State of the Empire: A Lucasfilm Podcast

We're hosting a Willow screening! Come see the Lucasfilm classic at North Carolina Comicon November 9th.We're hosting a panel beforehand that'll give you a look behind the magic to make this special screening an Expanded Experience. The screening also features a limited edition Willow print by artist Tommy Lee Edwards. Join us for this live Willow Watch experience Friday, November 9th in Durham, NC. Panel at 6, screening at 7. North Carolina Comicon: http://nccomicon.com/bull-city/tickets/ The LA screening with Ron Howard and Bob Dolman (Oct, 21st): http://bit.ly/2NVmW5d Tommy Lee Edwards' Print: http://bit.ly/2S1vnuu The Call of Cthulhu Mystery Program: http://cthulhumystery.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Disney era of Star Wars, the movies might have the center stage, but when it comes to expanding the universe, the real action is happening in animation. Star Wars Rebels enhanced and bridged the history of the Original Trilogy and the Prequels in fascinating and validating ways, and even re-shaped and the nature of The Force itself. Rebels might've been a "kids show", but as the series matured, it carried itself with an all-ages candor that won over the hearts of even the staunchest detractors. Now the Lucasfilm animation department has shifted gears and are taking on a whole new time period - one in desperate need of deeper storytelling: The New Trilogy. Star Wars Resistance takes place just before the events of The Force Awakens and sees Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron recruiting a young pilot into a life of spying in Leia's Army. Main character Kaz Xiono has to navigate an outer rim outpost filled with the raddest racers this side of Mon Gazza Speedway. It's a character driven, high octane ride that's a ton of fun right out the gate and here on State of the Empire you can look forward to our episode-by-episode Resistance recaps. Listen in to our spoiler-free podcast on the two part debut, "The Recruit" - hear our hot takes on Kazuda and co. and how far we think this series could go in exploring and improving the modern era of Star Wars stories. Star Wars Resistance's two-part debut hits Disney Channel this Sunday at 10PM EST, with future episodes Sundays on Disney XD. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/10/star-wars-resistances-series-premiere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of State of the Empire widens our lens to the rest of Lucasfilm and examines how the innovative production company shaped the world of film as we know it, even through now-forgotten features. 1983, same year The Star Wars Saga ended, a very different kind of Lucasfilm hit select theaters. Twice Upon a Time, directed by John Korty and Charles Swenson, is an animated feature the likes of which you've never seen before. Using a unique rear-lit animation style called "lumage" and myriad mixed media techniques, the fractured fairytale stumbles its way through its narrative while sticking the landing on startling and uncanny visuals. Twice Upon a Time might be off-the-beaten-path, but it casts a long shadow. Join Cap, Doug, and Matt for a journey to "a place so far out, you’ll never, never land" and discover how this Lucas-backed project served as an incubator for talents behind A Nightmare Before Christmas, Pixar, a young David Fincher, the music of Bruce Hornsby, and some Michael McDonald-produced Yacht Rock. And hey, if you're looking for our trademark Star Wars speculation, never fear - we've got a hot take on who Keri Russell is playing in Episode IX that'll really Teek-le your fancy. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/09/lucasfilms-animated-feature-twice-upon-a-time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Filming for Star Wars: Episode IX has begun and already the leaks are pouring in... but can they be trusted? Sure, there's some exciting and authentic on-set photos that have found their way onto the internet, but moreso there's more fan theories and uninformed conjecture posing as "journalism" than ever before. Here on State of the Empire, we celebrate "looking for news in Alderaan places", but our crackpot theories are always to be taken with a modicum of spice! Join us as we pick through an Ord Mantell-sized pile of garbage, dig up the sordid history of Star Wars fake news, and share what's really going on with JJ Abrams' forthcoming feature. We also discuss the possible focus of Jon Favreau's forthcoming streaming live action Star Wars TV series, the ties it may have to The Clone Wars, our first takes on seeing the animated series Star Wars Resistance in action, an Original Trilogy era romance that came to Cap in a dream, and a tome of bygone Willow fandom on the deep web. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/08/star-wars-episode-ix-leaks-and-the-phantom-menace-of-fake-news Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This may be a show about Willow, but we're starting to feel like Indiana Jones the way we're unearthing all these forgotten artifacts from the film's past. We've regaled you with tales from the Willow expanded universe, which we suspected were based on unused sequences from the film. We've discovered production notes hinting as drastically different scenes... and now we've found the tome that answers all our questions and pieces our crackpot theories together: a first draft, third revision script of Willow. Brace yourselves for elves that steal baby tears, inflatable crabs, man-beast troopers, a romantic rivalry between Madmartigan and Kael - and that's just for starters. We use a hitherto unknown Willow young readers film adaption by Hugo-winning author Joan D. Vinge to help us determine which draft of the script the entire Willow expanded universe was based off of. Then we explore the very divergent roads not taken in this early Willow script - specifically a "selling draft" used to secure finances for the film. Find out what would happen if Willow was sent alone to the crossroads, discover the truth behind Moebius' "King Kael" illustration, and just what was that stinky spell Willow was making? Through our Willow archeology, we're not just uncovering the untold history of one of the most beloved fantasy films of all-time, we're also gleaning an unparalleled look into the Lucasfilm franchise machine in its prime. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/08/george-lucas-willow-early-drafts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The filming of the final movie in the Skywalker Saga is upon us, and with it is the cast announcement of all the old faces returning and new editions to galaxy far, far away. The results are more revealing that we'd expect - including two confirmed rumors, a Force ghost, a loose plot thread we didn't think was gonna get tied up, and a surprise posthumous appearance of Carrie Fisher. Will any of our Episode IX theories come to pass, or will they just end up being a "story for another time?" We're excited for the forthcoming release of the new animated series Star Wars Resistance, and even have some leaked details to share, but we were floored at the recent announcement that The Clone Wars is coming back. It's an episode of surprising returns, including another installment of Indy Inquiry, where we dredge up unused Indiana Jones scripts so we can guess where the series might head next. What parts of the Crystal Skull-heavy "Indiana Jones and the Saucermen From Mars" will make it into the next adventure? Will Gary Fisher be mo-capped for Episode IX? What previously-unknown Willow treasure did we find? Unlike Maz Kanata, we're not gonna leave you hanging. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/07/the-journey-to-star-wars-episode-ix-begins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pop culture is a dirty job, but someone's got to do it. From the film scripts that never see the light of day, to the regrettable transmedia tie-ins that'd be better off staying buried; it'd take some kind of whip-cracking archeologist to uncover these forgotten relics... or perhaps some wise-cracking podcasters. In this episode we raid the Lucasfilm tombs and discover that Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is fantastic - compared to the ghost-hunting, rhino-riding, suicidal student-screwing antics of Indiana Jones in an unmade Chris Columbus script. We also gain some insight into the upcoming animated series Star Wars Resistance and speculate how the show might overwrite existing Star Wars canon for the better. Exhibit A: The "fart wedding" - a notorious event, recently written out of continuity, in which Poe Dameron let loose "the most atmosphere-ripping flatulence the galaxy ever heard." We also discuss the Episode IX casting news with Keri Russell and Billy Dee Williams, shed light on the state of Star Wars cinema via directors Chris McQuarrie and James Mangold's tweets, explore some fascinating Disney patents that could indicate jaw-dropping experiences to come at Galaxy's Edge, and spend some time with Captain EO and Willow too. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/07/how-a-flatulent-wedding-broke-star-wars-canon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If there's a bright center to the Star Wars fandom, we're currently on the planet that it's farthest from. Fans are as polarized as an Old Republic throwdown and every news outlet is spreading enough confusing, condemning, and confounding headlines that we're beginning to sound like Saw Gerrera screaming about lies and deceptions. This world of space fantasy escapism is looking far too much like reality. Fortunately, State of the Empire is here to restore balance to the Force. We discuss the cloud surrounding Solo: A Star Wars Story and search for the truth in the articles and unnamed sources that purportedly know how the film's financial performance has (or hasn't) effected the future of Star Wars spin-offs. Then we venture off to Black Spire Outpost aka Batuu aka Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge aka "Star Wars Land" with a map and a decoded poem to help us discern what and who we'll be encountering in the interactive theme park. We also explore new ways the comics are expanding the universe and informing other corners of the transmedia empire, learn about Jim Rash's character in Star Wars Resistance, consider the future of Captain EO, and learn about some big shakeups for the forthcoming fifth Indiana Jones feature. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/07/state-of-the-empire-episode-56-fandoms-edge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you think you've got the world and characters of Willow all figured out - it's time to forget all you know, or think you know. Lethal fishboys, deathbears, sorceress love triangles, and shocking backstories abound as we dig into the film's deleted scenes, the extra context of the novelization, and the universe-expanding sourcebook. We also look to Moebius' concept art for Willow, props and production notes revealing what might have been, the animated series that never happened, and the television show that Lucas himself teased. Willow is a film that builds a big world out of small perspectives - working magic that larger fantasy epics struggle to, even with modern effects. The further down the Nelwyn mine we go, the richer and more exciting the movie becomes. Hear us dramatically recreate tale of how Sorsha chose the sword over sorcery, and indulge in awesome character expansion for unsung heroes like Vohnkar and even get some charisma stats on Lug. ("Wanna breed?") For links and more info