This week’s Holonet Blast is all about Star Wars Celebration, which is coming up way too fast. (Only three more weekends to prepare! This is totally fine!) While the full panel schedule isn’t out yet, and probably won’t be for another week or so judging by historical trends, certain awesome-sounding panels have already been announced.

To no surprise, there will be a Galaxy’s Edge panel on Saturday. According to the Official Site, it will include team members from Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Imagineering to discuss previously-announced news as well as some surprises. Galaxy’s Edge is set to open in Anaheim on May 31 and Orlando August 29. (No, I will not be there opening weekend in Walt Disney World. I’m not that crazy.)

Also to absolutely no surprise, the Star Wars Show announced an Episode IX panel set for Friday, featuring J.J. Abrams. No news on other guests, but if previous Celebrations are any indication, expect the main cast to make an appearance. This is for sure to be the most popular panel of the convention, so start lining up now. (I’m only slightly kidding.)

In addition to those panels, the Official Site announced a slew of guests, including: Forest Whitaker, Katee Sackhoff, Lee Towersey, Josh Lee, Matt Denton, Hugh Quarshie, Bobby Moynihan, Warwick Davis, Lorne Peterson, Annabelle Davis, and Penny McCarthy.

Stay tuned for more Celebration Chicago announcements, which are sure to happen on the regular from now until April 11.

Good morning and welcome to another edition of the Holonet Blast! I’m still living on a Padmé high after the release of Queen’s Shadow and the Age of Republic comic. You all go read both of them, by the way. But on with the news!

In non-Celebration related news, Christian Blauvelt  is writing another book, this time titled “How Not to Get Eaten by Ewoks: A Guide to Surviving the Star Wars Universe”. It certainly looks amusing to say the least.

And then Celebration news. Ohhhh Celebration news. For fans of the animated shows, get excited for panels! Saturday will be Rebels Remembered, Sunday is The Clone Wars, and Monday is Resistance. We also got a slew of new guest announcements including Paul Bettany, Ahmed Best, and Erin Kellyman!!!

Oh and there’s this little thing called Galaxy’s Edge… you may have heard of it…. we have opening day dates! The one in Disneyland will open on May 31st and Disneyworld will open on August 29th. If you’re planning on going, be sure to do your research first as there are things like reservations and staggered ride openings involved.

And that’s it for the week! I’ll go back to dreaming of Batuu now…

Happy March!

Wow, what a week it’s been in Star Wars news, y’all. Seriously. This week was chocked full of very good stuff. Here we go with our fantabulous weekly rundown:

Galaxy’s Edge had a media preview and now I want to live there!

This week a small group of media professionals got to tour the still-under-construction site of Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Cast member uniforms were revealed early in the week followed by wonderful articles on the rides, food & beverage offerings, and exclusive merchandise that will be available in Galaxy’s Edge once the park is open for business. Disney even gave a preview of the incredible animatronic Hondo Ohnaka that guests will have a chance to interact with as part of their visit to Batuu’s Black Spire Outpost.

All these previews have taken me from jazzed at the idea to UNBELIEVABLY OUT OF THIS WORLD EXCITED BEYOND MY ABILITY TO ARTICUALTE for the day visitors are allowed in to experience this for themselves. I am in awe of the amazing immersive technology (the integration with the Play Disney Parks app looks to be incredible), and the in-universe feel of every item available for purchase.

Galaxy’s Edge is slated to open this summer at the Disneyland Resort and this fall in Walt Disney World.

Celebrate Art!

This week, entries in the Star Wars Celebration Chicago art show became available for pre-order via darkink.com. Although a few of the more popular pieces have already sold out, there are still some exquisite pieces available. The art can be purchased online for pick-up at the show only. Folks unable to make the show in person can have their art pieces picked up by a trusted friend in attendance. If you, like me, appreciate Star Wars art, it’s a good idea to get your pre-orders in as these pieces are likely to sell out before Celebration beings.

I’ve already bought three and am eyeing a fourth as I type this.

And speaking of Celebration: MORE GUESTS!

We now know that Ray Park (Maul), Tiya Sircar (voice of Sabine Wren) and Matt Lanter (voice of Anakin Skywalker) are joining the celebrity lineup for Chicago’s upcoming convention.  Autograph and photo opportunities are available for advance purchase via the Star Wars Celebration website.

As though that wasn’t enough: A GAME announcement, too!

EA & Respawn have some news for us at Celebration, and to tease that news, this week they told us two important things. One: come to their panel on Saturday, April 13th because they’re going to pull back the curtain on their next incredible Star Wars game. And, two: that game is called Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and features the adventures of a Padawan who survived Order 66.

There will also be displays on the convention floor highlighting Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes and a new Star Wars pinball game (YESSSSS!!!) as well as a presence by Star Wars: The Old Republic. 

What a week! The countdown to Chicago is getting more and more intense and incredible. I hope to see many of your adorable, smiling faces there in April. Until then, send your Star Wars news tips to Tosche Station and send Galaxy’s Edge Fastpasses to @MandaTheGinger