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Articles by John Bishop
Choosing A School Production
Rights holders give their tips about new and classic musicals for schools. Music Theatre International Australasia www.mtishows.com.au Finding Nemo JR Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning song writing team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
A Sneak Peek at Andor
Disney+ Day reveals more of the upcoming Rogue One prequel series…. It wasn’t new to anyone who recently went to see Rogue One in IMAX (ahem), but it remains exciting. Disney+ Day featured plenty of Star Wars goodness, but the new look at Andor brings us ever closer to the premiere of the Rogue One prequel series. StarWars.com reported: Released in celebration of Disney+ Day, this thrilling extended preview of Andor is the biggest look yet at the highly-anticipated Original Series.
Indiana Jones: Apparently, Quentin Tarantino Prefers 'Crystal Skull' over 'Last Crusade'
The legendary director finds the third Indy installment “boring”… Okay, today I find myself in a rarified company. I like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. And, apparently, so does auteur filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. Recently, the director qualified his “Indiana Jones” film ranking as putting Crystal Skull over Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Did Quentin choose wisely?
Ewan McGregor Closes Out FAN EXPO Boston
Rapid fire fan questions drew the convention to a close after two days of Star Wars panels…. Boston, Mass. — Cons are fun, but boy, are they frenetic. And if you are Star Wars beat writer and you have several amazing actors to follow, well, let’s just say that it’s more than a little nerve rendering. In a good way. If you catch my meaning?
"Oh my!" C-3PO Actor Anthony Daniels in Boston
The legendary Star Wars ambassador entertained fans at FAN EXPO Boston…. Boston, Mass. — Supposedly, Threepio isn’t much of a storyteller. But his alter ego, Anthony Daniels, can certainly spin a yarn. The legendary Star Wars actor, the man behind the machine, kept the crowd gathered for his panel (entitled “I Am C-3PO: Meet Anthony Daniels“) in stitches as he meandered about the hall, telling tales of his time as a droid.
Percy Jackson: An Update from the Set
Rick Riordan is back in Vancouver and gave an update on the progress of the upcoming Disney+ series. Like clockwork, Rick Riordan will update when I am up to my ears in, well, life. That’s good news for Percy Jackson fans because I will be pretty busy as we head into fall! More good news, this time from the set of the show: Riordan says that filming has made good progress. In his latest blog post, Riordan wrote: But that wasn’t it. Rick had saved up a nice chunk of news to deliver.
Ming-Na Wen Hopes for a Second Season for The Book of Boba Fett
The actor behind the mask of Fennec Shand calls being in Star Wars a career highlight…. Boston, MA —The resume of Ming-Na Wen remains one of the most amazing of her generation of actors. But among her most prized achievements comes via the Star Wars galaxy. The multi-faceted entertainer, who has played a Disney princess and a Marvel S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, says that she takes her inclusion in The Saga as a career highlight. Thank the Maker. @MingNa believes in the Force. @FANEXPOBoston.
The Acolyte: Made for Amandla
Headland and Co. built the Disney+ show around Stenberg…. There’s no way I would have found this article otherwise, so I am thrilled that The Direct signal boosted The Face’s piece, “Amandla Stenberg: from child stardom to hot girl horror.” a. I like the writing on the site. b. I really like the article on Stenberg. In it, Amandla, the Bodies Bodies Bodies star, who rose to a Star Wars lead from The Hunger Games, talks about her already amazing life and career.
The Mandalorian Season 3 is "Off the Chain!"
Giancarlo Esposito, the man in Moff Gideon’s black cape, told fans in San Antonio, “You’ll be amazed!” The most underrated character in the Mandoverse may be Giancarlo Esposito’s alter ego, Moff Gideon. But the man behind the myth isn’t underrated. Especially when talking Star Wars. So, this past weekend at a Texas comic con, Esposito spoke briefly about the upcoming Season 3 of The Mandalorian, and fans of The Saga in San Antonio took notice.
Full D23 Expo Schedule Released
Of course, with boots on the ground in Anaheim, TheDisInsider.com will have D23 Expo covered on September 9 – 11. But for those of you planning your time on the couch (or at the con), the full schedule for this year’s “ultimate Disney fan event” is now available.
