Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast

Kenny Baker was the man who brought life to Artoo-Detoo. With his passing, we talk about his impact on STAR WARS and we share stories about our encounters with Kenny over the years along with audio highlights. Filmmaker friend J.C. Reifenberg (Hughes The Force) joins us for the conversation and sticks around as we look at the ROGUE ONE international trailer and discuss newly revealed info about the characters. Plus, ROGUE ONE behind-the-scenes details, rumors and more. And, a John Williams update, Natalie Portman visits the STAR WARS set, William Shatner sings, and tons more stuff!

Paul Bateman reviews the new ROGUE ONE trailer in the way only Paul can. Listen to his expert analysis and you will discover things you didn't before. Paul provides us with links to some of Ralph McQuarrie's original works and breaks down the trailer with a critical eye. Plus, Paul talks about the late Kenny Baker and reflects on his friendship with the legendary actor who brought Artoo-Detoo to life and more.

ROGUE ONE debuted it's latest trailer this week during NBC's Olympic coverage and we break it down shot-by-shot with our friend, The Dorky Diva herself, Savanna Kiefer. Hear our take on all the cool new visuals, characters and action revealed in this hot new trailer. Plus, we have the freshest ROGUE ONE interview highlights from Donnie Yen and Jimmy Smits. And, we dig deep into the newest STAR WARS news stories including info on Lando Calrissian casting in the upcoming Han Solo film, THE FORCE AWAKENS 3D Collectors Edition, and, in the wake of new comments made by the head of ABC programming, we present an audio history of the long-awaited STAR WARS live-action television series and discuss the possibilities of it actually hitting the airwaves.

ROGUE ONE behind-the-scenes shakeup rumors resurface, STAR WARS 3D home video releases could be coming, Book review for STAR WARS AFTERMATH: LIFE DEBT, and "outrageous" Therapy Ewoks. Plus, George Lucas wants to buy a comic book...A very very expensive comic book, Lucas Museum opponents in Chicago insult STAR WARS fandom leading to another Jimmy Mac meltdown. Plus, RFR Slow and Tell, Dave Filoni remixed, and much more.

Young Han Solo, ROGUE ONE, and of course, STAR WARS EPISODE VIII are making news headlines these days and RFR is here to break it all down. This week, we're hanging out with popular radio/media personality East Side Dave McDonald to talk STAR WARS news, fandom, and Sopranos tattoos. Aljon Go is back with a George Lucas sighting at Disneyland, we have more from Dave Filoni on the birth of the Rebellion and "Ahsoka's Untold Tales". We review Rian Johnson's list of films that inspired the upcoming Episode VIII. Plus, star-studded young Han Solo auditions courtesy of Conan. And who will be our victim in this week's segment of "RFR Slow and Tell"? Listen now and find out for yourself!

He's the man who invented The Lightsaber. Oscar-Winning STAR WARS production designer Roger Christian joins Paul Bateman and Kyle Newman for an exclusive conversation about his career in film, his experiences working films such as STAR WARS and ALIEN, and working with George Lucas. Check out this interview then read Roger's new book CINEMA ALCHEMIST, in stores now!

STAR WARS REBELS broke big news at Star Wars Celebration Europe with a massively successful panel and Season 3 trailer debut. We break it all down with our special in-studio guests, Aljon Go from Sorcerer Radio and RFR brother Billy Mac. Special guest Ashley Eckstein is "In The Cantina" to talk about SWCE and "Ahsoka's Lost Tales". "RFR Slow and Tell" is back. And, our wacky stories from the early years of Star Wars Celebration along with more from SWCE as we discuss all the panels, news and reveals to emerge from the convention.

