Episode IX – Page 2 – Geekville Radio

Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker Trailer Analysis

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At long last, LucasFilm has released the first trailer for Star Wars Episode IX, which is said to be the final episode of The Skywalker Saga. The title was also revealed to be The Rise Of Skywalker.

Some time ago, there was a heavily circulated rumor that Episode IX would be called Balance of The Force. We commented on that in a previous podcast, and what that might mean. We even used information published in 1997 as proof. And we’re here to do it again with the real title.

So what did we do upon seeing the new trailer? Why we did what every other Star Wars geek would do and over-analyze practically every frame so we can speculate on what we think is to come.

Director JJ Abrams said that The Rise of Skywalker will tie up all three trilogies, making it an end to the saga.

For more in-depth commentary, you can follow along with the accompanying podcast. All the images below are of course copyright LucasFilm/Disney and are presented for informational purposes.

Without further ado, on with the analysis so we can yell at everybody else how wrong they are (just kidding…)

You can watch the trailer, or go by the screencaps below

The familiar LucasFilm logo appears, with only the sound of heavy breathing accompanying it.

We see Rey, the source of the heavy breathing on a desert planet. Tatooine? Jakku?

Rey grabs the Skywalker lightsaber. Is danger afoot?

Rey stands alone in the desert. Looking at a sky, it does not appear to be Tatooine

Like something out of the Old West, Rey holds the saber at her side

Again, judging by what appears to be a single sun, this does not look to be Tatooine

GASP! It’s Kylo Ren’s TIE Interceptor! Or is it?

Rey, looking defiant, readies for the attack

Those gloves look like Kylo Ren’s, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s him wearing them. More on that later

Rey begins to run, but in the same direction as the TIE

Rey leaps into the air, probably with a Force Jump

This is obviously another planet, but which one?

Kylo Ren gutting an enemy with his trademark crossguard saber. Stormtroopers are also seen

Is that Rey’s staff? Or did Finn and Poe just stumble onto the set of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?

BB-8 and his new friend D-0, who presumably does not sing “Holy Diver”

Billy Dee looking as only he can look. Great to see Lando is finally back

Flying stormtroopers in hot pursuit of a speeder

One of the medals given at The Battle Of Yavin

The band is back together! It’s not often we get to see Rey and Poe in the same shot

Arguably the most interesting shot of the whole trailer. Why are those waves moving so slowly?

Over Celebration weekend, we saw several images that may give further hints as to what is going on.

Lando Calrissian, sporting a yellow outfit similar to his younger self in Solo

The Poe/Finn shippers will have a field day with this image

Rey reunited with her staff. But what planet is this?

Here we definitely see Kylo piloting his TIE Interceptor

Klad! Undoubtedly the breakout star of Episode IX

Is it possible that Poe Dameron is piloting that TIE Silencer?

So let’s review

Rey spends some time on a desert planet that does not appear to be Tatooine
The other heroes either arrive with her, or follow her there
She may or may not have an encounter with Kylo Ren in his sip. It still could be somebody else piloting. Poe?
Lando reunites with Chewie and The Millennium Falcon
Kylo and stormtroopers attack people in a forest that looks like it could be Yavin or Takodana
At some point, Kylo rebuilds his mask from The Force Awakens
Death Star wreckage plays an important part in the film
Not only do we hear his laugh, but Palpatine has been confirmed by JJ himself to be in the film in some capacity.
If “no one is every truly gone” could we see old friends? Old enemies?

What do you think? Sound off below!!

Disney Star Wars Saga Boxed Set?

Rumors have been flying since 2012, when Disney announced the purchase of LucasFilm, that an encompassing release of classic and current Star Wars films will be released.

Today, that rumor has gained some traction.

Digital Fix reports that Disney will be releasing a 4k (Ultra-HD) collection of the Star Wars Skywalker Saga. This collection would be the first time all nine episodes would be available in one package.

According to a UK-based Disney employee who has spoken to us on the condition of anonymity and who claims to have been involved in the collection of material for an upcoming release of the entire Star Wars Saga in a box set, Disney are planning to release a complete 4K Blu-ray edition of the entire Skywalker saga in 2020.
-The Digital Fix

Ardent fans may remember the “Original Unaltered Trilogy” rumors, and how such a release would have needed cooperation with 20th Century Fox due to distribution rights. Now that Disney owns Fox, that barrier is no longer there.

