Star Wars Celebration Orlando Essential Stories: Day One.

Star Wars Celebration Orlando’s first day – and the few days preceding it – proved to be rather eventful. While we didn’t get any major announcements about the upcoming films themselves, we did learn a few crucial bits and pieces about the future of Star Wars media that we’ll be getting over the next few years.

 

 

Battlefront II – Battle Across All Eras

 

 

The first of the two big surprises that came before Celebration ended up being a leak – one unwittingly facilitated by the production studio itself, amusingly enough. Representatives from EA tweeted out a short clip showing that yes, their new game would take players beyond the Original Trilogy by dabbing into the Prequel Trilogy and the Sequel Trilogy to varying extents. While it’s incredibly likely that this was meant to be a major surprise to an unsuspecting audiences who expected everything but Clone Wars Era content, it’s certainly a welcome one coming a few days early. The full trailer will arrive with the panel this Saturday.

 

 

Forces Of Destiny – Star Wars Heroines Get Their Own Show

 

 

Many predicted that there’d be some kind of announcement of a new animated series at Celebration, but few had any idea that it’d be a series of shorts that would complement Rebels instead of replacing it. The new series, which will be comprised of several 2-D shorts, will focus on the women of Star Wars in an effort to get more young girls interested in the series. The shorts will be released online and will coincide with the launch of a new line of dolls created by Hasbro. The series is expected to be discussed at a panel featuring Tiya Sircar and Ashley Eckstein tomorrow.

 

 

40th Anniversary Panel – No Announcements, But Several Surprise Appearances

 

 

Anyone hoping for details on another Star Wars Anthology film unfortunately went home empty-handed as far as announcements go. However, there were a lot of surprise appearances at Star Wars Celebration Orlando’s 40th Anniversary Panel, including the likes of George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Billie Lourd, and John “Star Wars Secret Sauce” Williams. Liam Neeson and Samuel L. Jackson were also able to chip into the conversation through livestreams. Might this allude to the possibility of future returns to the franchise? It’s too early to say, but it’s clear that Star Wars is still important enough for these actors that they want back in.

 

 

General Leia Organa In The Last Jedi

 

 

During the poignant tribute to the late Carrie Fisher, we could briefly see some new behind-the-scenes footage of the actress as General Leia Organa in Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. This is technically the first behind-the-scenes look we’ve seen of The Last Jedi since the humorous production announcement video that was released over a year ago. Her outfit seems to be ceremonial, but not in a particularly joyful way – it seems likely that whatever address she’s going to give will be a solemn one indeed.

 

 

The Rex/”Gramps” Connection Confirmed?

 

 

 

One of Dave Filoni’s pet theories is that Rex, a veteran Clone Trooper, fought as a Rebel on Endor under the alias of Nik Sant, a soldier affectionately called “Gramps”. At a panel discussing the fates of characters from The Clone Wars, Filoni gave viewers a quick of what to expect at Saturday’s Rebels Season 4 panel by offering concept art of Rex in combat fatigues reminiscent of that same soldier from Return Of The Jedi. A simple fan theory? It’s looking less and less like one!

 

 

Ahsoka’s Fate Will Be Revealed On Rebels… Eventually!

 

 

Ahsoka’s last scene in Rebels Season 2 was left on an incredibly ambiguous note, with it not being clear if she lived or died. Well, from the sound of things, it’s not going to stay a mystery forever. At the same panel as the above, Pablo Hidalgo mentioned that her story will be given proper clarification (and possibly even a continuation) in the same series that made sure her return and subsequent exile (or death) was meaningful. This is something that they alluded to in a panel last year, but they noted that this story element had to wait until Season 4 because the story in Season 3 was much too far in development to actually feature her in any significant capacity.

