Star Wars Insider #196

INTERVIEW: ROB COLEMAN










“The first time I saw the entire


film, at the Stag theater at

Skywalker Ranch, I remember


ust bein overwhelmed by

the experience.”





























04 Success animating
Watto gave Rob
Coleman and his
team confidence
they could complete
the movie.

05 Sebulba’s stare
was based on
an unblinking
character in
Casablanca (1942).



yard with Watto, which was the fi rst happy. One person. And that person Smith, who edited it. We were all
scene we did. Why it stands out for me is me. I’m happy. I think you guys are sitting there to see it for the fi rst time


is because we got to a place that I could doing a great job, so you need to stop with the final mix, final picture, fi nal
imagine, and we got there pretty quickly. worrying about the world and you everything. I hadn’t seen it in that
It gave me confidence that we would need to continue making me happy.” I form. I hadn’t even heard the sound

be able to climb that mountain. If we drove back home and that night I slept effects of the podracers until that
hadn’t had the early success with that like a baby. screening, so to hear Sebulba’s racer
character, I would have been in a much was amazing.
more precarious position. Were you still worried when you At the end of the screening,
I had serious insomnia early in the watched the completed movie for George and Steven were standing
production, to the point where I wasn’t the fi rst time? there talking about it, and I wanted
sure I was going to be able to fi nish the RC: There was a huge amount of to hear what was being said so I
film. I was so freaked out about theaters nervousness, but George never seemed hung around at the back of the aisle.

full of people judging what we’d done. anxious to me. The first time I saw George saw me and introduced me,

I kept thinking about the millions of the entire film, in the Stag theater at and Steven sort of bowed and said,

fans out there who’d been waiting Skywalker Ranch, I remember just “The work is absolutely amazing,

for this film, and I wasn’t sure I was being overwhelmed by the experience. it’s astonishing.” Then George put
worthy of the task. I remember driving Steven Spielberg sat beside George. his arm around me and said, “Ah,
up to Skywalker Ranch and asking to Rupert Murdoch was there with some yeah, Steven, you can’t talk to
see George. I sat down and told him I of his people in the back. Visual effects Rob anymore,” and we walked out
was worried about all these people, and supervisor John Knoll and sound editor together. That was the point I knew
he said, “You need to make one person Ben Burtt were there, and Martin I’d reached the top of Everest.






STAR WARS INSIDER / 51



“There are so many

ways that Star Wars


can inspire people to


be part of something


even bigger.”


Madlyn Burkert






Madlyn Burkert has the enviable task of being
the guardian of Lucasfilm’s ever-growing archive of

Star Wars screen-used props, costumes, and other
ephemera. Star Wars Insider paid her a visit as items
from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) arrived
at their new home, to find out just how expansive her

unique role can be.

W ORDS: KR I S TIN B AVER




aring for the Like a real-life Jocasta Nu,
props and Burkert’s job is to protect and
C costumes inside preserve some of the most unique

the Lucasfi lm
artifacts that have made modern
Archive takes on Star Wars fi lmmaking possible—the
a literal meaning thousands of individual costumes
when collections and exhibitions and props that have been used for
archivist Madlyn Burkert has to everything from Star Wars: The
lug Chewbacca’s furry suit to the Force Awakens (2015) through to
LDAC locker room for a cleansing Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
shampoo and deep conditioner. (2019), and each film and live-

The layers of real yak hair tend action series in between, plus a
to get grimy while traveling wealth of maquettes and other
the galaxy on set, and it’s up to prototypes created for animated
Burkert to ensure the costume projects like Star Wars Rebels
remains pristine. “We didn’t have (2014-2018).
an outdoor hose spray-down A wall of boxes and crates
setup like they did at Pinewood lines the entryway to the space—
Studios,” Burkert explains. “But deceptively simple gray and black
we did our best. We washed him boxes that hold untold treasures,
in the shower and then we hung from the massive Solo: A Star
him up to dry.” The whole process Wars Story (2018) sabacc table
took a week, with the suit draped to handheld trinkets like Rose
carefully over an air vent and a Tico’s pendant. But unlike most
collection of fans blowing cool air archives, where items are preserved
at it from different angles. “Then for posterity, Burkert’s team is an
we literally curled his hair and active part of ongoing productions
styled it,” she smiles. and asset management. At any

INSIDE THE LUCASFILM ARCHIVE







01
02












































03



Sharing the costumes with the
world is easily Burkert’s favorite part
of the job, “And making them feel
like they’re part of that galaxy,” she
notes—something she brings to the

Lucasfilm headquarters in the form
of a rotating display of costumes.
Of late, the cases have held the
titular character’s armor from The
given time the archivist might be the green room they assigned us!’ Mandalorian and a fearsome pair
preparing screen-used costumes for Little things like that come up all of red Sith troopers. Until recently,
a press junket or a world premiere, the time.” a more ancient-looking set of
hiring costumers to help properly Mandalorian armor sat on display,

fit a squadron of stormtroopers for Sharing is Caring an artifact that was glimpsed in the
a commercial shoot, assisting prop Just hours before The Rise of background of Dryden Vos’s yacht
replica makers to gather detailed Skywalker made its debut to the in Solo: A Star Wars Story. A French
measurements and reference world in December 2019, Burkert fan was so overcome upon seeing
material, and trying to convince was shoeless and clambering onto the piece up close, she started to tear
the Transportation Security a pedestal, carefully arranging up and put her hands together as if
Administration that the lightsaber the billowing parachute-like cape in prayer.
she’s carrying is defi nitely an affixed to Jannah’s costume. Neatly “It’s just a visceral level of

approved carry-on item. (Since the arranged on a mannequin, the excitement, of being close to
opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, ensemble was one of eight from something that you know was
TSA actually has a public policy the film on display at the world handled or that was worn by

about the preferred weapons of premiere event, along with the someone that you’ve maybe been
the Jedi.) Evolution of the Stormtrooper watching on screen for 40 years. But
“There’s a lot of problem-solving exhibition that Burkert had then the other part of it is for people
and ingenuity,” Burkert says. “A lot previously packed, shipped, to be able to see the craftsmanship
of on-the-ground thinking. A lot of, set up, and torn down for San up close,” Burkert says, holding the
‘Oh no, R2-D2’s crate doesn’t fi t in Diego Comic-Con and D23 Expo. Medal of Yavin in her gloved hands,






