Gary Friedkin, who had roles in ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Happy Days,’ dies at 70 from COVID-19
Gary Friedkin, an actor who had roles in movies like “Star Wars” and “Young Doctors in Love,” and the TV show “Happy Days,” has died, according to the Tribune Chronicle. >> Read more trending newsFriedkin, 70, died Dec. 2 from COVID-19 complications, according to his family. “Gary lived his life to the absolute fullest, bringing endless laughs to his family and many friends, while never letting the obstacles he faced get in his way. Gary put countless smiles on people’s faces and left so many with their own special ‘Gary story.’”“While Gary may have been short of stature, he was a giant amongst his family and friends,” the obituary said. “His legacy will live on as stories are told and retold for years to come by all who loved him.”©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comIger back on top in a Disney plot twist that few saw coming
Bob Iger, the enterprising entertainment executive who brought Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel under the Disney marquee and challenged the streaming dominance of Netflix, will replace his handpicked successor, CEO Bob Chapek, whose two-year tenure has been marked by clashes, missteps and a weakening financial performance.
Kelly Ripa on new book about marriage, motherhood and relationship with Regis Philbin
Emmy Award-winning daytime host and actress Kelly Ripa joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss her new book "Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories." Ripa talks about stories including her breakup before eloping with Mark Consuelos, how life has changed as an empty-nester, and why she is setting the record straight on her relationship with the late Regis Philbin.
news.yahoo.comJames Earl Jones signals retirement from voicing Darth Vader after 45 years
For the past 45 years, actor James Earl Jones has lent his booming, villainous bass to the “Star Wars” franchise, embodying the Dark Side as the voice of Darth Vader. >> Read more trending newsAccording to Vanity Fair, however, 91-year-old Jones has signed off on the use by young filmmakers of archival voice recordings to help maintain the character’s continuity as time passes. Specifically, the archived recordings will allow next-gen “Star Wars” creators to use “artificial intelligence synthetic speech technology to recreate Jones’ younger voice from his previous films for future Lucasfilm projects,” Variety reported. Meanwhile, the production company’s Matthew Wood told Vanity Fair that Jones “wished to keep Vader alive.”(Note: Actor David Prowse appeared on-screen as the hulking, black-clad villain.) In turn, the company has partnered with Respeecher, a Ukrainian startup that “uses AI technology to craft new conversations from revitalized old voice recordings,” Variety reported.
wftv.comEvery Jedi & Sith From Star Wars Explained By Kevin Smith
Clerks III director Kevin Smith knows a lot about a lot of things, but he really knows a lot about Star Wars. So, who better to have tell us everything we need to know about the Jedi and Sith that appear in the Star Wars movies? Watch as Kevin talks in detail about Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Ahsoka Tano, (Sith Lord?) Jar Jar Binks and much more! CLERKS III will be released exclusively in theaters on September 13th-18th by Lionsgate in partnership with Fathom Events. Kevin will also continue on his “Convenience Tour” roadshow though November with more information about tickets here - https://clerks3.movie Director: Alexandra Coccia Director of Photography: Matt Krueger Editor: Patrick Biesemans Talent: Kevin Smith Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi Associate Producers: Melissa Cho, Samantha Velez Production Managers: Peter Brunette, Andressa Pelachi Production Coordinator: Carol Wachockier Audio: Kara Johnson Cam Op/Gaffer: Shay Eberle-Gunst Production Assistant: Ariel Labasan Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen Assistant Editor: Paul Tael Clerks III is out in theaters on September 13, for two nights only. Director: Alexandra Coccia Director of Photography: Matt Krueger Editor: Patrick Biesemans Talent: Kevin Smith Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi Associate Producers: Melissa Cho, Samantha Velez Production Managers: Peter Brunette, Andressa Pelachi Production Coordinator: Carol Wachockier Audio: Kara Johnson Cam Op/Gaffer: Shay Eberle-Gunst Production Assistant: Ariel Labasan Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen Assistant Editor: Paul Tael
news.yahoo.comHan shot first: ‘Star Wars’ blaster prop sells for more than $1M
The prop that sparked the “Star Wars” debate on “who shot first” has gone on the auction block and brought in more than pre-sale estimates. The prop gun was used in filming the original “Star Wars” film, later renamed “Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope” and came with a signed photograph of Harrison Ford as Han Solo. It was made out of a 9mm Mauser C96 pistol or “Broomhandle” Mauser, Rock Island said in the auction’s description. After filming was completed, the gun was reverted into its original “Broomhandle” design for use in other films, Rock Island said. Rock Island Auction Company specializes in firearms sales, according to its website.
