The release of the second DLC expansion for Destiny 2, Warmind, is right around the corner, but it's what comes after that which is suddenly much more intriguing. Publisher Activision has teased that this fall will see the addition of a major new mode, although it's keeping specifics under wraps until E3 2018.
During a post-earnings conference call with investors, Activision president Coddy Johnson responded to a question about how Bungie plans to continue improving the game. He said Bungie recently hosted a group of Destiny 2 players at the studio to show them both Warmind and some of what's coming this fall. Johnson claimed the response was "very positive" to both what Warmind and the update roadmap are doing, but also to something in the fall update.
Without giving away any details, he said the addition is "an incredibly engaging new mode--one that introduces a whole new style of play for first-person shooter gaming generally and certainly for the shared-world shooter space that Destiny created. It's a really exciting development. It's one of the things we think will really speak to the community when it comes out in the fall."
Despite this tease, Johnson added that we won't be hearing more about it until after Warmind's release, once E3 rolls around. E3 takes place in LA from June 12-14, and we'll have all the details on whatever Bungie and Activision have to say.
Bungie has made a concerted effort of late to better inform players about what's coming to Destiny 2 next. It's outlined a roadmap going through this summer, but so far, we haven't heard anything about the expected fall expansion, which will be the game's third. The original Destiny also faced numerous complaints until the release of its third DLC, The Taken King, that really turned around the perception of the game. We'll find out if E3 if something similar may be in store for Destiny 2.
There's no denying that the way viewers consume entertainment has changed over the last few years. With the biggest film franchises composing cinematic universes and streaming video allowing for hours-long binges on-demand, the way things are watched has evolved and continues to do so. It begs the question though, is this something the audience wants or is it conditioning them to expect it?
In the mind of Avengers: Infinity War co-director Joe Russo, it's the former. Speaking to Variety, he says, "I think all of this--Netflix, Marvel, Star Wars, this massive moment of disruption we're in--is really a function of audiences craving new kinds of storytelling." The co-director continues, "I think we had a really nice run for 100 years of two-hour, two-dimensional storytelling, but I think over the next decade, decade-and-a-half, you're going to see a radical shift in how stories are told."
And there are plenty of new storytelling avenues for those audiences to experience. As the films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe maintain their streak of breaking box office records, Netflix continues to release massive batches of original TV shows and movies. Are both appealing to what audiences want, though?
Clearly, it's hard to argue that the MCU's method of building a universe of superheroes over a decade is working and audiences are reacting positively. Netflix, on the other hand, is a bit more of a mystery.
The streaming service has said before it was planning a total of 700 original shows in 2018 and has been releasing them in loads every month, premiering full seasons all at once for audiences to binge. Much of the content never makes it to the public conversation, though. While audiences devour new seasons of Stranger Things and the Marvel shows, there's a long list of originals that never seem to attract attention. For instance, did you watch Seven Seconds? It premiered on Netflix in February and has already been canceled.
Then, of course, there's the argument many seem to have about practically every Netflix show: Why are there so many episodes? A typical season on the service runs 13 episodes, yet a lot of the shows seem to begin running out of steam around eight installments in. Perhaps that wouldn't be the case if the shows were airing weekly, rather than being dumped all at once. Still, it's hard to look at even its Marvel offerings and think about how much stronger they'd be if they were shorter.
Netflix has undoubtedly changed the way TV is watched, for better or worse. "Binge" watching shows has become common, thanks in large part to the streamer--though it's YouTube that should really be credited for beginning the shift. Is it a good one, though? That's up to the individuals tuning in. As the MCU continues to grow bigger, it will be interesting to see if more of Netflix's massive programming library begins to find traction with an audience, rather than just their top-tier programming.
The 25 Best Star Wars Droids From Movies, TV, Books And Video Games
Droids stand out as some of the most interesting and fun characters in Star Wars. After sorting through all the movies, TV shows, video games and books, we've ranked our favorite droids in the franchise.
25. Aly San San
First appearance: Star Tours
This spokesdroid appears only in the Star Tours ride at Disney attractions, but it lives in the hearts of many a sentimental park-goer. She not only pops up in advertisements within the ride's queue, but also gives public safety announcements to riders.
Image: Lucasfilm
24. RA-7 (Death Star Droid)
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
When introduced, the RA-7 units are seen on the Death Star and the Jawa Sandcrawler. With their insect-like heads, they stand out almost immediately. That's both a good and bad thing; sometimes it's hard to look away from those creepy bug eyes.
Image: Lucasfilm
23. Viper Probe Droid
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
This droid's crash into the surface of Hoth kicks off what becomes an action-packed movie. Plus, its arrival--and subsequent self-destruction--is an omen for the Empire's arrival.
Image: Lucasfilm
22. Interrogation Droid
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
While the interrogation droid doesn't get a ton of screentime in A New Hope, its presence still haunts our nightmares. After all, this is a droid whose entire purpose is getting information out of a helpless captive, even through torture.
Image: Lucasfilm
21. 2-1B
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
It's not a major part of the Star Wars franchise, but this surgical droid plays a key role in Episode V. If not for 2-1B Luke Skywalker would still have only one hand.
Image: Lucasfilm
20. AP-5
First appearance: Star Wars Rebels
AP-5 is a very special RA-7 unit. Not satisfied with his life as an inventory droid, AP-5 befriends Chopper and joins the rebellion. This particular droid gets to show a lot of personality--even if it is a grumpy one.
Image: Lucasfilm
19. TT-8L (Gatekeeper Droid)
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
The infamous eyeball-on-a-stick droid is one of the most bizarre in the Star Wars universe. When C-3PO and R2-D2 meet the security guard in Return of the Jedi, it's hard not to laugh.
Image: Lucasfilm
18. R0-GR (Roger)
First appearance: LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures
Like his fellow Battle Droids, he once served in an army, but Roger is not programmed to be Rowan Freemaker's best friend. There are many droid sidekicks throughout Star Wars, but Roger might be the only one considered a member of his master's family.
Image: Lucasfilm
17. MSE-6 (Mouse Droid)
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
It may not be weaponized, but it's hard to forget the mouse droid. The tiny, wheeled robot can often be seen scurrying along in the background, headed to fix anything in need of repair. Without them, most of the galaxy would probably fall to pieces.
Image: Lucasfilm
16. Pistoeka sabotage droid
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Their ability to attach to a ship in-flight and disassemble it makes them a powerful weapon. Our inability to pronounce their name, though, puts them at a disadvantage.
Image: Lucasfilm
15. WAC-47
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
WAC-47, a pit droid piloting a ship, has a bit of an attitude, but it for good reason. It hates seeing other droids treated like property. #resist
Image: Lucasfilm
14. EV-9D9
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi
While 9D9 appears in only one movie, it certainly is a memorable moment. The supervisor droid is quick to put C-3PO and R2-D2 to work within Jabba the Hutt's palace, paying no attention to their antics.
Image: Lucasfilm
13. AZI-3
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
This medical droid befriends ARC trooper Fives and ends up assisting in uncovering the Order 66 conspiracy.
Image: Lucasfilm
12. Professor Huyang
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
At over 1,000 generations old, Huyang is a little-known iconic piece of Star Wars history. The Garrick Ollivander of the Star Wars universe, this droid teaches Jedi younglings how to assemble lightsabers. One of those younglings: Yoda, who went on to become a Jedi Grand Master.
Image: Lucasfilm
11. Battle Droids
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace
These droids might be the most memorable thing about the first Star Wars prequel, thanks to their attack on Naboo. Equal parts silly and brazen, these droids are the perfect easily disposable foils in the movie.
Image: Lucasfilm
10. RX-24 (Captain Rex)
First appearance: Star Tours
This pilot droid may have originated as part of the Star Tours ride, but thanks to Star Wars Rebels, it is now a canonical character. Actor Paul Reubens voices both versions of the droid.
Image: Lucasfilm
9. R2-KT
First appearance: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The story behind R2-KT is what makes this pink droid do special. It first debuted in the real world, built for a young Star Wars fan suffering from brain cancer. After the droid made a cameo appearance in the Clone Wars movie, it went on to also appear in The Force Awakens.
Image: Lucasfilm
8. Droideka
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace
The battle droids are easily disposable in The Phantom Menace, but these destroyers are a different story. These vicious droids were heavily armed and come with forcefields that make them equal parts very cool and very deadly.
Image: Lucasfilm
7. T3-M4
First appearance: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
It's hard to imagine KOTOR without this droid, which essentially functions as your closest ally. Clearly derived from R2-D2, T3-M4 has a quirky personality and is useful throughout the game.
Image: Lucasfilm
6. HK-47
First appearance: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
This assassin droid is more blunt than T3-M4 but makes for a much better ally in Knights of the Old Republic. It calls humans "meatbags" and is ready to kill anything that crosses it, but HK-47 is a fun and funny companion to have, regardless of what side of the Force you're on.
Image: Lucasfilm
5. C1-10P (Chopper)
First appearance: Star Wars Rebels chapter books
What R2-D2 is to the original Star Wars saga, Chopper is to Rebels. While it may come across as a grump at first, Chopper is loyal to the end when it comes to protecting the crew of the starship Ghost.
Image: Lucasfilm
4. K-2SO
First appearance: Star Wars: Rogue One
Perhaps the funniest droid in all of Star Wars, K-2SO may also be the heart of Rogue One. The companion of Cassian Andor, K-2 is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the galaxy.
Image: Lucasfilm
3. BB-8
First appearance: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
What to say about this ball-like breakout hit of The Force Awakens? With a personality that's equal parts childlike and sarcastic, BB-8 has quickly become one of the most personality-packed droids in all of Star Wars.
Image: Lucasfilm
2. C-3PO
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
One half of the droid team that started it all, C-3PO is essentially R2-D2's straight man. Having appeared in every saga movie thus far, 3PO provides a major throughline for the Star Wars universe; his importance can't be overstated.
Image: Lucasfilm
1. R2-D2
First appearance: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
Who else would rank as the best droid in Star Wars? R2-D2 captures everything that is fun about this franchise. Its happy-go-lucky, brave, selfless attitude as it goes on wide-ranging adventures are exactly what you'd hope for in Luke Skywalker's companion.
Star Wars: The Last Jedishook the series up in ways that fans have never seen before, and for some, it was a lot to deal with. But as we found out watching the special features on The Last Jedi's Blu-ray release, it's impossible to fully judge the movie until you find out exactly why director Rian Johnson made so many controversial choices.
Did you know that Mark Hamill hated the direction Johnson took Luke Skywalker in for the movie, or that the design for Supreme Leader Snoke changed throughout production because Johnson felt he wasn't intimidating enough?
What about the fact that--according to Mark Hamill--George Lucas wanted to recast C-3PO's voice actor during production of the original Star Wars? Or that it took over 20 takes to capture General Leia slapping Poe Dameron across the face?
Click through the gallery for a lot more. The Last Jedi's special features are spread across a feature-length documentary--The Director and the Jedi--as well as a shorter one, Balance of the Force, several breakdowns of key scenes, and more. We dove in and pulled out these tasty factoids, but there's plenty more to discover when you watch for yourself.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is out digitally now, and on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray disc March 27.
1. Mark Hamill did not like the direction for Luke Skywalkerwan.
From: The Director and the Jedi
Mark Hamill emphasizes over and over in the feature length documentary The Director and the Jedi that he disagreed with the direction of Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi. "I told Rian this. It's no surprise. I said, 'I just fundamentally disagree with your concept of this character and how you use him.' Now having said that, I'll do everything within my power to realize your vision. Because, you know, it's not my character to decide. It belongs to other people. They just rent it out to me."
2. Hamill wrestled with the fact that Luke is no longer the hero.
From: The Director and the Jedi
"You have your own view of how your character should be, and how he should be utilized. My character always represented hope and optimism, and now here I am very pessimistic and disillusioned and sort of demoralized," Hamill says.
"It was heavy on him," says producer Ram Bergman. "He thought he's gonna be the Luke Skywalker of this trilogy. It's just the realization that in this trilogy, he's not Luke Skywalker. He's [Obi-Wan Kenobi]."
3. Hamill's struggle wasn't lost on director Rian Johnson.
From: The Director and the Jedi
Johnson says in the documentary: "I don't think he ever got to the point where he thought 'OK, I understand why Luke has to go at the end of this.' But he was completely devoted to making what I had written the most powerful version it can possibly be on the screen. I'll always be dazzled by the fact that he had the generosity of spirit to do that, and always feel like I really, really owe him for that. You know, I don't take that lightly."
4. Johnson wanted to achieve as many scenes with practical effects as possible.
From: The Director and the Jedi
Even scenes like the one in which Luke milks the sea cow--which is relatively unimportant in the scheme of the movie--were done with practical effects. "So to actually go to Ireland and place the sea cow on a rocky outcrop, the sea, the sound, the light, all of these aspects would just gel together to make the whole shot look incredible," says creature and droid effects supervisor Neal Scanlan.
5. Kylo Ren's distinctive scar was designed over several months.
From: The Director and the Jedi
And it got wider and wider as they iterated on the design, according to hair and makeup designer Peter Swords King, who has an incredibly awesome name.
6. The actor and puppeteer behind Yoda is the same as in the originals.
From: The Director and the Jedi
This may be common knowledge to some Star Wars fans, but others might be unaware that the voice actor and puppeteer behind Yoda in The Last Jedi is Frank Oz, who also controlled the iconic Jedi master in the original Star Wars trilogy.
7. The same goes for C-3PO.
From: The Director and the Jedi
The same goes for C-3PO, who as always is played by Anthony Daniels. Daniels provides the voice and dons the suit for the protocol droid, as he has in all eight main Star Wars movies to date.
