Star Wars

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Disney and LucasFilm are returning to Ireland to film Star Wars: Episode VIII as it’s reported the Irish government has unveiled a new partnership to allow use of the ancient location of Skellig Michael.

THR reports  permission has been granted for Lucasfilm to return to the historical location, which has been a protected UNESCO world heritage site since 1996, provided no damage comes to the island’s ecology or bird life.

“Sceilg Mhichil (Skellig Michael) is one of our most dramatic and beautiful islands and it is very easy to understand why its stunning scenery has caught the attention of the makers of one of the world’s biggest film franchises,” said government official Heather Humphreys in a statement. “The return of Star Wars to Sceilg Mhichil is another win for Ireland and the Irish film industry, which is a growing and dynamic sector of our economy.”

Humphreys added: “Specialist staff from my Department have been in discussions with Lucasfilm since March of this year in relation to a limited amount of filming, expected to last two to four days.”

J.J. Abrams’s filmed Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Skellig Michael last year.

The untitled “Star Wars: Episode VIII” has a May 26, 2017 release date directed by Rian Johnson.

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spot
 

We’re probably all familiar with StarWars.com, but Disney also has up an official web site for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Visit www.starwars.com/the-force-awakens to check out the official site of the movie including downloads, a gallery of images and trailers.

Users can use their mouse to point and click in the direction they want to travel the site as well as create facebook banners, Twitter skins, wallpapers and phone skins.

Scrolling around the site also looks to reveal a pic of Jakku.

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“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spot
 

Even more promo art for Star Wars: The Force Awakens has hit the net, and it’s in high-res.

Check out the pics below.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Click to enlarge:

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spot
 

Check out the Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D glasses that will be available for purchase featuring designs for BB-8, First Order Stormtroopers, Captain Phasma and Kylo Ren.

More details will be announced soon about pricing and availability.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spot
 

Check out the latest batch of Star Wars: The Force Awakens promo art below featuring Kylo Ren, the Stormtroopers and the new members of the cast.

Disney hasn’t been releasing any art or merchandise featuring Luke Skywalker, Han Solo or Princess Leia. We can only guess that closer to the movie’s release – maybe when the next trailer drops – will we get a peek. It’s possibly Disney may be releasing a second wave of merchandise near the movie’s release in order to avoid spoilers.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

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Disney has announced they are releasing the John Williams Star Wars: The Force Awakens Soundtrack the same day of the movie’s release, which may possibly avoid spoilers as, at times, the track titles offer substantial plot clues.

The soundtrack can be pre-ordered through Disney.

Williams’ stirring, romantic compositions are a key component of the Star Wars saga, and among the most well-known music in film history. With new characters, worlds, and surprises on the horizon, the legacy of powerful, moving Star Wars music continues. 

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer:

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One of the most widely anticipated retailing events related to the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens takes place today which Disney Licensing has deemed Force Friday. While many Star Wars: Force Awakens items are already available for purchase at mass retail outlets (with many stores holding midnight release openings), Diamond is excited to reveal its first wave of Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise available for comic shops to order.  

Check out the complete catalog below.

“Our goal is to remind comic shop customers that their comic shop has been a great source for Star Wars merchandise over the years– and they will be again for the new film and its merchandise,” said Diamond’s Consumer Marketing Manager, Andy Mueller.  “We’ll be hitting all of the constituents from PREVIEWSworld, FreeComicBookDay and ToyChestnews to remind them about Star Wars products coming to comic shops and showcase the e-catalog for them to check out.”

“We’ve been working with our suppliers to ensure that we have a great mix of Star Wars product available to comic shops,” said Diamond’s Director of Vendor Development, Eric Burkhardt.  “Many of the items from Hasbro and Funko are currently in stock and available for immediate order on Friday, and we will continue to stock new items as they become available for shipping.”

Suspense has built steadily around the myriad toys that have been created in advance of the Episode VII in the Star Wars series, and demand is expected to be high as consumers add these items to their collections.

“All in all, mass retail outlets will reap the initial benefits of new Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise, but comic shops won’t be far behind as retailers have cultivated their shops as the headquarters for all things Star Wars over the years!” concluded Mueller.

To order Star Wars: The Force Awakens items from your local comic book shop during Force Friday, find a comic shop using the store locator at www.comicshoplocator.com. 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spot
 

In addition to Kylo Ren, Hot Toys has revealed their Star Wars: The Force Awakens First Order Squad Leader and Stormtrooper figures.

Check out the pics below.

Squad Leader:

Hot Toys is pleased to present today the new 1/6th scale First Order Stormtrooper Squad Leader collectible figure from Star Wars: The Force Awakens as an exclusive item that will only be available in US, Japan, Singapore, Philippines, China, and other selected markets!

The highly-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of First Order Stormtrooper Squad Leader in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This collectible figure features the brand new design First Order Stormtrooper armor and helmet, the white pauldron that indicates the rank of squad leader, highly detailed blasters, and a specially designed hexagonal figure stand with the First Order’s emblem!

Stormtrooper:

1/6th scale collectible figure of the new streamline designed First Order Stormtrooper from Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

The highly-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the image of First Order Stormtrooper in Star Wars: The Force Awakens featuring the brand new designed Stormtrooper armor and helmet, highly detailed blaster rifle and pistol, and a specially designed hexagonal figure stand with the First 

Order’s emblem! 

