Usually, the week before a major tentpole film comes out is fun, full of breezy interviews, games with late show hosts and lots of Twitter memes/free advertising. However, with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, things haven’t been so easy.
We’ve had the incessant arguing over The Last Jedi for a solid two years now, we’ve had some of the cast trash talking the series, and now, through a long expose published in The Wall Street Journal recently, even execs behind the pictures themselves have more negativity to contribute.
To start with, former Lucasfilm executive Howard Roffman, who left the company around the time The Last Jedi hit theaters, had a lot to say about the entire process surrounding the Disneyfication of the series, even if he’s wrong on some things.
“(Star Wars is) political in a sense that it has a foundation in historical politics — the rise of dictatorships,...
We’ve had the incessant arguing over The Last Jedi for a solid two years now, we’ve had some of the cast trash talking the series, and now, through a long expose published in The Wall Street Journal recently, even execs behind the pictures themselves have more negativity to contribute.
To start with, former Lucasfilm executive Howard Roffman, who left the company around the time The Last Jedi hit theaters, had a lot to say about the entire process surrounding the Disneyfication of the series, even if he’s wrong on some things.
“(Star Wars is) political in a sense that it has a foundation in historical politics — the rise of dictatorships,...
- 12/12/2019
- by Josh Heath
- We Got This Covered
It’s been almost 10 years to the day since Lucasfilm and Dave Filoni launched Star Wars: The Clone Wars into select theaters worldwide, and now, the writer-director is teasing the possibility of more animated feature films set within the Star Wars universe.
ComicBook.com caught up with Filoni this past weekend to discuss The Clone Wars and that hotly-anticipated revival, along with the current state of Lucasfilm’s core film franchise, which is now building towards the release of Episode IX next Christmas.
And Dave Filoni? He’s hopeful of another Star Wars animated movie falling into place in the not-so-distant future, even if he’s wary of rushing a film project when The Clone Wars and Rebels both performed so well in the realm of television.
I think the one thing that we’ve been able to achieve with the Star Wars animation we’ve done is that the people,...
ComicBook.com caught up with Filoni this past weekend to discuss The Clone Wars and that hotly-anticipated revival, along with the current state of Lucasfilm’s core film franchise, which is now building towards the release of Episode IX next Christmas.
And Dave Filoni? He’s hopeful of another Star Wars animated movie falling into place in the not-so-distant future, even if he’s wary of rushing a film project when The Clone Wars and Rebels both performed so well in the realm of television.
I think the one thing that we’ve been able to achieve with the Star Wars animation we’ve done is that the people,...
- 8/13/2018
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
As we get ready to head into “nerd heaven” a.k.a. San Diego Comic Con, we were super excited to have the opportunity to catch up with director Spencer F. Lee to chat about his upcoming documentary film “From The Bridge”. The panel for the film which will feature Comic Con favorite Greg Grunberg (Star Trek: Beyond), often nicknamed the “Mayor of Comic-Con”, as moderator and will feature writer-director Spencer F. Lee, Nichelle Nichols, Rod Roddenberry, Kerry O’Quinn, Tom DeSanto, uber cos-player Cecil Grimes and special guests. This amazing panel was also be hosted by none other than George Takei!
Following the debut clips which will screen at the start of the Thursday, July 19th 10am panel, Grunberg will lead a spirited discussion and Q&A on the evolution of science fiction, fantasy, comic book and horror fandom and the positive impact each has had on popular culture.
Following the debut clips which will screen at the start of the Thursday, July 19th 10am panel, Grunberg will lead a spirited discussion and Q&A on the evolution of science fiction, fantasy, comic book and horror fandom and the positive impact each has had on popular culture.
- 7/12/2018
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
Updated: With Wednesday, Thursday and Friday events. Captain Marvel, The Guardians of the Galaxy and whoever is alive from The Avengers won’t be showing up in San Diego, but there will be plenty of other big screen rivals to keep the temperature at a scorching level in Hall H.
At this point in time, many film screenings are oddly missing from the lineup, except for kiddie pic Teen Titans Go! To the Movies! on Friday. Perhaps there will be more as they’re often announced at the last minute or suddenly during the confab (Read Lionsgate’s Blair Witch). Comic-Con has traditionally been a successful launch pad for such fan faves as Sausage Party, Star Trek Beyond, The Visit, Annabelle: Creation and Don’t Breathe. Don’t worry, on the TV side there’s the AMC premiere of Better Call Saul season 4.
