news and rumors

Official Site Update. Sorry about the delays on this site, but we will get back to speed soon. The Official site has updated a lot of information in the past 20 days. I don't think they have ever updated so much information before in such a little time. I was use to every other week the site would update with an image of Rick McCallum eating with the staff. Let's just get on with the news.
They added two new videos into the Lynn Hale Diary. It is not another special. In fact it is still part of "It is a Creature Film" and "Prime of the Jedi". The video is on Tyra... who designs the creatures for Episode 1. Some of the creatures in the video look breath taking; I just can't wait to see them. The second video shows a stunt being performed in the film. Remember that really tall blue wall? In this video they show Andreas Petrides, (you know Nick Gilliard assistant who was fighting in the Prime of the Jedi video) dressed up as Obi Wan and leaping off the blue screen. I just wait to see this on the big screen; it reminds me of when Luke jumped at the end of Empire.

Star Wars Insider Star Wars Insider #42 - February/March 99

• Blizzard of Oz: Frank Oz on DIrecting, the Muppets, and the Triumphant Return of Yoda
• In the Star Wars Universe -- Tim Rose: Looking for Mr. Ackbar
• The New Face of Evil: An Interview with Episode I's Darth Maul, Ray Park

December 9, 1998

11:49 PM

Fanboys. This small film has been generating a lot of buzz on the net. It seems that if you own a Star Wars site then it is your duty to inform everyone about this film. It is about four friends who are on a quest to see a rough-cut of the film Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace. Harry Knowels has given a short review of the script, and he is comparing it to Stan by Me, American Graffiti and the Guns of the Navarone. They are going to have a special benefit for the film at Austin Texas (Sorry, dudes. I live in New Jersey) on December 10. Check out their site for more information.

Images from the Insider. Adam Gorden was unable to scan in these images from his issue of this month's Star Wars Insider. He has been busy with other things. So I have to barrow these images from the Force Net, until Adam can get me some great higher resolution images. But I have to admit the Force Net did a good job themselves.

Image from Behind the Magic. Okay I took some time and grabbed some images from Star Wars: Behind the Magic. I also replaced some of the older images from the official site with these images. I assume you might see the difference in the Picture Gallery. Maybe, I should post up Ralph McQuarrrie's Coruscant paintings? I will have to think about that. In the mean time enjoy the new images.

Mos Espa sells Action Figures. Mos Espa has updated, and they added a few news things. I assume they did this because it is the holidays? But check it out, maybe you need to get a STAP with Battle Droid?

More Toy Images. Fantom Menace a part of Rebelscum. com has posted up images of Ric Olie in his Naboo N-1 Royal Starfighter. Sadly, the site was not up when I got there, but I hope to see it up some time soon. And the Unofficial 1999 Lego Information page has posted up images of Lego's new Star Wars line. In fact they have images of the Naboo Fighters, and they look great.

Kevin Smith Talks about Skywalker ranch. Die-hard Star Wars fan Kevin Smith (writer / director of Clerks, Mallrats, and Chasing Amy) posted his reactions to working with Skywalker Sound on his new film Dogma. He posted it up on his message board of his official site. Just check out what he wrote.

So we got back from the Ranch last night. It was weird, and ironic to be mixing at Skywalker, but all of that paled in comparison to the mix itself. We spent three days temp-mixing the flick for the upcoming test screening (the dates of which have been switched because this little black duck couldn't keep his fat-trap shut about it) - which, for the unenlightened, is a quick blending of the dialogue, music, and effects tracks. We go back in late Feb for the final mix, at which time we do a reel a day (as opposed to the eight in three days we just did).
The flick sounds... amazing. This is one temp mix that's better than some of the final mixes we've had on other flicks. Big, BIG sound in some places, crystal clear dialogue tracks, great balance with the temp score. The guys on the team did a phenomenal job; my oh-so-rebelious backwards cap goes off to them.
The Ranch is, as one would imagine, sprawling (hundreds of acres in the midst of what looks like a mountain range). The folks were extremely friendly and way courteous. There is an obvious lack of 'Trilogy'props and posters missing from most of the buildings, and the housing has rooms named 'The Rockwell' and 'The McKay (as in Windsor)' as opposed to 'The Artoo' or 'The Nien Numb'. I guess when you're responsible for some of the most popular films of all time, you don't feel the need to call much more attention to your work (a lesson I doubt I'll ever learn; tub-thumping is my middle name).
Ran into Rodriguez there (who's mixing 'The Faculty' on another stage). Scott Hicks (the guy who did 'Shine') was also there, mixing 'Snow Falling on Cedars'.
It's pretty country if you're into that sort of thing (which I'm not; give me Jersey any day), and very pastoral.
And no - I saw nothing from 'The Phantom Menace'. There's a lockdown on all that stuff, even amongst the staff at Skywalker.