54 / STAR WARS INSIDER

INSIDE THE LUCASFILM ARCHIVE






a recent acquisition from the latest concentration in entertainment. 01 Burkert artwork, a typical introductory


film bestowed upon Chewbacca. “When I first left teaching for prepares a project for a young archivist. “Their
Sith trooper
“They may not realize that this a year, I literally sat down and costume for plan was to digitize all the artwork
Medal of Yavin is actually forged out asked myself, ‘Where would you display in the in the collection,” she says. “The
corridors of
of brass. It is really heavy and it’s gladly want to work for free in things that were my favorite were
Lucasfilm.
substantial. And that can surprise New York City? Because this is actually Jim Henson’s college work,
people as well, because maybe they your chance.’” 02 Stormtrooper when he was a commercial art
armor on
expected it to be plastic or painted Not far from her front major.” Interacting with Henson’s
show at
to look like metal.” door was Sesame Workshop, The Rise of early work gave Burkert a new
Nearby sits the battered and where the colorful neighbors Skywalker appreciation for his most iconic
premiere.
worn red Jedi training ball that Rey on Sesame Street gathered for creations, like Kermit the Frog. “I
used in the movie. Burkert points production of the long-running 03 Dark Rey’s always loved this sort of interesting
lightsaber,
to the layers of paint, painstakingly children’s show. “That led me modernist design and Jim Henson
held with
applied by hand, and other details to thinking about Jim Henson.” due care was making that all happen. And I
imperceptible to filmgoers. “It shows In 2010, Burkert joined the by Burkert. never thought about the Muppets

how much detail has been put in to Queens headquarters of the Jim being these minimalist versions of
04 Rey’s Rise
make sure it looks used, or maybe Henson Company as an intern of Skywalker creatures and characters. There’s
slightly singed by a lightsaber. It in the archive, ascending to fi ll lightsaber. some element of that that defi nitely
shows wear and tear through paint a role as assistant archivist when bled into them. And then I saw his
strokes and details that you will a colleague left the following year. earlier work: bright color-blocking,
probably never see on screen.” Burkert was tasked with scanning motifs, and a bit of irreverence,
and digitizing Jim Henson’s old googly eyes on things you
History to Henson

Part of Burkert’s job is to educate,
an aspect that has in some ways 04
brought her career full circle. “I had
always wanted to be a teacher,” she
says about her early aspirations.
In college at the University
of Michigan, Burkert started out
studying art, but quickly realized
that her favorite process wasn’t
in creating something new but
understanding the history of an
artwork, specifi cally modernist
Scandinavian design. She decided
to shift her focus. “I didn’t know
I would be caring for the art
of others later on,” she says. “I
didn’t especially imagine being
in production.”
After graduation she taught high
school history in Brooklyn, New
York, for three years before returning
to the classroom as a student. “I
didn’t necessarily plan to leave
teaching, but I started going to grad
school for library science because
it was adjacent to education,” she
says. “It was still about knowledge
and learning how to teach people
how to access information. And I
thought if I didn’t stay in teaching
it could allow me to work in a more
academic setting, a school library
or an academic library, or a library
museum archive.” The American
studies Masters program was
tailored to Burkert’s interests, with a






STAR WARS INSIDER / 55

INSIDE THE LUCASFILM ARCHIVE






didn’t think needed them but then I saw Finn pull out the Jedi training
suddenly they came alive.” ball and throw it back, I was like…”
From there, Burkert’s manager Burkert gasps. “There it is!”
connected her with a colleague at

Lucasfilm, leading Madlyn to spend Juggling Act
a summer at Skywalker Ranch in After two and a half years, she
the physical media archive. The moved into her current role, helping
climate-controlled vault houses to oversee the all-new Lucasfi lm
cases of original film reels, scripts, Archive for the sequel trilogy

production documents, camera and beyond, a job that requires
reports, and every bit of audio much more interaction with the
recorded for productions from Star production wing, licensees, Disney
Wars and Indiana Jones, to the Parks, and more—a living, breathing
Radioland Murders (1994) and Star physical asset warehouse that goes
Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2014, far beyond preserving said items
2020). An upcoming Blu-ray release for posterity.
of the Indiana Jones fi lms sent Before the opening of Star Wars:

Burkert scrambling to find the Reel 1 Galaxy’s Edge, Burkert’s team helped

audio track from Raiders of the Lost Walt Disney Imagineers research the
Ark (1981) that had been misplaced various items for display and sale
in the wrong box, she recalls. at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
After graduation she returned Another day, she was called upon

to the film archive at Lucasfi lm to prep one of Oscar Isaac’s Poe
for two years before taking a brief Dameron costumes to shoot a new
stint in the Legacy Archive, which sequence with the same actor that
houses the costumes and props would appear in Star Tours. “We
from the original trilogy, prequels, are a team that facilitates the needs
and other Lucasfi lm properties of physical assets for any use that’s
06

now known as the George Lucas not the film itself,” Burkert says.
Museum Collection. At one point, “Television commercials, research,
the job called for Burkert to visit a licensees, parks, games, or any other
traveling exhibition in Japan to take division that needs detailed access One week, Burkert was juggling a
measurements and photographs of to these physical objects to be able commercial shoot, an armor fi tting
the original Jedi training ball prop, to recreate it, be that physically or for a future event, and a mannequin
which was on tour at the time, for inspired-by versions of props.” display set-up. “I didn’t expect to
the production crew working on The varied work, and far- like that part so much. I enjoy live-
The Force Awakens. “That was a reaching allure of Star Wars in pop action production. I enjoy working
long time before I finally got to see culture, means there’s no typical on commercials. I enjoy seeing

the film on opening night, so when day for Burkert and her small crew. people being put into our costumes

and getting to experience that. It’s
really fun to know that we’re setting
05 up an exhibit with new costumes
that the world has never seen, and
in some instances that haven’t been
seen at all.” At Star Wars Celebration
Chicago, Burkert and Portia Fontes,
the physical assets coordinator, had

to figure out how to wrangle a cart
carrying K-2SO’s arms and Argus
“Six Eyes” Panox’s animatronic
head through the snow for a panel
appearance. “We do occasionally
carry shipments by hand,” Burkert

says. She’s flown a lightsaber home
as carry-on luggage from Toronto,
and Fontes did the same with a
helmet that was needed in Spain in
a hurry. They pack crates, carefully
position mannequins, and learn






56 / STAR WARS INSIDER

07




















08















“I enjoy seeing


people being put


into our costumes


and getting to

experience that.”










how to recreate key looks; 05 Madlyn a special box, although she’s hard- more powerful than I could have
Burkert taught herself how to Burkert’s pressed to truly pick a favorite. On possibly imagined.)
office is a

wrap Rey’s distinctive Jakku treasure another day, it’s Lando’s cane from “I definitely enjoy sharing our


headscarf for an early display trove of the latest film, a refined silver piece costumes with the fans,” she says.
Star Wars
celebrating The Force Awakens. shaped like Bespin’s Cloud City “For some, it’s people who want to
goodies.
They catalogue costume pieces with “Baron Landonis Calrissian” experience being part of the story
and document wear and tear, 06 Cleaning the inscribed in Aurebesh, and a mother by building their own version of
Chewbacca
including cracks and dings of pearl inlay to match his blaster. the costumes, for others it’s just
costume
intended to make items feel takes over But for Burkert, her work always that connection to the characters or
aged and scuffs that may a week, relates to the opportunity to teach the actors that they’ve seen.” And
including
have happened on set during drying time. —sharing her knowledge with among those eager fans, waiting
shooting. Burkert carefully StarWars.com for regular articles to catch a glimpse of Star Wars
07 Burkert
unhinges the double-lightsaber and videos on the props collection, history, could be a future Star Wars
dresses a
hilt carried by Dark Rey in The mannequin and in one-on-ones with fans who storyteller, a budding fi lmmaker, a

