Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Hello there, Star Wars fans, and welcome back for Episode 243!

In this episode, we're breaking down all the major headlines from Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Japan.

1. The Mandalorian & Grogu movie hits cinemas May 22, 2026
2. New animated series, Maul: Shadow Lord, coming in 2026
3. Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, is set for May 2027
4. Star Wars: Visions Season 3 drops October 29, 2025
5. No date yet for Ahsoka Season 2, but Rory McCann takes over as Baylan Skoll and Hayden Christensen returns
6. Films from Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and a Simon Kinberg trilogy are still apparently in development
7. Smugglers Run at Disney parks gets new Mando and Grogu mission
8. Star Wars: Outlaws DLC A Pirate’s Fortune lands May 15, featuring Hondo Ohnaka
9. Hasbro reveals new figures: Dash Rendar, Cal Kestis, Moff Gideon, Cobb Vanth
10. Celebration returns to Anaheim in 2027 for the 50th anniversary of A New Hope

About Spark of Rebellion:

This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.

We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.

Get merch and other goodies!

Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!

Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Join us on social to chat Star Wars

We chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.

Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!

Welcome to episode 242, Star Wars fans!

We're kicking off with a shake-up to Galaxy's Edge in Disney Land (NOT Disney World in Florida) as Luke and R2 are set to make appearances from the end of March to the beginning of May.

Elsewhere in the galaxy, Sigourney Weaver teases her role in the upcoming Mando movie, Daisy Ridley gives an update on the script for her upcoming film and some very cool items are going up for auction soon.

Also, SoR listener, a reminder that this is our last standard weekly episode. We're moving to a seasonal format with a few bonus episodes thrown in here and there. Our next episode will be a Star Wars Celebration special in mid-April then our first season proper will be in June with our review of Andor Season 2 plus some cool interviews.

Until our next encounter, take care of yourselves and may the Force be with you... always.

The news stories from around the galaxy that we discussed on this episode...

• Replica Star Wars blasters to be auctioned in North Yorkshire - BBC News
• Sigourney Weaver Teases Her Role in The Mandalorian & Grogu - Jedi News
• Daisy Ridley on Her New Star Wars Film "I know the story and I am very excited" - Jedi News
• Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 Coming to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland Park - Jedi News
• Luke Skywalker's Star Wars medal could sell for up to £476k - BBC News

About Spark of Rebellion:

This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.

We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.

Get merch and other goodies!

Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!

Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Join us on social to chat Star Wars

We chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.

Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!

Hey, Star Wars fans, this is episode 241.

It's a slightly different episode this week and one of two halves. First, we have an in-depth chat about the recent changes at Lucasfilm and the announcement of Darek Hoffman as the new VP of Development. It's a change that we feel is needed so we give you our thoughts on what this means for right now and for the future of Star Wars movies and TV.

Secondly, we're announcing a change to the format of Spark of Rebellion. You may have noticed of late, as we certainly have, that news and general buzz around Star Wars has waned over the last 6 months to a year. Aside from the usual build-up to Disney+ releases, it's an announcement which goes nowhere - rinse and repeat. So... after next week, we're moving to a seasonal format instead of weekly episodic.

Episode 242 will be our last weekly release and after that, we will return in May to talk about the (hopefully) interesting announcements from Star Wars Celebration and then for our first season to review Andor Season 2 plus some cool interviews which we're sure you'll love. Moving to this format allows us to maintain enthusiasm about Star Wars and plan some very cool content.

With all that being said, enjoy episode 241 and let us know your thoughts on this new change at Lucasfilm.

About Spark of Rebellion:

This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.

We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.

Get merch and other goodies!

Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!

Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Join us on social to chat Star Wars

We chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.

Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!

Welcome to episode 240. Our headline story is about The Acolyte, which, as we know, was supposed to be a fresh insight into the Sith but got unceremoniously axed. Now, Disney is trying to spin it as a success because it racked up some viewing minutes. Sure, let's ignore the fact that the show was generally panned. Classic Disney.

We also touch on the ongoing saga of upcoming Star Wars movies, where writers come and go faster than Jedi at a lightsaber duel, The High Republic wraps up, lots of new Star Wars merch... Plus, there's a shiny new Death Star LEGO set on the horizon priced for the truly devoted. So, grab your popcorn—oh wait, you can't afford it after that LEGO purchase—and settle in for some sarcastic insights and absurdity from around the galaxy.

The news stories from around the galaxy that we discussed on this episode...