Paul Bateman spends time in the SWCE press room with Dave Filoni who gives us killer info about Star Wars Rebels Season 3, the evolution of Darth Maul, Kanan the blind Jedi, and the nature of The Force itself. When Filoni speaks, we listen! And this is simply you must hear for yourself. Paul also caught up with Sam Witwer to talk about the incorporation of EU/Legends characters into new canon. We talk about Alden Ehrenreich making his first-ever STAR WARS related public appearance and we give our first impressions on his potential as the future (young) Han Solo. Plus, Paul recounts his SWCE adventures including a review of the‪#‎CANTINA‬ concert and his hands-on experience with the next generation of immersive entertainment from Lucasfilm: ILMxLAB

The ROGUE ONE panel was the big highlight of day one of SWCE. Featuring the entire cast and showcasing a behind-the-scenes "sizzle" reel, this panel has driven fans into a frenzy. We review the footage shown shot-by-shot and break down every highlight of the revealing panel. RFR's bothan spy in London Paul Bateman saw the ROGUE ONE teaser trailer featuring Darth Vader that was screened exclusively for the panel audience. Paul gives us a detailed account of the trailer along with his review of SWCE day one in general. Plus, RFR Slow and Tell returns and much more!

In the wake of the huge ROGUE ONE details and images released by EW, reporter Anthony Breznican joins us to provide analysis, speculation, and information about the first spin-off STAR WARS STORY film coming this December. Anthony shares exclusive insight about the film's production and news about a potential traitor among the ranks of the ROGUE ONE rebellion. Listen to find out who we think it is! And, Kyle Newman shares info about the latest project he's attached to, RAIDERS! THE ADAPTATION. Plus, the fight for Lucas Museum in Chicago comes to a bitter end, James Cameron talks TFA, "RFR Slow And Tell", and much more.

ROGUE ONE character info and photos released by EW this week dominate our conversation, Forest Whitaker revealed as Saw Gerrera, Darth Vader's silver screen return confirmed, New info about The Emperor in the infamously shelved STAR WARS live-action TV show, Bob Iger talks about an Indiana Jones (re)boot, STAR WARS video game news, listener voice mail and more.

Join RFR in Orlando for an amazing show recorded live at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort. And this time the whole crew is in town, even Swank! We talk about our 3rd annual Disney listener meet-up with David Collins and Steve Glosson, review the STAR WARS LAUNCH BAY and STAR TOURS, and share tons of laughs with our live audience. Plus, we analyze the latest news about the never-ending struggle to build the Lucas Museum in Chicago, Luke's lightsaber, and the challenge Darth Vader faces when using the bathroom. We have updates on John Williams, Harrison Ford's beard, and you don't want to miss RFR's live performance of "Jabba Flow"! Maz's Palace will never be the same again!

RFR is Live from Joliet Star Wars Day with special guests including author John Jackson Miller (STAR WARS: A New Dawn), writer Michael Witwer (Empire of Imagination), Fantasy Flight Games Keith Kappel, and the return of Cris Macht. And it all kicks off with Congressman / Physicist Bill Foster (IL-D) who talks STAR WARS with a scientific twist. Join us for a fun and fast-paced day in Joliet, STAR WARS-style. This remote broadcast is brought to you by WGN Radio, The City of Joliet, and Heritage Corridor CVB.

Matt Lanter joins us to talk about his return as Anakin Skywalker in the amazing season two finale of STAR WARS REBELS, Jimmy Mac hears the music of TFA in an unexpected place, and is panic gripping those behind-the-scenes of ROGUE ONE? We discuss the upcoming reshoots and speculate why they are happening. Plus, Jabba Flow, RFR on the road, and more.

"The Real Fans of the Saga" is a brand-new STAR WARS fan reality TV show coming this summer from Cris Macht. Cris and his wife Michelle join us in studio to talk about everything that has gone into creating the show. STAR WARS celebrates another anniversary. We review interview audio from Lawrence Kasdan talking about the upcoming young Han Solo standalone film and Ewan McGregor considering his unfinished STAR WARS business. We have another Save The Lucas Museum update from ground zero in Chicago, an EMPIRE STRIKES BACK blast-from-the-past, and details about RFR road trips happening this summer with stops in Joliet and Orlando.

Casting for young Han Solo targets one man, shooting Episode VIII continues, an Obi-Wan spin-off trilogy gets talked about again, and Mads Mikkelsen provides a revelation about his role in ROGUE ONE. These are among the current STAR WARS headlines to come across our desks at RFR HQ. We talk about it all! Plus, Jimmy Mac has an exclusive report from the Save The Lucas Museum rally in Chicago, Jason bumps into someone from that other "Star" franchise, we review the new STAR WARS documentary ELSTREE 1976 and learn more about the new and amazing STAR WARS Holograms with our special guests, Eric Doane and Ariel James from Zebra Imaging.

