Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast

We are scarier than usual here at RFR as we welcome Halloween to the STAR WARS universe. Legendary STAR WARS author and pillar of the fan community, our bud Steve Sansweet joins us IN THE CANTINA to talk about Rancho Obi-Wan, ROGUE ONE, and more. We review the latest ROGUE ONE commercial from Duracell and look for clues about the upcoming film. News headlines include the recent Donald Glover Lando casting announcement, a Daisy Ridley update, and info about THE FORCE AWAKENS 3D BluRay release, along with discussion about Rey's TFA "Forceback". Plus, an opportunity for you to win an incredible STAR WARS phone case from Tantrum Cases, listener voice mail and much more.

It's a showdown between a Separatist Tactical Battle Droid, a leader of the Republic Clone Army, and pair of Jedi warriors. What's this? An episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars? Not quite, but this episode of STAR WARS REBELS provides a bit of closure to the famed galactic Clone Wars when an isolated battalion of battle droids are discovered by Kanan, Ezra, and Captain Rex igniting "The Last Battle". Joining Jimmy, Jason and Spencer at the roundtable is Jovial Jay Shepard from Jedi Journals and the Random Chatter Podcast Network.

As we continue our review of the final full trailer for ROGUE ONE, we turn the spotlight onto the RFR audience by featuring your voice mails and feedback. We hear and comment on your thoughts, opinions, expectations and speculation about the upcoming STAR WARS spin-off film. Plus, more rumors and reports from the ROGUE ONE reshoots and post-production, we listen to the music from the trailer, and we argue about Darth Vader's red lenses.

Hera takes center spotlight in the Ryloth based "Hera's Heroes". Reuniting with her father Cham Syndulla, Hera goes on a personal mission to her homeworld to take back what belongs to her family. Joining us for this week's Roundtable is tech expert/author David Sparks from MacSparky.com.

The final ROGUE ONE trailer was released this week and it dominates our conversation on RFR. Join us as we go through the trailer shot-by-shot and make educated, and some not-so-educated predictions, wild guesses, and observations about the upcoming film. Oh, and we've got some opinions and expectations too! Plus, ABC News correspondent and STAR WARS fan Clayton Sandell joins us In The Cantina to talk about his fandom on both a personal and professional level. And Clayton has a lot to say about that new ROGUE ONE trailer too. Anticipation for ROGUE ONE has been hyper-charged with the release of this new trailer and we are less than two months away from the premiere. Ramp up your excitement with RFR!

"The Antilles Extraction" features the Star Wars Rebels debut of fan favorite Wedge Antilles. But there is much more to this episode and RFR is hear to break it all down for you at our Rebels Roundtable. Join us as we discuss the development of Sabine and her place among the Mandolorians, Agent Kallus's wavering loyalty to The Empire, and of course, the cult of Wedge.

Darth Maul returns to Star Wars Rebels in The Holocrons Of Fate to cause more problems for the Rebellion. This episode features revelations and challenges for the crew of The Ghost and expands Ezra's control of The Force. Plus the conclusion has mega-implications on the direction the series will be taking moving forward. Joining our regular crew this week are some of our RFR Patreon Patriots - Listeners who support the show to help us grow and stay on the air. Join us as we dig deep into this most impressive episode of Rebels season three.

Dave Filoni joins us to talk about season 3 of Star Wars Rebels, including deep discussions about Ezra's use of The Dark Side, the introduction of Thrawn and The Bendu, and Kanan's troubling self doubt. We also clear up recent internet speculation about Dave's ongoing involvement in STAR WARS REBELS and we learn more about the show's current supervising director Justin Ridge. Plus, we talk to Dave about Darth Maul, McQuarrie's spiders, Y-Wings, Agent Kallus and more. Hang with us as we follow Dave from the office to the car and spend some quality time with our "Star Wars Oracle" throughout two interviews on one show! Any time Filoni joins us, you know it's appointment listening. Plus, listener voicemail and more this week on RFR.