Toy Story Land: Pixar Pics in Andy's Backyard
Stroll around one of the most charming spots in Disney World… Toy Story Land. I don’t know if there is a “cuter” spot in all of Walt Disney World. As I peruse the pictures on my iPhone, I keep stumbling across photos from my most recent trip to Florida and fun shots from pre-pandemic. And so many of the ones that make me stop and give a second look are from Toy Story Land. Of course, it’s no shock that my kids love this corner of Hollywood Studios. It’s where several of their favorite rides reside.
Credit to Carrie: Dawson Says Fisher Steered Her to Star Wars
Rosario said her interactions with the legendary “Princess Leia” brought her to The Saga…. We all miss Carrie Fisher. Truly and deeply. But the legendary actor’s influence remains constant for some in the current Star Wars universe – especially live-action “Ahsoka Tano” actor Rosario Dawson. The Wrap’s Andi Ortiz, covering Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), reported on the Ahsoka-lead Dawson’s remarks re Fisher during last weekend’s con.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Photos from Batuu (East)
Check out some pics from my walks around Black Spire Outpost in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World…. The inclusion of “Star Wars Land” solidifies Disney’s Hollywood Studios as my favorite Disney property. To me, just walking around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is glorious. And as per usual, my near-daily walks through the streets of Batuu were a highlight of my recent vacation. Truth be told, and rides be damned, the theming of “Star Wars Land” just makes me happy.
'Andor' Showrunner Tony Gilroy Confirms Two Seasons for the Disney+ Series
Deadline and others reported the clarification earlier this week…. For those wondering how long this Star Wars prequel-to-a-prequel thing plays out, the official word is two seasons. According to Deadline’s Peter White, that’s what Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy told gathered reporters, virtually, when talking about the upcoming Disney+ series last week.
Star Wars: Gwendoline Christie Would Love to Return as Captain Phasma
Christie remains very open to donning the armor again…. Full disclosure: I very much enjoyed Star Wars: The Last Jedi. But like I do with each Star Wars film, I have a few nitpicks.
Percy Jackson Star Spotted In Vancouver
As production continues on the Disney+ show, Walker Scobell was seen traversing the Capilano Suspension Bridge… In case you’ve never been, Vancouver, British Columbia, and the surrounding area are gorgeous. I was able to do a bit of sightseeing when I covered the 2010 Winter Olympics and 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Vancouver remains a spot I’d love to take my family to someday. So, I highly recommend adding the city to your bucket list.
Andor Series Footage Retains Rogue One Feel
Could the Andor series be as groundbreaking as the first Star Wars standalone? I don’t like rating Star Wars movies. I can’t, no more than I can pick a favorite child. But recently, I will say that Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, um — what do my kids say (?) — “lives rent-free in my brain.” Mostly, that’s because of the upcoming Andor series on Disney+. From the moment I saw the first trailer for Rogue One, I knew that the perspective it provided would be unique. Jyn Erso had me at that hello.
'Ahsoka' Stars Talk Snips and Sabine
Rosario Dawson and Natasha Liu Bordizzo talked to EW about the upcoming Disney+ show, ‘Ahsoka’…. Fresh off the Marvel fest that was this past weekend’s San Diego Comic-Con, this morning — in an exclusive — Entertainment Weekly’s Devan Coggan posted an interview with Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano) and Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Sabine Wren). Moreover, the interview, which shed some light on the upcoming Ahsoka series on Disney+, also spoke to the friendly atmosphere of the Lucasfilm production.
Star Wars Costumes at San Diego Comic-Con 2022
Ensembles from the upcoming Disney+ series Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett, and The Mandalorian feature prominently at SDCC…. Star Wars returns to San Diego Comic-Con this week! And Lucasfilm revealed some beautiful costumes from the upcoming Andor series. Ensembles from Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett, and The Mandalorian also garnered attention at a full-strength SDCC.
Star Wars: Hunters Delayed Until 2023
The oft-promoted arena combat game will now hit small screens in 2023…. Apparently, if you are in Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan, this story doesn’t pertain to you. The “soft launch” of Star Wars: Hunters already occurred. However, the rest of the globe will have to wait until 2023. This morning, the official Twitter handle posted: The Backlash As you’d expect, some of the replies were pretty brutal. One reply to the tweet said, “Anyone who has wanted to play the game already has.
