AHSOKA TEASER TRAILER

Dave Filoni's expansion of the animated Star Wars adventures he crafted into live actions shows continues with the August 2023 debut of AHSOKA on the Disney+ streaming service. Originally a key character in the Clone Wars animated series that Filoni directed, Ahsoka evolved from being Anakin Skywalker's Jedi Padawan (apprentice) to being portrayed as an early leader of the Rebel Alliance in the Star Wars: Rebels cartoons. Now in her live-action incarnation played by Rosario Dawson, Ahsoka finds herself in the years following the fall of the Empire occurring after the events of the Return of the Jedi movie.

My kids have grown up with us having family tv nights to watch new episodes of Clone Wars and Rebels when they originally aired. They are actually bigger fans of the tv shows then any of the Star Wars movies. So, we are fans of Filoni's work with the Star Wars galaxy and excited how he has begun coherently meshing together the animated and live action television shows. Really geeked that it has been announced he will be directing a live action movie that brings together the characters and stories from all The Mandalorian era Disney Plus shows into a feature length theatrical released film.

In anticipation of the next stage of Ahsoka's story, a teaser trailer has been released to promote the upcoming show. There is a lot in it that is both exciting and confusing for Star Wars fans. Check it out:

One of my favorite part of the teaser is that it clearly shows the animated characters that were the heroes of Rebels are coming back together to be a big part of the Disney Plus galaxy of Star Wars live action shows. Not only that but the villain from that series, Thrawn, is coming back to lay claim to being heir to the Empire. It will be interesting if there will be tie-ins to the Timothy Zahn book that originally introduced this fan favorite character before he was revamped into the Rebels storyline. These characters are to my kids like Luke, Leia, Han, R2-D2 and Darth Vader are to me in being favorite Star Wars heroes and villains. 

What seems confusing in where the show's timeline is are that there sure seem to be a lot of evil Sith running about. These villains aren't around at Return of the Jedi and don't seem to be around when The Force Awakens takes place. So, what is going on here! I'm intrigued!

While Kathleen Kennedy has been in charge of LucasFilm since the Disney transaction and George Lucas' retirement, it has been Filoni that has kept the franchise alive. Kennedy tore down the magic of the franchise in three poorly executed cash grab movies while Filoni kept the George Lucas style of the franchise alive through his production of Star Wars television shows. There is a whole generation now who relates to Star Wars more through the characters and stories told through Filoni's television series than the movies. Hopefully, Filoni will continue to be able to have more control of steering the franchise's direction and Kennedy will graciously disappear into retirement. 

I have a lot of faith in Filoni being the steward of the Star Wars galaxy. My whole family is looking forward to seeing AHSOKA on Disney+ and Filoni's Star Wars movie that ties these shows all together. This is the way!

FIRST LOOK AT SUBWAY SURFERS ANIMATED SERIES

As a Christmas gift to fans of Subway Surfers, the #1 most downloaded mobile game in the world in 2017, SYBO GAMES revealed the first teaser for its highly anticipated Subway Surfers animated series.  Scripted by Brent Friedman (Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and produced by Daytime Emmy award winner-producer Sander Schwartz (The Batman, Baby Looney Tunes, Ozzy &  Drix) this series will give fans of the video game a chance to hear the voices of the characters they've grown to love and delve into the lore of the Subway Surfers world as viewers follow the adventures of Jake, Tricky, and Fresh.



The animate series will premiere next Summer with 10 x 4 minute episodes, followed by a long form series of 22 minute episodes.  Stay tuned for more information about where and when you can tune in to see it this Summer.

With 1.6 billion downloads,  Subway Surfers has been crowned as the most downloaded mobile video game app of 2017.  In Subway Surfers, dash as fast as you can!  Dodge oncoming trains! Help Jake, Tricky and Fresh escape from the grumpy Inspector and his dogs.  How long can you keep surfing through this slick, exciting runner genre game.  Available on Google Play, Apple's App store, Windows 10, and Amazon.

