CLASSIC ART: IN PURSUIT OF THE FALCON!

That cranky but reliable Millennium Falcon never seems to get a break from being pursued by swarms of deadly TIE fighters, as seen in this lovely merchandising art of a few years back promoting the iconic vehicles seen in the Original Trilogy, and especially those seen in The Empire Strikes Back.

If anyone knows the artist/s of this gorgeous art series, please get in touch.

'THE MANDALORIAN' - SEASON THREE - NOW AIRING ON DISNEY+

At last, the new series begins, and the grim doomsday world of Mandalore ominously beckons for our classic duo of Din Djarin and Grogul. Expect the same potent mix of humour, action, the return of old friends, and continued legacy-building this year, as well as darkness building during the middle events set between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens...

Latest news on the series...

Everything to know about The Mandalorian before season 3 | EW.com

'The Mandalorian' Season 3: Pedro Pascal Teases Epic Battles With Many Mandalorians - Star Wars News Net

The Mandalorian season 3 footage shows off Grogu's powers

The Mandalorian Season 4 Has Already Been Written, Says Showrunner Jon Favreau - IGN

Three new character posters for the series.

The Mandalorian Season 3 Reveals New Posters Featuring Bo-Katan & More

THE MANDALORIAN Season 3 Reportedly Loses Ludwig Göransson But Gains THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT Composer

The Mandalorian Season 3 ‘Opens Up The World Of Mandalore And The Mandalorians’, Says Pedro Pascal – Exclusive Image | TV Series | Empire

The Long History of Mandalore to Know Before The Mandalorian Season 3

Pedro Pascal ‘Can’t See Shit’ In The Mandalorian Armour: ‘If There’s A Hole, I’m Gonna Fall Into It’ | TV Series | Empire

Jon Favreau Reveals Why The Mandalorian And Grogu Had To Reunite In The Book Of Boba Fett: ‘We Couldn’t Just Hit A Hard Reset’ – Exclusive | TV Series | Empire

Katee Sackhoff Gave Her Input To The Mandalorian Showrunners For Bo-Katan In Season 3: ‘Her Pain Is My Pain’ – Exclusive Image | TV Series | Empire

Theirs Is The Way: Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni Talk The Mandalorian Season 3 – Exclusive | TV Series | Empire

'OBI-WAN KENOBI' - NEWS UPDATE (4)

Darth Vader's hunt for Obi-Wan continues as the hit show, airing exclusively on Disney+, nears its end. A great character poster of everyone's beloved super-baddy, recently accompanying the show's third episode.

More news related items...

Beware: SPOILERS!

‘Obi-Wan’ Showrunner on What’s Happening Under Darth Vader’s Helmet — Q&A

Obi-Wan Kenobi features a sinister cameo from a Clone Wars character

'Kenobi' Writer Speaks Up About The Fate Of The Grand Inquisitor | Futurism

'Obi-Wan Kenobi' screenwriter explains how Obi-Wan got his 'groove back' in episode 4

'Obi-Wan Kenobi' Review: This Star Wars Series Is a Force to Be Reckoned With - CNET

Obi-Wan Kenobi TV Show Pays Tribute to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Ending

Obi-Wan Kenobi Writer on Reviving Vader and Leia For the Disney+ Series

Exclusive: 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' Reva Spin-Off Series In The Works For Disney Plus

'OBI-WAN KENOBI': MAN OF JUSTICE, MAN/MACHINE OF HATE!

Not long now until Obi-Wan Kenobi debuts exclusively on Disney+, and these two international posters have been found online but are not yet seemingly available in high res. Nonetheless, they stir up expectations nicely for the next dramatic and exciting lightsaber conflict between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader! 

Some more series news:

Ewan McGregor Says The Star Wars Prequels Were 'Very Difficult' Because Technology Got In The Way

https://epicstream.com/article/obi-wan-kenobi-series-cameos-set-to-tie-to-prequel-films-than-live-action-series

Ewan McGregor Debunks 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' Fan Theories, Says Reactions Are "Quite Funny To Watch" | Geek Culture

Ewan McGregor Wants to Do More Star Wars Projects After Obi-Wan Kenobi

Star Wars: Ewan McGregor Wanted to Do Obi-Wan Kenobi Series Because of Trainspotting 2

Obi-Wan Kenobi - Exclusive Official Behind the Scenes Clip (2022) Ewan McGregor - YouTube

5 Highlights from the Obi-Wan Kenobi Trailer | StarWars.com

CLASSIC ART: WHEN TIE FIGHTERS ATTACK!

