EPISODE VIII: MYTHIC MARVELS!

Celebrating the fifth anniversary of Rian Johnson's unique vision for The Last Jedi, here are the lovely pieces of publicity/merchandise portrait art by Steve Anderson celebrating most of the saga's then key characters. Some of the images also ended up being used on TOPPS Cards of the time.

TOPPS exclusive card.

Another TOPPS rarity.

EPISODE IX: A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE...

The ultimate Resistance and Rebellion leader of courage, strength and resilience in the face of great danger and emotional crisis, across six films of the franchise legacy, STAR WARS AFICIONADO can't wait to see the onscreen return of Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa for the upcoming IX. Great promotional art for EPISODE VIII by Steve Anderson.

More info:

https://www.comicbookmovie.com/sci-fi/star_wars/the-late-carrie-fisher-may-end-up-having-a-bigger-role-in-star-wars-episode-ix-than-we-thought-a162673

https://uk.ign.com/articles/2018/11/20/star-wars-oscar-isaac-says-episode-ix-shares-carrie-fishers-legacy-in-a-really-beautiful-way

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2018/08/28/star-wars-oscar-isaac-says-carrie-fishers-still-us-filming-episode-ix/1098291002/

'SOLO': NOW PLAYING IN THE UK!

New poster art by Steve Anderson.

Today, British cinemas and IMAX screens will be vitally alive with the new young adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca, alongside the ensuing sounds of adventure, excitement, and the jump to hyperspace! We hope audiences enjoy the film's great story, characters, fun, thrills and all-round sense of bravura as much as AFICIONADO does.

New clip - Han and Qi'ra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj0cvQHErwU

New TV spots/Disney behind the scenes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Uskjb6N-aE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdIrCBdkH3U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qy6b4JaUIk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so97RDhdXvI

Cast talk: The Star Wars Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZlNQmBZ2rI

A very cool cover for the latest US edition of SciFi magazine.

Alden Ehrenreich:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gk2hUejb3A

Alden and Joonas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eiPV-XN9kA

Touching down in the US from 25th May, 2018.

Bettany and Clarke:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCC-emJql7M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOmL0V7tG8c

Donald Glover: 

http://variety.com/2018/film/features/solo-a-star-wars-story-directors-reshoots-ron-howard-1202817841/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBfZxyxM3QI

Thandie Newton:

http://deadline.com/video/thandie-newton-solo-movie-westworld-career-interview-actors-side-video/

Coming this August 2018: a new comic series for Tobias Beckett.

Ron Howard UK interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm02-GFewrI

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

A thumbs-up from Harrison Ford:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/movies/harrison-ford-gives-verdict-on-new-star-wars-spinoff-solo/ar-AAxFQQ1?ocid=spartandhp

Emilia Clarke on Good Morning America:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9Y2oK_RQ0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnNF9i0o9f4

Behind the scenes of the film, for Variety. Cover image: Robert Maxwell.

Variety magazine - great coverage:

Behind the scenes of cover shoot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPFCTba8UMM

http://variety.com/2018/film/features/solo-a-star-wars-story-directors-reshoots-ron-howard-1202817841/

Latest Solo book release schedule
https://www.starwars.com/news/solo-a-star-wars-story-books-are-here-and-more-are-on-the-way

AUGUST UK TV HIGHLIGHT: 'STAR WARS GREATEST MOMENTS' (2016 REVISED EDITION)

Composition by Steve Anderson.

A huge viewing success for the UK digital TV channel/platform in the lead-up to the then December 2015 theatrical release of THE FORCE AWAKENS (of which the film will soon be getting its exclusive premiere airtime, linked to/alongside the SKY CINEMA STAR WARS channel), SKY ONE's two-hour STAR WARS GREATEST MOMENTS programme, featuring memorable scenes and contributions from saga cast and crew, plus celebrity fans and film critics, gets an airing on Saturday 20th August, 2016 at 6-8pm, but please note that this is an updated version, featuring all-new material, clips and chat linked to EPISODE VII, plus presenter Alex Zane at the CELEBRATION 2016 UK London event, making it well worth catching up on...

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Sky Movies

SKY CINEMA STAR WARS - GREATEST MOMENTS (2016 EDITION)

Collated by SKY CINEMA

20: Chasm swing
19: Vader's first breath (EPISODE III)
18: Speeder Bike chase
17: Rey feels the Force (duel)
16: Battle for Endor
15: The Twin Suns
14: Han Shoots Greedo
13: The death of Han Solo
12: Leia's Jabba's Palace costume
11: "It's a trap!"
10: Yoda lifts the X-wing
9: Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon versus Darth Maul
8: Vader's redemption
7: Falcon chase on Jakku
6: "That's no moon..."
5: "I love you", "I know"
4: Trench battle
3: The battle on Hoth
2: The Opening Shot (EPISODE IV)
1: "I am your father!"