Rise of Skywalker, noting the at Lucasfilm. get to see the gorgeously detailed future film archivist, or an engineer
oil-slick paint job that could be costumes up close, whether they’re who will go on to invent something
08 The
mistaken for wear and a chip Lucasfilm cosplayers looking for guidance inspired by the galaxy far, far away.
in the paint that seems to have archivist set through examining a costume in “It goes back to me being a teacher.
up a display
occurred on set. “This is straight of costumes person or simply fans who can’t Any element of sharing that can
how we got it from production,” for the latest believe their luck in being so close inspire learning is what I care about
movie’s world
she explains. “We can see the to something that carries so much the most. Maybe somebody sees a
premiere.
evidence of physical use. Every emotional weight. (On a regular jetpack on our jet trooper, and even
object tells a story. It’s wear and work day, I once got to hold the if they don’t build an actual jetpack,
tear as part of the Star Wars galaxy sacred Jedi texts from Star Wars: maybe they will study aerospace
and part of our fi lm.” The Last Jedi (2017) and the weight engineering. There are so many
The hilt is one of Burkert’s and authenticity of the individually ways that Star Wars can inspire
favorite new acquisitions, kept printed pages, plus the meaning of people to be part of something
wrapped in muslin and stowed in the artifact within the story, was even bigger.”






STAR WARS INSIDER / 57

Concluding
the epic, nine-part
Skywalker saga, The Rise
of Skywalker pits the forces
of light against the First Order,
the Sith Eternal, and Emperor
Palpatine himself!
Test your knowledge of each
faction in the ultimate clash
between good and evil.
Compiled by Jay Stobie




“A THOUSAND GENERATIONS LIVE IN YOU, NOW.”


o
e
e
n
Prepare for the final conflicct between the Reesistance aand thheir foees in the FFirst Order and Sith Eternaal.
l
THE FIRST ORDER THE RESISTANCE THE SITH ETERNAL

1: Which vessel served as 11: On which planet did the
Kylo Ren’s new fl agship? Sith secretly amass
A/ The Devastator their forces?
B/ The Steadfast A/ Mustafar
C/ The Resurgent B/ Kef Bir
D/ The Incinerator C/ Exegol
D/ Jakku


12: How did Emperor Palpatine
demonstrate his fl eet’s power?
A/ The destruction Kijimi.
B/ Capturing the Tantive IV.
C/ Building a third Death Star.
D/ Occupying Coruscant.
2: Who was the most prominent 6:Which ship did the Resistance 9: What faction did Jannah
First Order military offi cial under use to rendezvous with Boolio? serve before her entire 13: What did Kylo Ren and Rey
Supreme Leader Kylo Ren’s A/ The Tantive IV company defected? use to fi nd the Sith stronghold?
regime? B/ The Bestoon Legacy A/ The New Republic A/ A cloaked binary beacon
A/ Allegiant General Pryde C/ The Fortitude B/ The Galactic Empire B/ A Jedi comlink
B/ General Hux D/ The Millennium Falcon C/ The First Order C/ A Sith wayfi nder
C/ Admiral Griss D/ The Sith Eternal D/ Darth Sidious’ lightsaber
D/ General Parnadee
10: Where did Rey bury the 14: Who confronted Ben
3: Which vehicles did the First lightsabers that originally Solo as he tried to join Rey
Order utilize to patrol Kijimi belonged to Luke and Leia? during her standoff with
City’s streets? A/ Tatooine Emperor Palpatine?
A/ AT-AT B/ Ajan Kloss A/ Sith jet troopers
B/ AT-ST C/ Forest Moon of Endor B/ Praetorian guards
C/ UA-TT D/ Ahch-To C/ First Order stormtroopers
D/ AT-M6 7: From whom were Rey’s D/ The Knights of Ren
parents anxious to conceal her?
4: Where did A/ Kylo Ren 15: The Sith Eternal Fleet was
Kylo Ren store Darth Vader’s B/ Emperor Palpatine comprised of which class of
helmet? C/ Supreme Leader Snoke Star Destroyers?
A/ An ancient Sith temple D/ Luke Skywalker A/ Venator-class
B/ The Steadfast’s bridge B/ Imperator-class
C/ His personal quarters 8:Which duo scoured the C/ Xyston-class
D/ Darth Vader’s castle Core Worlds in search of D/ Interdictor-class
Resistance sympathizers?
5: At which point did Ben Solo A/ Finn & Poe Dameron
cast aside Kylo Ren? B/ Chewbacca &
A/ After the duel on Kef Bir Lando Calrissian
B/ Before arriving on Mustafar C/ Kaydel Connix & Rose Tico
C/ While searching for Rey D/ Beaumont Kin &

D/ During his first trip to Exegol Snap Wexley





58 / STAR WARS INSIDER

“THE FORCE BROUGHT US TOGETHER.”

y
n
e
a
d
Identify the individuuals whho spoke these iconic llines of dialoguee:
1.
“CONFRONTING FEAR IS



THE DESTINY OF A JEDI.”






2. 3.
“PEOPLE KEEP “You’re the best fighter


TELLING ME THEY we have. We need you out


KNOW ME.” there, not here”






“TAKING ONE LAST LOOK, SIR, AT MY FRIENDS.”
4.




“This will be the final word
5.




in the story of Skywalker.”








“YOUR JOURNEY NEARS ITS END.”

t
d
w
h
Namme thesse four new characters whho were introduced in The Risse of SSkywalker :
e
d
1. 2. 3. 4.































HAVE YOU WON A FAMOUS VICTORY FOR THE LIGHT
SIDE, OR CONDEMNED THE GALAXY TO DARKNESS?
“YOUR JOURNEY NEARS ITS END. ” 1 Klaud, 2 D-O, 3 Babu Frik, 4 Zorii Bliss.
0-9Avaliantattempt,butyouwouldnevermakeitoutof the sands of Pasaana.
C-3PO, 5 Emperor Palpatine.
10-19You’vedisplayedsomecunning,butacareerinspice running is more your level!
“THE FORCE BROUGHT US TOGETHER. ” 1 Luke Skywalker, 2 Rey , 3 Poe Dameron, 4
20-24Excellent!AlloftheJedilivewithinyou.Youareready to face Darth Sidious.
QUIZ 1 B, 2 A, 3 C, 4 C, 5 A, 6 D, 7 B, 8 B, 9 C, 10 A, 11. C, 12 A, 13 C, 14 D, 15 C.




STAR WARS INSIDER / 59

INTERVIEW: MICHAEL BELL
































































THE GENERAL ’S V OICE



MICHAEL












BELL












Not every character you hear speaking in a

Star Wars movie does so with their own voice.
Respected actor Michael Bell provided the

warm tones of General Willard, the Rebel Alliance
leader in Star Wars: A New Hope, whose on-screen

presence was filled by another actor entirely.