Star Wars Command: The Battle of Hoth

Just before the first snow storm of this winter hit our town, A Geek Daddy Blog received a surprise box of goodies from our friends at Hasbro filled with the company's newest line of toys called Star Wars Command for us to play with and test out.  These Star Wars Command toys are like the little green plastic army men of my youth but instead of pretending to fight in World War II you are transported to the Star Wars Universe to play out  your favorite scenes from the franchise's movies or television episodes.  They have themed toy sets ranging from the brand new animated series Star Wars: Rebels (which is my son's favorite tv show) to Empire Strikes Back (which is my favorite movie).

So as the snow started coming down you know my five year old son and I couldn't resist going out in the backyard and recreating the Battle of Hoth.  My son's rebel troopers put up a valiant fight led by Chewbacca and Han Solo but they just were no match against Dad's powerful legion of AT-ATs and snow troopers.  In the end though a mysterious snow ball from outer space knocked out the approaching Geek Daddy armada allowing the rebels to slip away to battle another day.

My son had a blast playing with these toys and I was whisked back to acting like a kid myself for a few moments while we enjoyed playing Star Wars in the snow.  Then it was time for dinner and a return to the real world; but as we were packing up I took a moment to appreciate this moment of father-son fun and bonding that we often don't get enough time for in the everyday hustle and bustle of life.  Next I realized it probably wasn't the best move to play with white colored toys in the snow...we'll be finding a few of these figures after the snow melts.  Fortunately, a number of the rebels including Han Solo, Chewbacca and R2D2 were made of blue, brown and orange colored plastic and easily stood out in the frozen tundra of our patio.

For being small injected plastic molded figurines these Star Wars Command toys have some nice sculpts and detail to them.  Recommended age for these micro-figure battle sets are for children 4 years old and up.

#CommandtheForce with the Star Wars Command battle packs. They come in a variety of sizes ranging in price from $4.99 for a play set that includes 9 figures to $59.99 for the Star Destroyer set that includes a gigantic vehicle that shoots out energy blast balls to devastate your opponent's army.

While we had a great time playing out the Battle of Hoth together, the toy set that my son really wants to get his hands on is the Star Wars: Rebels - Jedi Duel battle pack.  This includes all his favorite characters from the tv show: Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, Sabine Wren, Zeb Orrelios, and C1-1OP "Chopper" plus bad guy The Inquisitor and a few stormtroopers to boot.  Plus it has two vehicles included the PHANTOM space ship and an AT-DP armored walker.  We've decided to hold this battle pack aside for a little while though because it is just too valuable to use as a reward, or bribe, when the need may arise.  My son doesn't know we have this in hand so he'll be thrilled when we eventually give it to him.

For more information about the Star Wars Command toys visit starwars.hasbro.com

DISCLAIMER:  Hasbro provided A GEEK DADDY Blog with complimentary Star Wars Command toys with an approximate retail value of $50.  These toys were provided with no obligation to provide a positive review regarding them.  The views and opinions in this post are my own.

SPORTSNATION Star Wars Special on ESPN2 Celebrates Halloween

Disney is merging its Star Wars and cable sports network properties together in a fun synergy of Halloween awesomeness on Thursday, October 30, 2014.  ESPN2's SportsNation is teaming up with Star Wars for a special 1/2 hour Halloween show starting at 7:30pm.  The show will feature popular characters from the Star Wars franchise interacting with the show's cast along with a cameo by the greatest jedi master of them all, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (no wonder he was a record setting 6-time NBA MVP and 19 time All-Star Team selection with the Force behind him - being an athletic 7'2" probably helped too).

This episode of SportsNation will have the studio decked out to look like the inside of the Millennium Falcon and feature highlight clips under Star Wars inspired categories such as "Best Jedi Mind Trick" and "Most Unstoppable Skywalkers."

