EPISODE I: BATTLE ON THE PLAINS!

The battle between the heroic Gungans and the evil Trade Federation Battles Droid legions reaches a fiery escalation on the plains of Naboo, in another great conceptual art piece by Doug Chiang for EPISODE I.

CLASSIC ART: WELCOME TO STARKILLER BASE!

It's an arrival on the harsh environment locale of the enemy Starkiller Base world that Han Solo and his Resistance comrades will never forget, as they depart the crash-landed Millennium Falcon in search of a safe and hopefully unnoticed entrance to the immense facility so as to rescue the recently captured Rey.

A great piece of conceptual art for The Force Awakens by the ever-inspiring Doug Chiang.

EPISODE I: A WHOLE NEW UNIVERSE TO PLAY IN...

Circa 1997, George Lucas and his 'major domo' of producing for the then eagerly awaited Prequel Trilogy, Rick McCallum, visit ILM to inspect the wide array of upcoming ships, droids, aliens, and monsters that will be a firm and iconic part of the opening episode. Their guides for such inventive and diverse all-new additions: Doug Chiang and Steve Gawley.

'ATTACK' AT 20: THE NEXT RESCUE!

The Republic rescue force arrives for battle. Art by Ryan Church.

The calvary comes to the rescue, in this case Master Yoda and a huge shock force of accompanying Clone Troopers, direct from Kamino, now arriving within the Geonosian Death Arena and providing expert cover fire for all the remaining Jedi and friends to escape and join their comrades in battle against the assembled mass enemy forces out on the desert plains...

"Look!"

Republic gun ship attack!

Creating a defensive perimeter to recover their friends.

Yoda and the new Clone Troopers.

Going into action.

Padme and Anakin continue providing attack and cover fire for themselves and their comrades during the Republic arrival.

The Clones and the Jedi prepare to depart the chaos.

Our main heroic trio escape onto a gunship.

Heading out of the area, the Republic forces prepare for new combat.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Various Jedi in between filming on the Republic gunship about to escape the arena.

Lucas and Samuel L. Jackson clown around with the reference dummy Yoda on set in Australia.

ILM CGI reference image of a Clone Trooper.

Production painting art by Doug Chiang.

CLASSIC ART: JAR JAR OF THE DESERT!

Departing their sleek ship, the Naboo Royal party and their intense Jedi protectorate have newly arrived on the outskirts of Mos Espa on Tatooine, and now the Gungan goofball Jar Jar Binks must get used to the twin suns heat and the hostile desert realms. Lovely production painting art, rarely seen, by Doug Chiang, for EPISODE I.

EPISODE I: DUELLING AN 'EXTINCT' FOE!

On the outskirts of the harsh Tatooine deserts beyond Mos Espa, a chilling lightsaber duel is underway between noble Jedi Knight (and Queen Amidala protectorate) Qui-Gon Jinn and a mystery foe resolutely and impressively skilled in the Jedi arts. From the visual and physical evidence, it looks as if the long thought perished Sith clan, ancient enemies of the Jedi and the light side of the Force, have returned...

Terrific production painting art by Doug Chiang for a memorable duelling scene from EPISODE I.

'ATTACK' AT 20: ENTER THE FETTS!

Art by Tsuneo Sanda

His investigations having led him to the mysterious Cloners of the Kamino water world, Obi-Wan Kenobi goes on to discover the identity of the armoured flying humanoid who killed Zam Wesell on Coruscant, the mysterious Jango Fett (played by Temuera Morrison, then winning acclaim onscreen for his intense performance in the art flick success Once Were Warriors), a bounty hunter in Mandalorian armour hired ten years previously for Clone Army genetics by an equally shady and unknown figure named 'Tyranus' through the Kaminoans - a secret initiation, supposedly for the Republic, taking place ten years earlier, and shortly after the unusual death of a former Jedi Council member Sifo-Dyas, a friend and confidante to the now leader of the Separatists, the former respected Jedi now known as Count Dooku! 

Jango Fett concept art by Doug Chiang.

With the rapidly developed Clone Army nearing its order quota, Jango Fett's considerable payment from the Kaminoans would also see his take a unique additional prize - a biologically created clone son to call his own and surely train in his own unique lifestyle and skill sets: Boba Fett (as played by Daniel Logan, in his first acting work).

They mystery and danger linked to the mysterious creation of the army, needed for a future war foreseen only by unknown forces, deepens for the overwhelmed Jedi and the now-influenced Galactic Senate in this complex section of the story arc whose ultimate motivations aren't fully explained until Order 66 and the later events of Revenge of the Sith.