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spot
 

Force Friday is here! Cosmic Book News kicked things off last night with the midnight launch.

Now check out some new promo materials that have hit the net that come from a Japanese banner, and posters from various retailers and the Star Wars Card Trader App hit the net (via CBM).

You can also check out a batch of new high-res Star Wars: The Force Awakens images.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spot
 

Tonight at midnight marked the start of Force Friday, the day when the Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise went officially on sale.

I arrived at a local Target around 11:30pm to find the store doors already open greeted by displays of The First Order Stormtroopers, a Tie Fighter and Chewbacca.

I proceeded to the toy area where I found the section roped off with a Target employee not letting anyone near the merchandise. I was allowed to snap a few pics, but not able to get too close. There was a second section in the back where they keep the seasonal merchandise that featured additional Star Wars products as well; there I found a group of Target employees ready to leap into action.

So to the end of the line I went, where my hand was stamped with a red-colored Target logo (not sure why, no one checked) and given a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Chewbacca plush (maybe 48 inches tall or so). All in all, I would say there were around 200-300 people waiting in line by the time midnight came around.

It took only about 12 minutes past midnight to get my first look at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise. I started in the seasonal section, which features Star Wars T-shirts, Halloween costumes and various items. I managed to nab a Target exclusive Kylo Ren Pop! Vinyl figure, which went pretty fast as only two were left. I grabbed a Kylo Renn lightsaber (cheap one), and then overheard a Target employee being asked about the Black figures. Uh oh. Yep. Target was already out of stock on those. The Star Wars: The Force Awakens Black figures were the fastest item to go. I would probably say in 15 minutes they were all gone. 

There was a second line to get to the toy aisles, which was again roped off, and Target was only letting a few people in at a time. While I waited, I overheard some fans getting excited over the Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game. Apparently, one of the guys wanted to buy five of them, but Target limited one per purchase. They remarked about people not knowing what the item was — like it was some secret power of The Force — with one guy worried he wouldn’t be able to get one. I managed to grab a box and told the guy where he could find it.

I picked up some other items, which you can check out below. Target also gave customers a cool Star Wars: The Force Awakens BB-8 tote bag, and the cashier at the register scanned the Target Star Wars coupons, so you don’t have to worry about having your own copies.

I also stopped by Toys R’ Us on my way home, but similar to Target, they were sold out of the Black Series figures as well. Toys R Us did give away a Stormtrooper First Order LEGO piece.

One thing I noticed just about everywhere, is that there is no merchandise from Star Wars: The Force Awakens featuring any of the original characters. Maybe closer to the movie’s release?

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spot
 

Disney has released a batch of high-res images for Star Wars: The Force Awakens that were previously a part of magazine articles.

Check out the pics below.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Click to enlarge:

Check out the commercial above for the remote control Star Wars: The Force Awakens BB-8, which should be available later tonight for Force Friday.

Info:

Over the years, the magic of Star Wars has always lived on screen and in our imaginations. Thanks to advancements in technology, Sphero made it possible to bring a new part of Star Wars: The Force Awakens™ into your home. 

Meet BB-8 – the app-enabled Droid whose movements and personality are as authentic as they are advanced. Based on your interactions, BB-8 will show a range of expressions and perk up when you give voice commands. Watch your Droid explore autonomously, guide BB-8 yourself, or create and view holographic recordings. BB-8 is more than a toy – it’s your companion. 

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer:

First seen in the Star Wars: The Force Awakens behind-the-scenes Comic-Con Reel (watch above at 2:22 mark), we now know the identity of the red-suited soldiers.

A user on Instagram posted the following image of the Star Wars Black Series Guavian Enforcer action figure.

The description on the packaging reads: The security forces of the Guavian Gang wear high impact armor that makes them stand out among other deadly criminals.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer:

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spot
 

Below you can check out a cool new poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens featuring the villains of the movie.

Speaking of villains, an up-close look at Kylo Ren’s helmet has also been revealed through last night’s Disney Global Unboxing event.

Reminder: Tonight at midnight kicks off Force Friday.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

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Watch the live stream above for the Star Wars: The Force Awakens global unboxing event.

Tune in over 18 hours in 15 cities and 12 countries to get a first look at the range of epic merchandise from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  

This Friday marks Force Friday when the Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise will be available across the globe.

Check out Target’s Force Friday plans, as well as Amazon, Disney, Walmart and Toys R Us’ plans.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer:

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In anticipation of Force Friday, check out leaked images and video of the Kylo Ren lightsaber from Star Wars: The Force Awakens that looks to retail for around $200.

Disney launches Force Friday this Friday, September 4th, which marks the day when Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise officially goes on sale. Various stores will kick things off at midnight.

(via Reddit)

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spot
 

A new batch of Star Wars: The Force Awakens concept art has hit the net.

The art features Harrison Ford as Han Solo, the new droids BB-8 and AVCO as well as what looks to be Lupita Nyong’o’s character, Maz Kanata, and possibly Daisy Ridley’s speeder.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Force Friday arrives next week across the globe as retailers will be unveiling the merchandise for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

We previously provided information about the Target midnight launch, and now video of the exclusive Target BB-8 remote control droid has hit the net.

Check it out above.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Sneak Peek