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James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader voice lives on through AI. Voice actors see promise and peril in that
Read full article: James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader voice lives on through AI. Voice actors see promise and peril in thatOver the course of an acting career that spanned more than six decades, James Earl Jones’ voice became an indelible piece of his work as a performer.
German warship blasts Darth Vader anthem in heart of London. 'No deeper message,' navy says.
Read full article: German warship blasts Darth Vader anthem in heart of London. 'No deeper message,' navy says.Germany’s navy says there was "no deeper message” in the choice to blast the famed Imperial March — Darth Vader’s theme song in the “Star Wars” films — from one of its warships as it cruised down the River Thames through London.
Princess Leia bikini costume from set of 'Star Wars' movie sells at auction for $175K
Read full article: Princess Leia bikini costume from set of 'Star Wars' movie sells at auction for $175KAn auction house says the gold bikini-style costume that Carrie Fisher wore as Princess Leia while making the “Star Wars” franchise has sold for $175,000.
In year 25, Planet Comicon Kansas City celebrates its origin story as fans embrace their inner nerd
Read full article: In year 25, Planet Comicon Kansas City celebrates its origin story as fans embrace their inner nerdCelebrities, artists and tens of thousands of fans proud to call themselves nerds are converging in Kansas City for the Missouri city’s 25th annual Planet Comicon.
May the Fourth be 'I do': Ohio city has 'Star Wars' weddings
Read full article: May the Fourth be 'I do': Ohio city has 'Star Wars' weddingsWhen Julia and Robert Jones discovered that a judge from the Akron Municipal Court in Ohio was officiating “Star Wars”-themed weddings on May the Fourth — essentially a holiday for fans of the franchise — the couple felt the force calling them to commit to the ceremony.
Why parents should say no to their adult children; and a Delta scam that targeted our own Rhonda Walker
Read full article: Why parents should say no to their adult children; and a Delta scam that targeted our own Rhonda WalkerSaying no to your adult children, and a Delta high-tech Delta scam that targeted Local 4's Rhonda Walker.
Get a look behind the scenes of the new ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’ show
Read full article: Get a look behind the scenes of the new ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’ showThe first time we heard his name was in 1977 when Carrie Fisher said the famous line, “Help me Obi Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.” Flash forward 45 years later and the character originally made famous by Alec Guinness has a show of his own starring Ewan McGregor, who reprised his role from, the prequel trilogy. Host Jason Carr spoke to Rupert Friend, who plays the new villain, and Joby Harrold, the Executive Producer, and Writer for the series.
Disney unveils plans to stream a galaxy of new series, films
Read full article: Disney unveils plans to stream a galaxy of new series, filmsNEW YORK – The Walt Disney Co.’s streaming plans shifted into hyper speed Thursday, as the studio unveiled a galaxy’s worth of new streaming offerings including plans for 10 “Star Wars” series spinoffs and 10 Marvel series that will debut on Disney+. But Disney also kept its biggest films — including Marvel's “Black Widow," Pixar's “Luca,” a “Lion King” prequel — on course for theatrical release. Jenkins becomes the first woman to direct a “Star Wars” film. Among the “Star Wars” series are two spinoffs of “The Mandalorian,” set during the series' timeline: “Rangers of the New Republic” and “Ahsoka,” with Rosario Dawson. Seven Disney films topped $1 billion worldwide.
Dave Prowse, actor who played Darth Vader, dies at 85
Read full article: Dave Prowse, actor who played Darth Vader, dies at 85The British actor, Prowse who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, has died aged 85 on Saturday, according to an announcement by his agent Sunday Nov. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, FILE)LONDON – Dave Prowse, the British weightlifter-turned-actor who was the body, though not the voice, of arch-villain Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, has died. Prowse died Saturday after a short illness, his agent Thomas Bowington said Sunday. Prowse donned Darth Vader's black armor and helmet for “Star Wars” (1977), “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and “Return of the Jedi" (1983). He was a regular at “Star Wars” fan events but was banned from official conventions by Lucas in 2010 after the pair fell out.
John Boyega isn't going to 'take the money and shush'
Read full article: John Boyega isn't going to 'take the money and shush'This year, Boyega has made it clear he doesn't feel that way, that he isn’t going to bite his tongue. The five-film series is playing on the BBC in the U.K. and on Amazon Prime in the U.S.; “Red, White and Blue” will debut Dec. 4 on Amazon. In the true story, Boyega plays Leroy Logan, an aspiring research scientist who gives up the lab to join the overwhelmingly white London police force in the 1980s. “Red, White and Blue” puts Boyega front and center and wrestles with many of the social issues -- race, change, belonging -- that he is grappling with, too. Since Boyega’s comments about “Star Wars,” he’s received a supportive phone call from producer Kathleen Kennedy that Boyega has described as frank and transparent.
