Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive

Tom Spina takes us behind the scenes of the "Star Wars in Motion" exhibit at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles!

Usually, our conversations with Tom revolve around monsters, creatures, and whether they wear pants. This time, we're exploring how Tom Spina Designs created the hyper-real, life-sized figures that bring some of our favorite Star Wars characters to life inside the museum.

After our initial visit, we had plenty of questions. How were those remarkably lifelike faces sculpted? What goes into the approval process? And how do you create a figure to display an iconic movie costume? We explore the work behind characters including farmboy Luke, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, Darth Maul, Zam Wesell, and Anakin Skywalker at different stages of his life.

Plus, there's a new addition to look for on your next visit: young Anakin is now seated in the Naboo starfighter in the library building, making him the museum's third Anakin mannequin!

Which character blew you away the most? Let us know in the comments!

Skywalking Through Neverland is an official Laughing Place Partner Podcast - check out laughingplace.com for Disney news and opinions.

Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

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Never Land on Alderaan!

Want to visit Tatooine with us? Galaxy Tours founder Davin Anderson joins Richard and Sarah to reveal the itinerary for Skywalking Through Tunisia, March 1–6, 2027.

We'll explore 12 Star Wars filming locations and three Raiders of the Lost Ark sites together. Davin shares why he started Galaxy Tours, what makes this group trip special, and what to expect from the accommodations and filming locations. We also cover practical questions about packing and taking photos. Richard and Sarah will co-host the journey, bringing trivia, fun facts, and games along the way.

The tour is emotional and incredible. We will watch A New Hope at the Lars Homestead; ride ATV's and pretend you're on a landspeeder or a podracer in the location where Lucasfilm shot A New Hope and The Phantom Menace; come upon Luke's iconic domed homestead at sunset. The tour is all-inclusive of food, accommodations, and tour guides, and is $3,995 per person. Skywalkers can save 10% when they book by October 4, just type in the code "skywalking" at check-out.

It's also Skywalking Through Neverland's 13th anniversary! Celebrate with us as we get ready to kick off the 50th anniversary of Star Wars on the real-world Tatooine.

Tour dates: March 1–6, 2027 Skywalker discount deadline: October 4 Tour details and booking: https://galaxytours.com/product/star-wars-tour-tunisia-6-day-twin-suns-group-tour-2027-davin-anderson-skywalking-podcast-network/

Skywalking Through Neverland is an official Laughing Place Partner Podcast - check out laughingplace.com for Disney news and opinions.

Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
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• Send emails to [email protected] and follow us on Facebook.

Never Land on Alderaan!

This episode features three more incredible interviews recorded at Rebel Scum Con III - Star Wars artist Danny Haas, stunt performer Matt Leonard (Zeb Orellios, The Mandalorian and Grogu) and actor Charlie Bushnell (Riley Lawson, Maul: Shadow Lord / Luke, Percy Jackson and the Olympians)!

🎨 Licensed Disney and Lucasfilm artist Danny Haas shares some great insight into how an artist becomes officially licensed by Disney and Lucasfilm. He also takes us inside his creative process. We adore Danny's Star Wars art, so he explains how Ahsoka became one of his signature subjects and why Luke Skywalker remains his favorite character. Growing up near Walt Disney World also played a major role in Danny's artistic journey.

💥 Matt Leonard takes us behind the scenes of physically portraying Zeb Orrelios in The Mandalorian Season 3—even though he didn't initially know he was playing Zeb! He recalls working with Jon Favreau, performing a huge stunt with Lateef Crowder for The Mandalorian & Grogu and stepping inside an AT-AT set. Matt also shares what it was like watching Antony Starr transform into Homelander on The Boys.

🎙️ Charlie Bushnell discusses voicing Riley Lawson in Maul: Shadow Lord, his lifelong love of The Clone Wars and the Ahsoka inspiration behind his performance. He also teases an expanded storyline for Luke Castellan and Annabeth in Season 3 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians (coming to Disney+ on November 20th).

Which interview surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!

Skywalking Through Neverland is an official Laughing Place Partner Podcast - check out laughingplace.com for Disney news and opinions.

Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland
• Send emails to [email protected] and follow us on Facebook.

Never Land on Alderaan!

Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics is back! This week, we're breaking down issue #61, "Screams in the Void," released on April 13, 1982.

Lauded as one of the premiere issues of this Marvel Comics series, "Screams in the Void" is a fan favorite. We got dozens of comments when we posted the cover out on social media for your opinions.

Richard shares his childhood memories of this pivotal issue, while Sarah experiences its twists and revelations for the first time. Along the way, we compare its artwork and ideas to The Force Awakens, Return of the Jedi, Ralph McQuarrie's concept art, and even Star Trek's The Trouble with Tribbles.