The depths of space are soon lit up by a flight of attacking TIE fighters, as the Empire's space fleet begins its surprise attack on the Rebels in this great recent art linked to Return of the Jedi, whilst also celebrating the superbly designed and iconic spaceships and fighter craft of the Classic Trilogy.

CLASSIC ART: X-WINGS AWAY!

The ominous power of doom, the Death Star, is rapidly approaching weapon-firing conditions on Yavin IV as the Rebel Alliance sends out its best pilots to meet it, as seen in this simply gorgeous art used in a new European poster merchandise set linked to the Classic Trilogy. If anyone knows the artist, please get in touch.

(12) Every Starfighter in Star Wars Explained By Lucasfilm | WIRED - YouTube

AN 'EMPIRE' AT 40: COLOURS IN DARKNESS!

The momentous Fortieth Anniversary celebrations for The Empire Strikes Back will surely kick off soon across all the official Star Wars platforms, hopefully showcasing old and new gems linked to our favourite, much-beloved sequel movie, likes this great poster concept art by acclaimed Japanese artist Noriyoshi Ohrai.

EPISODE IX: DARK REY!

Luke had that classic encounter with 'himself' deep in the cave of Dagobah, now our sequel heroine gets a disturbing look at her own potential dark future, as captured in this great artwork by Rory Kurtz, which came as an art card poster with last year's EMPIRE film magazine covering The Rise of Skywalker.

EPISODE IX: SHARDS OF HATE!

In a secret vault on board Kylo Ren's First Order Star Destroyer, the plinth containing the burnt out Darth Vader helmet is caught in the clashing, destructive blades of both Ren and Rey's lightsabers, in a striking scene from The Rise of Skywalker captured for an officially-sanctioned fan-created poster series last year, showcasing the film's memorable moments.

EPISODE IX: SEAT OF POWER, SEAT OF DESTINY

Rey faces her destiny, and what could also be her final battle, against the returned evil of Emperor Palpatine, preparing for the ultimate dominion of the Sith, in Dan Mumford's final poster art for worldwide IMAX/AMC screenings of The Rise of Skywalker.

https://movieweb.com/the-rise-of-skywalker-emperor-palpatine-backstory/

EPISODE IX: 'THEY FLY NOW!'

Our on-a-quest young heroes face dedicated pursuit across the Pasaana landscape by high-speed, high-flying First Order forces, as seen in the penultimate art piece from Dan Mumford celebrating the IMAX/AMC cinematic release of The Rise of Skywalker.

Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWDPjVT51Q0 

EPISODE IX: THEIR FINAL CONFRONTATION....

It's had very little release fanfare, but the second of Dan Mumford's great art pieces celebrating The Rise of Skywalker in IMAX/AMC cinemas worldwide has now arrived online, and its another gem, showcasing the against-the-odds rush of the Resistance fighter squadrons against the overwhelming combination of the First and Final Order Imperial forces near Exagol...

CLASSIC IMAGE: A TIME OF LOVE AND WAR!

'Begun, the Clone War has...'

'The next film (EPISODE II) is a love story, and I don't know how that is going to be taken by fans. They think of Star Wars as one kind of movie. And it's drifting a little more - by the nature of it being a love story, it's less of a kids' movie because they don't like to sit through all that yucky stuff. But it's still aimed at the same age level, so it's going to be a real challenge for me to get through that part.'

George Lucas - Empire magazine - September 1999

'The whole aspect of (EPISODE II) which is 'the mystery' is based upon a 1940's film noir, Maltese Falcon - all the great mystery movies of the '30's and '40's. That's the influence here. I wanted it to have the quality of those great Raymond Chandler mysteries. You have to remember that this whole series of films is based on a '30's genre. the acting style is very much from the '30's. Conceptually, it's using the inspiration of the '30's films as its basis, the most central being the '30's matinee serial.'

George Lucas - EPISODE II DVD commentary - 2002

EPISODE II - global box office (so far): $649.4 million

HAPPY SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY TO 'EPISODE II'!

EPISODE IX: THE LAST HURRAH!

POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT!

This super composition has recently appeared online (possibly leaked via Russia, which we've heard had the earliest merchandise/poster work for Solo: A Star Wars Story) and seems to be the real deal - the first real exciting look - for the teaser or main poster for the upcoming EP IX. It has our heroes in their new costumes- linked to photos that were recently leaked online, alongside all new heroes, aliens and villains (including J.J. Abrams favourite Keri Russell, supposedly as a shady character wearing what the actress calls a 'very cool costume' (right of Oscar Isaac). Plus someone replacing the late Captain Phasma as Stormtrooper leader, Kylo Ren back wearing an all-new helmet and revised lightsaber, plus the welcome return of the Knights of Ren. In the skies, there are some formidable new First Order TIE ships ready for combat against the Y-wing fighters of the Resistance. Finally, how can we not mention Threepio, distinctively, and totally against protocol, hilariously wearing a bandolier and holding what looks like a bowcaster (another rumour that had been doing the online rounds now true, it seems).

CLASSIC ART: 'THE HERO'S JOURNEY' CONTINUES...

There's still a lot of A New Hope's aura to this mid 1979 poster concept art for The Empire Strikes Back by Tom Jung, with reference to Bob Seidemann's photography of Mark Hamill as Luke from two years previously particularly noticeable. There's great poses for Han and Leia, and even TIE fighters that look like a mixture of the first original design for Vader's craft mixed with a TIE Bomber (a vehicle also originally conceived for the 1977 film by Joe Johnston).

'SOLO': IMPERIALS AT THE GATE!

Han thinks that the Empire isn't going to worry about that little incident of theft and rebellion that he and his comrades have instigated on Kessel. Wrong! Sure enough, an Imperial Star Destroyer and TIE fighter support are not what our soon-famous smuggler needs right now whilst trying to escape Kessel's legendary and fearsome The Maw, in a spectacular effects sequence, heightened by rousing John Powell/John Williams music, for Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Great art for the scene as rendered by Dan Mumford, that ultimately graced the unique subscriber's cover edition of EMPIRE magazine a month or so back.

https://www.starwars.com/news/designing-solo-a-star-wars-story-part-1-making-landos-millennium-falcon

HAPPY FORTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY TO THE ORIGINAL 'STAR WARS'!

One of the early US adverts for Star Wars cinema release- art by Tom Jung. Note the original logo with the 'W'.

It was an undiminished joy watching multiple times the original Star Wars in the cinemas on its barnstorming release from 1977/78, and it continues to be an undiminished joy for millions and generations to watch and adore either via VHS, laserdisc, DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats, even with the many controversial changes/additions made to it. It's timeless, it's iconic, it's magical, it's unforgettable, remaining unbeaten as the legacy launch point to so, so much in our modern world of entertainment.

HAPPY FORTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY! to the original STAR WARS! 

'SOLO': NOW PLAYING IN THE UK!

New poster art by Steve Anderson.

Today, British cinemas and IMAX screens will be vitally alive with the new young adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca, alongside the ensuing sounds of adventure, excitement, and the jump to hyperspace! We hope audiences enjoy the film's great story, characters, fun, thrills and all-round sense of bravura as much as AFICIONADO does.

New clip - Han and Qi'ra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj0cvQHErwU

New TV spots/Disney behind the scenes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Uskjb6N-aE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdIrCBdkH3U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qy6b4JaUIk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so97RDhdXvI

Cast talk: The Star Wars Show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZlNQmBZ2rI

A very cool cover for the latest US edition of SciFi magazine.

Alden Ehrenreich:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gk2hUejb3A

Alden and Joonas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eiPV-XN9kA

Touching down in the US from 25th May, 2018.

Bettany and Clarke:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCC-emJql7M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOmL0V7tG8c

Donald Glover: 

http://variety.com/2018/film/features/solo-a-star-wars-story-directors-reshoots-ron-howard-1202817841/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBfZxyxM3QI

Thandie Newton:

http://deadline.com/video/thandie-newton-solo-movie-westworld-career-interview-actors-side-video/

Coming this August 2018: a new comic series for Tobias Beckett.