Trek back off of Wars. Strangely not a lot of excitement has been generating for the new Star Trek film. In fact, I think everyone has been excited about The Phantom Menace trailer. Can you blame them? In an interview with Patrick Stewart with Sci-Fi Talk on Episode 1 trailer and the date for the next Trek film.

"I saw the trailer for Star Wars the other day," Stewart confided to radio host Tony Tellado, "George Lucas introduces aliens so beautifully. I can't wait to see that movie. I was not on my feet, but the rest of the theater were on their feet when they showed that trailer. He has a way of introducing aliens with invention and imagination that's absolutely delightful. I feel that maybe in the next year or two, we should leave that to him."

Images of Darth Sidious. Bam Bam Bam Bam Da Dan Da Dan Da Da.... I have the Empire theme stuck in my head when I see these images of Darth Sidious. And I assume when Williams get to records the score that is what we will hear when we see Sidious (this is completely off topic but The Simpsons had used the theme 2 times for Mr. Burn). Newsdroid and Star Wars Collector's Union have managed to get these great shots of the action figure of Darth Sidious. The figure looks like the same figure that Master K posted on his site, but in these shots you see that the figure's arms can be moved left, right, up and down and the hands can be rotated 360 degrees. A big step as far as Star Wars action figures are concerned. I have to warn you that these images are a big spoiler!!! If you want to see them, then visit the site. But, I warned you; this is the main villain of the Phantom Menace.

The newest Star Wars Insider is out! A Kick Ass cover of Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi with his light saber blazing. The talk about Lucas finishing up the editing of the film, John Williams is hard at work on the score, Lucas will also be done with the Episode 2 script by the end of the year, and the Lucasarts games look great. Wow, I did not think that Lucas and crew were that ahead of schedule, for a film like this I thought it would be finish by the film's release date. Pick up an issue in the newsstand soon or subscribe by calling 1-800-TRUE-FAN.

Demo for Rouge Squadron. Okay, I am eager to play this game. But I do not have a 3DFX Voodoo 2 card, an acceptable flight stick, and a fast enough processor. So I am waiting for the Nintendo 64 version instead of the PC version. The game on PC and Nintendo 64 should be out in toy and hobby stores by today. Lucasarts states that Rouge Squadron can have a 4 MB RAM cartridge back up for the higher resolution graphics and faster frame rate for the Nintendo 64. Turok Dinosaur Hunter 2 also claims to use the same RAM cartridge. So far Nintendo has not confirmed if they are going to use this, if you want to read up on this card then visit IGN's N64 page. Jedi Knight. Net has also posted up a few links on where to download the game.

Prelude of Rebellion. The new online comic is up on the official site. It fallows the adventures of Ki-Adi-Mundi a Jedi Council who you can clearly see in the trailer. And his story takes place before episode 1. Ki-Adi-Mundi's story isn't going to reveal heavy spoilers for Episode 1. It is just some new and exciting to entertain the raving, mad, die-hard fans. Personally I don't really care about the comic; I would rather see Dark Horse deliver a new Frank Miller comic... Hmmm... What if Frank Miller did a Star Wars Comic?.... Nah, I don't think I would want to see a Jedi killing everyone for his dead wookie. As for all online Star Wars comic they run on Shockwave, make sure you have an up to date browser.

Download Austin Powers 2 trailer. I know this is not Star Wars related, but I believe we should make as big of a fuss on this trailer as we did for the Phantom Menace trailer. The official site has not only updated their site with the trailer but also added to their shockwave intro the official logo to Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Lets just stop analyzing the Episode 1 trailer and enjoy this swinging shindig. "Yeah Baby!"

More Episode 2 and 3 spoilers! For the same Spy that he got a few days ago Harry talks about other things, like the reason why Vader is so loyal to the Palpatine and how Palpatine became so powerful. But mostly this one is centered on Palpatine, one of the most important characters in the Prequel.

Mr Moto Returns with a SPOILER filled report on EPISODE 2 & 3
Hey folks, Harry here again, and this time with another Mr Moto report. Mr Moto was very very happy with the handling of the first report, but saw that some of you doubted him. This was to be expected of course, since EVERY SPY gets doubted, especially whenever the words.... STAR WARS are used. I tried to explain that this is merely part of the fun of it all. But still Mr Moto was determined to continuing with the quid pro quo he had established. THERE ARE MASSIVE POTENTIAL SPOILERS COMING UP, BEWARE DO NOT PROCEDE LEST YE BE SPOILED!!!!

