wars Show’s coverage of the The Last Jedi ’s Los Angeles premiere.
approvals, we head into the studio to shoot an interview with
BB-8 puppeteer Brian Herring.
We are rebooting our top 10 series this week, in conjunction
with Mark Hamill getting his star, so I also oversee the edit and
graphics package for a “top 10 Luke moments” video that will
be launched on Thursday.
In the afternoon, I get to work importing and cataloging a
bunch of behind-the-scenes footage from the set of Solo, so we
can begin a strategy on how to execute it.
The day ends with me flying out to Burbank for the two
shoots the next day and picking up some extra gear from our
satellite set at the Disney lot.
Thursday
03 / The Star Wars Show shoots its studio segments every Monday.
Even though we are part of Lucasfilm, it’s not every day we get
to interview George Lucas, Harrison Ford, and Mark Hamill, so
today is a really fun day. You need to be prepared for anything
and everything on a day like this, and we don’t know how
much time we are getting with the talent, so I make sure to
have a plan B and plan C ready. We set up a camera on the
press line to capture the Walk of Fame ceremony itself, and
then set up another camera inside for interviews.
After we get everything we need, including some great
coverage of the event, we move over to Gentle Giant’s studios,
which are also in Burbank. They’re working on a special project
for us, and we are there to capture B-roll of that and the facility
in general for a couple of hours. I then return some of our gear
to the Disney lot before electing to spend the night in L.A.,
since it has been a long day. 04 / Harper and his crew have frontline access on Mark Hamill’s big day.
Friday
I join the Daisy Ridley livestream via video chat to help answer “It’s not every day we get to
any last-minute questions. Everything is pretty much in place, interview George Lucas, Harrison
so once it starts I take a flight home around 11am. Back in the
office, I catch up on emails and plan for the weeks to come. Ford, and Mark Hamill.”
STAR WARS INSIDER / 41
THE STAR WARS SHOW
A WEEK ON THE ST AR W ARS SHOW
- Production Diary -
SCOTT BROMLEY
WRITER AND PR ODUCER
Monday
5:30am: I wake up and check my emails hoping that there is
news I can use that miraculously came in over the weekend.
When I arrive at the office at 7.30am there is still no news to
report. This is mildly terrifying seeing as a third of the show is
reliant on this part. I’ve heard rumors we’ll be getting a deleted
scene to run in the show this week, but nobody has confi rmed
it yet.
8:00am: I call Mickey Capoferri (our executive producer) to
find out where we stand for news. He confirms that we will
be getting the deleted scene and that we can fi nally publicly
announce that Andi will be doing a live chat with Daisy Ridley
in London on Friday. 01 / Scott Bromley is the voice (and mouth) of Lucasfilm’s Yoda statue.
10:30am: The show is written and we’re in the studio
shooting. For some reason this week, the teleprompter does and comment about how much better she is on camera now.
not want to operate properly for anyone. After struggling to get After the party, Harper heads to the airport with the gear as
through the close, we break for our bi-weekly show meeting Dana (associate producer) and Frank (one of our editors) call
to go over our insane schedule: shoot the show on Monday, me into the studio to try out new teleprompter apps. A rough
interview Ron Howard in L.A. on Tuesday, edit and post the cut of the show with temporary graphics and music is ready to
show by Wednesday at noon, fly back to L.A. to shoot Mark look at. I give my notes and head home for the day at six.
Hamill, Harrison Ford, George Lucas, and Kathleen Kennedy at
Mark’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star ceremony on Thursday, Tuesday
and also shoot another package while still in L.A. 8:30am: The day begins with more fine-tuning of the episode.
12:00pm: We head back into the studio to shoot the opening We get our first look at the deleted scene we’re running and my
and news. We continue to struggle with the teleprompter. worry about a lack of news is forgotten. It’s a doozy!
1:00pm: We get an email saying that the Chopper Cam for 10:00am: BB-8 puppeteer Brian Herring pops by the offi ce,
the Rebels Recon series fi nale may need to be reshot. This is killing time between meetings. He floats the idea of being
impossible—it’s scheduled to air in four hours and all our gear interviewed for the show in passing, and Andi and I look at
is packed up for L.A. We send Andi downstairs to Dave Filoni’s each other knowing full well the gear is all packed. Andi and I
office to get his official sign-off on the episode. Five minutes ask Brian if he has time the following morning.
later she returns with his approval.