REBELS RETURN! We welcome back STAR WARS REBELS with a return to The Roundtable for an in depth discussion about the Season 3 premiere "Steps Into Shadow". From the introduction of new characters like Governor Pryce and of course, Grand Admiral Thrawn, to Ezra's continued desire to tap into the power of the Dark Side, we talk about it all. Joining us is our regular "third wheel" - Star Wars artist and Rebels expert Spencer Brinkerhoff III. And Kyle Newman even jumps into the conversation to throw down his opinions on The Bendu and a spirited debate about the balance of The Force.

From Desplat to Giacchino, David Collins (STAR WARS OXYGEN) joins us to provide his take on the recent change of composers for ROGUE ONE. We dig deep beneath Audio highlights of Disney's Bob Iger's most recent comments about ROGUE ONE and the future of the franchise. Mark Hamill talked about THE FORCE AWAKENS at a marketing event in Cleveland and our microphones were there! Hear what Mark had to say about TFA. We also hear from Lupita Nyong'o who checked in with Ellen to address rumors about her participation in EPISODE VIII, We review recent broadcasts of the STAR WARS SAGA on TNT, and give THE PHANTOM MENACE a little love while looking back at the dark times that preceded the Prequel era. Plus, more of your great voicemail, we look forward to the season premiere of STAR WARS REBELS and more.

In surprising breaking news, composer Michael Giacchino has signed on to take over the ROGUE ONE soundtrack duties, replacing Alexandre Desplat. We discuss the implications of this move, why it happened, and how it will affect the final film. More ROGUE ONE collectibles have been revealed and we look at them closely for clues about the upcoming movie. Plus, the latest EPISODE VIII updates, STAR WARS box office, Vader's red eyes, lots of listener voice mail, and more.

Ahsoka vs Vader was the highlight of STAR WARS REBELS Season Two and left us with plenty to discuss and debate. We review the new REBELS Blu Ray and look back on that epic season-ending showdown. Toronto rocker Din from The Soles joins us to analyze the fate of Ahsoka and Dave Filoni artwork created for the TOPPS Star Wars Card Trader, while drawing surprising connections to The Tolkien Letters. Plus, ROGUE ONE updates with audio highlights from Riz Ahmed and the Emperor himself, Ian McDiarmid. And, listener voice mail, a wacky argument for the identity of Yoda's species, and The Soles jam The Rebel Force Radio song acoustic-style!

Celebrating 10 years of Star Wars podcasting this week, Rebel Force Radio remembers the early years with the return of original co-host Pete Nadel. We pull the curtain back and recall stories from our past decade of shows. Plus, we feature audio highlights and parodies from our history that will surely make you laugh. And, we have Rogue One collecting news, a Mark Hamill beard update, giveaways, and much more.

We talk ROGUE ONE action figures and character wardrobe on Jason Swank's Birthday. Plus, the fate of Luke Skywalker in EPISODE VIII, A report from Wizard World Chicago with highlights from Carrie Fisher's panel, we review Frozen composer Robert Lopez's recent appearance on Star Wars Oxygen and much more. Let's get it STAR WARS this week on RFR!

Kenny Baker was the man who brought life to Artoo-Detoo. With his passing, we talk about his impact on STAR WARS and we share stories about our encounters with Kenny over the years along with audio highlights. Filmmaker friend J.C. Reifenberg (Hughes The Force) joins us for the conversation and sticks around as we look at the ROGUE ONE international trailer and discuss newly revealed info about the characters. Plus, ROGUE ONE behind-the-scenes details, rumors and more. And, a John Williams update, Natalie Portman visits the STAR WARS set, William Shatner sings, and tons more stuff!

Paul Bateman reviews the new ROGUE ONE trailer in the way only Paul can. Listen to his expert analysis and you will discover things you didn't before. Paul provides us with links to some of Ralph McQuarrie's original works and breaks down the trailer with a critical eye. Plus, Paul talks about the late Kenny Baker and reflects on his friendship with the legendary actor who brought Artoo-Detoo to life and more.