W ORDS: PAT J ANKEIWI C Z

INTERVIEW: MICHAEL BELL






rish actor Eddie “I loved doing Chucky’s dad,
Byrne may have Charles, on Rugrats (1991-2004),”
I looked the part as Bell says. “I also did A Wish for

Wings that Worked (1991), an
the rebel general
who welcomed animated special for Amblin
Princess Leia Television, where I played Opus

Organa to the Alliance’s secret the puffin from the Bloom County
base on Yavin 4, but as with comic strip. Stephen Spielberg
many characters in many movies, auditioned several voices for the
something different was needed part, and then played them to his
for his voice. In General Willard’s son, and his son picked me. I also
case, something more American did KISS Meets The Phantom of
than Byrne’s Irish brogue. the Park (1980), where I dubbed
“Doing Willard’s voice took Catman Peter Criss, so I tell people I
two hours,” Michael Bell admits, joined KISS for a brief time.”
remembering his first, somewhat
brief encounter with the space Not The Droid They’re
fantasy saga, adding, “Star Wars Looking For
was just a one-day gig!” When Bell first met George Lucas

Bell was already an established before recording General Willard’s
actor when Star Wars: A New Hope few lines of dialogue, it wasn’t a
01
(1977) was being made, with an particularly big deal for the actor,
extensive career in roles on and “Because I didn’t know who he
off-screen dating back to the 1950s. was. Of course, I had seen American
He’s provided voices for assorted Graffiti (1973) and liked it a lot, but
Smurfs, Autobots, and Scooby-Doo it was just another job for me. Who
monsters in many hit animated TV knew Star Wars was gonna be Star
cartoon series across the 1960s, 70s Wars?!” he laughs.
and 80s; and most recently reprised Bell admits to being a little
his Darkwing Duck (1991-1992) perplexed by the images playing
role as Quackerjack in the 2018 out on the recording studio screen.
DuckTales series. He’s also played an “Looking at the footage, what 01 Michael Bell has played
innumerable amount of characters I saw was Mark Hamill waving everything from
Smurfs to Defenders
in video games too long to list. this flashlight around,” says Bell.
of the Universe.
“I do a lot of cartoon voices and The film reels being used in the
dub a lot of actors for movies,” says dubbing sessions didn’t have the 02 On screen, General
Willard was played by
Bell. “When my daughter, Ashley, rotoscoped animation that would
actor Eddie Byrne in A
was little, she was watching Voltron: later transform that flashlight New Hope (1977).
Defender of the Universe (1984-
1985), which I did voices for, and
02
she recognized me as the voice of a
little girl. She said to me, ‘That’s
you? You think you sound like
a little girl?’ I said, ‘That’s what’s
gonna pay for your college fees,
so keep quiet!’” Bell laughs.
Over his long career, he’s
provided voices for hundreds of
characters, but is there a favorite?



“Looking at the

footage, what I

saw was Mark

Hamill waving this

flashlight around.”







STAR WARS INSIDER / 61

INTERVIEW: MICHAEL BELL





03



























































into a glowing lightsaber. “George 04
Lucas saw me looking non-plussed
at all this, and he said to me, ‘It’s “As somebody
not an acting picture, it’s an action who had
picture!’”
played a part
The actor was also being lined
up to voice another, rather more in the original
substantial character in the movie.
Star Wars,
“Fred Roos had called me in to the
Star Wars dubbing session because
he wanted me to read for the voice it was fun to
come back and
of a robot who talks throughout
the movie,” Bell explains. Roos
was lending his uncredited services play General
as a casting consultant on A New Dodonna.”
Hope at the time and was looking
for a suitable C-3PO voice, which,
in an early draft of Star Wars, was
supposed to be “reminiscent of
Humphrey Bogart.”
“They played a clip of Anthony
Daniels talking as C-3PO, and I said
‘Guys, why am I going to change
this? He’s really good!’” says Bell.











62 / STAR WARS INSIDER

INTERVIEW: MICHAEL BELL














05






















03 The actor enjoyed
working with
Vanessa Marshall
(Hera Syndula)
in Star Wars Rebels.

04 General Jan
Dodonna’s role was
expanded in Rebels.
05 Bell’s fleeting
contribution to A
New Hope came
during this classic
scene in the rebel
hangar.






“Fred called me later and told me, given an expanded role in several Once of the ironies of being
‘While you were good as the droid, episodes of the animated series Star a famous voice actor is that even
we decided to use the voice of the Wars Rebels (2014-2018).  fellow cast members don’t always
guy inside of the costume.’ And that “As somebody who had played a recognize your face, as Bell recalls
was the correct decision, because part in the original Star Wars, it was from an encounter with Luke
Anthony’s words and mannerisms fun to come back and play General Skywalker actor Mark Hamill. “My
are so perfect together.” Dodonna,” Bell smiles. “I did about wife Victoria and I went to a party,

four or five episodes. It was fun to and as we were walking up to the
Once a Rebel, Always work with Vanessa Marshall (who entrance, we met Mark Hamill and
a Rebel plays Hera Syndulla). I also did some his wife, Mary Lou. I said to Mark,
“When the movie finally came out, character voices in a Star Wars video ‘You know, I did Star Wars too.’”

my friends said, ‘Come and see game, too. I’m Tyr Taskeen in Star Adopting a perfect imitation of
Star Wars with us at the Grauman’s Wars: Force Commander.” Mark Hamill’s voice, Bell continues,
Chinese Theater!’ I said ‘No thanks. Bell has also acted in another “‘No, you didn’t do Star Wars!’ he
I did voices on it, and it didn’t look space-bound franchise, set a few said, looking at me quizzically. I
like much to me,’” Bell recalls. “In hundred years in Earth’s future told him I was the voice of General
my defense, I was dubbing voices rather than a galaxy far, far away. “I Willard, and he was so surprised.”
to black and white footage. They played Groppler Zorn, the bad guy Star Wars fans, on the other
finally talked me into going, and it in the first few episodes of Star Trek: hand, know a voice when they “see”


was so much fun. It is such a great The Next Generation,” he reveals. one. “The great thing about the fans

film. After the movie, my friends “I thought Patrick Stewart was a real is they’ll approach you and know
asked, ‘What voices did you do?’ professional, and a super guy. I ran every single one of your characters.
and I said, ‘Who remembers?!’” into him a couple years after that I’m always amazed when they come
Bell later returned to the Star and he shouted, ‘Groppler Zorn! up to me and say, ‘You’re General
Wars galaxy to provide the voice of I keep asking them to bring you Willard!’ I ask them ‘How did you
Jan Dodonna, another rebel general back!’ I said, ‘I wish they’d listen know that? I’m not even listed!’
from the original movie who was to you!’” But they just know.”






STAR WARS INSIDER / 63

Stuart Freeborn (center), with son Graham and wife Kay.

STUART FREEBORN: THE MAKEUP MASTER






















CREATURE CREATOR












THE MAKEUP MA S TER




The creator of Yoda, the man who brought Chewbacca’s soulful
face into existence, and the leader of the team who built an army of

Ewoks—Stuart Freeborn’s special effects and makeup work on the
original Star Wars trilogy still impacts the galaxy’s visual storytelling
today. Insider looks back at the legendary artist’s career.



WORDS: AMY RATCLIFFE



















ven if you haven’t watched The for Yoda, a central fi gure in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Mandalorian Season One yet, maybe (1980), but none of them were deemed quite right. George Lucas
E because you can only handle one Star came to Freeborn one morning and asked him to try his hand

Wars story at a time and were waiting for

at a design for the wise, ancient figure. The catch? Lucas was
The Rise of Skywalker (2019), or perhaps leaving London to fly back to the United States that afternoon.

because you don’t yet have access to Like any creative person faced with an impossible deadline,
Disney+, you’re probably already aware of “the Child”—the Freeborn got down to work with only a little panicking. Backed
breakout character from the new live-action Star Wars TV by his four decades of experience as a makeup artist, he realized
series who just happens to be a 50-year-old baby of the same he didn’t have time to start from the beginning. Freeborn had
species as Yoda. With his pointed, translucent pink ears, been working on a clay sculpture of himself, so he modifi ed it—
adorable brown eyes, and wrinkled forehead, the Child is the hence why Yoda somewhat resembles the makeup artist. He gave
embodiment of cute, stealing more than just Mando’s heart. the sculpt Albert Einstein’s eyes in order to lend the Jedi Master
Everyone wants to protect the toddling, bone broth-sipping some of the wisdom Lucas wanted for the creature. Then he
being, but the creature who launched a thousand internet added wrinkles and some rather large ears to round things off.
memes would likely not exist without the legacy of Stuart “I’ve never modeled anything so quick. I thought, ‘It’s
Freeborn, the esteemed special effects and makeup artist of going to be a load of rubbish,’” Freeborn once recalled. He was
the original Star Wars movies. nervous about Lucas’ reaction, but he shouldn’t have been as
Freeborn, who was born on September 5, 1914 and died in Lucas approved his quick and dirty design for Yoda. Freeborn

February 2013, created the look of Yoda 40 years ago, and it’s a and his team would then refine the sculpt and eventually build
concept the artist sculpted in less than a day. Ralph McQuarrie a puppet in the subsequent months (we’ll come back to that),
and Joe Johnston both came up with several possible looks but that initial sculpt is the heart of Yoda—and that heart is a






STAR WARS INSIDER / 65

01 02


















































03


k
k
m
k
01 Yoodaa’s annimmatronnic skuull.
a
u
e
02 Sttuart Frreeborn scuulpts YYoda’s earss.
s
d
p
p
p
p
o
d
o
t
Y
03 An unnpainteed latex Yodda heeaad.
n
n
n
n
m
m
n
n
p
p
m
04 Frraank OOz and JJim Henson exxammine the ppuuppeet.
n
k
z
u
m
h
m
s
e
t
05 Sttuart Frreeborn witth hhis immortal ccreatioon.
04
large part of what made the Child such an instant and beloved but they quickly realized he didn’t have an appointment and
character today. barred Freeborn from entering. Neither deterred or discouraged,
and with gumption still intact, his persistence eventually led to
L Leaarnning His Crrafft work with the just-opened Denham Studios in 1935. It was only
r
H
n
C
t
Yoda is perhaps Freeborn’s most well-known creation, but it the beginning.
represents only a handful of months in a long career—a career In the movie-making trenches practicing everything from
that started with the would-be artist teaching old-age makeup to prosthetics and bald caps,
himself about makeup. As a younger man, Freeborn stretched new creative muscles. He
s
i
Freeborn would apply special-effects makeup a is was a skilled makeup artist, yes, but he also
on himself, then hop on his bicycle, and p s became an extremely talented hairdresser and
jump out to scare unsuspecting neighbors sculptor. As he worked more with prosthetics
F rn’s mo t
’
who happened to be passing by in the East and masks, he even studied chemistry in detail.
London suburb he called home. Inspired by k own He wanted to make sure he understood which
w

the monsters in horror films, he had already solvents would be safe to apply to human skin.
o
i
n
.
.
found his passion. ation. His dedication to the craft meant he had

Freeborn wanted his full-time job to be dozens of films under his belt before the

applying makeup for films, so he took things fi rst Star Wars movie came his way. His work
a step further. He photographed his makeup experiments and can be seen in Oliver Twist (1948), Dr. Strangelove (1964),
mailed them to seven studios in and around London. When and Count Dracula (1970), among many others. Notably, he
his efforts didn’t elicit the desired response, or any response at worked on the apes in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). His team
all, for that matter, he cycled to the first studio on his list. He life-cast every one of the actors playing the apes, and Freeborn


assured security he was there “to see the chief makeup people,” had to figure out how to make the full-size suits using foam
66 / STAR WARS INSIDER

STUART FREEBORN: THE MAKEUP MASTER





05

a
e e e a
y y s
e
n
x
de h e ex r nce
w ngne s to
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n
n
o
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s
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M
ick Ma y, a akke p Ar st
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W
W
A
A
E
E
E
E
R
H
E
H
H
Y
Y
E
Y
T
A
A
W
H
T
T
A
A
WE ARE WHAT THEY
W
W
GROW BEYOND
D
D
B
B
E
Y
N
N
N
Y
N
O
W
W
W
R
O
Stuart Freeborn already had decades of fi lmmaking
experience when he began work on Star Wars: A New
Hope (1977). He shared that knowledge with those who
came to work in his department, motivating the crew to
push themselves and strive for perfection.
Nick Maley, a member of the special-effects makeup
crew for A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back,
remembers Freeborn as being, “Like a headmaster. He
kept you on your toes at all times. But I learned from him
to look for lateral solutions to problems, to constantly strive
to produce something new as well as a lot of techniques
specifi c to the jobs we were doing.”
John Coppinger, the main sculptor on Jabba the Hutt
who also worked on the Star Wars prequel trilogy, said
of Freeborn, “I understood that he was trusting a relative
newcomer to the industry, and knew I had to come up
with a new level of ideas and innovation. That was true for
everyone who worked with Stuart; we were all inspired by
his depth of experience and willingness to try new materials
and methods. It was sometimes hard to convince him, but
once it was done, nothing could stop him!”
rubber, which was still a relatively new material. Director wife Kay Freeborn, to be flexible. He used foam latex and rigid

Stanley Kubrick had told Freeborn they were going to work on foam to construct the mask, which incorporated a mechanism
2001 for five to six months; the artist found himself working to lift Chewbacca’s top lip when actor Peter Mayhew opened
on the film for two years. his mouth.
When it came time to recreate Chewbacca for the sequel
a
M Makkingg Woookiee trilogy, creature and special makeup effects creative supervisor
e
W
k
The craftsmanship Freeborn developed on 2001: A Space Neal Scanlan used Freeborn’s approach to the mask, with his
Odyssey would stand him in good stead when George Lucas team producing a new mask as an exact replica. Scanlan cited
asked him to come aboard for what was then called Star Wars. how Freeborn made the mask more like a makeup artist would
Freeborn was working as chief makeup artist on The Omen rather than an engineer. The methods used by Freeborn in the
(1976) when he received the offer; he said he was “making all 1970s have informed the look of not only Chewbacca then and
these things, teeth, eyeballs, God knows what” for the Richard now, but for all Wookiees as depicted in live-action, animation,
Donner-directed film, and his experience in crafting such odds comic books, and video games.

and ends would be brought to bear on his work creating the After completing Chewbacca, Freeborn’s team moved their
denizens of the Mos Eisley Cantina. focus to the cantina. They used full head masks, fake noses,

But Freeborn’s first task on Star Wars was to realize and false teeth to turn more than 40 actors and extras into the
Chewbacca. The lovable Wookiee began life in artist Ralph motely reprobates of the Mos Eisley Cantina, based on costume
McQuarrie’s sketches, and early designs look more like the designer John Mollo’s drawings. Unfortunately, Freeborn was
Lasat that would later appear in Star Wars Rebels. Eventually taken ill during production and wasn’t able to finesse his work

