A very short stuntman

Quote of today

"And hurry up, will ya? I haven't got all day"

Han Solo thinks C-3PO is a slow translator
Return of the Jedi

Today we celebrate...
Kiran Shah at his 54rd birthday (born 1956)

Kiran Shah was born in Nairobi, Kenya and played an ewok in Return of the Jedi. He is an actor, a stuntman and a poet. Since 2003, Shah has held the Guinness World Record as the "shortest professional stuntman currently working in film." Read all about him on Kiran Shah's own website.

Ewoks are the furry worriers that helped the Rebels to destroy the Imperial shield generator on the forest moon of Endor.
 

Good friends

Quote of today

"Look at the size of that thing!"

Wedge Antilles is impressed by the Death Star
A New Hope

Today we celebrate...
Denis Lawson at his 63rd birthday (born 1947)
Garrick Hagon at his birthday

Denis Lawson was born in Scotland, United Kingdom and played Wedge Antilles in all three movies of the original trilogy. He is also the uncle to Ewan McGregor who portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi in the prequel trilogy. Denis Lawson was offered the role of Captain Antilles in Revenge of the Sith but turned it down.
In A New Hope Wedge Antilles is voiced by David Ankrum, as well as in the scene below.

In one scene in A New Hope, during the pre-battle briefing on Yavin 4, it is not Denis Lawson playing Wedge Antilles. It is Colin Higgins who plays Wedge Antilles when he talks with Luke about hitting such a small target as the Death Star exhaust port.

Garrick Hagon was born in England, United Kingdom in the 1940's and played Biggs Darklighter in A New Hope. Most of his scenes were cut out of the final movie but one was restored to the Special Edition, the Rebel Base scenes on Yavin IV just before the attack on the Death Star.
 

Wedge Antilles is a Rebel fighter pilot. He served as Red Two during the battle of Yavin. He is part of the Rouge Squadron during the battle of Hoth and ends up as Red Leader during the battle of Endor.

Biggs Darklighter is Luke Skywalkers best childhood friend from Tatooine. He was shot down and killed by Darth Vader during the attack of the first Death Star.

The son of suns

Quote of today

"I want to come with you to Alderaan. There's nothing here for me now. I want to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi like my father."

Luke Skywalker decides to follow Ben Kenobi on a damned-fool idealistic crusade
A New Hope

Today we celebrate...
Mark Hamill at his 59th birthday (born 1951)

Mark Richard Hamill was born in California, USA and played Luke Skywalker in the Original Trilogy. Playing Luke Skywalker wasn't his first or last acting as many people may think. Since Star Wars Mark Hamill has been successful on Broadway, as a voice actor in animation and video games, and as a comic book creator. There is an official fan website and you can read more about him full of surprises (archived www.starwars.com).

Luke Skywalker is a farmboy on Tatooine that becomes a Jedi knight and fight with the Rebel Alliance against the Empire. In early drafts of Star Wars he was known as Luke Starkiller.

(Sorry it's just a copy from last year.)

Young bold female

Quote of today

"Master, my Jedi training didn't prepare me for this. What are we going to do?"

Ashoka Tano finds her selves in the liability of a Huttlet.
The Clone Wars movie

Today we celebrate...
Ashley Eckstein at her 29th birthday (born 1981)

Ashley Eckstein was born in Kentucky, USA and raised in Florida. She is the voice of Ashoka Tano in The Clone Wars movie and TV-series. In the TV-series, episode Raise of the Bounty Hunter she also did the voice of a village girl. Read more about Ashley Eckstein at her own fan website and more about her work with The Clone Wars in Ashley Eckstein Talks Ahsoka.

Ashoka Tano is a young Togruta eager to prove herself as a worthy Padawan during the Clone Wars. Her bold Master, Anakin Skywalker, nicknamed her Snips.


Today we remember...
Michael Gilden at his birthday (born 1962).

Michael Gilden was born in California, USA and played an ewok in Return of the Jedi. He died 5th december 2006 by suicide. Michael played the ewok hammering the foot of an AT-ST*) and that role was his film debut.
*) Source was a photo in a now deleted website.  :(

He fight as a count

Quote of today

"Grand Master Kenobi, you disappoint me. Yoda holds you in such high esteem."

Count Dooku feeling invincible
Attack of the Clones

Today we celebrate...
Kyle Rowling at his 40th birthday (born 1970)

Kyle Rowling was born in Australia and was the stunt double for Christoffer Lee/Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. For Obi-Wan's combat sequence with General Grievous in Revenge of the Sith he wore a bluescreen (or greenscreen) suit to fill-in for Grievous. Kyle Rowling played Joclad Danva in Attack of the Clones and he also tought Jett Lucas to fight with a lightsaber.
You find him as a Fight Director in The Sydney Stage Combat School.

Joclad Danva is one of the Jedis fighting in the Geonosian arena. He can be seen behind Anakin in the survival circle but is possibly killed during gunship arrival.

The only non-American director

Quote of today

"Yes or No will do."

The EV-9D9 isn't in a mood for chitchat.
Return of the Jedi

Today we remember...
Richard Marquand who died today 1987 (born April 22, 1938)

Richard Marquand was the Director of Return of the Jedi. He also did cameo appearance as an AT-ST driver and the droid EV-9D9 in the same movie. He was the only non-American to direct a Star Wars film.

AT-ST is the two-legged All Terrain Scout Transport first briefly seen in the battle of Hoth. They are later used during the battle of Yavin. The AT-ST are faster and more agile than its larger AT-AT walker cousin.

The AT-ST developed for The Empire Strikes Back has a number of cosmetic differences to the ones in Return of the Jedi. That is because much more detailed and versatile AT-ST models were constructed for that film.

Just like the original

Quote of today

"Mom, you said that the biggest problem in the universe is no one helps each other."

Anakin wants to Pod race
The Phantom Menace

Today...
at 21:00, year 1999 was a special showing of The Phantom Menace held at Rigoletto in Stockholm, Sweden

On the demand from Star Wars fans Fox Film and the theater Rigoletto invited us to a show where The Phantom Menace was showed in English with no subtext.
Usually, in Sweden foreign films is in original language but with subtext. But Star Wars films has always had the opening crawl translated into Swedish. It was OK back in the 70's and 80's but nowadays we expect the original text.

A guide to the galaxy far far away

Quote of today

"Well, if there's a bright center to the universe, you're on the planet that it's farthest from."

Luke describes to C-3PO where they are
A New Hope

Today...
year 1984 was the book "A Guide to the Star Wars Universe" published

A Guide to the Star Wars Universe is a reference book published by Del Rey. The books alphabetically detail people, places, things, and events in the Star Wars universe.

The first edition was written by Raymond L. Velasco.


A second edition was published March 8, 1994 and a third edition was published October 3, 2000, both written by Bill Slavicsek.

Mr Antilles

Quote of today

"I'm placing these droids in your care. Treat them well. Clean them up. Have the Protocol Droid's mind wiped."

Bail Organa handle over the care of two droids to Captain Antilles.
Revenge of the Sith

Today we celebrate...
Adrian Dunbar at his 52nd birthday (born 1958)

Adrian Dunbar was born in Northern Ireland, UK and played Bail Organa in deleted scenes in The Phantom Menace. Bail Organa was then recast with Jimmy Smits for Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Dunbar's likeness instead became Bail Antilles.

Bail Antilles is the Senator of Alderaan during the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo. Antilles was nominated, along with Senators Palpatine of Naboo and Ainlee Teem of Malastare, to succeed the ousted Chancellor Valorum.

Bail Antilles, Wedge Antilles and Captain Raymus Antilles are not related, Antilles is just a common name in the galaxy far far away. There is no Colton Antilles in the movies. "Captain Antilles" who get strungled by Darth Vader in A New Hope, is the same Captain Antilles that Bail Organa assigns the droids to in Revenge of the Sith.

His Highness Bail Organa

Quote of today

"Unfortunately, the debate is not over. The Senate will never be able to approve the use of that army before the separatists attack."

