No Jedi Mind Tricks Here: The Force Is Strong On Netflix And We Love It

Originally published on For Your Excitement.  13 February  2014.

Last year, Star Wars fans felt a disturbance in the Force when Disney cancelled the popular Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. But now the sixth and final season, called “The Lost Missions,” will be available on Netflix for instant streaming on March 7.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars fills the gap between the live-action films, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. The Emmy-award winning show follows Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi (James Arnold Taylor), Anakin Skywalker (Matt Lanter) and young apprentice, Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein) as well as various Jedi, Sith, and clones warriors.

The 13-episode sixth season will specifically deal with Ahsoka’s leaving the Jedi order. Yoda (Tom Kane) will also explore the nature of the Force and get a visit from Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn. In addition to “The Lost Missions,” all other episodes, including director’s cut versions, and the feature film will be uploaded to the streaming service.

March 7 will mark the first time any Star Wars content has been available for instant viewing on Netflix but it is only the beginning. Thanks to a deal between Disney, who owns Lucasfilm, and Netflix, in 2016 first-run, live-action and animated movies from Disney properties will be available for streaming exclusively on the subscription service. This means Netflix will be home to Pixar, Marvel Studios, Disney and Lucasfilm productions.

“Star Wars is one of the most iconic franchises of all time,” Netflix chief content officer, Ted Sarados, said. “This series joins a long line of Disney content that Netflix members are and will continue to enjoy for years to come.”

Benedict Cumberbatch is Rumoured To Be Joining Star Wars VII

Originally published on PopWrapped.tumblr.com.  2 September 2013.

The Star Wars rumor mill is whirring again with yet another tantalizing piece of gossip: Benedict Cumberbatch may be joining the cast of Episode VII.

Though the rumor has been vigorously not commented on by everyone associated with the highly anticipated new Star Warsmovie that does not mean fans are not all a-flutter.

Speculation of the Sherlock actor reuniting with his Star Trek director J.J. Abrams began when Cumberbatch abruptly departedfrom the Guillermo del Toro film, Crimson Peak. Since that movie and Star Wars are both expected to begin shooting in January 2014, fans were quick to connect the dots.

Cumberbatch’s repeated declaration of love for the lightsaber franchise has also added heat to the rumor. In a May interview with Total Film he confessed that he was, “an out-and-out kid running around with a lightsaber wanting to fly the Millennium Falcon.” He stated in the same interview that he had already approached Abrams about a role in Episode VII.

“I’ve already asked [J.J. Abrams] if I can be a lightsaber,” Cumberbatch joked. “We’re in talks – about whirring sounds and the rates for the lights and everything.”

In all seriousness though, who would Cumberbatch play in the Star Wars film? Everyone is mum on that as well, with some of the filmmakers jokingly saying he will be the villain. After his stunning performance as Khan in Star Trek: Into Darkness, being a Sith Lord seems right up his alley.

Then again, the image of Cumberbatch running around in Jedi robes with a blue or green lightsaber sounds quite nice too.

Even with details being fairly nonexistent, there are two things I feel sure about: One, anything Cumberbatch did in Episode VIIwould be phenomenal. And two, after roles in Star Trek, The Hobbit trilogy, and Sherlock, a part in Star Wars: Episode VII would certainly cement Cumberbatch’s (well deserved) status as a geek god.

Loot Crate: Reviewing the July Crate

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  6 August 2013.

I recently wrote about Loot Crate, the company that is supplying geeks and gamers with a box of swag every month. To find out first hand whether the subscription service lives up to the hype, I got the July crate to review.

Part of the fun of the crate is definitely the mystery. I was nearly giddy with excitement when opening it, like a kid on Christmas morning. The first thing I saw upon unboxing was Star Wars earbuds. Immediately I knew I was in for a good haul. Next came a Thor Pez dispenser and then a Sonic the Hedgehog air freshener, which has a pleasing floral scent to it.

As I progressed, the crate’s theme became clear. Whether to coincide with Geek Week on YouTube (August 4-11) or VidCon 2013 (August 1-3) or because popular web series Video Game High School (VGHS) began its second season on July 26th, this crate was perfectly themed around VGHS. Included was the entire first season of the show on DVD and a set of buttons portraying the different schools (e.g. Adventure and Discovery or Speed and Control).

Will Samuel L Jackson Make A Star Wars Return?

Originally published on PopWrapped.Tumblr.com.  23 July 2013.

Wondering if Samuel L. Jackson will be making an appearance in Star Wars Episode VII? So is Jackson.

At George Lucas’ wedding in June, Jackson met up with Star Wars Episode VII director, JJ Abrams.

According to Digital Spy, the two had a wordless interaction where Jackson silently questioned Abrams by raising his eyebrows. Abrams responded with a shrug.

“I don’t know what that means,” Jackson said when recalling the encounter. So for now, the actor as no clue if he’ll be putting on his Jedi robe and picking up his purple lightsaber again.

The actor’s campaign to return as Jedi Master Mace Windu has become well known. Despite Windu losing a hand, getting electrocuted and flying out a window in Revenge of the Sith, Jackson believes they could bring the character back.

"He just went out the window. He’s a Jedi! He could have landed on a ledge," he teased.

Members of the first Star Wars trilogy like Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill are expected to reprise their roles. Harrison Ford is expected to return as well, however, the man behind Han Solo has been very tight lipped on the subject. Ewan McGregor has also expressed interest in being involved in the project.

“I just think it would be cool to have some of us that people relate to as being part of the Star Wars franchise to give entry to the new characters that they’re going to bring to whatever the new thing is,” Jackson said. “It kind of makes it an easier entrance."

Star Wars: Episode VII will be the first Jedi film since Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012 and is expected to hit theater in 2015.

Her Universe is Official Merchandise Partner for ‘Star Wars’ Charity Relay

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  3 July 2013.

The race to Comic-Con is on. The Star Wars themed Course of the Force returns again this year on July 9th and with Her Universe as the official merchandise partner. Her Universe will be selling men’s and women’s apparel, including the new Course of the Force shirts and sweatshirts, at the relay events in San Francisco, Santa Monica, Huntington Beach, and Oceanside Pier.

The apparel company will also have a booth at San Diego Comic-Con International, where the lightsaber relay will conclude on July 16th. Her Universe founder, Ashley Eckstein will also return as co-host with The Nerdist’s Chris Hardwick to cover the event.

"It's an honor to return as a co-host and merchandise partner for Course of the Force," said Eckstein. "This is truly a magical and Force-filled event. It was also a pleasure to work with Russell Walks. We are so lucky that he donated his time and talent to create this amazing design!"

Her Universe and Hot Topic to Debut Exclusive 'Star Wars' Apparel for May the 4th

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  2 May 2013.

In celebration of Star Wars Day on May 4th, geek chic merchandise line Her Universe will be debuting six new Star Wars fashion pieces exclusively on Hottopic.com. Included in the release are several new tops and, for the first time, dresses featuring a galaxy far, far way. Featured characters include Boba Fett and Darth Vader as well as the Rebel trio, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia.

This is the second year that Hot Topic has teamed up with the fangirl line created by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Eckstein. Star Wars is in fact very dear to Eckstein’s heart; she was the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

"I am thrilled to be working with Hot Topic again to celebrate May the 4th Be With You," said Ashley Eckstein. "I am also excited to debut a new design with one of our favorite guest designers, Denise Vasquez. Denise brought her unique 'Day of the Dead' inspired style to a new design featuring Boba Fett."