John Boyega quits perfume ambassador role over Chinese ad
Read full article: John Boyega quits perfume ambassador role over Chinese adLONDON – Black actor John Boyega has stepped down from his role as a global ambassador for perfume brand Jo Malone after the company decided to hire a Chinese actor to replace him in an ad he created. “The film celebrated my personal story– showcasing my hometown, including my friends and featuring my family,” Boyega wrote. He played a leading role as Finn in 2015′s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” but he and other nonwhite characters were removed or diminished from a Chinese poster for the movie. Boyega recently told GQ that Black characters have been “pushed to the side” in Disney’s “Star Wars” franchise. In June, the star made an emotional speech on racism when he joined Black Lives Matter protests in London.
Perfume brand says cutting Black actor from ad was misstep
Read full article: Perfume brand says cutting Black actor from ad was misstepNEW YORK – British perfume brand Jo Malone has apologized to Black actor John Boyega of “Star Wars” fame after cutting him out of the Chinese version of a cologne commercial he helped create. Jo Malone London said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that the ad designed for Chinese audiences was a misstep and has been removed. The recreated ad replaced Boyega with Chinese star Liu Haoran. It's not the first time Boyega has been deleted from a China-based ad. Boyega has spoken out about Hollywood racism, recently telling GQ that Black characters have been “pushed to the side” in Disney’s “Star Wars” franchise.
2Q earnings to show how virus menaced Corporate America
Read full article: 2Q earnings to show how virus menaced Corporate AmericaThats how Wall Street is approaching the upcoming earnings season for companies. Earnings reporting season gets underway in earnest on Tuesday, when Delta Air Lines and several of the country's biggest banks are scheduled to release their results. When the quarter began in April, Wall Street was forecasting a loss as fliers nervous about the new virus increasingly stuck to the ground. Earnings reports tend to matter deeply to investors because corporate profits are the lifeblood of the stock market, with prices tending to track the path of earnings over the long term. Low expectations for this earnings season also mean CEOs have an easier hurdle to jump.
Which ‘Star Wars’ villain are you?
Read full article: Which ‘Star Wars’ villain are you?Are you the evilest of all villains or the one people are dying to know more about? Test your personality traits from the real world and we’ll peg your placement on the Dark Side. Getty Images included in this quiz.
Which ‘Star Wars’ villain are you?
Read full article: Which ‘Star Wars’ villain are you?Are you the evilest of all villains or the one people are dying to know more about? Test your personality traits from the real world and we’ll peg your placement on the Dark Side. Getty Images included in this quiz.
Celebrate ‘Star Wars’ Day with new ‘Mandalorian’ docuseries on Disney+
Read full article: Celebrate ‘Star Wars’ Day with new ‘Mandalorian’ docuseries on Disney+Disney is planning to drop a new eight-part docuseries called “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian,” beginning Monday. Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian, an Original Series, starts streaming May the 4th, only on #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/gRSge03Hzn — Star Wars (@starwars) April 23, 2020The series takes a behind-the-scenes look at how the fan-favorite series, “ The Mandalorian , ” was created. “After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe. Production has been shut down on all of its shows, including some upcoming Disney+ series.
Disney selling face masks with beloved characters, donating proceeds to charity
Read full article: Disney selling face masks with beloved characters, donating proceeds to charityNow that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, Disney is getting in on the face mask game, and making masks featuring your favorite Disney characters. Disney said the company would donate all profits from the sales in the U.S. of Disney’s cloth face masks to Medshare, now through Sept. 30. That’s right, you can have Baby Yoda on your face mask while you grocery shop at Trader Joe’s. In addition to donating the proceeds of these colorful masks, Disney said it will donate 1 million cloth face masks to children and families in vulnerable communities across the United States. From Elsa, Anna, Buzz and Woody, there is a face mask for every Disney fan.
These baby Yoda memes are driving the internet crazy
Read full article: These baby Yoda memes are driving the internet crazyWhether you’re a fan of “Star Wars” or not, we’re sure you have fallen prey to the baby Yoda craze that is sweeping social media. Thus, the baby Yoda craze was born, but we’re not complaining. Well, we’ve scoured the web looking for the best baby Yoda memes the internet had to offer. Every single baby Yoda meme has been me like HOWWW pic.twitter.com/z4yLusRgYv — scandal (@eskandalowithak) November 29, 201921. We know the internet is full of other baby Yoda memes, so share your favorite in the comments below.
