EPISODE IX: A DYAD IN THE FORCE!

No longer enemies but friends in the Force, the unique Jedi Dyad of Rey and Ben Solo hold firm against the evil resurrected Palpatine on Exegol, in this memorable image and moment from The Rise of Skywalker.

'INDY V' - THE FIRST TEASER POSTER REVEALED!

Sadly, there was no sign of a trailer for the upcoming Indy V, or a title reveal, but there was a barely- revealing-anything teaser poster (artist unknown) and at least the thousands of fans present at Celebration Anaheim, and the rest of the online community got to experience a surprise drop-in visit from Harrison Ford, promoting the film alongside Kathleen Kennedy,. Frank Marshall and director James Mangold. Even better, it came after a fun reprisal of the iconic Raiders theme by John Williams and his orchestra, played on the composer's 90th birthday, of which Ford beautifully celebrated and honoured Williams - the man and his work - with his appearance. 

Harrison Ford celebrates John Williams on his 90th Birthday!

Ford addresses the wild crowd.

Ford with James Mangold.

'OBI-WAN KENOBI' - NOW STREAMING ON DISNEY+

Newly released official second poster for the series.

The reviews are coming in for the opening two episodes, and they're near-enough universally positive...

Beware potential spoilers!

'Obi-Wan Kenobi' Review: Assured, Entertaining Show Proves There's Life in Star Wars - CNET

Obi-Wan Kenobi' review: Ewan McGregor aces his 'Star Wars' return

Obi-Wan Kenobi review: The Star Wars series is a dark treat - BBC Culture

Obi-Wan Kenobi review – Ewan McGregor’s fight scenes are genuinely thrilling | Television | The Guardian

How the Obi-Wan Kenobi premiere introduces young Leia | EW.com

Obi-Wan Kenobi Review | Movie - Empire

Obi-Wan Kenobi Review: Ewan McGregor Rules In Star Wars Return

Obi-Wan Kenobi surprise cameo is more important than you realise

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Inside Fan Screening at Star Wars Celebration – The Hollywood Reporter

Obi-Wan Kenobi Director Deborah Chow: "There is no Obi-Wan Kenobi without Ewan" - SciFiNow - The World's Best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Magazine

On the Celebration stage.

On the fan stage.

Hayden: "Here's where the fun begins!"

Cast and crew gather to promote the series at Celebration.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Review: An Unnecessary Star Wars Prequel Story Manages To Feel Incredibly Vital And Thrilling

Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 1 review: "A mature, beautifully realized slice of Star Wars" | GamesRadar+

Obi-Wan Kenobi Both Delights and Devastates Star Wars Fans

In Obi-Wan Kenobi series, Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reunite | EW.com

HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY TO THE ORIGINAL 'STAR WARS'!

Classic character and vehicles art linked to the film's original Japanese release, by Noriyoshi Ohrai.

"You take two hours out of your life to see Star Wars. But you become a kid again for two hours. You have two hours of adventure and romance, the world is terrific, and you come out of the movie theater feeling great. I think what the movie shows is that people are looking for hope. That's what this picture is about. The good wins out. Life can be just wonderful."

ALAN LADD, JR - 1977

'OBI-WAN KENOBI' - MEDIA ROUND-UP (3)

Three days to go until the Disney+ exclusive double episodes, and here's some more recent news/clips in the media build-up:

Obi-Wan Kenobi director compares the new series to Joker and Logan | GamesRadar+

Kumail Nanjiani shares details of Obi-Wan Kenobi character | EW.com

https://ew.com/tv/obi-wan-kenobi-ewan-mcgregor-star-wars-season-2/

Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reveal their favorite Obi-Wan Kenobi memories | GamesRadar+

Obi-Wan Kenobi stars Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reveal how Anakin and Obi-Wan's relationship has changed in the show | GamesRadar+

Obi-Wan Kenobi Will Feature The Jedi Master Unable To Use The Force

https://www.theilluminerdi.com/2022/05/20/obi-wan-the-volume-vfx-tech/

'THE CLONE WARS' - SALUTING JAMES ARNOLD TAYLOR - 'THE OTHER' OBI-WAN KENOBI!

Obi-Wan Kenobi debuts his new look for the opening season of The Clone Wars animated series.

Seventeen years on from his last onscreen performance as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Revenge of the Sith, Ewan McGregor returns to the iconic prequel era-launched role in the eagerly awaited titular series this Friday, 27th May on Disney+. This new six-episode adventure will obviously be spectacular and ultimately have a special place in fans' hearts worldwide. But let's not forget and applaud that other actor who has splendidly played/voiced the Jedi role in the realms of numerous Star Wars animation series and media spin-offs for the creatively inspired period in between McGregor's on screen portrayals: the consistently excellent actor James Arnold Taylor, who brought further nobility, heroism, drama, humour and pathos to the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi especially during The Clone Wars animated series' acclaimed era. 