 

 

Boba Fett VS Cad Bane

 

 

 

One last gem from the animation panel was an unfinished reel of animation from The Clone Wars, and apparently the last one that Filoni and Hidalgo intend to share at a Celebration event. The video portrays a confrontation between Boba Fett and Cad Bane that leads into a Western-influenced quick-draw that doesn’t seem to have a clear winner. While Fett obviously lives (albeit with a dent on his new helmet), Bane’s fate was left unexplained by the creative duo. Perhaps he’s got a shot at appearing in Rebels if Fett didn’t actually finish him off (since it’s not entirely clear if this series of events will be treated as canon).

 

 

Lando Calrissian Is Absent From The Last Jedi

 

 

Sadly, not all news at Celebration Orlando was good news. It was recently confirmed by Billy Dee Williams himself that he won’t be making a cameo in The Last Jedi. Still, don’t rule out an appearance in Episode IX, even if the actor is getting up there in terms of age. We’re pulling for ya, Billy!

 

 

Also check out director Rian Johnson paying a visit to the people waiting in line for The Last Jedi panel and a few cool photos from the first day (use the arrows on the second Instagram post for more photos):

 

 

Johnson spent 3 hours signing autographs and taking photos with all the people there. Incredible guy!

 

 

More from backstage as we celebrate 40 years of #StarWars! #SWCO (swipe to see all photos)

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“The force is strong in my family…” Hayden Christensen and Mark Hamill backstage at #StarWars Celebration. #SWCO

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What are your favorite Celebration moments thus far? Let us know in the comments below.

 

 

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Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.

Grant Davis (Pomojema)

Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.

39 thoughts on “Star Wars Celebration Orlando Essential Stories: Day One.

  • April 14, 2017 at 7:24 am
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    That’s a shame about Lando not making it in TLJ; though, I guess we will have to see what Episode IX will bring and whether Billy Dee will make an appearence as Lando once again even if it’s just a cameo or even one scene.

    As for the revelation of Ahsoka’s fate, I guess we’ll see what happens when Season 4 of Rebels arrives later this year.

  • April 14, 2017 at 8:51 am
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    So is that how Cad Bane died?

    • April 14, 2017 at 4:17 pm
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      While he could just be “famous”, Sabine does have a painting of him in her room. I would assume that means she interacted with him when she was a bounty hunter.
      Additionally, I dont think they would show a popular characters death in an unfinished animatic; if anything they would make the story into a comic.
      Futhermoe, Bane is a popular character. Im sure he will show in Rebels soon.

      • April 14, 2017 at 4:27 pm
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        Hope so

  • April 14, 2017 at 8:58 am
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    Yeah, Billy Dee’s chances of making an appearance in this new trilogy aren’t looking good. The man just turned 80 years old earlier this month (just last Thursday in fact). If there’s a natural way to fit him into the story of IX it would be great to see him in Star Wars again, but my gut tells me probably not. Admittedly, I have no extensive knowledge of what the filmmakers have in mind for the 2 remaining films in the ST, it’s just a hunch that Lando won’t fit in – especially if he’s not in TLJ. I suppose Donald Glover will have to carry the torch for the character of Lando in the forthcoming Han Solo film. Hope he can do it justice, because I always loved Billy Dee’s portrayal of Lando and always really liked the character.

    • April 14, 2017 at 9:13 am
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      I think not putting Lando in the new trilogy is a missed opportunity. It would be great that at a certain point where the characters are desperated, they have to find the “only guy who can help on this particular situation”, being Lando. He’s a unique, excellent character. He blow up the first death star so I think he’s an important guy on the story (he’s part of the family picture by the end of Return of the Jedi). Besides I don’t see it as a character that needs to get in shape for this. I can imagine Lando at this point of his life exactly as Billy Dee looks now. Fingercrossed for IX !!