"Harry-san, I'm going to be very kind to you today. The same rules apply as before, but I will be quite a bit verbose this time. You must remind everyone that I am part of the Lucasfilm world, though you must not allow my part to be known. The knowledge I have does not come from the scripts, and I make no pretense to having read the Episodes 2 or 3 drafts. In fact I know of nobody that has, besides the guys at the top of the family. To start this time Harry, you can choose one character about whom you would like to know more about for the forthcoming films. Name him and I will begin."
Oh sh*t! This is like friggin Sophie's Choice. Dagdumit! Normally right off the bat I would want to know about Boba Fett, but since in our prior electronic conversation, the wonderful Mr Moto said that he wasn't very sure about how his inclusion would be handled. Palpatine. Yesssss.
"Senator Palpatine/The Emperor," I responded.
"Ah, it is the side of evil that stirs your thoughts Harry. Very well, let us begin," Moto wrote.
"Senator Palpatine will move into high gear beginning in the second chapter of the Star Wars Saga. The man will be the very visage of power and extravagance, while being the Supreme Chanchellor by the end of the first film, there is still much for Palpatine to aspire to. He's a power player, a wizard behind the curtains that pulls the strings, and he will of course be quite successful. It is being collected from various sources here that he will be a man of many hats. Allegedly with 'Spice mines' and as a 'Slave trader' (which we will have learned from the first film has been outlawed in all the 'civilized' areas of the galaxy). However, where Palpatine WILL become the man... we all know he can become, will be with the assistance of his personal army, a very rich trade I assure you. This army is made up of The Future Mandalorian Warriors. Here's a taste of how it all works. Say you are a senator of a planet that is caught up in the agony of war. Our dear Palpatine would come to you to negotiate for a price and (like in Needful Things) a promise to help him in the Galactic Senate should any debates be found to occur there. It really is amazing how many planets get caught up in the nastiness of war. The end result seems to always be additional power and a neverending debt from the war torn planet to Palpatine."
"Now back on Coruscant, Palpatine could very well be the largest property holder, in addition he is highly respected, and his eye is upon the Presidency of the universe or galaxy or however you want to phrase it. With the spoils of wars, he will throw his money about like rice upon a wedded couple. Palpatine will be a big part in bringing an end to quite a large conflict that occurs in Episode 2. This act will place him in the fast car aimed at the checkered flag. He will be the man of the people, and the people represent the voice of the galaxy. And it is this popularity and stardom that swoons Anakin to his side."
"Harry-san, I can not believe you chose Palpatine, there's a good deal of information that I could continue telling you about him, but I am growing weary of the Emperor. But know this, Palpatine is not alone, he has been cultivating a crop of politicians, one early bloomer at this point (could be changed, but I believe it will stay) will be Tarkin, who will be a shining beacon in the Coruscant way of life, Palpatine latches on. The character you chose Harry will reach his apex in Episode 2. He will be one of a handful of politicians, mainly unknown characters at this point, that understand and control the machinations of the Senate. The next step for Palpatine is to acquire a real Military Victory, something to beat his chest about. So, he hires his own army (the future Empire) to... I won't tell you everything Mr Knowles. Are you full, or do you want more my friend?"
I instantly responded with, "ME STILL HUNGRY!!!"
And Mr Moto replied, "You could go with a few less meals my friend, but as you wish. What did the information provoke in you? What is your first question?"
Looking at the response he gave me, I was tickled by the 'unknown characters' with the Galactic Senate that also have the same or similar power to Palpatine. I began thinking and pondering... Was there a character of power that would have been the right choice for the Senate, and who was he, and I asked Mr Moto exactly that.
"Mr Knowles, very good. I'm proud of you. As I had mentioned he was at the top of his game, and one of the few to control the Senate. Another Senator, who I must protect at this time, will be nearly as popular as Palpatine. He understands without doubts the way of thing in the Senate, and he is also a great military leader. This senator will have a perfect military record of victories, and the exclamation point will be another of the important conflicts in the prequels. The way of things in the Old Republic were very simplistic, to achieve virtue, one must demonstrate their competence on the field of blood, the battlefield. This senator was like El Cid or Caesar in that regard. His political ascension was built upon the shoulders of his victories as a field commander."
"In and around the middle of this first trilogy, Coruscant became a hive of civil unrest and shady political deals. From the fields of battle came good news, and the cityfolks hung upon every word. Our mysterious Senator was charismatic and quite an orator, his army was a thing of beauty, and he was an advocate of the HUMAN destiny, it was to be his immortal message. For HUMANS were the highest form... for him. He led his army across the galaxy against the wishes of the senate. It will be his attempt, or so it will be alleged, that it will be a move to seize absolute power. This will, Harry, not be allowed. It can not, because if it is then the very fabric of the Old Republic democracy will be torn asunder. That is why the senate will act as it does. This senator was given the power to protect and uphold all the principles and values of the Old Republic democracy. This senator ventures down the dark path. And this man will have embraced the dark side to build his NEW ORDER on the ashes of the Old Republic and the mangled bones of the illustrious Jedi."
"I know much is still unclear, and I believe it should remain that way for quite some time to come. Be careful to not over analyze this, or to put too much stock in it. Much can change, but this is a bit of the framework. At this advance stage many things can be brought together or be eliminated all together. Much of this has been gathered from memos and background studies. You would be amazed at how much background detail Lucas puts into all of this. What eventually ends up on screen is of course in his hands."
"We are still merely at the beginning; and still there is an infinity to go."
And then Mr Moto left. It will be interesting to see what all the dude churns up. This was a ton, I think. It'll be interesting to see, in three years, how much of this will become part of the story as we hear it coming from Lucasfilm, or if it will be disproven. Will MR MOTO become a thing of legend, or will we take these rumors to the pile where Charles Bronson's jedi character lay and the pile where Ewan played OB1 and Darth Maul. It will take time.

