No Episode VII Announcements at the Summer Conventions!?

Now that Comic Con, Celebration Europe II and D23 Expo have all passed, many Star Wars fans are feeling rather disappointed that no Episode VII announcements were made (aside from the confirmation of everyone's first choice composer). Pretty much every Star Wars fan is surprised. But is it a good or a bad thing to have left the fan base devoid of news?

LEGO Star Wars 2014 Rumour List

There’s a bit of newness in the LEGO Star Wars line-up according to this rumour list, along with the obligatory re-treads. As with all LEGO Rumours, this should not be treated as any more reliable than something that might get whispered in the Mos Eisley Cantina.

Celebration Europe II: Secrets of The Clone Wars

Despite problems with a delayed flight, Dave Filoni – Supervising Director of The Clone Wars and now Executive Producer on Rebels - made it to the Behind the Stages on Friday for the 3pm panel, Secrets of The Clone Wars. This marked the first appearance of Dave Filoni at a non-US Star Wars Celebration, and secrets were shared indeed!

Celebration Europe II: LEGO

With the fiasco and ill will generated from LEGO attending Comic Con, the company went down the opposite route with their presence at Star Wars Celebration Europe II, the greatest party in the galaxy held last week in Essen, Germany. There was an exclusive mini-figure available, some incredible fan built creations and LEGO sets available to buy.

Celebration Europe II: Images From Celebration

Celebration Europe II came to a close on Sunday, and now there has been time to reflect on the hundreds of photos from the event. To kick off the Into the Garbage Chute coverage, here are a selection of images that give a snapshot of the event. Enjoy these fun moments from Celebration Europe II, that will either give a taste of what went on or provide a reminder of all the fun.

Last Minute Planning for Celebration Europe II

It’s just a few days away before the full force of Star Wars fandom descends on the Messe Essen convention center in Germany. It is time for Celebration Europe II. Fans attending the event, this blogger included, are busy checking out the schedule and making painful decisions about what to see and what to skip. So, before the event actually kicks off, how does the Celebration Europe II schedule look?

Star Wars Rebels Rumours

 Almost a month ago, websites including Jedi News revealed that the new animated Star Wars series, Rebels, will feature a group of teenagers as the lead characters (adding an extra layer to the title of the series). That echoes something I have heard recently, and also that the style of animation will not be similar to that of The Clone Wars…

X-Wings, Rebels and the Last Big 30th

The past week has been a big one for Star Wars – it has been the 30th anniversary of Return of the Jedi, a moment of history for the Star Wars Saga. There has been the announcement of a new animated TV series – Rebels, set to debut in 2014. Finally a life-size X-Wing, constructed entirely of LEGO bricks was unveiled in Times Square, New York. Is this the biggest week for Star Wars since last October?

Star Wars Days 2013 at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort celebrated Star Wars day from Saturday 4th May right through to the Bank Holiday Monday. It was three days of Star Wars related fun, including costumed characters from the saga, building activities and of course Lightsaber training for budding Padawans. Read on for a picture-laden report on all of the goings-on and to find out who went to Boating School...

Reaction: LEGO Star Wars Jedi Defender-class Cruiser (75025)

Courtesy of Eurobricks

After a few relaxing days in Windsor last weekend to celebrate May 4th, it’s time to get back to foaming with frustration like a proper fanboy. Images have emerged from GRogall at Eurobricks of the upcoming Jedi Defender-class Cruiser (75025). As a last minute image not numbered consecutively with the other sets, it is almost certainly a retailer exclusive (Toys R Us seems likely).

May the 4th be With You

It’s hard to believe that a few years back, May 4th was a day that some folk mentioned but on the whole wasn’t a thing. “May 4th be with you” was a pun, but the day didn’t mark anything special. The fans have taken ownership, and this year it feels like it will be bigger than ever. Even Lucasfilm seem to be embracing the concept now.

Schedule for Star Wars Days at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

From Saturday May 4th - Sunday May 6th, LEGOLAND Windsor will be hosting Star Wars days. The event will feature special activities, competitions and screenings. Thanks to the good folk at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort the schedule for the events is now available, revealing what will be going on where.

Strong Women in Cinema: Princess Leia

The classic Star Wars trilogy is celebrated for its forward thinking and modernisms. The films were cutting edge in special effects, story progression and many of the stereotypes we take for granted today were started with these films. One of the most forward thinking elements of the series is very close to my heart. Star Wars created one of the strongest female characters in a time when women were only just being recognized for their aviation contributions to World War Two. Step forward Princess Leia.

Are Dark Horse the Next Victim of Disney?

Randy Stradley, editor or the Star Wars output at Dark Horse comics, and Dark Horse founder Mike Richardson spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the future of Star Wars comics. They were mainly there to promote the intriguing new series The Star Wars, a mini-arc based on one of Lucas’ initial drafts of A New Hope, but they also suggested that Star Wars may not be with Dark Horse for much longer…

Star Wars Days Return to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The team at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort have been in touch to let us know that Darth Vader and his Imperial Stormtroopers will be there to celebrate May 4th, the adopted Star Wars day. There will be events and activities for three days of fun from Saturday May 4th to Monday May 6th, including building activities, a Jedi Training Camp and the new LEGO Star Wars Gallery in the Star Wars Miniland Experience. Read on for all of the details!