Star Wars Data Pad: Portman & Christensen on Podcasts
Natalie Portman on her Star Wars memories; Hayden Christensen on his new Star Wars memories…. Director Taika Waititi may not remember Natalie Portman appeared in Star Wars, but Queen Amidala’s alter ego certainly does.
Indiana Jones Journal: Ghosts & Aliens
Writers and would-be Indys weigh in on the franchise… While we wait for an actual trailer and any information about the return of “Indiana Jones” to the cineplex, the chatter about Dr. Jones continues to build. This week, two news items included admissions from a former Indy screenwriter and a would-be Indy. Aliens A Mistake?
The Acolyte: Will Loki's Kate Herron Direct?
A report says the MCU director will helm The Acolyte…. So much for a slow news day. Today we’re hearing news from a couple of well-sourced outlets about the upcoming Disney+ Star Wars series, The Acolyte. First, Bespin Bulletin posted an exclusive, reporting: The Acolyte is in pre-production and will film at the newly constructed, Shinfield Studios.
Harrison Ford Turns 80 Today
Mark Hamill and many others wished the Han Solo and Indiana Jones actor happy birthday… “It’s not the age, it’s the mileage.” Next to “It belongs in a museum,” it might be the most famous utterance of Dr. Henry Jones Jr. And the phrase seems completely apropos today as Harrison Ford turns 80. All across the galaxy, friends and fans celebrated the milestone with everyone’s favorite curmudgeon. Tweeting the Love for Harrison Foremost among the well-wishers was Luke Skywalker, himself: Mark Hamill.
'Icons Unearthed: Star Wars' Debuts Tonight, Tuesday, July 12 at 10 PM
The new independently produced Star Wars documentary will debut on Vice TV Tonight’s the night. With a lull in the Star Wars TV schedule on Disney+, The Nacelle Company will launch Icons Unearthed: Star Wars – documentary series exploring the development, production, and impact of Star Wars: Episodes I – VI. The boilerplate proclaims: Travel to a time not very far, far away, and witness the creation and filming of George Lucas’s two Star Wars trilogies.
The Book of Boba Fett & Star Wars: Visions Earn Emmy Noms
The Disney+ shows were nominated in five categories…. It’s a feel-good story on a feel-good summer day. On Tuesday, Lucasfilm announced that The Book of Boba Fett and Star Wars: Visions were nominated for Emmys in multiple categories. StarWars.com posted: A legendary bounty hunter reborn as a leader with a heart, and animated tales of the galaxy far, far away through the lens of some of anime’s greatest creators.
Darth Vader & Chewbacca Return as Star Wars Launch Bay Reopens
Star Wars character meet and greets restart at Disney’s Hollywood Studios It was heartbreaking. The last time I was at Walt Disney World — in April, earlier this year — I took exactly five photos and put away my phone. After years and years of celebrating the Star Wars cinematic galaxy in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I walked up to the familiar hangar-like structure and found – nothing. Well, next to nothing.
ICYMI: Disney Celebrated the 40th Anniversary of TRON with new Lightcycle / Run Photo from Magic Kingdom
In case you missed it, last weekend was the 40th anniversary of the Walt Disney Pictures classic TRON. TRON, which premiered on July 9, 1982, told a fascinating, unique story. The official plot-explanation reads: When a brilliant video game maker named Flynn hacks the mainframe of his ex-employer, he is beamed inside an astonishing digital world and becomes part of the very game he is designing.
Helping You Say, "Hello there...."
New emojis, stickers, and filters celebrate Obi-Wan Kenobi Of course, it’s the gif that keeps on giving. The Obi-Wan Kenobi meme, “Hello there…” is living large in the wake of the limited series, and allowing everyone who enjoyed seeing more of our mentor to continue celebrating “The Negotiator.” Moreover, two of my favorites are (as I acknowledge that many, many handles posted these): And… But I digress.
Star Wars Data Pad: Looking Ahead to 'Andor'
Attention shifts to the next Disney+ Star Wars production…. It’s incredible that we “only” need to wait until August 31 to see the next chapter in the Star Wars saga – Andor. Moreover, given the positive reaction to the show’s teaser trailer, and the relative success of the Obi-Wan Kenobi mini-series, hype for Andor continues to build exponentially. A Prequel to a Prequel For those of you who have been hiding under an asteroid, Andor is a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Insiders Say Taika Waititi's Star Wars to Begin Filming in 2023
THR’s Aaron Couch and Borys Kit cite multiple sources reporting Waititi’s Star Wars film to begin shooting next year…. Thanks to Thor: Love and Thunder, the words “Taika Waititi” are on the lips and monitors of nearly every film scribe. But now, two trusted names from The Hollywood Reporter — Aaron Couch and Borys Kit — indicate that Waititi might have been overselling the slow pace of production on his Star Wars film.