The Hollywood Reporter premiered the opening segment of this SportsNation Halloween special and as Darth Vader would say it is impressive, most impressive.  It features SportsNation host Michelle Beadle as a Jedi on a mission to save colleagues Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley from Vader and his legion of stormtroopers who have invaded the  ESPN2 studio.  Check out the segment in advance of the show courtesy of HollywoodReporter.com:

There is a specific marketing purpose for this special believe it or not...Disney understands that the SportsNation audience is also a demographic that may be interested in another brand new show airing on one of its other cable channels called Star Wars: Rebels.  In addition to the Star Wars features and gags during SportsNation the show will also feature an exclusive sneak peak of an upcoming episode of Disney XD's Star Wars: Rebels animated television series.

If the whole SportsNation episode is as good as its opening sequence this is absolutely a show not to be missed!

Marvel to debut a Star Wars: Rebels comic book in April 2015 based upon the Jedi Cowboy

Following up on the recent success in the debut of the brand new animated television series Star Wars: Rebels, Marvel has announced that it will adding a new series to its upcoming lineup of Star Wars comic books coming out in 2015.  Marvel takes over the publication license for Star Wars comic books from Dark Horse in January 2015.  Star Wars -- Kanan: The Last Padawan will be a monthly comic serial that ties into the Star Wars: Rebels animated series being aired on the Disney XD cable channel. 

Kanan Jarrus, who is often described as a "Jedi Cowboy", is the leader of the rebels in the new Star Wars: Rebels television show.  Prior to the destruction of the Jedi Order in Star Wars Episode III he was training as a padawan.  The new comic book will explore the character's early life, depict his padawan training and relationship with his Jedi master Depa Billaba , and how he went into hiding after Order 66 and prior to the events in the novel Star Wars: A New Dawn and Star Wars: Rebels.  The comic book series will be written by Greg Weisman who is an executive producer for the first season of Star Wars: Rebels and illustrated by Pepe Larraz who is currently providing the artwork for Marvel's The Mighty Thor.

Check out this interview on Marvel.com with Greg Weisman about this upcoming comic book series.

Star Wars -- Kanan: The Last Padawan will be joining Star Wars (featuring Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and cast from the original movies) and Darth Vader themed monthly comic books and a Princess Leia mini-series in 2015.  Keep an eye out for all of these titles in 2015.

Watch Disney's Star Wars Rebels for FREE on iTunes

Disney debuted the newest edition to the Star Wars saga when it aired a one hour special last week on Disney Channel titled "Sparks of Rebellion" to launch its new animated television show titled REBELS.  Half-hour episodes of Rebels will then begin airing on the Disney XD cable channel each week on Mondays at 9pm ET/PT beginning October 13th.  Can't wait until October 13th to watch the show's first new episode "Droids in Distress" or don't have access to Disney XD on your cable lineup?  Then you may want to visit iTunes which is providing FREE downloads of "Droids in Distress" for a limited time to promote Star Wars: Rebels and its iTunes season download passes that are being sold for $29.99.  For the time being though the price for the season's first episode is listed as FREE and you can download it at no charge. 

Disney's Star Wars: Rebels television series is set 5 years before the original 1977 movie (Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope) and fourteen years after the defeat of the Jedi Order and creation of the Empire (Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith) in the Star Wars story timeline.  The show focuses on the crew of a space freighter called the Ghost that has banded together to tackle the Empire in an effort to spark a rebellion against it.  CLICK HERE for more details about Disney's Star Wars: Rebels from a previous A Geek Daddy blog post.

While this is a new television show it has many of the features that so many people love from the original trilogy of movies.  There is a focus on the force as a mysterious power (rather than some midi-cholorian over explanation from the prequel movies) with one of the last Jedi taking on a new youthful and rambunctious apprentice; a beat up freighter akin to the Millennium Falcon; a quirky droid named Chopper similar to R2D2 but yet with its own unique personality; and lots of storm troopers and TIE fighters that are the images people most identify with when characterizing "the Empire."  While Disney's Rebels takes a lot of cues from classic Star Wars cannon it also sets itself apart with new characters and locations.  The crew of the Ghost isn't made up of established Star Wars characters but rather are all brand new creations to give the series its own unique identity and the principal villain isn't the figure that is often the face of the Star Wars franchise, Darth Vader, but rather the newly introduced Inquisitor.

