Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome. Did you hear that? Your source for the top
stories from the Star Wars Universe. I'm Pete Fletzer, and
along with my co host Nick Milkey, we'll break down
the biggest headlines of the week and share our thoughts
on everything happening in that galaxy far far away. Don't forget.
You can catch us live every Thursday evening on our
weekly show atg Live over on our YouTube channel at
(00:23):
YouTube dot com slash at the SSW Network. Join the
conversation here from special guests and get the latest news
as it happens. And now this.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Week's This week, we are diving in some of the
biggest stories in the Star Wars universe from the past week.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
The Mandalorian is coming to an end.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
They're whispers of the demise of the Ray movie, The
Acolyte was overbudget, and Calcastus may be coming to live action.
So there's a whole lot to talk about, so let's
get to it well. First up, the Mandalorian comes to
an end with an upcoming movie. No season four is planned.
The Star Wars universe has seen highs and lows over
(01:02):
the years, but the Mandalorian has revived the excitement for
many of us fans with its scripping storylines and compelling characters. However,
the beloved series may be soon to meet an unexpected end.
According to insider Daniel Rickman, there will not be a
fourth season of The Mandalorian. Instead, the saga is going
to culminate in a planned movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu,
(01:23):
which will serve as the series' final chapter. This revelation
comes as a shock to many, especially after show runner
John Fabreau had seemingly confirmed back in February twenty three
that he had already written the script for Mando season four.
Despite this, a reevaluation at Disney has led to some
changes in their plans. Pedro Pascal's den Jeron is expected
(01:44):
to continue in other Star Wars projects, the future of
The Mandalorian as a series itself seems to look a
little bit grim. The film's conclusion will mark a pivotal
moment for the franchise, leaving fans curious and hopeful about
what's next for their favorite Mandalorian in his small companion mate,
how does.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
This hit you?
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Because we've talked about this a lot of times offline.
Speaker 3 (02:06):
Yeah, I can see this going.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Both ways, but I want to hear you know, where
are you if we don't get season four but the
main story ends with the movie?
Speaker 3 (02:14):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (02:14):
You know, I love that. The article says, you know,
it comes as a surprise to many fans. It really shouldn't, really, right.
I mean, I think there's a couple of things going
on at Disney. We're going to get to some of
this when we get to even the Ray conversation in
just a minute. But you know, Disney is starting to
really evaluate what's where that money is going to be spent.
(02:35):
I feel like the Mandalorian season ended extremely well with
number three. I didn't love the season, but I thought
the last five minutes were everything you needed for that story.
I don't think we need a season for the Mandalorian,
especially if we're going to get a major motion picture
that's going to bring those characters back put them into
the heat of something exciting. I don't think continuing it
(02:58):
on a Disney Plus is necessary. So I'm not shocked
and I'm not upset about it, to be honest with you.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Okay, and I can get behind that. I think the
question for me and I could go either way as well.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
As I have.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
Said too many times, if you give me Mendo season four,
you bet your sweet potatoes.
Speaker 3 (03:18):
I'm gonna watch it.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
You know, I'll be there day one. I'll be obnoxious
about it, all of the things, but that if I
don't get that. I love the way the season three
ended on that porch. Yeah, you know, seemingly they've got
a home, they're together, That story rights itself, the future
adventures right themselves. I'm more interested in how is this.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
Series going to translate into a movie?
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Is it going to feel like a fulfilling end if
we go Yeah, there were three seasons of a TV
show and they finished it in a movie. Now, there
have been canceled shows. You know, Deadwood is one of
my favorites. Maybe this is a good example. There were
three seasons of Deadwood, and then years later we get
a dead Wood movie because the show got canceled, you know,
(04:03):
too soon.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
It's a good movie. I enjoy it. Maybe it's not
a good movie. I enjoy it.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Because I have affinity for the show and the characters.
Is this going to be a similar situation. I don't know,
but we're certainly going to find out how it's going
to go and what it's potentially going to turn into.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
Yeah, you know, I think I think it's a very
we said it. I think we said it when we
first heard about the Amanda and Grogul movie being planned
in the first place. It is the safest bet that
Disney has probably placed since buying this Star Wars franchise
from Luca's film, Right, it's going to be a success.
It's going to do well. And I think if it's
(04:41):
going to because again I don't think it's the end
of Grogu. I don't think it's the end of Dinjarn,
but it's going to be a nice sort of end
to the story. So I'm all for it, and I can,
like I said, I'm not disappointed.
