Looking at Lucasfilm

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week's show by talking up Season Two of “Andor.” They then closely examine the “Star Wars” -related panels & programming at this year's WonderCon. For this episode, listeners will learn about: Which Cole Porter song features the line “ … what a swell party this is” How many films based-on-Stephen-King-stories films will Mark Hamill be appearing in this year Who was a last-minute replacement for Harrison Ford / stood in for this “Star Wars” veteran as a presenter at this year's Academy Awards Which film from the first “Star Wars” trilogy will be presented in its original form at this year's British Film Institute Film on Film Festival How many pieces are there in the new LEGO Star Wars set which then recreates Jango Fett's Firespray Class Starship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan explore the wild intersections of Star Wars history, theme park updates, and forgotten Lucasfilm curiosities: A closer look at Disney's abandoned 1979 sci-fi project “Snow Star,” a reimagined Snow White set in space. New budget details and storytelling ambitions behind The Mandalorian & Grogu film, debuting May 22, 2026—alongside a new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride film featuring Mando and Grogu. WonderCon 2025 preview: Panels every Star Wars fan should catch, from trivia parties to cosplay and behind-the-scenes insights on Skeleton Crew and Kenobi. A deep dive into Bruce Vilanch's new memoir and how it unpacks the creation—and chaos—of the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. From scrapped film concepts to theme park expansions and the bizarre TV moments Lucasfilm would rather forget, this episode is packed with Star Wars storytelling both new and nostalgic. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this February 2025 episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan cover the latest developments in the Star Wars universe and beyond: Is Ryan Gosling joining the galaxy far, far away? A deep dive into Shawn Levy's upcoming Star Wars movie and what it means for the franchise. The surprising transformation of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser—how Disney Imagineering is repurposing the former hotel space. Updates on Andor Season 2, why fans were left disappointed during the Super Bowl, and what to expect leading up to its April 2025 premiere. The evolution of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, including Luke Skywalker's new role in Batuu and the upcoming nighttime projection show, Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga. How the upcoming Rey film is shaping up, plus insights into Lucasfilm's leadership shake-up with Derek Hoffman taking the reins. Harrison Ford's candid thoughts on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and the realities of Hollywood box office expectations. From behind-the-scenes insights to theme park updates, this episode dives deep into what's next for Lucasfilm. Join Jim and Brian for a lively discussion packed with news, history, and speculation. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan dive into a mix of Lucasfilm updates, thought-provoking stories, and industry reflections: A retrospective on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, exploring its strengths, challenges, and future prospects. Insights into James Mangold's ambitious Dawn of the Jedi project, a sweeping tale exploring the origins of the Force. The fascinating story of George Lucas's attempt to recruit David Lynch for Return of the Jedi—and why Lynch ultimately said no. Warwick Davis's prestigious BAFTA Fellowship and his legacy as Wicket the Ewok. Updates on upcoming Star Wars projects, including Andor Season 2 and The Mandalorian & Grogu movie. From nostalgic reflections to exciting updates, join Jim and Brian for a lively discussion that delves deep into the Lucasfilm universe and beyond. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this December episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan explore the latest updates and stories from the world of Lucasfilm: A festive nod to Life Day and Star Wars-themed holiday treats. A deep dive into Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—does this series mark a turning point for the franchise? Exclusive updates on The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, including casting news and plot hints. A closer look at the new Indiana Jones console game, The Great Circle, and its place in the franchise's future. A tribute to John Williams, his legendary career, and the new Disney+ documentary, Music by John Williams. From upcoming Disney+ releases to Lucasfilm's gaming ventures, join Jim and Brian for an insightful discussion on the future of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan celebrate October with a special look at horror films and their unexpected ties to Lucasfilm. Brian kicks off by sharing his month-long cinematic Halloween project, while Jim reveals his love for Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein and its surprising connection to Lucasfilm's scrapped Frankenstein CG film. The episode also pays tribute to the late Lucasfilm producer Robert Watts, dives into the anniversary of Star Wars Rebels, and previews the upcoming John Williams documentary debuting on Disney+. Also in this episode: The removal of the Indiana Jones films from Disney+ and what's behind the licensing shuffle. Updates on The Mandalorian and Grogu feature film, set to hit theaters in 2026. A deep dive into Radio Land Murders as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, and how it laid the groundwork for future Lucasfilm projects. Join Jim and Brian for a nostalgic, fun, and insightful journey through the world of Lucasfilm, just in time for Halloween! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week's show by looking back at the D23 Expo. They also discuss what “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” seems to have in common with Joe Dante's “Explorers” In this episode, listeners will learn about: When did the Disney family sell off the Silverado Vineyards How did Barry Diller leaving Paramount to go run 20th Century Fox in the Fall of 1984 result in Michael Eisner becoming Disney's new Chairman & CEO What role did Disney's “Flight of the Navigator” play in Paul Reubens being selected to voice Rex in “Star Tours” How many “Tarzan” movies starring Johnny Weissmuller make for MGM between 1932 & 1942 What did that StarSpeeder 3000 replica that was sold at this year's D23 Expo wind up selling for Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week's show by spotlighting some of the “Star Wars” -related panels being presented at this year's San Diego Comic-Con. They then do a deep dive in on Lucasfilm's latest limited series for Disney+ Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How big (square foot-wise) is the San Diego Convention Center Which room do you want to be in this Friday morning to experience three solid hours of “Star Wars” goodness What role did Craig Miller play in helping to make “A New Hope” the success that it was How soon after “Russian Doll” debuted on Netflix was Leslye Headland recruited to come work on a new limited series for Lucasfilm Who is Shawn Levy working with to develop a script for his proposed “Star Wars” film Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week's show by discussing Daisy Ridley's recent visit to the Happiest Place on Earth. They also discuss “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” Lucasfilm's new limited series for Disney+ In this episode, listeners will learn about: How much was James Earl Jones paid to voice Darth Vader on “A New Hope” What happened at Disneyland on the REAL Star Wars Day (i.e., May 25th) Why did Gary Kurtz opt out of producing “Star Wars: Episode VI” When did Disney Studios start its own film distribution company How did George Lucas coach Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher & Harrison Ford when it came to dialogue in the “Star Wars” movies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by talking about how well the 25th anniversary re-release of “Star Wars – Episode One: The Phantom Menace.” They also share Ahmed Best's conflicted memories of portraying Jar Jar Binks Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:  According to Josh Gad, which specific brand of cookie is repeatedly visually referenced within the “Star Wars” universe How many Star Wars fans took part in the shoot for the video which promotes the iPhone 15's “Precision Finding” feature Which big box store currently has TruMoo's Star Wars Blue Milk in stock (Bonus question: Which direct competitor of this store does NOT have Blue Milk) Who did President Joe Biden recently personally give a tour of the Oval Office to When is Star Wars Celebration Japan being held next year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week's show by revisiting the whole did-Greedo-shoot-first issue. They then talk about what the last few episodes of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” seem to be setting up Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What honor will George Lucas be receiving at this year's Cannes Film Festival Where can Disneyland visitors view that theme park's “Fire of the Rising Moons” fireworks display What did Harrison Ford want to have happen to Han Solo in “Return of the Jedi” Which animated series was the first “Star Wars” show to be set in the era of the High Republic How did Leslie Headland – the showrunner for “Star Wars: The Acolyte” – describe this new limited series for Disney+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by talking about “Imperial March.” They then discuss why “Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny” wound up being such a disappointment Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Who threw the switch at the Empire State Building to start a celebration of Star Wars villainy Which UK Prime Minister played a part in the launching of “May the Fourth Be With You” as a popular phrase among Star Wars fans Who's writing that “Star Wars ICONS Darth Vader” book that Insight Editions will be publishing later this Fall Which “Rebel Moon” star auditioned to play the role of Anakin Skywalker in “Attack of the Clones” When did Captain Rex, Captain Gregor & Commander Wolffe first appear on “Star Wars: Rebels” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week's show by discussing why “The Mandalorian & Grogu” will be shot in the State of California. They also talk about the first five episodes of Season 3 of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When will the new version of the “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue” ride film debut at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland Paris What frustrated Ewan McGregor about the shooting of the finale of “Star Wars – Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith” Who was Billy Dee Williams' stunt double when it came to the scene in “Return of the Jedi” when Lando Calrissian dangled over the Sarlacc pit When does Stellan Skarsgard believe that the second season of “Star Wars: Andor” will begin airing on Disney+ How will the announced layoffs at Electronic Arts reportedly impact that Star Wars-themed first-person shooter that Respawn Entertainment was working on Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by discussing the construction permit that has just been filed down in Florida for “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” They then talk about how the characters from the “Young Jedi Adventures” animated series just visited Black Spire Outpost Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How many mattresses did General George Washington reportedly carry with him over the course of the Revolutionary War Who is supposedly funding Gina Carano's wrongful termination suit against The Walt Disney Company & Lucasfilm How many episodes have been produced for Season Three of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” Which Star Wars character is rumored to be getting his own first-person video game from Respawn Entertainment How much did Harrison Ford's copy of the fourth draft of the “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope” script go for at auction this past weekend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by discussing how much they're looking forward to the final season of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.” They also talk about where the upcoming “Great Circle” game fits in chronologically with the first three “Indiana Jones” films Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which character from the “Star Wars” prequels is Marvel Comics now honoring with his first-ever four issue, limited series How many times – to date – has John Williams been nominated for an Oscar Has Daisy Ridley read the script yet for “Star Wars: New Jedi Order” How did Bob Iger's return as Disney's CEO impact Patty Jenkins' “Rogue Squadron” movie Which Two-time Academy Award winner voices Jimmy, the