EPISODE VIII: DEVELOPING HEROES...

Image: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney.

They made a truly spectacular and special 2015 debut with THE FORCE AWAKENS, now its trio of stars in Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac are surely looking forward to revealing where their characters go next with THE LAST JEDI, of which the first teaser trailer will be tantalizingly revealed at the US CELEBRATION event next month.

Latest EPISODE VIII news:

'The Last Jedi' Footage Screened for Disney Shareholders | The Star Wars Underworld

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi: Mark Hamill speaks! We now know the three little words Luke Skywalker first says to Daisy Ridley's character Rey

Exclusive: Star Wars: The Last Jedi Footage Description

Frank Oz on the Legacy of Jim Henson’s Muppets | Variety

Star Wars 8: Han Solo’s funeral in leaked The Last Jedi set photo | Films | Entertainment | Express.co.uk

John Boyega teases 'frustrating' 'Star Wars 8' scenes - NME

‘Star Wars Episode 8’ Rumors: New Book Hints Snoke Is From The Unknown Regions

Star Wars: The Last Jedi teases new storyline and cameo details | The Independent

Rumor: The State of the Galaxy in 'The Last Jedi' | The Star Wars Underworld

Rumor: Captain Phasma's New Weapon in 'The Last Jedi' | The Star Wars Underworld

EPISODE VII: THE GOODBYE GIRL...

Having carved out a deliberate, almost solitary existence as a kind of intergalactic scrap dealer on the far-off desert world of Jakku, the enigmatic Rey, with her newly acquired, soon trusty droid BB-8, are quickly caught up in tumultuous galactic events that will see her finding new friends and bringing out prior dormant physical skills and strengths potentially linked to an all-powerful energy field surrounding and binding the universe.

Note the top of Rey's fighting pike- it looks almost like one half of Darth Maul's lightsaber-perhaps the stick has been cannibalised from one of those ancient weapons. Or does the staff actually contain a surprise lightsaber- one perhaps specifically tailored for Rey's future use?

There's also been a lot of worldwide chatter as to whether Rey is the child of Han Solo and Leia Organa. In fact, I think there's been some deliberate smoke screening and misdirection currently being done by LUCASFILM. AFICIONADO is under the impression that Rey is likely the daughter of Luke Skywalker, of which shattering past events have seen her become a pariah or secret to her family, in a new spin on the way that Luke was taken away to Tatooine for safety reasons in the original STAR WARS.

Rey's full desert costume, as seen at CELEBRATION 2015. Image: Curtis Reynolds.

THE CLONE WARS: WAS THAT HAN SOLO?

More well-known faces would have been seen from THE STAR WARS universe in The Untold Clone Wars. Image: LUCASFILM ANIMATION.

The Untold Clone Wars Panel at CELEBRATION ANAHEIM, featuring Dave Filoni and Pablo Hidalgo, now on STARWARS.COM, revealed lots of mouth watering gems that we deeply wished had come to fruition in Seasons Seven and Eight: a variation on the John Wayne western classic The Searchers, involving  the Tusken Raiders, advancing bounty hunter Boba Fett and his new mentor in Cad Bane; the Wookiees and the Bad Batch Clones on Kashyyyk, Dooku battling Boba Fett, Embo and the bounty hunters; Ventress and Vos in the upcoming Dark Disciple novel, and an early idea for a potentially lethal First Contact scenario between the Expanded Universe's popular Yuuzhan Vong and the Jedi. But it would be the return of Ahsoka Tano prior to her official appearances in REBELS that proved the most interesting, seeing her on a speeder bike entering the shady Level 1313 on Coruscant. When her clip was completed, not much was said about who the character was with the goggles watching her misadventure. To me, it looked like a young Han Solo, not yet having garnered his famous chin scar. And don't forget, in an early script draft, he was almost in EPISODE III on Kashyyyk, where he would have been around fourteen years old. The clip was also given some introduction by Dave Filoni, who said that this particular Ahsoka episode had a storyline conceived by George Lucas with a very intentional Indiana Jones-esque vibe to it. Potential hint, there!?

Anyone at LUCASFILM want to confirm this?

