Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast

Graham Hancock is the editor of Blocks Magazine, a killer mag dedicated to adult fans of all-things LEGO. Graham joins us In The Cantina to talk about the history of LEGO Star Wars and provide insight to the new LEGO "Smart Play" technology. Listener feedback leads us to ask the question - Was Obi-Wan capable of Force Healing? Hear what we think! Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were famously fired from Solo: A Star Wars Story. Recently, the pair discussed the potential of returning to the franchise to give it another try and we have the highlights. Plus, we can't stop talking about the Maul: Shadow Lord premiere, The Mandalorian and Grogu and more.

RFR LIVE returns for our first MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show, where we break down the premiere of this dark new chapter in the Star Wars saga. We're diving deep into the first two episodes, "The Dark Revenge" and "Sinister Schemes", to analyze every twist, power play, and glimpse into Maul's ruthless quest for revenge.

The Potty-Mouthed Prophet returns! Filmmaker F.J. DeSanto returns to RFR with his takes on Star Wars hot topics, like how well will the Sequel Trilogy age? What will be the impact of generative A.I. videos on audience expectations for future Star Wars films? And of course, F.J. brings us his "Prophet or Loser" predictions about Maul: Shadow Lord. Ryan Gosling has been on the interview circuit lately to promote Project Hail Mary, and of course the topic of Star Wars: Starfighter keeps popping up. We have the highlights. Plus, updates on RFR Live in Cleveland with The Mandalorian and Grogu After Show,  guest announcements for the Forest Moon Festival 2026, and more

Sam Witwer. Dave Filoni. Ray Park. Some of the key creatives behind the creation of Darth Maul have appeared on RFR over the years to share insight and information about the evil Zabrak warrior. Celebrating the upcoming release of Maul: Shadow Lord, we bust open the archives to highlight top Maul moments from RFR history. How did Maul get spider legs? And why did he take over The Mandalorians? Get answers to these questions and more as we go mad for Maul!

We look at the all-new second trailer released for Maul: Shadow Lord for a shot-by-shot breakdown of every blast bolt, lightsaber stab, and Jedi backflip. Plus, we investigate clues that Maul will play a Batman-like vigilante role in Shadow Lord and more. And, Grogu at The Oscars, an ashtray found onboard the Millennium Falcon, and more buff Hutts.

A few Star Wars heavyweights were honored at recent award ceremonies for their achievements in filmmaking. We share highlights from speeches by George Lucas, Harrison Ford, and Kathleen Kennedy as they accept trophies and we read between-the-lines of some of their comments. Marketing for The Mandalorian and Grogu is starting to emerge. We review a new TV spot and make comparisons between Rotta the Hutt and another buff Hutt from the pages of Star Wars comic books. We also listen to recent comments from Sam Witwer talking about the upcoming Maul: Shadow Lord and, bad news for fans of The Book of Boba Fett. Find out what Temeura Morrison recently said about the series and his future as Boba.

With the newest Star Wars animated series, Maul: Shadow Lord debuting a month from now, it's a great time to get caught up with all-things Maul. We check out interview clips featuring the voice of Maul, Sam Witwer talking about where Maul's head is at during the series. We review the first issue of Marvel Comics "Shadow of Maul" prequel series and learn a little about the supporting cast of the upcoming show and the planet Janix, along with merch for Maul: Shadow Lord emerging from NY ToyFair. Ducks are canon in Star Wars? We look at examples of "duck" references throughout the years. "Tauntaun Talk" returns with Tauntaun v. Hamburgler, and a hilarious Tauntaun moment from South Park.

We broke down the new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu last week, so this week, we hear what YOU think. The RFR Voicemail inbox was overstuffed with your opinions, observations, speculations and hot takes. We look at news reports that suggest The Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl commercial failed to make the desired impact, according to insiders. How many times will you see the Mando movie in the theaters? We share our thoughts and discuss the reasons why people are avoiding going to theaters like they once did. Plus, nostalgia for Star Wars prequel bootlegs, and "Tauntaun Talk" with The Top Three Greatest Tauntaun Moments of All Time, the shortcomings of digital Hutts and more.