Speaker 3 (04:56):
I agree with you.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
And either way, we're going to get more Amanda, Lorian
and Grogu in which form or is it twice as
much as we thought or is it half as much
as we thought it? Also, is that interesting point of
where else might that character show up if we only
get a movie in not another series. Does he show
up in a rumor to Socus season two? Does he
show up in We don't know? That's the other intriguing
(05:19):
part about all of that, for sure. Next up, we
have rumors swirl about Ray's Star Wars movie, seemingly called
a New Jedi Order. Rumors are swirling about the fate
of Ray's upcoming Star Wars film, as I said, Rumored
to be entitled Star Wars New Jedi Order. Speculation suggests
the movie is either delayed or canceled, but Disney has
(05:39):
yet to confirm either of those things. New Jedi Order
is sept fifteen years after the Rise of Skywalker and
has been one of the most anticipated Star Wars projects,
second only to the aforementioned Mandalorian Grogu movie. Despite this uncertainty,
Lucasfilm has never officially announced a release date for this movie,
so making any claims of delay speculative at best. Many
(06:01):
had assumed the movie would be released in December of
twenty twenty six, but that remains unconfirmed. Recent reports indicate
December twenty sixth slot may instead be filled by the
Mandalorian and Grogu. Actress Daisy Ridley, who plays Ray, has
confirmed that she has yet to see a script for
the movie, adding fuel to the rumors. However, with no
set release date and more than two years left until
(06:24):
the assumed release, Lucasfilm still has ample time to complete
production until an official statement is made. Rumors about the
film's delay or cancelation, of course, remain unfounded. Pete, this
is one of those things, and we're going to get
into this kind of in our deep dive in a
little bit. We got into it some last week talking
about our tenure plan. We've heard by Iger say we're
(06:45):
dialing things back. I don't personally think that this movie
is canceled. I think it be delayed. But guess what,
pre production is nothing but delays. Based on the people
I've talk to who work in this industry, do you
think what do.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
We're gonna go with an odds betting kind of question here?
Speaker 2 (07:04):
Yeah, is it more possible in your mind that it's
delayed or that it doesn't happen at all?
Speaker 1 (07:10):
I think it's much more likely that it's delayed. Of course,
the longer gets delayed, the less likely it is to happen.
I think you also have to weigh in Daisy's recent
health issues, so I think that has something to do
with it. I think we should all rejoice in the
fact that Lucasfilm is saying, hey, we're not sure if
this is ready to start, so let's do it. Right.
(07:32):
I don't think they've done that in the last handful
of series. I think they've been looking to get things
out the door. So please take your time with it,
do it right. I think it's going to happen. I
think the thing that just and we've said it now
for four years. We've said it since twenty twenty when
Kathleen Kennedy stood in front of that giant wall of titles,
which the majority of which have been canceled. They got
(07:55):
to be careful with how they're putting these things out.
I really don't believe they would have walked Daisy on
stage at celebration last year if this wasn't going to happen.
I do think they need to really be honest and
open with setting the expectations and saying sometime in the
next seven years, we're going to release these three movies
and just do that and keep in mind too. And
(08:16):
I think this is the other really important piece because
and your new story said it. Nobody ever gave a
date for this movie. There was a lot of speculation.
Every time somebody saw that Disney was holding a date
for a Star Wars project, they were like, this is
gonna be that movie. That's gonna be this movie. That's
gonna be this one. So I think it's a fan
speculation more than anything else. It's not Disney making any
(08:36):
major moves, right, And.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
I think that that's exactly the point. I think.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
I said this a couple of weeks ago at something
when we talked about Knobe. I think the two surest
bets that Disney could make as far as Star Wars goes,
would be another season of Obi Wan Kanobe and the
Ray movie. Because the built in audiences, even if people
didn't super loveb we want you and McGregor Obi Wan
(09:02):
Kenobi back on some sort of screen. Yep, we'll complain
about the story. Someone will complain about the stories. That's
the nature of the beast. But also the same thing
with Ray. Daisy Ridley as Ray is guaranteed to be
maybe not be a success, but be a money maker
to turn people out, to get people in chairs. And
I think at the same time, what we've seen from
(09:25):
Disney bringing her out on stage, making her a key
focal point of you know, presentations, her showing up breakfast
at Disney at Lucasfilm Like, I think they're committed to it,
But I also agree with you completely, the fact that
they're willing to go let's do it right, Let's take
our time. Sure, Acey's also at the right age, and
(09:45):
with Ray that if it takes a couple extra years,
age isn't going to matter. Like the character, the ages
are comparable for you know, they can do this when
they want to, on the timeframe they want to. And
I think that's a positive. It's kind of like my
comment about video games last week. Just don't tell us,
just surprise us with, Hey.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
Here's the thing we did.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
Yep, for sure, for sure.
Speaker 3 (10:07):
Our next news story.