▶ The Untold Clone Wars Panel - Star Wars Celebration Anaheim - YouTube

THE CLONE WARS: MEETING THE 'BAD BATCH'!

Cody and his squad encounter the Bad Batch squad. Images: LUCASFILM ANIMATION.

With the prior success of the web released uncompleted story arc reels for the Utapau saga from THE CLONE WARS: The Lost Missions initiative, STARWARS.COM has now released a new four-part set for the Brent Friedman written, Clone Trooper highlighted adventure that is Bad Batch, where a quartet of irregular war-loving, genetically enhanced clones joins forces with Anakin, Rex and Cody to liberate a stolen war algorithm and uncover the mystery of whether the previously MIA clone trooper Echo might still be alive after the fiery conclusion of the Season Three adventures set within The Citadel.

Anakin fights a new type of Battle Droid.

Also featuring the return of notable villains Wat Tambor and the spider-cyborg General Trench, this action-heavy, planet-trotting tale is a must-see, especially for Clone Trooper fans. Let's hope that it gets enough web hits to see-in even more animatic story reels being released for the not too distant future...

Watch the episodes here: The Clone Wars Legacy | StarWars.com

▶ The Untold Clone Wars Panel - Star Wars Celebration Anaheim - YouTube
▶ Bad Batch Star Wars: The Clone Wars Panel - Star Wars Celebration Anaheim - YouTube

LONDON'S 'THE FORCE AWAKENS' CELEBRATION!

Warwick Davis, some old friends, and very happy fans, welcome back STAR WARS!

Here's some more great shots we hadn't previously seen from the very special THE FORCE AWAKENS live streaming event from CELEBRATION ANAHEIM to London's EMPIRE Leicester Square IMAX cinema, hosted by Warwick Davis.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO's previous event report from 16/4/2015: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: 'THE FORCE AWAKENS' TEASER TRAILER TWO IS HERE!

All images by James Gillham/Sting Media.co.uk for DISNEY UK.

"Utini!"

Warwick acts as a fine compere to events.

Old enemies enjoy popcorn and posters!

The live transmission has begun!

The new stars on the block!

A character-packed performance!

EPISODE VII: BB-8 - THE LITTLEST HOBO!

BB-8 gets a proper introduction at CELEBRATION ANAHEIM. Image: Curtis Reynolds.

Anyone with prior doubts about BB-8, the newest droid heading into the STAR WARS universe with THE FORCE AWAKENS, were quickly bowled over and had their hearts warmed by his very cute premiere appearance and personality showcased at the recent CELEBRATION ANAHEIM convention. And he/it's so tiny when appearing alongside his "big brother" in Artoo Detoo!

Quite the scene stealer at CELEBRATION ANAHEIM. Image: Alberto E. Rodriguez/GETTY IMAGES for DISNEY.

BB-8 with Rey (Daisy Ridley) on the scavenged world of Jakku at the start of THE FORCE AWAKENS. Film images: DISNEY/LUCASFILM.

Artoo and BB-8 at CELEBRATION ANAHEIM. Image: Alberto E.Rodriguez/Getty Images for DISNEY.

A nervy BB-8 hasn't yet won over Han Solo. But it won't be long...

I look forward to seeing both of them in action this December, especially BB-8, what with his journeying alongside the no doubt intimidating presence of Harrison Ford's Han Solo in the Millennium Falcon, and riding into X-wing action with the Resistance against the First Order.

CELEBRATING HAN SOLO's 'SMUGGLER'S BOUNTY'

Catherine Taber and David Collins at the forefront of SMUGGLER'S BOUNTY.

The second THE FORCE AWAKENS teaser, STAR WARS REBELS Season Two, ROGUE ONE, BATTLEFRONT- just some of the big memories and events to savour from the recently finished CELEBRATION ANAHEIM. But let's not forget some of the other highlights that, if you didn't catch them at the time live or via the Verizon live stream, are equally worthy of tracking down. The prime standout for me had to be SMUGGLER'S BOUNTY, the second instalment of the well produced and directed Han Solo audio drama trilogy created and written by Kyle Newman and F.J. DeSanto for the US CELEBRATION events, featuring David Collins doing a very worthy job recreating the role of everyone's favourite space smuggler, alongside many of the excellent voice cast from THE CLONE WARS animated series, playing old and new heroes and villains whose destinies are quickly interlinked with Han and Chewbacca...

