Star Wars Insider - Issue 212, - August 2022

COMPLETE YOUR STAR WARS:
THE MANDALORIAN COLLECTION

Go behind the scenes of the hit live-action series, streaming now on Disney+, with episode
guides, character profiles, rare photographs, and art from fan favorite artists including Nick

Gindraux, Ryan Church, John Park, Doug Chiang, Christian Alzmann and more!

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A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

WELCOME... ISSUE 212

I love the Ewoks! Actually, I think they’re one of the coolest TITAN EDITORIAL
concepts in all of Star Wars. They represent qualities that Editor / Christopher Cooper
everyone should aspire to—inventiveness, compassion, a Group Editor / Jake Devine
connectedness with their natural surroundings, and the grit Editorial Assistant / Calum Collins
and resolve it takes to stand up to bullies. They were the
quintessential underdogs that turned the tide of galactic conflict, Art Director / Oz Browne
and the fact they were also adept at refashioning stormtrooper Designer / David Colderley
helmets into xylophones only adds to my appreciation.
LUCASFILM
I love Wookiees too! As is well known, George Lucas invented Senior Editor / Brett Rector
Ewoks when he needed a new species of non-technological allies Art Director / Troy Alders
for the Rebellion in Return of the Jedi (1983), having already Creative Director / Michael Siglain
established that Wookiees such as Chewbacca knew their way
around a hyperdrive. Now we have another hulking Kashyyyk Asset Management /
native to admire, in the form of our mighty cover star Krrsantan, Chris Argyropoulos, Gabrielle Levenson,
whose live-action arrival in The Book of Boba Fett (2021) was a
standout moment for fans. In this issue of Star Wars Insider, we Erik Sanchez, Bryce Pinkos,
get the best of both worlds: There’s an exclusive interview with Sarah Williams, Jackey Cabrera,
Carey Jones, the actor inside the Krrsantan costume, and we Shahana Alam, and Elinor De La Torre
also take a speculative look at how life on Endor might have been
changed for the Ewoks by the presence of the Empire. Story Group / Pablo Hidalgo,
Leland Chee, Phil Szostak, and Kate Izquierdo
Other highlights include interviews with Hugh Quarshie
(Captain Panaka in 1999’s The Phantom Menace), Star Wars: CONTRIBUTORS
Shadow of the Sith author Adam Christopher, and Industrial Light Rodney Barnes, Mary Fan, Melissa T. Miller,
& Magic matte painting veteran Craig Barron. Plus there’s exclusive Mark Newbold,Amy Richau, Jay Stobie,
new fiction by Rodney Barnes starring Jedi Master Mace Windu.
This party is just getting started! Brandon Wainerdi, and Dan Wallace.
May the Force be with you. Coastal Miwok photo courtesy
of Lucina Thomas-Vidauri.
Christopher Cooper
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Editor Lucy Goldsmith, Erich Schoeneweiss
at Random House, Holly McIntosh, Joseph
MEET THE CONTRIBUTORS... Taraborrelli,Andrea Towers and Jim Nausedas
at Marvel Comics, Lizzy Draeger, and Tracy
Amy Richau Mark Newbold Jay Stobie Rodney Barnes Melissa T. Miller Brandon Wainerdi
@amyrichau @Prefect_timing @StobiesGalaxy @TheRodneyBarnes @melissaruth @ActuallyBrandon Cannobbio at Lucasfilm.
Amy is a regular A writer for U.K. An award-winning Scientist and Kevin P. Pearl, and Eugene Paraszczuk at Disney.
contributor to sci-fi magazine Starship fanatic screenwriter and science writer Brandon is a
StarWars.com, Starburst and Star and blogger Jay producer, Rodney Melissa visits writer, digital TITAN MAGAZINES
and is the author Trek magazine, writes articles for is the writer of Comic-Con every strategist, and Production Controllers /
of Star Wars: I journalist Mark is a StarWars.com and Marvel’s upcoming year to purchase podcaster, with Caterina Falqui & Kelly Fenton
Love You, I Know: proud Honorary is searching for a The Mandalorian new Star Wars a talent for Production Manager / Jackie Flook
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CONTENTS
ISSUE 212

26

Impossible Choices

With Star Wars: Andor about to debut on Disney+, Insider examines
the dangers of being a rebel spy, and how Cassian’s selflessness set

him apart from others in the fight against the Empire..

4 / STAR WARS INSIDER

NEWSSTAND COMIC STORE SUBSCRIBER
EDITION EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE

Subscribe
to Star Wars

Insider
Page 16

06 32 54

Launchpad Craig Barron Interview Adam Christopher Interview

Insider’s roundup of galactic The Industrial Light & Magic veteran The author of Star Wars: Shadow
Star Wars news, from movies and sheds light on the techniques of matte of the Sith on the honor of building
collectibles to gaming and publishing. painting that added depth to a galaxy.
a bridge between two trilogies.
20 40
60
Carey Jones Interview Stewards of the Forest Moon
A Certain Point of View
The actor who played Krrsantan in Anthropologists and tribal cultural experts
The Book of Boba Fett reveals how it feels discuss the Ewoks and how their way of Our resident Jedi answers a reader’s
life was affected by the Empire’s arrival. question about familiar faces in The
to go from fan to fan-favorite. Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.
48
26 74
Hugh Quarshie Interview
From the Shadows Exclusive Fiction
The Phantom Menace’s Captain
Insider explores the precarious existence Panaka looks back at the acting challenges Jedi Master Mace Windu investigates a
of rebel spies like Cassian Andor, and the ghoulish threat in an all-new Star Wars
moral dilemmas of fighting the Empire. of making of the movie.
short story by Rodney Barnes.

INCOMING TRANSMISSIONS

39 64 70 80

Prize Giveaway! Worldwide The Star Wars Archive Jedi Master’s Quiz

Win two awesome The Mandalorian Cosplay, floral art, and custom Take a closer look at Mos Espa Test your knowledge of Cassian
books from Titan Comics! droids, plus TK-101 gets baking. in our visual history of the saga. Andor and his Rogue One allies!

STAR WARS INSIDER / 5

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N E WS / B O O K S / C O M I C S / TOYS / GA M E S / FA S H I O N

Andor’s Adventure Begins

Disney+ series debuts on August 31, 2022

T he long-awaited first season Mon Mothma, the 12-part series takes
of Star Wars: Andor, the place five years prior to the events of
new live-action Star Wars Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016),
television series from and promises a nail-biting spy thriller
Lucasfilm and Disney+, arrives on that explores how the conflicted hero
the streaming service on August 31. reached a point where he was willing
to sacrifice his life for the rebel cause.
Starring Diego Luna as Cassian
Andor and Genevieve O’Reilly as Speaking at Star Wars Celebration
earlier this year, star Diego Luna
explained that “You’re not going to Tony Gilroy has revealed will follow
recognize Cassian at the beginning. Cassian’s journey up to the point we
He’s a very selfish man. You’re going met him in Rogue One.
to see a guy who’s waiting for that
awakening to happen.” Created by executive producer
Tony Gilroy, the series is produced
Production begins on a second by Stephen Schiff, Kate Hazell, David
season this November, again comprised Meanti, and Kathleen Kennedy,
of 12 episodes, which series creator and executive produced by Sanne
Wohlenberg and Diego Luna.

6 / STAR WARS INSIDER

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Expanding Galaxy

More new Star Wars shows on their way!

A host of new Star Wars live-action and animated adventures were
announced at this year’s Star Wars Celebration, along with more details
of much-anticipated series and news on the return of other old favorites.

In case you missed anything (perhaps you were sitting it out

in a Tatooine cave or encased in carbonite?), here’s Insider’s summary of

everything we have to look forward to.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi

Starring Jude Law and an as yet-to-be- This new, 6-part series of animated
announced cast of four younger shorts created by Dave Filoni will
adventurers, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew focus on untold escapades of Ahsoka
will follow the journey of a group of Tano and Count Dooku, with three
lost children as they struggle across the episodes focusing on each character.
galaxy to find their way home. Set after Liam Neeson returns to provide the
Return of the Jedi (1983), during the voice of Dooku’s Padawan Qui-Gon
Ahsoka-Mandalorian timeframe. The Jinn, and Star Wars: Battlefront II’s
series is executive produced by Jon Janina Gavankar (Iden Versio in the
Watts and Chris Ford with Jon Favreau classic videogame) will play Ahsoka
and Dave Filoni. Tano’s mother.

Star Wars: Star Wars: Visions
Young Jedi Adventures Volume 2

Set during the High Republic era, Young Coming in Spring 2023 is a second
Jedi Adventures is billed as the first full- season of ground-breaking animated
length animated Star Wars series created shorts. This time the focus expands
for pre-schoolers, early grade schoolers, upon Japanese anime to ask animators
and their families. The show will follow from around the globe to reinterpret
Younglings as they begin their journeys classic Star Wars themes. Expect to
on the path to becoming Jedi Knights. see unique takes on the galaxy far, far
away from Spain, India, Chile, Ireland,
and South Africa, among others.