Bail Organa wants to discuss other solutions.
Attack of the Clones

Today we celebrate...
Jimmy Smits at his 55th birthday (born 1955)

Jimmy Smits was born in New York, USA and played Bail Organa in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Jimmy Smits is known for his American TV work in the shows L.A. Law, NYPD Blue and Dexter.

Bail Organa is the head of the Royal Family of Alderaan, a senator and the adoptive father of Princess Leia Organa. He is killed when the Death Star destroys the planet Alderaan.

I am so sorry...

... but I will not be able to update this blog as often as necessary during the summer. But occasionally there might be some updates.  ;)

//Darth Mother

She dies of broken heart in childbirth

Quote of today

"I don't know you anymore. Anakin, you're breaking my heart! You're going down a path I can't follow!"

Padmé meets Darth Vader
Revenge of the Sith

Today we celebrate...
Natalie Portman at her 29th birthday (born 1981)

Natalie Portman was born in Jerusalem, Israel and played Padmé Amidala Naberrie in the Prequel Trilogy. Her birth surname was Hershlag. She left Israel for USA at the age of three. At age eleven, Natalie was discovered in a pizza parlor by an agent for Revlon, who offered her an opportunity to model. She asked to be introduced to acting talent scouts and quickly got an audition for the film Léon. She made her movie debut at the age of twelve.
Read what she thought about her work as Forbidden Love in Attack of the Clones.
If you are a fan of Natalie Portman here are also two fan sites that still get updates: natalieportman.com and Adoring Natalie Portman.

Padmé Admidala Naberrie is the young Queen of Naboo that continue serving as a Senator when her terms ended. She is secretly married to Anakin Skywalker and the mother of Luke and Leia.

In Return of the Jedi, Leia tells Luke that she remembered her real mother:

Luke: Leia... do you remember your mother? Your real mother?
Leia: Just a little bit. She died when I was very young.
Luke: What do you remember?
Leia: Just...images, really. Feelings.
Luke: Tell me.
Leia: She was very beautiful. Kind, but...sad.

Since Padmé dies, in Revenge of the Sith, while Leia is a newborn, it is not clear how Leia has these memories. This inconsistency is not yet addressed in the Holocron continuity database kept by Leland Chee at Lucasfilm, but there are a lot of speculations.

A Jedi Master and an Imperial Officer

Quote of today

"His fate is uncertain, not dangerous. The Council will decide Anakin's future...that should be enough for you."

Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn gives Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi an answer about little Anakin.
The Phantom Menace

Today we celebrate...
Liam Neeson at his 58th birthday (born 1952)
Michael Pennington at his 67th birthday (born 1943)

Liam Neeson was born in Northen Ireland, UK and played Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace. Before he started his actor career he worked as a forklift operator for Guinness, truck driver, assistant architect and an amateur boxer. Liam Neeson is an Academy Award-nominated Irish actor.

Michael Pennington was born in England, UK and played Moff Jerjerrod in Return of the Jedi. He is a British director and actor who, together with director Michael Bogdanov, founded the English Shakespeare Company. It was an English theater company to present and promote the works of William Shakespeare on both a national and an international level.

Qui-Gon Jinn is a Jedi and the Master to Obi-Wan Kenobi. He is a timeless, wise soul with supreme confidence. Qui-Gon Jinn has great powers and humility and is well skilled in the Jedi arts.

Listen to Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn talking about the life as a Jedi in The Phantom Menace commercials: One destiny

Moff Tiaan Jerjerrod is the Imperial officer supervising the construction of the second Death Star.

The use of archival footage from Return of the Jedi (1983) in the Special Edition of The Empire Strikes Back (1997) means that Jerjerrod has a cameo in The Empire Strikes Back. When Vader's shuttle arrives aboard the Executor, it is Jerjerrod waiting to greet him.

Young Boba Fett

Quote of today

"Dad! Taun We's here!"

Young Boba Fett informs his father that he has invited Taun We and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Attack of the Clones

Today we celebrate...
Daniel Logan at his 23rd birthday (born 1987)

Daniel Logan was born in Auckland, New Zealand and played Boba Fett and several young clones in Attack of the Clones. More about what he has done and does can you read at his official website, at his twitter and in his blog at starwars.com.

Boba Fett is the unaltered clone of Jango Fett raised as the son of Jango. He sees his "father" die by the lightsabre of a Jedi.

An animatic artist

Quote of today

"Clean this droid up the best you can. It deserves our gratitude..."

Queen Amidala('s decoy) ask Padmé to take a closer look on this droid.
The Phantom Menace

Today we celebrate...
Matthew Ward at his 33rd birthday (born 1977)

Matthew A. Ward was an animatic artist for The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones.

Dying Anakin Skywalker and Gold Two

Quote of today

"Nothing can stop that now. Just for once... let me look on you with my own eyes."

Anakin Skywalker is dying.
Return of the Jedi

Today we remember...
Sebastian Shaw at his birthday (born 1905, died 23 Dec. 1994)
Jeremy Sinden who deceased today 1996 (born 6 June 1950)

Sebastian Shaw was born in England, UK and played Anakin Skywalker in Return of the Jedi. He was primarily a stage actor but has appeared in some forty film and TV productions.

Sebastian Shaw was a friend to fellow Star Wars cast member Ian McDiarmid. When they ran into each other while doing their respective make-up tests, McDiarmid asked what he was doing there, to which Shaw replied, "I don't know, Ian. I think it's something to do with science fiction.".

Jeremy Sinden was born in England, UK and played Gold Two in A New Hope.

Anakin Skywalker is the dark Lord Vader saved from the dark side of the Force by his son, Luke Skywalker.

Gold Two aka Tiree was a starfighter pilot in the Rebel Alliance. He was killed during the battle of Yavin above the first Death Star.
Tiree's last words before he was shut down was "Computer's locked. Getting a signal... The guns. They've stopped.".

Animatic artist and pre-visualization supervisor

Quote of today

"Whenever you gamble, my freind, eventually you'll lose. Bring the parts to the main hanger. I'll come by your shop later so you can release the boy."

Qui-Gon Jinn has given Watto a lesson in gambeling on Pod Races.
The Phantom Menace

Today we celebrate...
David Dozoretz at his 39th birthday (born 1971)

David Dozoretz was born in Arizona, USA and was the pre-visualization supervisor for Attack of the Clones, The Phantom Menace and the Special Edition versions of the Original Trilogy. David Dozoretz studied Film Production at the University of Arizona in Media Arts. The first time CG animatics had been used to pre-visualize an entire sequence was for Mission: Impossible and David Dozoretz was there and thats how David Dozoretz became an Animatics Supervisor.

Animatics, also called "Pre-Visualization", is the use of low-end, quickly rendered computer animation to test out a shot or scene before it is actually filmed. It's the next logical extension of the storyboarding process.
For more information about pre-visualization read Animatics: The Moving Storyboards of Episode I.

A dark lord and a bounty hunter

Quote of today

"Master Windu! You have fought gallantly. Worthy of recognition in the history archives of the Jedi Order. Now it is finished. Surrender - and your lives will be spared."

Count Dooku stops the Super Droids and gives the Jedis an option.
Attack of the Clones

Today we celebrate...
Christopher Lee at his 88th birthday (born 1922)
Michonne Bourriague at her 32nd birthday (born 1978)

Sir Christopher Lee was born in England, UK and played Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. He started acting 1948 and has a major list of films he has starred in. Read more about Sir Christopher Lee at his official website.

Michonne Bourriague was born in Nevada, USA and played Aurra Sing in Attack of the Clones. That small part was one of her first job as model. George Lucas said to her "I'm going to make a star out of you in three seconds."and he did. She spent six hours in the makeup chair and four hours to get it all off.

Count Dooku was a Jedi Master who fell to the dark side of the Force and became a Dark Lord of the Sith, known as Darth Tyranus. A bust of him can be seen in the Jedi Archives library.

Aurra Sing is a bounty hunter seen briefly during the Bounta Eve Pod Race on Tatooine.
The character become so popular that the character was expanded into comics and games.

An Imperial governor in slippers

Quote of today

"Evacuate now? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances!"

