Lightspeed (#37) | Disney Announces Kathleen Kennedy Stepping Down

It’s time to play the ultimate Star Wars devil’s advocate. In this episode of Star Wars Escape Pod, we are debuting "Bogan's Advocate"—a challenge to depreciate the movies we love and find good in the things we didn't. Problem is we all love Episode I, but is it perfect? In our first episode of "Bogan's Advocate"—the crew breaks down the Binks slapstick, the missed opportunities with Count Dooku, and the polarizing length of the Podrace. Check out the Star Wars Archives link in our description for a database of all 400+ episodes! Orbitkey Disney Collection Add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your everyday carry. The Disney x Orbitkey Collection features fun, functional accessories inspired by Disney characters, designed to make staying organised feel like magic. https://www.orbitkey.com/pages/disney?srsltid=AfmBOorl0UJrj6Skr7fWecL5ZzpxJ6tt757WShCMY3XcCGsLaXPwzBUw Kirk is on YouTube: @kirkmihelakos https://www.youtube.com/designedbykirk Darian is on YouTube: @TheManDarian https://www.youtube.com/@TheManDarian ———————————————————————— Star Wars Escape Pod 🖥️ Website: https://starwarspodcast.ca 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/SWEscapePodcast 🦋 B.Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/swescapepodcast.bsky.social 📲 Swell: https://www.swellcast.com/swescapepodcast 📧 Email us or voice messages to: [email protected] 🗃️ Podcast Archives: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRiF_icUbgNiufSItYBMLCdXc2dPtlQPHrNeDcEHmHS6z0yFduND-BLC_3czuY-YY6kpNtRM1uMppts/pubhtml Have you checked out our flashcast called Star Wars Launch Pad? https://www.youtube.com/@SWLaunchPad https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0naAAJZMW0nig3OkFToJ?si=8014aef1647f4da5 Found on any platform in the galaxy!  

In this edition of Cantina Banter, the crew gathers to break down the massive news shaking up the galaxy: Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from her role at Lucasfilm. We dive deep into what this transition means for the franchise, speculating on how the studio might pivot under new creative leadership and the watchful eye of Dave Filoni. While we have already released a quick Lightspeed episode and a Star Wars Launchpad update covering the breaking headlines, join us here for the full, unfiltered conversation as we debate the legacy of the current era and what lies ahead! Check out the Star Wars Archives link in our description for a database of all 400+ episodes! Orbitkey Disney Collection Add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your everyday carry. The Disney x Orbitkey Collection features fun, functional accessories inspired by Disney characters, designed to make staying organised feel like magic. https://www.orbitkey.com/pages/disney?srsltid=AfmBOorl0UJrj6Skr7fWecL5ZzpxJ6tt757WShCMY3XcCGsLaXPwzBUw Kirk is on YouTube: @kirkmihelakos https://www.youtube.com/designedbykirk Darian is on YouTube: @TheManDarian https://www.youtube.com/@TheManDarian ———————————————————————— Star Wars Escape Pod 🖥️ Website: https://starwarspodcast.ca 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/SWEscapePodcast 🦋 B.Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/swescapepodcast.bsky.social 📲 Swell: https://www.swellcast.com/swescapepodcast 📧 Email us or voice messages to: [email protected] 🗃️ Podcast Archives: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRiF_icUbgNiufSItYBMLCdXc2dPtlQPHrNeDcEHmHS6z0yFduND-BLC_3czuY-YY6kpNtRM1uMppts/pubhtml Have you checked out our flashcast called Star Wars Launch Pad? https://www.youtube.com/@SWLaunchPad https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0naAAJZMW0nig3OkFToJ?si=8014aef1647f4da5 Found on any platform in the galaxy!