ROGUE ONE debuted it's latest trailer this week during NBC's Olympic coverage and we break it down shot-by-shot with our friend, The Dorky Diva herself, Savanna Kiefer. Hear our take on all the cool new visuals, characters and action revealed in this hot new trailer. Plus, we have the freshest ROGUE ONE interview highlights from Donnie Yen and Jimmy Smits. And, we dig deep into the newest STAR WARS news stories including info on Lando Calrissian casting in the upcoming Han Solo film, THE FORCE AWAKENS 3D Collectors Edition, and, in the wake of new comments made by the head of ABC programming, we present an audio history of the long-awaited STAR WARS live-action television series and discuss the possibilities of it actually hitting the airwaves.

ROGUE ONE behind-the-scenes shakeup rumors resurface, STAR WARS 3D home video releases could be coming, Book review for STAR WARS AFTERMATH: LIFE DEBT, and "outrageous" Therapy Ewoks. Plus, George Lucas wants to buy a comic book...A very very expensive comic book, Lucas Museum opponents in Chicago insult STAR WARS fandom leading to another Jimmy Mac meltdown. Plus, RFR Slow and Tell, Dave Filoni remixed, and much more.

Young Han Solo, ROGUE ONE, and of course, STAR WARS EPISODE VIII are making news headlines these days and RFR is here to break it all down. This week, we're hanging out with popular radio/media personality East Side Dave McDonald to talk STAR WARS news, fandom, and Sopranos tattoos. Aljon Go is back with a George Lucas sighting at Disneyland, we have more from Dave Filoni on the birth of the Rebellion and "Ahsoka's Untold Tales". We review Rian Johnson's list of films that inspired the upcoming Episode VIII. Plus, star-studded young Han Solo auditions courtesy of Conan. And who will be our victim in this week's segment of "RFR Slow and Tell"? Listen now and find out for yourself!

He's the man who invented The Lightsaber. Oscar-Winning STAR WARS production designer Roger Christian joins Paul Bateman and Kyle Newman for an exclusive conversation about his career in film, his experiences working films such as STAR WARS and ALIEN, and working with George Lucas. Check out this interview then read Roger's new book CINEMA ALCHEMIST, in stores now!

STAR WARS REBELS broke big news at Star Wars Celebration Europe with a massively successful panel and Season 3 trailer debut. We break it all down with our special in-studio guests, Aljon Go from Sorcerer Radio and RFR brother Billy Mac. Special guest Ashley Eckstein is "In The Cantina" to talk about SWCE and "Ahsoka's Lost Tales". "RFR Slow and Tell" is back. And, our wacky stories from the early years of Star Wars Celebration along with more from SWCE as we discuss all the panels, news and reveals to emerge from the convention.

Paul Bateman spends time in the SWCE press room with Dave Filoni who gives us killer info about Star Wars Rebels Season 3, the evolution of Darth Maul, Kanan the blind Jedi, and the nature of The Force itself. When Filoni speaks, we listen! And this is simply you must hear for yourself. Paul also caught up with Sam Witwer to talk about the incorporation of EU/Legends characters into new canon. We talk about Alden Ehrenreich making his first-ever STAR WARS related public appearance and we give our first impressions on his potential as the future (young) Han Solo. Plus, Paul recounts his SWCE adventures including a review of the‪#‎CANTINA‬ concert and his hands-on experience with the next generation of immersive entertainment from Lucasfilm: ILMxLAB

The ROGUE ONE panel was the big highlight of day one of SWCE. Featuring the entire cast and showcasing a behind-the-scenes "sizzle" reel, this panel has driven fans into a frenzy. We review the footage shown shot-by-shot and break down every highlight of the revealing panel. RFR's bothan spy in London Paul Bateman saw the ROGUE ONE teaser trailer featuring Darth Vader that was screened exclusively for the panel audience. Paul gives us a detailed account of the trailer along with his review of SWCE day one in general. Plus, RFR Slow and Tell returns and much more!

In the wake of the huge ROGUE ONE details and images released by EW, reporter Anthony Breznican joins us to provide analysis, speculation, and information about the first spin-off STAR WARS STORY film coming this December. Anthony shares exclusive insight about the film's production and news about a potential traitor among the ranks of the ROGUE ONE rebellion. Listen to find out who we think it is! And, Kyle Newman shares info about the latest project he's attached to, RAIDERS! THE ADAPTATION. Plus, the fight for Lucas Museum in Chicago comes to a bitter end, James Cameron talks TFA, "RFR Slow And Tell", and much more.