RANCHO Force Radio continues with the second part of our live fundraiser at Steve Sansweet's Rancho Obi-Wan. Find out what it takes to manage the museum home to the world's largest STAR WARS collection and how you can visit and make a difference! More special guests are joining us for Part Two including James Arnold Taylor, David W. Collins, Lucasfilm's Pete Vilmur, and Leland Chee from the STAR WARS story group. Join us for the party and be sure to help RFR raise funds for Rancho Obi-Wan! Visit http://donate.ranchoobiwan.org/RebelForceRadio to donate!

The mecca for every STAR WARS fan is Rancho Obi-Wan, home to the largest STAR WARS collection in the world. But to keep this great museum alive, we must raise awareness and funds. Join us and make a difference as RFR becomes "Rancho Force Radio" with an incredible live podcast fundraiser recorded live at Rancho Obi-Wan. Steve Sansweet is here with us along with the incredible crew of supporters that keep ROW alive. One episode of RFR could not contain this marathon podcast so we broke it up into two. Let's kick off part one with James Burns (Jedi News), Bonnie Burton (Star Wars Craft Book) and our very special guest, actor Sam Witwer! Come back soon for Part Two of RFR Live from Rancho Obi-Wan with more special guests and surprises. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Visit www.ranchoobiwan.org and make a donation to keep the museum alive and thriving!

Sam Witwer joins us for our audio commentary track of STAR WARS:THE FORCE AWAKENS. As with all of our commentary tracks, you canplay this while you watch TFA or listen as a stand-alone podcast.You never know what Sam will say or what amazing theories he comesup with! So cue up your copy of THE FORCE AWAKENS and watch it withRFR!

J.J. Abrams talked about Rey’s parents at the Tribeca Film Fest and our microphones were there. We analyze everything J.J. had to say about STAR WARS at the event. Plus, we have a preview of the upcoming novel release STAR WARS BLOODLINE, news about a new project for Daisy Ridley, STAR WARS vs AVATAR, discussion about the elusive Constable Zuvio, listener feedback and more.

The rumors for STAR WARS EPISODE VIII have kicked into high gear. We have a spoiler section devoted to the so-called “script leaks” that have hit the web recently. Legit or absurd? We’ll let you decide! The mystery of Threepio’s red arm in TFA has finally been solved via Marvel Comics “C-3PO” one-off and we have a full review of the story. Plus, young Han Solo and Darth Vader casting rumors, Daisy Ridley talks about the future of Rey at the MTV Movie Awards, J.J. talks about more TFA deleted scenes yet to come, a STAR WARS at Disney Parks update, including deets on RFR Live in Orlando and more.

The ROGUE ONE trailer, the TFA Blu-ray, and the season finale of STAR WARS REBELS hit us like proton torpedo. There is much to be said about all three recent events, and few have more to say than noted STAR WARS artist, expert, and film industry veteran, RFR’s very own Paul Bateman. From Ahsoka Tano to Jyn Erso, we break down everything from Paul’s perspective. Plus, we get the deets from Paul about a new Darth Vader casting rumor, the Prequel esthetic, the TFA table read and more.

Dave Filoni is IN THE CANTINA to give us his insight into the STAR WARS REBELS season two finale, THE FORCE AWAKENS and more exclusive info. The era of ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY has officially arrived with the release of the first teaser trailer this week. We provide shot-by-shot analysis! Plus, The TFA Blu-ray, listener feedback and more!

David Collins joins us to talk about the shocking and stunning season two finale of STAR WARS REBELS. The events in the hour-long "Twilight of the Apprentice" have serious repercussions on Ahsoka Tano, Darth Maul and the crew of The Ghost. Nothing will be the same again in the REBELS universe. We talk about it all in this epic roundtable discussion.

