Friends of the Force: A Star Wars Podcast

The Acolyte may be gone (for now), but it is not forgotten! With the recent release of 'The Art of the Acolyte' by Kristin Baver, we're taking the opportunity to dive back into the world of the High Republic and revisit the show two years after its cancellation. We talk through production insights from the book, our favorite concept art pieces, themes of morality, and how the Acolyte i...

It's been three weeks since ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ released in theaters, and it's been the topic of much discussion as the summer movie season kicks off. How is the first Star Wars movie in seven years performing, why are indie horror films dominating the conversation, and what might box office trends indicate about movie-going audiences? Plus, Brad and Sarah give their follow-up thou...

Star Wars is finally back in theaters! On today's episode, we're reviewing ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ after our first viewing together including our overall thoughts, what worked, what didn't, and other personal highlights. Follow us on Twitter/X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FriendsofForce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FriendsOfTheForce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@friendsoftheforce.bs...

Star Wars on the big screen? This is the way, indeed! With ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ finally hitting theaters this week, Brad and Sarah preview what to expect with the help of Candace from The Geeky Waffle . Join us as we discuss Din and Grogu's jump to the cinemas, Rotta the Hutt's shredded abs, a dose of speculation, and much more. Follow us on Twitter/X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FriendsofForce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ F...

Our coverage of Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord concludes with us absolutely losing our minds over the the season one finale of both "Chapter 9: Strange Allies" and "Chapter 10: The Dark Lord." We discuss the narrative impact of including Darth Vader, Maul and Devon's evolving partnership, some of the best lightsaber duels we've seen, and what's next for the future of...

Happy Star Wars Day, friends! In honor of May the 4th, Brad and Sarah talk through their Star Wars fandom journey over the past year, break down why 2026 is an important inflection point for the franchise, and highlight what excites them most heading into the future. Follow us on Twitter/X ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FriendsofForce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@FriendsOfTheForce⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Bluesky ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Maul Madness continues with our discussion of episodes three through eight of Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord! As we head into the season one finale, we reflect on Devon's progression as she is pulled in multiple directions between Maul, Rylee Lawson, and Master Dio Daki. Plus, Maul has another gargantuan crashout that reveals more from his past and guides him further on his quest for revenege....

Let the MAUL MADNESS begin! This week, we're diving into Chapters 1 and 2 of the new Star Wars animated series ‘Maul — Shadow Lord.’ We discuss the unique hand-brushed art style, the world-building of Janix, and our main trio of Maul, Devon, and Captain Lawson. Plus, how might the Empire come into the picture this season? Full spoilers ahead! Follow us on Twitter/X ⁠⁠⁠⁠@FriendsofForce⁠⁠⁠⁠ Foll...

Oscars season may be over, but we're keeping the lights on and the party going with the return of the Golden Gorg Awards! This year, we recognize the very best in ANDOR including writing, performances, music, costuming, and more. Andor may be over, but its impact will never diminish. So grab your headphones and join us for the most important awards show in town where the points definitely don&...

Mike Chen joins the podcast to discuss his newest Star Wars novel “Outlaws: Low Red Moon,” which explores the years leading up to the video game through the eyes of Jaylen and ND-5'. We dive into how they meet, Jaylen and Sliro Barsha's messy relationship, corporate politics, crime syndicates, and much more. Note: full video game spoilers throughout and full book spoilers begin 37:30. Foll...

Following Revenge of the Sith's 20th anniversary (yes we're a few months late), we're hosting our very own Episode III Movie Draft! Darth Maullie joins the pod as we embark on a Fantasy Football-like exercise where we make picks across nine categories: Hero, Villain, Tertiary Character, Meme, Quote, Politician, Planet, Outfit, and Droid. Who will put together the best ROTS Movie Draft...

This week, we're breaking down big news of Kathleen Kennedy stepping down as President of Lucasfilm after 14 years. In her place will be Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan as Co-Presidents. With two new Star Wars movies on the horizon, what could this mean for the future of the franchise? What are our initial thoughts? How can Star Wars continue bringing in new audiences? All of this and more on t...

We're kicking off the new year with a celebration of the 10th anniversary of Star Wars: The Force Awakens! We put together a "10 for 10" list featuring our favorite things about Episode VII. Plus, our thoughts on finally being able to say a new Star Wars movie is happening *this* year (shocker)! Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Bluesky: https://tinyurl.com/36zwf8ay Twitte...