Rebels succeeds where the prequel movies failed in that it embraces the heritage and elements of the original movies that my generation loved but still has enough new twists and angles to make it interesting to younger audiences.  I watched the one hour Disney Channel movie with my children and we both enjoyed it but for different reasons.  I enjoyed it for the sense of magic and unknown the show returned to the power of the force, the Ralph McQuarrie inspired touches that the artistic team added to the show, the John Williams Star Wars musical score and seeing TIE fighters and star destroyers flying across a screen again.  Meanwhile my kids enjoyed the comedic elements of the show, loved the baby wookiee rescue scene, appreciated the rebellious youth character Ezra who they could relate to, and were excited to share in something with their dad they know I have a passion and appreciation for.  This show did a nice job of bringing together two generations to mutually enjoy a science fiction space opera together.  Disney has done a nice job with Star Wars: Rebels and this animated series get A Geek Daddy nod of approval.

CLICK HERE to download on  iTunes the #FREE "Droids in Distress" #Disney 's #StarWars Rebels episode.

Droids in Distress Episode Description

The crew of the Ghost intercepts a shipment of weapons intended for the Empire.  Along the way they also inadvertently pick up C-3PO and R2-D2 who are are  on a secret mission sent by Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan to prevent the weapons from falling into Imperial hands.  Meanwhile the Ghost continues to be chased by Agent Kallus of the Imperial Security Bureau.  The story eventually wraps up with R2-D2 providing Organa with information about this motley crew of rebels that helps keep his faith in becoming one of the founders of the Alliance to Restore the Republic (aka The Rebel Alliance)

LucasFilm Brings Star Wars Clone Wars to a Conclussion

On the eve of the premiere of the new Star Wars: Rebels animated television show on the Disney Channel fans of the cancelled Clone Wars series can also get some closure as videos portraying the final four episodes of that series have recently been posted on the official www.starwars.com website.

When Disney acquired the Star Wars franchise the Clone Wars animated television series that was airing on Cartoon Network was cancelled before  it could air its final season.  Most of that season was eventually shown on Netflix but the final four episodes of the series story arc were never completed for broadcast. Disney has now released videos of these four episodes that feature a pre-broadcast quality story reel and voiceovers from the cast.  While these aren't as visually enjoyable as a broadcast quality product they do provide full 22 to 23 minute chapters that fans of the series can appreciate.  Some of the scenes really aren't that bad and others look more like stick drawing with art direction scribbles/notes etched on the screen but they do tell full stories with the voice talents of  Clone War's cast - the voices just don't match the characters lips the two key players in the episodes Anakin Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi both look like they have holes cut in their necks during most of their scenes.  That being said for production to have been shut down before these episodes were completed the piecing of parts together to create these videos isn't bad.

The four episodes are titled A Death On Utapau, In Search of the Crystal, Crystal Crisis, and The Big Bang.   The teaser that ties these four episodes together is they revolve around a giant crystal that will probably be used eventually for the planet destroying laser of the Death Star but none of the characters at this time realize that premise because it is mysteriously shrouded in Palpatine's master Sith plan to create an Empire he rules.  Here is summary of each episode and links to the videos:

A Death on Utapau

Obi-Wan and Anakin investigate a mysterious death of a Jedi Master on Utapau, and uncover a secret Separatist weapons deal the likes of which they have never seen before.  CLICK HERE to view the video.

In Search of the Crystal

 Obi-Wan and Anakin’s investigation on Utapau continues, and they allow themselves to be captured by weapons dealers who possess a focusing crystal of unspeakable power. CLICK HERE to watch the video.

Crystal Crisis

 Obi-Wan and Anakin must escape from Utapau with a kyber crystal before General Grievous and his droid army track them down. CLICK HERE to watch the video.

The Big Bang

Obi-Wan and Anakin must do all they can to prevent a powerful weapon from falling into General Grievous’ hands. CLICK HERE to watch the video.

