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☆ The ‘Star Wars’ timeline is confusing. Here’s when ‘The Acolyte,’ ‘Ahsoka’ and more take place
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Scottie Andrew | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Worry not, padawans: CNN has laid out a comprehensive timeline of the “Star Wars” canon so you can follow all of the franchise’s time-jumps without getting lost in space. These details are pulled from the official “Star Wars” resources “Ultimate Star Wars” and “Star Wars Character Encyclopedia,” as well as a chart of the eras explored throughout the franchise. ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (animated series)Ahsoka is Anakin's padawan in "The Clone Wars," and he lovingly calls her "Snips." ‘Star Wars Rebels’Kanan Jarrus, Zeb Orrelios and Sabine Wren take on the Empire in "Star Wars Rebels." ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’Heroes attempt to find the plans to blow up the Death Star in "Rogue One."

Persons: we’ve, Rey Skywalker, Jin, Anakin Skywalker, Wan, Anakin, who’s, Anakin’s, Darth Maul, Palpatine, Darth Sidious, Obi, “, Padmé, ”, Count Dooku, Warner, Ahsoka Tano, Sidious, Darth Vader, Luke, Leia, Vader, ‘, Han, Chewie, Jonathan Olley, scoundrel Han, Thrillist, frenemy, Lando Calrissian, ‘ Obi, Kanan Jarrus, Zeb Orrelios, Sabine Wren, ‘ Andor, Cassian Andor, Jyn Erso, Jyn, ’ Luke, —, Yoda, batty, Lando, Yikes, Jabba, redeems, VI, VII, Grogu, Mando, Boba Fett, Jango Fett, flitted, Boba, Din, ” It’s, Ahsoka, Jabba the, Suzanne Tenner, Ezra Bridger, Hera Syndulla, Thrawn, Rey, Kylo Ren, ” Rey, stormtrooper Finn, Kylo, ’ Finn, Phasma, Ren, Snoke, MacGuffin, Poe, Emperor Palpatine, she’s, Jude, Kerry Condon, Lee Jung, jae, Amandla, Leslye Headland, James Mangold, Indiana Jones, Dave Filoni, Daisy Ridley Organizations: CNN, “, “ Star, Lucasfilm, Everett, Lucasfilm Ltd, USA, ‘, Warner Bros, Fox, Empire, Tech, Disney, Walt Disney Studios, ‘ Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars Rebels, AV, Pictures, Rebel, Rebels, Galaxy, imperials, Rotten, “ Star Wars Rebels, Force, Rey, C3PO, Jude Law, Variety Locations: Yavin, “, Republic, Hunter, Luke’s, ”, USA, carbonite, New Republic, Endor

☆ As ‘The Phantom Menace’ turns 25, six (non-Jar Jar) things the ‘Star Wars’ prequel got right
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The teeth-gnashing aspects of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” have been chewed upon for a quarter century, from Watto to Anakin Skywalker’s Midi-chlorian count (and miracle birth) to almost everyone’s favorite punching bag, Jar Jar Binks. Think of them as creative building blocks, which overcame clunkier parts of the script and awkward performances to influence the rest of the “Star Wars” timeline. Ray Park as the villainous Darth Maul in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." It’s also likely a key reason why “Star Wars” has continued to flourish as parents pass it on to their kids. “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” will play in select theaters beginning May 3.

Persons: Anakin Skywalker’s, George Lucas ’, Dave Filoni, “ Obi, Wan, They’re, Darth Sidious, Ian McDiarmid, Lucas, credibly, Mace Windu, Samuel L, Jackson didn’t, Ray Park, Darth Maul, Filoni, “, Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Obi, Wan Kenobi, McGregor, Neeson, Wan –, John Williams, It’s, ” Organizations: CNN, “, “ Star, Lucasfilm, Force Locations: Watto, Republic

☆ Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead Go From ‘Fargo’ to ‘Moscow’
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-31 | by ( Alexis Soloski | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The first time that Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead shot a scene together, they were in a bathtub, mostly naked. McGregor, in a maximally unflattering wig, was sticking his gut out as far as it would go. This was on a recent afternoon in the chilly basement of a midtown hotel where McGregor and Winstead perched on a love seat, his jacket over his shoulders, his hand on her knee. Two years later, in 2019, they filmed “Birds of Prey” but did not share scenes. Now, they have reunited onscreen for “A Gentleman in Moscow,” which premiered Friday on Paramount+ and debuts Sunday on Showtime.