Brian Blessed on BBC Radio. Brain Blessed was on BBC radio 1 chatting away about his part in Episode 1. Unlike Liam Neeson, Samuel L Jackson, Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor Blessed is just yakking away about his part in the film. Is he supposed to be doing this? Why is he even doing this? What is Lucas going to do about this? For now we can just hear what BIG spoilers this man has to say. Here is a link from the official BBC site on the interview.

Brian Blessed Talks On British Radio About STAR WARS EPISODE ONE. SPOILERS
Here is a report from England about an interview Brian Blessed did this morning on RADIO ONE. Blessed plays Boss Nass, if memory serves, who is not a Jedi as he claims in this article, it's been established for quite some time that Blessed played a member of Jar Jar's race. But here's the interview anyway...

I've not been in touch before but here's some amazing news i've just heard here in the UK.
Brian Blessed has just been a guest on Radio One on the Simon Mayo show. Now, he's starring in Episode One (which i wasn't aware of) as some sort of leader of '50 million Jedis' and apparently he has to appear in front of all these Jedis as their leader!!! He said he rides around on a dinosaur throughout the movie (i'm sure he doesn't literally mean a dinosaur - probably some sort of mammoth or similar Star Wars entity??). He also said his character lived on a world which was covered in water and was full of 'mechanical fish' and strange creatures!!
He said most of the work he'd done had been in front of a blue screen and that he'd worked with Liam Neeson and George Lucas had been great to work with. He was EXTREMELY enthusiastic and said the film would be brilliant. He was very genuine.
Hope this confirms things you may already know or even surprise you with new info.
KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE!!!
Dick Grayson, Boy Wonder

And here's how Colly heard it....

I've just heard Brian Blessed talking on (UK) Radio One FM, he was on the morning DJ Simon Mayo's regular God of the week slot, Thursday 3/12/98 11.15 am. Apart from talking about films & TV he talked about his role as Boss Nass in Star Wars Episode One. I didn't get all of it down, but he tried out for one role but thought he'd come over too strong. Then while working on something else and staying in a run down hotel he got a fax from Lucas asking him if he could build something up, around a Jamaican/something else accent. Brian then went on to talk about how he's playing Boss Nass on a CGI world which is mostly water but with some stunning landscapes, it includes electric fish and dinosaurs [he could have meant cgi]. The Boss NAss character plays a reluctant hero, and Brian has some scenes with Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor. Apparently Boss Nass gets the last line in the film. Most of Brian's scenes were against a blue screen and apparently the effects guys will be making the cgi of the half-man seal really convincing so that they come across as people more than the human parts. They will also be getting 6-8 track recording for their vocals so that they come across better.
In one scene Brian's character apparently is in front of an army of jedi and Naboos and has to inspire them, according to Brian [doing a Lucas impression] he's got 5 million guys in front of him to inspire and Lucas wants a key line form him. Brian goes "blurlahlahlahlah", and as he says Lucas loves it and goes print that.
Sorry I can't give you a complete transcript but I was listening and now typing at work.
all the best
"Colly"

12/03/98: BRIAN BLESSED ON UK RADIO
8:30 am CST
David Harrison sent us the following report:
I just thought I'd let you know that over here in the UK, on BBC Radio 1 this morning, they aired a live interview with Brian Blessed who, although not revealing anything too paramount to the plot, he let go of a few interesting facts.
Firstly, Blessed revealed his awe at uttering the final line in Episode I as Boss Nass, describing himself as a 'reluctant hero'. Apparently, he was originally hired by Lucas for another part, but Lucas decided Blessed was 'too loud' for that particular role. Anyone who is familiar with Brian Blessed will fully understand the logic behind Lucas' choice here.
Secondly, he told the interviewer of his transport during the film being 'some kind of mechanical dinosaur' which he 'rides all over the place'. He discussed the planet Naboo by name, adding that an assortment of 'wonderful submarines, mechanical fish and an assortment of watery type creatures' adorned the set. Also worth note is his description of one particular scene where 'tens-of-thousand' of Naboo inhabitants are begging him for his help. I think that I've included anything of worth here, and as I say, although not overly revealing, these little details are quite interesting - at least we know that Boss Nass doesn't get killed during the film now, as revealed in Blessed's admission to having the last line in the script.
One other thing worth mentioning is the way in which Blessed pronounced the name of Liam Neeson's character, Qui-Gon Jinn. The 'Jinn' seems to be pronounced with a French tinge, as in Jean Reno.

