Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive

What's the real story behind Marrok from Ahsoka and Maul: Shadow Lord? Actor and stunt performer Paul Darnell joins Richard and Sarah for a behind-the-scenes look at bringing the mysterious Inquisitor to life. A master of storytelling through movement, Paul shares fascinating insights into performing as Marrok — including the surprising detail that Marrok's mask had a removable face-plate so he could better see while filming.

Paul also talks about other key scenes in Ahsoka, like portraying the Night Troopers falling down stairs for multiple takes as they battled Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka and Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati. The conversation dives into Marrok's possible backstory, Nightsister magick, fan theories, and whether the masked assassin could still return after dissolving into green mist.

Paul's career stretches far beyond Star Wars. He's an accomplished parkour expert and stunt performer who has doubled for major Hollywood stars, including Henry Cavill as Superman and Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen in Twilight. Pattinson even publicly thanked Paul during the 2009 MTV Movie Awards for his stunt work on the film.

And if you want to meet Paul Darnell in person, fans will have the chance this August at the Boonta Eve Special Edition in Frisco, Texas on Friday, August 7.

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!

There is no shortage of Star Wars content in 2026, and right now all eyes are on Maul: Shadow Lord. In this episode, we dive into the midpoint of the season (Episodes 1–6) and explore how the story is unfolding, especially through the insights we learned from our recent roundtable with voice actors Sam Witwer and Gideon Adlon. We explore Devon's internal struggle, Maul's influence, and whether he's manipulating her into becoming something far more dangerous.

We've had so many YouTube comments, and one of the main questions we want to address is the connection between Devon Izara and Darth Talon. Is this Padawan on a path toward the dark side? And more specifically… is she being shaped into the iconic Sith assassin from Star Wars Legends? We break down everything you need to know about Darth Talon's origins, her role in the Legacy comics, and even George Lucas' original plans to bring her to the big screen alongside Maul.

PLUS:

• Episode 5 & 6 analysis
• Inquisitor Marrok's return
• That epic train sequence
• Maul's true motivations
• What it all means for the rest of the season

Is Devon the future Darth Talon… or is this a misdirect?

Let us know what YOU think in the comments!

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

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Never Land on Alderaan!

After months of planning, our LiningUp.net Mandalorian and Grogu Charity Kick-Off Bash brought our Star Wars community together for one unforgettable day at Scum & Villainy Cantina! The goal - to raise $2,500 for Starlight Children's Foundation, helping kids in need. Did we do it??

With trivia, charity raffles, a silent auction, and games like Force Feud and Draw Wars, our friends and fans showed up in full force to support the Starlight Children's Foundation and LiningUp.net. From tauntaun escorts and Mandalorian cosplayers to an animatronic Grogu and incredible Star Wars prizes, the event was packed with fun, fandom, and fundraising. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed, participated, and made this event such a success. In this episode we share pictures and video on the event, along with our colorful commentary.

And this is just the beginning—join us and LiningUp.net on May 19th through 21st as we line up for The Mandalorian and Grogu at the TCL Chinese Theatre, followed by a May 21st screening and after party sponsored by IMAX.

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

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Never Land on Alderaan!

We go behind the scenes (spoiler-free!) of Maul: Shadow Lord with voice actors Sam Witwer (Darth Maul) and Gideon Adlon (Devon), along with executive producers Athena Yvette Portillo and Matt Michnovetz (writer), and supervising director Brad Rau as they break down how this bold new Star Wars series came together.

Sam Witwer get candid about evolving Darth Maul, while Gideon Adlon shares what it's like stepping into Star Wars for (almost) the first time. Plus, the creative team dives into the story, themes, and the painterly, cinematic animation style that sets this series apart.

Maul: Shadow Lord premieres April 6 with two episodes. The 10-episode series picks up one year after the events of The Clone Wars Season 7, as the Empire tightens its grip on the galaxy.

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

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Never Land on Alderaan!

On this daring episode, we break down DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Season 2, starting with a quick refresher on Season 1—because let's face it, these Marvel Disney+ shows can be dense. We revisit where the key characters left off and where they stand as this new season begins.

From there, we share a spoiler-free review of the full season, focusing on the character dynamics that drive the story—from Matt and Karen's renewed partnership to the unsettling relationships within Fisk's inner circle. We dig into Buck's influence over the young and impressionable Daniel, and the tension Bullseye brings into the mix. There are some surprising parallels to Star Wars, so listen in for those nuggets! This season leans heavily into moral complexity, challenging both its characters and the audience with questions about loyalty, power, and whether the ends can ever justify the means.

We also cover the structure, performances, and standout moments, and even connect the dots to SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY. Dare to dive in…

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!

All your upcoming events—in one place. From conventions and charity fundraisers to Star Wars gatherings, 2026 is already shaping up to be incrediblel. We've announced things here and there, but now we have more details and more specifics, so much that we needed to devote an entire episode so we can keep track as well.

Ready? Let's go Skywalking into the future…

WonderCon — March 27–29 (Anaheim) We're excited to officially announce our "Star Wars After Dark Trivia Party" happening Friday, March 27 from 9–10 PM in Room 209 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Come test your knowledge, hang out with fellow fans, and kick off the weekend in true Star Wars style.

LiningUp Kick-Off Charity Bash — April 12 (Hollywood) Join us at the Scum & Villainy Cantina for the Bash we've been talking about. This event launches the countdown to The Mandalorian and Grogu (opening May 22), and we've got some new details to share: doors open at 12 PM, the event runs from 1–6 PM, and there's no entrance fee. We'll also be raising money for the Starlight Children's Foundation, with a goal of $2,500 raised at the event alone. Be sure to RSVP here so we know how many people to expect.

