Father. Son. Galaxy. A Star Wars Podcast

In the latest episode of Agatha All Along, titled "Death’s Hand in Mine," writers Gia King and Cameron Squires, along with director Jac Schaeffer, explore Lilia’s struggle with memory loss and her confrontation with mortality. Set in a spooky castle, the episode highlights themes of fear, connection, and personal growth.

Agatha, dressed as the Wicked Witch, conducts a Tarot card reading that reveals Lilia's concerns and desires. With Billy as Maleficent, the characters bring a whimsical yet serious tone to the narrative.

Lilia is portrayed as the Queen of Cups, showing empathy while facing her fears. The tension builds as she confronts the Salem Seven, leading to a powerful moment of acceptance.

The episode wraps up with "Time In A Bottle" by Jim Croce, highlighting Lilia’s newfound peace. Fans can look forward to the finale with episodes 8 and 9 streaming on Disney+ on October 30th.

Marvel News: In other news, Disney has removed the Blade reboot from its release schedule and is shifting focus to three untitled projects set for 2028. Paul Bettany is set to return as Vision in a new series expected in 2026, and Tom Holland's Spider-Man 4 is scheduled for a July 24, 2026 release.

In this thrilling episode directed by Rachel Goldberg and written by Laura Monti, we delve into Agatha Harkness's tumultuous past as she faces the return of the Salem Seven—witches she once killed. These formidable spirits, capable of transforming into animals, come back to haunt her, drawing a connection to Agatha's dark history in Salem during the 1600s.

As the coven grapples with their predicament, a humorous yet poignant commentary arises about the traditional use of brooms, highlighted by Lilia’s critique of their symbolism in modern culture. The witches take flight in a visually stunning homage to classic films like E.T., despite a modest budget.

Inside a horror-themed cabin, the tension escalates with a Ouija board that sets strict rules for communication with spirits. As the clock ticks, Agatha encounters the wrath of her mother, Evanora Harkness, who possesses her, revealing a deep-rooted animosity. This confrontation leads to Alice, a protective witch, attempting to help Agatha, but ultimately, the powers shift dangerously in Agatha’s favor.

The episode escalates as the teen confronts Agatha, exposing her manipulative tendencies and the deadly pursuit of power. In a shocking twist, the teen, revealed to be connected to Wanda Maximoff, uses newfound powers against Agatha, resulting in a dramatic confrontation.

The episode concludes with Billie Eilish's "You Should See Me In A Crown," leaving viewers eager for more revelations in this intricate tale of witchcraft and legacy.

Bonus Info: William Maximoff, known as Billy Kaplan, emerges as a significant character. He’s a Wiccan superhero from the Young Avengers, the reincarnate of Wanda and Vision’s son, with a twin brother, Tommy, also known as Speed. This adds a compelling layer to the narrative as the connections between family and power unfold.

In the summer of 1982, eight groundbreaking films were released within eight weeks, forever changing the landscape of cinema. Join Kerwin of Father.Son.Galaxy as he talks with author Chris Nashawaty about his latest book, The Future Was Now: Madmen, Mavericks, and the Epic Sci-Fi Summer of 1982. Discover how these films, from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to Blade Runner, captivated audiences and launched careers. Hear firsthand stories from the era and learn why these classics continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences today.

We discuss the future of Star Wars with our guest Kyra Navarrete, from the popular podcast Relatable Nerds. In this episode, the topics are; the recent cancellation of The Acolyte; the upcoming release of Skeleton Crew; and the uncertain path ahead for the beloved franchise.

Kyra shares her highlights from FAN EXPO Chicago. We then speak about our own visions for the future of Star Wars, discussing potential shows and films we'd like to see.

We also pay tribute to the legendary James Earl Jones, the iconic voice of Darth Vader, who sadly passed away in September. We reflect on his incredible contributions to the Star Wars universe and share his memorable words from the documentary Empire of Dreams.

Why was The Acolyte canceled after just one season? Despite a strong start with 4.8 million views on Disney+ during its premiere, the series struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately dropping out of the Top 10 rankings. Critics gave it a decent 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, but fans were divided, with some blaming weak writing and underdeveloped characters. Others suspect that external pressures, including budget concerns and backlash from certain fan groups, played a role. Lucasfilm's decision to not proceed with a second season leaves us wondering what’s next for the Star Wars universe.

