EPISODE II: CAPTURING AN ASTEROID PURSUIT!

                                           

It's a busy time for Obi-Wan Kenobi on film as he chases after the bounty hunter Jango Fett. And it's a busy time filming the scene for actor Ewan McGregor too, in this great behind the scenes image from Episode II.

AWAITING 'ANDOR' - THE LATEST NEWS (MID-SEPTEMBER)

A fine international cover for the series debut.

The final trailer for Star Wars - Andor has proven the best yet - full of drama, action and familiar saga faces, as we now race towards the three episode series debut, only on Disney+. 

D23 Expo 2022: All the Big Lucasfilm Reveals | StarWars.com

Pics from this week's Disney+ US launch premiere:

Diego Luna, Adria Arjona, Genevieve O'Reilly at Disney+ launch of Star Wars spinoff Andor in LA | Daily Mail Online

Here's some of the latest images, links and footage...

First Andor reactions say it’s more like an HBO series than a Star Wars show – and that’s no bad thing | GamesRadar+

Diego Luna on the New Star Wars Series ‘Andor,’ and His Real-Life Rebellions | GQ

Date set for Andor from Disney+ part filmed in Dorset | Bournemouth Echo

Star Wars: Andor Showrunner Breaks Down the Timeline of Season 2 Episodes

The first three official character posters for the new series.

New droid B2EMO at work!

Back to the Clone Troopers era!

Mon Mothma scenes.

Another International cover for the series.

CLASSIC IMAGE: COSTUMED CHARM!

Being fictional royalty (of a sort) doesn't mean you can't have fun, as a very young Natalie Portman proves in this lovely posed image of the actress, wearing her most famous Queen Amidala costume. Originally taken during 1999 EPISODE I magazine publicity, it was exclusively used in the US Premiere film title, from respected British photographer Nigel Parry.

ROGUE ONE: COMETH THE EMISSARY!

Great promotional and merchandising art showcasing the ultimate saga villain, Darth Vader, for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, by Joe Corroney. In the originally filmed version of the movie, before the reshoots, Vader's role in the story was a deliberately minimalist one- an ominous. shadowy figure for several sequences, having been sent as an emissary by the Emperor to oversee the final stages of the Death Star's completion originally above Scarif (when it was a construction base rather than a communications/vault facility - a task that the Dark Lord assumed but was not interested in, considering the space station's destructive abilities insignificant compared to the true power of the Force (a belief he also shared in A New Hope), and despite the tyrannical ambitions and boasting of a power-demonstrative Orson Krennic, a brief moment of their conversation of which would be seen in an early movie trailer in 2016. In this deleted Death Star sequence, Vader would be physically portrayed by actor/muscle man Spencer Wilding, with vocal recording being done, also unused, featuring James Earl Jones.

https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2017/03/rogue-one-darth-vaders-lost-scenes.html

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: LUCAS WORLDWIDE!

George Lucas on the Episode I promotional circuit- this time in Japan- 1999. Photo: Getty Images.

Its post production completed, May 1999 onward saw Star Wars: Episode One - The Phantom Menace 'escaped' into the world to be loved and hated in equal measure by expectant fans. But one important factor remains- the Star Wars saga was back anew, and pretty much back for good in the public consciousness thanks to the worldwide box office success of the Prequel Trilogy, an event that would launch a new generation of devoted enthusiasts, primarily thanks to the imagination and skills of its writer/director, George Lucas.

"Well, I had mixed feelings about being George (Star Wars) Lucas. That was a hard thing, but I did finally accept that there was probably nothing I was going to do with the rest of my life that was going to change that, that I might as well live with it. It's not the worst thing in the world."

George Lucas- Time magazine - 2005

'SOLO': ALL THE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED!

Adventure, excitement, comedy, loyalty, recklessness, and heart- all the vital elements to a great Star Wars movie. And Solo: A Star Wars Story was blessed with all those ingredients and more. Above all else though, it was great fun. One of these rare international fly posters promoting it certainly worked well in giving potential moviegoers a fine look at the film during its original theatrical release.

'SOLO': OFFICIAL INTERVIEW FOOTAGE

As is the tradition, here's the latest LUCASFILM interview B-roll footage released for Solo: A Star Wars Story:

Alden Ehrenreich:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLMk0JmaiPk

Donald Glover:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7NgTVgDeOw

Joonas Suotamo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o5ESn0cg94

Thandie Newton:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTeiw932ngU

Woody Harrelson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PibxTj8qdNs

Emilia Clarke:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfCbJ19A5Cg

Phoebe Waller-Bridge:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcwIBlwMiuw

Paul Bettany:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZUnZLMJg5s

Ron Howard:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2TLiMeuEX8

The Kasdans:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G30oWlGjj0g

Producer Simon Emanuel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqD1MAKhH4w

'SOLO' - NEW INTERNATIONAL TEASER AND POSTER

The legacy of the Millennium Falcon, and its two greatest pilots, looms large in this great new poster for Solo- A Star Wars Story, arriving in Asia in June 2018.