8. George Lucas originally wanted to re-cast C-3PO.
From: The Director and the Jedi
From a story told by Mark Hamill in the documentary: "George got back and looked at all the footage and didn't like C-3PO's voice. And so he saw over 100 actors--voiceover guys--to come in and audition for the role of 3PO's voice. Mind you, it's all been filmed. And we're so used to Tony. 'Oh yes, how's that sir.' All of that, I mean, it was all part and parcel of the organic character. He's almost like the droid equivalent of Upstairs, Downstairs. He's much more comfortable in a drawing room serving champagne. That was the humor of 3PO!"
9. Snoke's design changed partway through production.
From: scene breakdowns
Partway through production, Rian Johnson felt that Snoke didn't look threatening enough. So they re-designed the villain to make his shoulders and jaw wider and make him half a foot taller.
10. Snoke's motion capture was insanely detailed.
From: scene breakdowns
The motion capture on Andy Serkis playing Snoke was so detailed that they were able to transfer small touches like Andy's flaring nostrils, slight twitches, and flying spittle onto the CG character.
11. Rian Johnson wanted The Last Jedi to redefine The Force.
From: Balance of the Force
In a second, shorter documentary feature on the Blu-ray, Johnson explains that he wanted the movie to redefine what The Force is. "The Force is not a superpower," he says. "I wanted in this movie to do a little bit of a reset lesson, especially for kids who are coming to these movies for the first time."
12. Johnson had strong ideas for Luke's motivations in this movie.
From: Balance of the Force
Johnson had clear ideas for why Luke has closed himself off to The Force and sequestered himself on this distant planet. "The Jedi have done nothing but add to the problems of the universe. And the most selfless act he can do is to do what he couldn't do in The Empire Strikes Back, and ignore the calls of help from his friends, and lock himself off," the director says. "And suddenly it turns into this kind of burden that he has to hold. He would love to jump back in and help everybody, but he's realized that if he brings the Jedi back into this, then the Sith are going to rise up again, and the whole thing is going to start again, and it's just going to be more misery."
13. Johnson has a good reason for Rey's parents being nobodies, too.
From: Balance of the Force
"In the first trilogy, the hardest thing Luke could be told in that moment was that Vader was his father. It turns everything on its head for Luke, it takes away all the easy answers, and it makes him face the hardest thing, which is that 'I no longer have just a bad guy I can hate,'" Johnson says.
"For Rey I think it's the exact opposite. If she were told that she is related to this person, or Luke is her this, or whatever, that would be the easiest thing she could hear. That's everything she wants. That would instantly define what her place is in this universe. So to me, the equivalent of 'I am your father' is 'Nope, you've got to stand on your own two feet. There are not going to be those easy answers here for you.'"
14. Johnson came up with the visual for Rey's vision before he knew what it meant.
From: Balance of the Force
"The mirror cave is another thing that I didn't even know what it meant when I first had the visual idea," Johnson says. "And then as I developed the story I realized, oh, this is its place in all this, and what it means to Rey."
15. Sounds for Oscar Isaac's ship in the opening scene include a roll of tape.
From: scene breakdowns
The sound design team clearly had a good time working on The Last Jedi. They got pretty creative; in the opening scene, for example, the sounds that went into creating Poe Dameron's ship include the slowed-down crinkle of a roll of tape being quickly unwound.
16. The bomber ships in that opening scene were inspired by World War II era B-17 bombers.
From: scene breakdowns
Their vertical design is deliberate as well, meant to communicate visually the sheer impressive number of bombs each holds.
17. Leia slapping Poe was one of the first things they shot.
From: scene breakdowns
It took around 24 takes, according to Oscar Isaac.
18. The idea for Holdo's sacrifice actually came from the original Star Wars.
From: scene breakdowns
The idea for Holdo's sacrifice, when she cuts through Snoke's fleet at light speed, came from the original Star Wars, when Han Solo says "Without precise calculations, we'd bounce right through a star or fly too close to a supernova, and that'd end your trip real quick, wouldn't it?"
Johnsons says he wanted to find out what that would look like.
19. Crait's white and red surface was one of the first visual ideas Rian Johnson had for the movie.
From: scene breakdowns
The designers struggled to create the pulpy, red explosions that Johnson envisioned. They tried out a number of materials for the red undersurface, including red rubber, red ice, and red snow. They ultimately landed on shredded paper, wetted and dyed red.
20. The "gorilla walkers" make interesting sounds too.
From: scene breakdowns
The sounds for the walkers during the battle of Crait are a combination of a metal press and a heavily distorted lion.
21. The ice cave section on Crait was inspired by the original Star Tours.
From: scene breakdowns
Before Disneyland's Star Tours ride was revamped, there was a section where riders traveled through a comet and smashed through the ice at the other end. The ice cave chase on Crait was directly inspired by this section of the ride, Johnson says.
22. The crystal foxes could have been played by real dogs.
From: scene breakdowns
They tested both live animals and animatronics for the crystal foxes on Crait, but ultimately went with full CG creatures to make them as elegant and beautiful as possible.
23. There were doubts about the casino sequence's place in the movie.
From: scene breakdowns
Says costume designer Michael Kaplan, "A casino in Star Wars, you know, with fancy dressed people? It just seemed, ehh, and I expressed my fears to Rian, and asked for more input, and he didn't really make it easier. He said he wanted them to look very elegant."
24. Johnson sees Benicio del Toro's character more as a Han Solo figure than a villain.
From: The Director and the Jedi
"Not a villain. Don't believe the internet," Johnson says. "I think he was there to meet a guy about a thing. You know? He was there on other business basically, and he was going to get in and get out, and then he got tossed in [jail]. I mean, really subconsciously, what we want to evoke in the audience is Han Solo. We don't want to play it too close to that, but the whole thing of a scoundrel, and the audience expects him to have a heart of gold."
25. The scenes between Luke and Rey were some of the first they shot.
From: The Director and the Jedi
They were shot so early that other characters, like Rose Tico, hadn't even been cast yet. They were only given access to Skellig Michael, the small island off the coast of Ireland, for two days, in part because it's a bird sanctuary. "It felt so good to get out here and actually roll some film...it's going to be hard to go back to looking at charts and having board meetings," Johnson says.
26. BB-8 was difficult to operate on terrain that wasn't flat, such as ramps.
From: The Director and the Jedi
Goodness he's cute.
27. Johnson sees Rey and Kylo as two halves of a single protagonist.
From: The Director and the Jedi
"Kylo, that was the character that I was most excited about getting into and writing, because in the first Star Wars films, Vader was a great villain, but he was never someone that you identified with," Johnson says. "Whereas with Kylo, it's almost like Rey and Kylo are two halves of the protagonist. And if this is all about the transition from adolescence into adulthood, Kylo is that anger of adolescence."
28. There are subtle hints during Luke and Kylo's fight that Luke isn't really there.
From: scene breakdowns
For example, the falling salt flakes don't interact with Luke or his lightsaber, and Luke's feet leave no marks in the salt on the surface of the ground.
