Star Wars Bits: Ahsoka, The Book Of Boba Fett, War Of The Bounty Hunters, Tempest Runner, And More
In this edition of Star Wars Bits:
Potential Casting News for Ahsoka
According toLRMonline,Mena Massoud(of 2019’sAladdin) has been cast as Ezra Bridger in the upcomingAhsokaDisney+ series. The last time fans saw Ezra was during the 2018Star Wars Rebelsseries finale, in which the Jedi Padawan was pulled into hyperspace by a pack of purrgil (space whales) alongside Grand Admiral Thrawn. The episode’s prologue, which picks up after the Battle of Endor, sees Ahsoka teaming up with Sabine Wren to search for Ezra in the hopes of bringing their friend home to Lothal.
LRMonline’s report also states thatLars Mikkelsen, who voiced Thrawn onRebels, will be playing the blue-skinned Imperial officer in the live-actionAhsokaseries. Of course, until there’s an official announcement from Lucasfilm, this is just speculation, but —in a now-deleted Instagram post— Ahsoka actressRosario Dawsonseemed to confirm the casting news, so I guess we’ll just wait and see!
The Book of Boba Fett Directors and Cinematographers
The Roninis reporting thatSam Hargrave, who directed Netflix’sExtraction(2020), helmed at least one episode ofThe Book of Boba Fett. Previously, Hargrave served as second unit director onThe Mandalorianseason 2, handling many action-heavy scenes, so this tracks. If the report is accurate, Hargrave will join other confirmed directorsRobert Rodriguez,Jon Favreau,Bryce Dallas Howard, andDave Filoni.
Also, in an article byAmerican Cinematographer,we’ve learned that the legendary cinematographerDean Cundeyworked onThe Book of Boba Fettas well. Cundey is best known for his work onJurassic Park, theBack to the Futuretrilogy, and numerous John Carpenter films, includingHalloween, The Fog, Escape From New York,andThe Thing. Rodriguez, who is also an executive producer onThe Book of Boba Fett, is a huge Carpenter fan — so of course he’d jump at the chance to work with one of the horror master’s greatest collaborators.
Tempest Runner Audio Original Cast Revealed
InStar Wars: The High Republic: Tempest Runner, Lourna Dee of the Nihil seeks revenge against the Jedi. The latest entry inThe High Republic Sagaisn’t a book or comic, however. Instead, the story was written byCavan Scottas an audio original, featuring a full score, sound effects, and an incredible voice cast, includingJessica Almasyas Lourna Dee andMarc Thompsonas Marchion Ro. Check out the full lineup atStarWars.com.
Star Wars: The High Republic: Tempest Runnerarrives August 31 and isavailable for pre-order now.
War of the Bounty Hunter Previews
StarWars.comhas an exclusive preview of Marvel’sStar Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters: 4-LOM & Zuckuss#1 — a special one-shot continuing theWar of the Bounty Hunterscrossover — that takes us back to an early mission for the duo and shows why they were among the bounty hunters selected by Darth Vader inStar Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Written byDaniel José Olderwith art byKei Zamaand a cover byMahmud A. Asrar,War of the Bounty Hunters: 4-LOM & Zuckuss#1 arrives August 4 and isavailable for pre-order now.
In addition,StarWars.comhas a first look atStar Wars: Bounty Hunters #15, which features Dengar and Beilert Valance.Bounty Hunters#15, from writerEthan Sacksand artistPaolo Villanelli, with a cover byGiuseppe Camuncoli, also arrives on August 4 and isavailable for pre-order now. Both comics will also be available atyour local comic shop.
Lucasfilm Hires Popular Deepfake Artist
YouTuberShamook, best known for altering computer-generated characters to look more realistic using deepfake technology, is now working at Lucasfilm as a Senior Facial Capture Artist. Previously, the effects artist gained popularity by adjusting the appearance of Luke Skywalker inThe Mandalorian’s second season finale and Grand Moff Tarkin and Princess Leia inRogue One: A Star Wars Story.Many Star Wars fans felt Shamook’s work was an improvement on ILM’s.
It’s speculated that Shamook might be touching up these characters in an official capacity, in addition to working onIndiana Jones 5and other upcoming Lucasfilm projects.
Star Wars Podcast Round-Up
In addition to their “Indy Year” series, a year-long monthly tribute to the 40th anniversary ofIndiana Jones, theBlast Points Podcasthas a new episode all about Wampas!
It’s summertime, it’s hot out and that can mean only one thing – HOT WAMPA SUMMER! When the ice caves melt, the Wampas come out to get down! We’re celebrating in the only way possible and that’s by listing off our top GREAT MOMENTS IN WAMPA HISTORY! Join us as we talk about puppet Wampas, Wampa deleted scenes, toy commercials, kids yelling Wampa, Wapma excitement, toy Wampas, Wampa secret BBQ recipes and so much more. It’s a nonstop, red hot Hot Wampa Summer party like no other!Listen here.
Blast Points also has fantastic episode reviews ofStar Wars: The Bad Batchavailable on theirPatreon.