We've been away for the past few months, but we are back, and thrilled to reconnect with you, our audience! 

In this latest episode, we discuss the highly anticipated series Skeleton Crew, set to debut on Disney+ on December 3. This thrilling show follows four kids who make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, only to find themselves lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Jude Law stars as Jod Na Nawood and describes the show as "joyful." Created by Jon Watts and Christopher Ford, this series promises to be a must-watch.

We also explore Young Jedi Adventures, with Season 2 set to debut on August 14 on Disney+ and Disney Jr. Additionally, we share insights from our recent roundtable interview with the talented Dee Bradley Baker, giving fans a deeper look into the series.

The Marvel Comics universe is buzzing with excitement as a new era of Star Wars comics kicks off in September with Star Wars #50 and Darth Vader #50, marking the beginning of the final battle of the galactic civil war.

We bring you highlights of some major upcoming projects revealed at SDCC 2024, including Deadpool and Wolverine, Captain America: Brave New World, The Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: The First Steps. We're also excited to share that Joe Russo and Anthony Russo will be directing the next two Avengers films, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, with Robert Downey Jr. set to return!

As we look forward to the D23 Expo from August 9-11, we will preview what is sure to be an action-packed weekend. The Disney Entertainment Showcase on Friday night at 10 pm EST will feature the Skeleton Crew trailer, new animated series, Doctor Aphra, Wakanda Animated series, and Ironheart. Saturday will focus on the Disney Experience Showcase for theme parks and the Disney Animation Presentation, while Sunday wraps up with the Disney Legends Ceremony.

We are introduced to Koril and a powerful coven of witches led by Mother Aniseya, portrayed by Jodie Turner-Smith. The witches believe in the Thread, a mystical force that connects all living things and guides their destinies. Due to widespread fear and misunderstanding of their powers, the coven has faced severe persecution and has been forced into hiding.

The story centers on two young witches, Osha and Mae, as they approach the pivotal Ascension ceremony, which marks their commitment to the coven's legacy. Osha, however, harbors dreams of becoming a Jedi, diverging from her witch heritage, while Mae is devoted to their traditional path.

The ceremony is dramatically interrupted by the arrival of Jedi, enforcing a Republic law against witches training children. This sparks a conflict that tests the twins' loyalties and beliefs, with Mother Aniseya offering guidance to navigate this delicate situation.

The episode masterfully builds tension, culminating in a dramatic and fiery climax that leaves the future of both Osha and Mae uncertain. The aftermath sets Osha on a new path, training as a Jedi padawan on Coruscant, while raising questions about the fate of her sister Mae and the challenges that lie ahead.

In the pilot episode of "The Acolyte," written and directed by Leslye Headland, the series kicks off with a tantalizing mystery hinted at by the ominous line from the trailer, “Someone is killing Jedi.” However, it quickly becomes apparent that this isn’t a traditional whodunit. Instead, the central enigma revolves around the identity and motives of a Sith assassin.

The episode sets a dark tone with its opening scene on the planet Ueda, featuring a dramatic bar fight where the Jedi Master Indara (played by Carrie-Anne Moss) is unexpectedly and swiftly killed by an assassin, raising questions about the killer's identity and motives.

We are introduced to the main character, Osha Aniseya (Amandla Stenberg), a former Jedi turned mechanic. Osha's life is abruptly upended when she is accused of Master Indara's murder by her old friend, Jedi Knight Yord (Charlie Barnett), and his Padawan. Despite a witness identifying her as the murderer, Osha's involvement remains dubious.

During a transport back to face justice, convicts on the ship stage an escape, leaving Osha stranded as the ship crash-lands on the planet Carlacc. Here, Osha experiences a dream in which her presumed dead twin sister, Mae, confesses to the murder. This revelation propels the narrative forward, suggesting that Mae is alive and entangled in a deeper conspiracy.

The plot thickens as we meet new characters such as Master Sol (Lee Jung-Jae), Osha's former mentor, and Jecki (Dafne Keen), a Padawan. Sol and Yord eventually find Osha on Carlacc, but a climactic chase leads her to a precarious position reminiscent of "The Fugitive."