29. Mark Hamill's reaction when he learned the movie's title is adorable.
From: The Director and the Jedi
Cameras captured the moment Rian Johnson told Mark Hamill the title of the movie for the first time. "You can't tell Marilou [Hamill] or anybody, it's just me and you, because there's really only a couple of people who know," Johnson says, before telling him the movie will be called "The Last Jedi."
"Oo. Wow. That means me!" Hamill responds. "Simple, direct, powerful. I love it. Wow, I'm glad I didn't know, I mean, because it's an added burden when I think of it."
By Anonymous on May 04, 2018 11:21 pm Call of Duty: WW2, XCOM 2, and more are all free to play this weekend, while we also while we also learned about an unused Pikachu evolution.
Today is May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day. So it's no surprise that retailers of all kinds would like to encourage you to buy all things Star Wars today. To that end, many of them have dropped prices on Star Wars gear ranging from video games to toys and collectibles. We've combed through the sales and found some of the best deals around. Let's dig in.
Star Wars Games
For starters, tons of Star Wars video games are on sale today. You can find our full roundup here, or you can scope out a deal on Star Wars Battlefront II below. The game has received quite a few tweaks and updates since launch.
Best Buy -- PS4 | Xbox One -- $35 ($28 with Gamers Club Unlocked membership)
Looking beyond video games, many of the Star Wars movies are on sale as well. For starters, you can finally pre-order tickets to see Solo: A Star Wars Story in theaters. It comes out May 25, but your best bet at securing seats is to buy tickets now. Here are some of your options.
In terms of the movies you can buy and watch at home, Amazon has some of the best prices around on Star Wars Blu-ray movies. Some of these also come with the films on DVD as well as digital copies you can watch anytime without getting off the couch.
Legos are fun for people of all ages, and you can find plenty of Star Wars Lego sets of your favorite Star Wars characters, vehicles, and locations on sale today. To celebrate Star Wars day, Lego is running a May the 4th Be With You sale. If you buy $75 worth of qualifying Lego Star Wars items, you'll get a free mini BB-8 Lego set. Sale items include:
All kinds of retailers are celebrating Star Wars Day with sales. You can save up to 80% off Star Wars gear at Think Geek. All kinds of Star Wars characters can be made to your exact specifications at Build-a-Bear at a discounted rate. Even Kohl's is having a sale on Star Wars items.
Take a look back at the movie that started it all with these photos from behind the scenes of production of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) are enjoying a break on the Millennium Falcon.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Director George Lucas and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) on the Tatooine set, which was actually in Tunisia.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Unfortunately, the Millennium Falcon doesn't actually fly.
Image: 20th Century Fox
A love only siblings could share. Hamill and Fisher are seen here bonding in between takes.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Alec Guinness (Obi-Wan Kenobi) takes the time to relax with a smile while filming with Hamill, Daniels, and Kenny Baker (R2-D2).
Image: 20th Century Fox
In this photo, stuntman Peter Diamond removes his Tusken Raider mask during a break in filming.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Baker is set up in his R2-D2 suit between takes.
Image: 20th Century Fox
This candid look at one of the most iconic meetings in A New Hope is a sight to behold.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Even in their downtime, Hamill, Fisher, and Ford clearly enjoy hanging out.
Image: 20th Century Fox
In this show, Daniels gets to ditch his C-3PO helmet, while Hamill tinkers with his costume's wiring.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Who better to teach Hamill and Ford to be Stormtroopers than the guy who invented them?
Image: 20th Century Fox
This photo may show how Luke's Landspeeder "flies," but it doesn't ruin the magic.
Image: 20th Century Fox
In this look behind the scenes, Mayhew gets his Chewbacca prosthetics applied.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Lucas helps Hamill and Fisher figure out their movements -- and how to wield a blaster -- for a scene.
Image: 20th Century Fox
A sea of Stormtrooper helmets.
Image: 20th Century Fox
They may not have actually been on Tatooine, but this photo shows just how scenic their filming locations are.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Ford, Daniels and Mayhew spend a little time with Fisher before she shoots a scene.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Hamill and Fisher rehearse their lines with Lucas.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Ford takes a moment to ham it up during what looks like a pretty serious moment.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Yes, even Luke Skywalker and Han Solo hold hands.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Lucas and Fisher work out Princess Leia's next moves in this behind-the-scenes shot.
Image: 20th Century Fox
While the Sandcrawler looked gargantuan on-screen, who knew it was actually this tiny?
Image: 20th Century Fox
Still, production had to build a big version for closeups.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Here, Mayhew, Ford and Hamill have a little fun before bringing the fight to the Empire.
Image: 20th Century Fox
In this photo, Prowse and Guinness rehearse the epic lightsaber battle between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
By Anonymous on May 04, 2018 10:03 pm Star Wars and video games have gone hand-in-hand for almost four decades now. Check out just how much they've both changed since then.
Pokemon Go players only have a few more days to catch the game's latest Legendaries. The twin Eon Pokemon Latios and Latias will only be available in their respective regions until Tuesday, May 8, making this your last chance to add one to your collection if you still haven't.
Both Legendaries have been available in the game since April 2, but up until now, each one has been confined to specific regions. Latios could only be found in North America, South America, and Africa, while Latias would only appear across Europe and Asia.
The two Pokemon will remain in their current locations until May 8, at which point they will swap regions. From that date forward, players in Europe and Asia will be able to catch Latios, while Latias will be available in North America, South America, and Africa. The Legendaries will remain in those regions until they leave the game on June 5.
Like most other Legendaries, Latios and Latios can only be found as a Raid Battle at Gyms, meaning players will first need to team up with other trainers to defeat the Pokemon before earning a chance to capture them. Both Legendaries are Dragon- and Psychic-types, making them particularly susceptible to Dark and Fairy Pokemon like Tyranitar and Mawile.
In addition to Latios and Latias, players also have a chance to capture the Legendary bird Pokemon Zapdos. Niantic recently rolled out a new batch of Field Research quests that revolve around Flying- and Electric-types. If players manage to complete enough of the quests to earn seven stamps, they will be rewarded with an encounter with Zapdos.
Pokemon Go players also still have a few more days to take advantage of the ongoing Battle Showdown event. From now until May 14, Fighting-type Pokemon will spawn more frequently, and players will earn double XP for participating in Gym and Raid Battles. Shortly after that ends, Niantic will host the next Pokemon Go Community Day on May 19, which features the popular starter Pokemon Charmander.
Season 4 of Fortnite: Battle Royale is underway. In addition to taking part in matches like normal, that also means there are special challenges to complete. Beyond the regular Starter and weekly challenges, Season 4 also presents some additional ones: Blockbuster and Carbide. Here's everything you need to know and details on all of the challenges revealed so far.
