Rogue One Merchandising Blitz Begins, Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel Synopsis Reveals Film’s Backstory

While you might have gotten excited for all the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story merchandise that was revealed recently, your wallet is doing its best to hide in a corner somewhere because it knows what’s best for you. Much like with The Force Awaken‘s merchandise, Rogue One‘s will also get a “Force Friday” release, this time on September 30. But if winning contests by making cool Star Wars related videos is more your speed, there’s been a Go Rogue contest announced, launching alongside a series of sorts involving upcoming Rogue One toys. And lastly, the prequel tie-in novel for the film, Catalyst, gets a detailed synopsis which includes some possible slight spoilers for RO. Find out more about all the news below!

Let’s start with the Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel synopsis, spotted by the ever vigilant Jedi-Bibliothek, which reveals how James Luceno’s prequel novel will uncover how Jyn’s battle against the Empire is more personal than we previously realized:

“War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.
Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.”

After reading the above, I am now very excited for this novel. At Celebration Europe’s publishing panel they teased it would be a must-read and this tale of the Erso’s stuck under Krennic’s ambition certainly has my interest, as it sounds good enough to be movie in-of-itself, let alone a novel. The idea that Krennic is so closely tied to the Ersos, thus making Jyn’s story a very personal one in Rogue One, has gotten me even more hyped for the film…and I haven’t even read Catalyst yet! Look for it on store shelves, and our review shortly after, on November 15. UPDATE: My review is in and, without having seen the film, I can at least say it’s an exceptional character story that’ll get you introduced properly to several of the players in the movie.

September 30 is the day your wallet will cry as you feast on the plethora of RO merchandise hitting your local toy shops or favorite online storefronts. But unlike last year’s Force Friday, it seems only Toys “R” Us will be hosting midnight bonanzas on the new toys, with the chance to get free posters and t-shirts (and you can pre-order toys now!). Also unlike last year’s slightly disappointing amount of Rey toys: there’ll be plenty of action figures and toys featuring RO‘s leading lady, Jyn Erso, including Hasbro, Funko Pop!, and LEGO (all revealed first by EW.com). But it’s not all about Jyn, as the film’s diverse cast gets figures across the board as well, including Disney Stores’ Diecast Elite series and Funko Pop!, to name a few.

The official SW site has a great round up of merchandise, including books, costumes, and even blankets.
io9 likewise has a very complimentary round up for RO toys.
Good Morning America’s segment on the toys included Riz Ahmed unboxing his first Bodhi Rook figure!

Once the toys are out, fans have been encouraged to create videos for a chance to win a trip to Lucasfilm HQ in San Francisco, go to the premiere of the film, visit Rancho Obi-Wan, and more in the Go Rogue contest! To hype up the toy release and get all you creative-types mind’s percolating with ideas, they released a series of stop-motion shorts using the upcoming figures to tell the tale of the theft of the Death Star plans. They’re decently funny and entertaining enough to watch, so check them out to see the toys in action (I’ve linked to the first one below!)

Lastly, Target has teamed up with several fans for their latest commercial, “There’s a Rebel in All of Us.” Fans include teacher and Coffee With Kenobi senior writer Dan Zehr (!), Jennifer Busch (who had a Star Wars-themed wedding), Amiyrah Martin (whose parenting takes cues from Star Wars), and Charley Burns (a nine-year-old who could probably give Rey a run for her money). The official site interviewed them all and the commercial is below:

May the Force be with all our wallets this fall and winter. The film drops December 16, 2016.

Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website @MynockManor.

Rogue One Merchandising Blitz Begins, Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel Synopsis Reveals Film’s Backstory

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