EPISODE IX filming is complete and J.J. Abrams made his first comments since the shooting wrapped at a recent charity event. We analyze what J.J. had to say and dive deep into STAR WARS references from the Abrams-produced ABC series “Lost”. Is anxiety for the reveals of the Episode IX title and trailer getting to be a little tiresome? We discuss! Also, we review recent interview highlights with Episode IX newcomers Naomi Ackley and Richard E. Grant. Star Wars actors and references populated the Academy Awards this year and we rundown everything we noticed in the network broadcast of the show. STAR WARS ALWAYS is an amazing new trailer compiling footage from every Star Wars film, and we provide a full review of this Topher Grace/Jeff Yorkes produced tribute to the Saga. The RFR Voice Mail Hotline is packed with great listener feedback leading us to discuss and debate such diverse topics like The Clone Wars revival, Episode IX speculation, the Mace Windu/Palpatine confrontation from REVENGE OF THE SITH and more. 

STAR WARS EPISODE IX speculation is kicking in to full gear here at RFR. This week, the spotlight shines on the RFR Voice Mail Hotline and we go heavy with listener feedback. The biggest questions: Will Darth Sidious return? Was Kylo Ren lying to Rey about her parents? Who is (was) Snoke? Our audience guides the conversation on this week’s show as Billy Mac sits in as special guest co-host. With rumors about multiple new STAR WARS live-action series for the upcoming Disney+ streaming service burning like wildfire, we run down some of the rumors and talk about a few we’d like to see. Plus, RFR returns to Twitter, RFR LIVE in CHICAGO tickets go on sale, and more.  

STAR WARS EPISODE IX character reference photos leaked to Reddit this week. We review all the pictures with a very critical eye and talk about what we like...And what we don’t. SPOILER ALERT! We get caught up with the newest rumors about Episode IX and discuss in detail, including teases about a new evil foe. Friend of the show Chris “From Cleveland” Marinin sits in for this episode and we get into deep speculation about what to expect in final chapter of “The Skywalker Saga”, and debate how elements from the old EXPANDED UNIVERSE could be used in the film. The RFR Voicemail hotline once again gets us talking about crying while watching Star Wars. We recall our emotional responses to the saga, and look back at a magical moment that brought us to tears during a George Lucas panel at Star Wars Celebration III, with audio highlights. 

STAR WARS: EPISODE IX info is greatly anticipated by fans. Many thought we would have seen the trailer and learned the title of the film by now. When will it drop? We give you our guesses, as well as discussion about the latest title rumor for Episode IX. This week, Bob Iger addressed Disney investors with his first quarter update. Hear what he had to say about the upcoming Disney Plus streaming service and STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE. A long lost Mark Hamill interview from 1986 was recently unearthed and we have highlights. Plus, connections between Star Wars and The Grateful Dead, The RFR Voice Mail Hotline is open and our listeners bring some great topics to the table like what would we like to see from a future Star Wars animated series and more.

The STAR WARS EPISODE IX rumors are getting more hardcore and more outrageous. We take a look at some of the wild online rumors as shooting winds down and speculation heats up. Billy Mac sits in for the full show and as a Star Wars Celebration veteran, he offers some tips and opinions on time management at the convention. Puppet Lando also makes an appearance...This time, courtesy of a very loyal RFR listener. We all remember the line from STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE: ”If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine”. Was Obi-Wan exaggerating? Or did he achieve the power he predicted after Vader struck him down. We pick it apart and consider the ramifications of that statement and how it can effect EPISODE IX. Billy Mac questions the  ability to forgive the sins of Anakin Skywalker. Plus, STAR WARS IN POP CULTURE spotlights a popular network drama. Star Wars is everywhere!   

Electronic Arts has had a rocky relationship with the Star Wars license. In the wake of yet another cancelled STAR WARS game, EA critics have been making a lot of noise. Rogue One writer Gary Whitta is among those voicing strong opinions about the mismanagement of the brand. We listen to audio highlights from a recent Whitta interview and we discuss the situation with SEGAbit’s Barry Harmon. We talk about the past, present and future of Star Wars video gaming, along with Barry’s top 3 Star Wars video games of all time. Rumors for EPISODE IX are getting stronger and more specific. We check out some of the latest to hit the web. “There’s no crying in Star Wars!” The RFR Voicemail Hotline gets us talking about the moments in the saga that bring out an emotional response from us. And we look at how George Lucas worked with his actors and used his fortune to invest in film technologies. Plus, famous Chicago film locations for fans to check out during Star Wars Celebration, Carrie Fisher’s brother talks about her EPISODE IX footage, Samuel L. Jackson again says he’s up for a return to the galaxy far, far away, and more!

What does “Space Opera” really mean? Who (or what) is Nick Nolte playing in The Mandalorian? Can SOLO find new success on Netflix? We try to find the answers this week on RFR! The street date for STAR WARS RESISTANCE action figures was this week and the toys are on the pegs, if you’re in the right place at the right time. Jimmy Mac hits the stores looking for the new figures and he’s wired for sound. Hear what happens on the hunt! We also review the second half trailer for Resistance and speculate on what will go down on the Colossus. Plus, new reveals for STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE, Mr. Iger leaves a voicemail and more!  

RFR is back for 2019 with an all-new show as we look forward to what should be an epic year for STAR WARS. After getting caught up with special guest Cris Macht (THE FORCE AMONG US), we take a deep dive into some amazing Darth Vader content released during the holiday season. We review Marvel Comics DARTH VADER #25 and debate what some believe to be confirmation of the identity of Anakin Skywalker’s father. And, we take a look at VADER: SHARDS OF THE PAST, a new fan film that takes the medium to the next level. Plus, Cris gives us updates on his current projects, along with a review of Columbia’s Empire Strikes Back Crew Parka, we offer some tips for those visiting Chicago in April for Star Wars Celebration, Star Wars Christmas gifts, Listener Voice Mail, and we pay tribute to a “Real Fan of the Saga”.

Original Santa Yoda art by Tsuneo Sanda Visit www.sandaworld.com    In our final show for this year, we look back at the 2018 and break down all the Star Wars releases from films to television to comic books and more. We discuss SOLO hitting the theaters, the conclusion of STAR WARS REBELS, the home video release and novelization for THE LAST JEDI, Marvel’s DARTH VADER comic series, STAR WARS: FORCES OF DESTINY and some “Fulcrum” predictions we made for STAR WARS REBELS that actually came true. The history of Star Wars celebrity cameos features many well-known stars making appearances in the films. We take a look at some well-known personalities who found themselves in a galaxy far, far away. Blowing up the Death Star at Midnight on New Years Eve is an RFR tradition that has caught on everywhere. It all started on this show and continues to grow in popularity. Listen for instructions on how you can ring in 2019 Star Wars-style. Plus, Star Wars In Pop Culture and more. Thanks for listening to RFR all year and we hope you join us for an amazing 2019. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

RFR LIVE returned this week for a full show dedicated to taking your live phone calls about all things STAR WARS. Topics run the gamut of everything from EPISODE I to EPISODE IX and beyond. Hear what we think about the future of STAR WARS after EPISODE IX and how we think it will all unfold. Is the Sequel Trilogy more of a “spinoff” than a “continuation”? Could Rey actually be The Chosen One? What were Yoda’s mistakes in the Prequel Trilogy? We discuss and debate! We even draw comparisons to the post-Lucas era of STAR WARS and the post-Henson era of The Muppets and more. Look for updates on Facebook for upcoming RFR live streams in 2019!