Since 2015’s Celebration Anaheim, there wasn’t quite been a weekend opening panel like the one with The Force Awakens’ trailer, and well, the Lucasfilm Showcase Panel for Anaheim 2022 wanted to say “hold my spotchka!” but it didn’t quite get there, due to focusing on non-Star Wars projects and by denying this panel to everyone at the convention minus those in the room, it could never quite permeate the weekend like SWCA ’15’s did even if it had a similar show-stopper. Let’s take a moment to address how disappointing, massively so, that they gate-kept this panel from those at home by choosing not to stream it (and the rest of the weekend’s opening panels), with only The Mandalorian’s S3 footage not being shown online anyways, screwing over international fans, fans who can’t come out due to health reasons, fans that can’t come due to COVID and wars, or even just monetary reasons…it’s an extremely inept choice in 2022, especially due to one short teaser, and I wish I could bet on Lucasfilm doing better but I don’t have much faith (like, let us at home pay to watch, even!). That out of the way, head below for the Andor trailer, Jude Law headlining 2023’s Skeleton Crew, and the non-Star Wars news, I guess!
Obi-Wan Kenobi
The panel started with Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, and Moses Ingram for Obi-Wan Kenobi, where of course Ewan’s first words were: “Hello, there.” They came out to “Duel of the Fates” being chanted and later John Williams played the theme live at the end! It sounds appropriately sad, reflective, and grandiose, fitting of his long mission. The maestro does it again…was there ever any doubt?!
Here exclusively for Celebration is the Obi-Wan Kenobi theme composed by John Williams and now conducted LIVE with full orchestra!! #StarWarsCelebration pic.twitter.com/KTS27AS1Sa
— DisneyExaminer (@DisneyExaminer) May 26, 2022
Andor
I could watch this trailer ALL DAY. From glimpses of the Imperial Senate, dim and dark unlike it was in the prequels, clonetroopers, the Mon MOTHMAISSANCE, and more; seriously, the Imperial Senate is such a book/background of the movie thing, finally seeing it on screen is hard to process. The show premieres August 31, 2022 with two episodes but will run for 12 (!) episodes total in season one and two (so total of 24), which is when the show will end. The first season takes us back about 5 years before Rogue One, covering the first year (plus flashbacks to his childhood, as you can see in the trailer), and season two will bridge the final 4 year gap and take us right into Cassian Andor’s fateful mission.
The Mandalorian Season 3
The only footage shown at the panel not made public is a brief teaser of The Mandalorian’s third season, which will air February 2023. The footage was described as basically it seems Bo-Katan will be the villain, Din will go to Mandalore to “pay for his transgressions” aka taking off the helmet, maybe, and Bo-Katan telling Grogu Din isn’t the only Mandalorian. Sounds intriguing but not enough for it to cause the ENTIRE panel not be streamed. UPDATE: Having now seen grainy footage of it, it is quite impressive overall. Show looks to be taking on a far larger scale. Space battle with Din in his new fighter. More Mandos in action. Greef’s new look, plus the bigger, more lived-in feel of the planet he’s on, and even the return of the Dr. Pershing. This is why it should just be streamed for all, it’s never not going to be filmed by someone.
Skeleton Crew
Recently teased in Vanity Fair’s article about Lucasfilm’s future, Grammar Rodeo, the show set post-Return of the Jedi starring kids lost in the galaxy, now has a name: Skeleton Crew! And…it stars Jude Law?!!? Wow, that’s a cool, big name to have! But here’s hoping the kids are a diverse set since this is otherwise all white dudes behind and on the camera right now. Expect this one in 2023.
Ahsoka
Her lekku have been extended a bit for the show, which will be out 2023, but is filming right now so no updates. A little cast update would’ve been far more exciting, but Lucasfilm certainly isn’t Marvel.
Willow
I haven’t seen the original movie since I was a kid, but I love what I’m seeing from this trailer. Time to rewatch it before this goes live on Disney+ in November.
Indiana Jones 5
Harrison Ford appeared as John Williams played the Indy theme just to show off a new image from the film and its June 30, 2023 release date.
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Twitter @MynockManor and Instagram @mynockmanor.