  • April 14, 2017 at 9:12 am
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    I think not putting Lando in the new trilogy is a missed opportunity. It would be great that at a certain point where the characters are desperated, they have to find the “only guy who can help on this particular situation”, being Lando. He’s a unique, excellent character. He blow up the first death star so I think he’s an important guy on the story (he’s part of the family picture by the end of Return of the Jedi). Besides I don’t see it as a character that needs to get in shape for this. I can imagine Lando at this point of his life exactly as Billy Dee looks now. Fingercrossed for IX.

  • April 14, 2017 at 9:17 am
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    Did billy Dee use the word “Cameo”, or “I won’t be in ep. 8?”? Because what’s to say Lando is more than just a cameo in TLJ?

  • April 14, 2017 at 11:28 am
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    Can anyone think of a conceivable reason why they wouldn’t be having Lando in the sequel trilogy at all? It really baffles me…

    • April 14, 2017 at 12:09 pm
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      Totally agree with you. I read some comment like “how could he fit the story?” and can’t believe it!

      • April 14, 2017 at 12:18 pm
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        Exactly! he could fit the story of TFA. Maz could have been a client and him the owner of the place…

      • April 14, 2017 at 2:16 pm
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        Just seems so weird?! I guess we haven’t seen the movies yet, but sounds strange they’d try to coerce Denis Lawson back (which would be awesome too!) but not Billy Dee. I get that it has to fit the story but surely it could be accommodated. Would bring so much joy to so many people.

    • April 14, 2017 at 12:24 pm
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      Well because crowbarring something in just for the sake of it can be damaging. I mean yeah we can easily come up with a thousand excuses for him to be it. Unless they’ve tightly scripted the remaining events.

      That said… it can’t be to tightly scripted if they originally saw Poe dying and then decided to have him live 😛

    • April 14, 2017 at 4:14 pm
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      I can understand, as a character, he may have retired from the fight, and just wants to run Cloud City; hence not being involved in the resitance.
      But assuming we have Han’s funeral I can’t see why he wouldnt show up.

    • April 14, 2017 at 4:52 pm
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      I’m extremely disappointed as well. Lando is for many fans, myself included, one of the most beloved characters and especially after reading the part in Empire’s End where [SPOILER] he sends Ben Solo the blaster thing with a note that should he ever need help or favour, uncle Lando’s there for him, I thought there are plans for some sort of arc involving him in ST. If he doesn’t appear in IX it would be a tremendous shame, they already missed the chance to have Big 3 reunited on screen one last time, now they are leaving out in a way the only Legacy character that can actually return in IX (as Han and Leia are off the table). It’s kinda ridiculous if you think about it that Nien Nunb has more screen time in ST than Land haha

  • April 14, 2017 at 12:21 pm
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    I love the spaghetti western vibe of that cad vs fett scene!

  • April 14, 2017 at 12:40 pm
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    I really really really hope to see Hayden as a force ghost…

    • April 14, 2017 at 2:32 pm
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      Really? You know I was open to this.

      And then I saw him stutter through his “I love being in Star Wars and working with George” bit on stage at Celebration and quickly changed my mind.

      • April 14, 2017 at 4:19 pm
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        He was probably just nervous. He’s NEVER done a con before, never appeared in front of so many people for a Q&A. He’s proven he can act (when given a good director and script), so returning in one of the new films would not be too bad.

        • April 14, 2017 at 5:31 pm
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          Sorry man, I’ve seen him in other films. He has not proven he can act. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, he’s still Anakin Skywalker, but blah.

          • April 14, 2017 at 6:55 pm
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            Got admit it appeared a bit painful. I’m neither for or against him appearing, depends I suppose on if anything warrants an appearance.

    • April 14, 2017 at 7:01 pm
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      Noooooooo!

  • April 14, 2017 at 1:22 pm
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    It was really awesome to see George Lucas just being George Lucas. Sitting there beng a bit shy, gently commenting about how Star Wars is for kids and thus commenting on the negative responses people had over the years, only to somewhat live up in the end, joking with Harrison Ford. It’s a bit humbling.