STAR WARS INSIDER / 7

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01 Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Rosario Dawson. This Party Isn’t Over
Photo: Wes Ellis
Star Wars Celebration Europe confirmed
Star Wars: Ahsoka
T he greatest party in the galaxy is set to take place in the United
Confirmed to premiere during 2023 Kingdom next year when Star Wars Celebration Europe returns
and with filming now underway, the to London’s ExCel conference center—just a few tube stations
biggest news is that Rebels characters away from Canary Wharf, famously used as a filming location
Sabine Wren and astromech Chopper for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016).
will be joining the former Jedi,
played by Rosario Dawson, on her Scheduled to take place from April 7 through April 10, 2023, the event
new adventures. Wren will be played will feature the usual mix of exclusive panels, live events, exhibitions,
by Star Wars newcomer Natasha Liu and photo opportunities. You can register for updates on the event at
Bordizzo, with Chopper once again starwarscelebration.com.
playing himself.
Galactic Guests
The Mandalorian Season 3
Boba Fett and Fennec Shand touch down on Batuu
Din Djarin and Grogu will return to
Disney+ in February 2023! As well as T ourists visiting Star
directing an episode, Rick Famuyiwa Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at
becomes an executive producer on the Disneyland® Resort in
third season, and Bryce Dallas Howard is California this summer
also onboard to direct an episode. What’s may have a chance encounter
more, Jon Favreau is already hard at work with the Daimyo of Mos Espa,
on scripts for Season Four. Boba Fett, and his right-hand
assassin, Fennec Shand, as the
The Bad Batch Season 2 duo from The Book of Boba Fett
(2021) make their presence felt
Clone Force 99 continue their quest at Black Spire Outpost.
to survive in a hostile galaxy when the
second season of the animated series Adding new storytelling to the
returns to Disney+ this fall. Starring interactive experience, the duo’s
Dee Bradley Baker (as the voices of trip to Batuu is part of a previously
the Bad Batch) and Michelle Ang (as untold mission. Fans can also look
Omega), the news stories will see the forward to seeing more characters
return of some familiar faces. at the settlement when Din Djarin
and Grogu pay their own visit in
8 / STAR WARS INSIDER the not-too-distant future.

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PRODUCTION
DIARY

Our regular summary of
Star Wars movies and television

series currently filming:

IN PRODUCTION

A Game of Survival Starring Rosario Dawson
as Ahsoka Tano
Cal Ketsis and BD-1 break cover in a new adventure Cast Includes: Natasha Liu
Bordizzo as Sabine Wren
A t this year’s Star Wars director Stig Asmussen revealed to Disney+
Celebration in Anaheim, , StarWars.com that “The game is
Lucasfilm Games, Electronic all about survival. That’s why it’s Season Three
called Jedi: Survivor. They are in dark Starring Pedro Pascal
Arts, and Respawn times, and Cal and the crew are doing as Din Djarin
whatever it takes to stay alive. That Disney+
Entertainment announced a sequel might mean that they are making
connections with people that, in other COMING SOON
to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was in times, might be considered unsavory.”
Season One
development, picking up the story of We’ll find out who these unsavory Starring Diego Luna
characters might be when Star Wars as Cassian Andor
protagonists Cal Ketsis and his loyal Jedi: Survivor arrives in 2023. Disney+
Episode Director: Tony Gilroy
droid BD-1 as they continue to (try to) Cast Includes: Genevieve O’Reilly,
Stellan Skarsgård, Denise Gough,
avoid any Imperial entanglements. and Kyle Soller.

After debuting a teaser trailer for

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the game’s

Season Two
Starring Dee Bradley Baker
and Michelle Ang
Disney+

STAR WARS INSIDER / 9

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Sneaking Into
Your Collection

Just the right height for a stormtrooper

ans of the galaxy’s most infamous scoundrel are sure to

F be impressed by Gentle Giant’s new Milestones 1/6 Scale
Statue of the iconic Star Wars hero.
Limited to 1,000 pieces world wide (and available
for pre-order now, priced $250), this latest collectible
recreates Solo in the stormtrooper disguise he used to sneak
around the Death Star in A New Hope (1977). The statue comes
with an E-11 Imperial blaster and two interchangeable heads,
enabling you to display Solo with his identity hidden beneath
the helmet or showing off a serious scowl, depending on how his
latest plan is panning out. Reserve yours at gentlegiantltd.com.

THE LIGHT SIDE By Jamie Cosley

10 / STAR WARS INSIDER

LAUNCHPAD The
StarWars
Wandering Warrior DotColumn

Visions of Anime Sith Fascinating features and
articles from the digital vaults of
he groundbreaking Disney+ animated
StarWars.com
T anthology series Star Wars: Visions
(2021) reframed the Star Wars Add StarWars.com/Insider to
galaxy through the creative your browser bookmarks to
lenses of seven Japanese anime enjoy Insider’s pick of the best of
studios. Now you can add one of its the official Star Wars website.
standout characters to your collection
with The Ronin ARTFX 1:7 Attack of the Quotes
scale statue from Kotobukiya. Starwars.com celebrates the
“The Duel,” by studio 20th anniversary of Star Wars:
Kamikaze Douga, followed Attack of The Clones (2002)
the Ronin—a former with a selection of its most
Sith—as he defended memorable lines.
an innocent village
from a deadly foe, and his
unique warrior look has
been sculpted in stunning
detail, down to his
prosthetic jawline and
ornate lightsabers. Priced $249.99,
the statue is due to ship this fall.

To The Hitting the Heights
Max! Two of StarWars.com’s regular
writers look back at the high
Savor the flavor points of Star Wars: The High
of the Max Republic Phase I.
Rebo Band
The Force Unleashed… Again!
rom Jabba the Sam Witwer talks about the
iconic videogame, recently
F Hutt’s palace re-released on Nintendo Switch.
to Garsa Fwip’s
Sanctuary, Max
Rebo and his
band provided endless hours
of musical entertainment
as the citizens of Tatooine
enjoyed a chilled beverage.
You can join them in
toasting the talents of the
Ortolan tunesmith with
Beeline Creative’s Max Rebo
Geeki Tikis Mug, which can
hold 28 fluid ounces of blue
milk, or whatever tickles
your tastebuds. Available
now at GeekiTikis.com,
priced $39.99.

STAR WARS INSIDER / 11

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Astromech Tech Dressed to
Impress
An R2-D2 with added boost!

lucky astromech R2-D2’s

P compact frame contained
an array of gadgets and
gizmos that proved useful in
countless situations during
adventures with the Republic, Rebel
Alliance, and the Resistance. Bandai
Hobby Gunpla’s R2-D2 Rocket Booster
1:12 Scale Model Kit replicates the
droid’s tricked-out kit, from a pair of
rocket boosters to a hydraulic head
lifting device, that will surely captivate
any fan of the faithful droid. In stores
this fall, priced $26.99.

Vader Illuminator Become one with a
fashionable Force
Let the dark side light up your life

A s the last sight that many s Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan,
of the Sith Lord’s enemies
saw, Darth Vader’s haunting A Ahsoka Tano fought valiantly
on behalf of the Republic

helmet became a symbol of during the Clone Wars. Based

the Empire’s terrible might. However, on the character’s costume

Paladone have chosen to look on the from that era, Her Universe’s new

bright side, and transformed Vader’s Ahsoka Tano Halter Dress reinterprets

infamous headgear into a fun lamp! Tano’s distinctive look into a stylish

The Darth Vader Light with Sound garment that is composed of 97percent

features glowing red eyes and mouth cotton and 3 percent spandex, enabling

grill, and even emanates the Sith’s the wearer to look cool and defend the

notorious mechanical breathing when Republic at the same time! Priced at

powered up. Retailing for $31.99, the $89.90, the dress is available in a range

light is available now. of sizes at HerUniverse.com.

Lovably Luxurious

Pattern your style after these exemplary accessories

rom stormtroopers to starships, Star Wars has introduced a host of

F memorable designs that have become woven into popular culture.
The films also inspired the creative team at Vera Bradley to develop
unique patterns to apply to their Star Wars collection of bags,
blankets, drink tumblers, apparel, gifts, and more. The main patterns in this
line focuses on the most iconic moments in the original trilogy, featuring a
variety of light- and dark-side characters. The Star Wars collection is available
now at VeraBradley.com.

12 / STAR WARS INSIDER

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Mando C
Merch

The latest bounty on
which to blow your beskar

A Mando Glow

Set your sights on this Pop!
that shines bright

The viewfinder in the Mandalorian’s
distinctive beskar helmet gave the
bounty hunter the ability to see heat
signatures that were not visible to the
naked eye. Fortunately, Funko’s brand
new The Mandalorian Hologram Glow-
in-the-Dark Pop! Vinyl Figure shines for
every collector. A The blue glow-in-the-
dark deco Pop! of Din Djarin retails for
$14.99, and is available exclusively at
EntertainmentEarth.com.

A The Mando-rnaments

Beautiful Bucket Decorate your home with
some holiday season bounty
Shade your eyes with
this handy Grogu hat B

In Star Wars fandom, the term “bucket” Din Djarin and Grogu engaged in
typically refers to the helmets worn by eclectic adventures that sent them
Imperial stormtroopers. However, Love traveling throughout the Outer Rim
Your Melon’s Grogu Seaglass Bucket Hat territories. Hallmark’s line of Star
B is a perfect fit for any fan, whether Wars 2022 Keepsake Ornaments C
they’re a Jedi Master or a Mandalorian enshrines these exploits in holiday-
foundling. Embroidered with an image themed poses, ranging from the
of Din Djarin’s Force-sensitive ward, this Jedi in Training Grogu on Rocking
100-percent cotton twill hat could protect Bantha ($19.99) and Grogu Greetings
you from the intense rays of Tatooine’s Ornament with Sound and Motion
twin suns. You can bag your own bucket ($39.99), to the Razor Crest ($34.99),
at LoveYourMelon.com. A Jedi Returns ($29.99), and I’ll See You
Again ($24.99) ornaments. Prepare for
the holiday season by acquiring these
assets at Hallmark.com.

STAR WARS INSIDER / 13

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Book Club

Untold tales and unlikely heroes star in the latest Star Wars book releases.