All Fortnite players on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and mobile are eligible to complete the Starter challenges. These are relatively run-of-the-mill and offer different rewards, including Battle Stars and various minor cosmetics. The Battle Stars allow you to rank up the Battle Pass, which is where the vast majority of Season 4 skins and rewards are located, such as the coveted Omega skin pictured below. However, the free tier has a very limited number of goodies on offer. You'll need to purchase the full Season 4 Battle Pass for 950 V-Bucks to be able to obtain all of the rewards as you level up.
Purchasing the Battle Pass also entitles you to all of the weekly challenges. Another set of these opens up each week during the season and can be completed anytime between now and when Season 4 ends on July 9.
Some of the rewards available in Season 4
That's how things have worked in past seasons, but Season 4 also has new types of challenges. Blockbusters involve completing all of the challenges from a given week. Doing so earns you an additional reward on top of what you'd get from finishing those challenges anyway. The first Blockbuster challenge you finish pays out a loading screen, which serves as a clue that directs you to an in-game location where you can get a free Battle Pass tier. To find that, though, you'll have to actually complete all of the challenges from a week.
Also new in Season 4 are Carbide challenges. One of the rewards you immediately get for buying the Battle Pass is the Carbide skin. As you reach certain level milestones during Season 4, you'll complete Carbide challenges, which unlock different "styles" that let you customize the look of the Carbide skin. Completing three Carbide challenges also nets you a matching pickaxe.
Below, you'll find a complete list of all Season 4 challenges to be revealed so far, along with links to our maps and guides that will help you complete them all.
Fortnite: Battle Royale Season 4 Challenges
Starter
Outlive opponents (1,000) -- 5 Battle Stars
Play matches with friends (10) -- 5 Battle Stars
Deal damage to opponents (5,000) -- 5 Battle Stars
Land at different Named Locations (10) -- 5 Battle Stars
Play matches (50) -- Ace of spades cosmetic item
Play matches with at least one elimination (10) -- concept art
Hard: Win a match -- #1 cosmetic item
Reward: 5k XP (after completing four challenges)
Blockbuster
Complete all challenges in a week -- #1 loading screen
Complete all challenges in 2 different weeks -- #2 reward
Complete all challenges in 3 different weeks -- #3 reward
Complete all challenges in 4 different weeks -- #4 reward
Complete all challenges in 5 different weeks -- #5 reward
Complete all challenges in 6 different weeks -- #6 reward
Complete all challenges in 7 different weeks -- #7 reward
Reward: unknown (after complete seven challenges)
Carbide
Reach Season Level 10 -- Carbide chest cosmetic
Reach Season Level 20 -- Carbide legs cosmetic
Reach Season Level 30 -- Carbide arm cosmetic
Reach Season Level 40 -- Carbide helmet cosmetic
Reach Season Level 65 -- Carbide cosmetic
Reward: Carbide pickaxe (after completing three challenges)
Week 1
Deal damage with sniper rifles to opponents (500) -- 5 Battle Stars
Search chests in Haunted Hills (7) -- 5 Battle Stars
Use a Port-a-Fort -- 5 Battle Stars
Search F-O-R-T-N-I-T-E letters -- 5 Battle Stars
Hard: Follow the treasure map found in Tomato Town -- 10 Battle Stars
Hard: Pistol eliminations (3) -- 10 Battle Stars
Hard: Eliminate opponents in Flush Factory -- 10 Battle Stars
By Anonymous on May 04, 2018 09:41 pm We celebrate Star Wars Day by turning Battlefront 2's gorgeous graphics into mush and make our own movie from it. CinematicTools by Matti Hietanen
Star Wars day has finally arrived. And if you're a fan of the tenured film franchise, it's likely you've got a hankering to play some Star Wars games right now. However, you might be asking yourself: "what games are available on my Xbox One?" There's actually a fair amount aside from the most recently released EA-developed Battlefront games.
Classic games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Star Wars Republic Commando are all available on the console thanks to the magic of backwards compatibility. While not every Star Wars game in this feature has held up to the test of time, it's difficult to deny the sense of nostalgia we still feel for them. After all, we all had to start somewhere, and if that starting point was the middling Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, then so be it. Nostalgia is a force that helps heal some of the worst shortcomings.
As an added bonus, many of the Star Wars games highlighted in this feature are on sale right now on the Xbox digital store to celebrate Star Wars day. The deals last until May 8, so be sure to jump in while you have the chance.
Which Star Wars games on Xbox do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below. In other news, check out the most recent TV spot trailer for the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars spin-off.
Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens
"Playing a lot of Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens won't be a chore, though, especially if you do have a younger partner to take with you on your galactic journey. These Lego games are confectionaries now, little candies that don't have a huge amount of substance but are enjoyable nonetheless. Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens doesn't really take you to a new galaxy far, far away, but it's still a pleasant journey." [read the review]
"If nothing else, Star Wars Battlefront is an exercise in pure spectacle, laid out in all of its neon glory. I can't help but smile when the Boba Fett guns down three fighters in a row from his Slave I ship, or a snowspeeder careens past with flames trailing in its wake. The first 10 hours are packed with these moments, and it's worth playing just to watch them unfold.