Also,...
At this point in time, many film screenings are oddly missing from the lineup, except for kiddie pic Teen Titans Go! To the Movies! on Friday. Perhaps there will be more as they’re often announced at the last minute or suddenly during the confab (Read Lionsgate’s Blair Witch). Comic-Con has traditionally been a successful launch pad for such fan faves as Sausage Party, Star Trek Beyond, The Visit, Annabelle: Creation and Don’t Breathe. Don’t worry, on the TV side there’s the AMC premiere of Better Call Saul season 4.
Also,...
- 7/6/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive Producer George Noe is pleased to announce the San Diego Comic-Con debut of the sci-fi documentary, From The Bridge. In this film, fans will be treated to a whirlwind cinematic journey chronicling the evolution of sci-fi, horror and comic book fandom as recounted by some of the biggest names in these genres. Host, George Takei (Star Trek) will guide us through never-before-seen archival footage featuring creators like George Lucas and never before aired interviews with the likes of Gene Roddenberry, Leonard Nimoy and many more. This is a first look at this groundbreaking feature which will, assuredly, set the pace for the largest Comic-Con ever in the San Diego Convention Center’s 4000 seat Ballroom 20 on Thursday, July 19th beginning at 10am.
Check out a sneak peek below:
From The Bridge features original interviews with Stan Lee, Nichelle Nichols, Gene Simmons, Joe Dante, Tom DeSanto, Adam Nimoy, Bryan Fuller, Neal Adams,...
Check out a sneak peek below:
From The Bridge features original interviews with Stan Lee, Nichelle Nichols, Gene Simmons, Joe Dante, Tom DeSanto, Adam Nimoy, Bryan Fuller, Neal Adams,...
- 6/29/2018
- by Kristyn Clarke
- Age of the Nerd
Exclusive: Star Trek‘s George Takei will be beamed into Comic-Con on July 19 to help introduce From the Bridge, a new sci-fi documentary that chronicles the evolution of sci-fi, horror and comic book fandom, as recounted by some well-known names from the genres. Clips of the documentary will be shown during a panel discussion on the first day of the convention.
“To be made fun of as a kid for reading comic books, and to see the stuff that I grew up with become the entertainment that rules the world, all the geeks were finally in charge. We win,” says Gene Simmons in the beginning of the just-released trailer for the documentary, which is narrated by Takei.
Spencer F. Lee directed and George Noe is the executive producer on From The Bridge, which will be given a theatrical release after being teased at Comic-Con. The film features archival footage of...
“To be made fun of as a kid for reading comic books, and to see the stuff that I grew up with become the entertainment that rules the world, all the geeks were finally in charge. We win,” says Gene Simmons in the beginning of the just-released trailer for the documentary, which is narrated by Takei.
Spencer F. Lee directed and George Noe is the executive producer on From The Bridge, which will be given a theatrical release after being teased at Comic-Con. The film features archival footage of...
- 6/28/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephen Harber Mar 4, 2019
In the 1990s, Lucasfilm decided to take Star Wars in a much darker direction with Shadows of the Empire.
This Star Wars article contains spoilers.
Star Wars in the '90s
The ‘90s were the dark ages of Star Wars. George Lucas’ happy cinematic accident was still a beloved pop culture tentpole, and the entertainment industry was still busy learning from its business model. But it was also a time of relative quiet for the franchise. Another film with the main cast was implausible, and the excuses for new merchandising were slim to none. So Lucasfilm started brainstorming new ways to capitalize on the Star Wars brand and ensure all of its media channels were fully functional before the arrival of the Prequel Trilogy.
Enter Shadows of the Empire—a mad scientist’s experiment in cross-promotion that would make editors at Marvel weep at the complexity of its moving parts.
In the 1990s, Lucasfilm decided to take Star Wars in a much darker direction with Shadows of the Empire.
This Star Wars article contains spoilers.
Star Wars in the '90s
The ‘90s were the dark ages of Star Wars. George Lucas’ happy cinematic accident was still a beloved pop culture tentpole, and the entertainment industry was still busy learning from its business model. But it was also a time of relative quiet for the franchise. Another film with the main cast was implausible, and the excuses for new merchandising were slim to none. So Lucasfilm started brainstorming new ways to capitalize on the Star Wars brand and ensure all of its media channels were fully functional before the arrival of the Prequel Trilogy.