Speaker 2 (10:09):
This is a tough one because this has been a
conversation that you know, has been going on pretty much
since July. The Acolyte exceeded budget by fifty million dollars.
Disney Star Wars series The Acolyte has reportedly did reportedly
exceed its production of one hundred and eighty million dollar budget,
racking up costs of nearly two hundred and thirty point
(10:29):
one million during post production. Initially forecasted to stay within
the budget, the show, which debuted in June of twenty
twenty four, faced a significant backlash, facing and leading to
its swift cancelation of a potential second season. Despite its
promising start, which amassed four point eight million views on
launch day, the Acolyte quickly lost favor with audiences, plummeting
(10:52):
to an eighteen percent score on Rotten Tomatoes due to
accusations of being woke and poor storytelling. We know how
those hollow comments come about, but that's not what this
story is about. Critics highlighted the show's uneven dialogue and
narrative flaws, while the diversity of its cast drew polarized opinions.
Disney chief executive By Biger express frustation frustration over recent productions,
(11:15):
emphasizing the need to prioritize entertainment over messaging. As the
streaming giant grapples with an eleven point four billion loss
in its direct consumer division. The financial ramifications of The
Acolyte race concerns about future content strategy. These are very
buzzworthy kind of things in this story. With production costs
potentially rising further due to extensive visual effects, Disney's investment
(11:38):
in the series may not yield the returns they hoped for.
We've said it from the beginning, we've said it since
we found out they weren't going to make more Acolyte.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
This was a business decision. This story was in Forbes today.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
And this only seems to solidify, And that wasn't our
original thought. Many people with a level head that aren't
just willing to scream the word woke out that they
don't understand and understand what happened with the Acolyte was
it cost too much money and it didn't get a
return on the money that it costs. Ye, Pete, this is,
you know, a bigger Disney conversation. We've seen it in
(12:12):
some of the Marvel stuff. Slow down, don't make as
much these things all cost when you're putting out seven
TV shows and three movies a year like Marvel is,
when you're doing all these different things. We said it
last week, But talk about this from a PR and
marketing standpoint, that's your professional background. We're putting out shows
(12:34):
that are over budget and they're not doing great. From
a marketing standpoint, that seems like, hey, we probably shouldn't
do that. But speak to that from your.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
Life, Yeah, well, well then, I think it's also interesting
that this has come out after Disney still hasn't put
out an official word that the Accolade has been canceled. Right,
There's been no press release or marketing that the Accolade
has been canceled, but word has gotten out that it
costs too much. So I again, I think that just
reinforces what we said before. It was math that killed
the Accolyte. It wasn't. It wasn't the big mouths on
(13:05):
social media, although they would love to take credit for it.
And I think that's the biggest challenge here too, because honestly,
and I will get some shit for this, but the
reality is, I don't know where one hundred and eighty
million dollars went into this show. I sure as hell
don't know where two hundred and thirty million dollars quarter
billion dollars went into an eight episode show at forty
(13:26):
minutes an episode, and some of it was the worst
looking Star Wars that we've seen on television. I mean,
those speeder bikes, some of the I mean just the details.
But I think from a marketing perspective, yeah, they can't
spend a quarter billion dollars on something that has a
great first day and then a first week and then
(13:47):
drops the way it does. You know, as I said,
with heavy spoilers on the on the podcast, this week.
Disney doesn't make a lot of money on the television
shows and the movies themselves. Yes they're you know, the
more it may, the more they make, et cetera. But
it's about selling merchandising and selling commitment and loyalty to
the franchise and selling action figures. Nobody, sorry, very few people,
(14:13):
not nobody. Very few people are clamoring for their their
Yord and Jecky action figures. Very few people are. I
couldn't if I saw one of the ships from the
show again on a toy shelf, I don't know that
I would recognize it. So they spent a ton of
money on this and the return was not there. Leave
all the woke stuff out, leave all the alleged woke stuff.
(14:36):
Please let me very very clear about that. And that commentary.
The political commentary nothing to do with the show. It
wasn't executed well. It wasn't the best looking show. It
did have some of the best lightsaber battles we've seen
in a while, but overall the show just didn't connect.
And at two hundred and thirty million dollars, it's not
(14:57):
going to happen again.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
Yeah, and it's tough, and you have to be concerned
about what kind of trickle down does this have to
potential future other TV projects we've you know, is there
an Ahsoka too on the table?
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Is there a conn? Well that's where your season four went.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
I think right, that's where we're putting money in to
the movie. We're not going to give it another season
for whatever that costs is one hundred and fifty million whatever.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
So yep, Things in the Can Skeleton Crew comes out
in December. You know, how is this going to play
into that? You know, we don't know the production's done,
but those stories, like anything else, will come out as
the show debuts and as we move through that process.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
So we will see.