But Battlefront doesn't go much deeper than its ambitious surface appeal. It front loads its best content, only to fade in quality as the hours roll by. Star Wars Battlefront's skin is beautiful, but its legs are shaking, and threaten to buckle with time." [read the review]
"While its main narrative feels unresolved, and the general loop of the multiplayer carries a number of issues, Battlefront II still manages to evoke that same sense of joy and excitement found in the core of what the series is all about. But as it stands, the biggest hurdle that Battlefront II will need to overcome--for its simultaneous attempts to balance progression with genuine feeling of accomplishments--is deciding on what type of game it wants to be." [read the review]
"There's nothing quite like flinging your Luke Skywalker bird by the head of an AT-AT walker, cleanly cutting that head off with a light saber, and then watching the head roll down a hill to reign utter chaos among your porcine foes." [read the review]
"Overall, Star Wars: Battlefront delivers a satisfying team-based shooter experience that many hardcore Star Wars fans will probably enjoy greatly. Ironically, though the PC version of the game is technically the best, it also faces the stiffest direct competition, because to many PC shooter fans the game may come off as old hat. After all, aside from the Star Wars universe, Battlefront doesn't deliver anything PC players haven't seen before, even though it's a solid game in its own right. The console versions of the game--especially the Xbox version--might seem more fresh and appealing to their respective audiences, who don't have as many choices in online team-based shooters." [read the review]
"If Battlefront II seems like it's treading over familiar ground, that's because it is. If you already played the first game, you won't be surprised to see the same maps in this one. You'll keep fighting on the icy wastes of Hoth, the steamy swamps of Dagobah, and among the buildings in the dusty town of Mos Eisley. Some incremental feature improvements, like the new single-player campaign modes, playable Jedi, and space battles have also been tossed in for good measure. While there haven't been any radical changes made since the first game, Battlefront II remains a worthwhile choice for Star Wars fans looking for a good team-based shooter." [read the review]
"Between the multiplayer and different character paths, you'll find plenty of replay value in Jedi Academy. Those who wished Jedi Knight II had picked up the pace earlier on in the game should particularly enjoy it. Jedi Academy is a nonstop action ride that starts out on a high point and manages to remain there for the entire game. Gameplay elements that can be tedious, such as jumping puzzles, are limited, while the use of Force powers is accentuated. The game may not look great, but it will play well on older systems, so it can be enjoyed even by players who are waiting to upgrade their computers for some of the graphically intensive games scheduled for a holiday release. It even caters to those who aren't familiar with the Star Wars universe and just want pure action. In general, Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is highly recommendable." [read the review]
"If you're a fan of Star Wars or action games, Republic Commando is easy to recommend. The single-player aspect combines the elements of this generation's best action games with an added flavor that's all its own. The campaign offers nonstop action from start to finish, making the game easily one of the most enjoyable and memorable Star Wars experiences in recent memory. Our only caveats are that the campaign won't last you long, and the multiplayer is merely competent, which doesn't make the game stand out in a crowded market of first-person shooters. Even with that in mind, the quality single-player experience of Republic Commando should not be missed by anyone who fancies him- or herself an action game aficionado." -- Bob Colayco [read the review]
"It's apparent from playing Knights of the Old Republic that a remarkable amount of effort, work, and talent went into this game. It's one of the only Star Wars games to truly make you feel at times as though you're a key player in and a part of this unique and beloved sci-fi setting. You'll get to do all the sorts of stuff that you've seen and enjoyed in the Star Wars movies, and you'll get to emulate any of your favorite characters' personalities and actions over the course of the game. You'll also experience a much more morally complex version of Star Wars than what you get from the movies. Along the way, you'll find a few aspects of the game that you'll wish were better, but that's mostly because the vast majority of Knights of the Old Republic is so exceptionally good. You don't need to be a fan of Star Wars or of RPGs to appreciate all the impressive qualities of this game--but if you are, all the better." [read the review]
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords
"If Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic left you wanting more of its near-perfect blend of exploration, combat, and role-playing, then The Sith Lords is going to give you your fill. It's the first product from Obsidian Entertainment, a studio composed of veteran RPG designers who took the development reins on this sequel from BioWare, and evidently stayed true to the original style and vision in the process--that is, you wouldn't be able to guess just from playing The Sith Lords that this was the work of a different developer. Ironically, though, since Knights of the Old Republic was such a big game, with so much replay value, it didn't necessarily scream for such a similar sequel. As a result, you might have a much tougher time settling into The Sith Lords, since chances are you'll feel like you've played this game before, only you'll swear it looked better the first time. But, on the other hand, so what? It's just as important to note that no other game since Knights of the Old Republic has managed to deliver this excellent style of role-playing. If you're a Knights of the Old Republic fan, then you should find a certain satisfaction in knowing almost exactly what you're in for going into The Sith Lords." [read the review]
"In the end, Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter is a solid game that fans of the first entry in the series should check out without giving it a second thought. While it's not the prettiest game out there, or the best-looking Star Wars game for that matter, it does offer strong control and entertaining gameplay, as well as the sound and music we've come to expect from a Star Wars game. These merits combined with the multitude of ships and missions that can be unlocked through extensive play further add to the value of the game. While plenty good can be said about Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, the often-bland visuals, sketchy frame rate, and somewhat frustrating targeting control ultimately hold Jedi Starfighter back from being a great game." [read the review]
"Once you've completed the game and are the all-powerful Dark Jedi you've always wanted to be, it's remarkably fulfilling to return to Force Unleashed's earlier, better levels to try out the powers and combos you didn't possess on your first play-through of them. Or perhaps you want to experience the second of the game's two endings (a reasonable goal, since one of them is bound to get fans talking) while wearing one of the unlockable costumes. But most players will find that aside from a return to the better areas, once is enough. When the game caters to its strengths, it soars; when it deviates, it flounders. Regardless, it's still a more than worthy entry in a long line of licensed Star Wars games, and a good action game in its own right." [read the review]
"Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II has many of the same qualities of its predecessor, but it doesn't really improve on them, and in many ways, it's not as good. That's unfortunate because the core combat is fun. It's a thrill to fling your foes into dangerous Force fields and to zap jumptroopers with lightning and watch them uncontrollably zip around. And while the story isn't as affecting as the original's, great voice acting and cinematics help it make an impression nonetheless. Yet with less enjoyable boss battles, less environmental variety, and more enemy repetition, this sequel is a missed opportunity. Perhaps you can't get enough Force Unleashed; in that case, you could always return to the game wearing one of the unlockable costumes or try out some of the unlockable challenge rooms, which are timed combat scenarios of disparate quality. But Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is too predictable to inspire extended play time. Rather, it may inspire you to return to the superior original." [read the review]
"Many of the changes and additions in The Complete Saga are the types that only those who've played through Lego Star Wars I or II would notice, and that's the rub. For those who've already played one of the Lego Star Wars games, a full half of what The Complete Saga has to offer will be recycled. The online co-op play in the 360 and PS3 versions helps, since playing the game with another person can change the dynamic and pacing of the game quite a bit, but otherwise it would be much more cost-effective to just pick up a used copy of the one you haven't played." [read the review]
"Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II has many of the same qualities of its predecessor, but it doesn't really improve on them, and in many ways, it's not as good. That's unfortunate because the core combat is fun. It's a thrill to fling your foes into dangerous Force fields and to zap jumptroopers with lightning and watch them uncontrollably zip around. And while the story isn't as affecting as the original's, great voice acting and cinematics help it make an impression nonetheless. Yet with less enjoyable boss battles, less environmental variety, and more enemy repetition, this sequel is a missed opportunity. Perhaps you can't get enough Force Unleashed; in that case, you could always return to the game wearing one of the unlockable costumes or try out some of the unlockable challenge rooms, which are timed combat scenarios of disparate quality. But Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is too predictable to inspire extended play time. Rather, it may inspire you to return to the superior original." [read the review]
Since A New Hope's debut in '77, Star Wars has taken the world by storm and been a box office juggernaut. With Solo: A Star Wars Story, the second spin-off in the franchise's history, releasing soon, we thought it would be a good idea to see just how well these movies have done in the theaters. Spoiler alert: Almost all of them did exceptionally well.
Using data from Box Office Mojo, we've ranked every Star Wars movie that had a theatrical release by its box office. In addition, movies older than 10 years had their numbers adjusted for inflation accordingly. Without that adjustment, it won't reflect how impactful these movies were for their time, especially A New Hope.
Solo comes to theaters on May 25. The movie stars Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Emilia Clarke as Qi'Ra, and Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca. Recently, Glover gave a tour of the Millenium Falcon, which looks clean as a whistle, compared to the times we've see it in other Star Wars films.
10. The Clones Wars (2008)
The animated feature served as a lead-in to the animated series of the same name: The Clone Wars. While it had a large theatrical release, it didn't make a lot of money. This is probably because this movie is nothing more than a pilot for an excellent TV series, but not a great stand-alone entity.