McQuarrie and Freeborn got closer to the friendly but ferocious for certain close-up shots, so Lucas brought makeup artist
Chewie fans know and love. Freeborn designed the Wookiee Rick Baker on board to complete the scene during reshoots at
body suit (drawing upon his 2001 experience), knitted by his Industrial Light & Magic. Freeborn’s look for Rodians (originally
STAR WARS INSIDER / 67

STUART FREEBORN: THE MAKEUP MASTER










06
L
L
M
M
I
Y
Y
I
Y
A
A
F F FAMILY
A
A
L
M
L
L
I
U
U
U
S
I
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
E
N
N
N
N
N
E
E
E
E
B B BUSINESS
Both Kay Freeborn and
Graham Freeborn—
Stuart’s wife and son
respectively—worked as
makeup artists, too, and
alongside Stuart on the
Star Wars fi lms, beginning
with A New Hope.
Kay Freeborn made
the full-body suit for
Chewbacca. She knitted
the Wookiee fur from
mohair and yak hair.
When it came time to
bring Chewbacca back for
the sequel trilogy, Neal
Scanlan’s team tried other
techniques but ultimately
matched Kay’s original
materials and approach.
They equated Chewbacca
with hallowed ground.
Graham Freeborn
is credited as chief
makeup artist on The
Empire Strikes Back
and Return of the Jedi
(1983). According to
fellow special makeup-
effects crew member
Nick Maley, Graham was
responsible for creating
and designing more than
three quarters of the
cantina creatures built in
the United Kingdom for
A New Hope.
dubbed “Martians”) moved forward, with Baker adding moving To ensure Yoda’s on-screen performance had the full impact
parts to Greedo’s snout. of a living being, Lucas and Freeborn knew they needed to
Freeborn was fully recovered when the time came to start speak to the best puppeteers in the business: The Jim Henson
developing new creatures for the sequel, The Empire Strikes Company. As a consequence, the talented Muppeteer behind
Back (1980), including a certain small, green Jedi Master. Miss Piggy, Frank Oz, was cast to perform and voice the Jedi
Master. Oz has stated that Yoda is truly Stuart Freeborn’s
e
a
M
e
I
I
I
A A A MMakkeuup Maaster, He s character, as it was the makeup artist that
p
a
e
Yoda plays a hugely important part in Empire, actually created him, but in truth the
a
a
a
mentoring Luke Skywalker and teaching the [Fra z z as diminutive Jedi was a collaborative project
farm boy more about the Force and his place stat o oda involving many hands within Freeborn’s close
t
t
in the galaxy. Due to this prominent role, the team, who worked for months on polishing
u
is tru t tuart
a
r
character had to be absolutely believable, and the puppet’s appearance and internal
many hours were spent drafting numerous b r s mechanisms. That team included Freeborn, his
concept sketches and production paintings, son Graham Freeborn, Wendy Midener (a.k.a.
e
r
until Freeborn’s last-minute sculpt received ha cter. Wendy Froud), Nick Maley, Nick Dudman,
the Lucas seal of approval. Once the Jedi Ron Hone, David Barclay, and Bob Keen.
Master’s overall look had been established, Even with this creative bunch working hard
the challenging task of how to transform those concepts into to create Yoda, completion of the puppet still went down to the
a convincing physical form fell to Freeborn and company. At wire before Oz arrived to bring the character to magical life on
one point, the idea of using a monkey wearing a Yoda mask and the swampy Dagobah set.
costume was discussed, but thankfully they landed on the idea For Yoda’s surprise return in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017),
of making Yoda a puppet instead. Neal Scanlan and his team again worked hard to replicate
68 / STAR WARS INSIDER

STUART FREEBORN: THE MAKEUP MASTER





,
At ne nt,
t
,
e
t
t
07
e
e
o
the a of u g g
m
a m wear ng
a
r
a
m
e
a a o a ma k
a
a
as cu .
u
Freeborn’s techniques on the original puppet. Using a head mold
from the Lucasfilm Archives and combing through old magazine

articles and interviews for comments from Freeborn, Scanlan’s
team felt it was important to create a true representation of the
Yoda that everyone remembered from those earlier movies, and
strove to make a puppet with as close a likeness to the original
as they could. Modern animatronic technology did allow them

to make some minor changes for efficiency, but authenticity
was their goal. They also had a great resource in Frank Oz, who
reprised his role in The Last Jedi, and was able to help advise
08 the 21st Century creatives with details on how he operated the
puppet for The Empire Strikes Back and its follow up, 1983’s
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.
06 Stuart Freeborn
with Chewbacca A A An Ewwook Arrmmyy
k
E
actor Peter
Mayhew. For the third Star Wars film, creature effects and makeup work

was split between two teams—one in the United Kingdom led
07 Makeup tests
for the famous by Stuart Freeborn, and one in the United States led by Phil
Wookiee. Tippett. The film called for a number of new creatures, including

08 Kenny Baker wore the slug-like gangster Jabba the Hutt and the adorable, galaxy-
one of Freeborn’s saving Ewoks. Freeborn’s team worked on the giant crimelord
Ewok costumes and the spear-toting teddy bears, sculpting and building based
as Paploo.
on the designs of Phil Tippett (Jabba) and Joe Johnston (Ewoks).
09 Some familiar To craft the 18-feet-long Jabba, Freeborn’s crew of six worked
visitors to The
Empire Strikes 80-hour weeks, and he cited it as one of the most diffi cult
Back set. projects of his career. The sculpt required a massive four tons
of clay, which then had to be molded in sections because it
09 was so large. Six hundred pounds of latex later and requiring at
least two puppeteers inside his bloated body (although at times
there were four), Jabba the Hutt was ready for his slimy close-
ups. At the other end of the spectrum, what the Ewoks lacked
in size, they made up for in numbers. Freeborn and his team
initially crafted the suits from foam rubber using body casts of
the Ewok actors, but they soon discovered that the suits were

too cumbersome, making it difficult for those wearing them
to move, let alone perform. Freeborn reworked the suits to be
thinner and much more flexible, and his crew eventually built

between 60 to 80 different Ewoks for the movie.
Stuart Freeborn’s supreme versatility and eye for detail,
combined with his skills in makeup artistry and sculpting, have
left an indelible and profound influence on the look of Star

Wars. Many of those working on Star Wars projects today were
inspired to become makeup artists because of what he achieved,
populating cantinas and exotic worlds with new versions of
some of the creatures he made real. Upon Freeborn’s passing in
2013, George Lucas said, “His artistry and craftsmanship will live
on forever in the characters he created. His Star Wars creatures
may be reinterpreted in new forms by new generations, but
at their heart, they continue to be what Stuart created for the
original fi lms.”