Rey and Finn make their mark on STAR WARS GREATEST MOMENTS.

CLASSIC ART: THE ENDURING UNIVERSE...

The legacy of the George Lucas created STAR WARS saga continues, as next year marks the Fortieth Anniversary of the original film that started it all, the Twentieth Anniversary of the Special Editions, and the Twentieth Anniversary of the filming of EPISODE I and the start of the Prequels. All of it nicely represented above in fine art by Steve Anderson.

Here's a selection of recent online articles that have caught my fancy from across the Classic and Prequel sagas...

Star Wars ultimate franchise supercut | EW.com
George Lucas Talks Star Wars, Career, and Life with Charlie Rose [Video] | Coffee With Kenobi
Mark Hamill on Star Wars - BAFTA LA Behind Closed Doors - YouTube
Star Wars Panel 1977 - YouTube
The George Awakens - The New Yorker
Star Wars Despecialized Edition Fan Trailer - YouTube
Conan O'Brien 'Mark Hamill 3/18/97 - YouTube
Brian Linehan's City Lights- Mark Hamill Harrison Ford (Empire Strikes Back) - YouTube
Star Wars reimagined as a gritty grindhouse exploitation film | News | Culture | The Independent
5 Star Wars Artefacts in Prop Store CEO Stephen’s Personal Collection | Prop Store – Ultimate Movie Collectables
All Changes Made to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Comparison Video) - YouTube
All Changes Made to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (Comparison Video) - YouTube
Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill on Late Night, Spring 1983 - YouTube
http://time.com/4150286/rare-star-wars-polaroids/
Interview with Terryl Whitlatch | SFFWorld
Why I love the ‘Star Wars’ prequels (and you should too)
Star Wars: In defence of the prequels from 1999 to 2005 - BBC Newsbeat
George Lucas nearly wrote a perfect prequel trilogy. He just didn't notice | GamesRadar+
Abandoned 'Star Wars' Plot Points Episode II: The Force Behind the Scenes | PopMatters
Photo Gallery: Tested's Tippett Studio Set Visit - Tested

With thanks to Chris Baker.

EPISODE VII: MAN ON THE RUN!

He's been declared the traitor of the First Order, a title and charge of which he'll never be truly able to escape, but Finn, formerly FN-2187, has instead discovered a new and rewarding life as a key member of the bold and spreading Resistance against them, showing spirit, courage and loyalty to his new friends beyond anything he'd ever felt possible. And his adventure, his own path to a surly intriguing future, will continue on with EPISODE VIII.

Art by Steve Anderson for the TOPPS CARDS series.

Star Wars' John Boyega described as ''priceless'' after sharing time and lightsaber skills with 5-year-old brain tumour sufferer - Mirror Online

STAR WARS AFICIONADO sends its very best Birthday Greetings out today to John Boyega!

EPISODE VII: THE MAGIC GETS CLOSER...

Composition by Steve Anderson for LUCASFILM/DISNEY.

We're in that unique period now that is the calm before the storm, as rumours abound that the third (and final) trailer for THE FORCE AWAKENS is due October 19th, 2015. Until then, to further get us in the mood, here's another news round-up linked to the upcoming sequels:

Star Wars: The Force Awakens World Premiere Date And Location Revealed | Comicbook.com
Kathleen Kennedy Confirms Saga Films are About 'The Skywalker Family' | The Star Wars Underworld
The Force Flows at New York Comic Con 2015! | StarWars.com
J.J. Abrams: “Any Act of Creation is a Leap of Faith” | Vanity Fair
TheForce.net: First Han Solo Figure From Star Wars The Force Awakens Is Revealed At Hasbro Party In NYC
Is Benicio Del Toro a Jedi? Oscar winner wants a pink lightsaber in Star Wars: Episode 8
Rumor: Details About Finn's Backstory in 'The Force Awakens' | The Star Wars Underworld
'Star Wars' Star John Boyega: I'm Being Mentored by Robert Downey Jr. - Hollywood Reporter
V MAGAZINE / JOHN BOYEGA
John Boyega on playing a black Stormtrooper: The backlash was 'unnecessary' | EW.com
Rumor: Gugu Mbatha-Raw Added to Shortlist for 'Substantial' Episode VIII Role | The Star Wars Underworld
TIM ROSE ON PLAYING ADMIRAL ACKBAR IN THE FORCE AWAKENS
Max Von Sydow’s Star Wars 7 Role Revealed? - Yahoo Movies UK
Domhnall Gleeson says Star Wars’ General Hux is “merciless” | GamesRadar
New Star Wars: The Force Awakens Toy Reveals Dark Side of BB-8 - Yahoo Movies UK
Star Wars 7 spoilers revealed in trading cards? | moviepilot.com
C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels Has Some Harsh Words For Luke Skywalker - Yahoo Movies UK
A Galaxy of Star Wars: The Force Awakens Books Coming December 18 - First Look! | StarWars.com
Rumor: 'The Force Awakens' Plot Synopsis Leaked | The Star Wars Underworld
NoDisneyLogo - Star Wars Junk

Image: ROYAL MAIL.

