Entertainment Weekly is reporting inside information on the standalone movie front, claiming that two of the projects are Young Han Solo and Boba Fett.

From their report:

The Han Solo story would take place in the time period between Revenge of the Sith and the first Star Wars (now known as A New Hope), so although it’s possible Harrison Ford could appear as a framing device, the movie would require a new actor for the lead — one presumably much younger than even the 35-year-old Ford when he appeared in the 1977 original.

The Boba Fett film would take place either between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, or between Empire and Jedi, where the bounty hunter was last seen plunging unceremoniously into a sarlacc pit. Exactly who would play him isn’t much of a complication – in the original trilogy, he never took off his helmet. And in the prequels, we learned he was the son of the original stormtrooper clone, played by Temuera Morrison, who’s still the right age for the part if his services were required.

In addition to bringing back two fan-favorite characters as the leads of their own films, the Han Solo and Boba Fett projects would also allow Darth Vader, in full-on black death-metal gear, to return as a villain, since placing the spin-offs within the original trilogy would mean he is still alive and hissing. That timeline would also open the door for a return from visit with everyone’s favorite degenerate slug-like gangster, Jabba the Hutt.

I’m not sure how I feel about either of these, if true, but they’d both make sense. I want to see things out in the far reaches of the Star Wars universe with new characters. But if you’re looking at how much it costs to make one of these movies, you’re going to want to go with a sure bet. I get that.

And this would bring three of the most popular Star Wars characters back to the big screen.

Let’s hope Hayden Christensen and James Earl Jones would come back for the Darth Vader part.

But who would play Young Han Solo? Who could do such a thing? Shia LeBeouf?

As ever, this is unconfirmed, so please take it with a grain of salt. But if the Yoda rumour pans out, They’ll have chosen three distinct eras for the standalones, which also makes sense.

Star Wars Episode VII hits screens in 2015. Be sure to listen to the latest analysis on the Full of Sith podcast.

It’s ironic that rumours broke out over the last two days about standalone Star Wars films starring Jedi Master Yoda only to be reporting the passing of the man who created him today.

The BBC is reporting that Stuart Freeborn, the man that sculpted the original Yoda puppet for The Empire Strikes Back (as well as many other creatures and characters in the Star Wars saga, including Chewbacca and Jabba the Hutt), has passed away at the age of 98.

The look of Yoda was based largely on Einstein, according to Freeborn, though it looks as though it might have also been something of a self-portrait. He also contributed significantly to cinema outside the Star Wars films, doing make up and effects for movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Superman, The Great Muppet Caper, and even The Thief of Baghdad.

I’m sad to see such a skilled craftsman who contributed so much to the worlds I’ve loved pass on. But, at 98, it’s safe to say he’s made his mark on the world. In the immortal words of Master Yoda, “”We should rejoice for those around us who transform into the Force… Mourn them do not, miss them do not.”

To watch a documentary about Freeborn, be sure to visit Club Jade.

UPDATE:
George Lucas, via the official Star Wars website, commented on the passing of Stuart Freeborn: “Stuart was already a makeup legend when he started on Star Wars,” said George Lucas. “He brought with him not only decades of experience, but boundless creative energy. His artistry and craftsmanship will live on forever in the characters he created. His Star Wars creatures may be reinterpreted in new forms by new generations, but at their heart, they continue to be what Stuart created for the original films.”

Bob Iger has confirmed a number of things to CNBC:

• The standalone films are confirmed with Kasdan and Kinberg working on them. There are “a few of them.”
• They are based on characters not involved in the Saga (this is vague and could be taken either way)
• Star Wars: Episode VII is still expected to drop in 2015.
• Other films will come out concurrently in that same period of time, leading me to believe that we will be getting a Star Wars film every year starting in 2015.
• Kasdan and Kinberg are consulting with JJ Abrams.

That’s a whole lot of official confirmation for one day.

I’ve been incredibly public with my anxiety over a lack of an announcement concerning the sixth season of The Clone Wars. Because of my public concern, I’ve been getting messages pointing me to hopeful signs.