Enter Shadows of the Empire—a mad scientist’s experiment in cross-promotion that would make editors at Marvel weep at the complexity of its moving parts.
- 5/27/2016
- Den of Geek
As a Robot Chicken enthusiast - made obvious via this review - I've long since heralded the mad genius of Seth Green. As unconventional as they come, Green has given us some of the best animated Sci-fi comedies (what a mouthful!) of all time, taking his genuine passion for the genre and highlighting the obvious comedy within; much of which we had missed.
While Robot Chicken gave Seth Green and Matthew Seinreich - the show's co-creator - an outlet with which to express their...let's say ingenuity...it was unable to appease this sci-fi lust. So, after two incredibly successful seasons - gaining much public attention and the number one spot at Adult Swim - the boys pitched a 40 minute long episode, to be shown in its own right and revolving entirely around the Star Wars franchise, to their producers; and the rest, as they say, is history.
At this point,...
While Robot Chicken gave Seth Green and Matthew Seinreich - the show's co-creator - an outlet with which to express their...let's say ingenuity...it was unable to appease this sci-fi lust. So, after two incredibly successful seasons - gaining much public attention and the number one spot at Adult Swim - the boys pitched a 40 minute long episode, to be shown in its own right and revolving entirely around the Star Wars franchise, to their producers; and the rest, as they say, is history.
At this point,...
- 11/17/2011
- Shadowlocked
London, Oct 22: 'Family Guy' star Seth Green is working on an animated sitcom based on the 'Star Wars' saga.
According to Howard Roffman, head of licensing at Lucasfilm, the series would premiere "within the next two years" but refused to be drawn on the details.
Family Guy has already created three one-off specials based on the first 'Star Wars' trilogy.
Roffman added that the inspiration had also been drawn from French And Saunders' spoof of 'The Phantom Menace'.
The licensing head said that he had shown the spoof to Star Wars creator George Lucas with apprehension in his heart, but it only made him laugh out hard, the BBC reported.
Green, who plays the imbecile son Chris Griffin in Family Guy,.
According to Howard Roffman, head of licensing at Lucasfilm, the series would premiere "within the next two years" but refused to be drawn on the details.
Family Guy has already created three one-off specials based on the first 'Star Wars' trilogy.
Roffman added that the inspiration had also been drawn from French And Saunders' spoof of 'The Phantom Menace'.
The licensing head said that he had shown the spoof to Star Wars creator George Lucas with apprehension in his heart, but it only made him laugh out hard, the BBC reported.
Green, who plays the imbecile son Chris Griffin in Family Guy,.
- 10/22/2011
- by Smith Cox
- RealBollywood.com
London, Oct 21: 'Star Wars' merchandises have earned more than the movie series over the years.
Howard Roffman, the president for Lucas Licensing, which is behind the 'Star Wars' merchandising empire has revealed the secrets of the brand's success and longevity.
Although, the movie franchise has made an impressive 4 billion dollars at the box office since the release of the first film in 1977, the sales of toys, video games, clothing and books have earned nearly six times more, in over 100 countries.
"This is something that has stood the test of time. It made a huge impact on the culture when it was released," Sky News quoted Roffman as saying.
"It was a mythological story that delved deep into the things.
Howard Roffman, the president for Lucas Licensing, which is behind the 'Star Wars' merchandising empire has revealed the secrets of the brand's success and longevity.
Although, the movie franchise has made an impressive 4 billion dollars at the box office since the release of the first film in 1977, the sales of toys, video games, clothing and books have earned nearly six times more, in over 100 countries.
"This is something that has stood the test of time. It made a huge impact on the culture when it was released," Sky News quoted Roffman as saying.
"It was a mythological story that delved deep into the things.
- 10/21/2011
- by Machan Kumar
- RealBollywood.com
A new 'Star Wars' TV comedy inspired by a French and Saunders sketch will premiere "within the next two years". Howard Roffman, president of Lucas Licensing revealed an animated series - voiced by Seth Green - is currently in development by Lucasfilm and admitted George Lucas found a parody of the prequel 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' created by comediennes Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders hilarious. He said: "The new animated 'Star Wars' comedy series with Seth Green is a product of Lucasfilm's focus on continued innovation. I remember showing George the French & Saunders parody of 'The Phantom Menace' with...