Star Wars Peeps, Waititi is Tooling with You
Don’t worry about Taika’s take on a galaxy far, far away…. In itself, it’s a controversial moment in the already divisive Star Wars: The Last Jedi. In the scene, we see General Hux (Hugs?) getting very frustrated with Resistance pilot Poe Dameron whose static-said word hurdles keep tripping up the overstuffed First Order general.
Gilroy Says 'Andor' Story Spans Five Years
The showrunner says ‘Rogue One’ prequel series’ scale is huge…. Many of us are sitting back on a holiday weekend and looking at the calendar’s coming “dog days” of summer. And, as we ponder two months of yard work (perhaps punctuated by a trip to Batuu?), we wish for some sweet relief via new on-screen Star Wars. Like now. Like right now. Unfortunately, the new Star Wars Andor series premiere on Disney+ isn’t until August 31.
Looking Back: American Graffiti
50 years ago, George Lucas began filming in Northern California Some things just fly over folks’ heads. Or, maybe, they drive right by? For example: Those Vespa-like speeders in The Book of Boba Fett are not Star Wars at all! What the heck was that drag race in an Indiana Jones movie for? Well, I’ll tell you. Lucasfilm retains a soft spot for hot rods. Happy Anniversary American Graffiti This past week, George Lucas’ American Graffiti celebrated the 50th anniversary of the film’s start of production.
Star Wars Data Pad: Looking Back at 'Obi-Wan Kenobi'
This week’s videos do a deep dive into the making of the series…. Looking back at this week in Star Wars, we have several videos to view. And behind-the-scenes looks at Obi-Wan Kenobi were high on the watchlist. Droid Building First up, how did “that” droid end up in the series? The idea of one fan will be Hasbro’s boon. Looking Back Next, we get our first real look at how the series came together from behind the scenes.
Curtain Cal? Kestis to Appear on Disney+
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order star Cameron Monaghan to join streaming Star Wars? I like this one, padawans. Seriously. Star Wars rumors come and go (and mostly go phffft). But sometimes you find one you just gotta root for, truth-wise. So, “Rah, flippin’ rah!” Firstly, we all know Cal Kestis will return, for sure, in the upcoming Star Wars Jedi: Survivor video game; a sequel to the amazing Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
Rick Riordan Introduces New Cast for Disney+ Percy Jackson Series
Lightning Thief author and executive producer Rick Riordan announced three new cast members… First, for whatever reason, Rick Riordan likes to post news updates when I am driving my kids to or from school. Secondly, here’s me saying “Thank you” to Rick and his crew for being so transparent in their communications methodology. Today, we got some great new news. Three actors are joining the cast.
Raiders of the Lost Park (Merch)
Indiana Jones gear to return to Disney Parks… Last time into Walt Disney World, I stopped by the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost, only to be locked out – literally. It was closed up tight. Peering in, you could stacks of boxes, but not much else. Now, we might know why.
Luke & Lando Return in 'Shadow of the Sith'
Is this the book we’ve been looking for? First, I’ll admit it. Sometimes, Star Wars books can miss the exhaust port. Extended Universe/Legends (more often) or Canon (less often), sometimes tomes from a galaxy far, far away can be a slog.
Another Season of Obi-Wan Kenobi?
Chow says there are stories to tell. Christensen and McGreggor are up for the task…. Okay, okay. There are plenty of stories about the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, with homo-erotic Anakin and Obi-Wan art and “Space Jesus” recently making the rounds, but as I skate my lane, I saw one piece of reporting that made this geek’s heart go pitter pat. Deborah Chow, Hayden Christensen, and Ewan McGregor don’t necessarily hate the idea of Obi-Wan Kenobi 2. Many fans would sign on, too.