Star Wars' trailer showcases final chapter of Skywalker saga
Read full article: Star Wars' trailer showcases final chapter of Skywalker sagaDisney has released the trailer for the next film in the "Star Wars" franchise. The official trailer for "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" Disney's latest film in the massively popular "Star Wars" franchise debuted during halftime of ESPN's Monday night NFL match up between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. Disney's trilogy has been a big box office success for the company, which acquired Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012. The original Star Wars trilogy, the prequels, "The Force Awakens" and "Rogue One," will be on the service. Disney also opened Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge the largest expansion ever at its theme parks over the summer.
Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige to develop Star Wars film for Disney
Read full article: Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige to develop Star Wars film for DisneyKevin Feige is developing a Star Wars movie for Lucasfilm. HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Kevin Feige, the president of Disney's Marvel Studios, is one of the most successful producers in Hollywood history. Star Wars is one of the most successful franchises in Hollywood history. Disney will conclude the Skywalker saga this December with "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker." "And knowing what a die-hard fan Kevin is, it made sense for these two extraordinary producers to work on a Star Wars film together."
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra to transport audiences through 'Star Wars' universe at November concert
Read full article: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra to transport audiences through 'Star Wars' universe at November concertANN ARBOR, Mich. - Although it's two months away, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is preparing to take Ann Arbor audiences to Tatooine during its Nov. 9 concert at Michigan Theater. Starting at 8 p.m., the A2SO will play "Star Wars" classics and fan favorites before the release of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" in December. Enveloping Jedi and Sith audiences in the music of composer John Williams, the orchestra will play favorites including the menacing "The Imperial March," the epic "Duel of the Fates" and the classic "Cantina Band." Attendees are encouraged to dress to their "Star Wars" best. All About Ann Arbor is powered by ClickOnDetroit/WDIV.
TSA bans Star Wars Coke bottles from Disney
Read full article: TSA bans Star Wars Coke bottles from DisneyThe TSA has banned souvenir Coke bottles sold at Disney's new Star Wars attractions. The little round bottles are considered replica explosive devices by the TAS, and those are banned in both carry-on and checked bags. Selling for just $5.49, the Coke bottles are one of the cheapest souvenirs available at Disney's Star Wars attractions in Florida and California. And by the way, the "Galaxy's Edge" Star Wars attraction opens today at Disney World in Orlando. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
TSA bans Star Wars Coke bottles
Read full article: TSA bans Star Wars Coke bottlesThe TSA has banned souvenir Coke bottles sold at Disney's new Star Wars attractions. The little round bottles are considered replica explosive devices by the TAS, and those are banned in both carry-on... Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
TSA bans Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge 'thermal detonator' Coke bottles
Read full article: TSA bans Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge 'thermal detonator' Coke bottlesDisney and Coca Cola partnered to make these specialty soda cans for the new Star Wars land. (CNN) - To commemorate your visit to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, you can bring home a $200 lightsaber, a Chewbacca backpack, or a puppet Porg. The bottles, which are for sale exclusively inside Star Wars lands in Anaheim and Orlando, are shaped like small orbs that resemble either a droid or a thermal detonator, depending on your point of view. Scott Trowbridge, the lead Imagineer on the Galaxy's Edge project, said the design of the bottle looked "cool, kind of thermal detonator-ish" on a panel earlier this year. At $5.49, the bottles are one of the cheapest souvenirs available at Galaxy's Edge -- and popular: Disney has limited guests to three bottles per transaction to prevent hoarding.
TSA bans Galaxy's Edge-themed Coca-Cola bottles
Read full article: TSA bans Galaxy's Edge-themed Coca-Cola bottlesORLANDO, Fla. - When Disney first announced the new Coca-Cola themed beverages for "Star Wars": Galaxy's Edge, the internet went crazy. If our officers discover a replica item during screening and believe it's real, the item will be treated as such until advised otherwise by law enforcement. AskTSA (@AskTSA) August 28, 2019This news comes one day before "Star Wars": Galaxy's Edge is set to open to the public at Walt Disney World in Orlando. AskTSA (@AskTSA) August 13, 2019If you aren't able to take one home with you, make sure to get a good picture with the well-themed beverages. Click or tap here for our guide on how to get the best pictures at "Star Wars": Galaxy's Edge.
4 insider 'Easter eggs' you'll want to find inside 'Star Wars': Galaxy's Edge
Read full article: 4 insider 'Easter eggs' you'll want to find inside 'Star Wars': Galaxy's EdgeAs you look around Batuu, you won't find any mouse silhouettes, but instead, look for the hidden Falcon, which is strategically placed on its larger counterpart. While inside the Falcon, look around the waiting area. Along the back wall, you'll also see a keypad with a large red button on it. For once, we want you to press the large red button. As you look around the speeder, you'll find the letters "LMA" inscribed on the green paint.
