Today is March 3rd, 2016 and it’s another Collider Jedi Council hosted by Darth “Kristian” Harloff, The Smith Lord, Tiffany Smith, Mark 2-D-2 Mark Ellis and Obi-John-Kenobi, John Campea.
We start this one with breaking (sorta) news from our friends at Starwarsnewsnet.com. It appears that a reader was at the Disney Shareholders Meeting where a brief sizzle reel was released for Star Wars Rogue One. One of the readers from /Film (where the report originated) sent in a description talking briefly about the Stormtroopers we see, some AT-AT’s with a slightly different design as well as a look at what the reader described as the ‘Death Troopers’ we've heard so much about. In that, the reader said that the Death Troopers were very reminiscent of Captain Phasma. Overall, not much to go by with the report, it just made the geeks that make up this Council very excited with everyone wondering when and where the trailer might finally be shown. Some say before Jungle Book, some are thinking Civil War. We will just have to wait and see.
Over to the Saga side of the news, Daisy Ridley was interviewed on the red carpet at the Academy Awards and she was inevitably asked about her role in Episode VIII. In talking about it all, she seemingly confirmed that Episode VIII will pick up immediately after Episode VII; the first time to happen in a saga movie. Because of the teaser Disney released weeks back, this gives us a great idea and "almost" proves that it might be happening. However, will this make the fans upset? It didn’t necessarily upset any of the Council members; as they said, it all has to do with the storytelling. A fact the Council feels very safe with knowing Rian Johnson is at the helm.
Next comes a very (vague) report that a rumored title for Episode VIII has been “leaked.” And when we say leaked, we mean someone with Internet skills photoshopped a picture and made up a title. The Council weighs in on this alleged title: Tale of the Jedi Temple. Although there are some pros and cons for it, with John Campea mentioning that the mere mention of a Jedi Temple in TFA opens up the possibility of actually seeing the first Temple that would link the Old Republic to the new saga, everyone agreed… This isn’t the title. Disney, when they are ready, will be releasing the title. That is their call… And it will happen all in good time.
Location photos from the Episode VIII set in Dubrovnik were next discussed along with the rumor that people have seen Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill walking around their city. The reports all mention that the team of actors and crew have been doing their rehearsals so of course, this led to a huge speculative conversation among the Council... Will Rey and Luke be traveling as Rey starts her training? Is the location of Dubrovnik actually more than just the island we found Luke on at the end of TFA? And then, when speculation turns to debate – Kristian Harloff mentions his idea that Rey herself should turn to the Dark Side by the end of Episode IX to set up another saga (MADNESS). A fun discussion on this topic led to a lively debate on the Council that has to be seen to be appreciated.
Thanks to a report from Fandango, JJ Abrams got to talking about Han Solo’s fate in TFA and the reaction Harrison Ford had to his character’s ultimate demise. Strangely enough, the Council learned that it wasn’t actually Harrison Ford begging for his Han Solo to die (like he did in Jedi); instead, it was JJ and Lawrence Kasdan who felt his death would be tragic enough to show the most depth and honesty for the movie. This led to their thoughts (again) on how the filmmakers dealt with Han Solo’s death in the movie and whether or not they did it justice.
And then it was on to the released details on The Force Awakens Blu-Ray release. With the digital pack coming April 1st and the full, three disc set later on April 5th, the Council discussed the many features they are looking forward to on the special edition set. Even John mentioned one feature that is just a rumor of course, but something he did hear – the inclusion of the Matt the Radar Technician sketch SNL did a couple months back. This was an interesting idea and one they would love to see. Meantime, the self proclaimed ‘over-analyzers’ can’t wait to devour every single bit of the new blu-ray once it's released on April 5th.
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH CANON?
Now comes What’s the Deal With Canon, where the Council breaks down all the new releases from the Rebels series, the books, the comics and everything else in the Star Wars Universe.
First was their review of Star Wars Rebels and the “Shroud of Darkness” episode. By far, it was one of the best episodes this year – maybe ever – in the series short run. The plot and characters were finally confronted with many of the elements that made the season 2 trailer so popular among the fans. We’re finally getting to the juicy stuff. Namely, and finally… Darth Maul. Seeds were set in the episode that led to a discussion on something that COULD happen in the series… Darth Maul vs. Darth Vader. Yup, exactly. The Council loved the episode, from the set up of Ahsoka knowing her master’s fate, to the Darth Maul speculation, to Ezra being in deep trouble when it comes to the Dark Side; everyone agreed, this is the episode (thus far) to beat and they can’t wait for the rest of the season.
On to the comics where the Council next discussed Issue # 17 of Marvel’s Vader and Issue #11 of Marvel’s Kanan. In all, the Council have been enjoying the runs of each, especially Vader’s run; which showed in this latest issue a different side of the politics Vader is a part of. Tiffany Smith even likened this last issue to Game of Thrones in the Star Wars universe (now I have to pick this up). With Kanan, everyone agrees that it’s one of the best runs Marvel has ever done and all they can really discuss with this title is that everyone is sad to see the run coming to an end.
A SHORT TIME AGO, IN A TWEET FAR, FAR WAY…
Now we get to hear from you! The Council takes on all your Twittter questions you send in @ColliderVideo with the hashtag #ColliderJediCouncil.
This week the council discuss:
- Han Solo in Rogue One
- Will Luke pilot on X-Wing in Episode VIII?
- Kallus involved with Rebels receiving Death Star plans
- Episode VIII without an opening crawl
- Top 10 directors for a Star Wars movie
- Episode VIII title predictions
- Did Han Solo turn on Kylo Ren’s lightsaber?
That will do it for this installment of Collider Jedi Council! Make sure you let all your Star Wars fans know about this show! To get your questions answered on the show, make sure you follow @ColliderVideo and hashtag #ColliderJediCouncil. We will see you next week!