You Are Cordially Invited

Attend the wedding of Han and Leia in Star Wars: The Princess and the Scoundrel

Star Wars fans know that Han Solo the Empire’s reign of terror is coming the way their trust builds, all the
and Princess Leia eventually became to an end, the war isn’t over—and Han moments that lead up to their
husband and wife, and then had their and Leia must outwit the stubborn confession of love. By the time Return
troublesome offspring Ben Solo. But Imperial remnants struggling to cling of the Jedi (1983) picks up the story,
when and where did they tie the on to power. Leia’s been left with that confession
knot? Star Wars: The Princess and long enough to get comfortable with
the Scoundrel opens shortly after the Beth Revis (Star Wars: Rebel the idea of it. It’s one reason why the
destruction of the second Death Star, Rising) took a deep dive into the Han relationship between the two works—
as Han proposes to Leia on the and Leia dynamic in order to Leia was always going to be someone
Forest Moon of Endor during the accurately portray this phase in the who had to think about something like
height of the rebel celebration. couple’s relationship, as she recently love, and Han was always going to be
told StarWars.com. “I found myself someone who just followed his gut.”
After a wedding ceremony held in watching The Empire Strikes Back
the Ewoks’ Bright Tree Village, the (1980) on repeat,” explained Revis. The novel, on sale from Del
newlyweds depart for their honeymoon “The emotional beats of Han and Rey on August 16, is packed full of
aboard the Halcyon starcruiser (the Leia’s relationship start to spin out memorable moments. “I don’t want
now-familiar centerpiece of the Star in Empire—it’s not just the famous to spoil anything,” Revis hints about
Wars: Galactic Starcruiser 2-night ‘I know,’ line, but it’s the way Leia the novel’s wedding scenes, “But I will
experience at the Walt Disney World relates how she doesn’t trust Lando say that when Ewoks are involved,
Resort in Orlando, Florida). But even as and Han responds with seriousness, nothing ever goes to plan!”

14 / STAR WARS INSIDER

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02
01

03

01 02 03

Star Wars: Padawan Star Wars: Star Wars: Visions: T0-B1
The Padawan Cookbook
Star Wars: Padawan, a coming-of- The unconventional, would-be
age adventure by Kiersten White, Packed with kid-friendly recipes from Jedi known as T0-B1 debuted in the
sees a young Obi-Wan Kenobi a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: The Disney+ animated anthology Star
testing the limits of his bond with Padawan Cookbook lets you show Wars: Visions in September 2021.
his new Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. your younglings the ways of the Appearing as a childlike droid,
kitchen, as well as the Force! T0-B1 bares a resemblance to
Frustrated by Qui-Gon’s Osamu Tezuka’s seminal Astro Boy
insistence on a methodical Written by Jenn Fujikawa and Liz and provides a spark of hope in the
schedule of meditation and Lee Heinecke, the cookbook features memorable segment from Japanese
practice, Obi-Wan rushes into a 50 fun, simple, and delicious recipes studio Science SARU.
mission on a remote planet that had inspired by the settings and creatures
once been explored by an ancient of the Star Wars saga. Snacks, lunches, Star Wars: Visions: T0-B1 is a
Jedi. The lush world seems like a entrees, desserts, and drinks are all beautiful storybook in the Little
perfect fit for Obi-Wan Kenobi, here, along with STEM content Golden Book tradition, and follows
especially once he encounters a focusing on the sciences of nutrition T0-B1’s dreams of becoming a Jedi,
group of fellow teens who seem to and culinary chemistry. Featuring despite his origins in a workshop.
exhibit Force-sensitivity. But his full-color photography, cooking tips, Featuring images taken from the
Padawan training pushes him to and a complete kitchen reference anime-inspired episode, the book
question his new comrades and guide, The Padawan Cookbook is the introduces fans of all ages to one of
what they might mean for his perfect way to instill young fans with a the most unexpected Star Wars
future. On sale now from Disney lifelong passion for cooking. On sale heroes. On sale September 6 from
Lucasfilm Press. August 16 from Insight Editions. Disney Lucasfilm Press.

STAR WARS INSIDER / 15

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Comics Roundup

Heroes arise from every faction in this month’s Star Wars comics.

Make height of the Clone Wars written abducted by the ruthless
the Jump by Amanda Deibert and featuring Separatist General Grievous.
art by Lucas Marangon. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin
Dark Horse goes to Skywalker are sent to save them,
A Republic mission led by only to be surrounded by an
lightspeed with new Senator Padmé Amidala goes entire army of battle droids!
Hyperspace Stories awry when its members are

Dark Horse Comics returns to the
galaxy far, far away on August 10
with an all-new, all-ages anthology
series, Star Wars: Hyperspace
Stories. The new title, which will
run for 12 issues in total, promises
incredible adventures from all-star
authors, including Michael Moreci,
Cecil Castellucci, and Amanda
Deibert, with tales from every era
of the Star Wars movies, animated
series, and televisions shows.

Issue #1 kicks off with a tale of
danger and deception at the

In The Ascendent

The rebels are on the rise in Star Wars #26

Marvel’s ongoing Star Wars series fine-tune their message of
continues to explore the space courageous resistance to the cruel
between The Empire Strikes Back reign of Emperor Palpatine, Lady
(1980) and Return of the Jedi Qi’ra of the Crimson Dawn criminal
(1983) with the latest cosmic syndicate activates a network of
adventure courtesy of writer sleeper agents scattered across all
Charles Soule. civilized planets. Their goal? To
cause chaos for the forces of the
After the rebel fleet barely Empire—by any means necessary!
survives a savage attack by
Imperial commander Ellian Zahra, Star Wars #26 features interior
General Leia Organa has called for artwork by Andres Genolet and a
all surviving Alliance vessels standard cover by E.M Gist, with
to reunite at last. It is time to variants including an action figure
send a message to the galaxy: variant cover by John Tyler
the Rebel Alliance is on the path Christopher and a Choose Your
to victory! Destiny variant cover by Chris
Sprouse. Available in comic stores
As General Leia, Mon Mothma, on August 17.
and other leaders of the Alliance

16 / STAR WARS INSIDER

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The Mandalorian Don’t Miss These
#2 (of 8) Upcoming Releases

Adaptiing 2019’s breakout hit on AUGUST
Disney+, this eight-part limited
Marvel Comics series retells the Bounty Hunters #26
events of The Mandalorian ’s Marvel Comics
first season through the skills of Writer: Ethan Sacks
writer Rodney Barnes and artist Artist: Paolo Villanelli
Georges Jeanty. In issue #2, the Cover Artist: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Mandalorian exacts revenge against Darth Vader #26
thieving Jawa scavengers when Marvel Comics
they take refuge inside their rolling Writer: Greg Pak
sandcrawler fortress, and battles Artist: Raffaele Ienco
a reclusive Mudhorn in its lair. Will Cover Artist: Rahzzah
the Child provide the edge that the Obi-Wan Kenobi #4 (of5)
Mandalorian needs against long Marvel Comics
odds? Featuring cover art by Kaare Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Andrews, Star Wars: The Mandalorian Artist: Madibek Musabekov
#2 is on sale August 17. Cover Artist: Phil Noto

Han Solo & Chewbacca #5 SEPTEMBER

The latest issue of this ongoing Star Wars: The New Republic
Marvel series, chronicling the Legends Epic Collection
adventures of the notorious Corellian Volume 6
smuggler Han Solo and his Wookiee Marvel Comics
co-pilot in the years leading up Writers: Mike Richardson
to Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), & Randy Stradley
concludes “The Crystal Run” storyline Artists: Paul Gulacy & others
which sees writer Marc Guggenheim Cover Artist: Dave Dorman
putting the duo into their toughest
spot ever! With the Millennium OCTOBER
Falcon gone and a very angry Greedo
back in the mix, can Han avoid the Tales from the Rancor Pit
clutches of Marshal Buck Vancto and Dark Horse Comics
Khel Tanna? Han Solo & Chewbacca Writer: Cavan Scott
#5 features art by David Messina with Artists: Nick Brokenshire,
a cover by Phil Noto, and is in comic Juan Samu, Andy Duggan
stores on August 3. & Rafael Perez
Cover Artists: Kelley Jones
Doctor Aphra #23 & Michelle Madsen

Rogue archaeologist Chelli Lona Aphra is STAR WARS INSIDER / 17
a true wild card, fighting alongside the
rebels one day and then unexpectedly
saving the life of Emperor Palpatine the
next. Don’t let her academic credentials
fool you—Doctor Aphra will cross her
moral line if she can turn a profit! In the
latest issue of the ongoing Marvel series,
smuggler Sana Starros is determined to
rescue Aphra from the enemy at any cost.
But everyone has secrets, and the dark
side adherents of the Spark Eternal have
plans of their own! Written by Alyssa
Wong with art by Minkyu Jung and a
cover by W. Scott Forbes, Doctor Aphra
#23 is on sale August 3.