Grand Moff Tarkin makes a miscalculation
A New Hope

Today we remember...
Peter Cushing at his birthday (born 1913, died 1994, 11 August)

Peter Cushing was born in England, UK and played Grand Moff Tarkin in A New Hope.

The costume boots he had to wear as Grand Moff Tarkin were too small and hurt his feet. Peter Cushing asked if he could wear slippers instead and George Lucas agreed. In every scene were we cannot see his feet he wears slippers (rumors says it was fluffy bunny slippers).

Grand Moff (Wilhuff) Tarkin was an Imperial governor and a brilliant and ruthless tactician. He died when the first Death Star was destroyed.

A powerful Jedi Master, a stormtrooper and two premieres

Quote of today

"That is why you fail."

Yoda answer a disbelieving Luke
The Empire Strikes Back

Today we celebrate...
Frank Oz at his 66th birthday (born 1944)
Colin Michael Kitchens at his 63rd birthday (born 1947)

Frank Oz was born in England, UK and played Yoda. He is a Master Puppeteer and gives Yoda a voice and movement. Frank Oz' birth name is Richard Frank Oznowicz. Read about the Composite Identity of a Jedi Master in A Phantom Menace.

Colin Michael Kitchens was born in California, USA and was an assistant film editor in A New Hope. He also did the voice for a stormtrooper ("Look sir, droids").


Yoda is the small and green ancient Jedi Master. Yoda had trained Padawans for eight centuries and is very powerful in the Force.

In The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi and A Phantom Menace is Yoda a puppet. But for Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith he is entirely computer-generated. The ILM animators took great efforts to not outdo Frank Oz's puppeteering skills, so they actually toned down the biological realism in their animation. Rather than have true, realistic lip sync and eye blinks, Yoda would instead have more of a "jaw sync" and slower blinks and other imperfections.

Stormtrooper is the military soldiers loyal to the Emperor.

Today...
year 1977 was the premiere of Star Wars (A New Hope) in USA
year 1983 was the premiere of Return of the Jedi in USA

Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope is the first episode released in the Star Wars saga. It had premiere in USA and the next to see it was Philippines August 23. Sweden had to wait until December 16 the same year.
Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi is the last episode in the Star Wars saga. It had premiere in USA and the next to see it was United Kingdom June 2. Sweden had to wait until September 30 the same year.

A Celebration and a Total Experience

Quote of today

"Here's where the fun begins!"

Han Solo prefers a straight fight
A New Hope

Today...
year 2005 was the release of Star Wars Galaxies: The Total Experience
year 2007 was the first day of Star Wars Celebration IV (C4) (May 24-28)

Star Wars Galaxies: The Total Experience is a collection of the first three expansions of this MMO.

• An Empire Divided 26 juni 2003
• Jump to Lightspeed 27 okt 2004
• Rage of the Wookiees 5 maj 2005

Star Wars Celebration IV was held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first Star Wars film. It included a sneak peek of the upcoming Clone Wars animated series. Star Wars Celebration is the official Lucasfilm event celebrating all things Star Wars. Celebration IV was located in California, USA. An estimated 35,000 people visited the Celebration IV.

This year 12-15 August it will be a Star Wars Celebration V in Florida, USA.

30 years celebration

Quote of today

"Hey, steady girl. What's the matter? You smell something?"

Luke Skywalker is trying to calm his tauntaun.
The Empire Strikes Back

Today we remember…
Des Webb deceased today 2002

Des Webb (birthday missing) played the Wampa in The Empire Strikes Back. He got the part because he was 2,08 meters/6'10'' and still he used stilts in the costume. But stilts, a fur suit, and snow do not mix well, unfortunately. Most of the intended scenes for the "Ice Creature" were removed from the final version of the movie. All that was left was the arm that knocks Luke off his tauntaun and a close up of the roaring wampa. In the Special Edition version of The Empire Strikes Back ILM artist Howie Weed designed and wore a new wampa suit for the additional scenes.

Wampa is the ice creature Luke runs into on the snow planet Hoth. It is over two meter in high and a stealthy predator.

Today we celebrate...
The Empire Strikes Back at its 30th "birthday" (premiere 1980)

Today year 1980 was the premiere of The Empire Strikes Back in USA and UK. All we other had to wait...
First to see it after USA and UK was Japan in 28 June. In Sweden we had to wait until 15 Augusti and poor Bulgaria had to wait until 23 April 1984.

Two beautiful women and a furry beast

Quote of today

"It's not wise to upset a Wookiee."

Han Solo explaines why R2-D2 should let the Wookiee win.
A New Hope

Today we celebrate...
Peter Mayhew at his 66th birthday (born 1944)
Claudia Karvan at her 38th birthday (born 1972)
Caroline de Souza Correa at her 31st birthday (born 1979)

Peter Mayhew was born in England, UK and played Chewbacca. He got the role because of his hight, he stands 221 cm  or 7'3". Before filming began on Star Wars, Mayhew visited a zoo where he studied the movement of bears, monkeys, gorillas and other animals with traits reminiscent of a Wookiee. And he created the walk and movements of the wookiee Chewbacca. In The Empire Strikes Back was ill a day during filming and director Irvin Kershner substituted another extremely tall actor in Mayhew's place. This proved to be a mistake because the substitute was unable to accurately portray Chewbacca. Kershner was forced to discard all of the footage and re-shoot once Mayhew regained his health.
Read more about Peter Mayhew at his official website.

Claudia Karvan was born in Sydney, Australia and played Sola Naberrie in Revenge of the Sith and in deleted scenes in Attack of the Clones. Claudia Karvan is one of Australia's most recognized actresses. Read more about what she have done in this fan website and what she thought about the deleted scene with Naberrie family reunion in Attack of the Clones.

Caroline de Souza Correa was born in Paraná, Brazil and played Bail Organa’s aide #1 in Revenge of the Sith.

Chewbacca is a Wookiee and Han Solo's fur covered co-pilot. A warrior of great strenght from Kashyyyk.

George Lucas' inspiration for Chewbacca was his loyal pet, an Alaskan malamute.
Chewbacca's voice is a combination of numerous animal sounds from Sound Designer Ben Burrt's personal library. Walruses, camels, bears and badger is mixed with the sound of Tarik, a black bear from the Happy Hollow Zoo in San José, California.

Sola Naberrie is Padmé's elder sister and finds happiness in marriage and motherhood. She have two daughters, Ryoo and Pooja.

Sheltay Retrac is one of Bail Organa’s aides.

The dress Sheltay wear was intended to be one of Pdmés sets of clothing.

The last Cantina Pre-Party

Quote of today

"This is where the fun begins."

Anakin likes a fight
Revenge of the Sith

Today…
Year 2005 was the last “Cantina Pre-Party” in Stockholm, for ever.

For the last time a gathering for Star Wars fans, the night before a Star Wars premiere in Stockholm, Sweden. The gathering, called Cantina Pre-Party, was held in Lava, Kulturhuset at Sergels Torg in the middle of Stockholm.

In Sweden the wait for Episode II was over

Quote of today

"We need a system where the politicians sit down and discuss the problems, agree what's in the best interests of all the people, and then do it."

Anakin discusses politics with Padmé
Attack of the Clones

Today...
year 2002, 00:01 was the release of Attack of the Clones in Sweden.

A bald Sakiyan

Quote of today

”Listen, why don't you wait out by the speeder. We don't want any trouble.”

Luke tries to avoid trouble.
A New Hope

Today…
year 2002 was the release of the action figure Djas Puhr from Hasbro
year 2005 at 10:00 was the release of tickets for Revenge of the Sith in Sweden

Kim Falkinburg was assistant auditor for A New Hope but also played Djas Puhr in the same movie.

Djas Puhr is one of the alien in Mos Eisley Cantina. He is the black skinned and bald Sakiyan bounty hunter.

When they opened the ticket sell at Rigoletto in Stockholm for Revenge of the Sith, the line was the longest ever for a movie ticket release in Stockholm. And I was there and it was amazing.
A quick calculation that morning and I know that the last persons in the line would not got a ticket for the first show.

The Maker and a handmaiden

Quote of today

”Either choice presents a great risk ... to all of us ...”