Meet the Cast of Smuggler's Bounty | StarWars.com
Star Wars: Smuggler's Bounty - Wookieepedia, the Star Wars Wiki

As someone who adored the Brian Daley audio drama adaptations for the Classic Trilogy (still available on Highbridge Audio CD) with their brilliant fusion of drama and sound design, listening to SMUGGLER'S BOUNTY instantly recaptured the fun of that unique time, in a format for the franchise that 's genuinely worthy of resurrection. Newman has stated that he has a 300 page audio drama script adaptation of THE PHANTOM MENACE ready to go- which I think everyone should support and ask LUCASFILM to produce. Imagine a Prequel Trilogy on audio that's truly depthful in exploring events and character actions that could only be briefly explored in each two hour plus movie. Remember how good that 13 episode STAR WARS was back in 1981? That could be done with THE PHANTOM MENACE, ATTACK OF THE CLONES and REVENGE OF THE SITH, especially if it utilises the talents of Newman, an enthused Prequel devotee, and that CLONE WARS series animated cast.

Enjoy SMUGGLER'S BOUNTY on the Youtube/Verizon link, around the 3 hour, 15 minutes mark:  ▶ Star Wars Celebration Anaheim Live Stream, Powered by Verizon - Day 3 - YouTube

And look out for a refined version of the story on STARWARS.COM in the not too distant future- make your presence known to the powers-that-be that you like it, and want more!

THE CLONE WARS: WHAT WOULD ANAKIN SAY?!

Back during World War II, the American flying pilot heroes had sex siren Betty Grable as their icon painted on their planes as they went into life or death battles. And in the universe of the Clone Wars, one group of irregular helmeted Republic heroes have their deserved new pin-up in that equally sexy champion of justice: Padme Amidala. Let's just hope Anakin doesn't see it! Oh, too late!

A piece of previously unseen concept art for the sadly never fully competed "Batch Batch" story arc from THE CLONE WARS, revealed by Dave Filoni at a special panel and screening at CELEBRATION ANAHEIM 2015.

Check out the cool liveblog trasnscript and superb conceptual art for those episodes that were not to be - featuring Wookiees and Tusken Raiders no less! - here: SWCA: The Untold Clone Wars Panel Liveblog | StarWars.com

SALUTING THE BEST OF 'STAR WARS CELEBRATION ANAHEIM' 2015

The latest STAR WARS CELEBRATION event proved a genuine sell-out. Convention floor images: Curtis Reynolds.

Four days of soon-to-be-pop-culture-legend STAR WARS magic at Anaheim, California have come to an end, but let's continue savouring the good and the great moments from this year's popular event. Thankfully, grim reports of very long lines, poor crowd control, inadequate parking facilities, an internal air conditioning system that almost froze everybody to death, and venue areas not big enough to house desperate-to-get-in attendees ultimately didn't dampen fandom's incredible, nay rabid, enthusiasm for the evolving universe past and present that is the STAR WARS saga, especially after that opening morning trailer reveal...

▶ Star Wars: The Force Awakens Official Teaser #2 - YouTube
Star Wars executive 'staggered' by teaser reaction - BBC News
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer Viewed 88 Million Times In 24 Hours | Comicbook.com
▶ Bob Iger Interview with StarWars.com - Star Wars Celebration Anaheim - YouTube

Re-introducing the beloved veterans of the saga... Image: ZIMBIO.

... and introducing the next heroes! Image: BOSTON GLOBE.

Special thanks also to LUCASFILM, REEDPOP, and VERIZON for their live-streaming efforts across the four days, of which worldwide fans not able to attend this stellar event could enjoy so many great panels and show floor interview exclusives.

▶ Star Wars Celebration Anaheim Live Stream, Powered by Verizon - Day 1 - YouTube
▶ Star Wars Celebration Anaheim Live Stream, Powered by Verizon - Day 2 - YouTube
▶ Star Wars Celebration Anaheim Live Stream, Powered by Verizon - Day 3 - YouTube
▶ Star Wars Celebration Anaheim Live Stream, Powered by Verizon - Day 4 - YouTube

Finally, Abrams and Kennedy meet the worldwide fans and unveil THE FORCE AWAKENS!