Watching these four videos is a decent way to close out The Clone Wars television series and prepare to enjoy the upcoming Rebels show.  Disney's Star Wars Rebels debuts with a one hour special on October 3, 2014 at 9pm ET.  The show will than air weekly with 1/2 hour episodes on Monday evenings on the Disney XD cable channel beginning October 13th.

Join me for a Star Wars Twitter Party

This post has been compensated by Collective Bias Inc. and its advertiser.

A GEEK DADDY is going to be co-hosting a #STARWARS Twitter Party on Friday, October 3, 2014 at 8p EST to chat about the debut of the new animated television show Disney's Star Wars Rebels and a special Walmart DVD release of the tv special that is starting off the series.  Please join me for the #SparkRebellion Twitter Party where we'll be discussing all thing Star Wars new, old and in between, as well as giving you the chance to win prizes!

You're not going to want to miss this Friday Night Twitter Party!  I am very excited to be sharing Star Wars memories and talking about the new Disney's Star Wars  Rebels DVD and toy line.  The DVD releases on October 3rd and a full line of Star Wars Rebels toys will be available at Walmart.  Some of the toys that my kids and I are most excited about are the Star Wars Rebels Millennium Falcon, Inquisitor Lightsaber, and Rebels Command Star Destroyer.

DATE: Friday, October 3, 2014 

TIME: 8:00 - 9:00 pm EST

EARLY BIRD RSVP PRIZE: 1 - $50 Walmart Gift Card

PARTY PRIZES:  5 - $100 Walmart Gift Cards

HOSTS:  @Geekdad248 , @DoDomesticDad , @outnumberedmama , @MommaDandDaBoyz , @tsue1136

RULES:  #SparkRebellion Twitter Party Rules

RSVP & PARTY GRID:  #SparkRebellion Twitter Party Page

How To Participate In A Twitter Party on SoFabChats!

TIP: How to join a Twitter Party – sign in! Before party starts, click on the green “Sign In On Twitter” bar at the top of the page!

TIP: Who to follow at a Twitter Party? Follow the Party Team by clicking on the Twitter handle links on the RSVP page!

TIP: Want to win Twitter Party prizes? RSVP by clicking on RSVP button before you join the party, follow everyone on the Party Team, and tweet with the party hashtag during the party to be eligible!

TIP: How to win the Early Bird prize? Watch for chance to share a tweet when you RSVP for chance to win!

TIP: Special deals and brand coupons? Keep that option checked when you RSVP for the party!

TIP: New to Twitter parties? Watch your column and Party Team tweet columns – they are slower paced and easier to follow!

TIP: Where to find Twitter Parties? Check out the SoFabChats Twitter Party Calendar to find more fun parties to attend!

New STAR WARS television show debuts in October

 

A brand new Star Wars animated television show titled Rebels will be debuting in October.  Star Wars: Rebels is scheduled to premiere on October 3rd with a one hour special Star Wars: Rebels- Sparks of Rebellion on the Disney Channel.  Half hour episodes will than routinely air on Monday nights each week on the cable channel Disney XD beginning on October 13th.  The premise behind the tv series that is set 5 years before the original Star Wars move "A New Hope" is that a motley crew of a spaceship called the Ghost begins harassing the Empire in an effort to spark a rebellion.

In an attempt to recapture the vibe of the original trilogy of movies the artwork in this animated series will use the Star Wars concept art that was created by artist Ralph McQuarrie in the 1970s & 80s for inspiration.  One specific example of McQuarrie's impact on the show is the character of Zeb Orrelios.  The appearance of this alien who serves as the muscle for the Ghost's crew utilizes McQuarrie's original concept for Chewbacca to create the character.  I remember as a kid spending hours scouring through Ralph McQuarrie art books my aunt had given me and imagining all sorts of adventures inspired by those wonderful sketches; so I'm really looking forward to seeing his influence in Star Wars: Rebels.

Other characters in the show include:

Kanan Jarrus a survivor of the Empire's purge of the Jedi. After barely surviving Order 66 he went underground hiding in obscurity until discovered by the owner of the Ghost, Hera Syndulla.  He is now the leader of the Ghost's crew doing his best to inflict harm against the power of the Empire.