Queen Amidala has to choose wisely.
The Phantom Menace

Today we celebrate...
George Lucas at his 66th birthday (born 1944)
Sofia Coppola at her 39th birthday (born 1971)

George Walton Lucas Jr. was born in Modesto, Carlifonia, USA. He is the cause of the universe of Star Wars, our hobbie and community. George Lucas is the Writer and Producer of all six Star Wars movies. He was Director for A New Hope and the Prequels, the Editor for the Original Triology and Attack of the Clones, Music producer for Original Triology and he played Baron Papanoida in Revenge of the Sith.

George Lucas was nominated for four Oscars but did not win any of them. Before Star Wars he did the movie THX 1138 and American Grafitti and he is also responsible to Indiana Jones: Raiders of he Lost Ark and a lot of other movies. George Lucas is the founder of Lucasfilm Ltd and in high school his was nicknamed Luke.

George Lucas is also the Founder and Chairman of The George Lucas Educational Foundation, founded back in 1991 as a nonprofit operating foundation to celebrate and encourage innovation in schools.

George Lucas is often shorten to just GL or called "The Maker" in the Star Wars community.

Sofia Carmia Coppola was born in New York, USA. She is the daughter of director Francis Ford Coppola, a longtime friend of George Lucas. Sofia Coppola played Saché in The Phantom Menace.

Baron Papanoida is an influential personage in Coruscant affairs. He is seen in the Opera House standing with Senator Chi Eekway. In early incarnation he was planned to be named Baron Notluwiski.

An Exclusive Action Figure was made of George Lucas to Celebration II, May 3-5 2002 in Indianapolis. It's an rebel pilot named Jorg Sacul (Sacul is Lucas spelled backwards).

Jorg Sacul is a rebel pilot, a fearless fighter and renowned for his inner strength and ability to remain calm under fire.

Egroeg Sacul was a customer of the Star Tours travel agency. He was asked to see a Star Tours agent at gate number three before departing on a trip to Endor. The name Egroeg Sacul is George Lucas spelled backwards.

There is no information or speculations if Egroeg and Jorg are relatives.

Saché is one of Queen Amidalas handmaiden. She and Yané are left on Naboo when Amidala and the others went to Coruscant. She was attended at Qui-Gon Jinn’s funeral but absent at the Peace Ceremony. For more information about the handmaiden see The Royal Handmaiden Society.

An Imperial Officer

Quote of today

"Skywalker has just landed, my Lord.”

An Imperial Officer reports to Darth Vader in the Carbon Freezing Chamber.
The Empire Strikes Back

Today we celebrate...
Milton Johns at his 72nd birthday (born 1938)

Milton Johns was born in Bristol, UK and played an Imperial Officer, later named Bewil, in The Empire Strikes Back.

Imperial Officer Bewil is the tactical, strong officer that informed Darth Vader that Luke Skywalker had arrived at Cloud City.

There is an English accented officer saying "Lord Vader, ship approaching. X-wing class" and it seems like it is officer Bewil, but he has an American accent when he utter ”Skywalker has just landed, my Lord.”. It could be a voice-over misses though all the Americans in the film play the good guys, and all the characters who speak with a British accent are the bad guys.

Finally they found the Choosen One

Quote of today

"Something's happening . . . I'm not the Jedi I should be. I am one of the most powerful Jedi, but I'm not satisfied ... I want more, and I know I shouldn't."

Anakin wonder
Revenge of the Sith

Today...
year 2000 Hayden Christensen announced that he would be starring as Anakin Skywalker in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

Casting Director Robin Gurland had estimates that she reviewed close to 1,500 candidates, at one level or another, for the part. Director George Lucas had turned down such big names as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Phillipe and Paul Walker for the role, as well as 400 other candidates.

Casting Director Robin Gurland tells about finding Hayden Christensen:
Gurland knew from the instant she first saw Christensen that the young Canadian newcomer had potential. "When Hayden came for his first meeting, I opened the door, and I just suddenly became flushed, because I knew. I sat him down and looked at him through the camera, and all of a sudden, I just knew that Anakin had walked in the door. I literally picked up the phone and called George and said, 'Anakin just walked in.' But I had to continue on, because casting is kind of a never-ending process."

He named the Wookiees

Quote of today

"We don't need to see his identification."

A stormtrooper influenced by the force
A New Hope

Today we celebrate...
Terence McGovern at his 68th birthday (born 1942)

Terry McGovern was born in California, USA and did the voice of stormtroopers in A New Hope. He was one of four uncredited voice-over artists to do the voices for stormtroopers.

Terry McGovern had worked with George Lucas earlier with the THX-1138. It was then he made a mistake and come up with an excuse about running over a "wookiee back there." George Lucas never forgot the word a used it several years later in the Star Wars.

Read more about Terry McGovern's work with Star War and everything else he has done, on his own website.

Stormtroopers are military soldiers loyal to the Emperor. They are completely encased in a white armored spacesuit shell, and are armed with blaster.

He helped George Lucas finish the script

Quote of today

"Master Yoda, do you think it will really come to war? "

Palpatine wants to know what Yoda can see of the future
Attack of the Clones

Today we celebrate...
Jonathan Hales at his73rd birthday (born 1937)

Jonathan Hales was born in England, UK and was a co-writer to Attack of the Clones. He joins the development staff of Attack of the Clones in April 2000 to refine the script into its final draft.

A top model as handmaiden

Quote of today

"Again you come before us, Your highness."

Nute Gunray greets the Queen.
The Phantom Menace

Did you know...
She is Queen Amidala's youngest handmaiden.

Candice Orwell is an English model in Storm Model agency. She played the handmaiden Yané in the Phantom Menace.

Yané is one of Queen Amidala's five handmaidens during the time of the Battle of Naboo. Yané is left on Naboo when the Queen follows the Jedis to Coruscant.

If you want to know more about the handmaidens look at The Royal Handmaiden Society.

She is not voicless

Quote of today

"Anakin Skywalker to see Padmé, Your Highness."

Rabé announce Anakins arrival
The Phantom Menace

Did you know…
Had the actress for Rabé not fallen in George Lucas' good graces, she would have been yet another voiceless extra.

Karol Cristina da Silva was born in Brazil during 1975 and played Rabé in The Phantom Menace.

Rabé is one of Queen Amidala’s loyal handmaidens. Along with Eirtaé and Sabé she does accompany Queen Amidala to Coruscant and later fight in the battle to free Naboo from the control of the Trade Federation.

If you want to know more about the handmaidens look at The Royal Handmaiden Society.

Outlander Club and its patrons

Quote of today

"Jedi business. Go back to your drinks."

Anakin calms the patrons in Outlander Club.
Attack of the Clones

Today...
year 2002 at 08:00 was the release of tickets to Attack of the Clones in Sweden.

The Outlander Club is a place on Coruscant that people come to for a variety of reasons. Some to seek out companionship, whether permanent or temporary; others look to sell or buy wares both legal and illicit. Still others look to make a fortune by betting on the numerous games of chance. Aside from gambling tables, this club boasts large holographic projections of such sports as Podracing, nuna-ball, and odupiendo races.

Behind a well stocked bar is the bartender Bufon Taire, a dark-skinned and scarred Human male.

Some human female patrons seen just before the outbreak of the Clone Wars was blueish Di Mantid, dark Lowle Sh'red, beautiful  Wilst Molan, pale Sel Maa, the veiled Palee Ruda and Dyemma Reel with braids.

Rage of the Wookiees in Galaxies

Quote of today

"Grwhoor."

Chewbacca expresses himself.

Today...
year 2005 was Star Wars Galaxies: Episode III Rage of the Wookiees launched

Rage of the Wookiees is the second expansion set to Star Wars Galaxies MMORG. With this expansion the planet Kashyyyk is added were you can defend the freedom of the Wookiees or fight for their Imperial-backed Trandoshan enslavers. A Jedi Starfighter, the same model as flown by Anakin, is added and eleven new creaturs and mounts. With this expansion it is possibly to play the lucrative but daring space mining.