    And for those who haven’t seen the Ray Park panel, that dude was on hyperspace. I snapped a pic of the end, with Warwick just standing there, flabbergasted. It’s in the comments section of the live schedule post, so I won’t repost it here.

  • April 14, 2017 at 3:37 pm
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    They’re laying it on a bit thick with the “women in Star Wars” thing. How about abandoning the SJW politics, and just making good balanced movies and TV shows? It’s wonderful to have a girl being the lead Jedi in the new trilogy — there’s your balance. The addition of the “prop up a gender” mini-shows is eye-rolling.

    That being said, the Ahsoka fan art in this article is staggeringly great.

    • April 14, 2017 at 5:05 pm
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      Well, I think it is less SJW and more, they see a huge market out there that has been mostly ignored. If you get girls interested while they are young, you may have them for life. I think ‘equality’ is just the excuse and the long game is the true reason.

      • April 14, 2017 at 11:41 pm
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        With respect, I don’t think that’s it. Star Wars does not suffer from lack of market share. It seems clear to me that Kathleen Kennedy is driving this down from the top. When it’s forced down in this manner it becomes ham-handed rather than a natural, organic process.

        • April 15, 2017 at 1:26 am
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          Well she did ride Speilburgo’s coattails to the top.

        • April 15, 2017 at 7:10 am
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          With respect also, both sides of the argument are missing the fundamental truth, and Brewer13 is right. Disney has an obligation to its shareholders to produce a return on investment, and ALL corporations (ALL OF THEM) view their success in terms of year on year growth, not on how well they maintain their existing market share. Nerd dudes are as invested in Star Wars as they’re going to get. That means to see not only continued strong results but growth, they need to open new markets. This is absolutely about a largely untapped demographic for SW, and creating synergy with the demographic Disney already owns (young girls). Dollars to doughnuts, this is not about ‘pushing a political agenda’, and it’s not about ‘representation’.

    • April 15, 2017 at 12:45 am
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      No one is threatening your masculinity. It’s a toy line and series of shorts aimed at girls, because no, they are NOT well represented in Sci-fi. Shut the fuck up.

      • April 15, 2017 at 12:54 am
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        Don’t be a dick. I made a reasonable point and you immediately try to retort with a truly stupid comment about masculinity. Your “STFU” ending redundantly proves that you’re a cretin.

    • April 15, 2017 at 1:24 am
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      Disney wants to please as wide an audience as possible and we know what happens when you do that……

      It’s less about SJWism and more about trolling for $$$$.

  • April 14, 2017 at 4:24 pm
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    She goes out of her way to say “I’m no Jedi” so maybe when Yoda says “When I am gone the last of the Jedi you will be” he wasn’t lying and Asoka is still alive. I smell an Asoka movie in the works.

  • April 14, 2017 at 4:34 pm
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    Chances there’s no trailer today / this weekend ??

    • April 14, 2017 at 4:46 pm
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      I’d actually be surprised if there wasn’t one. People are expecting it, but that doesn’t mean anything. As far as I can remember, Lucasfilm has made no official statement that a trailer will debut at Celebration. But, it’s April and the movie will land in December. It’s about time for a teaser. Celebration was never intended to be a place for news drops, but the time and place is right. Let’s see it!

      • April 15, 2017 at 12:17 am
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        lol

  • April 14, 2017 at 5:25 pm
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    Rian Johnson is our saviour. Great, great man!

  • April 14, 2017 at 8:08 pm
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    Is it me or is Harrison Ford more and more relaxed with his association with Star Wars? He seems to have done what Bill Shatner did as he got older, that is to say accept what really kick started his iconic status.

  • April 15, 2017 at 1:23 am
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    Dollars to donuts that Ford is in the early stages of dementia. He displays all the warning signs.

    • April 15, 2017 at 7:59 am
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      You’re high…or more likely he is anyways. That’s Harrison Ford’s version of ‘relaxed’.

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