wftv.comKenny Loggins is "Still Alright"
Even at 74, Kenny Loggins' voice sounds as youthful as his songs, which have a habit of making us feel young, too. The singer talks with correspondent Lee Cowan about touring; his "yacht rock" hits; his new memoir, "Still Alright"; and how being a father affected his music. (Originally broadcast May 22, 2022.)
news.yahoo.comFormer educator arrested after moving ‘R2-D2′ statue at Disney hotel, deputies say
A Baltimore man was arrested last month after dressing like a Disney cast member and moving a statue replica of the R2-D2 droid from the Star Wars franchise, according to arrest records from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Disney shows off new Jedi lightsaber; Star Wars hotel faces delay
Walt Disney World released new details about its future Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel on Star Wars Day. The commemorative day is observed annually on May 4 and is marked by fans around the world to celebrate all things Star Wars and a galaxy far, far away.
New Star Wars stamps coming this spring
(Copyright 2020 by CNN Newsource - All rights reserved.) New 'Star Wars' stamps coming this springThe US Postal Service is releasing some out-of-this-world forever stamps this spring. It will offer stamps of 10 droids from the Star Wars universe, including the beloved R2D2, C3PO and BB8. The postal service says they are a nod to the commitment of Lucasfilm and its parent company Disney to science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM learning. [TRENDING: Video shows officer slamming student | Man shoots at ex-girlfriend’s current boyfriend 94 times | These men are paying $55M to go to space station]The droid stamps were designed by Greg Breeding while William Gicker served as art director.
Disney+ subscribers reach 86.8 million worldwide
Chapek said Disney+ subscribers worldwide have reached 86.8 million, up from 74 million last month. But Disney also kept its biggest films — including Marvel's “Black Widow," Pixar's “Luca,” a “Lion King” prequel — on course for theatrical release. Jenkins becomes the first woman to direct a “Star Wars” film. Among the “Star Wars” series are two spinoffs of “The Mandalorian,” set during the series' timeline: “Rangers of the New Republic” and “Ahsoka,” with Rosario Dawson. Seven Disney films topped $1 billion worldwide.
Dave Prowse, actor who played Darth Vader, dies at 85
The British actor, Prowse who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, has died aged 85 on Saturday, according to an announcement by his agent Sunday Nov. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, FILE)LONDON – Dave Prowse, the British weightlifter-turned-actor who was the body, though not the voice, of arch-villain Darth Vader in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, has died. Prowse died Saturday after a short illness, his agent Thomas Bowington said Sunday. Prowse donned Darth Vader's black armor and helmet for “Star Wars” (1977), “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and “Return of the Jedi" (1983). He was a regular at “Star Wars” fan events but was banned from official conventions by Lucas in 2010 after the pair fell out.
John Boyega isn't going to 'take the money and shush'
That’s the hardest thing to navigate, when you don’t feel that way.”This year, Boyega has made it clear he doesn't feel that way, that he isn’t going to bite his tongue. The five-film series is playing on the BBC in the U.K. and on Amazon Prime in the U.S.; “Red, White and Blue” will debut Dec. 4 on Amazon. In the true story, Boyega plays Leroy Logan, an aspiring research scientist who gives up the lab to join the overwhelmingly white London police force in the 1980s. “Red, White and Blue” puts Boyega front and center and wrestles with many of the social issues -- race, change, belonging -- that he is grappling with, too. But if anyone thought that moment reflected a new John Boyega, it didn't.