Mardji - the living AT-AT

Quote of today

"There are two Banthas down there but I don't see any ... wait a second, they're Sandpeople all right. I can see one of them now."

Luke watches for Sandpeople or worst.
A New Hope

Did you know…
The elephant Mardji was the model for the AT-AT.

Mardji was a trained Asian elephant born 1951 in the wild (?) and died 1995 in “Marine World Africa USA” in California (now Six Flags Discovery Kingdom). Mardji played the banthas in A New Hope and stod model for the AT-AT’s in The Empire Strikes Back. Despite that Mardji was a trained elephant, she was not comfortable underneath the bantha disguise, and often tried to remove the wardrobe as cameras rolled.

Bantha is shaggy-furred creature with long, spiralling horn. On the desert world of Tatooine are banthas used as pack animals by Tusken Raiders.

The banthas in The Phantom Menace and the ones added in Special Edition was all computer-generated.

Although Tunisia served as the planet Tatooine for majority of the film, several second unit “pick-up” shots were done in Death Valley, California. The Bantha Canyon is supposed to be found 3.7 miles south of the 190 Highway on the road to Badwater in Death Valley, California.

AT-AT walker (All Terrain Armored Transport) is a four-legged transport and combat vehicle used by the Imperial ground forces.

If your heart beat a bit extra for elephants you may look at Save Wild Elephants. They kept an eye on Mardji before she died.

Eeth Koth, Agen Kolar and Tan Yuster

Quote of today

"Are you threatening me, Master Jedi?"

Chancellor Palpatine answer to Mace Windu's arrest.
Revenge of the Sith

Today...
year 2002 was was the opening of Celebration II in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Did you know…
Jedi Master Eeth Koth and Jedi Master Agen Kolar could have been the same.

Hassani Shapi played Eeth Koth in The Phantom Menace but when we see him in the Jedi Council in Attack of the Clones it is re-used footage from Episode I.

To play Eeth Koth in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith the role was given to Tux Akindoyeni. But even if he wore the same costume and make-up he looked so different that they made a new character named Agen Kolar.

Jedi Master Eeth Koth is an iridonian zabrak and was a member of the Jedi Council when Anakin was first introduced.

Jedi Master Agen Kolar is a zabrak and fought in the Geonosian arena together with his Padawan Tan Yuster. Tan Yuster is killed during the Geonosian arena battle.

 According to Wookieepedia is Tan Yuster played by Kalki Rose, a student of Byron Bay Kendo Club.

Among the Special thanks in the end of Attack of the Clones there are two Australian Kendo Clubs: Byron Bay Kendo Club and Sydney Kendo Club. I assume that a lot of the Jedi are from these clubs.

The voice of Red Two

Quote of today

"Look at the size of that thing!"

Red Two is impressed  of the Death Star.
A New Hope

Today we celebrate...
David Ankrum at his 63rd birthday (born 1947)

David Ankrum was born in California, USA and voiced Wedge Antilles aka Red Two in A New Hope. He grew up in a family of actors and has lived in Hollywood most of his life. The sound of his voice as Wedge Antilles can you hear at his official website. More about what David Ankrum is up to today you can read in his own blog.

Wedge Antilles is a sixteen years old Rebel fighter pilot serving as "Red Two" during the battle of Yavin.

Today...
year 1997 was the release of Special Edition, Return of the Jedi in Sweden.

Uncle Owen

Quote of today

”He won't, I don't think he exists any more. He died about the same time as your father.”

Uncle Owen tries to get Luke in other thoughts.
A New Hope

Today we celebrate...
Phil Brown at his birthday (born 1916), he deceased February 9, 2006

Phil Brown was born in Massachusetts, USA and played Uncle Owen in A New Hope. He was living in London after being blacklisted in the McCarthy communist-witch hunt of the 1950s. Phil Brown got the role because of his strong American accent. You can read more about him on his official website and in Phil Brown Remembered at starwars.com.

Uncle Lars Owen is a moister farmer on Tatooine. He and his wife Beru were made the wards of Luke Skywalker, the son of Owen's stepbrother, Anakin.

The novelization of Return of the Jedi (1983) had the following line said by Obi-Wan Kenobi:

"So I took you to live with my brother Owen, on Tatooine...and your mother took Leia to live as the daughter of Senator Organa, on Alderaan."

But this isn’t true as we all now know. Here is an answer from "Star Wars Q & A - Episode II Lore" (Now deleted from http://www.starwars.com/qa/)

Q: Is Obi-Wan Kenobi the brother of Owen Lars?

A: No. The two are from separate families with no connection through blood. Although a number of spin-off materials were published in 1983 and in subsequent years stating that the two characters were related, those materials were based on outdated and eventually discarded information.Owen Lars is the son of Cliegg Lars. Obi-Wan's parents are unknown, and he has little to no connection to them having grown up in the Jedi Temple. He is aware of having a brother, but very little information about that sibling has ever been published.

Today…
year 1999 was the opening of Celebration I in Colorado, USA.

Director of V

Quote of today

”Is the dark side stronger?”

Luke wants to learn more.
The Empire Strikes Back

Today we celebrate...
Irvin Kershner at his 87th birthday (born 1923)

Irvin Kershner was born in Pennsylvania, USA and was the director for The Empire Strikes Back.

Read about Irvin Kershner remembering The Empire Strikes Back.

George Lucas is the Director for all Star Wars movies exept The Empire Strikes Back (Irvin Kershner) and Return of the Jedi (Richard Marquand).

You can also find Irvin Kershner on a trading card.

The viewing box is full of important ILM employees

Quote of today

"Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis "the wise"?"

Chancellor Palpatine tells a Sith legend.
Revenge of the Sith

Did you know...
The Opera House patron John Knoll played is named Tannon Praji

John Knoll was born 1962 in Michigan, USA. He was a Visual Effects Supervisor for the Prequels but he also played the Opera House patron Tannon Praji.

Roger Guyett was a Visual Effects Supervisor for Revenge of the Sith but he also played the Opera House patron Ottegru Grey.

Denise Ream was a Visual Effects Executive Producer for Revenge of the Sith but she also played the Opera House patron Onara Kuat.

Jill Brooks was a Visual Effects Producer for Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith but she also played an Opera House patron and Senator Gem Sirrom attending Padmé Amidala's funeral.

Can we assume that the Opera House patron is the Senator?

Janet Lewin was a Visual Effects Producer for Revenge of the Sith but also played an Opera House patron.

Animation Supervisor Rob Coleman played the Opera House patron Romeo Treblanc, the host of the viewing box. I wrote about him yesterday.

All these patrons can be seen in the Opera House in the viewing box next to the one with Chancellor Palpatine. Seated from left to right (first row) are Jill Brooks, Rob Coleman, Janet Lewin, (and back row) Roger Guyett, Denise Ream, and John Knoll. If you look at the shots that favor Palpatine during his wistful retelling of the Darth Plagueis yarn, you'll see Knoll sitting over his shoulder.

If you wanted to split hairs about continuity, Coleman, Guyett, Ream and Brooks are also in the far background of the preceding staircase shot, suggesting that they somehow beat a running Anakin to the inside of the theatre.

Romeo o' Romeo

Quote of today

”Leave us.”

Palpatine wants to be alone with Anakin.
Attack of the Clones

Today we celebrate...
Rob Coleman at his 46th birthday (born 1964)

Rob(ert) Coleman was born in Toronto, Canada. He joined Industrial Light & Magic's team of animators in 1993 and become Animation Director for all three prequels Star Wars movies. Rob Coleman also did cameo as a Pod race spectator in The Phantom Menace and the Opera House patron Romeo Treblanc in Attack of the Clones.

Romeo Treblanc is the owner and proprietor of the Galaxies Opera House on Coruscant. He can be seen in his own private viewing box next to the one where Palpatine tells Anakin the tale of Darth Plagueis the Wise.

Senator Darsana was a speaking part for Rob Coleman. Unfortunately his part didn’t even make it to deleted scene. He was supposed to be a part of the deleted scen "Padmé Addresses the Senate". (Source: Wookiepedia)

The totally computer generated Jedi Coleman Trebor is named after Rob Coleman, Trebor is Robert spelled backwards.