This fast-moving issue leaves us with one enormous cliffhanger: did Luke Skywalker actually kill Shira Brie??

About Issue 61: Screams in the Void

The Empire has captured a Teezl, a living communicator capable of transmitting information across the galaxy in the blink of an eye. Luke, Shira Brie, and a team of Rebel pilots infiltrate the Imperial armada in modified TIE fighters, but when the Teezl blocks their communications, Luke uses the Force to identify an enemy—and unknowingly shoots down Shira Brie!

• Release date: April 13th, 1982
• Written by: David Michelinie & Walt Simonson
• Artwork by: Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer, Glynis Wein
• Coloring by: Don Warfield
• Cover Art: Walt Simonson

About Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics

For those new to our CMSWC sub-series, we are working our way through the original Star Wars comic run published by Marvel from 1977 to 1986. Along the way, we share childhood memories, first-time reactions, artistic observations, and connections to later Star Wars films, series, novels, comics, video games, and even theme parks. Think of it as a Star Wars history lesson, celebrating what we love.

We take our Facebook Group Comments on the cover into account as we analyze this issue. Become a part of our Facebook Group to contribute!

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After 16 years, three cities, and a reported $1 billion, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is finally opening in Los Angeles! During Member Previews, we got to experience so many amazing things - including Episode 1 of Star Wars: Detours!! This series was nearly complete when Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012 and shelved it. After 14 years you can finally watch the first six episodes in one of the museum's two screening rooms.

Richard and I share several more highlights, including:✨ Exploring the museum's breathtaking architecture and library ✨ Taking in the Star Wars Cinema gallery ✨ Standing in the presence of a nearly full-size N-1 starfighter ✨ Discovering original comic artwork and artists' sketches ✨ Finding some unexpected statues on the museum's grounds

The museum officially opens to the public on September 22, so we offer important tips including ticket, dining, parking, reservation, and digital-guide facts to help plan your own visit. Remember: The Lucas Museum is not a "Star Wars museum." The goal is to celebrate narrative art in all its forms, including paintings, comics, illustrations, murals, photography, cinema artifacts, documentaries, and short films. Taking in all 30 galleries will take several more visits. In fact, we've booked another visit on September 30th. Will we see you there??

Skywalking Through Neverland is an official Laughing Place Partner Podcast - check out laughingplace.com for Disney news and opinions.

Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
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• Send emails to [email protected] and follow us on Facebook.

Never Land on Alderaan!

We're heading back to Rebel Scum Con III for behind-the-scenes stories from The Mandalorian and Grogu with creature and stunt performers Misty Rosas, Richard Cetrone, and Donald Mills!

Misty Rosas reveals how she served as the on-set reference performer for Hugo Durant—and surprises us with the news that she also helped bring Gatori to life. She explains how her physical performance helped establish the characters' movements and eyelines before ILM completed the CG animation. Misty also drops an exciting tease about Hugo's food truck possibly coming to Galaxy's Edge!

Next, Richard Cetrone takes us inside his performance as Rotta the Hutt. More than Rotta's stunt performer, Richard embodied the breakout character in all of his scenes. Then Donald Mills shares what it was like stepping into the role of legendary bounty hunter Embo and becoming part of Lucasfilm's close-knit family of performers.

As a bonus, Kevin Bradford introduces us to Galaxy Tours, which takes Star Wars fans to the real Tunisian filming locations from A New Hope, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. We're already in the early planning stages of our own Tatooine adventure—and you may be able to join us!

All interviews were recorded at Rebel Scum Con III.

Skywalking Through Neverland is an official Laughing Place Partner Podcast - check out laughingplace.com for Disney news and opinions.

Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
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• Send emails to [email protected] and follow us on Facebook.

Never Land on Alderaan!

Our D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event roundtable continues! In part two, we explore the biggest announcements from Horizons: Disney Parks and Experiences presentation, celebrate the newest Disney Legends, and show off some of our favorite merchandise from the convention.

We're joined by a fantastic group of friends: Joey Pittman of the Disney Universe Podcast joins us, along with longtime Skywalkers Courtney and Kelly Turckel. We also welcome Amanda, Kevin, and Kim from Where in the Park seek-and-find game and podcast.

Our friends from Where in the Park kick off a spirited discussion of Horizons: D23 Disney Experiences Showcase, featuring exciting updates from the Disney Parks. We dig into the Villains Land and Tropical Americas expansions coming to Walt Disney World, the long-awaited return of Dreamfinder and Figment to EPCOT, and the promise of a much-needed Tomorrowland overhaul!