Hello there! After a brief hiatus, we're back to discuss Star Wars Visions Volume 3 including the continued stories of the Ronin, F, and Kara as well as six new original shorts. Plus, what do we expect from the Ninth Jedi spinoff and do we think season four will happen? Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Bluesky: https://tinyurl.com/36zwf8ay Twitter: https://x.com/FriendsOfForce Inst...

New York Times bestselling author Kwame Mbalia joins the podcast to discuss his newest young-adult novel “Star Wars: The Last Order,” which is a Finn- and Jannah-centric story that dives into their complicated pasts as stormtroopers within the First Order. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Bluesky: https://tinyurl.com/36zwf8ay Twitter: https://x.com/FriendsOfForce Instagram: https://www...

Brad and Sarah break down the latest Star Wars publishing announcements coming out of New York Comic Con 2025, including a post-Last Jedi story and the first official romance novel! Plus, we take a moment to remember legendary artist Drew Struzan . Join our Patreon to support the show and gain access to our exclusive bonus episodes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ! Website: http://www.friendsofthef...

We're kicking off the first of several episodes celebrating the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith! First, we’re revisiting the Siege of Mandalore Clone Wars arc just over five years since its release. We connect the dots between this story and Episode III, highlight Siege's cinematic qualities, dissect Ahsoka and Maul’s meeting of the minds, and reflect on how the final sh...

For Light and Life! We bring you our final High Republic book discussion with "Star Wars: Trials of the Jedi" by Charles Soule. We dive into each character's final trial against Marchion Ro and the Nameless, the secrets of Planet X, the future of the Republic, and much more. Independent Bookstore of the Week: Books Inc. (San Francisco, CA) Note: This episode is coming much later than...

"LEGO Star Wars: Pieces of the Past" is here and we're excited to bring you this roundtable interview with the voices and minds behind the second installment in the "Rebuild the Galaxy" series. First up is Gaten Matarazzo and Tony Revolori, who voice Sig Greebling & Dev Greebling, followed by writers/executive producers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit. This roundtable included Father Son Galaxy,...

We dive into “Star Wars: Sanctuary (A Bad Batch Novel)” with author Lamar Giles — how Lamar got his start in writing, his favorite character to write, centering Pabu in the story, and more! Check out more from Lamar at his website: https://www.lamargiles.com/ Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Bluesky: https://tinyurl.com/36zwf8ay Twitter: https://x.com/FriendsOfForce Instagram: https://...

Happy Remembering Resistance Day, friends! This year we reflect on Star Wars Resistance as it approaches its 7th anniversary by highlighting our 10 favorite things about the series. Plus, can Star Wars Starfighter bring the need for speed back into the franchise? Tune in! Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Bluesky: https://tinyurl.com/36zwf8ay Twitter: https://x.com/FriendsOfForce Instag...

Our High Republic Phase 3 coverage continues with "Into the Light" by Claudia Gray! We delve into the meaning of the book's title through Azlin Rell and the Drengir, Kashyyykian lore, Reath's journey from bookish Padawan to thoughtful leader, and more. Independent Bookstore of the Week: Loudmouth Books (Indianapolis, IN) Join our Patreon to support the show and gain access to our exclusive bonus e...

We are diving back into the High Republic era with the first of our final three book discussions! We're kicking things off with "A Valiant Vow" by Justina Ireland by diving into Imri Cantaros' journey from fearful Padawan to fearless Knight, going beyond your comfort zone, the importance of small wins, and more. Independent Bookstore of the Week: White Whale Bookstore (Pittsburgh...

We bring you our final in-person roundtable interview from the Lucasfilm office with Supervising Sound Editor Margit Pfeiffer! We discuss Margit's work on seasons one and two of ANDOR, the role of ADR and Loop Group, creating the distinct sounds of Ghorman, and much more. Thank you to Lucasfilm for the opportunity, and shoutout to ⁠⁠Talking Bay 94⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Skytalkers Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ for tag-t...

Our excitement? It's high. It's very high. Today we're bringing you our in-person roundtable interview with Alan Tudyk from the Lucasfilm office to discuss his return as K-2SO in ANDOR season two. We learn about his time on set, K2 and Cassian's "meet-cute," improvisation, and more! Big thank you to Lucasfilm for the opportunity, and shoutout to our Group 2 buddies ⁠Talking Bay 94⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Skyt...