Luminous Lore Republic Roundup

Shining a light on Star Wars: The High Republic. PHASE I

Chronicles of the Jedi! AVAILABLE NOW

Brush up on your High Light of the Jedi
Republic knowledge as Writer: Charles Soule
Phase II gets underway!
Del Rey, Adult novel
With the first novel in The High
Republic Phase II, Path of Deceit A Test of Courage
by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland, Writer: Justina Ireland
arriving this October, fans who have
not yet embraced the golden age of Disney Lucasfilm Press, Middle Grade novel
the Jedi might be looking for a way
to bring themselves up to speed. The Great Jedi Rescue
Writer: Cavan Scott
To help, Insight Editions will be Artist: Petur Antonsson
releasing Star Wars: The High
Republic: Chronicles of the Jedi, An Disney Lucasfilm Press, 8x8 storybook
Illustrated Guide to the Galaxy’s
Golden Age on November 29, 2022. Into the Dark
Written by Cole Horton, this lavishly Writer: Claudia Gray
illustrated, 160-page book provides
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creatures, vehicles, and locations of
the High Republic era, and will include The Rising Storm
hints and teases about about the Writer: Cavan Scott
saga’s second and third phases.
Del Rey, Adult novel
Also on its way on November
10 is The Art of Star Wars: The High Race to Crashpoint Tower
Republic, written by Kristin Baver Writer: Daniel José Older
and featuring a foreword by Kathleen
Kennedy. It’s cover (pictured right) Disney Lucasfilm Press, Middle Grade novel
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The High Republic #1 The High Republic Adventures: The High Republic: The Blade #1
Writer: Cavan Scott The Nameless Terror #1 Writer: Charles Soule Tempest Runner
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Artists: Eduardo Mello Del Rey, Audio original novel

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Disney Lucasfilm Press, 8x8 storybook

Mission to Disaster
Writer: Justina Ireland

Disney Lucasfilm Press, Middle Grade novel

The Fallen Star
Writer: Claudia Gray

Del Rey, Adult novel

The Battle for Starlight
Writer: George Mann
Artist: Petur Antonsson

Disney Lucasfilm Press, 8x8 storybook

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09
20 / STAR WARS INSIDER

KRRSANTAN!
AWKrWcerortvaoosearrkasniCelgtsaeaah-rnlgeoayilwnaxJydTiotihwanfeehteoeBosrl,o-stbwuoterokhncoobeafdepmB-labaeooybfpeauaadnnrFtttoyeho-fthetftuh(itn2e.t0eS2rt1a)r,
AW OoRTrfaoDntlSoeao:atiunJnrdAee.Yt”ihnTSeChTlWhaoheKOttacnoaorraBtdprgaocolsIntttikeraifeoEnsimenbrerijtteewo2eriafoeylonhfoecnear.fegedennIfnaTtrbactohotwlyehfsemy.iuaetnBshcsgcpboceJoooeocomSksuakntsesnaifeotcutrstf-ayolbWwsBchoIhotaanouhrbroskneseiaebdtisferFcraeeroeoragatunmsaratsg,,baotahC“oomdfiTtauellhrteitmhevhelWyeemaiTs-nJoacraosdihcoukbntikareineeroiprssgeanraeocitnstffheeoderrce

01 Carey Jones. Star Wars Insider: Portraying a character 01
in the Star Wars galaxy is a unique
02 Jones as accomplishment, especially for a fan. “When someone asks
Krrsantan in How did the role come your way? you if you want to be in
The Book of Carey Jones: I had worked with Robert Star Wars, you say, ‘Yes! ’
Boba Fett Rodriguez on Predators (2010). He’s friends with You don’t really ask a ton
(2021). Greg Nicotero (the legendary special makeup of questions after that.”
effects artist), who happened to mention me
03 Krrsantan in the course of a conversation, and Robert 03
concept art remembered that experience. He gave me a call
by Christian and that’s really how it started. When someone
Alzmann. asks you if you want to be in Star Wars, you say,
“Yes!” You don’t really ask a ton of questions
after that (laughs).

What went through your mind when you
learned that you’d be playing Krrsantan
in The Book of Boba Fett?
The funny thing about it is that although I knew
that I’d been cast as a Wookiee, I didn’t know
that it was Krrsantan, or that we’d be making The
Book of Boba Fett. For a while, I’d assumed it was
for another Star Wars show altogether, because
Disney and Lucasfilm like to keep things so close
to the vest, and they kept the scripts so secret.
I didn’t know it was actually a Boba Fett show
until I was on set, but that was okay because
I was going to be in a Star Wars production!

02

22 / STAR WARS INSIDER

INTERVIEW: CAREY JONES

04 05 06

And how did you react when you realized CRACKING KRRSANTAN
it was a Boba Fett series?
It was amazing. Boba Fett is one of my favorite Krrsantan was first introduced to Star Wars fans in issue #1 of Marvel Comics’
characters. It says a lot when a character who Darth Vader in 2015, but The Book of Boba Fett made him a living, breathing,
had such a short amount of screen time in three-dimensional character. Insider asked Carey Jones what he feels
the original movies could leave such a lasting motivated Krrsantan most, and if there was more to him than just money?
impression on so many fans. The striking design “Star Wars bounty hunters don’t care about the bounty that they’re hunting,”
and detail of his costume, the fact that he was a Jones suggests. “I don’t think Krrsantan cared whether someone was good or
bounty hunter, his mannerisms, his voice, and bad, right or wrong. He was motivated by purpose and money. He just needed
the mystery surrounding him! To be a part of a reason, you know?”
The Book of Boba Fett felt pretty great for me.
After being hired by the duplicitous Hutt Twins to end Boba Fett’s life, and
Krrsantan originally made his debut in failing, Krrsantan was left without such direction. “I think that’s why he went to
Star Wars comics. Did you research his Garsa’s place and had to get a couple of drinks inside him,” says Jones. “Krrsantan
previous appearances to inform your was double-crossed by the people who hired him, and then left in the hands of
characterization? Boba Fett. He didn’t have a mission, and that’s what bounty hunters live for—
I wasn’t given his name right away. Initially, all missions, the adrenaline rush, the battles they have to go through to get their
I was told about the character was that he was bounty. Krrsantan didn’t know what Boba Fett’s true endgame was, but he knew
a Wookiee. It was at least a month or so later when he’d get paid, and get to fight, so he thought, ’Alright, I’m in!’”
I got that information; and when I did, I was able
to go and do the research that helped me learn How did it feel to put on the Wookiee 04 David Nakayama's
about Krrsantan’s demeanor. suit for the first time? cover art featuring
It was surreal. The first time it was just the Krrsantan for Doctor
Every one of us has a history, and what we’ve head, which was still in the process of being built. Aphra Annual #1.
gone through in our lives defines the person I found myself staring at Krrsantan in the mirror
that you are today. Krrsantan’s backstory in the for hours at a time, as I tried to get to grips with 05 Marvel Comics' Han
comics is where it starts in terms of his character the fact that I was going to do this show and Solo & Chewbacca
and why he is the way that he is, so yeah, become this character. To be perfectly honest, #4 variant cover
I looked at all the graphic novels and things even today I don’t think that it’s sunk in (laughs). by Nic Klein.
I found online about him, including fan theories
and ideas about the character. Luckily, there Krrsantan demonstrated a lot of physical 06 A collection of
were a lot of stories out there about Krrsantan, prowess. Did you undertake much stunt Krrsantan stories
so there was plenty to absorb. Then, of course, training for the series? from various Marvel
Robert Rodriguez had his take on how Krrsantan I’ve done stunts before on other projects, so Comics was
was, and Jon Favreau had his take. my personal preparation was just to train. published in June
And I trained, and trained, and trained ! From 2022. Cover art by
my experience of wearing other suits like the Salvador Larroca.
Krrsantan costume, it’s the legs, the shoulders,
and the arms that wear on you first, so it was
those areas I concentrated on when I started
my training..

Once I knew in more detail what I was
going to be doing—I had to lift a guy, put
someone on my shoulders, throw another
guy—I started training a little differently. The
stunt coordinator, JJ Dashnaw, and the other

STAR WARS INSIDER / 23

INTERVIEW: CAREY JONES

07

07 Concept art for
the Trandoshan
attack by
Christian
Alzmann.

08 Krrsantan gets
ambushed by
a band of
Trandoshans
in The Book
of Boba Fett.

“I like to
think I’m
a big dude
and can
throw people
like that,
but we were
really making
contact.”

MAKING UP 08 history and story to Chewbacca’s, and I felt as if it
should read that way. I didn’t want him to be too
As a performer who has stunt guys were all awesome. I like to much like Chewbacca because you could never
appeared on-screen as a think I’m a big dude and can throw replace Chewie, so why try (laughs)?
Scooby Doo monster and people like that [laughs], but we were
a Predator, Carey Jones really making contact. They were getting So, were there ways that you sought to
is best known for playing tossed around the set, and they had to differentiate Krrsantan from Chewbacca?
Krrsantan in The Book of sell it, which they all did. Not really. I didn’t go through anything
Boba Fett (2021), but for comparatively speaking. I just did what made
more than two decades he The word “Wookiee” has become sense for Krrsantan and his motivation—how
has also enjoyed a prolific synonymous with Chewbacca, as would he react to stuff, based upon what was
career behind the scenes. played by Peter Mayhew and Joonas in the script and the scenarios he was put into?
Starting out as a mold Suotamo in numerous Star Wars His disposition is always volatile (laughs), and
maker and lab technician movies. Did their performances as his reaction is never a calm one. It’s always fight
on films such as Jurassic Chewie influence your approach first, think later. So that’s how I played it.
Park III (2001), it's Jones' to Krrsantan?
skills as a special makeup- The reason why Chewbacca was so How has The Book of Boba Fett
effects artist, designer, endearing and so expressive was because impacted your life, both as an actor
and supervisor that have of the actors who portrayed him, and I and as a Star Wars fan?
benefited numerous major didn’t want to hinder my performance Being completely covered in a Wookiee suit
television and movie by trying to copy what they did. With while still having to create a character, convey
projects, including The anything that you do, there’s a part of emotion, and come across as a certain type
Walking Dead (2011- you in it. I figured that whatever my of person, is tough. So, getting feedback from
2021), True Detective truth or my take on Krrsantan was, it fans on what they saw in what I was trying
(2014), The Amazing would come through. He’s a unique
Spider-Man 2 (2014), character and had a completely different
Transformers: Age of
Extinction (2014), Suicide
Squad (2016), Watchmen
(2019), Lovecraft Country
(2020), and Mare of
Easttown (2021).

24 / STAR WARS INSIDER

09

to do with the character has been huge
for me.

The fact that they’ve picked up on and
reacted positively to the things I was doing
makes me feel good, as if I did my job. The
validation as a performer is great, and that’s
the most impactful thing for me as an actor.

As a Star Wars fan, there’s also a sense of
humility there. Whenever I meet other fans now,
I remember what it felt like to be around someone
you’d seen on screen or whose character you
connected with, because that was me. Star Wars
was one of the first movies I ever saw, and I was on
the outside of it my whole life, looking up to Mark
Hamill, to Harrison Ford, and all of those people,
wishing that one day I might meet them. To be
on the other side of that is surreal. There aren’t
too many stories you’ll hear about someone being
such a deep-rooted Star Wars fan like I was and
becoming a part of it. It’s been awesome.