Domestic: $35,161,554
Foreign: $33,121,290
Total: $68,282,844
9. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Say what you want about the prequels--more bad than good obviously--but even the movie that made the lowest amount in the theaters, still came pretty close to the $1 billion mark. People went in droves to the theater to see Anakin Skywalker sulk.
Domestic: $310,676,740 [Adjusted For Inflation: $426,241,924]
Foreign: $338,721,588 [Adjusted For Inflation:$464,718,863]
Total: $649,398,328 [Adjusted For Inflation: $890,960,788]
8. Rogue One: A Story Wars Story (2016)
You know you have a successful franchise when your film has all-new characters and a brand-new story, and it still breaks $1 billion, even though it's one of the darkest Star Wars films to date.
Domestic: $532,177,324
Foreign: $523,879,949
Total: $1,056,057,273
7. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
The final act in the prequel trilogy gave us the birth of Darth Vader, which is probably the reason it did a bit better than Episode II.
Domestic: $380,270,577 [Adjusted For Inflation: $480,583,735]
Foreign: $468,484,191 [Adjusted For Inflation:$592,067,585]
Total: $848,754,768 [Adjusted For Inflation: $1,072,651,321]
6. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
The final act in the original Star Wars trilogy brought in the least amount of money out of that lot, even though it had three separate theatrical releases.
Domestic: $309,306,177 [Adjusted For Inflation: $721,663,860]
Foreign: $165,800,000 [Adjusted For Inflation:$410,869,379]
Total: $475,106,177 [Adjusted For Inflation: $1,132,533,239]
Note: Return of the Jedi got three theatrical releases: 1983, 1985, and 1997.
5. Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)
The Last Jedi had the second largest opening of all time, bringing in $220 million domestically. Look for these numbers to explode in the upcoming weeks because of the holidays and the fact the film opens in China on January 5.
Domestic: $620,181,382
Foreign: $712,235,332
Total: $1,332,416,714
4. Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
In 1999, people were hungry for Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, and because of this, it brought in $1.5 billion at the box office. And during this time, people everywhere loathed the antics of Jar Jar Binks.
Domestic: $474,544,677 [Adjusted For Inflation: $682,116,537]
Foreign: $552,500,000 [Adjusted For Inflation:$818,532,397]
Total: $1,027,044,677 [Adjusted For Inflation: $1,500,648,934]
Note: The Phantom Menace had two theatrical releases: 1999 and 2012.
3. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Arguably one of--if not the--best movies in the franchise is Empire Strikes Back, and while it didn't pull in the same numbers as A New Hope, it did exceptionally well.
Domestic: $290,475,067 [Adjusted For Inflation: $765,135,253]
Foreign: $247,900,000 [Adjusted For Inflation:$742,553,763]
Total: $538,375,067 [Adjusted For Inflation: $1,507,689,016]
Note: Empire Strikes Back got three theatrical releases: 1980, 1982, and 1997.
2. Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
People were pretty excited to have a new film in the Star Wars franchise--one that wasn't telling the origins of characters we already know and love. Because of this, The Force Awakens pulled in an incredible $2 billion during its theatrical run.
Domestic: $936,662,225
Foreign: $1,131,561,399
Total: $2,068,223,624
1. Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
The original Star Wars took the world by storm. In 1977, people were lining up around the block to see it, and when adjusted for inflation, it pulled in $2.7 billion. It's doubtful another film will take the top spot.
Domestic: $460,998,007 [Adjusted For Inflation: $1,503,659,950]
Foreign: $314,400,000 [Adjusted For Inflation:$1,280,526,297]
Total: $775,398,007 [Adjusted For Inflation: $2,784,186,247]
Note: A New Hope got three theatrical releases: 1977, 1982, and 1997.
Ever since A New Hope came out in 1977, the Star Wars franchise has given moviegoers iconic characters, stories, and a world to fall in love with. Sadly, not everything that came out of this franchise is gold. There are moments and characters that a questionable, confusing, and sometimes, exceptionally dumb. This includes elements from the prequels, the special editions, and the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. When you love a franchise like Star Wars so much, it hurts when something silly comes out of it.
Sifting through everything Star Wars, we pieced together 18 things from all the movies, TV series, and books that we can't help but cringe at from decades of content that have to be discussed. Did your least favorite moments make the list? Let us know some of the things you that have always bugged you from the Star Wars franchise.
Don't worry; we're not here to poop on one of the greatest franchises of all time. In celebration with Star Wars Day, we'll be celebrating the holiday all day with some great pieces surrounding a galaxy far, far away. You can check out some of the weirdest merchandise ever to come out of the franchise, some new Mighty Muggs figures from Hasbro, take a ride on a Lego Millennium Falcon in New York, and learn more about how the upcoming movie Solo may break box office records.
Solo: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on May 25. It stars Alden Ehrenreich as Han, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Emilia Clarke as Qi'Ra, and Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca. Recently, Glover gave a tour of the Millenium Falcon, which looks clean as a whistle, compared to the times we've see it in other Star Wars films.
Jar Jar Binks
Introduced in 1999's The Phantom Menace, Jar Jar Binks was the supposed comedic relief of the prequels. He was silly, bumbling, and annoying. Binks, whose amphibious species lived in the waters of Naboo, eventually rose to serve as a representative of Naboo on the Galactic Senate. Luckily, for viewers, the baby-talking Gungan's screentime was drastically reduced for Episodes II and III, but there are interesting theories on the internet that Binks was actually a Sith Lord, influencing the decisions of the Jedi and Padme. It may sound crazy, but there are a few videos that give this theory some credibility.
Anakin Created C-3PO
The prequels had this strange obsession for trying to give origin stories to characters from the original trilogy. None of which were more dumbfounding then when it was revealed that Anakin Skywalker created C-3PO on Tattoine. It messes a bit with continuity, as Vader--in the original trilogy--doesn't know or recognize the droid, but that is forgivable. What's really bizarre is that this child had been building a protocol droid from scraps on a desert planet while living life as a slave to junk dealer Watto. How did Anakin smuggle all these parts out without Watto knowing? Also, how does a kid build a protocol droid capable of communicating in over 7 million languages?
Anakin's Dialogue
Many folks who dislike The Phantom Menace tend pin a lot of the film's lack of quality on Jacob Lloyd, who played a young Anakin Skywalker, among a laundry list of other complaints. While I'm not going sit here and tell you that young Lloyd is a master thespian, I will say that most of the fault lays on the shoulders of Phantom Menace writer George Lucas, who has no idea how children, people in love, or most humans in general communicate with each other. In their first meeting, Anakin awkwardly discusses angels--which apparently exist in this galaxy. Later, Anakin explains Jedis and podracing, all while putting together plan to free himself and his mother from slavery. The conversation jumps, with no real flow, and it's all centered around Anakin's dialogue, which was seemingly written for someone much older.
