Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive

By now you've probably seen the Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl "Big Game" commercial, and you have an opinion. In this episode, we break down our reactions, explore what may have led Lucasfilm and Disney to make such a bold creative choice, read listener comments, and deliver a detailed deep-dive analysis. In the weeks leading up to Super Bowl 60, fans expected a traditional trailer packed with...

This episode is a celebration of film and TV milestone anniversaries with special guest Kevin Reitzel , co-founder of the Fandom Podcast Network . Together, we reflect on the films, TV shows, and music that shaped our fandoms and continue to inspire audiences decades later. Sarah reflects on classics like West Side Story (65 years), An American Tail (40 years), and Hook (35 years), sharing persona...

Are you wondering whether Wonder Man is worth your time? In this episode, we break down Marvel's latest Disney+ series, give you the essential background on the character, and explain what you actually need to know before diving in. From Simon Williams' comic book origins to his surprising connections with Vision, Scarlet Witch , and the Avengers , we cover the fun facts, controversies, and powers...

We usually avoid covering breaking news to keep our shows evergreen—but holy purrgil, major changes are coming to the Star Wars and Lucasfilm, and we had to dive in. Tricia Barr ( Fangirls Going Rogue / Fangirl Blog ) and BJ Priester ( Fangirl Blog ) join us to unpack two huge developments: the evolution of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and the major Lucasfilm leadership restructuring. Star Wars: Galax...

In this episode, we're diving into Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic Issue #57: "Battle on Bespin" with Mark Newbold (Fantha Tracks) - who has a special attachment to this issue. Originally released on December 15, 1981 , Battle on Bespin follows Lando Calrissian as he faaaaaaallls rapidly towards the planet Bespin, having been thrown off Cloud City by Imperial Captain Treece in the last issue. Lobot...

It's our annual year-end wrap-up spectacular!! We take a look back at 2025 - this year's conversation is packed with personal fandom highlights, expectations that were met (and wildly exceeded), and a few things that didn't quite live up to the hype. As always, the real joy of these episodes is revisiting the moments that made the year special—and it was even better doing it with friends. We were...

Join us as we continue celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Force Awakens with a holiday-themed trip back to December 2015! In this episode, we dig into the audio archives to relive THE FORCE AWAKENS Global Press Conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring cast and filmmakers including Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Kathleen Kennedy, and...

"There has been an awakening - have you felt it?" We kick off our 10th anniversary celebration of Star Wars: The Force Awakens by traveling back 10 years to the excitement and anticipation of 2015. We're joined by TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX line-organizer Ric Peralta of LiningUp.net and actor Dee Tails , who appeared in the film as the always-smiling Cratinus in Maz Kanata's castle. Together, we rem...

We take a nostalgic trip back to the Walt Disney Company Investor Day in December 2020—one of the biggest reveal events in recent Star Wars history. That day, Lucasfilm unveiled a galaxy's worth of upcoming Star Wars projects, from new series to feature films . Now that a few years have passed, it's time to look back with clear eyes and ask: What actually happened to all those announcements? In th...

It's time to embrace our witchy obsession as we review Wicked: For Good , the long-awaited second chapter of Elphaba and Glinda's story! Sarah is joined by Julie Gildersleeve , Courtney Turckel , and Kelly Turckel ; we head to Oz together for a spoiler-filled discussion of how this film expands on the stage musical while weaving more tightly into the events of The Wizard of Oz . With Elphaba in ex...

Happy Life Day! A Celebration of the Star Wars Holiday Special It's that time of year again — Life Day is here! We're giving thanks to Lucasfilm and CBS for blessing us with the wonderful Star Wars Holiday Special . This episode, we're celebrating in true Life Day fashion — by diving into the Holiday Special and exploring how it connects to the larger Star Wars universe in our own creative and hum...

The Creature From the Black Lagoon trilogy just celebrated its 70th Anniversary, so what better time to dive into this influential classic horror series than Halloween? Our guest, Gary Gerani —Topps trading cards editor and co-writer of Pumpkinhead —joins us to share his memories of seeing The Creature from the Black Lagoon for the first time, his insights into the enduring appeal of the Gill Man,...