This evening I was directed to this Facebook posting on the Everything Star Wars fanpage that purports to be a communication between Patrick, the admin of the Facebook page, and a customer service representative of Disney XD concerning the fate of The Clone Wars. Here is the contents of that letter:

Hey Patrick,

Thank you for your e-mail. Here @ Disney XD, it is always a pleasure to hear from our cool fans and to address any questions they may have.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars is expected to move to Disney XD sometime in 2013 due to the purchase of Lucasfilm by Disney. Currently, we do not have a date for the show to air on our network. As soon as we do, it will be advertised on our website.

I hope this information helps.

If you have any further questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to contact us by e-mail or toll free at 1-800-893-4862. A Customer Care Representative is available to take your call Monday through Friday from 9am to 9pm EST, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm EST.

Take care,

Brandon @ Family

I haven’t been able to verify this. I understand it’s after hours, but I can’t even get that 800 number to ring. Google says it’s a number for Disney Junior in Canada, which makes it at least slightly legitimate. Messages to the admin of the Facebook page for confirmation have thus far gone unanswered.

But even if this message did get confirmed, it’s no confirmation of the fate of The Clone Wars. What are the chances some random Customer Service Representative has inside knowledge about the inner-workings of Disney’s overall strategy for the Star Wars brand. This could be a guy who thinks he knows what’s going on and really doesn’t.

Another person directed me to Eric Goldman’s interview with Dave Filoni about working on a trailer for The Clone Wars, presumably for Season Six.

IGN: And all there had been at that point were quick clips shown at conventions earlier that summer for her to even base the unmasked look on.

Filoni: That’s absolutely right. Hey, never question the ability of our fans to catch the details. The smallest thing, the smallest problems — if a padawan braid is on the wrong side of the head in one shot, for one frame, they will catch it. We were just watching a trailer of something we’re going to put out for Clone Wars, and I was like, “Oh, see that there? That would give something away.” They’re like, “But it’s two frames!” I’m like, “No. No, trust me. They’ll see it. The fans will see it. They know. The Star Wars fans are the best, most accurate. They will find it out.” And I love it.

And while that certainly indicates they are working on the next season, it isn’t exactly breaking news. We’ve known this. By all accounts they’re working on season seven or eveneight. That was never the issue. The issue is that there has been no confirmation that season six is going to air on television. Cartoon Network has it absent of its lineup and Disney has remained mum on plans.

So, while these signs might seem hopeful, they are far from confirmation of any sort.

When there is confirmation in an official capacity, I will be the first to shout from the hilltops.

UPDATE: I received word from the Facebook page that posted the original email. They forwarded me the email they were sent and it was, indeed, legitimate. But from Disney XD’s representatives in Canada. The email came from Astral.Com’s customer care. They’re the broadcaster of Disney XD in Canada. The Facebook admin sent his request through the Canadian Disney XD site and this is the official response he received. Again, this still isn’t a confirmation. Like I said, what are the chances of a random customer service representative having inside info about the future of The Clone Wars beyond the speculation already on the Internet?

I’m working tirelessly to get a certain answer. Until then, this issue is going to tie me up in knots.

Anything is possible in the world of Star Wars right now. With Kathleen Kennedy at the head of Lucasfilm and Disney in control of the Empire, expect to hear some pretty crazy things and have some of them turn out to be true. Whether or not this particular tidbit is true is difficult to see…  Always in motion is the future…

Harry Knowles of AintitCoolNews.Com is reporting that the first standalone Star Wars film is going to be none other than a Yoda movie.

The first Stand Alone film is going to center upon YODA.  At this stage specifics are sparse, but Kathleen Kennedy is putting together a STAR WARS slate…  I’m wildly curious for more details on the YODA film – would this be a young or old YODA tale?

Knowing that Lucasfilm is doing a series of stand alone character features…  I wonder if Joe Johnston has pitched Kennedy his stand alone BOBA FETT film he was talking about after the release of Captain America.   Hmmmmm…   Now, let’s chase after YODA details…  Where’s FRANK OZ?  Giggle.  Gotta love chasing STAR WARS stories!  Oh – and I’ve also heard tale of a JABBA story that Lucas has floated to some of his buddies.  But word is YODA is first.

It’s too early for an April Fool’s Day prank and Harry Knowles is known as at least moderately reliable. I have doubts that this is true, though I have no doubts whatsoever that this is what he’s been told.