10

09 Krrsantan fights
back in The Book
of Boba Fett.

10 Krrsantan sided
with Boba Fett
after the Daimyo
showed him
mercy and offered
him a job.

11 After defending
Mos Espa from
Boba Fett's
enemies, what
might be next
for the mighty
Krrsantan?

11
STAR WARS INSIDER / 25

The Dangerous Life of a Rebel Agent

As we look forward to the launch of Andor on Disney+,
Insider explores the precarious existence of the rebel spy, and how Cassian’s

selflessness set him apart from more extreme figures like Saw Gerrera.

WORDS: AMY RICHAU

ar is full of admission, he had been in the as various cells started working
fight since he was six years old, together with the aim of forming
W impossible a span of time that predated even a unified Rebel Alliance.
choices made in the rise of the Empire. Records
the most stressful indicated that he was from Fest, Andor spent much of his time
but the haze of war and covert with the Rebellion in the Intelligence
and morally operations raised questions about Operations department, working
their accuracy. undercover in areas controlled by
ambiguous the Empire to gain information
“We don’t all about Imperial activities. The task
environments. Commanders send have the luxury was incredibly dangerous, and the
majority of undercover rebel agents
their troops into battle, knowing of deciding did not survive their assignments.
when and For Andor, intelligence gathering
many won’t survive the day. Spies where we want often entailed more than simply
to care about spying. Sabotage, espionage, and
must participate in or ignore something.” assassinations all played parts in
Andor’s missions, ranging from
illegal behaviors to keep their Cassian Andor, impersonating government agents
on Ord Mantell to recruiting agents
true identities safe. And bombers Rogue One: in the Albarrio sector.
A Star Wars Story (2016)
are often unable to verify their Even when Andor and other
Cassian made a name for intelligence agents’ missions
payloads won’t injure civilians, himself as someone willing to risk were successful, they often didn’t
his life for the cause of upending lead to significant victories for
along with their intended targets. Palpatine’s grip across the galaxy. the struggling rebel cells. It was
Davits Draven, a veteran of the during this period Andor relied on
Cassian Jeron Andor was a Rebel Clone Wars, served as Cassian’s case following orders as a way to help
officer in the Rebel Alliance. Draven justify his actions. As Andor spent
Alliance hero whose bravery helped was in contact with Mon Mothma much of his time during missions
in systems under Imperial control,
turn the tide in the battle between he had firsthand knowledge of
how ruthless its occupation forces
the Alliance and the Empire. could be. The Empire was laser-
focused on stripping these planets
But many of Andor’s actions on and moons for minerals and

missions for the Rebellion were

morally questionable. Star Wars

Insider takes a look into the life of

Cassian Andor and other rebel spies

and insurgents who sometimes

blurred the lines between right

and wrong in their desperate

fight against the Empire.

As with so many individuals

whose experiences later led

them to join rebel cells, conflict

and war had been a constant in

Cassian’s life, though his various

struggles have only been loosely

documented so far. By his own

26 / STAR WARS INSIDER

INTERVIEW: EMILY SWALLOW

STAR WARS INSIDER / 27

SPECIAL EDITIONS

01 people, Gerrera led a group 01 Cassian Jeron “Andor made
of rebels often referred to Andor with a name for
metals, without caring how these as the partisans, who were his modified himself as
mining operations would affect known for daring and risky Imperial someone
the local populace or the planetary missions leading to violence security droid, willing to risk
environments. When faced that other rebel cells tried to K-2SO. his life for
with doing nothing or morally avoid. Gerrera’s willingness the cause.”
questionable actions to try and stop to target civilians during such 02 Renegade
the Empire, Cassian Andor—and rebel Saw
many other rebels—made difficult Gerrera and
and painful decisions in the field. Jyn Erso.

By Any Means? engagements, along with the

Another rebel active during this use of brutal interrogation
period was Saw Gerrera, himself
a veteran of the Clone Wars, methods, similar to those of the
and a man much less morally
conflicted than Andor. Empire, drove a wedge between

Gerrera fought against the Saw and the rest of the Rebel
Separatists during the lengthy
conflict, and then later the Alliance, most notably Senator
Empire, when they occupied his
homeworld, Onderon. Hardened Mon Mothma, who referred to
by the tragic loss of his sister Steela
and a seemingly never-ending Gerrera as a militant extremist.
occupation that threatened his
Gerrera’s deeds in the field

were condemned by many, but his

actions did, in several cases, lead

to results that slowed down the

Empire. Gerrera helped Imperial

scientists Galen and Lyra Erso

and their young daughter escape

Coruscant, and relocated them

GOOD SOLDIERS
FOLLOW ORDERS

Captain Rex and his fellow clone trooper soldiers
made difficult moral choices when General Pong
Krell replaced Anakin Skywalker during a mission
on Umbara. Rex felt he had a duty to follow orders
from his commander, in addition to looking out for
his fellow soldiers, who Krell seemed all too eager
to sacrifice in the name of a wartime victory.

When Rex and the other clones discovered
Krell was a traitor working on behalf of Dooku and
the Separatists, Rex agreed with his soldiers that it
was too risky to keep Krell alive as he could reveal
Republic intelligence to the enemy. Rex went to
Krell’s cell, even though he was hesitant to take
such action. However, it was Dogma—a clone
trooper that Krell had taunted for his blind loyalty
to his superiors—who executed the traitor.

02

28 / STAR WARS INSIDER

03

to the isolated planet, La’mu. 03 Andor and Jyn
When Director Orson Krennic Erso traveled to
found the Ersos, killing Lyra Jedha on their
in the process of forcing Galen mission to find
to return to his work on a new out more about
Imperial superweapon, Gerrera the Empire’s
was able to save Jyn and, for secret weapon.
many years, raised her among
his partisans. 04 Erso realized
that Andor’s
Jyn, however, wasn’t always true mission
comfortable with Gerrera’s was to kill her
father, rather
than rescue him.

tactics, particularly his attack 04

of a festival in Inusagi and Gerrera eventually abandoned against the Rebellion, particularly
Jyn when he became concerned the development of of the regime’s
its new leader, Governor Cor Imperials were close to finding weapons. After Gerrera and his unit
her. While Saw’s disappearance went missing on an intelligence
Tophervin, a friend of the Emperor. understandably felt like a cruel mission on Geonosis, the Ghost
betrayal to Jyn, his heart was in crew were sent to investigate.
Gerrera’s actions led to high the right place as he genuinely When they found him, Gerrera
believed Jyn would not survive roughly threatened a Geonosian
numbers of both Imperial and if the two stayed together. survivor, demanding that he tell
the group what weapon they were
civilian casualties. Saw felt the Both Gerrera and Andor went helping the Empire to build. Ezra
to great lengths to retrieve Imperial Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, and former
mission was worth it, to send intelligence that related to threats

a message to the Emperor; Jyn

viewed the mission for what it was:

a massacre. “Oh, Jyn,” Saw replied

when she questioned his methods,

“What do you think war is?”

STAR WARS INSIDER / 29

“Cassian Andor—and many other rebels—made
difficult and painful decisions in the field.”

05

but they would continue not 05 Andor met his at a terrible cost. Stormtroopers
to see eye to eye on several contact, Tivik, surrounded Andor and Tivik, and
future missions. on the Ring of the spy only had a few moments
Kafrene, and to weigh up the odds—risk that the
The following year, Gerrera faced a terrible injured Tivik be taken captive and
convinced Bridger and Sabine moral choice.

Wren to help him infiltrate a 06 On Eadu, Andor interrogated by the Empire, most
cargo ship he believed held chose not to likely revealing the intel he’d shared
Imperial secrets. When they follow General with Cassian, or kill the informant
found Imperial prisoners and a Draven’s order to protect that intel. After taking
giant kyber crystal, Bridger and to execute out the stormtroopers, Andor chose
Galen Erso.

Wren prioritized helping the to shoot Tivik. Visibly upset, the

prisoners escape, while Gerrera’s emotional toll of his actions had to

only focus was to find out how

the Empire was weaponizing

the crystal. Having stunned the

young rebels, Gerrera told them

that the difference between

them was that he would do

whatever was required to be

victorious. “Following orders

will only get you so far,” he said.

As far as Gerrera was concerned,

he had lost everything to the

Empire, including his sister and his

06 homeworld. All he had left was his UNDERCOVER AGENTS
burning need for vengeance. His
clone trooper Rex insisted that war was personal. Both the Rebellion and the Empire used spies in their
Gerrera take it easy, especially as war against one another. After becoming disillusioned
the Geonosian was unarmed and Moral Dilemmas with the Empire, former Imperial Security Bureau
defenseless. Saw, however, wanted agent Alexsandr Kallus secretly worked for the Alliance
information from the Geonosian In a trading post on the Ring of using the codename Fulcrum—the same codename
at any cost, telling Bridger, “We are Kafrene, Andor acquired vital Ahsoka Tano and Cassian Andor used while funneling
in a war, and war is loss.” Bridger information from an informant intelligence to various rebel cells across the galaxy.
eventually convinced Gerrera to named Tivik, who told him about
leave the Geonosian on his planet, a new Imperial planet-killing When Thrawn realized a mole was working against
weapon. But their exchange came him, Kallus framed fellow Imperial officer Lieutenant
Lyste, knowing that Lyste would immediately be taken
into custody and most likely executed.