Disney to allow guests to enter ‘Rise of the Resistance’ virtual queue outside of Hollywood Studios
ORLANDO, Fla – Walt Disney World announced Thursday that it will begin pivoting to a new way of giving out virtual boarding groups to its popular attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Beginning Nov. 3, Disney said guests with a Hollywood Studios reservation will be given the chance to board a virtual queue beginning at 7 a.m. from outside of their resort hotel, or wherever else nearby they could be at that time. Guests flee First Order Stormtroopers onboard a Star Destroyer as part of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the groundbreaking new attraction opening Dec. 5, 2019, inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Jan. 17, 2020, at Disneyland Park in California. The immersive attraction opened in 2019 and has only been operating under the virtual queue system. Virtual queue boarding passes can be acquired through the My Disney Experience App.
John Boyega quits perfume ambassador role over Chinese ad
LONDON – Black actor John Boyega has stepped down from his role as a global ambassador for perfume brand Jo Malone after the company decided to hire a Chinese actor to replace him in an ad he created. “The film celebrated my personal story– showcasing my hometown, including my friends and featuring my family,” Boyega wrote. He played a leading role as Finn in 2015′s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” but he and other nonwhite characters were removed or diminished from a Chinese poster for the movie. Boyega recently told GQ that Black characters have been “pushed to the side” in Disney’s “Star Wars” franchise. In June, the star made an emotional speech on racism when he joined Black Lives Matter protests in London.
Perfume brand says cutting Black actor from ad was misstep
NEW YORK – British perfume brand Jo Malone has apologized to Black actor John Boyega of “Star Wars” fame after cutting him out of the Chinese version of a cologne commercial he helped create. Jo Malone London said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that the ad designed for Chinese audiences was a misstep and has been removed. The recreated ad replaced Boyega with Chinese star Liu Haoran. It's not the first time Boyega has been deleted from a China-based ad. Boyega has spoken out about Hollywood racism, recently telling GQ that Black characters have been “pushed to the side” in Disney’s “Star Wars” franchise.
Lego Star Wars special coming to Disney+
A new special called "The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special" is set to premiere on the streaming platform. According to StarWars.com, its set to take place right after the events of the last film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.In the special, Lego Rey leaves her friends to prepare for "life day." Its a holiday that was first introduced in 1978s Star Wars holiday special. Lego "Star Wars" Holiday Special (Lucasfilm)While on her travels, Rey is thrown into a cross-timeline adventure. The Lego Star Wars holiday special will debut on Disney+ on Nov. 17.
Let your creative mind explode with these incredible new LEGO sets
LEGO Super MarioThe world of Super Mario is coming to life all thanks to LEGO. We love how creative Nintendo and LEGO fans are, and cant wait for them to unleash their imaginations in how they interact with Super Mario in the real world, said Jonathan Bennink, Digital Design Lead on LEGO Super Mario. Sixteen LEGO Super Mario sets have been introduced and the set also includes an app that will help support the experience. LEGO Ideas Grand Piano SetThe grand piano set is the latest product part of the LEGO Ideas collection. LEGO said the 3,662-piece LEGO Ideas Grand Piano is made to take center stage as a spectacular display model for any room.
Astronomers find galaxy similar to Milky Way
In a galaxy far, far away. Its a galaxy and astronomers say it looks a lot like ours, a Milky way doppelganger if you will. The galaxy is more than 12 billion light years away from ours which means we're seeing this galaxy as it appeared when the universe was only 1.4 billion years old. Clearly, the Milky Way got the better name. Astronomers have always thought galaxies were basically wild and unformed in the early years of the universe but seeing this galaxy thats calm and well-ordered just like ours completely changes their way of thinking.