ROGUE ONE character info and photos released by EW this week dominate our conversation, Forest Whitaker revealed as Saw Gerrera, Darth Vader's silver screen return confirmed, New info about The Emperor in the infamously shelved STAR WARS live-action TV show, Bob Iger talks about an Indiana Jones (re)boot, STAR WARS video game news, listener voice mail and more.

Join RFR in Orlando for an amazing show recorded live at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort. And this time the whole crew is in town, even Swank! We talk about our 3rd annual Disney listener meet-up with David Collins and Steve Glosson, review the STAR WARS LAUNCH BAY and STAR TOURS, and share tons of laughs with our live audience. Plus, we analyze the latest news about the never-ending struggle to build the Lucas Museum in Chicago, Luke's lightsaber, and the challenge Darth Vader faces when using the bathroom. We have updates on John Williams, Harrison Ford's beard, and you don't want to miss RFR's live performance of "Jabba Flow"! Maz's Palace will never be the same again!

RFR is Live from Joliet Star Wars Day with special guests including author John Jackson Miller (STAR WARS: A New Dawn), writer Michael Witwer (Empire of Imagination), Fantasy Flight Games Keith Kappel, and the return of Cris Macht. And it all kicks off with Congressman / Physicist Bill Foster (IL-D) who talks STAR WARS with a scientific twist. Join us for a fun and fast-paced day in Joliet, STAR WARS-style. This remote broadcast is brought to you by WGN Radio, The City of Joliet, and Heritage Corridor CVB.

Matt Lanter joins us to talk about his return as Anakin Skywalker in the amazing season two finale of STAR WARS REBELS, Jimmy Mac hears the music of TFA in an unexpected place, and is panic gripping those behind-the-scenes of ROGUE ONE? We discuss the upcoming reshoots and speculate why they are happening. Plus, Jabba Flow, RFR on the road, and more.

"The Real Fans of the Saga" is a brand-new STAR WARS fan reality TV show coming this summer from Cris Macht. Cris and his wife Michelle join us in studio to talk about everything that has gone into creating the show. STAR WARS celebrates another anniversary. We review interview audio from Lawrence Kasdan talking about the upcoming young Han Solo standalone film and Ewan McGregor considering his unfinished STAR WARS business. We have another Save The Lucas Museum update from ground zero in Chicago, an EMPIRE STRIKES BACK blast-from-the-past, and details about RFR road trips happening this summer with stops in Joliet and Orlando.

Casting for young Han Solo targets one man, shooting Episode VIII continues, an Obi-Wan spin-off trilogy gets talked about again, and Mads Mikkelsen provides a revelation about his role in ROGUE ONE. These are among the current STAR WARS headlines to come across our desks at RFR HQ. We talk about it all! Plus, Jimmy Mac has an exclusive report from the Save The Lucas Museum rally in Chicago, Jason bumps into someone from that other "Star" franchise, we review the new STAR WARS documentary ELSTREE 1976 and learn more about the new and amazing STAR WARS Holograms with our special guests, Eric Doane and Ariel James from Zebra Imaging.

RANCHO Force Radio continues with the second part of our live fundraiser at Steve Sansweet's Rancho Obi-Wan. Find out what it takes to manage the museum home to the world's largest STAR WARS collection and how you can visit and make a difference! More special guests are joining us for Part Two including James Arnold Taylor, David W. Collins, Lucasfilm's Pete Vilmur, and Leland Chee from the STAR WARS story group. Join us for the party and be sure to help RFR raise funds for Rancho Obi-Wan! Visit http://donate.ranchoobiwan.org/RebelForceRadio to donate!

The mecca for every STAR WARS fan is Rancho Obi-Wan, home to the largest STAR WARS collection in the world. But to keep this great museum alive, we must raise awareness and funds. Join us and make a difference as RFR becomes "Rancho Force Radio" with an incredible live podcast fundraiser recorded live at Rancho Obi-Wan. Steve Sansweet is here with us along with the incredible crew of supporters that keep ROW alive. One episode of RFR could not contain this marathon podcast so we broke it up into two. Let's kick off part one with James Burns (Jedi News), Bonnie Burton (Star Wars Craft Book) and our very special guest, actor Sam Witwer!