Sam Witwer and Ashley Eckstein join us for their first interviews following the mind-blowing STAR WARS REBELS Season Two Finale. We recap the Rebels red carpet event in LA with audio highlights from Dave Filoni and Simon Kinberg along with a full report from our man-on-the-scene, Jimmy Mac. The home video release of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is here! We give you our initial, spoiler-free reviews of the Blu-ray. Plus, Ewan McGregor talks more about returning to STAR WARS as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Billy Dee is back! With so many amazing things happening on the STAR WARS scene, there's no foolin' around this week on RFR.

The crew of The Ghost get a little downtime to settle into their new base before the you-know-what hits the fan for Kanan and the gang. The peace is short-lived however when Captain Rex finds himself in a sticky situation. Jason, Jimmy and Spencer break down all the action in "The Mystery of Chopper Base" including the Ralph McQuarrie influence, Ezra's growing dark side connection, and how Season Two may conclude.

Bonnie Burton has been a multi-media superstar for years and her impact on STAR WARS fandom is undeniable. Bonnie joins us to talk about her groundbreaking social media work, her history with Lucasfilm, and her love of sock puppets. Bonnie give us her review of THE FORCE AWAKENS and comments on the latest STAR WARS news headlines including casting for the young Han Solo film, the return of Indiana Jones, and the latest interviews from Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill. Plus, we report on the STAR WARS books panel at C2E2 with audio highlights, listener feedback and more.

“The Forgotten Droid” features Chopper on his own as he gets separated from the crew of The Ghost and finds himself on an adventure. We break the whole episode down from start-to-finish with a great roundtable discussion featuring expert analysis from our esteemed panelists. Joining Jimmy Mac and STAR WARS artist Spencer Brinkerhoff III are Tricia Barr (Fangirls Going Rogue) and Geek Out Loud’s Steve Glosson.

READY PLAYER ONE author Ernest Cline joins us IN THE CANTINA to talk about THE FORCE AWAKENS and more. We’ve been pals with Ernie since FANBOYS, so it’s great to get caught up. The cameras are rolling! We get up-to-date with EPISODE VIII location shooting in Dubrovnik, Croatia. In other news, Daisy Ridley talks to the press, J.J. Abrams admits he made a mistake, and REBELS ramps up to a huge season two conclusion. Plus, listener feedback, ROGUE ONE speculation, and much more.

Jedi temples! Crazy visions! Inquisitors! Yoda! Darth Vader! There was a lot to like about the STAR WARS REBELS season two episode “Shroud of Darkness". From Ahsoka's realization that Anakin may still be alive, to Ezra's growing connection to The Force, there is much to discuss. Joining us at The Roundtable for some killer conversation are two very esteemed guests. STAR WARS author Adam Bray brings us his wisdom acquired while writing STAR WARS REBELS: THE VISUAL GUIDE. And we welcome the return of our old pal, STAR WARS artist and noted REBELS expert Spencer Brinkerhoff III

This week in STAR WARS, we finally got an announcement about the release of THE FORCE AWAKENS in Blu-ray and Digital HD. We speculate about what deleted scenes will be on the disc, along with a personal look back at the history of STAR WARS home video releases. Big wig Bob Iger gave a STAR WARS progress report at the annual Disney Stockholders Meeting and our microphones were there. Hear updates on ROGUE ONE, Episode VIII, and Disney parks. Plus, STAR WARS gets snubbed at The Oscars, listener feedback and more.

A heated rematch between Zeb and Kallus leads to a harsh situation where they must put down their arms and work together in “The Honorable Ones”. We break down this season 2 episode of STAR WARS REBELS at The Roundtable with RFR brother Billy Mac.

All the latest STAR WARS news with cutting-edge analysis and conversation! That’s what you get this week on RFR including the latest news about THE FORCE AWAKENS, ROGUE ONE, and more. We have more about the death of Han Solo, The Stormtrooper who banged his head, and familiar voices return to STAR WARS REBELS. Plus, STAR WARS at Disney Parks update, Jimmy Mac’s STAR WARS Room, listener feedback and more. Joining us this week to talk about it all is RFR brother Billy Mac!