As Kathleen Kennedy steps down from Lucasfilm leadership to return to producing, Dave Filoni will lead the studio as President and Chief Creative Officer alongside Lynwen Brennan as Co-President. Lucasfilm announced today that after 14 years of leading the studio, President Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from her role. Kennedy will return to full-time producing, including the studio’s upcoming feature films The Mandalorian and Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter.  https://www.starwars.com/news/lucasfilm-leadership Orbitkey Disney Collection Add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your everyday carry. The Disney x Orbitkey Collection features fun, functional accessories inspired by Disney characters, designed to make staying organised feel like magic. https://www.orbitkey.com/pages/disney?srsltid=AfmBOorl0UJrj6Skr7fWecL5ZzpxJ6tt757WShCMY3XcCGsLaXPwzBUw Kirk is on YouTube: @kirkmihelakos https://www.youtube.com/designedbykirk Darian is on YouTube: @TheManDarian https://www.youtube.com/@TheManDarian ———————————————————————— Star Wars Escape Pod 🖥️ Website: https://starwarspodcast.ca 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/SWEscapePodcast 🦋 B.Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/swescapepodcast.bsky.social 📲 Swell: https://www.swellcast.com/swescapepodcast 📧 Email us or voice messages to: [email protected] 🗃️ Podcast Archives: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRiF_icUbgNiufSItYBMLCdXc2dPtlQPHrNeDcEHmHS6z0yFduND-BLC_3czuY-YY6kpNtRM1uMppts/pubhtml Have you checked out our flashcast called Star Wars Launch Pad? https://www.youtube.com/@SWLaunchPad https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0naAAJZMW0nig3OkFToJ?si=8014aef1647f4da5 Found on any platform in the galaxy!   

Kick off the new year with a casual night in the galaxy's favorite hangout! In this episode of our Cantina Banter sub-series, host Josh is joined by Blake and Darian for a chill, wide-ranging discussion on all things Star Wars as we head into 2026. In this episode, we dive into: - A New Era of Cinema: Looking ahead to 2026, the year that finally brings Star Wars back to the big screen after a long theatrical hiatus. - Retro Gaming Deep Dive: We take a nostalgic trip back to the "janky" but beloved era of 2000s gaming, discussing the Bounty Hunter relaunch, the rushed brilliance of KOTOR 2, and the latest rumors surrounding the Knights of the Old Republic remake.  - The State of the Fandom: From the bittersweet end of physical Star Wars Insider magazines to Warwick Davis's honorary knighthood, we cover the latest headlines affecting the community. - Film & Theory: A deep dive into filmmaking styles, featuring a spirited debate on Rian Johnson's The Last Jedi and speculation on the future of the franchise-including the Dawn of the Jedi project and the mysterious Shadow Lord Maul storyline. Recent Recaps: We touch on our Andor Season 2 After Show, the Al experiment Star Wars Launchpad, and merchandise highlights from Orbit Key. دی Whether you're here for the technical talk on first-person vs. third-person shooters or just want to hear some "daily bread" Star Wars conversation, grab a drink and join the banter. Check out the Star Wars Archives link in our description for a database of all 400+ episodes! Orbitkey Disney Collection Add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your everyday carry. The Disney x Orbitkey Collection features fun, functional accessories inspired by Disney characters, designed to make staying organised feel like magic. https://www.orbitkey.com/pages/disney?srsltid=AfmBOorl0UJrj6Skr7fWecL5ZzpxJ6tt757WShCMY3XcCGsLaXPwzBUw Kirk is on YouTube: @kirkmihelakos https://www.youtube.com/designedbykirk Darian is on YouTube: @TheManDarian https://www.youtube.com/@TheManDarian ———————————————————————— Star Wars Escape Pod 🖥️ Website: https://starwarspodcast.ca 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/SWEscapePodcast 🦋 B.Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/swescapepodcast.bsky.social 📲 Swell: https://www.swellcast.com/swescapepodcast 📧 Email us or voice messages to: [email protected] 🗃️ Podcast Archives: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRiF_icUbgNiufSItYBMLCdXc2dPtlQPHrNeDcEHmHS6z0yFduND-BLC_3czuY-YY6kpNtRM1uMppts/pubhtml Have you checked out our flashcast called Star Wars Launch Pad? https://www.youtube.com/@SWLaunchPad https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0naAAJZMW0nig3OkFToJ?si=8014aef1647f4da5 Found on any platform in the galaxy!  