Kennedy and Abrams launch THE FORCE AWAKENS: ▶ The Force Awakens Panel LIVE from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim. International - YouTube

Boyega, Ridley and Isaac, and droid buddies, backstage at the event. Image: ZIMBIO.

Inside the Magic | Star Wars Celebration Anaheim
http://photos.mercurynews.com/2015/04/16/photos-star-wars-celebration-takes-over-anaheim-convention-center-day-1/
The sights of Star Wars Celebration (pictures) - CNET - Page 13
JJ Abrams Buys Pizza For Everyone Waiting in Line at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim | Comicbook.com
▶ Kathleen Kennedy Interview with StarWars.com - Star Wars Celebration Anaheim - YouTube

AFICIONADO contributors at large. Curtis has a mighty bone to pick with the Rancor!

Whilst Mel is struggling to catch up with Rey!

The new heroes of STAR WARS REBELS get their deserved time in the spotlight.

▶ J.J. Abrams Interview with StarWars.com - Star Wars Celebration Anaheim - YouTube
▶ Mark Hamill describes his VO for The Force Awakens Trailer - YouTube
Mark Hamill admits he had 'no choice' over reprising Star Wars role for The Force Awakens | Metro News
Carrie Fisher: 'I was quite the space slut' - Telegraph
▶ Star Wars Battlefront Reveal Trailer - YouTube

Han Solo's back in trouble again!

Mel gets to check out the latest Imperial hardware...

... and personally inspect the chrome!

Star Wars Celebration: Billy Dee Williams insists he’s no smooth operator | Hero Complex – movies, comics, pop culture – Los Angeles Times
Star Wars Celebration: Emperor Palpatine actor Ian McDiarmid recalls ‘Return of the Jedi’ | Hero Complex – movies, comics, pop culture – Los Angeles Times
The force awakens the rumour mill: the craziest new Star Wars theories | Film | The Guardian
Rebelscum Star Wars Photo Archive

Intriguing, early concept art for the gritty combat adventure, STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE.

SWCA: Rebel Women Who Fought the Clone Wars Panel Liveblog | StarWars.com
▶ Star Wars Celebration Anaheim: Rebels Season 2 Panel and Premiere Review!! - YouTube
▶ STAR WARS REBELS PREMIERE: RED CARPET INTERVIEWS - YouTube
'Star Wars Rebels' Season 2 Trailer Packs In Plenty of Darth Vader - The Hollywood Reporter
Star Wars: Rogue One will be a prequel to the original trilogy | The Verge
STAR WARS CELEBRATION 2015 Promo Art by Craig Drake — GeekTyrant

And, in 2016, STAR WARS CELEBRATION EUROPE returns to its rightful home- the UK, for three days from July 15th- 17th. Get your tickets here: Buy Tickets - Star Wars Celebration • April 16 - 19, 2015

STAR WARS ANTHOLOGY: ROGUE ONE. FIRST DETAILS REVEALED!

The Death Star awaits.

Rogue One: ILM Effects genius John Knoll's previously top secret idea behind the first STAR WARS spin-off movie- launching the newly christened Anthology series- has had a brief but fascinating plot synopsis officially revealed on this, the final day of the landmark CELEBRATION ANAHEIM convention. Intended as a gritty and realistic version of STAR WARS, set between EPISODEs III and IV, the story concerns the fledgling Rebel Alliance's bold move to capture the data tapes linked to the construction of the Empire's fearsome battle station, the Death Star, before it can become fully operational. This is the plotline that pretty much every STAR WARS fan has always waited to see.

A grim horizon on a far off world...

▶ Rogue One Teaser Trailer - YouTube
▶ Star Wars Rogue One Interview - Gareth Edwards - YouTube
▶ Star Wars Rogue One Interview - Kiri Hart - YouTube
Rogue One Details Revealed at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim | StarWars.com
Lucasfilm President Was Hesitant to Make 'Star Wars: Rogue One', Plus More Info | Rope of Silicon

Directed by GODZILLA's UK rising star Gareth Edwards, the recently cast Felicity Jones will play one of the top Rebel soldiers involved in this dangerous mission, some of whose action sequences, done in the style of classic war movies but given a unique STAR WARS flavour, will take place on a jungle world that keeps a motif flavour not too dissimilar to Endor's being the custodial home to the second Death Star as seen in RETURN OF THE JEDI. The movie is due out in 2016, with filming beginning this Summer worldwide, and at London's Pinewood Studios- the new regular home for the STAR WARS saga for the foreseeable future.