30 / STAR WARS INSIDER

FROM THE SHADOWS
07

ARMY OF INSURGENTS 08 Were his actions on the Ring of
Kafrene catching up with him, or
The Twi’lek homeworld of Ryloth suffered to work with them, but he might had his encounter with Gerrera and
occupations from the Separatists during the be amendable to reuniting with association with Jyn Erso changed
Clone Wars and the Galactic Empire, after the Jyn. Draven told Jyn that Andor’s his perspective? Either way, he was
fall of the Republic. Cham Syndulla, leader of the mission was to authenticate the defensive when Jyn challenged him
Free Ryloth Movement, knew the Empire was message and that the superweapon as the rebels escaped Eadu aboard
unlikely to leave Ryloth while the planet still had existed; then, if possible, find a stolen Imperial cargo shuttle. Jyn
valuable spice to trade. Unfortunately, there was Galen Erso. Mon Mothma hoped realized that Andor’s true mission
little hope of any successful diplomatic measures that Gerrera would help them had been to kill her father and
that would help his people. When Palpatine and locate Galen and persuade him to asserted that following orders he
Darth Vader visited Ryloth, Syndulla and his army testify in front of the Senate in an knew were wrong made Cassian no
of insurgents made the bold move of attempting attempt to stop the development better than a stormtrooper. “What
to assassinate them both. Their efforts failed, but of the Empire’s secret weapon. But do you know?” Cassian spat back,
their movement continued. before Cassian and Jyn departed revealing the pent-up anguish that
for Jedha, the last known location had driven him to such extremes.
Out of desperation, some civilians turned to of Gerrera’s partisans, Draven told “We don’t all have the luxury of
violence to defy the Empire. Explosives expert Cassian to forget what he’d been deciding when and where we want
Skelly became alarmed by the mining activities told—there was to be no extraction to care about something,” he told
ordered by Imperial Efficiency expert Count Vidian of Galen. Andor’s secret order was her. “Suddenly the Rebellion is real
on the Gorse moon, Cynda. Believing that the to kill the scientist on the spot. for you? Some of us live it. I’ve been
Empire’s aggressive actions to harvest thorilide Draven’s questionable command in this fight since I was six years old!
so quickly might destroy both Cynda and Gorse, showed how desperate he was to You’re not the only one who lost
Skelly orchestrated a series of bombings in the stop the new Imperial superweapon everything. Some of us just decided
center of a Gorse city to try and assassinate Vidian. from being finished. As Galen was to do something about it.”
essential to its completion, killing
wait for another time, as, with 07 Rebel forces him was the fastest and most Andor’s selfless dedication to
more stormtroopers closing in on Yavin 4 assured way of accomplishing that the cause reached its ultimate
on his location, Cassian made prepare for outcome. Morally right or wrong, apogee during the Battle of Scarif,
his escape. battle. the ends justified the means. where he, Jyn, and his comrades in
the ragtag Rogue One crew made
Andor and Gerrera would 08 Jyn Erso and Consequently, Andor faced the ultimate sacrifice to ensure
come face to face after Mon Cassian Andor another dilemma when they the Death Star plans reached
Mothma, Bail Organa, and made the discovered Galen was on Eadu, the hands of those who could
Davits Draven tasked the rebel ultimate the planet housing a secret use them to turn the tide of the
to liberate Jyn Erso from an sacrifice for Imperial research facility. Despite conflict. Their mission changed
the sake of his orders to assassinate the the course of the Rebel Alliance,
the galaxy. scientist, Andor allowed Jyn and but the path to that victory came
his crew to believe that he was at a dreadful emotional cost for the
Imperial prison on Wobani going to help them take Galen soldiers and insurgents forced to
back to Yavin 4. Yet, just as he compromise their morals in order
and convince her to help them had Galen in the sights of his to defeat the Empire.
sniper rifle, Andor hesitated, then
retrieve a message from her father lowered his weapon.

Galen Erso, which was now in the

hands of Saw Gerrera. The rebels

knew that Gerrera was unlikely

STAR WARS INSIDER / 31

CRAIG BARRON INTERVIEW

01 Matte painting from Return of
the Jedi (1983): Han Solo’s view
of the Millennium Falcon from
inside the Imperial shuttle.

It’s A Matte,
Matte World!

Some of the most striking visual environments in the original
Star Wars trilogy were, in reality, two-dimensional works of art
painted on panes of glass. Craig Barron, who worked in Industrial
Light & Magic’s matte department for almost a decade, reveals
how such images added depth to the galaxy far, far away.

WO R D S : B RA N D O N WA I N E R DI

32 / STAR WARS INSIDER

CRAIG BARRON INTERVIEW

raig Barron, a visual Star Wars Insider: What were stories with interesting concepts,
the early inspirations that and they were great to discover,
C effects supervisor, drove your creativity? because films like those weren’t
film historian, Craig Barron: Before A New being made anymore.
and Academy Hope, the film industry had been
floundering. The next generation Of course, Ray Harryhausen was
Award winner, of filmmakers hadn’t quite taken really the keeper of the flame for
over yet and the antiquated studios many, many years. Every two or
began his career were making films that weren’t very three years, he would make a film
exciting. So, as a teenager growing that was wonderfully inspiring.
in 1979 when he was hired—aged up, I would often look back to the As a kid, I would mimic those films.
older movies that did deal with We didn’t have home VCRs back
18-years old—as the then-youngest adventure, like Gunga Din (1939). then, so I would go to the theater
Science-fiction films like The Day and stay all day, see a movie three
person working at Industrial Light the Earth Stood Still (1951) and times, and then go back home to
Forbidden Planet (1956) had good recreate it in the garage, trying the
& Magic. Mentored by Ralph techniques for myself.

McQuarrie, Barron worked in the

legendary ILM matte department

and had a direct hand in many

incredible shots seen throughout

the original trilogy, as well as in

an array of other movies.

STAR WARS INSIDER / 33

CRAIG BARRON INTERVIEW

By the time I ended up working “wedges,” which were very subtle “I was hoping to
at ILM, I had a little reel of film that color variations on the live-action
showed off my compositing and
stop-motion animation. footage to better match them to get into Phil Tippett’s
What were your early the painting. The painting could group, but there was
experiences working as be finished but, essentially, the an opening in the
a matte photography assistant matching could take another week matte department,
on The Empire Strikes Back? or two, just to get it as seamless as and I couldn’t say no.”
Up to that point, I had been possible. Afterwards, the transition
mostly interested in stop-motion between the live-action and the
and animation, so I was hoping matte painting would be totally
to get into Phil Tippett’s group, undetectable, with no matte line,
but there was an opening in the thereby creating a much more
matte department, and I couldn’t
say no. At the time, Neil Krepela effective illusion.
was the matte photographer, and
I would help him photograph the Back then, you had to
paintings and do the color testing.
We would do these things called physically cut out the matte You worked under legendary

02 painting, where the live-action artist Ralph McQuarrie. What

03 was going to be. I would be did you learn from him, so

handed a razor and think, “Oh early in your career?

man, if I slip and blow this, I’m I would do whatever Ralph needed.

going to ruin the painting!” Matte paintings were done on glass,

so I would prepare them for him,

02 Ralph McQuarrie spraying each with a Krylon white,
working on a so that the acrylic paint would stick
matte painting to it (because paint doesn’t stick to
for A New Hope glass naturally). I would clean his
(1977). airbrushes, and then every once in

03 Craig Barron a while, he’d let me kind of go in
(left) with and do a little part of a painting.
Ralph McQuarrie If he didn’t like it, he would paint
during the over what I’d done (laughs). I did
making of paint the power generator that gets
The Empire blown up in Empire, which was
Strikes Back
(1980).

okay for me to do because it was

just six frames.

Compared to most of the

department, Ralph McQuarrie

was much more advanced. A lot

of us were young: I was a teenager,

while most of the other people

working there were in their 20s

and 30s. Ralph and I both lived in

Berkeley, California at the time,

and because I didn’t have my own

car my girlfriend would drop me

off at the corner and Ralph would

pick me up on the way to work.

On the journey we would just talk

all about art and design; it was like

a private education.

Ralph wasn’t really a matte

painter in the traditional sense,

but because he was such a great

artist he could do anything. What

was unique about Ralph was

that he would follow through

sequences he had initially done

the concept art for to then paint

the mattes.

34 / STAR WARS INSIDER

04 04 Matte painting
by Ralph
How did your work, and McQuarrie of
the work of the matte the rebel base
department, progress as hangar for
you moved from Empire to The Empire
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)? Strikes Back.
Well, Raiders of the Lost Ark was
interesting, because before that 05 Barron’s
and Dragonslayer (1981), ILM long-time
was really just run by George collaborator
Lucas. He was the guy—there was Michael
no ambiguity. It was his money. Pangrazio
It was his facility. But both painting the
Raiders and Dragonslayer were landscape
competing for department talent. of Hoth.
I became more involved, working
with the artists designing the 06 ILM matte
shots, and helping to decide artist Harrison
how they would be done. I also Ellenshaw
became more involved in the working on
actual production: going on a Dagobah
location and advocating for matte painting.
the shot so that it wasn’t an

05 06

STAR WARS INSIDER / 35

07

afterthought. We called it “body and
fender” work. We always felt like the
matte painters should be in charge
of the shot, because they were the
ones responsible for ultimately
making it look good.

George loved matte paintings
and would hang out in the matte
department, because he liked to be
with the artists. He would tell us
stories and about films he wanted
to make—like one about Alexander
the Great, which never happened.