The original trilogy was shot on film, as was the first prequel The Phantom Menace. The other prequels were both shot digitally, meaning that any footage would have to be converted to a 4K format. LucasFilm was in the process of converting all the films into 3D releases at the time of the sale to Disney. No information is yet available about whether any 3D releases are in store.

Of course, Star Wars Celebration kicks off this weekend, and a ton of news will likely break during the convention. Not the least of which is a trailer for the yet-untitled Episode IX. We’ll try our darnedest to keep up with it all

Is Balance Of The Force The Name For Episode IX?

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The internet is buzzing about a discovery credited to a Reddit thread which claims Balance Of The Force is on the official Star Wars page. Could this be the title of Episode IX? As of this recording, there has been no official confirmation or denial from Disney or LucasFilm. However, the name “Balance Of The Force” goes back at least a couple decades.

As many fans who remember the mid-90s may attest, the term Balance Of The Force is nothing new to the Star Wars Universe. In fact, it was the heavily rumored title for Episode I going all the way back to when the prequels were announced.

Balance Of The Force was rumored to be the title for Episode I

Mace Windu of course uses the term when discussing Anakin with Qui-Gon Jinn.

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

It wouldn’t be the first time that a title may have been considered but discarded. When the initial teaser trailer for Return Of The Jedi was released, it had the title Revenge Of The Jedi. George Lucas changed his mind and renamed the movie Return Of The Jedi due to revenge not being a Jedi trait.

Flash forward 22 years, and Episode III got the name Revenge Of The Sith.

In the prequels, it was hinted that destroying the Sith would bring Balance To The Force. Vader accomplished the task by destroying Emperor Palpatine in Episode VI. But was that really bringing balance? Or could it be a balance on how The Force is interpreted? The Jedi and Sith had their own skewed ways of looking at The Force. As said in an excerpt from Episode 35, RealMarchHare and Leadbase talk about what “balance” might mean, and that it could mean a Neutral stance.

There is reason to believe that the title may not be Balance Of The Force after all, as there was a digital pinball game released with that name. Giving a movie the same name as an unrelated video game would seem a bit counterpoductive.

What do you think about the name Balance Of The Force? What do you think it would mean? Sound off below or on our Facebook and Twitter Page.

This Week In Geek News September 3, 2018

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In the latest chapter in the ongoing controversy for Guardians Of The Galaxy 3, the movie is reported to be on hold after Disney made the decision to not reinstate director James Gunn. Dave Bautista has stated that he isn’t sure he wants to return.

“They’re putting the movie off. It’s on hold indefinitely. To be honest with you, I don’t know if I want to work for Disney.”

Meanwhile, Gunn has reportedly been approached by several other studios for projects.

Warner Bros. is making not one, not two, but at least three movies involving The Joker.

1. Suicide Squad 2 has been announced for some time, but no release date, writer, or director have been revealed. Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, and Will Smith are all slated to return.

2. Also part of the DC Movie Universe will be an as of yet untitled Joker/Harley movie that would further explore the relationship between Joker and Harley Quinn. Leto and Robbie would likely return for that film that has been described as “When Harry Met Sally On Benzedrine”.

On top of that, an untitled Joker origin movie with Joaquin Phoenix and produced by Martin Scorsese. Set for an October 9th, 2019 release with a budget of $55 million dollars, it will be unrelated to any of the previous DC movie incarnations. Todd Phillips of The Hangover fame is set to direct. Alec Baldwin had been announced as Thomas Wayne, but reportedly backed out a few days later. Will this confuse fans like it did when Rogue One was released?

Also on the docket, a possible Birds Of Prey movie. Margot Robbie has reportedly expressed desire to portray Harley in her own standalone film. Birds Of Prey has been a title for DC that involved an all-female cast in various incarnations over the years. Harley has been part of the group in the comics since her turn as a more anti-hero type character. Cathy Yan (Dead Pigs) is set to direct off a Christina Hodson (Bumblebee) story. It is yet to be announced whether the film will feature Leto as Joker.