Gren Cropper added the following:
Anyway, highly entertaining (very funny man) and Star Wars E1 was brought up. Much of what was said was already known. He mentioned his character BOSS NASS King of the Gungans and that the Jedi?Naboo go for their help. He also mentioned that Lucas asked him "you've got the Jedi and Naboo bowing at your feet begging for your help what does BOSS NASS say to them, how does he convey his response", Brian answers with a loud, deep war cry. Lucas replies something along the lines of"thats why I hired you, your mad!!"

Thanks to Gary Bethel who also sent in a report.

T'Bone on certain creatures and scenes. This is loaded with heavy spoilers. So highlight if you want to read anything. And make sure to visit T'Bone's site.

Nimoudians
The Nimoudians are a race of beings who run the Trade Federation in Episode One. The Trade Federation is viewed as the "Empire" of this film. The bad guys. We really don't know much else about them or what they look like. They are about as elusive as Darth Sidious, who happens to be their shadowy boss. They are rumored to look like Duros but then again I have heard from Source Zorak that they could be sort of "monkey-like" in their appearance. There are three Nimoudians in the film that I am aware of and possibly more. The three I know of are Nute Gunray, Rune Haako (new spelling thanks to Zorak) and Dofine Daultoy. Nute and Rune are the two main guys who lead the invasion of Naboo and try to capture the Queen (Chess anyone?). All three are present on the main control ship in the opening scene which is described in greater detail in my archives.
Source Zorak has also brought to my attention another name I have not seen before and believes it to be a Nimoudian name. The name is Teyhow and I'm not sure if that is the first name or the last name or if it's the "Sting" or "Cher" of the Nimoudians. I cannot confirm nor deny this name so please take it as rumor.
I have heard the Nimoudians referred to as "Viceroys" in many places and Zorak had also mentioned this to me. In fact, one of the Queen's quotes from the back of the action figure is, "Now Viceroy, this is the end of your occupation here." The definition of a Viceroy is: the governor of a country or province who rules as the representative of a king or sovereign. So does this imply that there is a "king" of the Trade Federation and that Viceroy Nute Gunray is representing him? Is Nute representing his boss Darth Sidious? Is there only one Viceroy? Perhaps the title is not to be taken literally.
Now about these Nimoudians - I have heard that they are bumbling idiots who can't do anything right. I know that they screw up a lot and are always cowering before Darth Sidious who sends in Maul to do the dirty work. They are ordered to kill Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon in the opening scenes and fail. They are ordered to capture the Queen and also fail. They do, however, successfully invade Naboo and infiltrate the Palace but of course, Naboo is liberated in the end. What's not known is if they die or not. I tend to think not for they are both on Naboo when the space battle is happening. From that we know they are not aboard the Control ship when it goes. They are still running around after the Queen right up until the (near) end of the film. According to my info and sources there is nothing to indicate they are killed. I would think they are most likely led away and taken prisoner or arrested. Maybe they will show up again in Episode Two. Who knows.
If you have any thoughts, please take them to the Galactic Senate Message Boards.

Vote of "No Confidence"
Let's talk a little about the Galactic Senate in Episode One, shall we? It is pretty widely known that Chancellor Valorum (Terrence Stamp) is the President of the Republic at the start of the film. Well, his days are numbered and our friend Palpatine is intent on replacing him. I do believe he has good reason, however, which adds to the illusion that Palpatine is doing the right thing. One thing to remember about Senator Palpatine (I wonder if they will disclose his first name?) is that he is a good guy in this film pretty much all the way through. Forget the Emperor Palpatine we already know for now. This senator is a nice guy with his head on straight and seems to have the well-being of Naboo, the Senate and the rest of the galaxy all in the forefront of his plans. Why wouldn't you trust him?
The Galactic Senate scenes, though not many, will be fantastic from what I can gather. We will see all kinds of creatures and representatives from all over the galaxy. We will even see the young Prince Bail Organa of Alderaan, who we all know ends up as Leia's foster father many years later. He will also fight alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi and probably Anakin Skywalker in the Clone Wars later on. ("Years ago you served my father in the Clone Wars...") We will also see some new senators in these scenes including two guys named Aks Moe and Lott Dodd. Not much is known about these two other than they seem to agree on things.
Probably the most important thing happening here is the ousting of Chancellor Valorum. It has been rumored that Palpatine is the Senator of Naboo. This looks to be true for Amidala confers with him several times before and after the Senate scenes. Although I don't know exactly what they talk about, I would guess the main topics of conversation are the invasion of Naboo and the ousting of Valorum. I tend to think that Palpatine, in his conversations with Amidala, persuades her to side with him on the issues. Palpatine feels that Valorum is not doing his job and is most likely trying to work his way into Valorum's position. Whether his intentions are self-serving or not as of then, I don't know. He may just feel he is doing the right thing and that Valorum is not doing all he can to help end the Naboo crisis. Perhaps there are other issues as well. I don't really know. Either way, I think Palpatine sways Amidala (not that she'd need much swaying), who is in the Senate scenes. She then moves for a vote of no-confidence which Bail Organa seconds. Valorum is subsequently betrayed and voted out. Palpatine is then nominated a short time after.
And so begins the slow rise to power...