Come back soon for Part Two of RFR Live from Rancho Obi-Wan with more special guests and surprises.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Visit www.ranchoobiwan.org and make a donation to keep the museum alive and thriving!

Sam Witwer joins us for our audio commentary track of STAR WARS:THE FORCE AWAKENS. As with all of our commentary tracks, you canplay this while you watch TFA or listen as a stand-alone podcast.You never know what Sam will say or what amazing theories he comesup with! So cue up your copy of THE FORCE AWAKENS and watch it withRFR!

J.J. Abrams talked about Rey’s parents at the Tribeca Film Fest and our microphones were there. We analyze everything J.J. had to say about STAR WARS at the event. Plus, we have a preview of the upcoming novel release STAR WARS BLOODLINE, news about a new project for Daisy Ridley, STAR WARS vs AVATAR, discussion about the elusive Constable Zuvio, listener feedback and more.

The rumors for STAR WARS EPISODE VIII have kicked into high gear. We have a spoiler section devoted to the so-called “script leaks” that have hit the web recently. Legit or absurd? We’ll let you decide! The mystery of Threepio’s red arm in TFA has finally been solved via Marvel Comics “C-3PO” one-off and we have a full review of the story. Plus, young Han Solo and Darth Vader casting rumors, Daisy Ridley talks about the future of Rey at the MTV Movie Awards, J.J. talks about more TFA deleted scenes yet to come, a STAR WARS at Disney Parks update, including deets on RFR Live in Orlando and more.

The ROGUE ONE trailer, the TFA Blu-ray, and the season finale of STAR WARS REBELS hit us like proton torpedo. There is much to be said about all three recent events, and few have more to say than noted STAR WARS artist, expert, and film industry veteran, RFR’s very own Paul Bateman. From Ahsoka Tano to Jyn Erso, we break down everything from Paul’s perspective. Plus, we get the deets from Paul about a new Darth Vader casting rumor, the Prequel esthetic, the TFA table read and more.

Dave Filoni is IN THE CANTINA to give us his insight into the STAR WARS REBELS season two finale, THE FORCE AWAKENS and more exclusive info. The era of ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY has officially arrived with the release of the first teaser trailer this week. We provide shot-by-shot analysis! Plus, The TFA Blu-ray, listener feedback and more!

David Collins joins us to talk about the shocking and stunning season two finale of STAR WARS REBELS. The events in the hour-long "Twilight of the Apprentice" have serious repercussions on Ahsoka Tano, Darth Maul and the crew of The Ghost. Nothing will be the same again in the REBELS universe. We talk about it all in this epic roundtable discussion.

Sam Witwer and Ashley Eckstein join us for their first interviews following the mind-blowing STAR WARS REBELS Season Two Finale. We recap the Rebels red carpet event in LA with audio highlights from Dave Filoni and Simon Kinberg along with a full report from our man-on-the-scene, Jimmy Mac. The home video release of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is here! We give you our initial, spoiler-free reviews of the Blu-ray. Plus, Ewan McGregor talks more about returning to STAR WARS as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Billy Dee is back! With so many amazing things happening on the STAR WARS scene, there's no foolin' around this week on RFR.

The crew of The Ghost get a little downtime to settle into their new base before the you-know-what hits the fan for Kanan and the gang. The peace is short-lived however when Captain Rex finds himself in a sticky situation. Jason, Jimmy and Spencer break down all the action in "The Mystery of Chopper Base" including the Ralph McQuarrie influence, Ezra's growing dark side connection, and how Season Two may conclude.

Bonnie Burton has been a multi-media superstar for years and her impact on STAR WARS fandom is undeniable. Bonnie joins us to talk about her groundbreaking social media work, her history with Lucasfilm, and her love of sock puppets. Bonnie give us her review of THE FORCE AWAKENS and comments on the latest STAR WARS news headlines including casting for the young Han Solo film, the return of Indiana Jones, and the latest interviews from Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill. Plus, we report on the STAR WARS books panel at C2E2 with audio highlights, listener feedback and more.