First International Trailer (note no new major footage but some slightly longer moments): 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B58vCmw5J4

EPISODE VIII: THE TIES THAT BIND...

Some more great artwork for The Last Jedi, several pieces of which were used for the American IMAX promotional tickets campaign...

EPISODE VIII: 'THE LAST JEDI' ARRIVES AT US CINEMAS!

The two-year wait is over for US fans. Enjoy The Last Jedi!

Movie preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v-nld9nlu4

Interviews various:

Hamill interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ve6BHUGikHY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLE3Axu5l2M

Ridley interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HwylTrT4LU

Driver interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojhO2pF5vCo

Domnhall and Serkis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y76ulH49gH8

Johnson interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl1ZuOmXVns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id76RguminE

Johnson, Isaac and Dern interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_Y9oTZJG0c

Christie and Daniels on Alan Carr chat show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tH7i8Ri7A8

Marie Tran talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8CshkZuzDk

Cast talk deleted scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3g2dWNBqU4

UK Graham Norton show preview: 
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-5182323/Daisy-Ridley-goes-braless-plunging-sequinned-dress.html

EPISODE VIII: OFFICIAL CAST SOUNDBITES

Lucasfilm press interview soundbite clips with the cast of The Last Jedi:

Johnson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDFjkJ1YYX4

Hamill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXejMeLCxFI

Fisher: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2uI-1RZUZ0

Ridley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQkkdBZcAJM

Boyega: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDFjkJ1YYX4

Driver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f8GJr3YQ9c

Dern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnMSbNv9IkM

Gleeson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbTzPZfxhA0

Suotamo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsKtAuNdiIc

Christie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkr1nU6vH3Y

Tran: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcuRnGd265I

Del Toro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dxVttIv7lI

Daniels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n24EIX3Ghc

EPISODE VIII: 'THE LAST JEDI' ARRIVES ON UK SCREENS

The Dark Side poster for the now-showing-in-the-UK The Last Jedi.

The two-year wait is over for UK fans- enjoy The Last Jedi!

Latest TV spots:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elVsIAcntFk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkXXpTj-UoI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ovwEFQ61jM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnnae7Utf9o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNIqu-1vngc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWaR23KhpS4

Clips/interviews:

UK cast press conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSt5bvtZMSw

Featurette on EPISODE VIII: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSxGLTvXuJU

Behind the scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgWeqPmLIN4

BB-8 US TV ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1kmrB2uOG0

Hamill on Colbert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVz-FHHH9sI

Hamill interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zQbYtSrC34

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-umb4cyFFSE

The Porgs become the cover stars of the EMPIRE magazine subscriber's cover.

Cast go Unscripted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcLKXdgQO_k

Cast interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERBEwrn4f7Q

Daisy Riley UK interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WcRsl4Geio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YqQ4fKYj30

Meet Rose/Kelly Marie Tran: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba2l_h3vCJ8

Adam Driver interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xyT6MzErY0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiXQFixzqJ4

Hugh Fleming art for a US fan screening of the movie.

Cast talks to Wired: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH0nTHb6OdY

Domnhall Gleeson and Andy Serkis BBC interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y76ulH49gH8

Cast interviews for HMV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_Y9oTZJG0c

Cast talks for MTV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jehMXPadHS0

Movie and Carrie Fisher remembered: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4dAxMxCn5U

EPISODE VIII: AT THE LONDON ROYAL EUROPEAN PREMIERE OF 'THE LAST JEDI'

Image: 'The Dark Side Wizard'

STAR WARS AFICIONADO Editor Scott Weller, forty years a fan (and now starting to feel like some kind of bizarre 'Legacy' character himself), was proud to attend last night's hugely enjoyable, glitz and glamour-packed, truly magical Royal European Premiere of The Last Jedi at London's red-light soaked Royal Albert Hall, of which pretty much the entire main cast were present to launch the film and meet the Royal brothers (who also make cameos as Stormtroopers in a key movie scene). It was particularly special seeing Mark Hamill at the red carpet, once again, and, more deservedly than ever, firmly back in the limelight for this movie. Believe me, his performance in The Last Jedi is superb- a true cinematic career best so far.

A detailed review for the film and a celebration of key scenes will follow on this site by Christmas. But some early thoughts... George Lucas's presence and genuine creative inspirations remains much-missed by this reviewer, but Rian Johnson proves himself a worthy successor to the work done by J.J. Abrams on The Force Awakens. Though it possesses a slightly sluggish and unevenly structured middle act, The Last Jedi ultimately triumphs thanks to its bigger-than-ever spectacular action and very emotional ring-true character moments (light and dark side) that will prove unforgettable to fans, especially relating to Luke and Leia. Carrie Fisher's final onscreen work is genuinely affecting.