Mae emerges as a central figure, seemingly allied with a con-artist named Qimir (Manny Jacinto). She seeks a weapon to carry out her mission to eliminate four Jedi, a plan that includes infiltrating a local Jedi Temple on the planet Olega twice. Her interactions with Master Torbin lead to his cryptic last words and subsequent suicide by poison.

The narrative is interspersed with nods to classic "Star Wars" lines and themes, notably the iconic “I have a bad feeling about this.” As the Jedi devise a plan to trap Mae, the writing wavers with some inconsistencies and clichéd lines.

Mae's mission remains shrouded in mystery, particularly her motivations and the significance of an event called Brendok from sixteen years ago. Despite believing her sister dead, Osha seems to have an uncanny insight into Mae's intentions, raising suspicions about their possible collusion.

The episode concludes with Osha allowing Mae to escape during a confrontation, suggesting a complex relationship between the sisters. The next episode teases further intrigue as the story moves to the forest retreat of Kelnacca, a Wookiee Jedi and Mae's next target. The narrative leaves viewers questioning alliances and the true nature of the characters' intentions.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace’s release and we are honored to have a big fan of this movie as our guest. Silver Ciprian, who you know better as Star Wars Thrifting, saw the Phantom Menace when she was 10 years old and is now an avid collector of Star Wars memorabilia. She finds collectibles at flea markets, antique malls, and thrift stores. As Silver puts it so well, “There is nothing like the ‘Thrill of the Hunt’ and you never know what gem you come across that day. I hope to inspire others by sharing what brings me joy.”

Reflecting on "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" twenty-five years after its release, it's clear the film has made significant contributions to the Star Wars saga. From introducing controversial concepts to unforgettable characters and groundbreaking sequences, let's rank the top five contributions from the film, from number five to number one.

5. Midi-Chlorians

Midi-chlorians, introduced as microscopic life forms residing in all living cells, form a symbiotic relationship with their hosts, providing a biological explanation for the Force. Qui-Gon Jinn explains to a young Anakin Skywalker that without these midi-chlorians, life and the Force as known in the Star Wars universe could not exist. Anakin’s exceptionally high midi-chlorian count signified his extraordinary potential, though this concept faced backlash and was largely sidelined for years. It has recently been reintroduced in the animated series "The Bad Batch," suggesting a revival of interest in the term.

4. The Podrace

The Boonta Eve Classic podrace, inspired by the chariot race in "Ben-Hur," was a visual and auditory marvel that George Lucas waited years to bring to life. This sequence pushed the boundaries of special effects technology of its time, featuring advanced speeder bike designs and groundbreaking sound effects. Notably, the race is mostly devoid of music, emphasizing the raw, visceral experience of the event. This scene remains a standout for its thrilling pace and innovative execution.

3. Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi

Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi stands as one of the most beloved elements of the prequel trilogy. Despite mixed reactions to the trilogy, McGregor’s performance was widely praised, and his enthusiasm for the role never waned. After "Revenge of the Sith," it seemed his time as Obi-Wan had ended, but the rise of social media rekindled fan interest, ultimately leading to McGregor's return in the upcoming "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series. His casting remains a defining legacy of "The Phantom Menace."

2. Darth Maul

Darth Maul, with his striking appearance and formidable combat skills, quickly became a fan-favorite villain. Though seemingly killed off in "The Phantom Menace," his character was resurrected in "The Clone Wars" and "Rebels," allowing for deeper exploration and development. Maul's survival and continued storyline, including significant arcs in "The Clone Wars" and the "Son of Dathomir" comic series, underscore his lasting impact on the Star Wars narrative.

1. Duel of the Fates

The climactic lightsaber battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Darth Maul, known as the Duel of the Fates, is one of the most iconic scenes in Star Wars history. Accompanied by John Williams' epic score, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and London Voices, this sequence combines intense choreography with powerful music, enhancing its emotional and dramatic impact. The track "Duel of the Fates" became an instant classic, even debuting on MTV’s Total Request Live, and continues to be a touchstone of the franchise’s musical legacy.

"The Phantom Menace" might have divided opinions upon its release, but its contributions have undeniably shaped the Star Wars universe in enduring ways. From introducing new lore and characters to pushing the boundaries of film technology and music, its legacy remains influential and celebrated by fans old and new.