Disney reveals new details about Star Wars hotel, Epcot overhaul
Read full article: Disney reveals new details about Star Wars hotel, Epcot overhaulIn the "Star Wars" hotel concept in Orlando, guests will board the Halcyon, a "legendary ship with an unparalleled level of service," said Ann Morrow Johnson, creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering. (Disneyland's "Star Wars" land is already open.) Disney has emphasized the interactivity of the new "Star Wars" land, and the hotel extends that idea. New at Epcot: Mary Poppins, Moana and moreBeyond "Star Wars," Disney outlined major developments to Epcot, which opened in 1982 as a futuristic World's Fair. Disney Genie to show you the wayThe modernizing of Disney Parks didn't stop at new rides and lands.
Obi-Wan Kenobi and 'The Mandalorian' bring the Force to Disney+
Read full article: Obi-Wan Kenobi and 'The Mandalorian' bring the Force to Disney+(CNN) - Obi-Wan Kenobi will bring the Force to Disney+, which -- along with the first trailer for "The Mandalorian" -- capped the studio's presentation for its new streaming service at the D23 Expo. That includes "The Mandalorian," the first live-action "Star Wars" series, which will make its debut when the service launches. Kennedy noted that the service would have access to all the movies, including the upcoming "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," putting "over 40 years of 'Star Wars' storytelling in one place." Another series is in the works starring Diego Luna as the character he played in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." That brings to eight the total number of shows that the comic-book powerhouse is producing for Disney+, including several previously announced titles featuring Avengers characters.
This sideways galaxy looks just like a lightsaber
Read full article: This sideways galaxy looks just like a lightsaberAt first glance, an image taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope looks like every Star Wars fan's dream come true: Darth Vader's lightsaber just hanging out in a galaxy far, far away. (CNN) - At first glance, an image taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope looks like every Star Wars fan's dream come true: Darth Vader's lightsaber just hanging out in a galaxy far, far away. In truth, it's a galaxy that is far, far away Galaxy NGC 5866, about 44 million light-years from Earth, to be exact. The red lightsaber appearance is because the entire galaxy can be seen on its side, according to a NASA release. Spitzer detects infrared light, while Hubble captures visible and UV light, Compton was designed for gamma rays and Chandra sees X-rays.
Star Wars furniture sends your living room to a galaxy far, far away
Read full article: Star Wars furniture sends your living room to a galaxy far, far away(CNN) - There's been no shortage of crazy Star Wars merchandise over the years, including Wookie Crocs, R2-D2 aquariums and Millennium Falcon guitars. "We wanted to incorporate the essence of each Star Wars character into the designs, while staying true to our aesthetic and process of creating by hand ... We reimagined the Star Wars universe through the lens of the Filipino craftsman and creative. The Imperial Wings chair is arguably the coolest, but also the most difficult to position in a functional living room, because it looks like a TIE fighter -- the quick and deadly single-seat spacecraft of the Imperial Fleet. The TIE Fighter tables are meant as a companion to the TIE Fighter chair, and just like it, they come in both black and white. Because this is designer furniture, it comes at designer furniture prices: the range goes from $655 for the tables all the way up to $4,350 for the Vader chair.
Take a look at what it's like to fly the Millennium Falcon
Read full article: Take a look at what it's like to fly the Millennium FalconFlying the Millennium Falcon is no longer a dream for "Star Wars" fans, it's a reality. You can show Han Solo how it is done on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
On this day: August 5
Read full article: On this day: August 52000: English actor Alec Guinness, best known for his roles in movies such as "The Bridge on the River Kwai," "Lawrence of Arabia," "Doctor Zhivago," "A Passage to India" and "Star Wars," dies of liver cancer at age 86 in Midhurst, West Sussex, England. Guinness won an Academy Award for Best Actor for "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and was also nominated for Oscars his acting roles in "The Lavender Hill Mob," "Star Wars" and "Little Dorrit" as well as for the screenplay for 1958's "The Horse's Mouth." Hide Caption
'Star Wars' stars then and now
Read full article: 'Star Wars' stars then and nowFriday marks not only the premiere of "Solo: A Star Wars Story" but also the 42nd anniversary of the premiere of the original "Star Wars." To mark the day, join us for a look at the 1977 movie's stars then and now while also remembering those we have lost over the years. Hide Caption
Local 4 Today's Halloween costumes over the years
Read full article: Local 4 Today's Halloween costumes over the yearsDETROIT – The Local 4 Today team dresses up for Halloween each year. Here's a look back at the show's ensemble costumes:2015: Star WarsEvrod Cassimy, Rhonda Walker, Brandon Roux and the team embraced The Force last year for a Star Wars-themed ensemble costume. 2014: Michigan music starsThe team channeled their love of Michigan musicians into a celebration of the Mitten's genre-spanning collection of stars:2013: The VoiceThe team stayed in the NBC family and dressed as their favorite judges from The Voice. Fans voted Evrod best costume for his Blake Shelton.