4:00pm: We have a “mysterious meeting,” which turns out to Wednesday
be a surprise Rebels Recon wrap party, celebrating the end of the 10:30am: Wednesday begins with Andi interviewing Brian
first short-form show the team has ever produced. We watch Herring. The interview lasts for about half an hour, after which
Andi’s first ever episode, which embarrasses her, but we all laugh I say the same thing I say after every interview: “There’s three
42 / STAR WARS INSIDER
02 / Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) makes a guest appearance on The Star Wars Show Live! set at Celebration Europe.
minutes in there.” Everyone laughs. Harper begins tearing
down the studio and repacking the gear for shooting in L.A.
4:00pm: I get a call from Mickey letting me know about a bit
of breaking news that will be hitting the following morning.
Normally, we would turn this into a breaking news segment to
air on YouTube the moment the announcement hits starwars.
com, but with the gear being gone and Andi heading out to
pack for London, we can’t do one. C’est la vie!
Thursday
6:00am: The news about Jon Favreau running the live-action
Star Wars TV series hits early in the morning. I’m slightly
relieved we didn’t do a breaking news, because now I can
recap this story as the lead story for the show next week.
8:00am: I arrive to an email from Disney Parks asking if we
want to announce the new Star Wars Nite at Disneyland next 03 / (Left to right) Tony Sherg, John Harper, and Kyle Kao.
week. Awesome! There’s story two and it’s only Thursday!
Recap Mark getting his star and that’s three stories. NEWS DONE! Meanwhile, Harper is in L.A. with Mickey touring the
Gentle Giant’s studios, grabbing B-roll and interviews for a
segment we’re holding for later this year.
2:30pm: In our second bi-weekly show meeting, we discuss
the week ahead. I go over our potential running order. I go
back to my desk and write the first draft of next week’s script,
because—for only the third or fourth time during the entire
show’s run—we actually have enough solid news to write the
show ahead of Monday morning.
Friday
8:00am: I get to the office early to watch Andi’s live stream
with Daisy. Andi does a fantastic job, and I take an early lunch.
4:00pm: Kyle returns from L.A. and I look at the raw footage
of Mark Hamill’s Hollywood Walk of Fame interviews with
Hamill, Harrison Ford, George Lucas, and Kathleen Kennedy.
I duck out early for the weekend but also to pack. I leave
04 / Kyle Kao prepares the studio for an interview shoot. tomorrow morning for a whole week!
STAR WARS INSIDER / 43
THE STAR WARS SHOW
A WEEK ON THE ST AR W ARS SHOW
- Production Diary -
ANDI GUTIERREZ
CO-PRESENTER
Monday get to say hello to Brian Herring as he visits the office, and we
8:15am: Commute. I read some recent articles about Solo, schedule an impromptu interview for the next day.
and interviews with Ron Howard to try to come up with some
last-minute questions for tomorrow’s interview. I also do an Wednesday
initial read-through of the script. 10:00am: There’s a massive blizzard on the East Coast, and
9:30am: I arrive at work kind of late with no makeup on my connecting flight to London tomorrow morning is in NYC,
(standard), having a bad hair day (annoying). Great way to so… FREAK OUT ABOUT FLIGHTS AND WINTER STORMS!
start an absolutely insane week. I remind myself to try not Frantically change my flights to make sure I get to London on
to be nervous about interviewing Ron Howard tomorrow. time for a Facebook Live interview with Daisy Ridley. I’ll only
Too late. have a few hours on the ground before the stream.
5:00pm: We get word that the Howard interview has been 12:00pm: The show goes live, including the call for fan
moved. I cancel my fl ights. questions for Daisy’s Q&A.
5:30pm: Tonight is the Rebels series finale. It’s a bittersweet I spend the rest of the day with the social team, scanning
thing for me personally, because it’s also the last episode of all our channels to make sure that we get enough interesting,
Rebels Recon [which Gutierrez presents], ending an important different questions.
chapter in my life.
Thursday
Tuesday 11:30am: I get to the airport early, which is a good thing,
9:00am: Since today’s interview was rescheduled, it’s a pretty because I have trouble checking in due to my fl ight change.
light day at the office. The silver lining of the change is that I Minor stress out. We take off for Seattle and I fi nish the
proposed Q&A flow on the plane, before sending it off for
approvals.
5:30pm: I’m flying overnight from Seattle to London, and my
work is pretty much done, so I watch a few movies and try to
get as much sleep as possible. Tomorrow is going to be a very
long day.
Friday
11:00am in London, 3:00am at home: We land at
Heathrow. Since there’s traffic and I like the view from trains,
I take the Tube into London. It’s way more pleasant than my
BART [Bay Area Rapid Transit] commute.