In the final episode of 2025, the crew of Star Wars Escape Pod celebrate a milestone year that saw the show reach its sixth anniversary and surpass 400 episodes. We dive into a comprehensive "Year in Review," reflecting on the 20th-anniversary theatrical re-release of Revenge of the Sith and the high-stakes conclusion of Andor’s second season. Between discussing their favorite new collectibles—from Galaxy’s Edge finds to the latest helmet releases—the team reviews a busy year of television, including Skeleton Crew, Tales of the Underworld, and the LEGO special Rebuild the Galaxy. Looking to the future, we weigh in on the excitement surrounding the Mandalorian and Grogu trailer and the announcement of Sean Levy’s star-studded Starfighter film. It is a festive look back at everything that made 2025 a massive year for Star Wars fans. Stay tuned for a Christmas Jingle! STAR WARS BEST OF 2025 https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-best-of-2025 Orbitkey Disney Collection Add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your everyday carry. The Disney x Orbitkey Collection features fun, functional accessories inspired by Disney characters, designed to make staying organised feel like magic. https://www.orbitkey.com/pages/disney?srsltid=AfmBOorl0UJrj6Skr7fWecL5ZzpxJ6tt757WShCMY3XcCGsLaXPwzBUw Kirk is on YouTube: @kirkmihelakos https://www.youtube.com/designedbykirk Darian is on YouTube: @TheManDarian https://www.youtube.com/@TheManDarian ———————————————————————— Star Wars Escape Pod 🖥️ Website: https://starwarspodcast.ca 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/SWEscapePodcast 🦋 B.Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/swescapepodcast.bsky.social 📲 Swell: https://www.swellcast.com/swescapepodcast 📧 Email us or send a voice message to: [email protected] 🗃️ Podcast Archives: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRiF_icUbgNiufSItYBMLCdXc2dPtlQPHrNeDcEHmHS6z0yFduND-BLC_3czuY-YY6kpNtRM1uMppts/pubhtml   Have you checked out our flashcast called Star Wars Launch Pad? https://www.youtube.com/@SWLaunchPad https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0naAAJZMW0nig3OkFToJ?si=8014aef1647f4da5 Found on any platform in the galaxy!

In this packed episode of the Star Wars Escape Pod, hosts Josh and Kirk dive into the latest gaming news from the Game Awards, including the reveal of Star Wars: Galactic Racer and the highly anticipated spiritual successor to Knights of the Old Republic, Fate of the Old Republic. The team also provides a hands-on look at Orbitkey's new Disney-inspired collection, featuring premium character-themed key organizers and travel gear. To close out the show, guest Kyle from Kysabers joins for an in-depth comparison of the Star Wars: Battlefront franchise, exploring the evolution of the series from its classic Pandemic roots to the modern DICE era. Orbitkey Disney Collection Add a sprinkle of Disney magic to your everyday carry. The Disney x Orbitkey Collection features fun, functional accessories inspired by Disney characters, designed to make staying organised feel like magic. https://www.orbitkey.com/pages/disney?srsltid=AfmBOorl0UJrj6Skr7fWecL5ZzpxJ6tt757WShCMY3XcCGsLaXPwzBUw TGA Announced Games - Galactic Racer and Fate of the Old Republic https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-galactic-racer-reveal-trailer https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-fate-of-the-old-republic-trailer Kyber Battlefront 2 Mod https://kyber.gg/ KySabers https://kysabers.ca/ ———————————————————————— Star Wars Escape Pod 🖥️ Website: https://starwarspodcast.ca 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/SWEscapePodcast 🦋 B.Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/swescapepodcast.bsky.social 📲 Swell: https://www.swellcast.com/swescapepodcast 📧 Email us or send a voice message to: [email protected] 🗃️ Podcast Archives: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRiF_icUbgNiufSItYBMLCdXc2dPtlQPHrNeDcEHmHS6z0yFduND-BLC_3czuY-YY6kpNtRM1uMppts/pubhtml   Have you checked out our flashcast called Star Wars Launch Pad? https://www.youtube.com/@SWLaunchPad https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0naAAJZMW0nig3OkFToJ?si=8014aef1647f4da5 Found on any platform in the galaxy!