We finally get more on Hera’s backstory in the latest episode of STAR WARS REBELS. “The Homecoming” features a reunion between father and daughter revealing more history about the pilot of The Ghost. Plus, with Hera’s dad being Cham Syndulla, we get more connections between REBELS and THE CLONE WARS! Joining us this week to connect-the-dots at The Roundtable is Australian comedian/podcaster Steele Saunders (Steele Wars).

Hardcore fans have known for a long time about the clumsy Stormtrooper who walked head first into a door in the original STAR WARS. Actor/musician Laurie Goode AKA “The Stormtrooper Who Hit His Head” joins us “In The Cantina” to talk about his experience on the set of STAR WARS, the characters he portrayed and of course, the scene that made him a freeze-frame legend. Principle photography for STAR WARS EPISODE VIII has begun! We have the latest news, rumors and speculation. Plus, ROGUE ONE updates, listener feedback and more.

Kanan and the gang meet space whale squids in STAR WARS REBELS, “The Call”. You think that sounds weird, wait ‘til you hear what we have to say about this season two episode! Joining Jason and Jimmy to talk purgils at the RFR Roundtable is film maker J.C.Reifenberg (Summer of ‘78/Hughes The Force).

He was the man who introduced Obi-Wan to Chewie, but yet, his true identity was unknown. The name of the actor who played STAR WARS cantina character BoShek has remained a mystery for decades…Until earlier this week. Thanks to the efforts of crime reporter Billy Jensen (with a little help from Cantina expert Tom Spina), BoShek has finally been identified. This week on RFR, Billy tells us how he discovered who was the man behind BoShek and explains why he took on the task. The junior novelization for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS hits store shelves on February 16th. Author Michael Kogge joins us In The Cantina for a behind-the-scenes look at how the book came together. Disney head honcho Bob Iger talked about what lay ahead for STAR WARS during his quarterly stock holders update and our microphones were there. We play audio highlights so you get the all the deets directly from the man upstairs. Plus, Forest Whitaker talks ROGUE ONE, Jimmy Mac takes his dad to TFA and more!

Zeb’s mysterious past and the fate of his people finally gets revealed in STAR WARS REBELS. The season two episode “Legends of the Lasat” not only provides revelations about Zeb’s warrior past, but new info about his people and their spiritual relationship to the Force-esque energy field known as The Ashla. Joining Jimmy and Jason at the RFR Roundtable to get their Zeb on are the always-engaging and insightful Techno-Retro Dads: Stuart Tullis and Josh Stolte.

Rancho Obi-Wan’s Steve Sansweet joins us to share his review of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. We review audio highlights of director Colin Trevorrow talking EPISODE IX at Sundance and Ewan McGregor on "Jimmy Kimmel Live". We open up the RFR Sound lab to deconstruct and reconstruct Sir Alec Guinness’s surprise vocal appearance in TFA. Plus, Listener Voice Mails, Topps STAR WARS trading cards, TFA on BluRay and more.

REBELS is back! We're kicking off the second half of season two with a Declassified MegaCast featuring two roundtable discussions plus a special interview. Joining us for her RFR debut is STAR WARS REBELS actress Julie Dolan, the voice of Princess Leia. Julie talks about bringing Leia to life and what it takes to make it happen. Join us for analysis of "A Princess on Lothal" and "The Protector of Concord Dawn" along with a breakdown of the spoilerific new trailer for season two.

STAR WARS INFLUENCES is back for 2016 as we solidly settle into the era of THE FORCE AWAKENS. Now that the film is out, Paul Bateman can finally talk about whether or not he actually worked on it! Paul walks through his experiences at the UK premiere and opening night in Hollywood and then we take the deep dive into the film itself. Paul discusses the McQuarrie influence on the look of certain characters, ships and sets, including his analysis of the mysterious Snoke. Plus, we review the book STAR WARS: THE ART OF THE FORCE AWAKENS and more. It’s Bateman unleashed!