Speaker 2 (15:37):
But it's a reminder kids, entertainment is a business, and
as the old saying goes, there's no business like show business.
And this is just, you know, further proof to that
as well. Uh, Pete, we have one more story, as
we typically do on most weeks, Calcustics seemingly coming to
live action. Star Wars Jedi protagonist Calcastus may soon make
(15:58):
his live action debut, according to a leak from insider
Daniel Rickman Very busy Man. This week, the popular video
cam video game character is reportedly set to appear in
an upcoming Disney Plus Star Wars series, although specific details
remain scarce surprise, surprise. One key question still up in
the air is whether Cameron Monaghan, who portrays Cal through
(16:20):
voice and motion capture in the games, will reprise his role.
While it seems likely given Monigan's age in connection to
the character, there has again been no official confirmation as
far as which series Calcustis will appear in. Speculation points
to either a new undisclosed Star Wars show or possibly
indoor season two with and Or set in five BBY
(16:41):
and Star Wars Jedi Survivor taking place in nine b BY.
The timelines are close enough for an appearance to make
sense regardless of where he shows up. Fans myself included,
eagerly await confirmation as to the possibility of seeing Kestis
in live action grows stronger. Pete, you have played both
of the game. I have played the first game. I
(17:02):
actually didn't download it last weekend. Like I said, so,
I haven't played the second one yet.
Speaker 3 (17:06):
It's all right, twofold question?
Speaker 2 (17:08):
Do you want to see Cameron as col in a
live action Star Wars show?
Speaker 3 (17:13):
And where would you like to see him show up?
Speaker 1 (17:15):
I would absolutely love it, and in fact I would
I wouldn't mind just a show that's the Jedi Survivor
Jedi Fallen Order game extended into a live action series.
I said it last week and I really believe it,
and I'm really I think he's one of the more
interesting characters we've gotten in a while, and to bring
(17:36):
him to life would would help expand the knowledge of
this character. Ninety percent of the average fans have no
idea who Kyle casts is just because they don't play
the video games. And it's a similar market to the
challenge of people who don't know who Captain Rex is
because they don't watch animation. So we're missing some good characters.
(17:58):
Because so, yeah, let's bring him back. I'd prefer to
see him in an Obi Wan season two, where there's
a whole thing about the Path and trying to bring
all that stuff together. I think that would be great.
But yeah, I can see him in and Or season two,
although I'm very curious to see how much Jedi stuff,
if any any Force stuff shows up in and Or.
(18:18):
I think, you know, that's one of the benefits or
one of the key features if you will, and or
and Rogue one is the limited role that the Force plays,
So yeah, give me him in Kenobi season two. That'd
be great.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
I could see that.
Speaker 2 (18:36):
I would love We have said many times, I would
love to see some more stories about the Path. I
would love to see Calan Roken make another appearance. Get
Oh Jackson back in Star Wars.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Yep, but hear me out. Here's another opportunity.
Speaker 2 (18:50):
And I like how this story does say we don't
know where it could Could it possibly be in an
unnamed upcoming series. Yeah, I don't think this is even
something on the table, but this is I should have
put this in my ten year plan last week.
Speaker 3 (19:02):
Give me a.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
Star Wars series and make sure that everybody knows it's
limited right up front.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
Eight episodes, six episodes, you could do six.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
Make them an hour long. Give me a series set
between Fallen Order and Survivor. Yeah, what is cal up to?
Cast our friend Deborah Wilson, bring her here in live action.
We could get There could be some good stories in there.
There could be there could be some Path connections in
that the earliest beginnings of the Path. But let's get
(19:35):
let's make that it's a standalone thing because I think
there's enough of an audience from the video games as
well as from the harder core nerds like us who
you know, give me minutia. If somebody had made Shadows
of the Empire into a six episode TV series, people
would have eaten that up. Yeah, way, so let's do that.
(19:55):
We've seen Halo TV shows. We've seen I mean, for
crying out loud, Last of Us Season two trailer drop today, Right,
there can be some video game things that translate into
successful live action things, and I think this one would
be easier than maybe we think it could, and it
would give us some good Jedi stuff, which everybody's always
clamoring for.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
Absolutely, and you know the breadcrumbs where there are no
pun intended with the path stuff that appeared in Kenobi.
So yeah, so let's let's do it. Well, Nick, that
was a lot. You know, it's amazing for a season
a franchise that's dead allegedly according to YouTube. Every week
we have more stuff to talk about. There's a ton
of things going on. Thanks for tuning into did you
(20:40):
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