More action figure images. I just don't know how SirSteve does it. Every month it seems that he can get images of the new action figures. I just have to bet that he has an inside source, but then doesn't everyone have an inside source? These images are of the eight main characters that will be released first by Hasbro. I am not going to post up all the images on my site, I want to focus more on images from the film then of the figures. But I still love the Darth Maul Figure, and I will get his as soon as the figures will be released. I also posted up the Characters Bio's and the ComTech quotes from the back of the packaging. Highlight the text if you want to be spoiled.

Anakin Skywalker
Anakin Skywalker's Font Packaging 269 x 432 34.9 k
Bio:Only nine years old, Anakin Skywalker began life as a slave on Tatooine. After winning his freedom, he will be trained to become a Jedi.
CommTech Lines: "Wizards", "I'm a person and my name is Anakin.", "I know we're in trouble, just hang on!"
Interacts With: Padme and R2-D2

Battle Droid
Battle Droid Front Packaging 270 x 432 37.3 k
Bio: The greedy Trade Federation has created an army that requires no food, no drink, no sleep. Millions of these high-tech battle droids amass into a virtually unstoppable armed force.
CommTech Lines: "Clear them away!", "Where are you taking them?", "Halt! You're under arrest!"
Interacts With: ???

Darth Maul
Darth Maul Front Packaging 269 x 432 37.5 k
Bio: Evil personified, Darth Maul has been ordered to destroy Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi assigned to protect Queen Amidala.
CommTech Lines: "If the trace was correct, I will find them quickly, Master.", "At last we will have revenge."
Interacts With: Darth Sidious

Jar Jar Binks
Jar Jar Brinks Front Packaging 270 x 432 38 k
Bio: A creature from the underwater depths of the planet Naboo, Jar Jar Binks must convince his fellow Gunguns to take up arms against the greedy Trade Federation in a battle to preserve their planet.
CommTech Lines: "Mesa called Ja Ja Binks.", "Gunguns no liken outsiders.", "Woah, yousa guys bombad!"
Interacts With: Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi Front Packaging 355 x 573 52.2 k
Bio: Although young and headstrong, Jedi-apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi will become one of the greatest Jedi to ever protect the galaxy.
CommTech Lines: "The council have granted me permission to train you.", "You will be a Jedi, I promise.", "Do no defy the council Master, not again.", "I have a bad feeling about this."
Interacts With: Darth Maul, Qui-Gon Jinn and Anakin Skywalker

Padme Naberrie
Padme Naberrie Front Packaging 267 x 432 37.6 k
Bio: As handmaiden to the young Queen Amidala of Naboo, Padme Naberrie is a trusted advisor and privy to many important state secrets.
CommTech Lines: "I've been trained in defense, I can take care of myself.", "You're a funny little boy, how do you know so much?", "These junk dealers must have a weakness of some kind."
Interacts With: Qui-Gon Jinn and Anakin Skywalker

Queen Amidala
Queen Amidala Front Packaging 268 x 432 37.7 k
Bio: The young and newly elected ruler of Naboo, Queen Amidala desperately attempts to save her planet from the greedy Trade Federation with help from Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
CommTech Lines: "Now Viceroy, this is the end of your occupation here.", "I am Queen Amidala.", "This is my decoy, my loyal bodyguard.", "If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever."
Interacts With: Qui-Gon Jinn and Anakin Skywalker

Qui-Gon Jinn
Quin Gon Jin (Liam Neeson) Front Packaging 270 x 432 36.6 k
Bio: A wise and powerful Jedi, Qui-Gon Jinn discovers young Anakin Skywalker, proving to be a pivotal event to the future of the Jedi and the entire galaxy for generations to come.
CommTech Lines: "Feel, don't think, use your instincts.", "Anakin will become a Jedi, I promise you.", "Be wary, I sense a disturbance in the Force.", "May the Force be with you."
Interacts With: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker

"Prime of the Jedi": Lynne Hale Video Diary 6. Another Lynn Hale Video Diary is up. It seems that every month Lynne has some new for us. Well, this time she takes on Nick Gillard the stunt coordinator. We get to see a better look at the light saber duels then in the trailer (but it is not the actually footage you will just have to mentally add the effects on the light sabers). And you get to see Ray Park without make up, costume or hair. Just check it out.