Return of the Jedi had some 08 “George loved matte
of the most complicated effects paintings and would
shots ever filmed at that point. which was a big multi-plane hang out in the matte
How had matte and optical animation stand, like Disney department, because
technology improved during had been using for its animated
that period? movies, but ours used motion- he liked to be with
You can actually see how the matte- control technology. We had a 30- the artists.”
painting department got better foot track, with motorized camera
over time, throughout each of those planes that we could program to 07 Miniatures added depth 08 ILM artist Michael
movies. We were a small group that move paintings on an X, Y, and Z to Michael Pangrazio’s Pangrazio creating
worked together for years, charged dimension. There was also enough matte painting of the a matte painting of
with taking “the state of the art” room for us to build foreground second Death Star’s Jabba’s palace
and making it better, making more miniatures in these shots. docking bay in Return on Tatooine.
convincing illusions. As we got of the Jedi.
better, the shots got better, because For instance, for the shot of
we were able to tell the story better Palpatine’s shuttle approaching the
as well. Ralph used to say, “What is Death Star, Neil Krepela and Michael
the ‘first reading’ of this shot? What Pangrazio used an all-miniature
does it immediately tell you?” foreground, adding dimensional
movement to a McQuarrie painting.
With Return of the Jedi, we
had our “Automatte camera,”

36 / STAR WARS INSIDER

09

Ultimately, a matte painting is a 09 Craig Barron The realism in movies has
(center) with only continued to get better.
just 2D piece of flat art: you can ILM colleagues Today, for instance, we truly TRAVELING
have the potential to create MATTE
zoom in on it, you can pan across preparing a illusions that are undetectable.
It’s all in how you approach After working on Star Wars and
it, but you can’t really move reference your aesthetic. We draw from other Lucasfilm classics, Craig
dimensionally. But if you build maquette of a classical paintings and art, and Barron left ILM in 1988 to set up his
warehouse for there’s that inner voice that own company, Matte Digital World,
tells you what to do, based on which he co-founded with ILM artist
some miniature components in a Raiders of the experience, as well as what Michael Pangrazio and producer
the foreground that do move Lost Ark (1981) people had done before you. Krystyna Demkowicz.
dimensionally, you can increase matte painting. Hopefully, that all helps you
achieve something that works. Initially working with traditional
the illusion of reality. And that 10 Craig Barron matte-painting techniques, the
was the glimmer of the future (left) and Neil company soon embraced digital
that we really wanted to explore. Krepela (right) technology, recreating the Las
setting up a Vegas skyline for Casino (1995)
and the New Orleans railway
A lot of these ideas expanded matte shot for station for The Curious Case of
into what the industry would The Empire Benjamin Button (2008), for which
Strikes Back. Barron was awarded an Oscar for
Achievement in Visual Effects.
eventually become.

In Return of the Jedi, you also
have a brief cameo on-screen as
Darth Vader. How did you get
to step into the iconic suit?
George was very involved in the
editorial process. There would be
times when he would say, “I need
another little shot here, so that the
audience can relax for a moment
before the next sequence.” He
used the matte department a
lot during post-production to
10 add shots that weren’t thought

STAR WARS INSIDER / 37

“Traditional little ambient sky color behind 11 Craig Barron 11
matte painting it. The reason we could do this played Darth
was because we could design Vader for the Did this kind of additional
was probably from the standpoint of lighting shot of the shoot happen often?
one of the most and integration, and make it Sith Lord It was one of the fun things about
work seamlessly. But our ramp exiting his being at ILM, because it could
successful matched the miniature shuttle, shuttle on quickly turn into a mini motion-
techniques in the and not the full-size shuttle that Endor. picture studio. I’m also the finger
Painting pointing at the illustration of the
pre-digital era.” by Michael Ark of the Covenant in the Bible, in
Pangrazio. Raiders of the Lost Ark. They had an
of during the actual filming. So, original illustration that was shot
when Vader’s shuttle landed on was built in London, which was 12 Barron’s during filming, but it just didn’t look
Endor, George really wanted to a little bit different. Our ramp pointing very good. Steven Spielberg said, “We
have a shot of Vader leaving, just was a lot steeper and that meant finger really need something that’s more
to expand that sequence. We built that our Darth Vader had a more stood in for appropriate to an old Bible, because
a little economic set on our stage, challenging exit. Harrison the sketch looks too modern.” So,
which was just a ramp with a Ford’s for this Ralph and I went to the library and
Really, the only reason I was shot from pulled out all the Gustave Doré
CLEAR AS GLASS in the shot at all is that I was just Raiders of books. Ralph used these illustrations
tall enough to fit in the suit. Dave the Lost Ark. as an inspiration and created
Numerous myths have built up Prowse was incredibly tall, about Illustration something in that style. I then
around the making of the original 6’ 6”, and I’m only 6’ 1”, so if you by Ralph Xeroxed a whole bunch of copies
Star Wars trilogy, and there is one McQuarrie. and colored them with marker pens,
common misconception that Craig and we burnt the edges to make it
Barron is keen to clear up. look closely, I look a little bit more look like it was aged. We got this
old Bible, and we inserted our page,
“There is a rumor that our like Rick Moranis in Spaceballs rolled the camera, opened the page,
matte paintings were done on and I pointed. The rest is history.
glass panels that were actually (1987), than anyone else.
shower doors from a local hardware What would you say is the
store,” he says. “Now, I don’t know The cape was long. And, yes, legacy of the ILM matte
where this rumor started, but they painting department?
weren’t! We had them specially in one of the takes, I did slip on I think traditional matte painting
made. Each of them was two-and- was probably one of the most
a-half by six feet in size and placed the cape and onto my butt, sliding successful techniques in the
in metal frames. Sure, they were pre-digital era. We really could
made by a company that also made down the ramp into a crumpled make something look great and
shower doors, but they weren’t undetectable as an illusion. That’s
actually shower doors (laughs)!” mess at the base of the shuttle. I’ve why it was so much fun to work in
that department, because what we
never seen the footage, but I would would create was pretty impressive.
Those amazing artists could paint
love to—I’m sure it’s buried deep photorealistically for the camera
and expand the entire scope of a
in the Archives. movie. It was a very unique time,
and it was a lot of fun.
12

38 / STAR WARS INSIDER

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STAR WARS INSIDER / 39

S T E WA R D S
OF THE

FOREST
MOON

With help from
anthropologists and
tribal cultural experts,
Star Wars Insider seeks
answers about who
the Ewoks were, how
they were changed
by the presence of
the Empire, and what
might have come next
for the inhabitants of
Endor’s forests.

WORDS: MELISSA T. MILLER

here’s no denying the

T importance of the Ewoks in
helping to defeat the Empire.
Even with only a small

amount of screen time to

go on, it was clear that the

furry creatures had a fiery resolve and a rich

culture, with many parallels to Indigenous

societies here on Earth. Such similarities give

us some leads into exploring how Ewok society

might have functioned, and how the climactic

collision of cultures might have changed them.

Because of its remote location, the Empire

judged Endor to be the ideal site for the final

phase of construction on their secret second

Death Star, and the forest moon was an equally

perfect location for a shield generator to protect

the project. An apparent lack of resistance from

the local inhabitants was no doubt a bonus.

But just like so-called uncontacted tribes here

on Earth, the Ewoks were likely to have been

profoundly affected by this Imperial colonization.

Today, there are thousands of distinct tribes,

including nearly 600 in the United States and

more than 400 in the Amazon. Of the dozens

of Indigenous groups in South America, New

Guinea, and islands in the Indian Ocean, many

have had contact with the outside world to some

degree, but they choose to live in isolation.

“Just like ‘uncontacted’ tribes in the Amazon,

Ewoks are not completely uncontacted,”

Christopher Shaffer, a professor of anthropology

at Grand Valley State University, explains. He

works with the Wai Wai people in Guyana,

who reclaimed legal title to their land in 2004.

“The Ewoks may have ended up retreating to

the trees because of people visiting the planet

and attacking them. This is what we see in the

STAR WARS INSIDER / 41

STEWARDS OF THE FOREST MOON

03

01 An elder from Amazon, where far-away tribes remain relatively
the Waorani uncontacted and don’t have interactions with
tribe living in others, aside from occasional intrusions into
Ecuador’s Yasuni their land. But for a lot of those groups that we
National Park. have histories for, we know that 100 years ago
Photo by Ryan they were involved in elaborate trade networks.
P. Killackey. And then inevitably they fled from some sort of
persecution. In a lot of cases what we’re seeing
02 The Ewoks may is the legacy of colonization. And that’s what I
have lived an see with the Ewoks as well. They had weaponry
arborial life prepared, so they’d clearly had to defend
due to previous themselves in the past. I would guess that may
incursions be part of the reason they had treehouses.”
on Endor.
Threats from Colonization
03 Princess Leia
and Wicket’s Oil and gas extraction, as well as other
friendly first mining, continues to devastate many regions
encounter in and populations throughout the Amazon
Return of the rainforest. In the 1940s, oil companies left
Jedi (1983).
02
01

to their land, but the oil platforms

are expanding and there’s continued

encroachment of roads closer to the

people living in voluntary isolation,”

Killackey tells us. “That is something

that’s happening right now and is

essentially what you saw in Return

of the Jedi (1983), with the Empire

going in and attempting to colonize

“The Ewoks may have ended the place, destroying the habitat
and ecosystem and the people of
up retreating to the trees that forest.”
Habitat destruction also threatens

because of people visiting the the California redwood forests
planet and attacking them.” that were the Earthbound filming
location for Endor. While some areas
Christopher Shaffer are protected, much of the actual
filming took place on land owned

by a logging company, an industry

Ecuador after several violent run-ins with that historically has an impact on local wildlife. On

“hostile natives.” But they returned in 1960, Endor, the building of the shield generator would

only two years after missionaries made first have required cutting down trees and clearing land,

peaceful contact with local Indigenous tribes. and the Ewoks likely changed their movements

Ryan Killackey is a wildlife biologist and the and behaviors due to that incursion.

documentary filmmaker of Yasuni Man (2017), Making Friends
which chronicles the recent history of the Waorani

people in Ecuador. Yasuni National Park was There is a broad spectrum in how contact was

established in 1979 to protect land that multiple made with the Ewoks, which also has parallels in

tribes, including some in isolation, call home. “You human history. Deana Weibel, an anthropologist

see some small victories like people getting rights of religion at Grand Valley State University, studies

42 / STAR WARS INSIDER

STEWARDS OF THE FOREST MOON

After being separated from her group, Leia
recognized that the Ewoks were her best chance at
survival. Perhaps she only considered her personal
predicament, but in the big picture the Rebel
Alliance would have been lost without their help.
Imagine if Han Solo’s hostile reaction had been
the only experience the Ewoks had with the
rebels? And it wasn’t as if Chewbacca, Luke
Skywalker, or even R2-D2 did anything to ease
tensions with these potential allies. “They yell
a lot!” Weibel points out. “What See-Threepio

“The smartest 04 Ewok treehouses
thing Leia did provided some
was give Wicket protection from
something to eat. the dangers of
That’s the best way the forest floor.
to make friends.”
05 Ewoks made
Deana Weibel use of primitve
technology,
including bows
and arrows.

