If you have anything to add e-mail me here and I'll post your messages up. Archive news: April/May 1999 June/July 1999 August/September 1999 October/November December 2000 January February March April
May 27 ROGUE Planet, the new Star Wars book, seems to be getting good reviews everywhere, and here's the latest, from JediNet.
LUCAS Learning is busy promoting Anakin's
Speedway, a children's game where you can design and build your very own Podracing track.
Lucas Learning has been e-mailing hundreds of subscribers to tell them about the new
development. Learn more by clicking here.
The general blurb says: "Here kids develop essential planning,
decision making and critical thinking skills as they design their own Podrace course!
It’s from Lucas Learning, where products always place value on freedom,
self-discovery and choice. A force for young minds."
May 26 YOU may not know much about Star Wars Episode II yet but you're in good company - neither do the cast. IMDB said today Hugh Quarshie (Captain Panaka) has been invited back again but is considering whether to accept, as he's not yet seen the script. Hugh is quoted as saying he would pull out of the movie if there was a nasty surprise in the script when it finally arrives. The actor said: "I won't be doing it if I die too early in the movie - I don't want that!" However much Hugh wants to see the script first, we can't see him saying no, even if he's just in it for five minutes...
COULD Boba Fett's Slave One ship be making an appearance in Episode II? According to a report from Starwarz.com, it will be. It says Jeremy Bulloch, the original Boba Fett, has heard that a full model of Slave One has been built, although Jeremy doesn't think he'll be piloting it.
SCIENCE fiction legend Arthur C Clarke has been knighted - two years after the honour was announced. The writer of 2001: A Space Odyssey was meant to get the award in 1998 but it was delayed until he was cleared of charges of paedophilia, brought by the Sunday Mirror. Wheelchair-bound Sir Arthur, 82, who now lives in Sri Lanka, had always denied them.
DARTH Maul is to be explored in a new comic book series, and it's reviewed here. Diamond Comics has updated its site with information about the new Darth Maul series, said TFN
X-FILES star David Duchovny still isn't happy with his new deal - despite months of wrangling. When asked by Empire Online how writers would cope with him being in less than half the new shows he replied: "It's not my problem, it's theirs." Which should all go towards an interesting new series.
THE DAILY Radar doesn't seem to confident of Hayden Christensen's fighting abilities. The official site said recently stunt co-ordinator Nick Gilliard was scouting Australian fight clubs on the look out for potential Jedis/Sith. However the Radar says that among Hayden's listed hobbies are playing jazz and blues on the piano, "a very important skill for a master Jedi to possess. Hmm, sounds like the pretty boy better watch himself around the real men," it adds.
BBC news reports that Sir Arthur C Clarke, 82 is seen as a space-age visionary, who predicted space travel in 1945, long before rockets were tested.
STAR Trek's Patrick Stewart is to say sorry after blasting a play he's in - live on the stage. Stewart announced that he had lost faith in the producers of the Mt Morgan play in New York. The Actors' Equity arbitration committee has said he should make a full written apology, which Stewart is expected to do, Yahoo reports. Since the comments ticket sales have nose-dived and last week it grossed $204,000 on a potential $506,000.
ROGUE Planet, the new Star Wars book by Greg Bear, has gone into the number ten slot in its first week in the UK hardback fiction chart.
JOHN Travolta was at London's Leicester Square last night for the launch of his controversial sci-fi film, Battlefield Earth. Travolta didn't seem too fussed about the controversy which surrounds the movie, and is due to his connection with Scientology.
SPACESHIPS is the subject for today's official look back at The Empire Strikes Back. Featured are TIE Bombers and Rebel Transports. A classic moment from the film is also offered as Luke leaps from Vader, and the symbolism behind it is fullu explained.
HERE'S your chance to vote for the best ever Star Wars spoof. The official site offers the choice of Spaceballs, Hardware Wars, Troops, or George Lucas in Love. My vote goes to Troops though Spaceballs seems to be winning.
May 25 ANYONE watching BBC1's Dream House programme tonight will have seen a sci-fi fan's home turned into a mini-cinema. He then invited around some mates who dressed up suitably in Stormtrooper and Star Trek costumes.