• George Nolfi on his Star Wars New Jedi Order Screenplay - Jedi News
• New LEGO UCS Death Star 2025: Star Wars Set Price & Piece Count Projections
• Daisy Ridley's long-delayed Star Wars movie gets exciting update
• Star Wars: The Acolyte Was the Second Most Watched Show on Disney+ Last Year
• UPDATE: 'Trials of the Jedi' Cover and Official Synopsis Reveal the Grand Finale of 'The High Republic' - Star Wars News Net
• New Yearlong Star Wars Consumer Products Campaign Launched as Power the Force - Jedi News

About Spark of Rebellion:

This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.

We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.

Get merch and other goodies!

Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!

Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Join us on social to chat Star Wars

We chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.

Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!

Hello there! We're back after our end of 2024 hiatus, we hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and that you're raring to go, with us, to dive into some great new Star Wars this year.

In this week's episode, it's all about Skeleton Crew, highlighting its unique approach to storytelling and character development. We discuss how the show successfully avoids the typical reliance on established Star Wars characters, instead focusing on a fresh narrative centred around a group of kids on a mysterious planet.

We reflect on the blend of familiar themes reminiscent of classic films like The Goonies and Stand By Me while praising the performances of the child actors, particularly Wim and Fearne, who experience significant character growth throughout the series.

Also, we wax on the creative choices made in design and storytelling, emphasizing how the series manages to feel distinctly Star Wars without adhering to the usual tropes.

With an overall rating of eight out of ten, we certainly thought it was a solid series. Enough to get a season 2 in the future? Who knows. For now, sit back, grab some blue milk and join us for our review of Skeleton Crew.

About Spark of Rebellion:

This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.

We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.

Get merch and other goodies!

Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!

Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Join us on social to chat Star Wars

We chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.

Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!

Welcome, SoR listener to episode 238 and our final episode of this year!

We're taking the remainder of the year off and will be back on January 15th for our full review of Skeleton Crew. The reason for the short hiatus? Basically, Star Wars news has been extremely slow for the last few months. Of the stories we are talking about recently, it's just the same stuff or it's fan nonsense. The last thing we want to do is come back every week and not sound like our enthusiastic selves about something we love. So you get a rest for a little while!

For this episode we've got Star Wars movie calendar updates, Black Friday toy and collectibles, new Darth Vader themed clothing from Columbia and some fun tidbits from the rumour mill. Enjoy!

The news stories from around the galaxy that we discussed on this episode...

• How Star Wars' Next TV Show Fits Into The Timeline, Explained By Creators: "There's Room For Pirates & Danger"
• Exclusive: Hasbro just dropped its most impressive Star Wars Black Series Force FX Elite lightsaber | TechRadar
• Tom Hiddleston Becomes Star Wars Villain Palpatine In New Disney Fan Poster
• Lego Star Wars UCS Black Friday Deal - Luke's Landspeeder Is Steeply Discounted - GameSpot
• Henry Cavill Rumoured for Star Wars Role
• Star Wars | Columbia Darth Vader Collection Revealed - Jedi News
• Star Wars Movie Pulled From 2026 Release Calendar and Replaced by Ice Age 6 - IGN
• Rey to Reportedly Appear in 'Several' Upcoming Star Wars Films: 'She Is the Most Valuable Cinematic Asset' - IGN
• Andor Season 2 Release Date & Logo Revealed
• Diego Luna Promises Andor Season 2 is ‘Worth the Wait’ - Jedi News

About Spark of Rebellion:

This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.

We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.

Get merch and other goodies!

Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!

Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Join us on social to chat Star Wars

We chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.

Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!

Hello there, Star Wars fans and welcome to episode 237.

Our headline story this week feels like a twisted, nightmarish trip down memory lane that we've gone down many times before. Once again, Lucasfilm has a new trilogy of Star Wars films in the works with X-Men alum Simon Kinberg at the helm. With so many writers and directors coming on then leaving over the years you can forgive the cynical tone here.

Elsewhere in the galaxy, Skeleton Crew dropped it's latest trailer with a unique vibe, an update on every SW game in development and finally, Star Wars gets its first transgender Stormtrooper - Sister.

The news stories from around the galaxy that we discussed on this episode...

• Star Wars unveils first look of its first trans woman stormtrooper called 'Sister' with armour in the colour of the transgender flag | Daily Mail Online
• The new Star Wars: Skeleton Crew trailer is heavy on Spielberg vibes
• Every upcoming Star Wars game officially announced | Space
• Star Wars New Movie Trilogy: Simon Kinberg Writing

About Spark of Rebellion:

This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.

We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.

Get merch and other goodies!

Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!

Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Join us on social to chat Star Wars

We chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.

Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!

Hello there! This is episode 236!

A short and sweet episode this week, Star Wars fans. We do have a few news items to chat through including: the uncertain future of the Rey movie, which has faced setbacks; impressive advancements in Hot Toys collectibles, specifically focusing on the stunning new figures like Balen Skull and Darth Sidious; an upcoming "The Art of Star Wars Outlaws" book looks cool and an nice little insight about an unused switch-a-roo involving Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon!