04

the effect of space travel on religions around
the world. “The smartest thing Leia did was give
Wicket something to eat,” she says. “That’s the
best way to make friends. She was pretty mellow
and didn’t threaten him at all.”

It was Princess Leia Organa’s positive interaction
with Wicket that set the stage for the alliance
that brought down the Empire. “They had a
conversation and worked on communicating
ideas,” suggests Jared Ten Brink, a cultural educator
who is an Indigenous American, a member of the
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi. “She
wasn’t ‘rescuing’ him, they were working together.
And when Leia followed Wicket, she placed her
trust in him that he knew the land.”

05

STAR WARS INSIDER / 43

STEWARDS OF THE FOREST MOON
06 08

THE COAST “Everybody colonizers showed up, people perceived them
MIWOK TRIBE has an impact, as something more than what they were, and
even those they took advantage of that. And that’s not what
George Lucas originally intended people who happens in Star Wars.” The difference is that,
Wookiees to be the ones to are trying to as C-3PO says, “It’s against my programming to
save the galaxy, but the story do good.” impersonate a deity.” Perhaps that coding was
called for an isolated civilization prompted when a droid, like colonizers, leveraged
that he named Ewoks. Perhaps Ryan Killackey their power and devastated entire civilizations.
coincidentally, this rhymes with
Miwok—the name of the tribe had going for him was that Instead of manipulating the Ewoks, C-3PO told
indigenous to the land that he was able to speak in a the story of the Rebel Alliance. “That’s actually
Skywalker Ranch was built on. dialect somewhere close to really significant to me,” says Ten Brink. “That’s
Ewokese almost immediately, to how you introduce yourself, you tell your story.
The Coast Miwok have communicate directly. Both Leia See-Threepio was explaining who his people are
lived in California for thousands and Threepio immediately began and where they came from.”
of years, but much of the communicating in some way.”
population was devastated Fight for the Future
by colonization in the 1800s, The Ewoks assumption that
including forced relocation C-3PO was a god is actually The Ewoks then expressed agency and empathy,
and diseases like smallpox. The similar to some misconceptions of choosing to help the rebels after hearing the full
tribe had no federal recognition colonizers here on Earth. In 1579, story. “They are not presented as being forced into
between 1958 and 2000. Englishman Francis Drake made something, but as people who made a decision,”
contact with the Coast Miwok suggests Ten Brink.
“I imagine numerous artifacts tribe while circumnavigating
like arrowheads and mortar and the globe. He was considered a “The Ewoks were welcoming of another culture,
pestles would have been found on hero by the British, a pirate by technically letting aliens into their community,”
the site of the Lucasfilm property,” the Spanish, and a god by some says Killackey of the rebel’s subsequent acceptance
says Lucina Thomas-Vidauri, the Indigenous peoples. “The thing into the Ewok tribe. “They worked alongside one
great-great-granddaughter of I expected to be triggering in another, and that’s one of the positive messages
Camillo Ynitia, the last chief of terms of Indigenous perspectives that comes out of Star Wars.”
the village Olompali. Now a state is when See-Threepio sat up and
historic park, it is one of very few they started treating him like The Ewoks had the experience and resources
cultural sites left of the Coast a god,” says Ten Brink. “But it to be the game-changing element, surprising
Miwok people. “The Ewoks are happened in our history. When both the rebels and the Empire. They had
something people know about, stockpiles of weaponry and planned tactical and
they really made an impression coordinated attacks. Sticks and stones may seem
and that’s a good thing,” she rudimentary, but they also made complicated
says. “I’m always hoping fans machines, like hang gliders and catapults, with
will make the connection, every those same materials. “The Ewoks were not
which way to get the Coast Miwok necessarily unadvanced technologically, it was
name out there. We’re talking just different technology,” says Weibel. “They
about a people that were here for
thousands of years, and they’re
not now. People should know.”

07

44 / STAR WARS INSIDER

STEWARDS OF THE FOREST MOON

were working with the resources that were 10 06 A statue by
available to them.” artist Will Pettee,
“When it comes to representation in popular commissioned to
If Endor had been more like the Amazonian culture, there are examples of Indigenous commemorate
rainforest, most of their food would most likely people telling their own stories and I really the Coast Miwok
have lived in the trees, leading to some key gravitate towards those,” says Ten Brink. “So people.
differences in weaponry. “They would probably much of our culture is co-opted, and that’s why
have used blow guns rather than bows and Indigenous people are sensitive about it. It’s not 07 A Coast Miwok
arrows,” explains Shaffer. “They would have had because we don’t want to share, it’s because we man and woman
specialized weapons to get such prey and the blow weren’t given the choice.” sit outside their
gun is the ultimate way of doing that.” dwelling, circa
Exploring more of the Ewok’s story should late 1800s.
If the Empire had won, they would have come with careful consideration to avoid Photo courtesy
been likely to continue to exploit Endor with perpetuating harmful tropes. “It would be of Lucina
no regard for the Indigenous people. If the so cool to see the whole Return of the Jedi Thomas-Vidauri.
moon was chosen for mining of valuable natural sequence told through the lens of the Ewoks,”
resources on top of its strategic location, that says Shaffer. 08 C-3PO was
exploitation could have continued into the mistaken for
New Republic era. Perhaps Leia worked with a god by the
the Ewoks to protect their autonomy and Ewoks.
homeworld. “Everybody has an impact, even
09 It was the Ewoks
09 choice to join the
rebels in their
those people who are trying to do good,” says fight against
Killackey. “Just our presence can be a negative the Empire.
influence. It can totally change them and make
them look at what is ‘out there’ differently. 10 Logray, the chief
Where did Ewok society go once it had all this shaman of the
new knowledge?” Bright Tree tribe.

11 C-3PO retelling
the story of the
Rebel Alliance
and his friends’
struggles to the
fascinated Ewoks.

11

STAR WARS INSIDER / 45

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INTERVIEW: HUGH QUARSHIE

HUGH
QUARSHIE

THE QUEEN’S PROTECTOR

WO R D S : B RA N D O N WA I N E R DI

est known to “Of course, I was delighted
to become a part of cinematic
B audiences in history,” Quarshie says of landing
the United the role. “But I was a little
Kingdom for concerned that in the script my
character’s name didn’t get a
his 19-year run mention in dialogue.” His solution
was to ad-lib a namecheck during
as consultant filming in Tunisia. “I found an
opportunity to announce it while
surgeon Ric Griffin in the BBC I was in the Tatooine desert with
Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor),
Television hospital drama Holby so I said ‘Panaka’ when I answered
my communicator. I wanted to
City (1999-2022), actor Hugh make sure that the audience

Quarshie made his mark in

the Star Wars saga as Captain

Panaka, the diligent protector

of Naboo’s Queen Amidala

in Star Wars: The Phantom

Menace (1999).

01

01 Captain 02
Panaka (Hugh
Quarshie)
with Obi-Wan
Kenobi (Ewan
MacGregor) in
Star Wars:
The Phantom
Menace
(1999).

02 Hugh Quarshie
as Captain
Quarsh
Panaka.

48 / STAR WARS INSIDER

“I wanted
to make
sure
that the
audience
knew
EXACLTY
who he
was!”

03 03 Captain and I think people wanted the new
Panaka was film to be a repetition of that,”
knew exactly who he was!” aware of the the actor suggests. “But we were
Quarshie laughs. queen’s use of going to do a new saga, something
decoys, and different, telling a different story
Born in Ghana, Quarshie’s family played along. using not only new heroes but also
moved to the United Kingdom different story-telling techniques.
when he was three years old, and 04 The queen of The Phantom Menace was never
although he dabbled with theatre Naboo’s head going to repeat the trio of Han
while at school, he didn’t become a of security. Solo, Luke Skywalker and Princess
professional actor until 1979, having Leia. It was multi-protagonist, it
originally considered a career in 04 was a new beginning; this was
journalism. At that time, Star Wars ‘Episode One,’ and it took a while
was an inescapable phenomenon, for audiences to understand that.”
with audiences eagerly awaiting a
sequel to A New Hope (1977). The Now, more than 20 years later,
original film left such an indelible Quarshie is pleased that the movie
mark on the public consciousness gets the credit that it deserves.
that, when it came to making the
first prequel in 1997, Quarshie was “At the time, I don’t think The
aware that the new film might not Phantom Menace got quite the
be what people were expecting. acclaim that the original trilogy
did, but it was a ground-breaking
“I remember the thrill of that movie in terms of its technology,
opening sequence of A New Hope, its use of CGI, and the cleverness of
the storyline and the backstory,” he
50 / STAR WARS INSIDER says. “I was always pretty sure that,
in time, it would take its place in
the cinematic pantheon. Maybe not
for the same reasons as the original
trilogy, but as a piece of technical
mastery it broke new ground. I’m
delighted that today people have
come to appreciate many of its finer
points, and that my friend and
colleague Jar Jar Binks (as played
by Ahmed Best) has finally been