AFICIONADO RATING: 4 out of 5

Early spoiler-ish-free reviews:

The closest to AFICIONADO's views on the film: http://ew.com/movies/2017/12/12/star-wars-the-last-jedi-review/

Other reviews:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-5172263/Star-Wars-Jedi-best-distance.html

Alternate Mail review: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-5172099/Star-Wars-Jedi-review.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-reviews/star-wars-last-jedi-review-11681473

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/star-wars-8-the-last-jedi-review-critics-reaction-spoilers-free-rian-johnson-adam-driver-carrie-a8106231.html

https://www.ok.co.uk/movies/1253152/star-wars-the-last-jedi-review-daisy-ridley-mark-hamill-anthony-daniels-john-boyega-isaac-gracie

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/star-wars-last-jedi-review-reviews/

https://www.buzzexpress.co.uk/star-wars-the-last-jedi-review-1/

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/12/star-wars-the-last-jedi-review-episode-viii-rian-johnson

EPSODE VIII: THE (FORCE) BONDS OF FAMILY!

They were light years apart during the struggles of The Force Awakens. Will brother and sister Skywalkers finally be reunited? Or have the family ties finally been severed. We'll find out in The Last Jedi.

Two great character posters from the film aimed at the Chinese market.

EPISODE VIII: NEW UK EXCLUSIVE POSTERS FROM ODEON CINEMAS...

Rey, on a new planet to be revealed? Past, present or future?

How much longer will the light and dark sides of the Force be so clearly defined? And will opposites attract in the most game-changing way? We'll find out with The Last Jedi.

Exclusive limited time availability only posters for the UK 3D screenings of The Last Jedi at ODEON cinemas. Art by Matt Ferguson.

Will Kylo Ren's training prove a failure to Supreme Leader Snoke?

EPISODE VIII: PRESS AND PUBLICITY VARIOUS

The Last Jedi cast and Disney's Bob Iger pose for Good Morning America.

'Breathe. Just breathe.' The Last Jedi is here next week!

Japan premiere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD4lipxH2C0

Press various: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aRDfoGckng

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyyqOVRXOQA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVRSTHx9T9k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiXQFixzqJ4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiJJTAv4szE

Rian Johnson get teased by the cast on Jimmy Kimmel.

Rian Johnson interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSICLkG_rPw

Johnson FACEBOOK interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYA1C8xbKGA

Mark Hamill on ABC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyRECFEfz7g

Hamill on Ellen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRo2OO-Kt9k

A fuller cast and crew gathering for the US New York Times.

Daisy Ridley on ABC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqF3QRp3VCE

Ridley on Jimmy Fallon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w17sB5zp7oY

Ridley talks to ELLE! online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGoQ44SfV-c

John Boyega on ABC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmsfLaRrv2I

Boyega morning show interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSKv5o0CzXk

Kelly Marie Tran has finally seen the Star Wars films!

Gwendoline Christie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM2lhu99eMs

Christie on ABC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x76qPf4uKOw

Kelly Marie Tran interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKyMJTvsFf4

Tran interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw3Z2Qb_AfA

Adam Driver: brooding recent GQ cover star.

US press conference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KWWZZb7IvI

FACEBOOK press interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIkXH0JOgj8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJ7_yG4gNJc

Out now, the UK TV coverage of The Last Jedi and the 40th Anniversary.

Jimmy Kimmel show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFBuCp19L7M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUKhUahlDhA

Interview magazine- Mark Hamill: https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/mark-hamill

EPISODE VIII: NEW CHINESE/INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER POSTERS...

Finn: a man with a mission!

More great characters images to enjoy as The Last Jedi looms.

New TV spots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUTVB2UCdYA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRwK9qNouaU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj9qejqPNV4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuxp86J4dQ8

Poe Dameron is ready for flying combat.

BB-8 flies into battle.

EPISODE VIII: HER JOURNEY CONTINUES...

Daisy Ridley's Rey looks magnificent as ever in this gorgeous Chinese poster art for The Last Jedi, as new footage suggests that Luke, despite trying his best to ignore her presence and her call for help, will eventually give some kind of training advice to Rey in the art of the Force and being a Jedi. But remember the grim foreshadowing Luke gave in an earlier seen trailer: "Things are not going to go the way you think..."

Possible Spoiler: A new lightsaber for Rey? As seen in new officially released footage:
http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/star-wars/news/a844879/rey-kylo-ren-lightsaber-red-star-wars-the-last-jedi/?utm_content=buffera3b47&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=maintwitterpost

New TV spot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=25&v=Mv5nb6njhPw

Stunt training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWkpwJ3FMIc

New behind the scenes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN8-0wCj_q4

'STAR WARS' AT 40: A FILM BEYOND BORDERS!

STAR WARS had proved an incredible hit in US cinemas during 1977, with cinemas playing it for months beyond its original planned theatrical release duration, and enchanted fans going back again and again, and again, to enjoy the type of blockbuster film that hadn't been made with such style, thought and warmth in years. No surprise that the film travelled so well in the international markets too, generating similar success and ticket sales momentum, as seen here with this classic front of house publicity image for the Italian audiences, and the classic moment beloved by audiences where Luke and Leia look down the Death Star chasm shaft.