But if this turns out to be true, what would you like to see in a Yoda film? Or a Boba Fett film? Or even a Jabba the Hutt film (which might well be taken care of by the TV show if it ever happens…)?

This is pure rumour at this point. As ever, as soon as there’s an official confirmation, you’ll hear it here.

UPDATE: Holy crap. If this is true, I hope it’s Yoda as a master training Dooku as his Padawan. That would be so cool…

Rebel spies have sent us information that Zen Studios are planning on releasing a Star Wars themed pinball game for the PS3 and PS Vita sometime in the near future.  Earlier today, it was leaked on the PlayStation Blog and YouTube before being pulled shortly thereafter that Star Wars Pinball is on it’s way.  Here is all that is left of the original post:

Zen Studios has been making pinball games for nearly a decade now, and today is one of the most exciting pinball moments for our studio! We are extremely excited to announce that Star Wars is coming to Zen Pinball 2! Zen Studios has been working closely with LucasArts to create an amazing collection of videogame pinball tables set in a galaxy far, far away!

The first pack of tables include Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Boba Fett, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Beyond these exciting tables, there are seven others in production as we speak, all to be revealed as 2013 unfolds.

Each table features a different iconic moment from the Star Wars universe, with interactive 3D characters and unique gameplay. If you have not yet downloaded Zen Pinball 2, it is pretty easy to do. The free download will give you access to a great library of pinball content, where you can download demos for each table and pick which you’d like to buy. All content is cross-buy entitled on PS3 and PS Vita.

We will be unveiling more details on each table over the next few weeks leading up to launch, so be sure to keep an eye on PlayStation.Blog or www.starwarspinball.com for the latest Star Wars Pinball updates.

May the Force be with you!

Currently, if you go to the website, all you’ll see is a crude rendering of some TIE fighters.  We were able, however, to get a  screenshot from the YouTube video.

The gamers here at BSR absolutely love Zen Studios and everything they have put out (Marvel Pinball, anyone?) and maybe we’re jumping the gun here, but if they are in fact putting out a Star Wars pinball game, then we are all in for a treat!  Zen are known for making some of the most amazingly fun and lifelike virtual pinball games out there, so let’s keep our fingers crossed that this is true!  Stay tuned for more information as we get it!

This looks great. I think there needs to be more good Superman on celluloid and this looks like it will be great. You know, except for that Will Smith line at the end… Ugh.

SUPERMAN: UNBOUND is coming to Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand and For Download via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on May 7, 2013.

WonderCon/Anaheim will host the World Premiere of SUPERMAN: UNBOUND in late March.

Based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 2008 release “Superman: Brainiac,” SUPERMAN: UNBOUND finds the horrific force responsible for the destruction of Krypton – Brainiac – descending upon Earth. Brainiac has crossed the universe, collecting cities from interesting planets – Kandor, included – and now the all-knowing, ever-evolving android has
his sights fixed on Metropolis. Superman must summon all of his physical and intellectual resources to protect his city, the love of his life, and his newly-arrived cousin, Supergirl.

The film’s stellar voicecast is led by Matt Bomer (White Collar) as Superman, John Noble (Fringe, The Lord of the Rings films) as Brainiac, Stana Katic (Castle) as Lois Lane and Molly Quinn (Castle) as Supergirl.

Supervising Producer James Tucker (Justice League, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) also directs the film from a script by Bob Goodman (Warehouse 13, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns).

Well, the culmination of 5 seasons of The Clone Wars so far has brought us, to an episode that simply could not  have existed a few years ago. Though they’ve been building this arc with the season five premiere and the prior two episodes, the entire series has been slowly building to this moment.

The events of this episode have illustrated perfectly that The Clone Wars has added in meaningful ways to the mythology of Star Wars and we are so fully invested in the fates of characters that were created solely for the show it’s crazy. Two important characters met their fate tonight, raising so many unanswered questions it’s not even funny. This exploration of the episode is going to delve into spoiler territory, so be warned.

First is the fate of Satine and the revelation that she and Bo Katan are sisters. What happened to them in their past that they treat each other as enemies? What will this mean going forward for Death Watch? And what questions does it raise for Obi-Wan that Satine is dead?