STAR WARS INSIDER / 69

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A SCAVENGER’S TALE obtains from a scrap metal yard
that regularly opens its doors to
local artists. As a result, many of
the materials he uses began life as
Repurposing scrap metal to create Star Wars art automobile and industrial-machinery

components, and the artist takes an
f Peter Borowski lived on Jakku, Peter has combined his interest in organic approach when it comes to
he would surely be one of Unkar the saga with his affinity for creating deciding what to build with the
IPlutt’s favorite freelancers. The art from scrap metal, creating clever source material he’s collected.
lifelong science-fi ction enthusiast concoctions including a Tusken “Each sculpture gets its start when
has always felt an attachment to Raider bird feeder, Greedo, and a pair a particular found item suggests
one aspect common throughout the of Imperial walkers. “I’ve always been one part of a larger subject,” relates
genre. “My favorites have always drawn to outsider and folk art; the Peter. “And when two of these
been spaceships and robots—all the quirkier the better,” he laughs. “I also nuggets come together, a project
mechanical stuff,” observes Peter. “I love the irony of using discarded is born!”
think that is why I was drawn to Star trash to build sculptures of iconic A marine gas tank brought to
Wars. Sure, the stories are great, the futuristic tech.” Borowski’s mind the shape of an
aliens are cool, but the variety of Peter’s work consists entirely of AT–AT’s command section, for
tech is just off the charts!” discarded and repurposed steel he example, and spring–loaded hinges





72 / STAR WARS INSIDER

INSIDER NEEDS YOU!

We want to hear from you! Tell us about your
Star Wars experience. What made you want
to become a fan? What have you done in the
name of Star Wars? Tell us your Star Wars
story by sending your photos, art, and ARTISTS’ ALLEY
letters here:
[email protected]
Talented Star Wars fans share their amazing
Or via regular post:
UNITED STATES UNITED KINGDOM drawings inspired by the galaxy far, far away....
Star Wars Worldwide, Star Wars Worldwide,
Star Wars Insider, Star Wars Insider,
Titan Magazines, 144 Southwark
2819 Rosehall Lane, Street, London,
Aurora, IL, 60503, SE1 0UP, 01. “L3–37” BY
U.S.A. U.K.
JOHANNA

Finnish artist
Johanna felt a
natural rapport
with L3–37,
the outspoken
droid played
by Phoebe
Waller–Bridge
who co–piloted
the Millennium
Falcon in Solo:
A Star Wars
Story (2018).
“I decided to
draw L3 as she
is just so sassy,”
says Johanna.
“She has an
agenda, and she
is not scared to
speak up and
voice her own
opinions.” More
of Johanna’s art
can be found on
Instagram at
@nakkarts.




















from an old oven door proved the 02. “THE MANDALORIAN” AND
perfect parts for the walker’s laser “PAIN” BY TOMMY STEVEN
cannons. Peter’s AT–ST build was
inspired by the teeth from an Inspired by old western movie
earthmover that he used to make trailers, fan Tommy Steven
the vehicle’s feet. Peter plans sketched his own poster for The
to flesh out his collection with Mandalorian using the traditional
tools of pencil and pen, then
numerous new pieces as and when
finished the piece by coloring it
inspiration strikes. “It seems I always
digitally. The artist used the same
have a half–dozen projects lying
process for his depiction of the
around, in various states of
memories that haunt Darth Vader
completion,” admits Peter. “I’ve got a
in “Pain.” Tommy’s goal was to
Viper probe droid waiting for just the demonstrate that “behind the
right arms and an IG–88 waiting for fearsome figure, there is a hidden
me to find its thighs.” pain caused by many things.”





STAR WARS INSIDER / 73

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Scouring the galaxy for the

stars of Star Wars...






Meet the stars, show the evidence, win
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olo: A Star Wars Story ’s popularity
among Star Wars afi cionados extends
S to Enfys Nest, the mysterious leader
of the Cloud–Riders, portrayed by Erin
Kellyman. Enfys Nest’s status as a fan–
favorite character meant that many
attendees heading to Star Wars Celebration
Chicago were thrilled to learn that the actor
would also be visiting the convention.
Megan De Bok is one fan who feels
drawn to the mysterious rebel. “She
represented such a strong character in
Solo,” Megan explains. Megan first met THE KINDNESS OF KENOBI
Erin at her autograph table, where the two
enjoyed a brief chat and discussed the
reveal of Enfys Nest’s true identity on Giving back through Jedi cosplay
Savareen. When the two saw each other
again at a photo op, Erin instantly or Jason Lebo, Star Wars has children. Jason’s son has grown
recognized Megan. “It was pretty cool been a constant companion attached to Rex, Echo, and Fives
that she remembered me from earlier,” F throughout his life. “I was very from Star Wars: The Clone Wars,
beams the happy fan. shy as a kid,” reveals Jason, “So, Star while his daughter has connected
Wars was more than a movie for me. with the strength shown by Ahsoka,
01
It was a friend.” Despite struggling Rey, Jyn Erso, and Leia Organa.
with reading as a youngster, Jason Jason remains keenly aware of how
persevered, and the numerous fortunate he is, particularly because
novels based on the saga helped his son was born prematurely, 8
him to overcome those early weeks early, and Jason himself
difficulties. The prequel trilogy also endured a heart attack in 2011. Such

gave Jason solace during diffi cult medical challenges prompted him
times. “They were a perfect escape to begin cosplaying as a means of
for me. I was reunited with an old giving back. “I felt it was time to pay
friend, and they helped me forget it forward to those who helped my
about real life for a while,” he says. family,” he says proudly, “so I joined
Now with a family of his own, the Rebel Legion in order to share
Jason derives a great deal of joy my love of Star Wars through
from watching the Star Wars charitable events.”
movies and television series with his Jason initially cosplayed as a
generic Jedi, but his signature beard
frequently drew comparisons to
Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of Obi–
Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Revenge
of the Sith (2005). “Like me, Kenobi
has been through much in his life,
and has risen above it all,” Jason
says. “I try my best to stay in
character with the essence and
mannerisms of Obi-Wan when I
cosplay as Kenobi, but my accent
01 Megan De Bok poses with Erin Kellyman, who
portrayed Enfys Nest in Solo: A Star Wars Story. is horrible!” he admits.





74 / STAR WARS INSIDER

WORLDWIDE









































































LIKEMY FATHER with his own father, Patrick cites Star
Just as he shared A New Hope

Wars as the first common interest
BEFORE ME that connected him with his
children. Watching the latest film in
the theater, hunting for the latest
toys, and re–enacting lightsaber
Passing on what a fan has learned duels all serve as activities that the
Concepcións enjoy together while
atrick Concepción’s love for saga continues to permeate bonding as a family. “Star Wars has
Star Wars goes back as far as Patrick’s life as an adult, where the become that magical bridge
P he can remember. “My earliest original trilogy’s aesthetic influences between my children and me,”
childhood memory is of my father his work as an art director and Patrick says.

buying our first VHS player,” he graphic designer. A recent outing to Disneyland’s

recalls. “The first movie he popped However, the franchise ultimately Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge theme
in was Star Wars: A New Hope assumed an even more important park brought the mythical saga to
(1977). I fell in love with the fi lm the meaning. “Fatherhood gave me life for the family. The Concepción
instant Darth Vader emerged from another chance to relive Star Wars children traveled throughout the
the smoke on the Tantive IV. My through my children’s eyes,” says immersive attraction in wonder. And
imagination completely captured.” Patrick. “To feel that innocence and what did Patrick think of the planet
His bedroom quickly became a wonderment of childhood all over Batuu? “I felt like a kid again,” he
Star Wars museum, filled with all the again is something that I treasure on smiles. “A kid that’s transported
artifacts he could collect, and the a daily basis.” to another world.”