Talking Bay 94has an interview with prop maker and Supervising Costume Effects ModelerPierre Bohanna:
Skytalkershas an excellent episode onlast week’s episodeof Star Wars:The Bad Batch, in addition to an interview with a voice actor from the show:
Pink Milkis aStar Warspodcast where hosts (and husbands)BryanandTomtalkStar Wars, queerly:
The Resistance Broadcastis the officialStar Warspodcast ofStarWarsNewsNet.com. Check out one of their latest episode on Darth Vader’s role in the upcomingObi-Wan Kenobiseries.
Lucasfilm didn’t bring Hayden Christensen back as Vader inRogue One, so why forObi-Wan Kenobi? Will he be fighting maskless in the series? We talk about that and give our takes on all of the other latestStar Warsnews including Qi’ra’s cold feelings toward Han Solo in the Original Ttrilogy era and what that means for #MakeSolo2Happen.Listen here.
OnScavenger’s Hoard,RachaelandKirstydiscuss the latest news regardingPatty Jenkin’sRogue Squadron,Star Wars Visions: Ronin, and the upcoming special episode ofDisney Gallery: The Mandalorian.Listen here.
Sistas with Sabersis a podcast made for and by Black female fans ofStar Wars. It’s a safe space for Black female fans to connect, support each other and share their experience with the world. Listen to their latest episodehere.Around the Galaxyis a one-hourStar Warsfan talk show. Every week,Pete Fletzerbrings you conversations with authors, personalities, actors, creators, and super fans talking about theirStar Warsjourney. In the latest episode, Pete speaks withStephen Kent.
Stephen Kent hosts Right Now, a conservative & libertarian YouTube show on the Rightly network and the popularStar Wars& politics podcast, Beltway Banthas. In this episode, Stephen and Pete discuss how to have a conversation aboutStar Warswhen you are on opposing sides of the political aisle. We learn hisStar Warsjourney and discuss the responsibilities of social media, youtubers, and entertainment journalists.Listen here.
Hosted byGerry CableandScotty Jayro,The Bombadcastis all about positivity in theStar Warsfandom and creating a connected community. Check out their latest episodehere.
Podcast of the WhillstreatsStar Warslike a sacred text. In the latest episode,Nickis joined by father and son duoDavidandTimothy Drennanto discussThe Bad Batch,The High Republic, and all the latestStar Warsgoings-on.Listen here. You can also watch the episode onYouTube.
OnBespin’s Other Bits (BOB The Podcast),Star WarsscooperBespin Bulletindiscusses whatever he feels like with co-hostIsaac Pevy. Topics includeStar Wars, video games, and pop culture in general:
Join Bespin and Isaac as they chat about the live-action casting of Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn, Lucasfilm hiring the YouTuber that ‘fixed’ Luke Skywalker’s appearance inThe Mandalorian, Extraction director Sam Hargrave possibly directing an episode ofThe Book of Boba Fett,The Book of Boba Fettadding the legendary cinematographer ofJurassic ParkandBack to the Future,The Bad Batch, Dwayne Johnson not returning for futureFast and Furiousfilms, Michael B. Jordan’s Superman series, Vincent D’Onofrio hinting at a Kingpin return, Netflix’s live-action Pokemon series, and much more!Listen here.
Star Wars YouTube Round-Up
Phil Tippettis without question one of the most legendary visual effects artists in Hollywood history. The Oscar and Emmy Award-winning artist is known for his work in creature design, stop-motion, and computerized character animation, with credits including the originalStar Warstrilogy,Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,RoboCop,Willow, andJurassic Park.
Now, Tippett has directed his very own stop-motion movie,Mad God. 30 years in the making, the film will have its world premiere in August at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland and its North American premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Canada. Check out the trailer below!
On the latest episode ofLive Action Star Wars,RalphandJamesbreak downStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
OnThe Bombadcast,Gerry and Scotty discuss history’s influence onStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom MenacewithPeter Townley, actor and the former co-host forThe Star Wars Show.
Have you checked outSilver’sStar Wars Thriftingchannel? A true scavenger girl, Silver visits flea markets and thrift stores in search ofStar Warstreasures.
The Imperial Senate Podcastdiscusses the thirteenth episode ofStar Wars: The Bad Batch.
OnThe Resistance Broadcast,John,James, andLaceydiscuss why 2022 will be the biggest year inStar Warshistory!
OnHolochronicles,Star WarscollectorsAndyandJoshrecap the latest LEGO and Hot Toys announcements.
Speaking of Hot Toys,Justin’s Collectionhas a preview of the new Crosshair figure fromStar Wars: The Bad Batch.
Star Wars Explainedhas a new video with easter eggs, fun facts,Legendsconnections, and otherStar Warsreferences found in the newHigh Republicbook,Out of the ShadowsbyJustina Ireland.
Speaking ofThe High Republic, join hostKrystina Ariellefor the latest episode ofThe High Republic Show!
In this episode ofStar Wars: The High Republic Show,Krystina updates the High Republic timeline with all the latest and greatest events, learns all about Wayseeker Jedi, and takes a deep dive into the Jedi Council during this new era. Plus, we catch up withCharles Soule, Cavan Scott, Justina Ireland,Claudia Gray, and Daniel José Older on the topics of characters to look out for, Yoda’s baking recipes, and more.
OnThis Week! in Star Wars, hostKristin Bavergives us the lowdown on all the latest news from that galaxy far, far away!
And that’s it for this edition of Star Wars Bits! If you have something cool from theStar Warsuniverse that should be included in this column,reach out on Twitter!