Daniel Logan and Temuera Morrison in character for a posed publicity session.

“He (the classic saga’s Boba Fett) is a background character, but I needed a device, a bounty hunter to do things. That particular bounty hunter had become a rather popular character, and even though people were writing all kinds of things about where he came from, in my mind he was always connected to the Stormtroopers. I realized I could use Jango Fett as the Bounty Hunter (in EPISODE II), and he would be Boba’s father, and then it all fell into place.” 

George Lucas - the British Star Wars magazine Number 39 - July/ August 2002 

“Yes, he is the bad guy, but at the same time he’s also a dad and he loves his son. He is a bounty hunter, of course, so I guess he doesn’t see himself as being bad. I think I have one line in the film which sums it up: “I’m just a simple guy trying to make my way in the universe.” I kind of like that.” 

Temuera Morrison on Jango Fett - Total Film magazine - June 2002

COMING SOON - 'THE ART OF STAR WARS - THE MANDALORIAN (SEASON TWO)'

A unique friendship beyond the stars continues in The Mandalorian. Gorgeous, specially commissioned official cover art by Doug Chiang.

Achieving what many thought impossible, making George Lucas's encompassing Star Wars saga into a magnificent, broad-in-scope, character-rich action continuing TV mini-series adventure made through the mixing of old school special effects with pioneering effects technologies that go beyond anything else on the small(ish) screen, going on to rival (and in some cases excel over) the saga's very own big screen sequel entries, Season Two of the critically-acclaimed The Mandalorian was a triumph for Lucasfilm and Disney+, realised by Writers/Producers/Directing talents Jon Favreau and modern franchise legend Dave Filoni, working tirelessly with an equally dedicated team of artists and other behind the scenes talents wonderfully bringing the evolving adventures and destinies of the titular Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his lovable mystery green frog friend, vulnerable former Jedi Knight, Grogu (aka 'The Child'), to onscreen reality. This time out in the 8 episode season, the remarkable and beloved duo navigate life beyond the pursuant remnants of the Empire whilst also attracting the attentions of legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett, back from the dead with new colleague, part-android Fennec Shand, in tow; meet the dedicated former Jedi Ahsoka Tano as she emerges to begin her own perilous quest linked to her coming soon spotlight series, and ultimately engage in a conflict with the ambitious Darksaber-wielding Imperial Moff Gideon, resultantly seeing our evil-battling heroes encounter no less that the timeline's mighty Jedi of building legend, Luke Skywalker - the crowd-pleasing, emotional return of Mark Hamill to his iconic role for the show's barnstorming, emotional season finale - a delightful surprise not just for the viewers, but a top secret reveal that also caught many of the behind the scenes team unawares!

Many of the finest conceptual art and production paintings for Season Two's key sequences, from the likes of alumni Doug Chiang (providing another inspirational foreword to the Art of range) to Christian Alzmann, Amy Beth Christensen, Erik Tiemen and other notables, have been once again compiled, with key behind the scenes filming notes and interview quotes, by veteran SW author and modern franchise historian/imagineer Phil Szostak for Book Two of the continuing, gorgeous coffee table book series that is The Art of Star Wars - The Mandalorian, out next month from Abrams Books. 

Behind the scenes of the exciting new title with Phil Szostak, featuring in-depth art showcasing:

https://www.starwars.com/news/the-art-of-the-mandalorian-season-2-interview

Honouring the past but also embracing the future, here's the publicity blurb for the new artistic release (available 15th February, 2022):

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season Two) takes fans behind the scenes of the second season of the Emmy Award–winning Disney+ live-action Star Wars television series. Filled with concept art, character, vehicle, weapon, and creature designs, and interviews with key crew and creatives, including executive producer/showrunner/writer Jon Favreau and executive producer/director Dave Filoni, The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season Two) will provide readers with an exclusive look at the stunning art and design work that helped bring new and returning characters and locations to life.

Season two of The Mandalorian tracks the continuing adventures of Din Djarin and The Child as they explore the far reaches of the Star Wars Galaxy, alongside returning allies from the first season. Along the way, they encounter a gallery of exciting new cast members including Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Kids) as Ahsoka Tano, Timothy Olyphant (Justified, Deadwood) as Cobb Vanth, Katee Sackhoff (Star Wars: Clone Wars, Battlestar Galactica) as Bo Katan, and Temuera Morrison (Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones) as the fan-favorite bounty hunter Boba Fett.

The release cover. Image: Abrams.