Ron Howard UK interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm02-GFewrI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grD_muCJlmY

A thumbs-up from Harrison Ford:

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/movies/harrison-ford-gives-verdict-on-new-star-wars-spinoff-solo/ar-AAxFQQ1?ocid=spartandhp

Emilia Clarke on Good Morning America:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA9Y2oK_RQ0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnNF9i0o9f4

Behind the scenes of the film, for Variety. Cover image: Robert Maxwell.

Variety magazine - great coverage:

Behind the scenes of cover shoot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPFCTba8UMM

http://variety.com/2018/film/features/solo-a-star-wars-story-directors-reshoots-ron-howard-1202817841/

Latest Solo book release schedule
https://www.starwars.com/news/solo-a-star-wars-story-books-are-here-and-more-are-on-the-way

EPISODE VII: TERRORS OF THE FIRST ORDER!

Emerging from the Outer Regions, with ambitious plans to reign supreme beyond the legacy of the Galactic Empire, the legions of the First Order begin their attack, led by the fearsome forms of brutal Force-wielder Kylo Ren and the emotionless Captain Phasma, in this lovely promo artwork for The Force Awakens.

EPISODE VIII: FACETS OF A SELF-EXILED JEDI...

The heroism and sacrifice of the noble Luke Skywalker. Art by Steve Anderson.

The Last Jedi was certainly a game-changer for fans of Luke Skywalker, as Rian Johnson pushed the character, and Mark Hamill, into a new direction and arc after the icon's prior heroism for the light side of the Force during the Classic Trilogy.

More international character poster variations for the return of Luke Skywalker.

Here's a selection of great imagery of the character and Mark Hamill in the film, behind the scenes and in posed costume/publicity imagery that I hope you enjoy. We hope that this isn't truly the end of the road for the entire saga's finest hero, and that he'll return somewhere to close the Skywalker story for EPISODE IX via writer/director J.J. Abrams input.

A publicity image of Mark in the run-up to EPISODE VIII filming. Image: STARWARS.COM.

Hamill with Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman on the film's Blu-ray release:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEPvyu3iZk8&feature=youtu.be

On location at Skellig Island for the official start of filming in 2016 with Ram Bergman, Rian Johnson and Daisy Ridley.

Filming the lightsaber handover that has now become highly controversial.

Friends of the Force: Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley in a 2018 magazine shoot.

More on Luke's aftermath in VIII: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mark-hamill-lukes-fate-star-wars-last-jedi-1090262?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDa2vt1_KBs

The Last Jedi wins big at the UK EMPIRE magazine awards ceremony in March 2018.

Another great merchandise art poster by Steve Anderson.

Friends not enemies: Hamill and Adam Driver on the worldwide publicity tour, in China - late 2017.

A truly emotional farewell on and off screen.

On VIII's final Luke/Leia scene:
http://www.etonline.com/mark-hamill-cant-watch-lukes-goodbye-to-carrie-fishers-leia-in-star-wars-the-last-jedi-exclusive

The tragedy of Luke Skywalker's fallen apprentice.

And an uneasy return to the Millennium Falcon.

The original Lucas storyline plan for Luke in IX:
http://uk.ign.com/articles/2018/03/26/mark-hamill-reveals-ending-to-george-lucas-star-wars-episode-9

Clean background posed image of Hamill as Luke.

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of STAR WARS with Ford, Kennedy, Lucas and Billy Lourde. Image: DISNEY.

On the upcoming Episode IX:
https://screenrant.com/mark-hamill-star-wars-9-luke-jj-abrams/

Luke returns back to the dominion of the Force.

On set as Rian Johnson secretly reveals EPISODE VIII's ultimate title.

A final lesson from Master Yoda.

A tireless supporter- Hamill greets the fans, with Kathleen Kennedy and friends.

The 'last' Jedi?

https://www.comicbookmovie.com/sci-fi/star_wars/star-wars-the-last-jedi-star-mark-hamill-explains-his-interpretation-of-what-the-films-final-shot-means-a159636

On future 'past' adventures for Luke Skywalker:

https://www.comicbookmovie.com/sci-fi/star_wars/star-wars-the-last-jedi-actor-mark-hamill-on-being-digitally-recreated-or-recast-for-future-star-wars-films-a159267

Hamill and his family talk:

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/video/rare-chat-family-star-wars-icon-mark-hamill-54368183

A crowd pleasing 'return' for Luke during the Battle of Crait.

More than earning his Hollywood Star in 2018.