Jedi Master Coleman Kcaj is an Ongree, the same spieces as Jedi Pablo-Jill. Coleman Kcaj is a member of the Jedi Council during its last days.

Coleman Kcaj is named after Rob Coleman’s son Jack (Kcaj backwards).

Watto, Gold Five and Camie

Quote of today

”No, they won't. What do ya think you're some kinda Jedi, waving your hand around like that? I'm a Toydarian. Mind tricks don'ta work on me - only money. No money, no parts! No deal! And no one else has a T-14 hyperdrive, I promise you that.”

Watto don’t accept Republic credits.
The Phantom Menace

Today we celebrate...

Andrew Secombe at his 57th birthday (born 1953)
Koo Stark at her 54th birthday (born 1956)

Today we remember…
Graham Ashley at his birthday (born 1927)

Graham Ashley was born in England, UK and deceased 30 october 1979. He played the pilot Gold Five in A New Hope.

Andrew Secombe was born in South Wales, UK and did the voice for Watto in The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones.

Koo Stark was born in New York, USA and played Camie in deleted scenes in A New Hope.


Gold Five is a member of the Y-wing squadron that battles the first Death Star.
In expanded universe he is named Davish Krail and nicknamed Pops (Source: Wookiepeedia).


Watto is a crabby, unshaven Toydarian and a gruff proprietor of one of the smaller junk shop in Mos Espa. Among Watto's possessions were the slaves Anakin and Shmi Skywalker.

Read how Watto’s Character Development – From Concept to CG.

Camie is a childhood friend to Luke Skywalker on Taooine. Unfortunately are the scenes with here not used in the final film release. But they can be seen in the Star Wars: Behind the Magic CD-ROM Encyclopedia.

The Fat Dancer

Quote of today

"What could possibly have come over Master Luke. Is it something I did? He never expressed any unhappiness with my work."

C-3PO cannot understand why he is given to Jabba the Hutt.
Return of the Jedi

Today we remember…Claire Davenport at her birthday (born 1933, died 2002)

Claire Davenport was born in England, UK and played the fat dancer in Return of the Jedi.

Fat Dancer, later in EU novelization named Yrna D’al Gargan, is the six-breasted dancer in Jabbas Palace.
During production she was simply known as "Gargan", and in the final credits of the Return of the Jedi she is identified as “Fat Dancer”.

Today...
year 2007 was the release of the book "The Making of Star Wars".

"The Making of Star Wars" is the last "Making of..." book for the Star Wars movies. There have been one made for each movie in the Star Wars saga. Read about the making of The Making of Star Wars.

Imperial Officers

Quote of today

"Captain Needa, the ship no longer appears on our scopes."

Commander Nemet has no track of the Millenium Falcon.

The Empire Strikes Back

Today we celebrate…
Roman Coppola at his 45th birthday (born 1965)

Roman Coppola was born in Paris, France and is the son of Francis Ford Coppola. He played a Naboo Security Guard in The Phantom Menace.

A Naboo Security Guard served as sentries and patrolmen in the Royal Palace.

Today we remember…
Mark Jones at his birthday (born 1939), deceased January 14, 2010
Richard Marquand at his birthday (born 1938), deceased September 4, 1987

Mark Jones was born in UK and played Commander Nemet in The Empire Strikes Back.

Richard Marquand was born in Wales, UK and was the director for Return of the Jedi. He also played Major Marquand and did the voice on set for EV-9D9 in the same movie.

Robert Watts was the co-producer for Return of the Jedi, associate producer for The Empire Strikes Back and production supervisor for A New Hope. He also played Lieutenant Watts in Return of the Jedi. Robert Watts is half-brother of Jeremy Bulloch (old Boba Fett).

Commander Nemet is the tracking officer that relayed the scanner information to Captain Needa about the Millenium Falcons disappearance.

Major Marquand and Lieutenant Watts are the two AT-ST drivers in the vehicle that Chewbacca and two Ewoks landed on. One of the drivers is peered out of the cockpit hatchway and was pulled out by the powerful Chewbacca.

EV-9D9 (or Eve-Ninedenine) is the sadistic female taskmaster in charge of Cyborg Operations at Jabba's palace.
On set, director Richard Marquand provided his voice to the droid puppet, but it was redubbed during post-production.

A Gantry Officer

Quote of today

"TK-421. Why aren't you at your post? TK421, do you copy?"

Lieutenant Pol Treidum keep track on the stormtroopers.
A New Hope

Did you know…
He was first named Pol Treidum in Star Wars Customizable Card Game - A New Hope Limited

Peter Sumner was born during 1942 in Sydney, Australia. He played Lieutenant Treidum in A New Hope.

Lieutenant Pol Treidum is a gantry Officer on the first Death Star.

General Dodonna died

Quote of today

"Well, the Empire doesn't consider a small one-man fighter to be any threat, or they'd have a tighter defense. An analysis of the plans provided by Princess Leia has demonstrated a weakness in the battle station."

General Dodonna explains the plan.
A New Hope

Today we remember…
Alex McCrindle, deceased today 1990 (born August 3, 1911)

Alex McCrindle played General Dodonna in A New Hope.

Anakin Skywalker and Senator Toonbuck Toora

Quote of today

”I will be the most powerful Jedi ever. I promise you, I will even learn to stop people from dying.”

Anakin is not all powerful
Attack of the Clones

Today we celebrate…
Hilton Howson at his 36th birthday (born 1974)
Hayden Christiensen at his 29th birthday (born 1981)

Hilton Howson was born in Sydney, Australia and worked in the creature department for Attack of the Clones. He also played Toonbuck Toora in the same movie. In The Phantom Menace it was the sculptor Howard Swindell who played Toonbuck Toora.

Hayden Christensen was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and played Anakin Skywalker in Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith and as Anakins ghost in Return of the Jedi.

Casting Director Robin Gurland has said this about him: "When Hayden came for his first meeting, I opened the door, and I just suddenly became flushed, because I knew. I sat him down and looked at him through the camera, and all of a sudden, I could feel goosebumps. I couldn't get too excited, because it's just the initial meeting, but by the end of it, I just knew that Anakin had walked in the door.”

Anakin Skywalker is the promising Jedi Padawan that turn to the Dark Side of the Force.

Toonbuck Toora is a female hulking senator during the waning days of the Republic.
Toonbuck Toora is named after a dog belonging to the guy who runs Nick Dudman’s foam rubber shop.

The original voice of the Emperor, Bravo Two and a Twi'lek dancer

Quote of today

"Yes. Yes. He would be a great asset"

The emperor sees a new future for the son of skywalker.
The Empire Strikes Back

Today we celebrate…
Clive Revill at his 80th birthday (born 1930)
Benedict Taylor at his 50th birthday (born 1960)

Clive Selsby Revill was born in Wellington, New Zealand and did the voice of the Emperor in The Empire Strikes Back.

In the Emperor’s first appearance, as a hologram in The Empire Strikes Back, he is voiced by Clive Revill and played by an old woman wearing prosthetic makeup. 24 years after the release of the film his performance as the Emperor in The Empire Strikes Back was deleted and replaced by the face and voice of Ian McDiarmid, who has played the role in all the subsequent episodes.

Benedict Taylor, adoptive brother of Femi Taylor, was born in England, UK and played the fighter pilot Bravo Two in The Phantom Menace.

Femi Taylor played the dancer Oola in Return of the Jedi. She returned for additional scenes in Special Edition 14 years later because she remarkably looked unchanged.

Oola is a beautiful green-skinned Twi’lek dancer, enslaved to Jabba the Hutt.

Bravo Two is a pilot in the Royal Naboo Security Forces. According to Wookieepedia he is named Porro Dolphe.

A Rebel Force General

Quote of today

"Death mark's not an easy thing to live with. You're a good fighter, Solo. I hate to lose you."

General Rieekan will miss a good fighter.
The Empire Strikes Back

Today we remember…
Bruce Boa deceased today 2004 (born July 10, 1930)

Bruce Boa played Rebel Force General Carlist Rieekan

Behind a forked facemask

Quote of today

”I must admit without the clones, it would not have been a victory.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi thinks the war is over.
Attack of the Clones

Did you know…
Plo Koon could have been called Plonkoon after Nick Dudman’s son.