The news stories from around the galaxy that we discussed on this episode...

• George Lucas Cut Obi-Wan Death Twist From 'Star Wars: Phantom Menace'
• Hot Toys Ahsoka Baylan Skoll Figure Unboxing | First Look - Jedi News
• The Art of Star Wars Outlaws from Dark Horse Arrives on July 8th, 2025 - Jedi News
• Andor S2 - Kino Loy Returns?
• Rey Skywalker Movie Loses Writer, The Mandalorian & Grogu Wraps Filming

About Spark of Rebellion:

This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.

We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.

Get merch and other goodies!

Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!

Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Join us on social to chat Star Wars

We chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.

Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!

Hello there! Garry is flying solo this week to bring you up to speed on what's happening around the galaxy including...

The recent turmoil surrounding the upcoming Star Wars film, "New Jedi Order," which has lost its screenwriter, Stephen Knight, leading to further delays in production. Daisy Ridley's optimistic comments about the project now seem overshadowed by this setback, raising questions about the film's future.

On a more positive note, James Mangold's "Dawn of the Jedi" appears to be on track, with indications that filming could begin next year, exploring the origins of the Jedi in a captivating new storyline.

Additionally, intriguing hints from the upcoming "Skeleton Crew" series suggest connections to deeper Star Wars lore, particularly regarding the Sith's forerunners.

About Spark of Rebellion:

This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.

We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.

Get merch and other goodies!

Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!

Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Join us on social to chat Star Wars

We chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.

Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!

Hell there, Star Wars fans! Welcome to episode 234.

We kick off with the future of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, sparked by Ewan McGregor's recent remarks about potential storylines for a second season. The hosts reflect on the original series' reception, noting that while many fans appreciated McGregor’s return, others felt the series fell short of expectations. This dichotomy sets the stage for an exploration of how future content can better resonate with the audience while remaining faithful to the established lore. We also touch on the intricacies of storytelling, emphasising that any new series should not simply rehash past narratives but should instead build upon them, enriching the characters' journeys and deepening the emotional stakes.

Other news throughout the galaxy:

• We pay tribute to the late Robert Watts, acknowledging his contributions to the original trilogy and the importance of recognising his behind-the-scenes talent that shaped the Star Wars legacy.
• An upcoming documentary on John Williams has us excited, discussing how his musical genius has elevated the storytelling of Star Wars and other iconic films.
• A couple of amazing props are going up for auction next week in London including a screen-matched Sandtrooper helmet from the icon "Move along" scene as well as Yoda's cane. Oof, if only we had a recent lottery win!
• Fans have got their knickers in a twist as actor Will Poulter would throw his hat in for the live casting of Cal Kestis. Yep, fandom, lol.

Lastly, we tackle the tantalising idea of adapting the Clone Wars into a live-action format, a prospect that excites some fans while raising concerns for others. Could an adaptation live up to the beloved animated series while focusing on the darker, more brutal aspects of war that defined the Clone Wars? There's the potential for exploring character relationships, particularly the dynamics between Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padmé, as well as the emotional fallout from the choices they make.

The news stories from around the galaxy that we discussed on this episode...

• Iconic ‘Star Wars’ Helmet Could Be The Memorabilia You’re Looking For
• "It would be so disrespectful not to cast him": Will Poulter Was Never the Best Choice to Play Cal Kestis as Fans Demand Cameron Monaghan to Make His Live Action Star Wars Debut
• Ewan McGregor Says Disney & Lucasfilm Are "Exploring" Ideas For 'Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi' Season 2
• Music by John Williams | Official Trailer | Disney+ - Jedi News
• Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy Pays Tribute to Robert Watts - Jedi News

About Spark of Rebellion:

This is Spark of Rebellion, the weekly Star Wars podcast for casual fans and veterans alike.

We are your hosts, Garry and Mark and every single Saturday we release a brand new episode bringing you the latest news, reviews & discussion on all things Star Wars. Tell all of your Star Wars loving friends that the show is available to listen to, completely free anywhere you can find podcasts.

Get merch and other goodies!

Want to support us? Throw some beer money our way with a Tip or if you want to grab yourself a laptop sticker, some sweet merchandise, guest opportunities and even a producer credit on the show, you can do that too with a Spark of Rebellion Membership. Hit the link below now and show your support for the Rebellion!

Support Spark of Rebellion, A Star Wars Podcast

Join us on social to chat Star Wars

We chat about Star Wars every week between episodes on the socials so come and get involved either on our Instagram for behind-the-scenes tomfoolery or over on X/Twitter Twitter.

Now, go explore and may the Force be with you... always!