DIGITAL filming is discussed by the NY Times today. It reveals the new technology, while still in its infancy, should save Lucasfilm a fortune in costs. However regular cameras will still be used, particularly in lightsabre scenes, where they are shot slower in order to make the fights look faster when put on the big screen.
AND just in case anyone cares, E chu ta! is the favourite Star Wars insult at the moment, according to a poll on the official site.
CORUSCANT, Naboo and Tatooine are three Star Wars locations featured on the official site's Episode II page today. There's nothing particuarly startling there, mainly photos from Episode I.
AND following on from The Empire Strikes Back celebrations, there's now an in-depth look at Lando Calrision's Bespin City here.
May 24 FRENZIED. That's how Rick McCallum is describing work on the set of Episode II. The official site quotes him as saying: "We're down to the wire trying to get everything ready for when George Lucas arrives in Australia. This is when everything major happens. We're making the movie."
When Hayden Christensen arrives in Australia soon he will start his 'Jedi training' McCallum added: "Plus hair, wardrobe, makeup. He'll be flat out from the minute he gets here until shooting."
And he had a word for those Star Wars left behind in England when it moved its film base. "The weather is much better in Australia. It's hard work, but Sydney is a great place to be doing it. While we enjoyed England equally, we're having a great time. The studios are great and the people are fantastic."
TIME Magazine features an interview with Hayden Christensen and a large photo of him in its latest edition.
May 23 INTERESTING article in the San Francisco Chronicle today, TFN reports. It says that while the script for Episode II still isn't finished there's no great panic, despite shooting due to begin in a few weeks. It adds: "Creator George Lucas reportedly has had the story down for years. Creating the screenplay is just a matter of dramatizing that story and filling in the dialogue -- not to mention coming up with silly names for the various characters."
LUCASARTS has announced that Star Wars Episode I: Racer won best racing game at the Interactive Achievement Awards. Click here to find out more on the awards themselves.
MANY moons ago there used to be Star Wars wallpaper hanging in my bedroom. And damn fine wallpaper it was too. Now it seems there's a chance to re-create that scenario with some up to date paper. TFN reports on one fan site that lists a few of the choices on offer. Click here to see some of them.
THERE'S more Empire Strikes Back detail on the official site today. This time it's Admiral Ozzel, Captain Needa and the Imperial Probe Droid to be examined.
May 22 FOLLOWING on from The Empire Strikes Back birthday yesterday, the official site has now got in on the act. In a classic moment Lawrence Kasdan, co-writer of the screenplay, said: "Empire deepens the Star Wars saga, taking it to a larger, darker canvas. Luke is changed forever, spiritually. The things that happen to Vader are a logical step from Star Wars and will vastly alter the audience's perception of the character."
IN addition there's also a look at Rogue Group, that fearless band of Rebel pilots, and explores some of the lesser known characters.
May 21 THE Empire Strikes Back is 20 years old today. The follow up to what was the most successful film of all time surpassed everyone's expectations, and is now widely regarded as the best of the Star Wars films. The Empire Strikes Back, directed by Irvin Kershner, introduced the world to Yoda for the first time, as well as revealing that Darth Vader is Luke's father.
The film is still the 11th biggest grossing film of all time and won an Oscar for Best Sound and a Special Achievement Award for visual effects. It was also nominated for best original score and best art and set direction.
May 20 ONE of the best polls has begun on the official site. You're being asked to pick your worst insult from the world of Star Wars. Among the contenders are Overweight glob of grease, flea-bitten furball, Bantha Poodoo, Nerf Herder, Slimy piece of worm-ridden filth, or e chu ta! Think my vote goes to Leia's nerf herder, with e chu ta close behind.
SEEMS a bit quiet today, only main news seems to be TFN has a bigger fan section now. It looks quite impressive,offering local forums, details on local events and more grass roots coverage. You can find it here.
LUCASARTS has announced the appointment of three executives to senior positions within the company. Joining the leading entertainment company are Randy Breen as vice president of development, Mike Nelson, vice president of finance and administration and Andrea Yelle who will be director of human resources.
Randy Breen has spent 14 years in a variety of development positions at Electronics Arts (EA), Mike Nelson has more than 20 years experience in finance and planning from San Francisco-based Levi Strauss & Company and Andrea Yelle was previously human resources director for Benchmark Hospitality, a company which manages the Resort at Squaw Creek in California.