His final animated visage getting closer to the events of Revenge of the Sith.

James Arnold Taylor and his animated alter-ego.

Star Wars Aficionado salutes you, Mister Taylor! 

And long may you continue to voice/play in the George Lucas universe-created sandbox...

'SOLO': BLASTERS AWAY!

Heroes-in-the-making, smugglers and shady mercenaries lock weapons against anyone who stands in their way in this great Japanese territory related art for Solo: A Star Wars Story from 2018.

https://www.thedigitalfix.com/star-wars/kathleen-kennedy-solo-box-office

C'mon Disney+, when in blazes will there be a well-deserved Han Solo limited edition mini-series with Alden Ehrenreich? Fans want to see it!

'OBI-WAN KENOBI': ARRIVAL OF THE INQUISITORS!

Now arrived on Tatooine, the ruthless Grand Inquisitor and his acolytes in lightsaber-wielding terror are hunting for an outlaw Jedi. But is it Obi-Wan Kenobi whom they are ultimately seeking? 

A memorable trailer image from the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi event series, debuting exclusively on Disney+ from 27th May, 2022.

More series news:

Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi TV Spot Shows the Inquisitors Strike

https://ew.com/tv/obi-wan-kenobi-grand-inquisitor-rupert-friend-interview/

5 Highlights from the Obi-Wan Kenobi Trailer | StarWars.com

Obi-Wan Kenobi Trailer Secretly Teased Another Jedi Hiding On Tatooine

https://screenrant.com/reva-star-wars-inquisitor-canon-history-explained/

Conflicts of interest for the Fifth Brother (Sung Kang) and the Reva - Third Sister (Moses Ingram)? 

EPISODE VIII: SMALL TALK!

There's always time for gossip, whatever shape and sized the intergalactic life form you may be in the Star Wars galaxy, as demonstrated by three of the ever-adorable Porgs of Ahch-To, huddling for communication in this lovely shot of the lively creatures from The Last Jedi. 

'OBI-WAN KENOBI': MAN OF JUSTICE, MAN/MACHINE OF HATE!

Not long now until Obi-Wan Kenobi debuts exclusively on Disney+, and these two international posters have been found online but are not yet seemingly available in high res. Nonetheless, they stir up expectations nicely for the next dramatic and exciting lightsaber conflict between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader! 

Some more series news:

Ewan McGregor Says The Star Wars Prequels Were 'Very Difficult' Because Technology Got In The Way

https://epicstream.com/article/obi-wan-kenobi-series-cameos-set-to-tie-to-prequel-films-than-live-action-series

Ewan McGregor Debunks 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' Fan Theories, Says Reactions Are "Quite Funny To Watch" | Geek Culture

Ewan McGregor Wants to Do More Star Wars Projects After Obi-Wan Kenobi

Star Wars: Ewan McGregor Wanted to Do Obi-Wan Kenobi Series Because of Trainspotting 2

Obi-Wan Kenobi - Exclusive Official Behind the Scenes Clip (2022) Ewan McGregor - YouTube

5 Highlights from the Obi-Wan Kenobi Trailer | StarWars.com

OUT NOW - 'VANITY FAIR' INVESTIGATES THE 'STAR WARS' TV EMPIRE....

Vanity Fair magazine's always extensive, gorgeous photo-packed coverage of the live-action Star Wars universe is back with a bang via their July 2022 TV issue, celebrating and revealing the exciting secrets of the universe-building realms of the saga's hugely successful TV empire vis Disney+. Iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz returns to deliver some spectacular new pictures covering the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and Andor event series.

The new issue of Vanity Fair is out later this month.

The main trio characters of Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a superb first proper look at the Vader costume.

Gathering for the cover.

Ewan and Hayden - back in duelling action rehearsal.

Grogul and Jon Favreau.

Custodians of the former Lucas empire.

And more TV Star Wars to come...

OUT NOW - 'STAR WARS - BROTHERHOOD'

2022 is shaping up to be an incredible year for fans of the the epic prequel universe created by George Lucas, what with the expansive Twentieth Anniversary celebrations worldwide for Attack of the Clones and the upcoming, eagerly awaited return of Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen in the Disney+ exclusive Obi-Wan Kenobi mini-series, airing from 27th May, 2022 onwards. And in between all that Force-packed excitement, we also have an acclaimed, all-new original adventure to savour for our Jedi hero icons Obi-Wan Kenobi (aka 'The Negotiator') and Anakin Skywalker ('The Hero Without Fear') - Brotherhood - as they embark on a dangerous, complex and emotionally challenging mission that takes them to the unusual bridge world civilisation of Cato Neimoidia and its creepy, duplicitous race of Neimoidians (beings who often cite their so-called conflict neutrality!), in an intriguing timeline set within the start of the infamous Clone Wars, and a situation that will ultimately be referenced early on by our Master and Knight during Coruscant affairs taking place during EPISODE III. Chen has the very rare privilege of penning one of the first officially approved tales starting off the Clone Wars, especially introducing Kenobi and Skywalker to the mysterious aura and lethal lightsaber fighting skills of Asajj Ventress!