We also share our reactions to the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony where the newest honorees have made a lasting impact on Disney history. From Anne Hathaway and Lin-Manuel Miranda to Harrison Ford's surprise appearance honoring Bob Iger, there was no shortage of memorable moments.

Finally, it's time for a little show-and-tell as we all reveal our favorite D23 merchandise and impulse buys.

What was your favorite D23 moment and merchandise? Let us know in the comments.

Skywalking Through Neverland is an official Laughing Place Partner Podcast - check out laughingplace.com for Disney news and opinions.

Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
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• Send emails to [email protected] and follow us on Facebook.

Never Land on Alderaan!

We've now completed our convention-season trifecta with D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, so it's time to share our experiences with you. There were so many exciting moments that we had to split our D23 coverage into two episodes.

Held at the Anaheim Convention Center, this three-day celebration is the epicenter of Disney fandom, and features three huge presentations at the 14,000-seat Honda Center. In this episode, we will cover Friday's Disney Entertainment Showcase, spotlighting upcoming films and television projects from Disney, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Marvel; as well as our favorite personal moments of the convention - was there a life-changing moment that happened on the Spotlight Stage with Ashley Eckstein and Susan Egan?? Listen and find out!!

We're joined by a fantastic group of friends for this roundtable discussion: Joey Pittman of the Disney Universe Podcast and longtime Skywalkers Courtney and Kelly Turckel. We also welcome Amanda, Kevin, and Kim from Where in the Park seek-and-find game and podcast for their Skywalking Through Neverland debut!

Next episode, our D23 coverage continues with reactions to the Disney Experiences Showcase, the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, and—of course—all that merchandise! And don't worry - we haven't forgotten about Rebel Scum Con - we will still share all of our interviews with Star Wars celebrities within the next month of podcast episodes.

What was your favorite moment or announcement from D23? Let us know in the comments!

Skywalking Through Neverland is an official Laughing Place Partner Podcast - check out laughingplace.com for Disney news and opinions.

Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland
• Send emails to [email protected] and follow us on Facebook.

Never Land on Alderaan!

Before D23: The Ultimate Fan Experience hits, we wanted to share our experiences at Rebel Scum Con 2026 in Frisco, TX! James Gildersleeve (Skywalking Force) joins us as we go through each day of the convention. The panels we attended, the swag we bought, and the people we met - such a wonderful 3rd year of this little Star Wars convention that could.

We also go over the PACKED Force Feud Game Show that Richard and Sarah hosted with content creators. We can't wait to do it all again next year.

Some topics discussed:

• Denise Gough (Dedra Meero) panel
• Bryce Dallas Howard panel
• Sequel Trilogy Appreciation Panel hosted by The Force of Others Podcast
• Meeting Ewok Adventure actress Aubree Miller (Cindel Towani) for the first time
• Star Wars magnets and stickers
• Boonta Eve Texas hosted by the Virtual Cantina Network
• Autographs: Bonnie Piesse, Dennis Haysbert, Aubree Miller

Join us live on YouTube every Monday at 6pm PT and share your thoughts, stories, and adventures.

This week we're bringing you the first round of actor interviews we recorded at Rebel Scum Con 2026: The Mandalorian and Grogu stars Lateef Crowder (Din Djarin stunt performer), Matt Willig (Hogsbreth), and Jonny Coyne (Lord Janu)!

Lateef Crowder takes us beneath the beskar to the Mandalorian's action scenes. He reveals that he sweated through two suits a day while filming The Mandalorian and Grogu, takes us inside the film's incredible ice-base battle, and recalls fighting Giancarlo Esposito during the unforgettable Darksaber duel in The Mandalorian S2. "Giancarlo does not play!"

Next, Jonny Coyne reveals how his own name inspired the Imperial warlord Janu Coin. He recalls running up the Razor Crest ramp, filming with old-school practical effects, and shares Lord Janu's secret to surviving when so many other Star Wars villains have fallen: "You just become a rat!"

Finally, Matthew Willig discusses becoming Hogsbreth, Lord Janu's towering Iktotchi enforcer. He is an intimidating 6' 8" in real life, but sweet as can be. The lifelong Star Wars fan shares what it was like transforming through horns and prosthetics, and why remaining menacing around an adorable, lifelike Grogu was nearly impossible. We also revisit his memorable role as Little Chino on Dexter.

Next week: The Mandalorian & Grogu stunt & character performer team:

• Richard Cetrone - Rotta the Hutt
• Donald Mills - Embo
• Misty Rosas - Hugo Durant
• Matt Leonard - Zeb

Skywalking Through Neverland is an official Laughing Place Partner Podcast - check out laughingplace.com for Disney news and opinions.

Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland
• Send emails to [email protected] and follow us on Facebook.

Never Land on Alderaan!