The force is changing: Disney to adjust Rise of the Resistance virtual queue system
ORLANDO, Fla Walt Disney World is set to adjust the way guests get the opportunity to ride the newest Star Wars attraction, Rise of the Resistance, at Disneys Hollywood Studios. Beginning Friday, Disney said guests will have the opportunity to join the rides virtual queue at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Since that time, the ride reservation system has been hit with some criticism about guests not being able to get on the ride at all. Disney said reservations will still be limited each day and guests can access a boarding group time through the virtual queue reservation system. Click here to learn more about how the reservation system works and how to book a boarding group time for your next visit.
2Q earnings to show how virus menaced Corporate America
Thats how Wall Street is approaching the upcoming earnings season for companies. Earnings reporting season gets underway in earnest on Tuesday, when Delta Air Lines and several of the country's biggest banks are scheduled to release their results. When the quarter began in April, Wall Street was forecasting a loss as fliers nervous about the new virus increasingly stuck to the ground. Earnings reports tend to matter deeply to investors because corporate profits are the lifeblood of the stock market, with prices tending to track the path of earnings over the long term. Low expectations for this earnings season also mean CEOs have an easier hurdle to jump.
Baby Yoda-themed Monopoly now on sale
Toy brand Hasbro has introduced its Baby Yoda-themed Monopoly set. The beloved character from “The Mandalorian” series on Disney+ is technically called “The Child,” but he's commonly known as Baby Yoda. Regular Monopoly, of course, features game pieces like the classic top hat and wheelbarrow, but in this version, you get to choose from four adorable versions of Baby Yoda in different poses. Hasbro also changed up other aspects of the game like the playing cards to reflect “Star Wars” Mandalorian themes. Monopoly: Star Wars the Child is currently available on pre-order for $19.99 and is expected to ship out on its release date of Sept. 1.
Celebrate ‘Star Wars’ Day with new ‘Mandalorian’ docuseries only on Disney+
Disney is planning to drop a new eight-part docuseries called “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian,” beginning Monday. pic.twitter.com/gRSge03Hzn — Star Wars (@starwars) April 23, 2020The series takes a behind the scenes look at how the fan-favorite “ The Mandalorian ” series was created. “After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe. Disney along with every other company has had to alter day to day work amid the growing spread of the coronavirus. Production has been shut down on all of its shows, including some upcoming Disney+ series.
Disney+ to celebrate Star Wars Day with new 'Mandalorian’ docuseries
“Star Wars” fans are getting excited about a new release. Disney+ is debuting a new eight-part docuseries called “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian.”It's a behind-the-scenes look at how the popular “Mandalorian” series was created, including interviews and never-before-seen footage. Executive producer Jon Favreau hosts the series, which debuts May 4, the day fans celebrate all-things "Star Wars." After that, Disney+ will stream new episodes every Friday.
Coronavirus could slow Baby Yoda toy production
Hasbro is bracing for the impact of the coronavirus on the upcoming release of its "Star Wars" Baby Yoda toys. The disruptions haven't derailed production of the toys, but Jim Silver, CEO of the industry review website Toys, Tots, Pets and more,' said he thinks Baby Yoda toy production will drop by five to ten percent. Hasbro says it is "working to mitigate" the manufacturing impact of the coronavirus. Disney and Hasbro unveiled several Baby Yoda toys last month. Baby Yoda toys from Hasbro, Funko, Mattel and Build-a-Bear are scheduled to be on store shelves this month.
Build-A-Bear reveals Baby Yoda stuffed animal set to arrive in stores ‘soon’
“Star Wars” fans were excited to learn Build-A-Bear was coming out with a stuffed Baby Yoda. Company officials said in a tweet, “The cutest creature in the galaxy is arriving at Build-A-Bear Workshop this spring! Sign up for email updates to be among the first to know when #TheChild has arrived." The cutest creature in the galaxy is arriving at Build-A-Bear Workshop this spring! Sign up for email updates to be among the first to know when #TheChild has arrived.
