Paul Bateman checks in with his thoughts on the news that an Obi-Wan Kenobi standalone film is in the early stages. Plus, we break down recent photos and info from THE LAST JEDI, YOUNG HAN SOLO, and more. Plus, the positive influence of STAR WARS and George Lucas is still offering storytelling suggestions. 

Updates from THE LAST JEDI and Young HAN SOLO. We found a list online of “15 Ways ‘The Last Jedi’ Could Go Horribly Wrong” and we throw in our two cents. The odds of that OBI-WAN KENOBI standalone film becoming a reality keep getting better and better. George Lucas is still offering storytelling advice to Lucasfilm. We have vintage audio from Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, RFR Slow and Tell celebrates the upcoming total solar eclipse, and Chewie hits the slopes in our Outrageous Unthinkable Story of the Week. Joining us for the entire show this week to talk about the latest Star Wars headlines and “When The Galaxy Listens: The Series” is our old buddy Pete Nadel.

Entertainment Weekly dropped some images and big info about THE LAST JEDI this week. We detonate the latest “Breznican Bomb” and dive into the all reveals from the cover story. And there is a ton of TLJ speculation in this episode! From Porgs to Snoke theories to new interpretations of the Chosen One prophesy, we dig deep. Plus, Disney leaves Netflix, listener voice mail, and more.

STAR WARS EPISODE IX gets a new writer. We discuss the implications of this move and what impact it might have on the saga in the future. Would you have more confidence in the story if you knew the entire mythology was already mapped out?  Does it matter to you that the sequel trilogy is being created on the fly? We talk about fan expectation and how it’s evolved since the Disney acquisition of Lucasfilm. We review the latest comments from John Boyega and Rian Johnson about THE LAST JEDI and we speculate about Force ghost Anakin making an appearance in the film. Plus, updates from the UNTITLED HAN SOLO FILM including an announcement about composer John Powell landing the soundtrack gig. We listen to some samples from Powell’s career to try to get a feel for how he may approach the music for YOUNG HAN SOLO. Plus, Chewbacca’s looks, Woody Harrelson speaks, and Clint Howard’s greatest hits!    

THE LAST JEDI is ramping up towards it's December release! We discuss recently leaked publicity shots of many main characters including Luke, Rey, Kylo and, for the first time in the flesh, Snoke. And, news and rumors from the YOUNG HAN SOLO film and audio highlights of Mark Hamill appearances at D23 and The Late, Late Show with James Corden. Plus, we spotlight new and "exclusive" STAR WARS collectibles, LEGO Star Wars - The Freemaker Adventures Season 2, Ron Howard's "Arrested Rebellion", and the world premiere of "Rebel Girl (On Rebel Force Radio)" from Din and F-105! Joining us this week for all the speculation, analysis and laughs is RFR brother Billy Mac. 

THE LAST JEDI made a big splash at D23 with fresh behind-the-scenes footage that has us fans jumping out of our skin! We break down the “Sizzle Reel” scene-by-scene and try to connect the dots with what we already know about the plot. We also review earth-shattering news about STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE and Disney’s STAR WARS Hotel with tech expert David Sparks (MacSparky.com). David attended D23 and provides us with behind-the-scenes info about the park and more. Plus, it’s round two of George Lucas vs The Autograph Hounds!

Summer continues to sizzle with Star Wars news, animated releases, and conventions. From the animated STAR WARS: FORCES OF DESTINY, to the upcoming D23, and continuing controversy surrounding the #WheresRey campaign and the characters exclusion from Star Wars Monopoly. Joining us to make sense of it all is prolific podcaster and fan community leader Teresa Delgado (Fangirls Going Rogue). We review each episode of FORCES OF DESTINY, we speculate about what to expect from THE LAST JEDI at D23, and we even have some time for your Listener Voice Mail!  Support RFR's newest sponsor Bombfell - Get clothes hand-picked by a stylist to fit your life. RFR listeners save $25.00! 

Paul Bateman is back to offer analysis, speculation and opinion on all of the hot topics in the STAR WARS galaxy this summer. From the latest news and images from the YOUNG HAN SOLO set, to the new animated FORCES OF DESTINY shorts, to recent comments from Adam Driver about THE LAST JEDI, we cover a ton of territory in this show! Plus, Paul always provides the historical perspective to put everything in the right place! We even talk a little STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT II and the upcoming film VALARIAN. The heat may feel like twin suns this summer, but talking STAR WARS with Paul Bateman is always a cool time.

We listen to the first public comments from Ron Howard and Bob Iger in the wake of the big Han Solo director shakeup and continue to break down the latest stories coming from the production. We return to Tatooine with Dr. David West Reynolds, the first Star Wars archaeologist. Dr. Reynolds tells us stories about his rediscovering of the original shooting locations in Tunisia and how you can see his upcoming documentary “Return To Tataouine”. We review the fresh new trailer for the upcoming STAR WARS: FORCES OF DESTINY animated micro-series. And we feature George Lucas vs The Autograph Hounds in our “Outrageous Unthinkable Story of the Week”.

Lord and Miller...OUT. Ron Howard...IN. Big shakeup this week as the director chairs get shuffled on the next STAR WARS standalone - The Young Han Solo film -  with only three weeks left for principle photography. We talk about what this could mean for the franchise on many different levels and, while armed with all the latest reports, speculate on how and why this all happened. Joining us to make sense of it all are a couple of filmmakers who offer their amazing professional insights and Star Wars knowledge: J.C.Reifenberg (“Yoga Hosers”/”Hughes The Force”) and Kyle Newman (“Fanboys”/”Barely Lethal”). Plus, J.C. gives us the lowdown on his super popular Hollywood pop-up restaurant, The Scum and Villainy Cantina. Learn how you can save big on admission, exclusively for RFR listeners. Plus, bad Star Wars trivia and more.