Midichlorians
For those who have forgotten (I envy you), midichlorians were introduced in the Phantom Menace. They are microscopic, intelligent beings that live in your blood stream and allow some people, depending on their midichlorian level, to access the Force. When I think about midichlorians, I always think back to a Patton Oswalt bit about the Star Wars prequels, where the comedian says, "I don't give a s*** where the stuff I love comes from. I just love the stuff I love." Why can't the Force can't be a mystical thing that needs no explanation?
Everything About Anakin And Padme's Relationship, Especially The Dialogue
As previously mentioned, George Lucas had a bit of trouble writing dialogue for a young Anakin Skywalker, and it didn't get any better when he got older, especially when it came to his relationship with Padme. During Attack of the Clones, Anakin and Padme shared an afternoon in a field on Naboo and had the weirdest conversation about politics and creating a dictatorship, which sounds like the worst first date ever. While first dates and new relationships are full of awkwardness, this relationship takes it to a whole new level, which is a total bummer because you can tell Natalie Portman is doing the best she can with some really rough dialogue and direction.
Boba Fett Fanservice
Don't get me wrong, I love Boba Fett, especially after reading Tales of the Bounty Hunters as a kid, but the character's inclusion in Attack of the Clones felt forced and unnecessary. The film also tried to jam pack a whole origin story for the character while surrounded by a story of a clone army being built, along with the previously mentioned "believable" budding romance between Anakin and Padme, which I can't stop talking about for some reason. While young Boba Fett is the worst, it did pave way for the character's appearance on the animated series The Clone Wars, and he's pretty awesome on that series, so at least there's a silver lining.
The Death Of Mace Windu
Samuel Jackson made Mace Windu his character. The Jedi master was tough, didn't take any guff from anyone, and one of the more entertaining aspects of the prequels, even when he was just sitting in a chair, discussing politics. He was one bad dude. However, he met his fate by way of force lightning from the hands of Darth Sidious, who shocked then threw him out a window. This totally tough character was killed off in a pretty humiliating way, which came out of left field. This wasn't an epic battle, it was a decrepit man, laying down, shocking him.
Anakin's Turn To The Dark Side
While discussing moments that irked us with other GameSpot employees, Anakin's turn to the dark side came up a lot. To become a Sith Lord and Palpatine's right-hand, Darth Vader must have gone through a traumatic and terrifying childhood, right? Not so much. Yes, Anakin was a slave on Tattooine. Yes, his mother was murdered by Tuskens. However, in the grand scheme of things, which includes being involved in a relationship, on the verge of fatherhood all while training to be a Jedi master, Anakin's turn doesn't make sense. He's a spoiled kid who decides to not only turn to the Dark Side when things do not go his way, but his final act before going bad is killing a whole room of children. That feels like a giant leap.
The First Canonical Appearance Of Darth Vader
At the end of Revenge of the Sith, we caught our first glimpse of Darth Vader, and it was unintentionally hilarious. Understandably, we all know there are a lot of parallels between Vader and Frankenstein's monster, but that doesn't mean Vader has to completely embody the Universal character while freeing himself from his shackles. Then, there's Vader's "iconic" scream of "No," which is ironic because that's what the vast majority of us said after we saw that scene.
Greedo Shoots First
Back in 1997, the original Star Wars trilogy was rereleased in theaters, with a few changes. New special effects were added, as well as a bunch of things that fans weren't too pleased with, including Greedo shooting first in A New Hope. Originally, Han shot Greedo while sitting at the table, and it established the character as quite the renegade, being able to read into a situation as well as someone who doesn't take guff from anyone else. The change is pointless. Yes, Greedo now shoots first, but Han still kills him. More importantly, why does he have such bad aim from three feet away?
Han Steps On Jabba's Tail
One of the newly added scenes in A New Hope has Han talking to Jabba the Hutt. The scene itself is fine and helps add to the story of Jabba wanting Han Solo as a prize for his palace. However, because of where Han is walking, Lucasfilm added a little "movie magic" and had everyone's favorite scoundrel stepping on Jabba's tail, while the Hutt made a silly face. It feels completely out of place and the audience's suspension of disbelief would still be in tact if Han had never stepped on his tail.
Weird CGI Additions To The Special Editions
Some of the weirdest additions to the special editions were things like random CG rocks being added to scenes; things that added nothing to the film. Why does R2D2 need that extra rock? Normally, this would be something we'd completely ignore or something we never would have noticed, but once it's pointed out, it's impossible to unsee it.
Chewbacca Doesn't Get A Medal
When the Special Edition of A New Hope was released, there was one change most fans wanted to see: Chewbacca getting his well-deserved medal during the ceremony at the end of the film. Alas, that change didn't happen, possibly because the budget ran dry after all those CGI rocks and dewbacks. Where's the justice for Chewie? He's just as important to the battle as either Han or Luke.
The First 10 Minutes Of The Holiday Special
In 1978, the Star Wars Holiday Special hit television screens across the country, cashing in on the popularity of A New Hope. If you've ever watched it or tried to watch it, then you know the opening Life Day segment is near impossible to get through. It follows a household where the audience gets to experience a day in the life of a Wookie. The family chats with eachother in their native tongue, without any subtitles, and a young Wookie watches a weird holographic circus in his living room. The whole section is a travesty.
The Rest Of The Holiday Special
Then, there's rest of the Holiday Special, and while it does introduce the world to everyone's favorite bounty hunter, Boba Fett, this TV movie feels far more disconnected from the Star Wars Universe than connected. It features singing. In fact, there's a lot of singing, including a song from Jefferson Starship and Golden Girls's Bea Arthur. As previously mentioned, there's also so much of the little Wookie, who watches way too much TV. There's a reason this only aired once.
"Jedi Rock's" Replacing "Lapti Nek"
In Jabba's palace, during Return of the Jedi, there was a song called "Lapti Nek," but in the special edition of the film, it was replaced with the CG-heavy "Jedi Rock's." The two-minute performance mixed original footage with brand new stuff, like a backup band playing the song, while the lead singer got way too close to the camera. The song doesn't fit in this universe, and the whole scene is incredibly cringe-worthy.
Hayden Christensen Replaces Sebastian Shaw
At the end of Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker--celebrating winning the war while on the moon of Endor--looked off an saw the Force ghosts of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Anakin Skywalker--who was played by Sebastian Shaw in the scene. However, the Special Edition version of the film did something absurd. It replaced Shaw with Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin in Episodes II and III. The change made no sense.
Expanded Universe No Longer Canonical
Finally, one of the worst things about Star Wars is a double-edged sword. When Disney bought Lucasfilm, the expanded universe was no longer considered canon. That means Knights of the Old Republic, all of Timothy Zahn's books, and the comics from Dark Horse were no longer part of the larger Star Wars story. However, because of that decision, this means Lucasfilm can tell all new stories without the restrictions of decades of other SW-related properties. In addition, Marvel Comics began publishing some great Star Wars books. But it's still a bummer to think that Shadows of the Empire or Han Solo and Leia's twins were wiped from continuity.
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