This week on Star Wars Escape Pod, join Josh and Darian as they dive deep into the legendary Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR & KOTOR 2) with special guest Mike from the Switch 2 The Past podcast (link below). We discuss how this iconic early 2000s title shaped the gaming industry and continues to influence the Star Wars Expanded Universe—even into the current Disney era. Prepare to jump to hyperspace! (Don't forget to check out Mike and Neil's fantastic work over at Switch 2 The Past!) Catch Josh and Mike on Switch 2 The Past podcast episode "Revenge of the Sith" (GBA) https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/star-wars-episode-iii-revenge-of-the-sith-the-game/id1513023861?i=1000705661364 https://open.spotify.com/episode/77lUVv8QbQRaaa6HoCRMQN?si=_mNrwtFoTj6-kQrbi0eJ5A A huge thank you again to our special guest this week! Check out Mike Laine on Switch 2 The Past https://open.spotify.com/show/2jz5Q8PbvstXUOE81ovEgB https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/switch-2-the-past/id1513023861 https://www.instagram.com/switch2thepast/ https://www.patreon.com/switch2thepast/home https://www.mikelaine.com/podcast/home Darian on @TheManDarian https://www.youtube.com/@TheManDarian ———————————————————————— Star Wars Escape Pod 🖥️ Website: https://starwarspodcast.ca 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/SWEscapePodcast 🦋 B.Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/swescapepodcast.bsky.social 📲 Swell: https://www.swellcast.com/swescapepodcast 📧 Email us or send a voice message to: [email protected] 🗃️ Podcast Archives: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AJDill7uS-hSbJzjqNkKTXy8vgSoENj8s4kbryA8BNs/edit?usp=sharing   Have you checked out our flashcast called Star Wars Launch Pad? https://www.youtube.com/@SWLaunchPad https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0naAAJZMW0nig3OkFToJ?si=8014aef1647f4da5 Found on any platform in the galaxy!

Are our choices really our own? Join your host as they dive deep into the interactive drama and intricate choice architecture of Quantic Dream's most ambitious narrative experiences: Beyond: Two Souls and Detroit: Become Human. We break down our own distinct playthroughs—from Jodie's supernatural path and Aiden's presence to the diverging fates of Connor, Markus, and Kara—to unpack the studio's storytelling style. By analyzing the themes of destiny, deviancy, and moral ambiguity in these two games, what can we truly expect from the developer's upcoming High Republic action-adventure, Star Wars Eclipse? Will the Outer Rim's destiny be forged by free will or a hidden narrative tether? We speculate on the future of choice-based gameplay in a galaxy far, far away! ———————————————————————— Have you checked out our flashcast called Star Wars Launch Pad? https://www.youtube.com/@SWLaunchPad https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0naAAJZMW0nig3OkFToJ?si=8014aef1647f4da5 Found on any platform in the galaxy! ———————————————————————— Star Wars Escape Pod 🖥️ Website: https://starwarspodcast.ca 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/SWEscapePodcast 🦋 B.Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/swescapepodcast.bsky.social 📲 Swell: https://www.swellcast.com/swescapepodcast 📧 Email us or send a voice message to: [email protected] 🗃️ Podcast Archives: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AJDill7uS-hSbJzjqNkKTXy8vgSoENj8s4kbryA8BNs/edit?usp=sharing