3:00pm: I’ve talked with Daisy a few times before, and she’s
super cool, but I’m still nervous. I’m always nervous before this
01 / A visit by BB-8 operator Brian Herring is a good excuse for an interview. sort of thing. It will never feel old or boring or easy for me, and
44 / STAR WARS INSIDER
02 / Special guest Carrie Fisher (and Gary) surprises Andi Gutierrez during The Star Wars Show Live! at Celebration Europe 2016.
03 / Andi and co-host Anthony Carboni celebrate another great episode. 04 /Andi interviews animation guru Dave Filoni at Celebration Orlando.
I think that’s probably a good thing. It makes me focus. production team does a great job on the clips and graphics,
4:30pm: I pack up my essentials and head over to the and the feed looks good from what I can see on the monitor.
Facebook office. It’s starting to rain. Cool. I don’t have an 7:00pm: All done! Since my internal clock is all sorts of
umbrella. Cool. It’s only about two blocks away, so it would messed up, I take a walk around the neighborhood to enjoy
be silly to get a ride. It’s not a huge deal, but I walk fast. This the little bit of free time that I have in London. I go back to
doesn’t help with my nerves. my hotel and order room service. I really don’t like watching
4:45pm: I meet up with the team at Facebook that’s hosting myself, and I’m always anxious about the final product, so I
the Q&A, as well as our U.K. social media team, Anthony and don’t watch the Q&A video yet.
Steve. I’ve known Anthony for a few years, so it’s comforting to
have someone else I know in the room. Saturday
When Daisy arrives, we get to chat in the green room for 9:00am: I wake up and leave for Heathrow. To kill some time
a few minutes, which is perfect, because I’ve never really had at the airport, I watch the video from yesterday’s Q&A. It’s
a chance to talk to her in a “normal” setting outside of an good, so I finally feel relaxed and confident about it.
interview. She’s awesome, as usual. More caffeine. 1:15pm: The plane takes off for home. At this point, I’m
6:00pm: Showtime! It goes pretty smoothly considering how exhausted and I’ve lost track of what day and time it is. I arrive
tired and mentally slow I feel. I way over-prepared, and had around 10:00pm Pacific Time and sleep until Monday, when
too many questions for our allotted time, but there are some I’m back in the office—just like any other Monday—to shoot
great moments, and Daisy gives some awesome insights. The the show at around 9:00am.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 45
“At its heart, beyond its
mythological trappings,
Star Wars is a series
of movies that draws
inspiration from a
multitude of genres.”
CINEMATIC FORCES
C C CINEMATIC FORCES
E
R
The movies that inspired
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Writer, director, and cinephile Rian Johnson
imbued his entry into Star Wars with themes and
imagery influenced by the movies he loves. So
how do they help us understand The Last Jedi?
W ORDS: MI CHAEL K OGGE
t its heart, beyond its mythological trappings, Star Wars is
a series of movies that draws inspiration from a multitude
A of genres. This was apparent right at the beginning. The
original 1977 film was born of George Lucas’ love for
Westerns, samurai films, old-time slapstick, screwball
comedies, war pictures, and 1930s science-fi ction serials.
His genius was taking what he loved about each and creating a fantastical
bricolage set in a galaxy far, far way. Subsequent chapters in the saga
continued this method of blending genres, and the latest episode, writer-
director Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi, proved no different.
No stranger to homage, Johnson had imbued his previous fi lms with
a reverence for cinema of the past. Brick (2003) is a high-school pastiche
of 1940s and ’50s American film noir and Italian Spaghetti Westerns; The
Brothers Bloom (2008) is a crime caper with loving nods to Federico Fellini’s
8 ½ (1963) and Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Conformist (1970); and Looper
(2012) is a science-fi ction film that mixes Blade Runner (1982) and Children
of Men (2006) with French New Wave films, the Western Shane (1953),
and the Harrison Ford thriller Witness (1985). When developing the script
for The Last Jedi back in 2014, Johnson returned to his cinephile roots.
He found inspiration in old Hollywood war pictures, particularly Twelve
O’Clock High (1949), along with the classic Japanese fi lm Three Outlaw
Samurai (1964), the Alfred Hitchcock-helmed To Catch a Thief (1955), and
even the gonzo sci-fi camp of Flash Gordon (1980).