Lucas commenting on the Trailer release. This was posted on the official site.

Star Wars Trailer and Timelines
A week after the November 17th special pre-release of the Episode I trailer, George Lucas still can't quite believe last Tuesday's fan reaction. "It has been so gratifying to hear that people have enjoyed the trailer. I was glad that we could do the sneak preview for the fans, and really overwhelmed at the response we got from so many different people through the week...you never really know what kind of reaction you're going to get." There was a lot of thought put into the creation of the trailer, which featured ILM shots specially completed for the purpose. Above all, Lucas had a key goal with the teaser trailer: "I want this to be a fun experience. That's really what it's about, it's what Star Wars has been about from the beginning. I wanted the trailer to communicate that, and it means a lot to hear that it is succeeding at some level. It is really encouraging as we work to complete the movie, and as I start to work on Episode II."
With the trailer in release now, and the rough cut of Episode I in good shape, Lucas' thoughts have indeed occasionally turned "to the future, to the horizon..." and to time frames for the release of more Star Wars movies. Already developing the story for Episode II ("remember to tell them that Boba Fett is in it," he says), Lucas at this point tentatively plans to have that film finished by 2002. Will the original Special Edition Trilogy be brought back to theaters anytime soon? "We're not planning to have the original trilogy back in theaters anytime in the foreseeable future. Maybe when the new trilogy is complete. Now that might be fun.

Harry uncovers Episode 2 and 3 secrets. Ain't It Cool News posted up this little conversation of a Skywalker Ranch employee and Harry Knowels. Some big Spoilers are in here, so highlight the text if you want to be spoiled.