Adam Driver stole the show last weekend as Kylo Ren in SNL’s “Undercover Boss” skit. He killed it. Film prop and creature expert Tom Spina (www.tomspinadesigns.com) was on hand to help Adam with the authentic costume and mask. Hear his behind-the-scenes story this week as Tom joins us to talk about SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS and more! Plus, we perform a STAR WARS intervention with Chicago media personality Evie Olson. And, we feature you guys in an extended Listener Feedback segment featuring your e-mails and more.

You’ve seen STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS with your friends and family. Now, see the it with us! Jimmy Mac and Jason Swank sit down to watch the film from start-to-finish with their microphones to present you with the first-ever audio commentary track for EPISODE VII. We take you through the entire film, scene-by-scene, to bring you TFA…RFR-STYLE! Go see the movie in the theater again this weekend and take us with you in your earbuds. We tell you exactly how to do it! Or, just listen to the show as a stand-alone recap podcast. It’s STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS with Rebel Force Radio!

It’s the all-time US box office champ! STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is breaking records at a record-breaking pace! Seems like everyone and their uncle are going to see this film and here at RFR HQ, we are getting some surprising feedback from those close to us. Listen to find out who they are and what they said! Plus, hear highlights of Jimmy Mac on the air in Chicago on WGN Radio with Wendy Snyder including THE FORCE AWAKENS actress Gloria Garcia (Jakku Villager) in her first-ever STAR WARS interview and more!

By popular demand, The RFR Jedi Council has gathered at The Roundtable to provide our initial analysis of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. From art aesthetic, to characters, to the story itself, we cover as much as possible with our crew of experts. With a show this big, we had to break it down into two parts. Joining Jason Swank and Jimmy Mac for round one are Kyle Newman, Paul Bateman and F.J. DeSanto. It’s a through conversation about the plot, design, and the new heroes of TFA, including Rey. Then, Sam Witwer and David W. Collins stop by to get deep about Han Solo, Kylo Ren, and much more.

After one week in release, THE FORCE AWAKENS continues to pack theaters and generate amazing conversation. The vibe continues here at RFR in earnest as we present our latest review show. From the humor to the drama of the film, we cover it all. It’s a podcaster reunion as we are joined by our old friend Pete Nadel, the STAR WARS podcasting pioneer who offers his always entertaining analysis of the saga and beyond. From “Famous Monsters” magazine, executive editor David Weiner stops by to provide his critical take on EPISODE VII. And STAR WARS artist Kevin Liell visits us with his review of TFA, delivered in his trademark, straight-shooting style. Merry Christmas from Jason Swank, Jimmy Mac and “Your Source For The Force”, REBEL FORCE RADIO.

THE FORCE AWAKENS continues to topple box office worldwide and STAR WARS fever tightens its grip on the galaxy. This means no downtime for RFR! We are back with more commentary and conversation about the film everyone is talking about. Joining us are two very special guests who can actually be seen on screen in Ep VII! And even better, it's their first ever STAR WARS interviews! Arti Shah (Gonk/Maz Kanata Motion Capture Double) stops by to talk about her amazing experiences on the TFA sets in London and Abu Dhabi. And, winner of the Force For Change walk-on role, DC Barnes relives his ultimate fan experience with RFR.

Following an insane opening night and even more intense opening day, we have retreated to the RFR studios to process our emotions, discuss our feelings, and break down our analysis of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. Joining us are a couple of old friends who actually contributed to what you hear in TFA. David W. Collins and James Arnold Taylor provided their vocal talents for a slew of characters in the new film. The guys tell us how it happened and who they voiced. Plus, we begin what will be a continuing conversation about all-things-Episode VII in this, the first of a series of shows to wrap up 2015.

It's TFA Day! Join us for opening night live at Hollywood Blvd. Cinema in the Chicago suburbs for a live RFR featuring tons of great STAR WARS conversation, music, and excitement. We are with our family, friends, and fellow fans for this historic event. Then, stick around after the credits for our first review and initial thoughts about THE FORCE AWAKENS.

We wrap up the first half of STAR WARS REBELS season 2 with "Legacy". A long-running loose end from Ezra's past gets tied up as the fate of his parents is revealed. Joining us to discuss this exciting episode is Toronto Filmmaker and RFR documentarian Sheldon Norton.