Already an online pre-order bestseller, get the book here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Star-Wars-Mandalorian-Season/dp/1419756516/ref=sr_1_2?crid=NX2FLEGOW1UA&keywords=the+art+of+the+mandalorian+book+two&qid=1643125807&sprefix=the+art+of+the+mandalorian+book+two%2Caps%2C757&sr=8-2

CLASSIC IMAGE: DROID DEBARKATION!

Newly arrived on the peaceful world of Naboo, Trade Federation Battledroids begin dispersing their armies out into the planet's forests, in this great conceptual art by Doug Chiang for Episode One.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THREEPIO IN GENESIS!

The Prequel Trilogy behind the scenes news filters slowly but surely revealed that Threepio would return to the saga in one shape or form, but his final visual reveal, and historical storytelling place at the saga's beginning, proved both surprising and intriguing, as seen in this great concept/production art by Doug Chiang from 1995. 

AVAILABLE NOW: 'THE ART OF STAR WARS - THE MANDALORIAN (SEASON ONE)'

"This is the way." Cover art by Doug Chiang.

Undoubtedly one of the trailblazing success stories of the all-new franchise era stewardship now tightly held by Disney, The Mandalorian, created by Jon Favreau, has captured not only the hearts of die-hard fans but also those of the general audience watching it across the Disney+ channel's excusive airings, many of whom had likely never experienced the saga's potential and expanded shades of grey realms in quite so much fascinating depth beyond the original three Luke Skywalker character starring films created by George Lucas. 

As well as the quite wonderful onscreen pairing between the seasoned bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), one of the nomadic Mandalorian warrior tribes, and The Child, an emotionally scarred and withdrawn former Jedi that he has taken under his protective wing (a magical relationship slowly developing to new heights of emotional bonding), the Emmy-winning series outstanding production design, hugely referencing yet building on a mixture of two trilogies, as well as foreshadowing elements to come with the post 2015 sequels era, has proven itself another vital component to the evolving format's accomplished success. 

Led by veteran Doug Chiang, who brought such visual freshness to the opening Prequel films (and provides an informative foreword to this new book), The Mandalorian's behind the scenes art team has proved itself yet again as one of the most accomplished and respected groups immersed within the evolving world of film and TV fantasy action entertainment. Their love of Lucas's established universe unabated, the marvellous and innovative conceptual/production artwork they've spellbindingly concocted is in-depth charted and celebrated once more by artist/historian Phil Szostak, within an overall continuing series origins/development format featuring key contributions from Favreau, series co-writer/director Dave Filoni, and other enthused directors from the show's striking opening year. Out now - the latest must-have official book via ABRAMS: The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season One). 

Here's the official release details

This official behind-the-scenes companion to the Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian features exclusive concept art, character and costume sketches, and vehicle and creature designs. 

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian takes fans behind the scenes of the first ever live-action Star Wars television series. Filled with concept art, sketches, and interviews with key cast, crew, and creatives, including executive producer/showrunner/writer Jon Favreau and executive producer/director Dave Filoni, The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian will provide readers with an exclusive look at a whole new universe of Star Wars characters, locations, and vehicles. 

Premiering in November 2019 as a key launch title for Disney+, The Mandalorian follows the adventures of galactic gunslinger Din Djarin and the Child as they traverse the outer systems of the galaxy and evade remnants of the Empire. Readers will encounter early visual and conceptual ideas for these new characters and unexplored frontiers, filled with crime syndicates, bounty hunters, and smugglers. The gritty, lived-in cantinas and spaceports are populated by a talented cast that includes Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones), Werner Herzog (Fitzcarraldo, Grizzly Man), Nick Nolte (48 Hours), Gina Carano (Haywire, Deadpool), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), and Carl Weathers (Rocky).

https://www.space.com/star-wars-art-concept-book-phil-szostak

https://www.looper.com/308951/the-truth-behind-the-mandalorians-different-types-of-armor-exclusive/

https://www.looper.com/312274/why-making-the-mandalorian-is-more-challenging-than-the-movies-exclusive/?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=twitter

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Star-Wars-Mandalorian-Season/dp/141974870X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=THE+ART+OF+THE+MANDALORIAN&qid=1614357896&sr=8-1

 

CLASSIC ART: WARRIORS OF THE PLAINS!

 

Captain Tarpals and his brave Gungan warriors assemble on the plains of Naboo, astride their loyal Kaadu mounts, before their great battle against the Trade Federation begins, in lovely production painting art by Doug Chiang for EPISODE I.

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE DREAM MAKERS!

