BTS Of The Visual Effects of Snoke and Battle of Crait from Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Here are two more videos that provide a behind the scenes look at the Oscar nominee visual effects for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The first vid is a look at the elements that created the Battle of Crait and the second is the creation of Supreme Leader Snoke. Thanks once again to Feris O. for the links.

Two Behinds the Scenes Videos of the VFX for The Last Jedi

Below are two quick videos that give you a behind the scenes peak at the Oscar nominated visual effects of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The first one virtually builds the set used for the climatic battle on The First Order's massive ship hangar while the second builds a moment from the bombing run that opened the film. Thanks to Feris O. for the links.

Abrams: Episode IX Script Ready, Filming Begins This Summer

In an interview on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Star Wars Episode IX director JJ Abrams provided an update on the movie.

“We have a script, which is a big deal for me. It starts shooting end of July … Sometimes having the script in advance is something I haven’t always been lucky enough to have … But I’m writing this with Chris Terrio, who’s a genius, and I’m having a great time.”

The script is written with Abrams, Derek Connolly, Chris Terrio, and Colin Trevorrow while aiming for a December 20, 2019 release date.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Home Video Details

Disney has announced the details (with video below) for the home video release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. As is now the norm, the digital copy will get an "early" release on March 13th while the physical copies (with their own digital codes) will come out on March 27. The special features include writer-director commentary, around 14 deleted scenes, and lots of behind the scenes footage.

• The Director and the Jedi – Go deep behind the scenes with writer-director Rian Johnson on an intimate and personal journey through the production of the movie—and experience what it’s like to helm a global franchise and cultural phenomenon.
• Balance of the Force – Explore the mythology of the Force and why Rian Johnson chose to interpret its role in such a unique way.
• Scene Breakdowns
   - Lighting the Spark: Creating the Space Battle – Get a close-up look at the epic space battle, from the sounds that help propel the action, through the practical and visual effects, to the characters who bring it all to life.
   - Snoke and Mirrors – Motion capture and Star Wars collide as the filmmakers take us through the detailed process of creating the movie’s malevolent master villain.
   - Showdown on Crait – Break down everything that went into creating the stunning world seen in the movie’s final confrontation, including the interplay between real-world locations and visual effects, reimagining the walkers, designing the crystal foxes, and much more.
• Andy Serkis Live! (One Night Only) – Writer-director Rian Johnson presents two exclusive sequences from the movie featuring Andy Serkis’ riveting, raw on-set performance before his digital makeover into Snoke.
• Deleted Scenes – With an introduction and optional commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.
• Audio Commentary – View the movie with in-depth feature audio commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.

How Star Wars The Last Jedi Should Have Ended

Below is the latest offering from the HISHE gang that provides amusing take on the latest Star Wars offering that includes a pretty solid ending.

Game of Thrones Team To Create New Star Wars Films

The creators of Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, have signed up to write and produce a new series of Star Wars film. The films are separate from Skywalker films that are expected to end with Episode XI and from the new trilogy of films that The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson is expected to write and direct. No number was specified for what "series of films" means but safe to assume it starts with the number three.

“David and Dan are some of the best storytellers working today,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “Their command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push Star Wars in ways I find incredibly exciting.”

“In the summer of 1977 we traveled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since,” Benioff and Weiss said in a joint statement. “We are honored by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete.”

This is all that was released - that you can count on two sets of Star Wars films to come out at some point in the future from critically acclaimed creators but with no details on story, release plan, or other details. I suspect this is will replace the "A Star Wars Story" set of films while Rian's films will replace the Skywalker trilogy so that Disney can continue with a new Star Wars movie every year while not leaning on the now essentially over Skywalker sage (since spoilers, the Skywalker line is essentially dead).

First Teaser Trailer for Solo: A Star Wars Story

While last night was just a brief TV spot, this is the real teaser trailer for Solo: A Star Wars Story that shows off the main characters but not much else.

Solo: A Star Wars Story Super Bowl TV Spot

While the trailer is expected this morning, for now enjoy this teaser from the Super Bowl for Solo: A Star Wars Story.