Nick Dudman (born around 1957) got his start in films working as a Special Make-up Effects trainee in The Empire Strikes Back back in 1978. Since then has he been a Make-up Artist in Return of the Jedi and Creature Effects Supervisor in The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. He is a veteran of several Lucasfilm productions besides Star Wars.
Read about how he make Creatures Take Form in The Phantom Menace.

Matt Sloan who played Plo Koon was also an animatronics technician for Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

In The Phantom Menace was Plo Koon played by Alan Ruscoe (se entry 14th April).

Jedi Master Plo Koon is one of many jedi who fought bravely on Geonosian execution arena, and survived. He was stationed on Cato Neimodia when his clone wingmen carried out the “order 66”. He and his starfighter crashed into the ground.

He tells the story

Quote of today

"This is where the fun begins."

Anakin is looking forward to a little fight.
Revenge of the Sith

Today we celebrate...
Tom Kane at his 48th birthday (born 1962)

Tom Kane was born in Kansas, USA and is the narrator in The Clone Wars TV-series. Since 1996 he has voiced Star Wars characters for video game, commercials, TV-series and even toys. Read about his thought about Mastering Yoda for The Clone Wars TV-series.

Today...
year 2005 was the release of some Starfighter models from AMT/Ertl and Germany: Anakin’s Jedi Starfighter and Obi-Wan’s Jedi Starfighter that they use in the battle over Coruscant and the ARC-170 Starfighter used by the clones protecting the Jedi.

ARC-170 Starfighter is a bulky, aggressive ship covered with weapons. Three clone trooper pilots operate this advanced combat craft, with a pilot handling the flight maneuvers, a copilot operating the laser cannons mounted on the ship's wide wings, and a tailgunner operating the dorsal rear-facing cannon. The fighter also carry an astromech droid for onboard repairs.

Jedi Starfighter is a small one-man vessel. It develops to a more compact model during the Clone Wars with a full-size astromech rested within a spring-loaded socket on the port wing. The craft's wingtips could fold open, revealing hexagonal panels when the ship entered combat mode.

How the design of the Starfighters connect with the Star Destroyer can you find out in the video Wedgie ‘Em Out.

Was he or was he not in Attack of the Clones

Quote of today

”I knew it! They were sent to force a settlement.”

Daultay Dofine is not as confident as the other in the Trade Federation.
The Phantom Menace

Today we celebrate…
Alan Ruscoe at his 38th birthday (born 1972) (Source Wikipedia)

Alan Ruscoe played Daultay Dofine, Plo Koon and a pasty-skinned Twi'lek in the Phantom Menace. In Attack of the Clones he maybe have played Lott Dod/Gilramos Libkath/Rune Haako.

Chris Sanders did the voice for Daultay Dofine in The Phantom Menace.

Daultay Dofine is the captain of the Neimodian blockade over Naboo. He is killed when the Droid Control Ship is blown up by a Naboo starfighter.

Plo Koon is an alien Jedi Master and a member of the Jedi Council.

The pasty-skinned Twi'lek standing with Jabba the Hutt at the Pod Race.
He was nicknamed “Bib Fortuna” during production because the similar appearance, but is not intended to actually be a young Bib Fortuna.

Gilramos Libkath/Lott Dod/Rune Haako in Attack of the Clones:

This has been mentioned before in Keeper of the Holocron’s Blog but it is interesting to notice that Alan Ruscoe is credit as Lott Dod at www.starwars.com but credit as Gilramos Libkath at www.imdb.com.

Accourding to Wookiepeedia is it an extra named David Healey who played Gilramos Libkath/Lott Dod/Rune Haako in Attack of the Clones and not Alan Ruscoe.

The Keeper of the Holocron, Mr. Chee also clearify that for all intents and purposes, the character seen with Nute Gunray in Attack of the Clones is Rune Haako. The confusion arose because the character's name changed continuously during production. Some merely referred to the character as "Nute Aide." It doesn't help matters when you take into account that Nute's voice is completely different than it is in The Phantom Menace. A different Neimoidian mask was also reportedly used. Nonetheless, it's supposed to be Haako.

Whosoever played the character, and which character it was, he was voiced by Chris Truswell (if he ever said something). ;-)

Quote of today

"A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. I sense much fear in you."

Yoda sense Anakin’s fear to lose his mother.
The Phantom Menace

Today we celebrate...
Benton Jew at his 46th birthday (born 1964)

Benton Jew was born in California, USA and was a storyboard artist for The Phantom Menace. He found inspiration for the design of Oppo Rancisis based on a picture of an old Chinese man.

In Storyboarding the Menace you can read about what a storyboard artist do.

Oppo Rancisis is the shaggy-haired serpentine Jedi Master in the Jedi Council.
All footage of Oppo Rancisis was filmed during The Phantom Menace and some was reused for Attack of the Clones. Oppo Rancisis was played by Jerome Blake.

Episode V again in Sweden

Quote of today

"Artoo says the chances of survival are seven hundred seventy-five...to one."

C-3PO says to much
The Empire Strikes Back

Today…
year 1997 did Special Edition of Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back have premiere in Sweden (link in swedish).

First the fourth

Quote of today

”What mission? What are you talking about? I've had just about enough of you! Go that way! You'll be malfunctioning within a day, you nearsighted scrap pile!”

C-3PO doesn’t have a clue.
A New Hope

Today...
year 1981 was the re-release of Star Wars, now as Episode IV: A New Hope

Back in 1977 it was released simply as Star Wars, both on promotional material and during the opening crawl of the film itself. In 1980, the sequel, Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, was released with the episode number and title in the opening crawl. In a re-released version a year later, Episode IV: A New Hope replaced the original opening title of "Star Wars” above the opening crawl.
 

-------------------------------

Steve Sansweet can tell us that soon after the unexpected huge success of Star Wars, George Lucas announced that it was only one part in a multi-chapter saga, and almost immediately started production on the next part, The Empire Strikes Back. But there was also a pre-story that might get made someday, he said. The first movie really started "in the middle" of the story.

Star Wars was still playing in numerous theaters a year after its opening on May 25, 1977. It was re-released in 1979, 1981 and 1982. But when was the change made? For the indisputable answer, we went to Lucasfilm's film archivist, Sterling Hedgpeth. Here's what he says:

"I found a box with all the positive elements for the 'revised' opening crawl, and the assorted trim boxes are dated from October through December 1980. This, then, is consistent with the view that Episode IV: A New Hope was added for the first time to the opening crawl for the April 10, 1981 re-release."

Steve Sansweet has transformed his love for the Star Wars saga into a busy career. He is the author or co-author of ten books (eight of them on the saga), writes columns and feature articles for magazines, and travels the world as a Lucasfilm liaison to Star Wars fans everywhere.
 -------------------------------

Read about how the opening crawls are made in At First Glance.

If you want to make your own crawl the font used is ITC Franklin Gothic Demi Bold, 69 point with -30 tracking in the prequels, a match to the titles used in the original Star Wars Trilogy.

No Oscars

Quote of today

"You've failed, Your Highness. I am a Jedi. Like my father before me."

Luke Skywalker is confident in his future.
Return of the Jedi

Today...
year 1984 was the Oscars Award Night but Return of the Jedi didn't receive any.

Return of the Jedi was nominated for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing, Best Music - Original Score and Best Sound. But it did win Special Achievement Award for visual effects.

That R2 guy

Quote of today

”I am See-Threepio, Human Cyborg Relations.”

C-3PO introduce himself.
The Phantom Menace

Today we celebrate...
Don Bies at his 49th birthday (born 1961)

Don Bies was born in Chicago, USA and played Barquin D'an and Boba Fett (talking to the dancers in Jabba’s Palace) m fl in Special Edition of Return of the Jedi. He also played a Pod Race Mechanic in The Phantom Menace. But most of all is he a modelmaker for ILM and the most experienced R2-D2 operator in the world. He has a blog here at blogs.starwars.com and he has his own website.