STAR WARS INSIDER / 75

KNOWLEDGE









IS POWER











What if the Rebel Alliance never got hold of the Death
Star plans? Insider suggests five secrets that, had they

been uncovered sooner or by someone else, might have

changed the course of galactic history.



W ORDS: J AY S T OB IE




nformation can such vital intelligence, the Sith
be a powerful Lord might never have emerged
I ally, and the as anything more than a humble
senator from Naboo. On the
pursuit of it
has been a other side of the equation, an
recurring motif awareness of Palpatine’s true
in the Star Wars galaxy. One pursuits could have allowed the
need only consider the case of Jedi Council to prevent the fall of
Sheev Palpatine, who paired his the Republic and the destruction
expertise in political procedures of their Order. As formidable as
with teachings from the dark side Force lightning or a lightsaber
to manipulate galactic events for may be, knowledge is the true
more than six decades. Without source of unlimited power.






76 / STAR WARS INSIDER

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER




















-

THE MAP TO


LUKE SKYWALKER



As the First Order grew in strength, both Supreme Leader Snoke and
General Leia Organa sought to uncover the secret location of Luke
Skywalker. Fortunately, the Resistance acquired the information before
Snoke’s forces and dispatched Rey to recruit Skywalker’s assistance in their
struggle for survival. Luke initially hesitated to involve himself, but his
influence on Rey’s training and appearance at the Battle of Crait proved

vital to the Resistance’s cause.
If Kylo Ren and General Hux had succeeded in their pursuit of Skywalker,
Snoke’s to-do list would have surely included reducing Luke, the ancient
Jedi texts, and the entirety of Ahch-To to slag. Whether conducted by the
Supremacy or Starkiller Base, just consider the tragic amount of porgs roasted
in that scenario. While the superweapon’s destruction was inevitable in both
cases, the loss of Luke would have denied Rey the opportunity to learn from
the Jedi Master and sentenced the Resistance to death on Crait.



-


THE DEATH

STAR PLANS



Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor’s valiant
mission to secure the Death Star plans
from the vault on Scarif and transmit

them to the rebel fleet wrought havoc
upon the Empire’s evil intentions.
Transferred from the Profundity to R2-D2’s
circuitry, the data ultimately fell into the
Alliance’s hands on Yavin 4 and supplied
our intrepid heroes with the information
necessary to defeat the battle station.
If Director Orson Krennic and Grand
Moff Wilhuff Tarkin had prevented the
Rogue One team from downloading the
plans or recovered the schematics before
Princess Leia Organa stowed them away
in R2-D2’s rusty innards, they would have

noticed the flaw that Galen Erso had built
into the superweapon, reinforced that
pesky exhaust port, and utilized the Death
Star to eradicate the Rebel Alliance. On
the bright side, at least Scarif’s luxurious
beaches might have been spared from the
superlaser’s wrath and remained pristine.






STAR WARS INSIDER / 77

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER









-

PADMÉ

AMIDALA’S


SECRETS



Padmé Amidala chose to conceal her
marriage and the resulting pregnancy
from even her closest allies, worrying that
publicizing the information would force her
to leave the Senate and cause her husband
Anakin Skywalker to be expelled from
the Jedi Order. Palpatine manipulated the
- situation to his own benefit and victoriously

stoked Anakin’s fears as a means of seducing
“WHERE IS THE him to the dark side. If the young couple

REBEL BASE?” had foregone the secrecy, their concerns
would have most likely become reality.
However, the pair would have also received
The Rebellion’s hidden base on Yavin 4 initially eluded support from friends
Grand Moff Tarkin’s grasp, as Leia supplied the Imperial such as Obi-Wan


officer with false information and sent the fleet on a wild Kenobi and Bail Organa,
gundark chase to Dantooine. The distraction prevented preventing Palpatine
the Empire from learning the location right away, which from further excercising
in turn afforded Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker the his machinations and
opportunity to rescue the princess and deliver the Death Star creating the Empire. As
plans to the rebel leaders for analysis. Of course, the false an added bonus, perhaps
lead also prompted Tarkin to demonstrate the battle station’s Jar Jar Binks might have
destructive potential on Alderaan, but let’s consider the glass taken Padmé’s place as
of blue milk as half full: the Alliance was saved! the representative for
If Darth Vader’s interrogation of an imprisoned Leia had Naboo in the Senate?
produced more immediate intelligence, the crew aboard the
Millennium Falcon would not have been gifted the chance to
save the princess, evaded the Empire’s clutches, or deciphered
R2-D2’s stolen data before the Death Star’s targeting sensors
zeroed in on their facilities. In an unfortunate turn of events,
Alderaan would have likely still been destroyed as a symbol
of the space station’s might due to Yavin 4’s own remoteness.
Sometimes it does not pay to be a peaceful society located in
the galaxy’s equivalent of prime real estate.


































78 / STAR WARS INSIDER

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER



























































-

“I AM YOUR FATHER”



Despite their awareness that Darth Vader was On a similar note, Vader himself remained
actually Luke’s father Anakin Skywalker, Yoda oblivious of Leia’s status as his daughter until
and Obi-Wan refrained from informing young he sensed the information from Luke’s mind
Skywalker of that fact before he departed to aboard the second Death Star. If the Sith Lord
try and save his friends from the Sith Lord on had known the princess’s true identity on the
Bespin. While withholding the information Tantive IV, he would have surely opted to enlist
from Luke prevented the burgeoning Jedi from his daughter as his apprentice. Leia’s mental
being distracted by his lineage during the duel, fortitude might have prevented her father from
it left him unprepared when Vader announced triumphing in the endeavor, but the ensuing
the astonishing revelation in the heart of Cloud events could have diverted Vader’s attention,
City. Luckily, Luke managed to weather the news, prevented him from discovering Luke’s presence
regain his composure, and avoid the temptation on Tatooine, and forever changed the outcome of
to succumb to the darkness and stand at his the Skywalker saga. Plus, Uncle Owen and Aunt
father’s side. Beru may have survived until the next harvest!
If the Jedi Masters had trusted their Padawan
and divulged the truth to him, Luke might have
altered his approach to the confrontation with
Vader and sought to redeem his father on the
spot. Although one can call Yoda and Kenobi’s
own judgment into question, Luke’s hesitance
to face Vader for a second time seems to indicate
that the pair made the correct decision. Had
young Skywalker felt similar doubts prior to his
excursion to Bespin, his father’s plea to join him
could have found a receptive ear and spelled
doom for the galaxy.






STAR WARS INSIDER / 79

The


Star Wars


Archive



Lights! Camera! Action!
Rare images from the
Star Wars photo archives.

































































































80 / STAR WARS INSIDER

Oscar Issac,
J. J. Abrams, and
Michelle Rejwan watch
Klaud (performed by
Nick Kellington) find his
mark on the set of
Star Wars: The Rise of
Skywalker (2019).
Photo: John Wilson









STAR WARS INSIDER / 81

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