Lining Up for The Mandalorian and Grogu — May 19–21 (Hollywood) We're heading back to the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX forecourt for a multi-day fan line event leading up to the film's release. Expect games, raffles, prizes, and surprises, along with plenty of chances to reconnect with friends and meet new ones. The Star Wars energy will be at an all-time high as we celebrate the first new film in nearly seven years. We're still building out the full schedule, so stay tuned and RSVP here so we can get a good head count on tickets.

Comic Con Revolution — May 16–17 (Ontario, CA) We'll be hosting two trivia shows on Saturday: Star Wars Trivia and Pop Culture Trivia. Details on time and room are still to come.

San Diego Comic-Con — July 23–26 (San Diego, CA) Nothing official just yet, as panel applications haven't gone out, but we're hoping to return for Star Wars Day on Friday, July 24. Stay tuned.

Rebel Scum Con 3 — August 7–9 (Frisco, TX) We'll be there regardless of panel news, which is still pending. Newly announced guests include Manny Jacinto, Sean Patrick Flanery, Donald Mills, and Matthew Willig.

Worldcon — August 27–31 (Anaheim) We're also looking ahead to the World Science Fiction Convention, another major gathering celebrating science fiction and fandom right here in Southern California.

Super Secret Official Star Wars Project — Fall 2026 We've been hard at work behind the scenes and just completed another major step last week. We're hoping an official announcement is coming very soon, so stay tuned.

This is just the beginning. 2026 is packed, and we can't wait to experience it all with you. Keep checking back for updates, and we'll see you out there.

March is here, which means The Mandalorian and Grogu is getting closer to its big May 22nd release! In this episode, we're joined by Peter Genovese from LiningUp.net for some major reveals you won't want to miss.

The tradition of fans lining up for a new Star Wars film stretches back decades. In 1980, Terri Hardin camped outside the Egyptian Theatre for The Empire Strikes Back. The practice grew even bigger during the prequel era and continued through 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the sequel trilogy.

Now, as The Mandalorian and Grogu prepares to hit theaters, that fan tradition is about to ignite once again. Peter shares the history behind LiningUp.net and reveals the official start date for fans ready to line up and celebrate the next chapter of the saga.

Episode links:

• Terri Hardin Ep. 221 https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/221-terri-hardin-imagineer-star-wars/
• Contest winner Steve Lang: https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/1980-kenner-star-wars-sweepstakes-winner-steve-lang/
• Starwait.com and George Lucas interview:

3/2/1980 - 46 years ago - This was a day long remembered by Richard - An ad appeared in the Sunday newspaper promoting a Kenner sweepstakes to see a special premiere of The Empire Strikes Back with R2-D2 and C-3PO in Washington, D.C. Six-year-old Steve Lang was one of the Grand Prize Winners! Along with the screening of the film he also won a complete collection of Kenner's Empire Strikes Back toys and got to meet Star Wars actors. He also did a written interview with us: https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/1980-kenner-star-wars-sweepstakes-winner-steve-lang/

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!

In this episode, we're diving into Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic Issue #58: "Sundown." Originally released in January 1982, Sundown is a great episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation! It's more science than fantasy, as Princess Leia teams up with R2-D2 and C-3PO to launch a daring experiment designed to hide the Rebel fleet inside the chromosphere of a star. Yes, you heard that right.

While the fleet faces potential incineration, Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca travel to the ominously named world of Bazarre in search of a shadowy contact.

Will the Rebel fleet melt? Will Luke and Lando successfully navigate Bazarre? Join us as we unpack the story, art, and legacy of this issue.

• Release date: January 19th, 1982
• Written by David Michelinie
• Artwork by Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer
• Coloring by Don Warfield
• Cover Art Walt Simonson

Star Wars airs on network TV for the first time as the CBS Sunday Special Movie Presentation. The broadcast includes a special featurette, narrated by Mark Hamill, which focuses on behind-the-scenes and the cultural phenomenon.

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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It's another HUGE week for The Mandalorian & Grogu! Did the new trailer deliver everything you were hoping for?

James Burns (Jedi News) joins us to break down the biggest moments, including surprise character reveals, Sigourney Weaver's role as Colonel Ward, and a "revenge" storyline that has us wondering.

At the time of recording, James had just wrapped all four days at Toy Fair in New York. This isn't your typical fan convention, it's an industry-only showcase offering an exclusive first-look (and some they were sworn to secrecy) at the year's biggest merchandise launches. James shares insights from the Star Wars: Most Wanted campaign, highlighting standout reveals from LEGO, Hasbro, Jazwares, Funko, and more.

And if you've ever dreamed of owning a green Grogu Furby that somehow makes you crave a Shamrock Shake, you're definitely in for a treat.

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!

By now you've probably seen the Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl "Big Game" commercial, and you have an opinion. In this episode, we break down our reactions, explore what may have led Lucasfilm and Disney to make such a bold creative choice, read listener comments, and deliver a detailed deep-dive analysis. In the weeks leading up to Super Bowl 60, fans expected a traditional trailer packed with story clues. Instead, we got something completely unexpected: a cinematic parody inspired by the legendary Budweiser commercials.

The 36-second spot, narrated by the iconic Sam Elliott and directed by Jon Favreau, opens on a sleigh racing across a snowy tundra. At first glance, it looks like a team of horses—but the camera reveals they're actually tauntauns. Din Djarin passes the reins to Grogu as they glide forward together, guided by the galloping creatures. The commercial closes with Grogu gently reaching toward a tauntaun's nose while the narrator reminds audiences that The Mandalorian and Grogu is coming "only to theaters." Unsurprisingly, the fan response has been sharply divided, and we also discuss the overwhelming reactions shared across our social media.

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!