One of the best ways to fully understand a creative work is to study its
influences, so let’s take a closer look at these four films, and see how each
one made its mark on the direction and themes of The Last Jedi. By no
means a definitive list, what follows is, instead, merely a jumping-off point
from which to explore the wealth of cinematic visions that helped shape
the latest entry in the Star Wars saga.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 47
CINEMATIC FORCES
Twelve
O’Clock
High
Director: Henry King
(20th century fox, 1945)
rom its title alone, Star Wars
promises epic battles in space,
F and in this regard, The Last
Jedi does not disappoint. The fi lm
opens with a thrilling dogfi ght of
Resistance X-wings and A-wings
01
against First Order TIE fi ghters.
Poe Dameron leads the charge
for the Resistance in Black One,
blasting all the turbolaser batteries Johnson’s research and Twelve O’Clock High. Group into a formidable fi ghting
on the First Order’s Dreadnaught. “I read a lot about World War II bombing force. Adapted by Sy Bartlett and
Seeing an opportunity to destroy runs,” Johnson said in an interview for Wired. Beirne Lay, Jr. from their own
the Dreadnaught entirely, Poe “How they worked and how [the bombers] novel, and directed by Henry Ring,
then disobeys General Organa’s were big, un-maneuverable beasts that the more Twelve O’Clock High differs from
command and calls in the bomber nimble fighters would have to protect… I also most other war films of the time
squad to make its run against the looked at a bunch of World War II movies. So, in that it depicts a realistic and
giant warship. The A-wings and Twelve O’Clock High was a big reference for me.” grim view of the war from the eyes
X-wings position themselves in a Set during the early days of America’s entry of the Army pilots and airmen.
protective formation around the into World War II, Twelve O’Clock High tells the These soldiers have become jaded
bombers, while Dameron fends story of Brigadier General Frank Savage, played from countless precision daylight
off TIE pursuers. The inspiration by Gregory Peck, and his ordeal to transform bombing raids on Nazi-held areas
for the sequence comes from both the undisciplined and war-weary 918th Bomb that took the lives of many of their
comrades. General Savage intends
to instill order and boost morale,
but at the end of the fi lm, suffers
a nervous breakdown of his own.
01 / The design
of the Resistance The film shows that the brutality
StarFortress of war can crush the mettle of even
bombers was
based on World the most disciplined of men.
War II Flying Apart from this grim message,
Fortresses.
what makes Twelve O’Clock
02 / Resistance High stand out nearly 70 years
fighters support later—and one of the reasons the
the bombing run.
Library of Congress selected it
for preservation—is the kinetic
bombing run that occurs toward
its climax. Cinematographer Leon
Shamroy filmed the actors in mock
cockpits and fuselages, and editor
Barbara McLean combined those
shots with documentary footage
of American and German planes
engaged in actual aerial combat
02
during the war. The fi lm opens
48 / STAR WARS INSIDER
CINEMATIC FORCES
with an acknowledgment that
03
the air battles were photographed
by members of the USAF and
German Luftwaffe, and the Oscar
award-winning sound recording of
Thomas Moulton bridges the studio
and documentary footage so that
the viewer never questions what is
authentic and what is not.
Johnson drew on Twelve
O’Clock High as an example of
what he wanted in the opening
battle scene of The Last Jedi, just as
George Lucas had used the fi ghter
plane sequence in the British
fi lm The Dam Busters (1955) to
03 / The casino
pre-visualize the Death Star trench on Canto Bight
run in Star Wars: A New Hope. was modeled
on the glamor
Johnson’s efforts began with the of Monte Carlo .
design of the Resistance’s MG-100
StarFortress SF-17 heavy bombers,
which were modeled on the Boeing managing vineyards and orchards
B-17 Flying Fortresses deployed To in the south of France. But when a
by the U.S. Army in World War number of wealthy vacationers are
II and seen in Twelve O’Clock robbed of their jewels, the French
High. Both craft have a spherical Catch police are convinced that the Cat
cannon located on the bottom of is back to his old tricks, and come
the fuselage, and Johnson’s shots snooping around Robie’s villa.
of Paige Tico spinning in the belly a Thief 26-year-old Grace Kelly enters
turret of the Cobalt Hammer and the story as Frances Stevens, the
firing at TIEs mirror those of B-17 Director: Alfred Hitchcock beautiful, spoiled daughter of a rich
gunners releasing their rounds on (PARAMOUNT PICTURES 1955) widow who owns an assortment of
Luftwaffe fighter planes in Twelve diamond jewelry. She soon turns
O’Clock High. up the heat on the handsome,
Johnson also sought to conjure ens of iniquity have always older Robie, and as the attraction
up the same camaraderie between been a staple of Star Wars between them mounts, so do the
the Resistance pilots that was front D films, from the Mos Eisley questions. One doesn’t know until
and center with the USAF airmen cantina and Jabba’s palace to the the film’s end if Robie has actually
in Twelve O’Clock High. Poe, Paige Outlander nightclub and Maz given up his life of crime, or if he’s
Tico, bombardier Nix Jerd, A-wing Kanata’s castle. Johnson creates exploiting his relationship with
wingleader Tallie Lintra, and a host another such den in The Last Jedi’s Frances for a chance to steal her
of other pilots and personnel work Canto Bight, but one in which mother’s precious stones.