That moment, though, where Maul deals with Satine was horrifying in all the right ways, eliciting tears. And did anyone else notice the death of Satine shared some imagery and staging with this death of Satine in the arms of Ewan McGregor?

But the bigger reveal was Sidious’s murder of Savage Opress. Why were his wounds glowing green? Why did a green mist of Dathomiri force magic take his clothes away? Where was there a subtle change to his voice as he was dying? Mother Talzin still seems to have a very important part to play during the course of The Clone Wars, I hope we’ll be able to see it.

But since Sidious dispatched Maul’s apprentice, and refused to kill Maul himself, insisting he has other uses for him, what will this mean for Maul going forward? Will we see him once again as the Sith attack dog? Or will he be sent to some far flung corner of the galaxy to hide until such time as the Sith can be reborn… in Episode VII…? (I’m just throwing that out there because it’s funny, not because I really believe that.)

What do the events of this episode portend for Mandalore? Will it descend further into war? Will the Republic arrive to save it? Will we get any of these questions answered on the show if we don’t get a confirmation from Disney that future seasons will be appearing?

The epic scope of this episode is everything that Star Wars does right. Characters were in tough situations, there were battles with emotional payoffs, and consequences to be shared. And all of it was on the stage of Star Wars in a way that could have only made sense here.

One of the things I loved most about this episode is that everything felt like a nod to the Star Wars films themselves.  It started with Satine sending Obi-wan Kenobi (her only hope) the distress hologram. Then it moves right onto Obi-wan in the Twilight, which is shorting out and malfunctioning very much like the Millennium Falcon. Then, when he arrives on Mandalore, he pulls a Han Solo with the guards, asking them to come up the ramp to beat him up and steal his disguise.  Then, when, he arrives to rescue Satine originally, they have an “Aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper?” moment.

But there’s so many more. The reveal of Bo Katan and Satine being sisters is foreshadowed (much better than Luke and Leias), the reveal had much the same weight when Luke revealed it Leia. But Obi-wan pieced it together in the same way he did when he put together Anakin being the father of Padme’s children. He even added the same, “I’m so sorry,” afterward.

And Palpatine/Sidious…  Wow. Ian Abercrombie gave one of the best performances that the character has ever had, and it had so many echoes of Return of the Jedi, from the musical cues, to the walk down the ramp of the Imperial-like shuttle, to the force lightning. His cackle just brings joy to my heart.

The thing I love most about this show is seeing films behind it. And it seems as though the show is never better when the films behind it are Star Wars.

Having said that, it’s just as good when Alfred Hitchcock films are behind the episodes, too. Which is why I’m so excited for the final arc of Season 5, every title is based on an Alfred Hitchcock movie, and it makes me more excited than anything.

Having said all of that, I truly think “The Lawless” has eclipsed “Duel of the Droids” as my favorite episode of the series to date. This episode looked gorgeous, was lit beautifully, the lightsaber duels had an emotional edge to them we haven’t had in a while, and it made me cry. Not once, but twice.

This was the best of what this show has to offer, to my mind a flawless episode, and if you’re not watching it, you’re doing it wrong.

Marvel wants you to get hyped up to see their Iron Man 3 teaser during the Super Bowl. And how would they do that? By teasing their teasers! Here is a good 15 seconds or so from IM3. Some we’ve seen, and some we haven’t. All I know is I’m excited for May 3rd!

-A7ME

For the sixth episode of the Full of Sith podcast, we interviewed Bonnie Burton. For almost a decade she was the public face of Star Wars on social media and spoke to us about her connection to the saga, her books and things she’d like to see. We also spoke about some interesting places the EU could go, and she gave us her first hand account of interviews she conducted with JJ Abrams.

The whole episode was my favorite, but I particularly loved our EU discussion and Bonnie’s proposal for EU-rotica. This whole thing is funny and insightful, and you can’t beat Bonnie. She is a force of nature.

To listen to the episode, check it out the list of links below or head over to the Full of Sith website. Or click here for a direct link to the mp3 of Episode VI.

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And we’d love to hear from you, too. Leave us a voice mail: 206-426-5592.

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