A New Spy, Mr Moto, Decides To Speak About EPISODES 2 & 3, Possible Spoilers are contained.
Alrighty folks, I've got a new spy working within the great world of George Lucas'. This new spy, who I will call MR. MOTO, will hopefully be with us for some time to come. This spy approached me, and asked to be tested, so I tested Mr Moto. And like that great sleuth of yesteryear, he passed with flying colors. Answering a question that only someone in possession of the script would know the answer to. A question and an answer that has yet to appear on the net. I hope it never does, as it's the easiest and most direct way to tell if someone is full of dung.
Mr Moto, is tired of all of us talking and examining each and every minute detail of Episode One. He believes this will ultimately lead to being burnt out, and wants the focus to shift from Episode One, which Mr Moto believes to be passe, to Episodes 2 and 3.
"That's all fine and dandy," I told him, "but those films are so far off, what could you or anyone tell us about the films of the next thousand year cycle?"
Mr Moto smiled, as only an emoticon can, and replied, "You see my dear Harry-san, we at Lucasfilm/ILM/Lucasarts/THX/Skywalker Sound, we are a GREAT FAMILY united with the love of STAR WARS." I started gagging at this, but he continued, "All of us, each and everyone are dedicated Star Wars fans, just as you are, but we have an advantage Harry-san."
"What is that Mr Moto?" I said with a curious glee.
"We work on these films. Still, even though we are here where the magic is woven, we rarely get the Big Mysteries solved. Our dear Mr Lucas, he's a secretive fellow indeed. It will be a big day when we discover the secret of how Anakin will ultimately fall from grace. I almost don't want to know."
At this point I begin to think that I'll never get any info out of Mr Moto. So I finally say, "What can you tell me, Mr Moto?"
The emoticon spoke volumes. I could just picture the wise ass smile across this secretive agents curled evil grin. "Most of us know the basic storyline for Episode 2-3 here in the Valley of Lucas, but honestly, Mister Knowles, I will not tell you everything I know today or tomorrow or a thousand days from now when the second film is a scant 6 months away. I have great respect for the honorable Mister Lucas, and that bond is stronger than even the slithery silicon font you send to me. And before we begin you have to realize that everything I say can not by definition of it's nature be 100% confirmed, due to the advanced nature of things, until the script finds it's way to a more permanent stature of existence."
I told Mr Moto, "I understand that, so how should we procede?"
"Tell me Harry-san, what is it that you know about Episode 2 & 3? The information you know for certain and not in the realm of rumor that is." Mr Moto emoted.
This caused me pause, I mean... What do we know... for fact? Not the vicious rumors, or the popular beliefs whose origin began somewhere within the mists of the past, but actual facts. So, hoping to score, I said, "I've heard that casting is already underway for the role of the older Anakin Skywalker, and that that dude from "DAWSON'S CREEK" is up for the role."
"Ahhhhh, I see. Well my dear Mister Knowles, the 'DAWSON'S CREEK' actor will not be Anakin Skywalker, at this point. If you want my prediction, he will never become Anakin Skywalker. Next Fact please." He wrote abruptly.
Argh, but who will be Anakin, who are the candidates, what type a fella is he looking at. Sigh... Mr Moto didn't want to discuss it further, "At this time" so I went on to the next 'fact' that I could think of. With a certain amount of cockiness I said, "I know that Naboo will appear in all three prequels!"
Mr Moto replied, "Sure my dear Harry. It is our friend, Palpatine's homeworld. He is the Senator of Naboo, and the planet will change a great deal over the course of the three movie arc. Starting in Episode 2, the feel of Naboo will never ever be the same. There are some events, impactful events, that occur between the end of Episode 1 and the beginning of Episode 2 that will have an impact on all of this. Afterall a decade or so is a very long span of time my friend. Next fact please."
God I can't stand this coy teasing stuff. Without the ability for follow up, it just kills me. But... well the dishing out of knowledge is very much in the hands of our friend, Mr Moto, so just like in Die Hard With A Vengence, I had a game to play, and he has all the rules. SO, to be a smart ass I say, "Well, Episode 2 and 3 will be filmed in Australia!" Ha, that will show him.
"Harry, come now, that's a fact that brings no comments. Sure, Mister Lucas will shoot in Australia, it's easier for him to shoot there, especially for the exterior and the interior scenes. Next Fact Please, and do try not to bore me Mr Knowles," Mr Moto said.
Oh damn. This guy's a bit of a stickler and picks up on sarcasm like no tomorrow. Gosh... Ok, so I begin thinking so hard my brain begins shaking. "Episode 2 will be darker than Episode 1 and Episode 3 will be very very disturbing."
"Ahhhh, much better Mister Harry. First you should know that Episode 2 is very much like Episode 5, I will tell you more about that later, but for now know that Episode 2 is a story with a HUGE climax and many secondary stories. One of the main characters that figures into one of these Secondary Stories, will in fact be someone we have not yet seen even in Episode One, but this character will be so important in the overall saga... Oh we'll continue that later. Episode 2 is really about 'The Force and The Jedi Knights.' Still, Anakin is the main character of 2 & 3. Oh we will have Obi-Wan and Yoda, but forget about them, Anakin will be THE MAN in the next two films. Even though Ewan as our dear Mr Kenobi is, to put it mildly, mind-blowing in the prequels, Anakin Skywalker will be the most interesting and nuanced and loved character of Episode 2, and possibly 3, of that I am sure. Next Fact Please."
Wow, that's alot of information to process, but the next fact hits me, just straight away. "Lucas has said that Boba Fett will have a beefier role in Episode 2."
"As the Spielberg guy would say, 'Oh My God.' Yes, Harry-san, Fett is going to be there but in a capacity that I believe will surprise many fans. The problem I have is this: Noone around these parts is entirely 100% sure if, when Lucas says, 'Fett will be in Episode 2,' if he means that the Bounty Hunter will be there, or if he means that the Mandalorians will be there. If Fett is to be the name of the man who will lead his Army to the 'promised land,' well then Lucas is right in both ways."
Then as I was preparing my next 'Fact', Mr Moto said, "It's only a beginning; Infinity to go." Then silence. Our Mr Moto here loves his games and Cat and Mouse seems to be of quite a fancy, but it seems he's a man with a lot on his noggin. And well, there's a bit here for us all to think about. He says that pieces could change, which heck, we still know is true with Episode One, I can only imagine and marvel at the fluidity that the plans of Episode 2 and 3 must be. Let's hope our friend, Mr Moto, comes back to play.

What Each Shot Mean in the trailer. The Force Net has shown each shot in the trailer and tells who, what, where is in each shot. But the Cinescape has set up a time line of the film; it explains when each shot takes place. Of course these are major spoilers so see them at your own risk.

Star Wars Trilogy the arcade game. Don't we all love a good Star Wars video game? I still have the Empire Strikes Back on the Atari. Sega has released a new Arcade in Japan, it will be matter of months or weeks till the game slowly makes it onto American Shores. And Next Generation has a preview and few images of the game. Sure the game is Sega and not Lucasarts, doesn't mean it can be a kick ass game!

Austin Powers 2 trailer. "If you have to see one film this summer.... See Star Wars. But if you have to see another film then see Austin Powers." This is the slogan for the new Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me teaser trailer. The trailer has just hit theaters, by the time you go to see the "re-creation" of Psycho (just don't get me started on that, I am a Hitchcock fan), Star Trek: Insurrection or the Prince of Egypt the trailer will be with it. This looks like it will be the next biggest film next to Episode 1.