Game over for LucasArts

 “Here we go again,” to borrow a quote from C-3PO. A few weeks ago it was Lucas Animation. Now it is the turn of LucasArts to be wound down by Disney. The staff have been laid off so that the video game arm of Lucasfilm will do nothing more than license the games out to other companies. This is unfortunate news for fans who have picked up Star Wars video games over the past thirty years. LucasArts has been in a mess over the past few years, but 1313 looked ready to re-ignite the division… 

How does the Black Series Wave 1 look?

Courtesy of Rebelscum.com

Thanks to Rebelscum we now know which figures will be in the initial waves of the Black Series and Saga Legends action figure lines. More than that, how many of each figure will be in each case – and those read this article know how much that can matter. Read on to find out how the line-up looks, whether it is full of good choices or Batha poodoo.

Lucasfilm Animation to go?

So shit got real. No sooner had an article gone up regarding the end of The Clone Wars TV series than an official announcement was made. But things are getting decidedly worse, with reports coming out that the Lucasfilm Animation department is to be disbanded. These are likely to be reliable, as they are coming from the same sources that warned of the cancellation a few weeks ago.

Celebration Europe II: The Guests so Far

“The Emperor’s coming here?” Well if you’re in Germany he is. It’s an easy joke, but also an irresistible one. The headline guest so far for Celebration Europe II is the actor who brought the most evil villain in the galaxy to life, and will be joined by other faces behind the iconic characters of Star Wars. Read on for reaction to the guest list so far.

The Clone Wars Cancelled

The news has been expected for months, but is now breaking and will likely soon be confirmed – The Clone Wars  is no more. There will be no Season Six. Read on for SPOILER FREE discussion of the news – I have not seen Season Five, and will not be talking about specific plot points at all.

Will the Expanded Universe Influence the new Movies?

Many websites are posting their top ten Star Wars ideas for the new movies, and talking up which video game, novel or comic would make a great movie. Is there any point though? Are Lucasfilm really delving into the Expanded Universe for the new movies?

Turn the dome green, we shall

 

Master Model Builder Alex Bidolak has been painting it green over at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Manchester, where a 7 foot tall model of Jedi Master Yoda witnessed the Trafford Center's dome being lit green, to celebrate the new LEGO Star Wars Miniland exhibit. All About Bricks will soon  be announcing which lucky reader will receive two free tickets to visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Hasbro Reveals the Black Series

Image Courtesy of Jedi News

Hasbro are being bold in their plan for the Star Wars action figure line. After a few months of uncertainty, New York Toy Fair saw the unveiling of what the plan for 2013 is. Some will be excited, some disappointed but all are likely to be surprised. Read on for reaction to the new 6” line, the new 4” line and whether any of this will be the re-boot Hasbro are hoping for.

Star Wars Spin-off Films Confirmed

It has been announced recently that the spin-off Star Wars films are indeed a reality, and that Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg are working on them at present (as previously rumoured). This exciting development offers the possibility of new movies that can tell an entertaining side story from the main Saga. Rumours are already floating around of which characters they might be based on.

LEGO Launch The Yoda Chronicles

What The Yoda Chronicles is has been unclear for months, since the title of a new book was uncovered. The mystery surrounding the project has been much like that surrounding the little green fellow himself. With the Toy Fair season underway and the LEGO Star Wars website getting an update, things are starting to make sense.

The Force is Strong in Manchester

Star Wars Miniland continues to spread to every corner of the galaxy, as the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Manchester will launch an interactive display of models based on The Phantom Menace. Read on for more information on the latest addition to the indoor attraction.

Why Have the 3D Re-Releases Been Postponed?

 With all of the excitement and buzz as months of speculation have come to an end, Lucasfilm have taken the opportunity to bury some embarrassing news. The 3D re-release of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith that were due for late this year have been cancelled. What led to this decision, and is it a smart move?

How much Influence will JJ Abrams have?

This piece is not a reaction to the announcement of JJ Abrams and what he will or won’t bring to the new trilogy. There has already been, and will be, plenty of fanboy discussion on every corner of the web about whether or not he is the right guy for the job. The prevailing opinion seems to be that he is. But what is the director’s role in the new movie?

Darth Vader Back on the Packaging in 2013

Courtesy of JediInsider.com

So not long after it turns out that Hasbro are completely shaking up the plan for the Star Wars action figure line, the UK Toy Fair has revealed that Lucasfilm have a new packaging design linked to Revenge of the Sith- and that it is designed to replace the Yoda design partway through 2013. What, why and will it work?

What would Zack Snyder mean for Star Wars?

The news that Zack Snyder is working on a Star Wars project was crushed before it had even done the rounds. But it reminded everyone what the announcement about a new Star Wars film every 2-3 years meant… the possibility of films beyond the core Saga. What impact could various, possibly high profile, directors have on Star Wars?

Writers for New Movie are Cause for Optimism

Lawrence Kasdan

Star Wars fans have had mixed reactions to the announcement of Episode VII and movies beyond. Some are overjoyed that new films will be released and the franchise can continue, whilst others are concerned that without George Lucas it just isn’t Star Wars. What can offer hope to all Star Wars fans however, is the talent that looks set to be involved.

An Uncertain Future for Star Wars Action Figures

It’s a strange time for collectors of the Hasbro Star Wars 4” action figure collection. The Droid Factory line has been cancelled, the Vintage Collection has been extended with re-packaged figures and a rumoured new line is mysteriously entitled “Back to Black”. With Wave 1 Movie Heroes figures filling the pegs at stores everywhere, how can Hasbro re-invigorate the line rather than letting it continue to dwindle?