As mentioned during the show, Vin Diesel has quite the affinity for Dungeons And Dragons.

All this and more in another fun filled Geekville Radio!

CONFIRMED! Carrie Fisher will appear in FINAL Star Wars Episode IX

Ever since Carrie Fisher’s untimely passing in December 2016, fans have been wondering how her character Leia Organa will be handled in Star Wars Episode IX. Well, the official Star Wars website has confirmed that Fisher will be appearing as Leia in the as yet untitled film via unused footage shot for The Force Awakens. Director JJ Abrams had this to say about the decision:

“Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character. With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”

It’s also worth noting that the press release lists Episode IX as the final installment of the Skywalker saga, and that Mark Hamill is among the returning cast.

Billy Dee Williams Is Returning As Lando Calrissian For Episode IX

The question had been asked since the announcement of new Star Wars movies: Will we see Billy Dee Williams back as Lando Calrissian?

The rumors ran rampant for the last few months, but Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Lando will finally return to the big screen in Episode IX. While Williams had reprised the role in several video games and animated productions, he did not appear in the last two proper Star Wars movies. This will mark the first time since 1983’s Return Of The Jedi that he will appear as Lando in a Star Wars film.

While the exact part the gambler turned politician will play has yet to be revealed. However, there were rumors which we mentioned in a recent episode of Geekville Radio (at approximately 12:45), that Lando may replace the role Leia would have played in Episode IX.

The Ninth Episode of The Star Wars Saga will be released on December 20th 2019, and will be directed by JJ Abrams.

What do you think about Billy Dee Williams back on the big screen as Lando Calrissian? Sound off below and let us know!

Geekville Radio #183: Star Wars News, Episode IX Loses Director

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It’s happened again. LucasFilm has announced the parting of another director from a Star Wars movie. The Hollywood Reporter published an article on Colin Trevorrow from Episode IX. Join Seth and special guests Ken from Geek Watch One and Derrick from Wookiee Radio as they discuss the news, and the potential ramifications on the movie.

From the article:

“Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process, but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon,”

Speculation on possible replacements have already begun.

“Rumors are already circulating as to possible replacements for Trevorrow. Rian Johnson, who is in post for The Last Jedi (Episode VIII), has been mentioned as a possibility, returning to the franchise. J.J. Abrams, who successfully helmed Star Wars: The Force Awakens, has also emerged as a top contender.”

“Trevorrow’s departure now marks the fourth time directors have been replaced on a Star Wars project. Tony Gilroy took over from Gareth Edwards for massive reshoots on 2016’s Rogue One. And Josh Trank was taken off of a Star Wars anthology film after reports arose about the helmer’s disturbing behavior on the set of Fox’s Fantastic Four reboot. Like Trank’s, Trevorrow’s exit occurred before the movie started shooting.”

Nerdist published a speculative list of potential replacements.

-Ryan Coogler, Director of Creed and Black Panther

-Michelle McLaren, Director of Game Of Thrones episodes

-Patty Jenkins, Director of Wonder Woman

-Ava Duvernay, Director of Selma

-James Mangold, Director of Logan

-Lexi Alexander, Director of several Arrowverse episodes

-Taika Waititi, Director of Thor: Ragnarok

-Kathryn Bigelow, Director of The Hurt Locker

-Edgar Wright, director of Scott Pilgrem vs. The World

Not to be outdone, Seth has some picks of his own:

-Joe Johnston, Director of Captain America

-Kenneth Branagh, Director of Thor

In other Disney/Star Wars/Marvel news, Bob Iger announced that Marvel movies and Star Wars content will be available on the upcoming Disney streaming service.

In the TV world, Season Four of Rebels will be the final season. Check out the trailer, and see how many more Easter Eggs you can find.

The second half of the show is more of a “shoot the breeze” type format where three geek friends just talk what’s on their minds. Ken talks the new Stargate Command website which will soon be streaming the new Stargate Origins prequel series. Derrick talks the new version of Stephen King’s It, and all three close out the conversation previewing the geek movies left in 2017.

This is a bit of a different show, but one we think you’ll enjoy. Another fun-filled Geekville Radio!