THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU | Hot Takes with Kyle Newman

The release of a new Star Wars film wouldn't be complete without checking in with filmmaker Kyle Newman to get his thoughts on the latest addition to the saga. Kyle joins us In The Cantina with his review of The Mandalorian and Grogu and provides insight as both an industry insider and Star Wars superfan. We've collected a ton of cool interview highlights from Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni and Pedro Pascal discussing the Mando movie and screenwriter Damon Lindelof recently spoke about the Rey "New Jedi Order" film script he worked on before getting fired off the project. We hear what he had to say. Plus, listener feedback, a new RFR parody song, and we pay tribute to Marcia Lucas and Tom Kane.

You saw the movie, now the conversation continues on Rebel Force Radio with THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU: "After the After Show" live call-in show. We're breaking down our live event in Cleveland, revisiting moments from our first looks at the film, and diving into all the topics and situations within. Din! Grogu! Rotta! We discuss it all. The switchboard was open for your calls about Star Wars' next big-screen adventure and we hear what you have to say. This IS the way! 

One week until The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters! We share our hopes and expectations for this new Star Wars adventure and wonder if the popularity of Baby Yoda will translate into box office success. Hot off his stunning appearance in Maul: Shadow Lord, Darth Vader is in the news spotlight this week as Dave Filoni recently discussed the lore of Vader. And speaking of Darth, The Dark Lord himself debuted at Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge and we have highlights. Ever wonder what caused the death of Leia in The Rise of Skywalker? Swank has a great breakdown. Plus, the Ahsoka season two debut window has been revealed, RFR invades Ohio next week, and Listener Feedback presents us with the question "Is Disney bad at killing characters"?

The Mandalorian and Grogu debuted early footage on May the Fourth as fans were treated to the first 25 minutes of the film in IMAX, and RFR was there. We break down all the action and look forward to the film getting wide-release in a couple of weeks. We're basking in the wake of the kickass Maul: Shadow Lord season finale and the surprise appearance of a certain "Dark Lord". We go into the RFR Sound Lab to deconstruct some audio from Maul, like Sam Witwer's anguished screams getting incorporated into the sound of the lightsaber, the lightsaber itself "talking", a sound effect known as "Bone Leather" and more. And, Nielsen has revealed the numbers behind Star Wars viewership on Disney+, exposing which shows and movies are the most viewed on the platform. Find out what your fellow Star Wars fans are watching the most. 

The Mandalorian and Grogu debuted early footage on May the Fourth as fans were treated to the first 25 minutes of the film in IMAX, and RFR was there. We break down all the action and look forward to the film getting wide-release in a couple of weeks. We're basking in the wake of the kickass Maul: Shadow Lord season finale and the surprise appearance of a certain "Dark Lord". We go into the RFR Sound Lab to deconstruct some audio from Maul, like Sam Witwer's anguished screams getting incorporated into the sound of the lightsaber, the lightsaber itself "talking", a sound effect known as "Bone Leather" and more. And, Nielsen has revealed the numbers behind Star Wars viewership on Disney+, exposing which shows and movies are the most viewed on the platform. Find out what your fellow Star Wars fans are watching the most. Plus listener feedback and more.

It all comes down to this - The MAUL: SHADOW LORD Season One FINALE After Show, breaking down Episodes 9 and 10—"Chapter 9: Strange Allies" and "Chapter 10: The Dark Lord." Alliances are tested, secrets are revealed, and Maul's long game comes sharply into focus as the season reaches its explosive conclusion. We'll unpack the biggest moments, lingering questions, and what this finale means for Maul's future in Star Wars canon.

The calendar has flipped to a new month, but it's not just any month. After six-and-a-half years, this month will finally see the return of Star Wars to movie theaters with The Mandalorian and Grogu. We're bracing ourselves for all the action by fueling up with fast food tie-ins, soaking up poster art, and breaking down Jon Favreau interviews.  We say farewell to the legendary Star Wars Insider Magazine as its final issue is now appearing in subscribers' mailboxes, we compare Ezra Bridger's and Devon Izara's similarities and differences, and wonder if the current creators of Star Wars are leaning on George Lucas's influences too much.  Plus, will Gina Carano return to Star Wars? And, somehow…Oscar Isaac has returned.  

We go inside Maul's head and breakdown Season 1, Episodes 7 and 8—"Chapter 7: Call to the Oblivion" and "Chapter 8: The Creeping Fear" and dig into the biggest turns, the pressure points, and what these chapters set up next—plus your theories, opinions, and "Blake's Take"

With the film opening a mere month away, the hype for The Mandalorian and Grogu has finally arrived. Tickets are now on sale, fan events are ramping up, and the cast and crew are kicking off media tours to promote the movie. We look at the final theatrical trailer and break down all the visuals shot-by-shot and we make more predictions about what will go down. Jon Favreau is talking to members of the media and we have highlights of the director discussing everything from Hutts to the Razor Crest to Martin Scorsese's cameo. Plus, we hear from Sigourney Weaver who talks about her character Col. Ward, and we look at the upcoming Mandalorian menu hitting Burger King on May the Fourth along with a history of Burger King promoting Star Wars going all the way back to 1977.

We're breaking down the most intense chapters yet of the hit Disney+ Star Wars animated series, Maul: Shadow Lord. We go deep into Season One's latest episodes, Chapter 5: "Inquisition" and Chapter 6: "Night of the Hunted," as the Empire tightens its grip and the stakes rise for Brander Lawson, Devon and Daki on the planet Janix. Plus listener phone calls, Superchats and more!