SWCA: Conversation with Gareth Edwards Panel Liveblog | StarWars.com

'THE FORCE AWAKENS' TEASER TRAILER TWO IS HERE!

Kylo Ren initiates war in THE FORCE AWAKENS. Image: DISNEY.

The decayed foreboding helmet of Darth Vader, the continuing power of the Skywalker legacy, the rise of the demonic and murderous Kylo Ren (above) and his Stormtrooper legions, the forging of new friendships on a far-off desert planet, and old buddies reunited on their legendary smuggling ship.

Against a stunning new version of John Williams's Yoda and the Force theme, the second teaser trailer of THE FORCE AWAKENS has arrived, and it's an absolute belter!

▶ Star Wars: The Force Awakens Official Teaser #2 - YouTube

Casts old and new pose for photos at CELEBRATION ANAHEIM.

Watch the original live panel and cast intros from CELEBRATION ANAHEIM: ▶ The Force Awakens Panel LIVE from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim. International - YouTube

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens second trailer released at Anaheim panel | Daily Mail Online

▶ J.J. Abrams Interview with StarWars.com - Star Wars Celebration Anaheim - YouTube

▶ Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley & John Boyega Interview - Star Wars The Force Awakens - YouTube

19 New Things We Learned About ‘Star Wars 7’ Today

10 Behind the Scenes Photos From the 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Celebration Panel - WhoSay

Video: 'Force for Change: Meet DC Barns' | The Star Wars Underworld

Star Wars Episode 7 News | Star Wars Celebration Anaheim: Day 1 Recap!

▶ Star Wars fans at California convention excited at trailer BBC News - YouTube

▶ Matthew Mcconaughey's reaction to Star Wars teaser #2 - Celebrity reactions - YouTube

Master of the UK screening event Warwick Davis is in good company. Image: Warwick Davis/TWITTER.

UK fans gather outside the London EMPIRE Leicester Square. Image: STAR WARS TWITTER UK.

EPISODE VII explodes onto the front cover of the UK's DAILY MIRROR newspaper (17/4/15 edition).

In the UK, that Master of Ceremonies linked to all CELEBRATIONS, Wicket the Ewok turned light entertainment presenter extraordinaire, Warwick Davis, was on fine form as host to the UK end of DISNEY/LUCASFILM's live-streaming at London's EMPIRE Leicester Square IMAX Cinema, which commenced its unveiled revelations and surprises from 5.30 to 7.15pm. There was free popcorn and sweets to devour, and a unique CELEBRATION ANAHEIM poster goody to enjoy, as Warwick brought out some fancy dress contest selectees of all ages from the outside gathering crowds (some of them genuinely emanating from a world a little bit beyond Pluto!), a quiz with some lovely gifts courtesy of FORBIDDEN PLANET and DISNEY (Gentle Giant figurines no less!) and a very positive warmth in the air countdown to the link-up. Enjoying our little piece of Anaheim- the stars old and new, BB- 8 (just incredible- and how tiny compared to Artoo!), a clearly overwhelmed J.J. Abrams who really does have a lot to live up to in the Lucas shadow, and a crowd-pleasing Kathleen Kennedy- it was worth it just to see all the American fans on their pilgrimage filling up with tears of joy! Its fair to say that us UK fans were equally primed and excited-cheering and clapping the cinema down when old faves Han Solo and Chewbacca turned up on screen. So marvellous we all had to see the trailer again less than a minute or so afterwards, we 600 plus left the cinema with smiles and enthusiasm- The Force indeed awakening with the UK, nay the world's fan base, all over again!

UK fan reaction to trailer: ▶ Star Wars: The Force Awakens fan event, Leicester Square - YouTube

Front and back to the UK screening ticket.

With kindest thanks to DISNEY UK for their help and support in this report.