together as a well-oiled team, and the seediness is far better hidden. The French Riviera as pictured
The Last Jedi establishes their Speaking to Empire, Johnson in To Catch a Thief gave Johnson
characters quickly and effi ciently explained how he strove to capture a visual template for the location
through close-ups and their cockpit the “romantic scale and grandeur” of Rose and Finn’s fi rst adventure,
banter. Although Paige appears on of the French Riviera that Alfred where their relationship begins to
screen for less than a minute, it’s Hitchcock brought to the screen so grow. Johnson imagined Canto
a testament to Johnson’s abilities deliciously in To Catch a Thief. Bight as the Monte Carlo of the
that her sacrifice resonates with In this thriller, written by John Star Wars universe—a coastal
a powerful emotional punch to Michael Hayes and based on David city replete with fi ve-star hotels,
the gut that forces the audience Dodge’s novel, Cary Grant plays gorgeous beaches, and classy
to experience the same loss that John Robie, an American expatriate casinos. Croatia’s walled city of
her sister, Rose, also feels. Echoing who has long since retired from Dubrovnik, on the shores of the
Twelve O’Clock High, The Last Jedi his postwar career as a jewel thief. Adriatic Sea, radiated the 1950s
mourns the demise of even minor Once widely known as “the Cat” charm and romance Johnson
characters, stressing that the glories for his abilities to prowl on rooftops wanted for Canto Bight. Only the
of war are bitter ones, couched in and sneak into rooms unnoticed, richest of the rich gamble and party
sorrow and death. Robie now devotes his time to here, and their number includes
STAR WARS INSIDER / 49
CINEMATIC FORCES
04
Three
Outlaw
Samurai
04 / Finn marvels
at the opulence of Director: Hideo Gosha
Canto Bight. (SAMURAI PRODUCTIONS 1965)
05 / The muted
tones of the Canto
Bight casino are eorge Lucas has acknowledged
a visual nod to
Hitchcok’s film. that Akira Kurosawa’s samurai
G fi lms, particularly The Hidden
Fortress (1958), infl uenced many
of the plot points of the original
Star Wars, from its quest to save
a princess to its tagalong lowly
peasant characters, reconfi gured
by Lucas into the droids C-3PO
and R2-D2. Johnson also looked
to the chanbara (samurai) genre
for inspiration, particularly Three 06
Outlaw Samurai, made by director
Hideo Gosha.
05
Gosha’s film is a prequel to the
1963 Japanese television series of
the same name, about a trio of
the suave and sophisticated Master Finn and Rose switching places with ronin (masterless samurai) who
Codebreaker the duo are seeking. John Robie, but for the surprise that wander Japan lending their swords
The introductory shots of the the Cat would experience at coming to protect the defenseless and the
Canto Casino are a deliberate wink face to face with sentient felines poor. In contrast to Kurosawa’s
to the gaming palace in To Catch and assorted alien creatures of the
a Thief. Both locations have color Star Wars universe!
palettes of muted browns and To Catch a Thief’s infl uence
greens, and the same off-white doesn’t end with the production
overhead source lighting. All the design. Johnson wrote and fi lmed
background characters in both a sequence very much inspired by
casinos are dressed to the nines the concluding scenes of Alfred
in gowns and tuxedos, and have Hitchcock’s film, where John
money to burn in games of roulette Robie slinks along the rooftops,
and craps (or the science-fi ction searching for the real cat burglar.
equivalent). One could envisage Johnson’s version for The Last Jedi
had Finn and Rose chasing after the
06 / Rey finds
Master Codebreaker on the rooves herself without
“The introductory of Canto Bight before getting a master, as did
shots of the Canto caught by the cops. While that Gosha’s ronin.
Casino are a scene eventually ended up on the 07 / Johnson
deliberate wink to cutting room floor, Finn and Rose looked towards
the chanbara
the gaming palace do momentarily end up on the (samurai) genre
rooftops while riding the fathiers
in To Catch a Thief.” away from the police. for inspiration.
50 / STAR WARS INSIDER