EXACTLY a year ago today all the fuss stopped and the film began. On May 19 1999 The Phantom Menace was released in America. As part of a nostalgia trip, here's what we said at the time.
"Got queuing again. This time for a good seat, arrived at 8pm and around 40 people in front of me. By 11.15pm we're allowed in to the building, and by 11.35pm we're in the cinema itself. Cheers erupt as the green of the Lucasfilm logo comes up and then Star Wars hits the screens. Afterwards there's a mixed reaction, I felt it was ok but several thought it was terrible and far too comic in parts."
TWO new titles are being released by Lucas Learning on PCs and Macs. First up is Star Wars Math: Jabba's Game Galaxy, which aims to teach children maths and logic skills while having fun in the Star Wars universe.After crash landing on Tatooine, players enter the world of Jabba's Game Galaxy. Here they challenge favorite Star Wars characters such as Jabba the Hutt and Sebulba to maths based games of skill and strategy, earning credits as they go.
Second is the new title Star Wars Early Learning Activity Center. This title sets out to teach children learning skills in reading, maths and the arts.
Both titles are due out in August on PC and Mac and both will cost $29.95. For more information head here.
WE know who Anakin is, now we now who'll help bring the rest of the film to life. The official site's Episode II section has updated with a list of the main crew. There's no real surprises, Rick McCallum is producer, director of photography is David Tattersall and producation designer is Gavin Bocquet.
THE new Star Wars magazine is out in the UK, and features an interview with Darth Maul actor Ray Park. Also included in this edition is an interesting section of cameo appearance, inside jokes and a close look at the stunning exhibtion at the Barbican in London.
May 19 JediNet is reporting on a petition to save Shmi Skywalker. Looks like Hasbro has cancelled the figure and the future doesn't look too good. YakFace's Realm is organising a petition for anyone who wants to join the fight to save the figure
TWO major actors will be returning for Episode II, the Star Wars newsletter has revealed.. Among those confirmed are Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine).
May 18 THE official site has updated today with new faces for
the hyperlinks to each film. Now there's Amidala, Aunt Beru, Boba Fett and Palpatine.
THERE'S also a feature on Kashyyyk, home of
Chewbacca. From the cringe-worthy Christmas Special to their appearance in The Phantom
Menace, it's all there. May 17 AFTER a serene and calm role as Mace Windu in The Phantom
Menace, Samuel Jackson is back to what he does best in the new movie Shaft, a version of
the 70s classic out in America this month. Daily Radar
gives it a lukewarm review but says: "Jackson's performance is easily the best part
of the film. It's nice to see that Jackson has returned to his badass, Pulp Fiction form
after a dismal performance in this year's Rules of Engagement. However, while Jackson may
have been meant for Shaft, the supporting cast is largely ineffective and their characters
are weak and unbelievable." TFN has
an interesting post concerning possible lightsabers in Episode II. It talks of a martial
art involving two small sabers rather than one long one, and has footage of fighters in
action for anyone who's interested. May 16 MORE X-Files news, following the announcement of an eigth
series, David Duchovny has now signed up to star in it as well. However he won't be in all
the episodes. Duchovny earlier sued makers Fox, claiming it sold the show cheaply to other
stations, thus meaning he got less pay. FANS of The X-Files are breathing a huge sigh
of relief today as it was announced there will be an eighth series. After months of
discussion and negotiation, Gilian Anderson has signed up for one more time, but no news
about co-star David Duchovny yet. Anderson has said the show's producers have filmed
different endings to the series, and which will be shown will depend on whether Duchovny
signs on the dotted line. FOR anyone who remembers the infamous Wookie
Cookie recipie book, there's now one to match. The official site has revealed that the
Star Wars Cookbook II: Darth Malt and More Galactic Recipes, is out soon. Darth Malt has
"delicious recipes from around the galaxy for hungry Jedi apprentices of all
ages". There are 29 meals to choose from and there's also a Darth Maul stencil to
make an artful Sith-inspired dip. And to finish off with more awful puns, the
site adds: "From Amidala Challah to Qui-Gon Jinn-ger Snaps, there are no limits to
the culinary creativity that awaits you - after all, there's always a bigger dish." THERE'S also a new snapshot today for gardening fans, a pic of
Naboo's floral excellence. May 15 THE actor everyone wants to talk to, Hayden Christensen, has