Barquin D'an is a member of the Max Rebo Band. He was added to the Special Edition of Return of the Jedi.

Boba Fett is the bounty hunter delivering Han Solo to Jabba the Hutt.

A friend to Han Solo and two rebels

Quote of today

"Hello. What have we here? Welcome. I'm Lando Calrissian. I'm the administrator of this facility. And who might you be?”

Lando Calrissian introduces himself to Princess Leia.
The Empire Strikes Back

Today we celebrate...
Billy Dee Williams at his 73th birthday (born 1937)
John Ratzenberger at his 63th birthday (born 1947)

Billy Dee Williams, birth name William December Williams, was born in New York, USA. He played Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, but he was originally auditioned for the role of Han Solo in 1976.

John Ratzenberger was born in Connecticut, USA and played Major Bren Derlin in The Empire Strikes Back. You can read more about him at his official website.

Jack McKenzie was born in Scotland, United Kingdom and played the rebel officer Cal Alder in The Empire Strikes Back..

Lando Calrissian is a scoundrel with style and class. He is a man of sophisticated tastes and goes way back with Han Solo.

There are at least three early incarnations of Lando in the script, a leader of a clan of clones, a gambler on a Wookie planet and the smuggler Lando Kadar. The Official Star Wars website's databank declare that contrary to legend, Lando was not intended to have died at the end of Return of the Jedi.

Major Bren Derlin is the rebel officer on Hoth that tells Leia that there's nothing more they can do, the shield doors must be closed when Han is out looking for Luke.

Some EU materials states that Derlin was part of Han Solo's commando team on Endor, though that means he had to be played by a different actor in Return of the Jedi.

Cal Alder is the Deck Lieutenant standing beside Major Bren Derlin.

Princess Leia, C-3PO, Major Bren Derlin and Lt Cal Alder.

They later change their mind

Quote of today

"Master, you were right about one thing. The negotiations were short."

Obi-Wan Kenobi agrees with Qui-Gon Jinn’s prediction.
The Phantom Menace

Today…
year 2000 was the release of The Phantom Menace on VHS

The Phantom Menace: Episode I was released world wide but on VHS videocassette only. It was not being released on DVD format "in 2000 or for the foreseeable future".

Lucasfilm tried to explain why delay DVD release in a news article at www.starwars.com (unfortunate the article is removed). But as we all know they later changed their mind.

In Sweden this day, year 2000, was the last chance to see The Phantom Menace in a theater. It was at the theater Rigoletto in Stockholm at 21:30. In the foajé we could buy the VHS for just 120 SKr.

Oscars won

Quote of today
"Nobody in their right mind thought Star Wars would work."

George Lucas
Today...
1978 Star Wars won six Oscars

This is the six wins
Best Art Direction (John Barry, Norman Reynolds, Leslie Dilley and Roger Christian)
Best Costume Design (John Mollo)
Best Film Editing (Paul Hirsch, Marcia Lucas and Richard Chew)
Best Music (John Williams)
Best Sound (Don MacDougall, Ray West, Bob Minkler and Derek Ball)
Best Visual Effects (ILM: John Stears, John Dykstra, Richard Edlund, Grant McCune and Robert Blalack)

And a Special Achievement Award to Benjamin Burtt, Jr. for the creation of the alien, creature and robot voices featured in Star Wars.

George Lucas was nominated to Best Directing and Best Writing
Alec Guinness was nominated to Best Actor in supported role
Gary Kurtz was nominated to Best Picture

An old hermit

Quote of today

"Obi-Wan Kenobi ... Obi-Wan? Now that’s a name I haven't heard in a long time ... a long time."

Ben Kenobi remembers.
A New Hope

Today we remember...
Alec Guiness at his birthday (born 1914), deceased August 5, 2000

Sir Alec Guinness is widely considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. He was a legend in his own right long before he took on the role as Ben Kenobi in A New Hope. Alec Guinness played Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi in the Original Trilogy but he rather want to be remember for some of the other movies and theatrical roles he has done.
Alec Guiness is the only person to receive a Best Acting nomination in any of the Star Wars movies and he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1959.

This is some personal quotes (from www.imdb.com)

“Science fiction - which gives me pause - but it is to be directed by George Lucas, who did American Graffiti (1973), which makes me think I should. Big part. Fairytale rubbish, but could be interesting.”

[on his first lunch meeting with George Lucas]: “I liked him. The conversation was divided culturally by 8,000 miles and 30 years; but I think we might understand each other if I can get past his intensity.”

“I regret having embarked on the film. I like them well enough, but it's not an acting job, the dialogue - which is lamentable - keeps being changed and only slightly improved, and I find myself old and out of touch with the young.”

“I just couldn't go on speaking those bloody awful, banal lines. I'd had enough of the mumbo jumbo.”

“It's a pretty staggering film as spectacle and technically brilliant. Exciting, very noisy and warm-hearted. The battle scenes at the end go on for five minutes too long, I feel, and some of the dialogue is excruciating and much of it is lost in noise, but it remains a vivid experience.”

Ben Kenobi is an aged general and war hero that after several years on Tatooine became an eccentric and kindly old hermit. He took on to training young Luke Skywalker in the Jedi art.

The original shooting script for A New Hope refers to Obi-Wan's home as "Ben Kenobi's Cave."

The Hero With No Fear

Quote of today

"You're reckless, little one. You never would have made it as Obi-Wan's Padawan. But you might make it as mine..."

Anakin Skywalker accepts his padawan.
The Clone Wars

Today we celebrate...
Matt Lanter at his 27th birthday (born 1983)

Matt Lanter was born in Ohio, USA and voiced Anakin Skywalker in The Clone Wars. Read here about how he got to be The Chosen One.

Anakin Skywalker is a bold Jedi Knight during the Clone Wars.

Two war heros

Quote of today

"If they find us, they will crush us, grind us into tiny pieces and then blast us into oblivion."

Obi-Wan Kenobi explain what will happen if ”a thousand terrible things” find them.
The Phantom Menace

Today we celebrate...
Tony Cox at his 52nd birthday (born 1958)
Ewan McGregor at his 39th birthday (born 1971)

Tony Cox was born in Uniontown, Alabama, USA. He played an ewok in Return of the Jedi. He has made a lot of movies but I did recognize him as Shonte Jackson in Me, Myself & Irene.

Ewan Gordon McGregor was born in Perthshire, Scotland, UK. He is a big fan of Star Wars and played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Prequel Trilogy.

Read about what he felt to precede In the Footstep of Obi-Wan Kenobi and about Trading Lightsaber Blows with Obi-Wan Kenobi. More about Ewan McGregor and his other work will you find at the fansite ewanmcgregor.net.

The ewok Tony Cox played was later named Willy in the Battle for Endor, and Widdle in the Ewok Adventure. Willy has white (or very light) fur on the cheeks and according to EU he is the brother of Wicket W. Warrick.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is the Jedi we can watch mature from a fresh-faced Padawan learner to a seasoned General in the Clone Wars.

In early fiction spun-off from Return of the Jedi it was stated that Owen Lars was the brother of Obi-Wan Kenobi. In Attack of the Clones it conclusively establishes that these two characters have no blood relation at all.


Today…
year 1981 won The Empire Strikes Back an Oscar for Best Sound.

A drug dealer

Quote of today

"Wanna buy some death sticks?"

Elan Sleazebaggano picks the wrong buyer.
Attack of the Clones

Today we celebrate...
Matt Doran at his 34th birthday (born 1976)

Matt Doran, birth name Matthew J. Doran, was born in Sydney, Australia and he played Elan Sleazebaggano in Attack of the Clones. Among all other movies he has been in you may recognize him as Mouse in Matrix.

Elan Sleazebaggano is a slimy narcotics peddler, seen in the Outlander Club trying to sell death sticks to a Jedi.

In production photos you can see Elan Sleazebaggano having ears, but for the film they are removed by ILM and replaced by his alien features – antennae. It was done just prior to the film's release and as a result there are two versions of the action figure of Elan Sleazebaggano.

I think he lost some in the look of the hairstyle when they removed the ears.