Mike Chen, who previously contributed a tale to the popular The Empire Strikes Back - From A Certain Point of View in 2020,  delivers a solid, building adventure in Brotherhood that captures all the finest aspects of this era of the Star Wars saga - action, intrigue, mystery and danger - whilst presenting further dimensions to our prime heroes that will surely reward viewers who have always loved these special characters- an edgy but ultimately devoted Jedi pairing. Only two real disappointments: Firstly, the boring and mostly unnecessary subplot of Anakin's helping a young Zabrakian Jedi youngling become more comfortable with her empathic Jedi powers. Secondly, the Disney/Del Rey editorial team's subtle but clearly obvious inclusion of WOKE/politically correct elements, which proves both irritating and distracting from the storytelling.

Here's the official release blurb for the book, out now in UK hardback from Del Rey.

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker must stem the tide of the raging Clone Wars and forge a new bond as Jedi Knights.

The Clone Wars have begun. Battle lines are being drawn throughout the galaxy. With every world that joins the Separatists, the peace guarded by the Jedi Order is slipping through their fingers.

After an explosion devastates Cato Neimoidia, the jewel of the Trade Federation, the Republic is blamed and the fragile neutrality of the planet is threatened. The Jedi dispatch Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of the Order's most gifted diplomatic minds, to investigate the crime and maintain the balance that has begun to dangerously shift. As Obi-Wan investigates with the help of a heroic Neimoidian guard, he finds himself working against the Separatists who hope to draw the planet into their conspiracy-and senses the sinister hand of Asajj Ventress in the mists that cloak the planet.

Amid the brewing chaos, Anakin Skywalker rises to the rank of Jedi Knight. Despite the mandate that Obi-Wan travel alone-and his former master's insistence that he listen this time-Anakin's headstrong determination means nothing can stop him from crashing the party, and bringing along a promising but conflicted youngling.

Once a Padawan to Obi-Wan, Anakin now finds himself on equal-but uncertain-footing with the man who raised him. The lingering friction between them increases the danger for everyone around them. The two knights must learn a new way to work together-and they must learn quickly, to save Cato Neimoidia and its people from the fires of war. To overcome the threat they face they must grow beyond master and apprentice. They must stand together as brothers.

Some memorable excerpts:

Star Wars: Brotherhood - Exclusive Excerpt | StarWars.com

'Star Wars: Brotherhood' excerpt: Mike Chen reunites Obi-Wan, Anakin

Star Wars: Brotherhood Excerpt—Dexter Jettster Returns in Novel

Get the book here (also available in audio book form):

Star Wars: Brotherhood: Amazon.co.uk: Chen, Mike: 9781529150209: Books

ROGUE ONE: THE CRIMINAL HEROINE!

From on the run criminal to savour of the Rebel Alliance and its historic battle against the Galactic Empire. Courageous, inspirational and a tough fighter, all these aspects of Jyn Erso's character are well represented in this great poster from the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story merchandising/poster campaign of 2016 - note the bottom half of the composition - a possible deleted scene moment of her outdoors during the originally filmed infiltration of Scarif's Imperial Base.

HAPPY TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY - 'ATTACK OF THE CLONES'!

Happy Twentieth Anniversary to Attack of the Clones, the film that many fans would go on to consider the weakest of the Prequel Trilogy but one which would importantly introduce so many popular legacy characters and action moments with the arrival of the film's closing Clone Wars initiation. Also of note, the benchmark setting adventure would see in new ways of making movies and give us the launching pad to hugely successful spin-off series like The Clone Wars Animated Series and The Book of Boba Fett. 

It's taken a long time to happen, but all three Prequel films are now much more appreciated today than they ever used to be - the mark of George Lucas's much-missed storytelling instincts and his enduring creative vision...

EPISODE VII: THE TORTURED HERO!

Captured on Jakku by the First Order, it's not long before Resistance hero pilot Poe Dameron is ominously brought to the infamous and truly evil Kylo Ren for a brutal interrogation over the location of the missing Luke Skywalker, in an early scene from The Force Awakens.

Storybook art by Brian Rood.

HAPPY 78TH BIRTHDAY, GEORGE LUCAS!