spoken to USA Today
about his life changing role. He said: "The entire time I've been
involved in the casting process - for eight months - actually being in Star Wars seemed so
far-fetched." Christensen did believe he had chemistry with Portman during the screen
test, which was a key to his being named Anakin. IT'S not coming out for a while but there's
some sneak preview shots of the Obi-Wan game here. Daily Radar has
reviewd the game, due out at the end of the year, and decided: "This could be the game that helps LucasArts turn
Episode 1 into a successful franchise with gamers." It allows player the chance to
fully control their lightsaber and by the looks of it the graphics and size of the levesl
is impressive. ROGUE Planet, the latest Star Wars book by
Greg Bear is already in the best seller lists.The action takes place three years after The
Phantom Menace, when a 12-year-old Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi set out to discover
the mysteries of the planet Zonama Sekot, only to find much more danger than they
antcipated. CHEWBACCA actor Peter Mayhew seems to think
everyone's favourite Wookie could be returning. TFN
has a report from Mayhew at the Disney celebrations in Orlando saying: "So I think
I've done pretty well, to do three, and there's a possibility to do two more, either two
or three, so we'll just have to wait and see what happens." Chewie is 200-odd years old so it is feasible
he could be seen, but don't count on it being with a young Han. May 13 HAYDEN Christensen is the new Anakin Skywalker, the official
site has confirmed today. As widely reported the virtually unknown Canadian actor will be
Anakin in Star Wars Episodes II and III. Click here for a
full profile of the actor. FOR the first time the link to Episode II on the official site is working, so expect plenty more
updates in the near future. There's now links to news, cast, crew, characters and
locations, although details on all are a bit sketchy at the moment. WORD has it that Natalie Portman is in line
to star in the follow up to Dirty Dancing. Britney Spears was at once touted as favourite
for the role but now it seems Natalie has usurped her. Original star Patrick Swayze may
have a cameo role. May 12 A FAN-MADE film about George Lucas is currently out-selling
The Phantom Menace on Amazon, Yahoo reports.
George Lucas in Love, a tale about the director suffering from writer's block as a film
student at USC in 1967, became available on video for the first time on Wednesday
exclusively at Amazon.com. More than 1,500 copies were pre-ordered
and/or purchased in the first 36 hours. Pre-orders on April 21 exceeded orders for TPM.
During the first two days of sales it was consistently among the top 20 bestselling
titles, reaching a high mark as the 10th bestselling title for at least one hour. INTERESTING poll on the official site at the
moment which asks did Vader bring balance to the Force by killing the Emperor or by
culling the Jedi. So far it's 65/35 in favour of topping Palpatine. May 11 COULD it be that we'll know who Anakin is in three days? TFN reports that some LA papers claim that Lucasfilm
will make the long-awaited announcement in the next few days, and hot favourite for the
part is Hayden Christensen. GOOD news for games fans. A whole new batch
of Episode I-based games is coming to a variety of video and computer platforms later this
year. The official site
reports that first up is Star Wars Episode I: Starfighter.It adds: "The thrilling
aerobatics of LucasArts' flight combat games comes to the world of Naboo. Take control of
a sleek Royal N-1 starfighter and defend your world against the evil forces of the Trade
Federation." The Playstation game is due out in the autumn. Also up is Obi-Wan, a 3D action title for the
PC that follows the young Jedi Knight through over a dozen challenging single-player
levels, and in the first quarter of 2001, racing fans will be able to play Super Bombad
Racing, "the Star Wars entry into the popular big-headed kart racing genre".
rning is d May 10 DARTH Vader is coming to Clacton! The man behind the mask
Dave Prowse will be appearing at the Clacton Sci-fi Convention on September 9. Dave is the
first of several guests to be announced for the event, which last year attracted more than
700 people. For details on Dave click here or for more details on our convention go here. TFN
has a report from teh Toronto Sun in which
Hayden Christensen's agent seems to all but confirm he's got the job of Anakin. Dani Delia
said: "He's Darth Vader. He will maybe be Darth Vader. "He's only been down there for a couple
of months meeting with studio heads, auditioning and screen-testing for Star Wars. It was
very quick. It's like literally, he went down there and two months later, he's a star.