Persons: Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, McGregor, “, ” Winstead, Winstead, ”, Ray Stussy, Nikki Swango, Emmit Stussy, — McGregor, Wan, Amor, Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, Anna Urbanova Organizations: “, Wars, Paramount, Showtime Locations: “ Fargo, Moscow, ”, Russian

☆ ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ review: Ewan McGregor traces Russian history from the prison of a hotel in Showtime series
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Spanning decades of Russian history from the confines of a luxury hotel, “A Gentleman in Moscow” provides another strong TV showcase for Ewan McGregor, this time playing opposite his wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. At the same time, the show manages to be quite funny and even romantic, nicely developing the other lives that Alexander touches. Plus, there’s the added kick of seeing McGregor and Winstead (who met shooting the third season of FX’s “Fargo”) sink their teeth into such juicy, flamboyant roles. And while Alexander might not be able to leave, viewers who voluntarily check into the Hotel Metropol will have plenty of reasons to enjoy their stay. “A Gentleman in Moscow” premieres March 29 on Paramount+ with Showtime and March 31 at 9 p.m.

Persons: Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, “ Obi, Wan, “, ” McGregor, Count Alexander Rostov, Alexander, Winstead, Johnny Harris, Joseph Stalin, Russia, McGregor Organizations: CNN, Moscow ”, Paramount, Showtime Locations: Moscow, Russian, Fargo

☆ Why is a South American beer brand going viral? The answer's simple: Star Wars
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Alex Bitter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

In 2003, the brand edited ads into a broadcast of the Star Wars trilogy. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. AdvertisementThe latest brand getting attention on social media isn't Stanley — it's a South American beer creatively edited into a Star Wars broadcast 20 years ago. On X, formerly known as Twitter, users started sharing clips from the original Star Wars trilogy last week. The clips look normal — until a bottle or can of Cerveza Cristal beer suddenly appears in the shot.

Persons: —, isn't Stanley — it's, Cristal, Obi, Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, Wan, 🛸, ," the Organizations: Wars, Service, Star Wars Locations: American, Chile, pic.twitter.com

☆ Natalie Portman says King Charles asked her if she was in the original 'Star Wars' movies at 'The Phantom Menace' premiere
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Jason Guerrasio | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

She said the then-Prince Charles asked her if she was in the original "Star Wars" movies. The setting was the 1999 London premiere of "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace." As the first "Star Wars" movie to hit theaters since 1983, it was a big deal that brought the British royals to the event. Advertisement"WWHL" host Andy Cohen asked Portman what she remembered of her interaction with the royal family. "I remember Prince Charles asked me — he was then Prince Charles — if I was in the originals," Portman said with a laugh.

Persons: Natalie Portman, Portman, King Charles, Prince Charles, —, Britain's King Charles ., Andy Cohen, Prince Charles —, Padmé, Julianne Moore, Hayden Christensen, Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader, Wan Organizations: London, Service, Padmé Amidala, Lucasfilm, Netflix Locations: Hollywood, London

☆ How Dumbledore Became Michael Gambon’s Most Recognizable Role
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Julia Jacobs | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the latter part of Michael Gambon’s long and storied acting career, some of the most animated analyses of his performances could be found not in theater or film reviews, but in forums for the “Harry Potter” fandom, where dedicated Hogwarts obsessives would dissect his every onscreen utterance as the wizard Albus Dumbledore. It wasn’t originally his role. Richard Harris, the eminent actor who was originally cast, died after filming the second “Harry Potter” movie. Several other well-known actors were initially considered to succeed Harris in the role, including McKellen, who demurred, and Peter O'Toole, who turned it down because of his long, close friendship with Harris. In the end the choice was Gambon, whose family said Thursday that he had died.

Persons: Michael Gambon’s, Harry Potter ”, Albus Dumbledore, Richard Harris, Harry Potter, Gambon, Alec Guinness, Obi, Wan, Ian McKellen, Gandalf, Harris, McKellen, Peter O'Toole, Harris’s Organizations: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft

☆ Once upon a time, the 'Disney adult' was ridiculed. Now, kidless millennials and Gen Z-ers with money to burn are packing into the parks — here's how Disney is winning them over.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +22 min

Newlyweds Natalie and Brett Schwartz exchanged vows at Walt Disney World in Orlando this summer. "Our approach was to shine a light on the beautiful tapestry of people that come to Walt Disney World," Trejo said. Francis Dominic, the former parks worker turned influencer, has also been tapped to promote Disney parks and films. It's a difficult tightrope to navigate, but it could define the future of Disney parks. Are you a Disney parks or Walt Disney Co. insider?

Persons: Sarah Rachul, I'm, Rachul, Orlando —, —, Molly May, Francis Dominic, Dominic, who's, Taylor, Ron DeSantis —, Japan pavilion's Takumi, Jonathan de Araujo, it's, Tara Goldstein, Ann van Oostendorp, Disney, Van Oostendorp, Natalie Schwartz, Brett, Schwartz, Sierra Keller's, Keller, Natalie, Brett Schwartz, Jason Petrina, he's, Disney's, He's, They're, Petrina, Mickey, Chris Evans, Zoe Saldaña, What's, Wan Kenobi, Emperor Palpatine, she'd, welling, haven't, Neph Trejo, Walt, " Trejo, It's, Halle Bailey, Kent Phillips, Gaston, Jeremy Singh, I'd, Singh couldn't, he'd, Singh, they're, Patrick Dougall, Mark Eades, Eades, we've, Amanda Krause, Reed Alexander Organizations: Walt Disney, Epcot, Disney Vacation, Disney, Mouse, Disneyland, Disney Parks, Walt Disney Co, Florida Gov, Universal, Guardians, Galaxy, University of Tampa, Disney World, Honeymooners, Star Wars, Marvel, Magic, Cafe Orleans, Disney World's Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Studios, Star, Gucci, Dooney, Animal, Dole, Walt Disney World's, ABC, Getty, Management, Disney Imagineer, Disneyland Alumni Locations: Ohio, Disney, Orlando , Florida, Anaheim , California, Italy, China, Tuscany, Orlando, Florida, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo, Japan, Epcot, California, Anaheim, Belle Terrace, Hollywood

☆ 'Ahsoka' Episode 3 recap: 'Time to Fly' takes a big jump toward the 'Star Wars' show's future (SPOILERS)
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers about the third episode of “Ahsoka,” “Time to Fly.”CNN —After a somewhat sluggish start, “Ahsoka” felt much more on target as its third episode continued to draw upon “Star Wars Rebels” lore while mixing in abundant action and paying its respects to the original trilogy. The interactions between Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson) and Sabine (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), in particular, echoed the early training of Luke Skywalker by Obi-Wan Kenobi, and offered a reminder that the past and future of “Star Wars” run straight through the Jedi order. For her part, Hera (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) was left to grapple with the myopia of the New Republic leadership to the lingering imperial threat. Whatever the numbers, “Ahsoka” now feels as if it’s more solidly building toward its larger narrative at a brisker pace. Keep doing that, and the ratings – however you choose to measure them – should take care of themselves.

Persons: “, Ahsoka ”, Rosario Dawson, Sabine, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Luke Skywalker, Obi, Wan Kenobi, Thrawn, Ezra Bridger, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, didn’t Organizations: CNN, “ Star Wars Rebels, “, “ Rebels, New, Disney Locations: New Republic

☆ In ‘Ahsoka,’ a ‘Star Wars’ Fan Favorite Returns
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Calum Marsh | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

But over the years, the universe of “Star Wars” has expanded far beyond the realm originally imagined by George Lucas. The title of the latest “Star Wars” series, “Ahsoka,” premiering Aug. 23 on Disney+, may be unfamiliar even for viewers who consider themselves relatively knowledgeable about the franchise. The title character, played by Rosario Dawson in the series, has never appeared in a live-action “Star Wars” movie. (She was heard briefly in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” voiced by Ashley Eckstein.) A certain familiarity with the rest of the stuff that has happened in “Star Wars” outside of the three main film trilogies is, if not quite required, then certainly very helpful.

Persons: Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Han, Leia, George Lucas, “, ”, Rosario Dawson, Ashley Eckstein, Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni —, Boba Fett, “ Obi, Wan Organizations: “, Disney, “ Star

☆ Opinion: ‘Oppenheimer’ is a different kind of movie
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Opinion Gene Seymour | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Bottom lines are important, especially when billions are at stake, as well as the future of an entire industry. US physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer is often referred to as "the father of the atomic bomb." At once skittish and coy, self-effacing and self-aggrandizing, owlish and sexy, Murphy’s Oppenheimer is, at times, his own kind of super-powered being. A moviegoer unfamiliar with the particulars of the history here might be forgiven for wondering whether Murphy’s Oppenheimer is Obi-Wan Kenobi or Darth Vader. “Robert Oppenheimer can touch us still,” Kempton wrote, “because he was one of the few of those who have lived with the illusion of being history’s conqueror and the fact of being its victim.”I’m there for it.

Persons: Gene Seymour, Gene Seymour Jeremy Freeman, “ Oppenheimer, ”, “ Oppenheimer ”, —, J, Robert Oppenheimer, Murray Kempton, “, “ Michael Corleone ”, Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy, Christopher Nolan, diffidence, skittish, Murphy’s Oppenheimer, Obi, Wan, Darth Vader, Nolan, that’s, they’ll, “ Robert Oppenheimer, ” Kempton Organizations: The New York Times, Newsday, Entertainment, The Washington, Twitter, CNN, Los Alamos Laboratory, Universal, coy, Manhattan Locations: Manhattan, New Mexico, Hiroshima, Nagasaki

LOS ANGELES, July 12 (Reuters) - Nominations were announced on Wednesday for the Emmy Awards, the highest honors in television. Following is a list of nominees in key categories. The awards are scheduled to be handed out in a televised ceremony in Los Angeles on Sept. 18. BEST DRAMA SERIES"Andor""Better Call Saul""The Crown""House of the Dragon""The Last of Us""Succession""The White Lotus""Yellowjackets"BEST COMEDY SERIES"Abbott Elementary""Barry""Jury Duty""The Bear""The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel""Only Murders in the Building""Ted Lasso""Wednesday"BEST LIMITED OR ANTHOLOGY SERIES"Beef""Black Bird""Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story""Daisy Jones & The Six""Fleishman is in Trouble""Obi-Wan Kenobi"BEST COMEDY ACTORBill Hader, "Barry"Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building"Jason Sudeikis, "Ted Lasso"Jeremy Allen White, "The Bear"Jason Segel, "Shrinking"BEST COMEDY ACTRESSChristina Applegate, "Dead to Me"Rachel Brosnahhan, "The Marvelous Mrs. MaiselQuinta Brunson, "Abbott Elementary"Natasha Lyonne, "Poker Face"Jenna Ortega, "Wednesday"BEST DRAMA ACTORBrian Cox, "Succession"Kieran Culkin, "Succession"Bob Odenkirk, "Better Call Saul"Pedro Pascal, "The Last of Us"Jeremy Strong, "Succession"Jeff Bridges, "The Old Man"BEST DRAMA ACTRESSMelanie Lynskey, "Yellowjackets"Elisabeth Moss, "The Handmaid's Tale"Bella Ramsey, "The Last of Us"Sarah Snook, "Succession"Sharon Horgan, "Bad Sisters"Keri Russell, "The Diplomat"BEST ACTOR, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIETaron Egerton, "Black Bird"Evan Peters, "Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story"Daniel Radcliffe, "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story"Michael Shannon, "George & Tammy"Steven Yeun, "Beef"Kumail Nanjiani "Welcome to Chippendales"BEST ACTRESS, LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIELizzy Caplan, "Fleishman Is In Trouble"Dominique Fishback, "Swarm"Riley Keough, Daisy Jones & The Six"Jessica Chastain, "George and Tammy"Ali Wong, "Beef"Kathryn Hahn, "Tiny Beautiful Things"Reporting by Danielle BroadwayOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Saul, Abbott, Barry, Ted Lasso, Dahmer, Jeffrey Dahmer, Daisy Jones, Obi, Wan, Bill Hader, Martin, Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Allen White, Jason Segel, Christina Applegate, Rachel Brosnahhan, Maisel Quinta Brunson, Natasha Lyonne, Jenna Ortega, Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Bob Odenkirk, Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Strong, Jeff Bridges, Melanie Lynskey, Elisabeth Moss, Bella Ramsey, Sarah Snook, Sharon Horgan, Keri Russell, Egerton, Evan Peters, Daniel Radcliffe, Al Yankovic, Michael Shannon, George, Tammy, Steven Yeun, Lizzy Caplan, Dominique Fishback, Riley Keough, Jessica Chastain, Ali Wong, Kathryn Hahn, Danielle Broadway Organizations: Thomson Locations: ANGELES, Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, July 12 (Reuters) - HBO drama "Succession," the story of a cutthroat fight for control of a family's media empire, led the nominees for television's Emmy awards on Wednesday with 27 nods for the show's final season. Others competing for best drama included HBO's "Game of Thrones" prequel "House of the Dragon," vacation-gone-wrong story "The White Lotus and "Star Wars" series "Andor." Sarah Snook, another Roy sibling, is considered the favorite to win best drama actress. [1/5]77th Golden Globe Awards - Photo Room - Beverly Hills, California, U.S., January 5, 2020 - The cast of "Succession" poses backstage with their Best Television Series - Drama award. First-time nominees Jeremy Allen White of "The Bear" and Jason Segel of "Shrinking" are also among those who will compete for best comedy actor.

Persons: Alan Ruck, Roy, Saul, Ted Lasso, Abbott, Maisel, Barry, Dahmer, Jeffrey Dahmer, Obi, Wan, Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Mike Blake, Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Allen White, Jason Segel, Rachel Brosnahan, Quinta Brunson, Christina Applegate, Natasha Lyonne, Jenna Ortega, Brunson, Clayton Davis, Pedro Pascal, Jimmy Smits, Davis, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jessica Williams, Harrison Ford, Frank Scherma, Lisa Richwine, Mark Porter, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Hollywood, HBO, Television Academy, Disney, Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix, Globe, Best, REUTERS, Apple, Twitter, Variety, Voters, Fox, Organizers, Thomson Locations: ANGELES, Beverly Hills , California, U.S

☆ Emmy Snubs and Surprises: ‘Jury Duty’ In, ‘Yellowstone’ Still Out
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Mike Hale | More About Mike Hale | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

With minor exceptions, the major categories were filled in the expected ways when the 2023 Primetime Emmys nominations were announced on Wednesday. Some surprises cropped up further down the page, where the members of the Television Academy apparently started checking off every name they saw from favored shows like “Ted Lasso” and “The White Lotus.”Snub: Taylor SheridanHe may be the most successful maker of television currently working, but Sheridan gets no respect at the Emmys. But it was a mild shock to see a second Disney+ “Star Wars” show (along with “Andor”) break through in the limited-series category. Ewan McGregor, who reprised his Obi-Wan role from the prequel films, apparently draws a lot of good will. The merger of TV comedy into satirical drama is just about complete.

Persons: Ted Lasso ”, Taylor Sheridan, Sheridan, ”, Tulsa King ”, Kingstown ”, Helen Mirren, ‘ Obi, Wan, “ Andor, Ewan McGregor, Obi, “ Obi, Wan ”, “ Abbott, ” “ Barry, Maisel Organizations: Television Academy, Tulsa King, “ Tulsa King, Disney Locations: Kingstown, “ Tulsa

☆ Dragons, Jedi and zombies find a seat at the Emmy table
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Dragons and zombies and Jedi, oh my. HBO’s gaudy show of force – with half the best-drama nominees and 127 bids overall, the highest total of any individual network or service – featured a combination of both. "Obi-Wan Kenobi," starring Ewan McGregor, was one of three "Star Wars" series to receive multiple Emmy nominations. Fabio Lovino/HBOWhen those nominees need to begin rehearsing their acceptance speeches is itself a source of mystery as of now. The last time a delay of the Emmys happened: 2001, after the September 11 terror attacks.

Persons: we’ll, “, ”, Barry, Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, –, Obi, Wan, Ewan McGregor, “ Andor, “ Obi, haven’t, Jenna Ortega, “ Dahmer, Jeffrey Dahmer, Evan Peters, Dominique Fishback, ” Dominique Fishback, “ Barry, Maisel, Ted Lasso ”, Saul, Trevor Noah, John Oliver ”, Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Jeremy Strong, Aubrey Plaza, Will Sharpe, Theo James, Meghann Fahey, Fabio Lovino, Frank Scherma Organizations: CNN, HBO, Warner Bros ., Lucasfilm, “, Amazon, Television Academy, Fox, Variety Locations: Dragons, “

People picket outside of FOX Studios on the first day of the Hollywood writers strike on May 2, 2023 in Los Angeles. Hollywood is gearing up for another labor fight, and once again worries about artificial intelligence are front and center. Hollywood's talent wants to create guardrails for the use of artificial intelligence in future television and film productions. "Our members are human beings, not puppets, and it is a violation to use AI technology to make them do or say something without their informed consent." Actors have varying comfort levels with how AI is used, which is why SAG-AFTRA is looking to advocate for informed consent when it sits down with the AMPTP.

Persons: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Timothee Chalamet, Wes Anderson, Duncan Crabtree, AFTRA, Crabtree, James Earl Jones, Jones, Darth Vader, Obi, Wan Kenobi, Anderson Organizations: FOX Studios, Hollywood, Alliance, Television Producers, Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television, Radio Artists, Star Wars, SAG, CNBC, of America, Writers Guild of America, Disney Locations: Los Angeles . Hollywood, Ireland

☆ Opinion | Can the Writers’ Strike Fix Hollywood?
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-20 | by ( Ross Douthat | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

A somewhat more pessimistic analysis, offered by writers like Sonny Bunch and Jessa Crispin, emphasizes that the superhero-sweatshop corporate strategy evolved because it’s giving audiences what they want. And so even if the strike is an opportunity for reconsiderations, it’s probably not a lever that can change the system as a whole. Personally I would like to see the strike lever a different Hollywood system into being. (HBO’s “Westworld,” for instance, or lately Showtime’s “Yellowjackets.”) Sometimes they play like thin imitations of the previous decade’s antihero dramas. Or they take on the character of the theatrical experience but somewhat worse — with too-big-to-fail franchises that nobody really enjoys.

☆ The Star Wars timeline: All movies and shows in chronological order
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Scottie Andrew | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

These details are pulled from the official “Star Wars” resources “Ultimate Star Wars” and “Star Wars Character Encyclopedia,” as well as experts from outlets like USA Today and the AV Club. ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (animated series)Ahsoka is Anakin's padawan in "The Clone Wars," and he lovingly calls her "Snips." ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’"Solo" shows how Han and Chewie became best friends. ‘Star Wars Rebels’Kanan Jarrus, Zeb Orrelios and Sabine Wren take on the Empire in "Star Wars Rebels." ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’Heroes attempt to find the plans to blow up the Death Star in "Rogue One."

☆ 'Return of the Jedi' missteps: Five ways the 'Star Wars' sequel messed up, from a certain point of view
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

That’s in part because those shortcomings have echoed through the years, as subsequent “Star Wars” mythology has contorted itself, sometimes messily, in order to accommodate them. Still, Episode VI ill-served some of the original trilogy’s significant characters, in ways that have been debated across the decades, yielding the kind of arguments that have become one of the “Star Wars” franchise’s most renewable resources. Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in "Return of the Jedi," which was released in 1983. Lucasfilm/Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock“From a certain point of view.” Let’s stipulate that Anakin Skywalker “became” Darth Vader when he turned to the dark side. “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” will play in select theaters beginning April 28.