“The Forgotten Droid” features Chopper on his own as he gets separated from the crew of The Ghost and finds himself on an adventure. We break the whole episode down from start-to-finish with a great roundtable discussion featuring expert analysis from our esteemed panelists. Joining Jimmy Mac and STAR WARS artist Spencer Brinkerhoff III are Tricia Barr (Fangirls Going Rogue) and Geek Out Loud’s Steve Glosson.

READY PLAYER ONE author Ernest Cline joins us IN THE CANTINA to talk about THE FORCE AWAKENS and more. We’ve been pals with Ernie since FANBOYS, so it’s great to get caught up. The cameras are rolling! We get up-to-date with EPISODE VIII location shooting in Dubrovnik, Croatia. In other news, Daisy Ridley talks to the press, J.J. Abrams admits he made a mistake, and REBELS ramps up to a huge season two conclusion. Plus, listener feedback, ROGUE ONE speculation, and much more.

Jedi temples! Crazy visions! Inquisitors! Yoda! Darth Vader! There was a lot to like about the STAR WARS REBELS season two episode “Shroud of Darkness". From Ahsoka's realization that Anakin may still be alive, to Ezra's growing connection to The Force, there is much to discuss. Joining us at The Roundtable for some killer conversation are two very esteemed guests. STAR WARS author Adam Bray brings us his wisdom acquired while writing STAR WARS REBELS: THE VISUAL GUIDE. And we welcome the return of our old pal, STAR WARS artist and noted REBELS expert Spencer Brinkerhoff III

This week in STAR WARS, we finally got an announcement about the release of THE FORCE AWAKENS in Blu-ray and Digital HD. We speculate about what deleted scenes will be on the disc, along with a personal look back at the history of STAR WARS home video releases. Big wig Bob Iger gave a STAR WARS progress report at the annual Disney Stockholders Meeting and our microphones were there. Hear updates on ROGUE ONE, Episode VIII, and Disney parks. Plus, STAR WARS gets snubbed at The Oscars, listener feedback and more.

A heated rematch between Zeb and Kallus leads to a harsh situation where they must put down their arms and work together in “The Honorable Ones”. We break down this season 2 episode of STAR WARS REBELS at The Roundtable with RFR brother Billy Mac.

All the latest STAR WARS news with cutting-edge analysis and conversation! That’s what you get this week on RFR including the latest news about THE FORCE AWAKENS, ROGUE ONE, and more. We have more about the death of Han Solo, The Stormtrooper who banged his head, and familiar voices return to STAR WARS REBELS. Plus, STAR WARS at Disney Parks update, Jimmy Mac’s STAR WARS Room, listener feedback and more. Joining us this week to talk about it all is RFR brother Billy Mac!

We finally get more on Hera’s backstory in the latest episode of STAR WARS REBELS. “The Homecoming” features a reunion between father and daughter revealing more history about the pilot of The Ghost. Plus, with Hera’s dad being Cham Syndulla, we get more connections between REBELS and THE CLONE WARS! Joining us this week to connect-the-dots at The Roundtable is Australian comedian/podcaster Steele Saunders (Steele Wars).

Hardcore fans have known for a long time about the clumsy Stormtrooper who walked head first into a door in the original STAR WARS. Actor/musician Laurie Goode AKA “The Stormtrooper Who Hit His Head” joins us “In The Cantina” to talk about his experience on the set of STAR WARS, the characters he portrayed and of course, the scene that made him a freeze-frame legend. Principle photography for STAR WARS EPISODE VIII has begun! We have the latest news, rumors and speculation. Plus, ROGUE ONE updates, listener feedback and more.

Kanan and the gang meet space whale squids in STAR WARS REBELS, “The Call”. You think that sounds weird, wait ‘til you hear what we have to say about this season two episode! Joining Jason and Jimmy to talk purgils at the RFR Roundtable is film maker J.C.Reifenberg (Summer of ‘78/Hughes The Force).