head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/06/willow-behind-the-scenes-beyond-the-film Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the deluge of shows that came out in the orbit of Solo, we're taking a little time off and will be right back with the latest rumblings from the galaxy far, far away and our ongoing Willow Watch specials. In the meantime, go see Solo! Also, check out this obscure Lucasfilm production we'll be discussing in a future episode: https://amzn.to/2Hkwkre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the highs and lows of Solo: A Star Wars Story's production, the chance of success was not unlike successfully navigating an asteroid field. But just like Han Solo himself, somehow this scappy film pulled through and surprised us all. The movie we didn't want, the story we were convinced didn't need telling, is top shelf Star Wars. We offer some spoiler-free thoughts before opening up the blast doors and letting these scruffy-looking nitpickers sort out the highs, lows, and our two cents on the film's shockingly tasteful fan service and easter eggs. Even if you haven't seen the film yet, you'll also want to scope out the beginning because we've got some breaking Star Wars news with further details on the Obi-Wan film and confirmation that the long-shelved Boba Fett movie is rocketing into production. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/05/state-of-the-empire-solo-a-star-wars-story-review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Willow Watch! A podcast dedicated to the 1988 Lucasfilm fantasy epic Willow - In which breaking news comes in all sizes, and obsessive fandom is the greatest magic of all. Willow Watch has been a reoccurring feature since our Star Wars podcast, State of the the Empire, began in 2012 - when Disney bought Lucasfilm and we first asked: does... that mean there could be more Willow? Over the years we've learned that the answer is an emphatic "YES!" Not only do we want it, not only do the cult film's myriad fans want it, but the stars and the director want it too. Now, just in time for Willow's 30th anniversary, director Ron Howard has returned to Lucasfilm with Solo: A Star Wars Story, he's working again with Warwick Davis, AND he's admitted that there could be more Willow on the way. THE BONES HAVE SPOKEN! In celebration of Willow's 30th anniversary and this momentous news, throughout 2018 we're doing a series of Willow Watch specials. First up, we're recounting the past 6 years of Willow rumors and discoveries, archiving the best of our Willow Watch segments embedded in State of the Empire. In this episode we've chronicled the long road to the hypothetical "Willow 2" - from the tongue-in-cheek speculation to the barrage of legitimate rumors and hearsay that have culminated in this uncanny moment where dreams and fate have intertwined! For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/05/willow-watch-willow-2/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We interrupt State of the Empire's regularly scheduled Star Wars news and updates for an event that's been years in the making: our first full-length installment of Willow Watch and an interview Willow screenwriter Bob Dolman! Yes, the bones have spoken. Our ongoing investigation into the 1988 Lucasfilm fantasy epic, Willow, has led us on an incredible journey. What began as a flight of fancy that we might someday see a Willow 2 from Disney has become a mad quest to track down the full story of this fantastic film and signs of what might come next. We've uncovered strange expanded universe secrets from novelizations and source books, dissected a long-forgotten animated series that never came to fruition, and speculated on the existence of much behind-the-scenes worldbuilding. Warwick Davis has been talking about the possibility of Willow 2 for ages, director Ron Howard recently said some talks are happening, and here we are - potentially on the precipice of a new dawn for the 30 year old fan favorite. What better time for Cap, Doug, and Matt to team up with the man who wrote the world of Willow into life? For the first time ever, hear the full story of how the film came to be - from Lucas' early outline, to a fortuitous dinner with myth master Joseph Campbell, and remarkable on-set moments. Bob's got unprecedented insights into the creative process of working with George Lucas, tales of Nelwyn hookups, the of the infamous deleted boat sequence, and so much more. Let's face it, without this episode you'll dwell in darkness. Step into an incredible world of behind-the-scenes adventure. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: https://consequenceofsound.net/2016/02/willow-screenwriter-bob-dolman-interview/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The galaxy is a-buzz with news coming from the underground about Solo: A Star Wars Story, but that's far from all. The Star Wars universe is about to erupt - like a big bang bursting forth countless systems of new stories. In this episode we share proof that the long-awaited Obi-Wan film has entered production, details on when Jon Favreau's live action TV series will take place, and baffling early plot outlines for Episode IX including throwbacks from The Old Republic and an inexplicable love child. We're also able to share a spoiler-free Solo review from two Bothan spies who then take us behind the blast doors to reveal it all... including a shocking possible link between Solo, the past, and the future. And that's just Star Wars! In this installment of Willow Watch we share some startling words about the future of Willow straight from Ron Howard. You're gonna want to stop chewing your blackroot a moment, sit down, and listen to this. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/05/solo-early-impressions-secrets-revealed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Solo is almost here and we're placing bets on where this still very unpredictable story is going to take us. Don't sweat it, kid - we've locked the spoilers behind the blast doors - but we've analyzed all the new trailers, merch, and even consulted a Solo-branded Monopoly game to figure out what's coming next. We also discuss some new rumors coming out of Episode IX, dole out "I told you so"s about the new animated series Star Wars Resistance, dig into expanded universe deep cuts bleeding out of the Forces of Destiny web series and the novels, and keep you up to date with the Star Wars comics which are performing amazing feats of shared universe storytelling. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/05/state-of-the-empire-episode-53-placing-our-bets-on-solo-a-star-wars-story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that, like the films, this podcast also has a prequel era? Before State of the Empire, before Lucasfilm was bought by Disney, Cap and co. did a number of interviews with Star Wars personalities. In this episode, we're dusting off the data cores and revisiting a long time ago, in a podcast far, far away. We speak with BOTH Boba Fetts: the original man behind the mask, Jeremy Bulloch, and young Boba, Daniel Logan - discussing Bulloch's favorite roles outside Star Wars and Logan's carrying of the Fett mantle beyond the prequel films. The venerable Julian Glover (aka Empire Strikes Back's General Veers and Last Crusade's Walter Donovan) discusses what might have been after his victory on Hoth. Legendary sound designer, Ben Burtt shares, the secrets of the "black hole". And last, but definitely not least, we hang out with three of the key players in bringing Jabba the Hutt to life: Jabba's right-hand man, Dave Barclay, his left-hand man, Toby Philpott, and the guy behind the Hutt's sultry figure and gorgeous eyes - John Coppinger. These revered puppeteers also share stories from working on classics like The Dark Crystal, The Fifth Element, and Little Shop of Horrors. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/04/interview-julian-glover-daniel-logan-jeremy-bulloch-ben-burtt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a lot to #Solobrate right now. We've got a new Solo: A Star Wars Story trailer and in Denny's across America, galactic gourmands can treasure the taste of the the inner rim. But are these Co-Reactor Pancakes drizzled with as many shocking revelations about the forthcoming film as the juicy new tidbits from the trailer? What even is a "co-reactor"? Surely these edible tributes to the exploits of Han, Chewie, and Lando have some Star Wars secrets smuggled into them. We review Denny's entire six-course feast du Solo, dissect the latest trailer, and dig deep into the new movie's marketing and merchandising for character reveals and clues of what's to come. We're still braced for disaster, but like Han said, we've got a good feeling about this. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/04/state-of-the-empire-episode-51-official-solo-trailer-dennys-solo-menu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes things don't go according to plan. Just ask Lord & Miller. To celebrate 50 episodes of State of the Empire, Cap went out to L.A. to hang with Matt and storm Lucasfilm for Solo intel. And... well, though we didn't end up like the Bothan spies, at least they had something to show for themselves. It's 60 days until we're strapped in for the latest Star Wars and we're still flying without a targeting computer. But hey - you know when State of the Empire is in town there's always a party. So we're celebrating #ImperialMarch by scoping out YOUR picks for the greatest Imps of 'em all. Plus we discover surprising ties between forthcoming novels and the theme park, Galaxy's Edge, swoop into some deep, classic Star Wars lore in Solo, explore the sordid secrets of the Rancor Giga Pet, and get ready for the impending return of one of the greatest and greenest heroes in the galaxy: Jaxxon. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/03/state-of-the-empire-episode-50-imperialmarch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to Solo: A Star Wars Story intel, we're still scraping the bottom of the bantha bin. That's why, in typical State of the Empire fashion, we're putting our snouts where they don't belong and rounding up some unusual suspects: advertising partners. Will you quench your 5-0-Thirst in a Solo cup? Can Norton Antivirus commercials clue us into a slicing subplot? In considerably more important news, we discuss the surprising announcement that Jon Favreau is helming a new, live action Star Wars streaming series, and behind the spoiler-proof Blast Doors explore the universe-expanding details worth knowing from The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition and the massive waves made in the series finale of Star Wars Rebels. What's the difference between The Living Force, The Unifying Force, and The Cosmic Force? What detail from TheForce Awakens did The Last Jedi's adaptation retcon? What will Ezra bridge next? You'll have to go beyond the Blast Doors to find out. And be sure to tell us who your favorite Imperial is this #ImperialMarch! For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/2018/03/state-of-the-empire-episode-49-solo-brand-synergy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to Solo: A Star Wars Story intel, we're still scraping the bottom of the bantha bin. That's why, in typical State of the Empire fashion, we're putting our snouts where they don't belong and rounding up some unusual suspects: advertising partners. Will you quench your 5-0-Thirst in a Solo cup? Can Norton Antivirus commercials clue us into a slicing subplot? In considerably more important news, we discuss the surprising announcement that Jon Favreau is helming a new, live...