If there's anything new coming out with a Star Wars label lately, it's Visions Volume 3 on Disney plus. This wacky volume of stories using the Star Wars license might not have any place within the canon, but it is a treat to see what a variety of anime studios can do if they smash thier heads together and fuse Star Wars with the world of Anime. This week we sit down to chat about the entire volume, how we thought about each short, some being continuations to Volume 1, we take a look at how well they do to continue thier respective stories. Visions can be hit or miss, but we give a fair pablo points and poodoos as usual for each of these one by one. Don't forget about our podcast archives spreadsheet that tracks all these scores from the team! ———————————————————————— Have you checked out our flashcast called Star Wars Launch Pad? https://www.youtube.com/@SWLaunchPad https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0naAAJZMW0nig3OkFToJ?si=8014aef1647f4da5 Found on any platform in the galaxy! ———————————————————————— Star Wars Escape Pod 🖥️ Website: https://starwarspodcast.ca 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/SWEscapePodcast 🦋 B.Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/swescapepodcast.bsky.social 📲 Swell: https://www.swellcast.com/swescapepodcast 📧 Email us or send a voice message to: [email protected] 🗃️ Podcast Archives: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AJDill7uS-hSbJzjqNkKTXy8vgSoENj8s4kbryA8BNs/edit?usp=sharing  

Welcome everyone to our 400th podcast celebration! This week we celebrate with a game show in the style of fantasy football, but Star Wars. Each of us has chosen a fantasy hero team-up with only a few rules in place. The mission? Break into Palpatine's secret vault on Pillio!  We want to thank every one of our listeners for being with us all these years, and we hope tonight's show brings you all the laughs and smiles that we've had creating it. Cheers from the cantina, and to many more episodes ahead! A big thank you to our game show host tonight, Darian, our co-hosts Blake and Bryce, our special guests Phil, Ben and Ellen. And of course our audience participation, we look forward to seeing the votes! --- Which fantasy heist team would be most successfiul at breaking into Palpatines vault on Pillio? - YOU CHOOSE! FOUR WAYS TO VOTE - Send us an email, comment on YouTube, use the Spotify poll or comment on Spotify! [email protected] Phil - The Outriders (Ship) The Outrider (Mastermind) Dash Rendar (Pilot) Nien Nunb (Alien) Dexter Jettster (Droid) HK-47 Kyle Katarn R0-GR Blake - Onderon Outcasts (Ship) Lambda-class T-4a shuttle (Mastermind) Mara Jade (Pilot / Alien) Hera Syndulla (Droid) K2-SO Sabine Wren CC-9902 aka Tech Cassian Andor Ben & Ellen- Beefy Boys (Ship) Munificent-class star frigate (Mastermind) Bendu (Alien) The Zillo Beast (Pilot) Chill Vibes Clone Trooper Pilot (2D Animated Show) (Droid) Spider-Droid Exogorth aka The Space Worm Krayt Dragon Bryce - Jawa Juiced (Ship) AA-9 Freighter-Liner  (Mastermind) Doctor Aphra (Alien) Max Rebo (Pilot) Ben Quadinaros (Droid) SM-33 Coleman Trebor BoShek Josh - The NiteBrotherz (Ship) Sith Infiltrator aka Scimitar (Mastermind) Darth Plaguies (Alien) Maz Kanata (Pilot) Shara Bay (Droid) PROXY Jango Fett RC-1138 aka Boss BONUS TEAM OPTION Darian - The Wreckers (Ship) Vaders Fist (Self Piloting) (Mastermind) Echo aka CT-1409 (Alien) Savage Opress (Pilot / Droid) IG-88 Pong Krell (x2) Wrecker aka CT-9903   Go check out Darian's YT Channel - The ManDarian https://www.youtube.com/@TheManDarian ———————————————————————— Have you checked out our flashcast called Star Wars Launch Pad? https://www.youtube.com/@SWLaunchPad https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0naAAJZMW0nig3OkFToJ?si=8014aef1647f4da5 Found on any platform in the galaxy! ———————————————————————— Star Wars Escape Pod 🖥️ Website: https://starwarspodcast.ca 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/SWEscapePodcast 🦋 B.Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/swescapepodcast.bsky.social 📲 Swell: https://www.swellcast.com/swescapepodcast 📧 Email us or send a voice message to: [email protected] 🗃️ Podcast Archives: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AJDill7uS-hSbJzjqNkKTXy8vgSoENj8s4kbryA8BNs/edit?usp=sharing