We're diving deep into the newly released, official Mandalorian and Grogu trailer with a complete breakdown and in-depth analysis. From major reveals to blink-and-you'll-miss-it details, we're examining every frame the way only RFR can. And after we wrapped up our breakdown, we turned it over to you — the phone lines were on fire with your reactions, observations, and theories. Plus, Jake's Take! Experience the trailer shot-by-shot with the RFR community!

Tauntauns! We review The Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl ad and our switchboard is overflowing with your opinions and comments. The RFR audience has a lot to say about the "Big Game" commercial for the upcoming film. Maul: Shadow Lord is coming soon and will it feature the long-desired showdown between Darth Maul and Darth Vader? Is there a Star Wars/Avengers Marvel Comics crossover on the horizon? Plus, we review the all-new Marvel Comics Jar Jar book co-written by Ahmed Best and more.

Another corporate leadership shakeup that will impact Star Wars has happened as Bob Iger's successor (s) were named this week with Bob stepping down in March. We look at the new bosses and speculate how they will impact Star Wars and Lucasfilm.  We have new updates from our Bothan spies about the Star Wars Original Trilogy 4k remaster upgrade coming to theaters next year. Hear fresh details about the visuals, the audio mix and work being done on deleted scenes.  Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige was once attached to a Star Wars film project but the deal went belly up. What was Feige's Star Wars pitch all about? We'll tell you what we recently heard and the surprising connection his script had with some old Expanded Universe villains.  Plus, discussion about Maul: Shadow Lord, new updates about Taika Waititi's Star Wars film project, currently in developmental hell, and Save The Date for the RFR Mandalorian and Grogu After Show Live happening in Cleveland this May. Listen for details and we'll see you there!  

We walk you through a shot-by-shot breakdown of the new teaser trailer for Maul: Shadow Lord and we review all-new information about the plot and characters. As always, we look for clues about the story and predict what will happen in the upcoming animated series. Plus, more about the upcoming Original Trilogy changes to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and does Dave Filoni really hate Andor, as rumored? Plus, listener feedback and more! 

When Kathleen Kennedy left her position as president of Lucasfilm last week, she left behind a ton of Star Wars projects in various states of production. From James Mangold's "Dawn of the Jedi" and Dave Filoni's Mandoverse epic, to potential films from Simon Kinberg, Taika Waititi, Steven Soderberg, Donald Glover and more, we look closely at that long list and try to determine which films may still actually happen under the supervision of Lucasfilm's new regime. Plus, listener feedback, Star Wars in Pop Culture and more.

BREAKING NEWS: Kathleen Kennedy's control of Lucasfilm and Star Wars has come to an end. We review some telling highlights from Kathy's exit interview and discuss her Star Wars legacy. With Dave Filoni taking charge of Lucasfilm, does this mean George Lucas will return to the fold? We share our thoughts. Disney revealed a facelift is coming to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland as Original Trilogy characters and situations will be incorporated into the theme park this April. We review all the information about the changes and offer our opinions. Star Wars: Starfighter will feature lightsaber duels and none other than Tom Cruise stopped by the set to jump behind the camera to shoot a sequence. We look at a fresh interview with director Shawn Levy and speculate which characters will be involved in the duel and why. Mark Hamill recently discussed The Force Awakens and the lack of a reunion between Han, Luke and Leia. Find out why such a get together never materialized. Plus, we got interview highlights from Mia Goth, Oscar Isaac and more!

We review the latest rumors which indicate the time has come for Lucasfilm's Kathleen Kennedy to step down from her leadership role to concentrate on producing films and Dave Filoni will be stepping up to have full creative control of the Star Wars franchise. We look at the pros and cons. We share memories of when Genndy Tartakovsky's Clone Wars microseries premiered as a series of shorts on Cartoon Network back in 2003. A new still photo from The Mandalorian and Grogu was released this week and we look at the budget for the film and speculate on potential box office success. Plus, we dig deep into some Jon Favreau interview quotes for clues, revisit the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, Star Wars in Pop Culture features Stranger Things and more!