Just boom, boom, boom," said Delio, who has advised Christensen to "stay
focused, to just worry about the work and everything else will fall into place and not to
be overwhelmed." Which is about as concrete a confirmation
you're likely to get at the moment. May 8 LOOKS like we can expect to see the new Anakin Skywalker
announced any time now. Just about every site has made its mind up that Hayden Christensen
is to land the role. Canadian Hayden is currently in US show Higher Ground and staff there
are said to have been out celebrating the decision. While he may be virtually unknown he looks
ideal for the part, youthful but strong. Of course this might just all be the Lucas rumour
mill working at full stretch but whatever the case we'll know who Anakin will be very soon
now! May 7 NICE to see it's not just mere mortals that like Star Wars,
BBC2 had a feature on the life of pop star Robbie Williams, and a large part of his London
flat is made up of Star Wars gear. On top of his giant TV is a TIE fighter and 12'' Luke
and Han in Stormtrooper costumes. And in one corner is a lifesize Stormtrooper who Robbie
said: "guards the place". May 6 EXCELLENT news if you've got a mobile phone, owners of the
Nokia 6190 can now buy the Star Wares theme for it!. Visit http://www.voicestream.com/ and go
to the customers only section on the site. You can then purchase two rings for $1.99! You
can choose from the main theme, Cantina theme, the Imperial march and the Indiana Jones
theme as well. And if you don't have a Nokia, TFN says you
may have to find someone who has a Nokia phone to try this because you have to actually
log on to the "customers only" section of the site. May 5 LOOKS like the question everyone has been asking for the
past six months may finally be answered. TFN
says Hayden Christensen has signed to be Anakin for Episodes II and III. The site sounds
convinced that this is true and that they have just to settle on a fee before it will be
confirmed. With only a month to go before shooting is set to begin, it looks like finally
we're about to get an official answer. Just in case he is the man here's some brief
details we've found. He was born on April 19 1981 in Toronto, Canada. Among his
acting roles are Trapped in a Purple Haze (TV, 2000), Higher Ground (TV, 2000) Freefall
(1999) (TV), No Greater Love (TV 1996), Harrison Bergeron (1995, TV), In the Mouth of
Madness (1995, John Carpenter film), Love and Betrayal: The Mia Farrow Story (1995, TV),
Street Law (1995, film), Macht der Liedenschaft (1994, TV). MORE new names coming out of the Anakin hat
today. Latest is from Variety which claims Hayden
Christensen is to be the man. He's not had any major roles, although he was the paper boy
in John Carpenter's In the Mouth of Madness in 1995, although BBC Teletext in England also
picked up on this report. AS well as that there's news on the Bail
Organa front. In Episode I Irish actor Adrian Dunbar was cast but now it's thought that
more well known faces could be in line. American Psycho star Christian Bale, Sean Patrick
Flannery and Ryan Phillipe (Cruel Intentions) are all possibles to play Leia's adopted
dad, says AICN. May 4 ANOTHER new game is to be released later this year, based on
Naboo. LucasArt has more details, while the
official site said: "In their darkest hour, the people of Naboo find hope in a band
of freedom fighters whose purpose is to rid their world of its Trade Federation invaders.
Through sabotage, espionage, guerrilla warfare--and some of the most awesome weapons and
craft in the Star Wars galaxy--storm through 16 enormous levels on land, sea and air. It's
high-action, high-intensity play the Star Wars way. For Naboo! For the Queen! For
Freedom!" Battle For Naboo will be out on the Nintendo in the autumn. BOUNTY hunter Aurra Sing is one of several
characters to be featured in new releases from Dark Horse Comics. The DHP
Annual 2000, called Girls Rule!, has a short story about her plus a few other Dark Horse
femme fatales. In Jedi Council - Acts of War 3, the tension
between the Jedi Council and the Yinchorri escalates to an all-out battle, as the Jedi
Council members must stare down the military might of an entire planet. And this week marks the release of the
Prelude to Rebellion trade paperback, collecting the very first story arc of the ongoing
Star Wars comic. For more details visit darkhorse.com.