When Indiana Jones Met Antonio Banderas
Two legendary actors meet up on the Indy V set, but only one is especially starstruck to encounter the other’s alter ego… Plenty of time has passed since we learned that Antonio Banderas would find some time in the upcoming fifth film installment of Indiana Jones. However, that doesn’t mean that Banderas didn’t find some surprises on the Indiana Jones V set.
Idina Menzel & Auli'i Cravalho Highlight Harmonious Live Stream from EPCOT on June 21
Frozen and Moanna stars will “celebrate the transcendent power of music” on Disney+ Can’t get to Disney World? Need a fix? Disney+ gotchu. Idina Menzel will host a special Livestream of Harmonious from EPCOT on June 21 available on Disney+. The event will feature Menzel, who achieved worldwide acclaim for her voice acting and musical work in Frozen, and Moana’s beloved voice actor, Auli’i Cravalho. Harmonious: Weaving Music and Stories Together Disney Parks Blog’s Cayla Ward explained.
Percy Jackson: Seven Days Into Filming of the Disney+ Series
Rick Riordan described the work happening right now on Disney’s upcoming Percy Jackson show While there’s plenty yet to learn about Disney’s upcoming Percy Jackson series, the executive producer and original author Rick Riordan posted what he could about the first two weeks of filming on the Disney+ show. Of course, this early in the production, nothing in the way of scoops snuck through in Riordan’s latest post. However, the writer did an excellent job describing the mood and activity on set.
Oh Boy! Disney Minnie Van Service Returns
The polka dotted red and black vans, taken out of service during the pandemic, return to the road on June 29 Game. Changer. For this Disney Dad, access to an on-demand Walt Disney World transportation solution is simply a game changer. So, I am thrilled to double down on the news that Disney Minnie Van Service returns to Disney World on June 29. Minnie Van: The Best Ride in Disney World?
Reports on Demise of Galactic Starcruiser Greatly Exaggerated
Wall Street analyst points out that the “Star Wars Hotel” is booked solid for months. “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated,” is a quote attributed to Samuel Clemens. However, he actually wrote, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” No matter. The point is that good ol’ Mark Twain told the world, “You got this wrong. Really wrong.” Galactic Clickbait And I don’t need to tell you that clickbait is often just that. Wrong. Really wrong.
Waititi Time: Star Wars Looks Forward to Taika
While promoting Lightyear, Waititi talked about his film set in a galaxy far, far away…. Well, whadya know? Star Wars MOVIE news. Not a lot of it, but enough to make you stop and think: What exactly will a Taika Waititi-penned Star Wars film look like?
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part IV Connections to Episode IV and More....
Easter eggs abound as the Disney+ series passes its halfway point Spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+, ahead. The fan-wide reaction to the show remains far from unanimous, but this viewer (who received his first Obi-Wan action figure after shopping at Zayre’s in 1978), sees plenty of parallels and needed patches in the plot of Obi-Wan Kenobi and the overall canon via the Disney+ series. Thus far, this viewer also counts Obi-Wan Kenobi among some of the best moments in The Saga.
A Deeper Dive into Star Wars?
VICE TV’s Icons Unleashed will explore the origins of The Saga If the Disney Gallery series (documentary-style shows that explore the making of Star Wars on Disney+) prove anything, it’s that Lucasfilm fans have an insatiable appetite for “The Saga.” So, when I heard that something called VICE TV is dropping a doc entitled Icons Unearthed: Star Wars, I was not surprised.
Ford, Mangold, Kennedy & Marshall Surprised Fans
Indiana Jones & Co. dropped by Star Wars Celebration 2022 Entertainment Weekly framed the moment well. Writers Dalton Ross and Devan Coggan explained that legendary composer and conductor John Williams followed up his new theme to “Obi-Wan Kenobi” with “The Raider March” from Raiders of the Lost Ark: As if that did not excite the crowd enough, they were about to be whipped (as it were) into an absolute frenzy when who should walk out on stage but Han Solo / Indiana Jones himself, Harrison Ford.
Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen & Deborah Chow Talk Returning to Star Wars
The stars and director of the new Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series spoke about their latest foray into a galaxy far, far away…. Some of us can remember when, after the Prequel Trilogy came out, it felt as if the Star Wars Saga — at least what we saw in live action — was over. Moreover, given much of the reaction to Star Wars Episodes I, II, and III, one wondered if any principal actors would ever return to Star Wars. Who could blame them if they didn’t? But then there was an inkling.
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