Hera Syndulla is the Twi'lek owner and pilot of the Ghost.

Sabine Wren is a Mandalorian warrior who is an expert in combat, weapons and explosives.  She fancies herself as an artist who loves to tag Imperial facilities with graffiti after an attack.

Ezra Bridger is a 14 year old pickpocket and con artist who the crew of the Ghost find living on an Outer Rim world.  Unknown to him one of the reasons he is able to get out of so many jams is that he is gifted with the ability to use the Force.

To help up the excitement for Rebels, Disney has released four short youtube videos to promote the excitement for this new series:

In “The Machine in the Ghost,” the rebels’ Ghost starship is under attack by a wave of TIE fighters. Hera pilots the craft, while Kanan tries to blast the Imperials from the Ghost’s gunner. While they do evade and shoot down several TIEs, it’s up to astromech droid Chopper to finish the job – even if he’s reluctant to do so.

 In “Art Attack,” Sabine sneaks into an Imperial compound, looking to create a diversion for her friends aboard the Ghost. Spotted by stormtroopers, she proves too quick to be captured – and leaves behind an explosive surprise.

 In “Not What You Think,”  Ezra finds a downed TIE fighter on the plains of Lothal. The young rebel opens the ship’s hatch -- pretending to help the ungrateful Imperial pilot -- and leaves with a few souvenirs.

In “Entanglement,” Zeb fails to meet with Kanan at a specified rendezvous point…and instead finds himself joyfully battling many, many stormtroopers.

 

For more information about Star Wars: Rebels CLICK HERE

 

 

DISNEY'S CABLE NETWORKS WILL HAVE A STAR WARS FOCUS ON MAY THE FOURTH

Disney is using what has become known as Star Wars Day (May the Fourth ... be with you) to premiere the first official trailer for its new animated television show STAR WARS: REBELS.  It will also be broadcasting the first LEGO STAR WARS: THE YODA CHRONICLES episode (a comedic look at the Star Wars Universe through the use of Lego building blocks ) to appear on the Disney cable network since the show was moved from Cartoon Network.

 

The now named LEGO STAR WARS: THE NEW YODA CHRONICLES will air on Disney XD on Sunday, May 4th (Star Wars Day) at 7pm ET/PT.  Disney XD is a cable channel with programming targeted to children and teens in the age range of 6 to 14 years old.  Disney also has cable channels Disney Channel, Disney Junior, ABC Family, Fusion, and the ESPN networks under its ownership.  During the May 4th showing of LEGO STAR WARS: THE NEW YODA CHRONICLES the trailer for the STAR WARS: REBELS animated series will be premiered.  Immediately following the NEW YODA CHRONICLES premiere of the REBELS trailer it will than be shown on Disney's other cable properties and online.

According to the STAR WARS: REBELS production team, this is the official synopsis for the new series:

Star Wars Rebels continues the epic tradition of the legendary Star Wars saga with all-new exciting, action-packed adventures. It is a dark time in the galaxy, as the evil Galactic Empire tightens its grip of power from world to world. As the series begins, Imperial forces have occupied a remote planet, ruling with an iron fist and ruining the lives of its people. The clever and motley crew of the starship Ghost is amongst a select few who are brave enough to stand against the Empire. Together, this ragtag group will face threatening new villains, encounter colorful adversaries, embark on thrilling adventures and become heroes with the power to ignite a rebellion.

STAR WARS: REBELS will debut with an hour long special this summer on the Disney Channel and half hour weekly episodes will air on Disney XD starting in the fall.

The YODA CHRONICLES though having a "new name" appear similar to the same format of the show that recently ran on Cartoon Network.  These are funny shows that are enjoyable for parents and kids to enjoy together.  The quips often have both me and my kids chuckling. If you have time this weekend, tune in to THE NEW YODA CHRONICLES and enjoy an extra special treat by getting a sneak peek at the new STAR WARS: REBELS animated series.

May the Fourth be with You!