THE Phantom Menace is to be released on DVD,
Lucasfilm has confirmed. Bowing to fan pressure Lucasfilm has officially started work on a
DVD version of the film. Teletext in the UK reported: "George
Lucas is bowing to fan pressure to release The Phantom Menace on DVD. DVD has far better
picture quality than VHS and the decision not to release the movie angered US and UK fans.
Over 100 sites lobbied Lucas and Wired says he has bowed to pressure."
"Absolutely," spokeswoman Jeannie Cole said, "Lucasfilm has officially
begun work on DVD. We're listening." Wired's article also has
Cole saying: "We're happy not just for us, but for the fans, because that's why we
did it," said Digital Bits editor-in-chief Bill Hunt. "I think it's good to know
that these companies are listening." Wired itself commented: "The statement
represents a serious change of heart on the part of Lucasfilm. They previously released a
statement on their official website, essentially shrugging off the campaign to get Star
Wars released on DVD. 'As much as we appreciate hearing from our fans, we cannot
release the DVD this year,' said Lynn Hale, of Lucasfilm, at that time. The response failed to placate those leading
the campaign." Excellent news, which follows earlier hints
from Lucas that this would happen in a radio interview. It looks likely that those
comments have prompted an official response, after the official site rejected pleas for a
DVD earlier this year. However it won't be ready for release this year or whether
any of the original trilogy will also get a DVD release as well. May 3 GOOD news for some UK fans who bought The Phantom Menace on
Amazon. TFN reports that due to a pricing
mix-up that led to the video being advertised for 12p. The company has said it would
honour purchases at the knockdown price on the basis of one copy per customer. It's
thought about 450 people have benefited, thanks largely to the news spreading like
wildfire on the net. The fault was down to a decimal point in the wrong place. ONE of the most bizarre rumours about who
will be Anakin has to be news that S Club 7 singer Paul Cattermole is in line for the
part. The teen band have been in LA shooting a new series recently and TFN reported that Paul stayed behind to audition for
the role. DISNEY is the place this weekend as Star Wars
touches down for several weeks of events. The Orlando attraction has Hugh Quarshie
(Captain Panaka) and Kenny Baker (R2) are there this weekend and there's also a
behind-the-scenes diary, Jedi training camp and exlcusive merchandise. Jake Lloyd and Jeremy Bulloch are among the guests to appear over the next few
weeks. May 1 LOOKS like Episode II could get a bigger
female following if Ewan McGregor's latest request comes true. According to IMDB, the Obi-Wan actor wants to get naked for the
new film. He said: "I'd love to do it. But only if I can get away with it."
McGregor first stripped after a less well-endowed body double was used for a scene. NATALIE Portman's new film, Where the Heart
Is, made the fourth place in the US charts with an estimated $8.3M. RAY Park's official site is warning of fake
merchandise on e-bay. In an e-mail it said: "Just a quick fraud alert for you guys.
If you use Ebay, please see the following alert on Ray's site regarding fake Ray Park
items. http://www.raypark.com/yeoman9999 TODAY'S classic moment
comes in the form of Sir Alec Guinness. When it comes to his make-up Stuart Freeborn,
Christensen, who wants to do most of his own stunts, will spend this month training for
the physically demanding role. He will head to Australia in early June to work with Star
Wars stunt coordinator Nick Gillard before filming in late June through December.
The actor, whose favorite film in the series is the original Star Wars, has not seen a
script. But his first thought about how to play the complex Jedi is to incorporate the
"innocence" that Jake Lloyd brought to the character in The Phantom Menace and
the "intensity" that Sebastian Shaw had as the dying Anakin in Return of the
Jedi.
May 14 A DRAMA starring Hugh Quarshie (Capt Panaka in The Phantom
Menace) has won a major award. The Murder of Stephen Lawrence picked up best drama at the
British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards ceremony. Hugh was praised on
stage by the film's makers for his part in the success.
Also, make sure you complain to Ebay if you have purchased one of these. Let us know as
well so we can add you to the list of people that have been ripped off by this
individual."
make-up and special creature designer, said: "We did very little make-up on him. He
had a nice tan and his own beard. He looked pretty good as he was. His is a good face to
work on, a marvelous face. In some actors the features seem to fight you. Sir Alec has a
face that comes together immediately."