In this episode, we're diving into Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic Issue #56: "Coffin in the Clouds" — and we've been saving this one for the Halloween season for more than one reason. Originally released on November 24, 1981 , Coffin in the Clouds follows Lando Calrissian as he returns to a mysteriously deserted Cloud City after the events of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Joining us for this eerie adve...

We've been looking forward to experiencing Universal Orlando's brand-new Epic Universe: Dark Universe for well over a year, and finally we made it! Walking through the fog into Darkmoor Village felt like stepping inside a classic monster movie. We rode Curse of the Werewolf and were blown away by Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment . There's a reason all the vloggers keep praising this...

We're joined by legendary author Barbara Hambly , whom we met at Legacy Expo: A Star Wars Expanded Universe convention in Burbank (Sept 13–14). After seeing her on a panel hosted by Star Warsologies' Melissa Miller, we couldn't resist inviting her on—what was meant to be a quick chat turned into a full conversation. Barbara shares stories from writing Children of the Jedi , Planet of Twilight , an...

We're thrilled to welcome author (and good friend) Thomas Riddle to the podcast as he shares insights from his inspiring new book, Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth . What happens when teachers borrow imagineering principles—immersive storytelling, worldbuilding, and design—and bring them into the classroom? Could this be the key to unlocking deeper enga...

Just when we thought we found all the actors who've played Darth Vader, another emerges. Tom Bewley was the first actor to portray the Dark Lord of the Sith on screen after Return of the Jedi. He appeared in the Frank Oz-directed 1985 film, The Indian in the Cupboard . In his very first podcast interview, Tom opens up with never-before-heard stories from behind the mask. He shares what it was like...

Have you, like us, been eagerly awaiting the Star Wars Marvel comics issue that introduces the telepathic, energy-eating Hoojibs? Join us and our special guests in a breakdown of Marvel's 1981 comic Star Wars #55: "Plif!" — one of the most beloved issues from the original Marvel Star Wars run. You can also listen and read along in 1983's read-along record Planet of the Hoojibs Read Along Storybook...

In Part 4 of our Rebel Scum Con experience, we go behind the scenes with MORE talented artists who gave life to a few of our favorite Star Wars characters. We sat down with Toby Philpott , one of the puppeteers behind the massive Jabba the Hutt. From controlling Jabba's grotesque expressions to (maybe?) licking Princess Leia, his stories from the set are not only fascinating but filled with tips a...

The Rebel Scum Con fun continues! In this episode, we're serving up double Wedge and a dash of Watto for your Star Wars enjoyment.   First up, we're honored to be joined by Denis Lawson , the legendary actor who portrayed Wedge Antilles in the original trilogy and returned in The Rise of Skywalker . He shares stories from set and reflects on Mark Hamill's hug in the galaxy far, far away.   But wai...

Are you ready to hear from some great Star Wars artists? At Rebel Scum Con, we had the amazing opportunity to connect with four talented artists who are not only passionate about Star Wars, but also masters of their craft. These creators opened up about their inspirations, creative journeys, and the unique processes behind their work. Each artist also gave us a personal tour of their booth, offeri...

We just got back from the 2nd annual Rebel Scum Con in Frisco, TX, and had an absolute blast! This was the most productive convention we've ever been to! Not only did we host two panels, but we also had the opportunity to speak with many Star Wars alumni, from actors to artists.    The convention, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event, which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Th...

Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time at San-Diego Comic-Con: GEORGE LUCAS!!!!   On Sunday 7/27/2025, George Lucas along with Lucasfilm's senior vice president and executive design director Doug Chiang and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro were guests at a highly anticipated panel highlighting the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art! The panel was expertly moderated by Queen Latifah .   Co-founde...

The next big Star Wars convention is just around the corner. We go behind-the-scenes and reveal what we are doing at Rebel Scum Con ! This year marks the 2nd annual RSC held August 8-10th, 2025 in Frisco, TX, and we have convention coordinators Ken Tucky and Bobby Roberston on to get us hyped. Even if you're not attending, this episode has plenty of fun Star Wars discussions.   We discuss the spec...

Star Wars and Coca-Cola go back as far as the original film releases in 1977 when they collaborated with Burger King for their collectible posters and drinking glasses. Now Coca-Cola and Star Wars join forces once again with the new promotion - "Refresh Your Galaxy!".    There are new cans and bottles with beautiful red, white, and black Star Wars character art, and a new commercial filled with Ea...