The artistic future of the then upcoming Star Wars Prequels couldn't have been in better hands via new recruits Doug Chiang and Iain McCaig, both respecting fans of the Classic Trilogy and its iconography, working on creating a varied and altogether more different galaxy for the Old Republic from within one of the attic areas of Skywalker ranch, in top secret mode for an enthused George Lucas, from the mid-nineties onwards.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: EVASIVE MANEUVERS!

The battle intensifies for Anakin Skywalker as he and Artoo evade the continued enemy fire and attacking fighters in this great production art by Doug Chiang. Soon enough, the boy unwittingly sends his craft spiralling into the heart of the Droid Control Ship, with further danger ahead from surrounding Battle Droids as it crashes down powerless in the main hangar.

Note the slightly different cockpit design for the Naboo Starfighter seen in the painting, the final look not yet fully locked down at that stage. Additionally, by the final battle it was decided that, for dramatic purposes, only one Trade Federation vessel needed to be seen - the Droid Control Ship, the rest of the blockade having been prior dispersed once the planet had been successfully taken - an earlier scene with Obi-Wan and Ric Olie noticing this when the Naboo cruiser approaches the planet having been filmed but cut in post production.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: NABOO'S AIRBORNE HEROES!

The gritty, used X-wing fighters may not be a part of this phase in Star Wars history yet with the prequels, but the slick and gleaming chrome, Art Deco-esque Naboo fighters are a step in the right direction, as seen in this great production art by Doug Chiang, zooming skyward into battle.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: OUT FROM THE SWAMPS!

With the Naboo human's own plans prepared - the Queen and her forces will take their Throne Room back and capture the Trade Federation viceroy whilst pilots begin a disruptive space attack, the Gungans begin their own diversionary battle, luring the enemy forces out en masse to the plains, their many brave warriors and shield generator strapped beasts of burden leaving the swamps, as captured in this great production art by Doug Chiang.

Two unused animatics of 'Bombad General' Jar Jar leading the forces out from the swamp.

"With EPISODE I, it was the first time I was able to use computerized animatics to previsualize the entire film before I started shooting."

George Lucas - 1999

Atmospheric shot also importantly used in the first teaser trailer for EPISODE I.

The massed Gungan forces in a spectacular CGI shot.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: FORGING ALLIANCES!

Returned to Naboo, the Queen and her party attempt to pave an alliance with Boss Nass and the Gungans, now forced away from their underwater cities, to fight the Trade Federation. Soon on her knees, begging for help, an impressed Nass agrees to the brave Amidala's wishes and cheers of this new army alliance abound.

A lovely and very colourful production painting by Doug Chiang- note that young Anakin is already in his Jedi Padawan outfit, which doesn't happen onscreen until the finale victory ceremony.

Lucas shows the Chiang painting to Ewan McGregor during filming of the scene. As ever, McGregor teases Lucas about Kenobi's ever-serious eyebrow frown!

The live-action sequence was filmed in parkland not far from Pinewood/Leavesden - Whippendell Woods, and enhanced with matte paintings and model work by ILM in post production.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: ARRIVED AT A MORE CIVILISED REALM!

Entering the busy and vibrant atmosphere of Coruscant, the Naboo Cruiser now touches down on one of the many sky platforms littered across the vast and unending city landscape, in this great 1996/7 Production Art by Doug Chiang that clearly has a lot of visual tribute referencing to the comic imaginings of Flash Gordon, and, most importantly, Fritz Lang's landmark 1927 sci-fi epic, Metropolis. The imagery would also build on earlier designs/ideas conceived by Ralph McQuarrie for Imperial City back during 1981 conceptual work for Return of the Jedi.

"I opted for a sleek, modern vision, incorporating more steel, glass, and weird plastic materials. The forms also became a little cleaner and more streamlined."

Doug Chiang - The Making of EPISODE I book - 1999

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: COMES THE RACE DAY!

The latest chapter of the audience beloved Boonta Eve Pod Racing tournament is at hand, as riders and racers from all corners of the universe move their unique need-for-speed vehicles into race position, in another example of Doug Chiang's gorgeous production paintings for EPISODE I from 1996/97.

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: INSIDE THE POD RACE HANGAR

Combining model work with live action and CGI, this establishing shot of the Mos Espa pod race hangar, with Qui-Gon and Jar Jar Binks meeting Watto prior to the Boonta Eve event, was an impressive visual moment, one of many diverse challenges for the huge effects bonanza that was EPISODE I.

Doug Chiang and the ILM team ready the set for filming.

Lighting and atmosphere are key to making the model shots look effective.

Doug Chiang lines up a shot for filming at ILM.