- 10/20/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
It looks like Star Wars toys are more popular than ever, and George Lucas selling out to the Toy industry is paying off for him. In 2010 Star Wars toys brought in $510 million freakin' dollars!
This is the highest Star Wars toy revenue ever for a non-movie year, and the best toy revenue since Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith was released. According to Lucasfilm and research firm Npd Group Star Wars maintained its position as the bestselling boys toy license in the U.S. for the third consecutive year.
Of course the popularity of animated TV series Clone Wars doesn't hurt the cause. President of Lucas Licensing Howard Roffman had this to say in a statement,
Around the office, our mantra is that Star Wars is forever, and we continue to see that this is true for our loyal fans. We’ve got a great series on the air,...
This is the highest Star Wars toy revenue ever for a non-movie year, and the best toy revenue since Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith was released. According to Lucasfilm and research firm Npd Group Star Wars maintained its position as the bestselling boys toy license in the U.S. for the third consecutive year.
Of course the popularity of animated TV series Clone Wars doesn't hurt the cause. President of Lucas Licensing Howard Roffman had this to say in a statement,
Around the office, our mantra is that Star Wars is forever, and we continue to see that this is true for our loyal fans. We’ve got a great series on the air,...
- 2/4/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
New York - Lucasfilm's Star Wars franchise had its highest toy revenue ever for a non-movie year in 2010 and the best toy revenue since Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith.
With sales of more than $510 million last year, Star Wars also maintained its position as the bestselling boys toy license in the U.S. for the third consecutive year, according to Lucasfilm and research firm Npd Group.
The popularity of animated TV series Clone Wars on Cartoon Network has helped keep the saga in media play, and toy lines from Hasbro and Lego have helped keep long-time and new fans spending.
Lucasfilm said the brisk sales of toys are also being reflected in demand for licensed products in such categories as publishing, apparel, consumer electronics and housewares. It didn’t disclose revenue for all merchandise categories.
Among last year’s merchandise successes is the Lego Star Wars Visual Dictionary from Dk Publishing,...
With sales of more than $510 million last year, Star Wars also maintained its position as the bestselling boys toy license in the U.S. for the third consecutive year, according to Lucasfilm and research firm Npd Group.
The popularity of animated TV series Clone Wars on Cartoon Network has helped keep the saga in media play, and toy lines from Hasbro and Lego have helped keep long-time and new fans spending.
Lucasfilm said the brisk sales of toys are also being reflected in demand for licensed products in such categories as publishing, apparel, consumer electronics and housewares. It didn’t disclose revenue for all merchandise categories.
Among last year’s merchandise successes is the Lego Star Wars Visual Dictionary from Dk Publishing,...
Executives of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the "Star Wars" saga visited the New York Stock Exchange December 22 to celebrate the 'evergreen' success of the 'Star Wars' brand.
After more than 30 years, "Star Wars" maintains its position as the #1 selling licensed toy property in North America, with sales over 60% ahead of any other toy license.
To mark the occasion, Lucas Licensing’s Howard Roffman rang 'The Opening Bell' accompanied by droid 'R2-D2', 'Sith Lord Darth Vader' and a color guard of stormtroopers and clone troopers....
After more than 30 years, "Star Wars" maintains its position as the #1 selling licensed toy property in North America, with sales over 60% ahead of any other toy license.
To mark the occasion, Lucas Licensing’s Howard Roffman rang 'The Opening Bell' accompanied by droid 'R2-D2', 'Sith Lord Darth Vader' and a color guard of stormtroopers and clone troopers....
- 12/23/2009
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Star Wars movie mogul George Lucas is at the centre of a union dispute after filing an unfair labor practices complaint against stewards in charge of sound editors who work for him. Lucas and producers at his LucasFilm company in northern California claim union representatives stalled talks to negotiate a new contract by canceling meetings and failing to respond to requests for information. Lucas' right-hand man Howard Roffman says, "We have spent four very frustrating months and have been unable to get the union to the bargaining table to negotiate. We've got a business to run here." Roffman, LucasFilm's vice-president of business affairs, admits he's baffled that anyone has any union grievances with the movie mogul, because he's a great boss. He adds, "This is a guy who has taken care of his employees like very few employers on this planet."...
- 10/10/2005
- WENN
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