There are people who make great movies, and there are people who make great and ground-breaking movies, and George Lucas's superb film-making instincts are purely in the latter camp, particularly with his creative and artistic first success with American Graffiti, from which the seeds of an incredible space fantasy would soon be sown...

STAR WARS AFICIONADO sends the very best to George Lucas on his Birthday! Once again, thank you for creating such an enduring and beloved universe!

'OBI-WAN KENOBI' - THE PUBLICITY MACHINE BEGINS...

The series press tour kicks off in Berlin.

Prior to what will be a surely sensational appearance at the new Celebration event in Los Angeles later this month, the main cast of Obi-Wan Kenobi, alongside fan-acclaimed director Deborah Chow, have begun lively international publicity for the series, starting in Berlin, followed by London. The eagerly-awaited series begins with a double-episode showing exclusively on Disney+ from May 27th, 2022.

More news:

https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/watch-obi-wan-kenobi-stars-ewan-mcgregor-and-hayden-christensen-joke-about-the-high-ground/

Ewan McGregor Nearly Adopted A Camel From The Obi-Wan Kenobi Shoot | TV Series | Empire

https://ew.com/tv/obi-wan-kenobi-director-deboarh-chow-interview/

https://www.ign.com/articles/obi-wan-kenobi-jedi-fallen-order-connection

Arrived in London on 12/05/2022.

Best of friends off screen, worst of enemies on. Image: Misan Harriman for British GQ.  

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE BETRAYER BETRAYED!

He's been the perfect apprentice to his master in the supremely powerful force for evil in Darth Sidious, now the evil and duplicitous Count Dooku, having fallen to the aggressive lightsaber duelling skills of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, is in for shock from the Dark Side, in this great moment from EPISODE III.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE END OF A CRIME LORD'S ERA

Wrecked by its own rear laser cannons, with a little help from a now freed Leia Organa at the targeting controls, Jabba the Hutt's legendary Sail Barge vehicle, now evacuated by many of the late slug's underworld criminal associates, is about to destroy itself next to the Great Pit of Carkoon. Another memorable image from Return of the Jedi, from the successful climax to the exciting battle in liberating Han Solo.

'ATTACK' AT 20: THE PADAWAN TURNED JEDI KNIGHT - OBI-WAN KENOBI

“We’ve been allowed to play around a bit more (for EPISODE II). The fun is back, more humour and more sex, which is always a good thing. Sex and humour just kind of make the world go round, do you now what I mean?” 

EWAN MCGREGOR - PREMIERE - JUNE 2002 

 “There’s more action for me. It was a nice step to not be the apprentice, and now be the master. To have scenes with Sam Jackson and Yoda and the leaders of the Jedi Order, and then be in charge of Anakin. And I get to f==k off on a Dick Barton detective story in the middle, in a fantastic spaceship that I’ve waited all my life to fly.” 

EWAN MCGREGOR - EMPIRE MAGAZINE - JUNE 2002 

“George thinks it looks more heroic (Ewan’s shaggy beard) because George wears a trimmed beard. So it’s getting closer and closer to looking like George.” 

EWAN MCGREGOR - EMPIRE MAGZINE - JUNE 2002

MARK'S MUPPET MINGLING! REMEMBERING 'THE MUPPET SHOW' (1980)

It's Pigs in Space for Luke Skywalker and Mark Hamill with the infamous Miss Piggy as the new Princess Leia! Images: ITC.

As both his earthbound self and his intergalactic relation in the slightly wacky version of Luke Skywalker, who'd memorably charge through the Muppet back stage area, blaster-in-hand shouting, "Down with the Empire!" and "Remember Alderaan!", Mark Hamill proved a classic guest star on The Muppet Show in the lead-up to the 1980 release of The Empire Strikes Back, the actor once more enjoying the company of Frank Oz, this time in his unique performance as the hero-smitten Miss Piggy. This hilarious preview of sorts for Empire (Season Four, Episode 17, airing February 29th, 1980) also showed us Luke's new rebel hero costume. 

What a fun time must surely have been had for Hamill, alongside co-stars Anthony Daniels and Peter Mayhew, in making this episode, especially with the latter's unique Wookiee dance moves with R2-D2 by the time of its memorable musical finale!

https://screenrant.com/muppet-show-star-wars-mark-hamill-comment/

EPISODE I: IMPORTANT INTRODUCTIONS...

Having both rushed to the aid of the exhausted Qui-Gon Jinn, who has just survived a near-fatal lightsaber duel with a mysterious Sith assassin, young Anakin Skywalker and Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi soon get to introduce themselves to each other in this subtly momentous moment from EPISODE I.

Disney storybook art by Brian Rood.