Looking at Lucasfilm

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking up Season Two of “Andor.” They then closely examine the “Star Wars” -related panels & programming at this year’s WonderCon. For this episode, listeners will learn about: Which Cole Porter song features the line “ … what a swell party this is” How many films based-on-Stephen-King-stories films will Mark Hamill be appearing in this year Who was a last-minute replacement for Harrison Ford / stood in for this “Star Wars” veteran as a presenter at this year’s Academy Awards Which film from the first “Star Wars” trilogy will be presented in its original form at this year’s British Film Institute Film on Film Festival How many pieces are there in the new LEGO Star Wars set which then recreates Jango Fett’s Firespray Class Starship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan explore the wild intersections of Star Wars history, theme park updates, and forgotten Lucasfilm curiosities: A closer look at Disney’s abandoned 1979 sci-fi project “Snow Star,” a reimagined Snow White set in space. New budget details and storytelling ambitions behind The Mandalorian & Grogu film, debuting May 22, 2026—alongside a new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride film featuring Mando and Grogu. WonderCon 2025 preview: Panels every Star Wars fan should catch, from trivia parties to cosplay and behind-the-scenes insights on Skeleton Crew and Kenobi. A deep dive into Bruce Vilanch’s new memoir and how it unpacks the creation—and chaos—of the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. From scrapped film concepts to theme park expansions and the bizarre TV moments Lucasfilm would rather forget, this episode is packed with Star Wars storytelling both new and nostalgic. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this February 2025 episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan cover the latest developments in the Star Wars universe and beyond: Is Ryan Gosling joining the galaxy far, far away? A deep dive into Shawn Levy’s upcoming Star Wars movie and what it means for the franchise. The surprising transformation of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser—how Disney Imagineering is repurposing the former hotel space. Updates on Andor Season 2, why fans were left disappointed during the Super Bowl, and what to expect leading up to its April 2025 premiere. The evolution of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including Luke Skywalker's new role in Batuu and the upcoming nighttime projection show, Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga. How the upcoming Rey film is shaping up, plus insights into Lucasfilm’s leadership shake-up with Derek Hoffman taking the reins. Harrison Ford’s candid thoughts on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and the realities of Hollywood box office expectations. From behind-the-scenes insights to theme park updates, this episode dives deep into what’s next for Lucasfilm. Join Jim and Brian for a lively discussion packed with news, history, and speculation. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan dive into a mix of Lucasfilm updates, thought-provoking stories, and industry reflections: A retrospective on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, exploring its strengths, challenges, and future prospects. Insights into James Mangold’s ambitious Dawn of the Jedi project, a sweeping tale exploring the origins of the Force. The fascinating story of George Lucas’s attempt to recruit David Lynch for Return of the Jedi—and why Lynch ultimately said no. Warwick Davis’s prestigious BAFTA Fellowship and his legacy as Wicket the Ewok. Updates on upcoming Star Wars projects, including Andor Season 2 and The Mandalorian & Grogu movie. From nostalgic reflections to exciting updates, join Jim and Brian for a lively discussion that delves deep into the Lucasfilm universe and beyond. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this December episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan explore the latest updates and stories from the world of Lucasfilm: A festive nod to Life Day and Star Wars-themed holiday treats. A deep dive into Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—does this series mark a turning point for the franchise? Exclusive updates on The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, including casting news and plot hints. A closer look at the new Indiana Jones console game, The Great Circle, and its place in the franchise’s future. A tribute to John Williams, his legendary career, and the new Disney+ documentary, Music by John Williams. From upcoming Disney+ releases to Lucasfilm’s gaming ventures, join Jim and Brian for an insightful discussion on the future of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan celebrate October with a special look at horror films and their unexpected ties to Lucasfilm. Brian kicks off by sharing his month-long cinematic Halloween project, while Jim reveals his love for Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein and its surprising connection to Lucasfilm’s scrapped Frankenstein CG film. The episode also pays tribute to the late Lucasfilm producer Robert Watts, dives into the anniversary of Star Wars Rebels, and previews the upcoming John Williams documentary debuting on Disney+. Also in this episode: The removal of the Indiana Jones films from Disney+ and what’s behind the licensing shuffle. Updates on The Mandalorian and Grogu feature film, set to hit theaters in 2026. A deep dive into Radio Land Murders as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, and how it laid the groundwork for future Lucasfilm projects. Join Jim and Brian for a nostalgic, fun, and insightful journey through the world of Lucasfilm, just in time for Halloween! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by looking back at the D23 Expo. They also discuss what “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” seems to have in common with Joe Dante’s “Explorers” In this episode, listeners will learn about: When did the Disney family sell off the Silverado Vineyards How did Barry Diller leaving Paramount to go run 20th Century Fox in the Fall of 1984 result in Michael Eisner becoming Disney’s new Chairman & CEO What role did Disney’s “Flight of the Navigator” play in Paul Reubens being selected to voice Rex in “Star Tours” How many “Tarzan” movies starring Johnny Weissmuller make for MGM between 1932 & 1942 What did that StarSpeeder 3000 replica that was sold at this year’s D23 Expo wind up selling for Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by spotlighting some of the “Star Wars” -related panels being presented at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. They then do a deep dive in on Lucasfilm’s latest limited series for Disney+ Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How big (square foot-wise) is the San Diego Convention Center Which room do you want to be in this Friday morning to experience three solid hours of “Star Wars” goodness What role did Craig Miller play in helping to make “A New Hope” the success that it was How soon after “Russian Doll” debuted on Netflix was Leslye Headland recruited to come work on a new limited series for Lucasfilm Who is Shawn Levy working with to develop a script for his proposed “Star Wars” film Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing Daisy Ridley’s recent visit to the Happiest Place on Earth. They also discuss “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” Lucasfilm’s new limited series for Disney+ In this episode, listeners will learn about: How much was James Earl Jones paid to voice Darth Vader on “A New Hope” What happened at Disneyland on the REAL Star Wars Day (i.e., May 25th) Why did Gary Kurtz opt out of producing “Star Wars: Episode VI” When did Disney Studios start its own film distribution company How did George Lucas coach Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher & Harrison Ford when it came to dialogue in the “Star Wars” movies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how well the 25th anniversary re-release of “Star Wars – Episode One: The Phantom Menace.” They also share Ahmed Best’s conflicted memories of portraying Jar Jar Binks Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:  According to Josh Gad, which specific brand of cookie is repeatedly visually referenced within the “Star Wars” universe How many Star Wars fans took part in the shoot for the video which promotes the iPhone 15’s “Precision Finding” feature Which big box store currently has TruMoo’s Star Wars Blue Milk in stock (Bonus question: Which direct competitor of this store does NOT have Blue Milk) Who did President Joe Biden recently personally give a tour of the Oval Office to When is Star Wars Celebration Japan being held next year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices