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Showing posts with label Kathleen Kennedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kathleen Kennedy. Show all posts

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Rian Johnson Will Create All-New Star Wars Trilogy


The man behind "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" director Rian Johnson has been tabbed to create a whole new Star Wars trilogy separate from the current Skywalker saga. During today's 4th Quarter Earnings Call of the Walt Disney Company, President Bob Iger announced that Johnson would create the new trilogy. Here is the full release from StarWars.com:

For director Rian Johnson, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was just the beginning of his journey in a galaxy far, far away. 
Lucasfilm is excited to announce that Johnson will create a brand-new Star Wars trilogy, the first of which he is also set to write and direct, with longtime collaborator Ram Bergman onboard to produce.  
As writer-director of The Last Jedi, Johnson conceived and realized a powerful film of which Lucasfilm and Disney are immensely proud. In shepherding this new trilogy, which is separate from the episodic Skywalker saga, Johnson will introduce new characters from a corner of the galaxy that Star Wars lore has never before explored.
“We all loved working with Rian on The Last Jedi,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “He’s a creative force, and watching him craft The Last Jedi from start to finish was one of the great joys of my career. Rian will do amazing things with the blank canvas of this new trilogy.” 
“We had the time of our lives collaborating with Lucasfilm and Disney on The Last Jedi,” Johnson and Bergman said in a joint statement. “Star Wars is the greatest modern mythology and we feel very lucky to have contributed to it. We can’t wait to continue with this new series of films.” 
Johnson’s upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi arrives in U.S. theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.
No release dates have been set for the new films, and no porgs were available for comment.
 Are you excited about all the possibilities of a new Star Wars trilogy?

Source: StarWars.com

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup Announced; Ron Howard Named Director for Han Solo Film

Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup Officially Announced:

Kenny G will bring his act to Food & Wine for first time.
Summer has just begun, but soon the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will begin. It's official start is August 31 through November 13 for a record 75 days. Today, we learned what the Eat to the Beat Concert series lineup will look like including 11 new acts. Here is this year's lineup:

  • 8/31 – 9/1 – Delta Rae (“Bottom of the River”)
  • 9/2 – 9/3 – The Hooters (“And We Danced”) NEW
  • 9/4 – 9/5 – Baha Men (“Who Let the Dogs Out”) NEW
  • 9/6 – 9/7 – Fuel (“Shimmer”)
  • 9/8 -9/10 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas (“We Built This City”)
  • 9/11 – 9/12 – Lauren Alaina (“Road Less Traveled”) NEW
  • 9/13 – 9/15 – Plain White T’s (“Hey There Delilah”)
  • 9/16 – 9/17 – Sister Hazel (“All For You”)
  • 9/18 – 9/20- Air Supply (“All Out Of Love”)
  • 9/21 – 9/22 – David Cook (“Light On”)
  • 9/23 – 9/24 – Everclear (“Santa Monica”)
  • 9/25 – 9/27 – Sugar Ray (“Every Morning)
  • 9/28 – 9/29 – 38 Special (“Hold On Loosely”)
  • 9/30 – 10/1 – Mark Wills (“19 Somethin’”) NEW
  • 10/2 – 10/3 – American Authors (“Best Day of My Life”) NEW
  • 10/4 – 10/5 – Christopher Cross (“Sailing”)
  • 10/6 – 10/8 – Devon Allman (“Ragged & Dirty”) NEW
  • 10/9 – 10/11 – Dennis DeYoung: The music of STYX (“Come Sail Away”)
  • 10/12 – 10/13 – Taylor Dayne (“Tell It To My Heart”)
  • 10/14 – 10/15 – Jeffrey Osborne (“On The Wings of Love”)
  • 10/16 – 10/17 – Postmodern Jukebox (Various Hits) NEW
  • 10/18 – 10/20 – 10,000 Maniacs (“Because the Night”) NEW
  • 10/21 – 10/22 – Toad The Wet Sprocket (“Walk on the Ocean”)
  • 10/23 – 10/24 – Kenny G (“Songbird”) NEW
  • 10/25 – 10/26 – Billy Ocean (“Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car”)
  • 10/27 – 10/29 – Tiffany (“I Think We’re Alone Now”)
  • 10/30 – 11/1 – Hanson (“MMMBop”)
  • 11/2 – 11/3 – Blue October (“Into The Ocean”) NEW
  • 11/4 – 11/5 – Living Colour (“Cult of Personality”)
  • 11/6 – 11/8 – Boyz II Men (“End of the Road”)
  • 11/9 – 11/11 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (“Go Daddy-O”)
  • 11/12 – 11/13 – Squeeze (“Tempted”) NEW
There will be 3 shows each night at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 p.m., admission to Epcot is included. (Lineup is subject to change; songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list.)


Ron Howard Named New Director of Untitled Han Solo Film:


Everyone was shocked Tuesday night when news broke out that directors for the Untitled Han Solo film,  Phil Lord and Chris Miller had been fired for getting into a disagreement with Lucasfilm President, Kathleen Kennedy. Today, Lucasfilm has already named the new director to lead the way for the film that is due out May 2018 in Ron Howard. Here is the new release from Lucasfilm:

FILMS // JUNE 22, 2017

RON HOWARD TO ASSUME DIRECTORIAL DUTIES ON THE UNTITLED HAN SOLO FILM

Lucasfilm is pleased to announce that Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard has been named director of the untitled Han Solo film.

“At Lucasfilm, we believe the highest goal of each film is to delight, carrying forward the spirit of the saga that George Lucas began forty years ago,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “With that in mind, we’re thrilled to announce that Ron Howard will step in to direct the untitled Han Solo film. We have a wonderful script, an incredible cast and crew, and the absolute commitment to make a great movie. Filming will resume the 10th of July.”

Howard has made some of the biggest hits and most critically-acclaimed movies of the modern era. Among his many films are Lucasfilm’s Willow, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind (winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director), The Da Vinci Code, Frost/Nixon, and Rush. He also narrated and produced the beloved comedy series Arrested Development, starred in George Lucas’ American Graffiti, and remains a TV icon for his roles in The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days.

The untitled Han Solo film is slated for a May 25, 2018, release.

Source: StarWars.com

Friday, April 14, 2017

Carrie Fisher Won't Appear in Episode IX, First Trailer for "The Last Jedi", and More from Celebration

Carrie Fisher Will Not Appear in Episode IX:




For months since the passing of our beloved princess, Carrie Fisher, it has been speculated whether she would appear in Star Wars Episode IX. At first, it was said she definitely would not appear. In recent weeks leading up to Star Wars Celebration Orlando, her brother Todd revealed that she would be appearing in the final film of the saga.

However today, in an exclusive interview with ABC's Paula Faris, LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Carrie Fisher will not appear in the film. Here is the part of the interview where Kennedy is asked about Fisher's role in the final film:


First Poster and Trailer of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Released:

Finally, today the long awaited first trailer of "The Last Jedi" was released along with a new poster during Star Wars Celebration Orlando. Director Rian Johnson, LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill showed off the trailer today during the amazing panel detailing the film. Here is the poster:


The poster shows off Rey holding a lightsaber up flashing with half of Luke's face and half of Kylo Ren's face. Now here is the trailer:


"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters December 15, 2017.

Several Stills Released for "The Last Jedi" Revealed:

Also during today's panel several stills from the film were released, check them out below.






I am so excited for this film and I know most are just as excited. December cannot get here fast enough.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Carrie Fisher, Our Princess, Has Passed Away


Carrie Fisher, known for quick wit and her amazing personality, has become one with the force. Fisher passed away earlier today days after suffering a massive heart attack on a plane coming back from London to Los Angeles. Carrie Fisher, is most notable for the role of everyone's princess, Princess Leia in the Star Wars Saga. She was 60 and leaves behind her mother Debbie Reynolds and her daughter, Billie Lourd. 

“Carrie and I have been friends most of our adult lives. She was extremely smart; a talented actress, writer and comedienne with a very colorful personality that everyone loved. In Star Wars she was our great and powerful princess – feisty, wise and full of hope in a role that was more difficult than most people might think. My heart and prayers are with Billie, Debbie and all Carrie’s family, friends and fans. She will be missed by all.” – George Lucas
“Carrie holds such a special place in the hearts of everyone at Lucasfilm it is difficult to think of a world without her. She was Princess Leia to the world but a very special friend to all of us. She had an indomitable spirit, incredible wit, and a loving heart. Carrie also defined the female hero of our age over a generation ago. Her groundbreaking role as Princess Leia served as an inspiration of power and confidence for young girls everywhere. We will miss her dearly.” – Kathleen Kennedy, President, Lucasfilm
“Carrie Fisher was one-of-a-kind, a true character who shared her talent and her truth with us all with her trademark wit and irreverence. Millions fell in love with her as the indomitable Princess Leia; she will always have a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans as well as all of us who were lucky enough to know her personally. She will be sorely missed, and we join millions of fans and friends around the world who mourn her loss today.” – Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company
"Carrie was one-of-a-kind.....brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life bravely...My thoughts are with her daughter, Billie, her Mother Debbie, her brother Todd, and her many friends. We will all miss her." - Harrison Ford











Carrie besides being an extraordinary actress was also a prolific writer. Her books included: Postcards from the Edge, Delusions of Grandma, Wishful Drinking, and recently released The Princess Diarist, which were based on diaries she wrote while filming: "Star Wars: A New Hope" in 1977. Fisher had been promoting the book in London when she was coming back home to Los Angeles. Carrie, our princess, will be deeply missed.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Tom Staggs Stepping Down from Disney, Who is Iger's Heir Apparent Now?


In a job he has held for just 14 months, Tom Staggs will be stepping down as COO of the Walt Disney Company effective May 6, 2016. Stages who has long been said to be Bob Iger's heir to the throne at Disney, unexpectedly is no longer the heir apparent. The news came unexpectedly this afternoon as the two have mutually decided to part ways. 

This comes under rumors that over the last year Staggs and the Board of Directors haven't seen eye to eye, especially on the soon to be opened Shanghai Disneyland. It became clear that the Board didn't see that Staggs would be the one to take over Disney in just 2 years. Iger is expected to retire in June of 2018. 

Iger said in a statement on the unexpected news, “Tom has been a great friend and trusted colleague for more than 20 years. He’s made important contributions to this company, earning wide respect across the organization for his achievements and personal integrity. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, immensely grateful for the privilege of working with him, and confident that he will be enormously successful in whatever opportunity he chooses.”

Staggs who has been with Disney for 26 years and said in a statement:
“Disney truly stands alone, not only because of the Company’s phenomenal creativity, but also because of the thousands of remarkable people who make it such an extraordinary place. It’s been a privilege to work with them and be inspired by their creativity and commitment. It’s also been a great experience to work with Bob during this dynamic era of unprecedented growth and transformation. I remain grateful for that opportunity, and I’m confident that Disney’s future will be just as exciting as its legendary past.”
The question now remains who will replace Iger in just two years when he steps down as Chairman and CEO of the company. It has been said now that Disney and its Board of Directors will broaden the scope of its succession planning process to identify and evaluate a robust slate of candidates it has for consideration. One said candidate could be Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. Stay tuned as Staggs stepping down was certainly not what anyone expected.

Sunday, December 20, 2015

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Shatters Box Office Records on Opening Weekend


'Force Awakens' Makes Estimated $238M Domestically; $517M Globally

The Walt Disney Studios announced today that Star Wars: The Force Awakens has set a new all-time domestic debut record with an estimated $238M. With a five-day international debut of $279M, the film has taken in $517M globally.
“Our sole focus has been creating a film that delivers that one-of-a-kind Star Wars experience, and director J.J. Abrams, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, and the Lucasfilm team have outdone themselves,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “To all of the fans around the world who not only came out in Force to make this such an exciting and astronomical debut but who treated this film as their own and helped preserve the experience for their fellow fans by not spoiling it – thank you, we do.”
En route to this galactic launch, the film has smashed several all-time domestic box office records, including:
  • Biggest Thursday preview gross with $57M.
  • Biggest Friday and biggest single-day gross with $120.5M.
  • First film ever to post a single day over $100M.
  • Fastest film to $100M and $200M.
  • Biggest December debut (nearly 3 times previous record of $84.6M).
  • Biggest IMAX Thursday night preview ($5.7M), single-day ($14M, Friday), and weekend ($30.1M).
  • Highest theater average for a wide release ($57,568).
Star Wars: The Force Awakens debuted day-and-date internationally in nearly every market (except Greece and India, which open Dec. 24, and China, which opens Jan. 9) and set records in many. Highlights:
  • Biggest opening weekend of all time in UK (4-day), Australia, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Austria, Poland (3-day), Denmark (5-day), Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland, Serbia, New Zealand. Second biggest opening weekend in France, Belgium, Israel, Chile.
  • Biggest IMAX global debut of $48M.
The Force is strong with critics and audiences, whose enthusiastic reactions have powered a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and an excellent A CinemaScore, with an A+ among women and younger audiences, for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Good Dinosaur Preview at Disney Parks; Kennedy Says Skywalker Family to be Core of Upcoming Star Wars Trilogy

Good Dinosaur Preview at Disney Parks:

Pixar's "The Good Dinosaur" will be hitting theaters on Thanksgiving, November 25, 2015. Beginning October 16th, though guests visiting Disney Parks on both coasts will be able to sneak a preview of the film.


At Disney's California Adventure, the preview will be shown in the Bug's Life Theater with special in-theater effects. At Disney World's Hollywood Studios however the film preview will be shown in the after show of One Man's Dream. It has been reported however that the Walt Disney film usually shown will return. "The Good Dinosaur" will be shown until December 4th, and the Walt Disney film will return in time for Walt Disney's birthday on December 5th.

"The Good Dinosaur" is an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs, where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend named Spot. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he truly is capable of. The film is directed by Peter Sohn ("Partly Cloudy") and produced by Denise Ream ("Cars 2"). The film once again hits theaters Thanksgiving Day.

Kennedy Says Skywalker Family Will be Core of Upcoming Star Wars Trilogy:


Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm, said in an interview with Costco Connection, that the upcoming films of the Star Wars Saga will focus on the Skywalker family. Here is what she said, 

"The Saga films focus on the Skywalker family saga. The stories follow a linear narrative that connects to the previous six films. The Force Awakens follows Return of the Jedi and continues that generational story. The Anthology films offer opportunities to explore fresh characters, new storylines and a variety of genres inside the Star Wars universe."

We already know at least what's been rumored is that Rey and Kylo Ren are descendants of the Skywalker family as Han and Leia's children. What we don't know is if Luke had any children and could there be another Skywalker child that we haven't heard about yet. This is all leading up to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" that hits theaters December 18, 2015.