We're wrapping up a great year for Star Wars and Rebel Force Radio as we celebrate the season with friends and family. Noted and acclaimed Star Wars author/illustrator Christopher J. Sorrentino aka "Baby Belushi" ("Nerdy, Dirty, and Tasteless Star Wars Jokes IV") joins us for the whole show as we look back at the Star Wars year that was. We break down everything of importance that happened in Star Wars and RFR throughout 2025. From Skeleton Crew to Andor to The Hunt for Ben Solo and all stops in between, we review it all.  Keeping within the family theme of the holidays, Dylan McInerney joins us In The Cantina. RFR interviewed Dylan Mac 15 years ago after he watched The Original Trilogy for the first time when he was just 7 years old. Now, Dylan returns to RFR to answer the same questions we originally asked him back in 2010. How have his answers and opinions changed over the years and how have they stayed the same? Join us to find out!  Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from your Star Wars pals at Rebel Force Radio! See you in 2026! 

RFR is back! We have some top secret information from our Bothan Spies regarding the upcoming 50th anniversary 4K upgrade rerelease of the original 1977 version of STAR WARS. Beyond the film itself, we can expect some surprises. We break down all the info from our sources who have actually seen some of the restored footage themselves. Where has RFR been the last month? Why the sudden disappearance? Were Jason and Jimmy fighting? Or were there bigger issues undermining the production of the show? We'll pull back the curtain and explain everything that went down, with a little help from Master Qui Jon. Plus, we have a ton of great interview highlights from director Shawn Levy and actor Matt Smith about the upcoming STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER, and a little bit of info about next year's THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. Plus, listener feedback and more!

As is our tradition, we dedicate ample time to listener feedback on the final RFR before Thanksgiving. It's our way of turning the spotlight onto our audience to say "thanks" for being so loyal and supportive. From your comments about new releases like Star Wars Visions to thoughts on The Original Trilogy, we love hearing from you. Is Obi-Wan the greatest Jedi ever? When did fans first learn The Empire Strikes Back was not "Star Wars II" but instead "Episode V"? What about the '90s when Star Wars was only being represented by The Expanded Universe and PC games like Dark Forces. These are just some of the questions our audience of superfans are throwing at us. Plus, we take a brief look back at the history of the Baby Yoda balloon at The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, updates on the potential official release and 4K upgrade of the original 1977 version of Star Wars, the Yoda statue controversy in Jonesborough, Tennessee and more.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the long-running Star Wars Insider magazine will be releasing its final issue in early 2026. We look back at it's legacy and impact with founder Dan Madsen, who joins us In The Cantina to share behind-the-scenes stories about the early days of the magazine, his favorite memories of interviewing George Lucas, and his feelings about the magazine he started over 30 years ago finally coming to an end. Star Wars: Starfighter is gearing up for a 2027 release and we review interview comments from actor Matt Smith and director Shawn Levy who gets us caught up on the latest production updates. Plus, Daniel Craig looks back on his experience as a stormtrooper in The Force Awakens, new Lucas Museum news, and harmless lightsaber stabs to the midsection.

As Star Wars was being developed back in the mid-70s, the maverick special effects crew at ILM were pioneering new filmmaking technologies in often unconventional ways. In the early days, machinist Stuart Ziff found himself thrust into the action on day one. In the years that followed, Stuart used his skills in a variety of ways at ILM including working on Return of the Jedi creature costumes like Admiral Ackbar, Nein Nunb and Ree Yees, and on many projects from Dragonslayer to Ghostbusters to Jurassic Park. This week on RFR, Stuart joins us In The Cantina to share fascinating stories about working on the Star Wars Original Trilogy and beyond. Plus, our review of Star Wars Visions season 3 and Jimmy Mac had the opportunity to see a Star Wars Holiday Special legend perform live in Chicago. Listen to find out who it was!