☆ Starbucks union pressures board members with billboards, posters – and a butter sculpture
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Nearly 300 company-owned Starbucks cafes have voted to unionize under Workers United, according to National Labor Relations Board data. Starbucks Workers United is deploying a butter sculpture, brass band, billboard and movie posters to put pressure on the coffee chain's board to accept the union. Beth Ford, chief executive officer of Land O'Lakes Inc. (L), and a butter sculpture of land o'lakes her. In the hopes of speeding up the process, just outside of Minnesota's Twin Cities, Starbucks workers will deliver a butter sculpture of Ford to Land O'Lakes' headquarters. "Community allies" will also take part, according to Starbucks Workers United.

☆ A year only lasts 17.5 hours on the ‘hell planet’
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Ashley Strickland | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

One year for this planet lasts about 17.5 hours on Earth. A team of researchers used a new tool known as EXPRES, or the EXtreme PREcision Spectrometer, to determine the precise nature of the planet’s orbit. But the hell planet is not the only planet orbiting Copernicus. An illustration shows just how closely the planet Janssen (left), depicted as an orange dot, orbits its host star Copernicus. Once Janssen moved in closer to Copernicus, the hell planet became even hotter.

☆ 'Andor' almost dropped the first F-word in 'Star Wars' franchise history, actress says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Travis Clark | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

"Andor" is the best-reviewed "Star Wars" live-action series yet, and feels more gritty than previous shows. "Fiona's voice was over all of us," Gough told Empire, referring to actress Fiona Shaw's monologue in the episode. "Andor" could be described as a "gritty" "Star Wars" series. It's received glowing reviews from critics, with the first season receiving a 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, the best of any of Disney+'s live-action "Star Wars" series. But the three-episode premiere lagged behind other "Star Wars" debuts in viewership, according to Nielsen data.

☆ A man disparaging Jews and someone pretending to be H.R. McMaster just created federal campaign committees. It may be weeks before regulators do anything about it.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Two recently established political committees appear to violate FEC regulations. McMaster at the Richmond Forum in Virginia, a man says he found himself so inspired that he formed a political committee to support McMaster for president in 2024. Federal regulations generally prohibit committees from using the name of a prospective candidate in their committee's name. Then, two days after the McMaster filing, another man filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to form a committee with completely different — and hostile — intentions. As for Liu's antisemitic committee name, the FEC has a process for dealing with that — but it's a protracted one.

☆ Disney plans to freeze hiring and cut jobs, memo shows
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-12 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Disney (DIS) is planning to freeze hiring and cut some jobs as it strives to move the Disney (DIS)+ streaming service to profitability against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, according to a memo seen by Reuters on Friday. Chief Executive Bob Chapek sent the memo to Disney’s leaders, saying the company is instituting a targeted hiring freeze and anticipates “some small staff reductions” as it looks to manage costs. Disney has said the fast-growing service added 12 million subscribers in its fiscal fourth quarter but reported an operating loss of nearly $1.5 billion. The company said Disney+ would become profitable in fiscal 2024, with losses having peaked in the quarter. Meta said this week it would cut more than 11,000 jobs, or 13% of its workforce to rein in costs.

☆ Disney plans to freeze hiring and cut some jobs, memo shows
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Nov 11 (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) is planning to freeze hiring and cut some jobs as it strives to move the Disney+ streaming service to profitability against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, according to a memo seen by Reuters on Friday. Chief Executive Bob Chapek sent the memo to Disney's leaders, saying the company is instituting a targeted hiring freeze and anticipates "some small staff reductions" as it looks to manage costs. Disney has said the fast-growing service added 12 million subscribers in its fiscal fourth quarter but reported an operating loss of nearly $1.5 billion. The company said Disney+ would become profitable in fiscal 2024, with losses having peaked in the quarter. Meta Platforms (META.O) said this week it would cut more than 11,000 jobs, or 13% of its workforce to rein in costs.

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