Baby Yoda coming to Build-A-Bear
IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY – In a search that took longer than finding Luke Skywalker on Ahch-To, the hugely popular Baby Yoda stuffed animal will soon be available to purchase off store shelves. Build-A-Bear announced Tuesday it will start selling Baby Yoda plush toys in company stores over the next few months, Business Insider reports. The Baby Yoda character jumped to superstardom via hyperspace as one of the mysterious central figures on “The Mandalorian,” a Disney+ that takes place within the Star Wars universe. Failing to see the oncoming Baby Yoda phenomenon, Disney had no toys waiting in the wings for those who wanted to take the cute li’l guy or gal home.
Jason Sudekis is the internet’s most wanted after his cameo with Baby Yoda in ‘The Mandalorian’ finale
The Second City does not condone the punching of Baby Yoda by alumnus Jason Sudeikis. Don’t touch a hot stove, don’t run with scissors, and most importantly don’t mess with Baby Yoda. From constantly missing their targets to arguing back-and-forth about getting to look at Baby Yoda. In the opening scene of the first-season finale, Baby Yoda has been snatched by Sudeikis and Pally. Jason Sudeikis is a scout trooper in #TheMandalorian finale and is the only actor I’ll forgive for his dispicable act to wee baby Yoda.
Baby Yoda toys not available in time for Christmas
Available for pre-order, Baby Yoda now is. Disney’s online store is accepting orders for new toys featuring the character, including an 11-inch plush doll and two bobbleheads. Just don't expect them in time for Christmas as the products won't ship until spring. Baby Yoda, who took the internet by storm last month, is a nickname fans gave the break-out character "The Mandalorian." Fans wondered why toys featuring such an obviously marketable "Star Wars" character weren't immediately available.
These baby Yoda memes are driving the internet crazy
Whether you’re a fan of “Star Wars” or not, we’re sure you have fallen prey to the baby Yoda craze that is sweeping social media. Thus, the baby Yoda craze was born, but we’re not complaining. Well, we’ve scoured the web looking for the best baby Yoda memes the internet had to offer. Every single baby Yoda meme has been me like HOWWW pic.twitter.com/z4yLusRgYv — scandal (@eskandalowithak) November 29, 201921. We know the internet is full of other baby Yoda memes, so share your favorite in the comments below.
Guests at Disney World 'Star Wars' hotel will cruise into space
It's going to be a cruise to nowhere, but that will be just fine with die-hard Star Wars fans. Disney officials on Tuesday offered new details on its recently announced Star Wars-themed resort in Florida. "Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser" will be like a two-day cruise in that it drops visitors into a completely self-contained world. Except instead of traveling on the high seas, visitors will be made to feel like they've been launched from a parking lot at Walt Disney World in Florida to a spaceship millions of miles above Earth. [MORE FROM GALAXY'S EDGE: How to leave Galaxy's Edge with profile-worthy photos | A beginners guide to 'Star Wars': Galaxy's Edge]The details on the hotel were given as Disney World prepares to open its $1 billion, 14-acre (5.6-hectare) Star Wars-themed land.
Epcot's Spaceship Earth to transform into Death Star
ORLANDO, Fla. – In honor of the upcoming release of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," Epcot’s iconic Spaceship Earth will be transformed into the Death Star. Fun fact: Saturn's moon, Mimas, looks very similar to "Star Wars" Death Star. The official "Star Wars" website has shared some details about the film that will make its way to theaters this month. According to the website, In "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," a group of heroes come together with plans to steal the Death Star, the Empire's most dangerous weapon. They've also announced that work is already underway to bring "Star Wars" attractions to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disneyland park in Anaheim, California.
'Star Wars' fan starts petition to honor Pulse victim as franchises' first LGBT movie character
Yehl wanted to remember his friend the way he knew him, as a "big nerd" who loved Pokemon, video games and of course, Star Wars. Then Yehl got an idea, what if he could get Leinonen honored as the first LGBT Star Wars movie character? Yehl started a Change.org petition addressed to President of LucasFilms, Kathleen Kennedy, Walt Disney Company CEO, Bob Iger, and anyone behind Star Wars. In the petition Yehl gives suggestions on how his friend can be honored – such as using his likeness, or running his name through a Star Wars Name Generator. They quickly learned that they both loved movies, and were nerds at heart.