And let's not forget the beautiful new UK ROYAL MAIL stamp set, featuring characters from across the entire saga, available from 20th October: STAR WARS™ at Royal Mail Shop

New Star Wars stamps released ahead of The Force Awakens - BBC Newsbeat

And the new spaceship stamp collage from ROYAL MAIL via THE WESTMINSTER COLLECTION: Own the NEW Royal Mail Star Wars Stamps on a Limited Edition Collector Card

EPISODE VII: JUST ROLLING ABOUT...

Every day growing in the hearts and minds of legion STAR WARS fans, I'm sure that the new droid BB-8 will be an undisputed scene stealer and toy company profit-making dream this December.

From loyal servant to eager to impress Poe Dameron, as well as the Jakku scavenger with a secret that is Rey (Skywalker?), BB-8 will find himself, like his equally beloved predecessors in C-3PO and R2-D2, getting into all sorts of scrapes both comedy clumsy and audience cheering heroic, as exemplified in this lovely poster/ TOPPS card art by Steve Anderson for THE FORCE AWAKENS.

EPISODE VII and spin-off news:

Rumor: Hayden Christensen to Appear in Episode VIII | The Star Wars Underworld
Star Wars 7 Villainess Opens Up About Playing Captain Phasma - Yahoo Movies UK Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Topps Classic Packs now available! | Making Star Wars
See ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Spoilers In These Super Cool Lego Ads! | Decider | Where To Stream Movies & Shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant, HBO Go
Hasbro's remote control BB-8 ($59.99) - Force Friday - See Hasbro's Star Wars - The Force Awakens toys - EW.com
Star Wars: The Force Awakens: J.J. Abrams on fans, spoilers, puzzles, and the value of fear | EW.com
'Star Wars': A Guide to 'The Force Awakens' Tie-In Novels, Comics - Hollywood Reporter
JJ Abrams Spills Details On Kylo Ren | Movie News | Empire
Star Wars Episode 7 News | Oscar Isaac: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Will be Full of Surprises and Twists!
Star Wars 7 Will Have A Post Credits Teaser? - Yahoo Movies UK
Industrial Light & Magic Names Producer Sam Mercer Head of Studio - Hollywood Reporter
New ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Toys Reveal New Characters
Billy Dee Williams to make Star Wars return | Boston Herald
Stars Wars' C-3PO on how R2-D2 was no Force to reckon with and Princess Leia in a bikini was boring - Mirror Online
Updated: 'Star Wars: Episode VIII' will shoot in Ireland this month | EW.com
Star Wars: Boba Fett Anthology movie pushed to 2020 | Den of Geek

GETTING THE BIGGER PICTURE! 'STAR WARS' ON SKY MOVIES UK

Art by Steve Anderson.

The UK's SKY MOVIES HD channels are celebrating STAR WARS with a vengeance this month, beginning this weekend with its screenings of the Classic Trilogy. And more exclusives are on the way-specifically the UK premiere of the so far unseen in the UK final episode batch of The Clone Wars animated series.

Here's the blurb:

This month, a galaxy far, far away has never been so close for Sky Movies customers and those watching via online streaming service NOW TV with a Sky Movies Pass, as films from the Star Wars Saga, alongside a wealth of additional features and programming, will be made available every weekend from the 8th August as well as on demand.

So whether it’s settling down on the sofa for a dedicated weekend of Star Wars live viewing or catching up on demand, Sky Movies has got your summer weekends planned as we celebrate the US’s biggest ever movie franchise. 

The schedule for Star Wars Movie Marathon is as follows:

•8th - 9th August – The original trilogy; Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi as well as the first two Seasons of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

•15th-16th August – The prequel trilogy; Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith as well as Seasons 3 & 4 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

•22nd-23rd August – Star Wars: The Complete Saga of both trilogies back to back along with series 5 and 6 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars

•29th - 31st August (Bank Holiday weekend) – Star Wars: The Complete Saga as well as Season1 of Star Wars: Rebels.

There has never been a better opportunity for fans old, and no doubt new, to bring themselves right up to light-speed and watch the series ahead of the theatrical release, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, later this year.

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Sky Movies