mechanical soldier, in “Rebel Moon -- Part One: A Child of Fire” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by talking about the recently announced “Mandalorian & Grogu” film project. They also discuss how the first C3PO AA figure was created for “Star Tours” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What are Kylo Ren's original story in the Disney-produced “Star Wars” trilogy supposed to have been like  Why has production of the previous announced Rey-tries-to-revive-the-Jedi-Order film project been delayed yet again What scene was the first to be shot during production of “Return of the Jedi” back in January of 1982 Which well-known British actors were reportedly considered to be inside of Darth Vader's helmet when Luke finally removed his Dad's face plate in Episode VI Who accidentally revealed that C3PO was supposed to the pilot of the StarSpeeder 1000 in “Sat Tours: The Adventures Continue” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill returns with a look at all things Star Wars. They start off this week's show by discussing Dave Filoni's recent promotion to Chief Creative Officer at Lucasfilm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by talking about the latest set of “Celebrate the Season” shorts to debut on the LEGO Star Wars YouTube channel. They also shine a spotlight on the full-sized plush Ewok that just became available for purchase thru ShopDisney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's episode by paying tribute to Shawna Trpcic, the Lucasfilm costume designer who passed away last week. They then go on to talk about that “Jabba the Hutt” movie that Guillermo Del Toro worked on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by revealing which “Star Wars” icon is going to be headlining at this year's Fan Expo in San Francisco. They then look back at what George Lucas had to say about the prequels in 1992 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by talking about all of the Lucasfilm-related news coming out of this year's Destination D23. They then discuss the two most recent episodes of “Star Wars: Ahsoka” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week's show by revealing if Paul Reubens actually voiced the Captain Rex AA figure that appears in Oga's Cantina. They then discuss how Ahmed Best got cast as Jar Jar Binks in the prequels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by discussing how Ray Stevenson's sad passing could possibly impact “Star Wars: Ahsoka.” They then talk up several recent publications that have stories that are set aboard the Halcyon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Brian Gaughan starts off this week's show by sharing the experiences he had at this year's Comic-Con International down in San Diego. Jim Hill then talks about some of the things that may have tripped up “Indy 5” at the box office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week's show by discussing how “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” did at the box office. They also talk about what happened with that Princess Leia dress from “A New Hope” that was recent put up for auction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week's show by talking about how “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” bested Pixar's “Elemental” at the North American box office this past weekend. Mr. Taylor then shares all of the fun film-related stuff he got to do in France & Italy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week's show by talking about the reception “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” got at this year's Cannes Film Festival. They also discuss Disney's decision to shut down “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” prior to the start of the new fiscal year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill start off this week's show by explaining why it's been so long between new LAL episodes. Then he & Brian Gaughn discuss the latest Star Wars-related news Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by discussing who just began appearing at the WDW version of “Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.” They also talk about the most recent episodes of “The Bad Batch” and “The Mandalorian” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by talking about how the auction of Peter Mayhew's “Star Wars” memorabilia got called off. They then review the last three episodes of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Season 2” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill starts off this week's show by revealing which film just surpassed “The Force Awakens” at the worldwide box office. They also talk about how Star Wars is featured in “World of Color – One,” DCA's new nighttime extravaganza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by revisiting the John-Williams / new-ending-for-“Indy-5” controversy. They then talk about how Disney has been using “Avatar: The Way of Water” to raise awareness of this James Mangold movie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Jim Hill start off this week's episode by describing what the WDW version of “Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge” is like during the holiday season. Brian Gaughan then looks back at the final episodes of Season One of “Star Wars: Andor” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's episode by discussing the many ways that Disney is now merchandising Life Day. They also talk about how you can serve your Thanksgiving guests a Chandrilan Squig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by looking back at the October 2015 debut of the first full trailer for “Star Wars – Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” They talk about the most recent episodes of Lucasfilm's latest limited series for Disney+, “Star Wars: Andor” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill starts off this week's show by sharing his impression of the Hyperspace Lounge (the Star Wars-themed bar aboard the Disney Wish). Then he & Brian Gaughan discuss the “Indiana Jones 5” trailer that leaked online earlier this week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by looking back at the Star Wars & Indiana Jones-related news that was revealed at the D23 Expo. They then go on to talk about the first three episodes of Lucasfilm's latest limited series for Disney+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's show by talking about the two seasons of “Star Wars: Andor” which will cover 5 years of story. They then go on share George Lucas' theory as to why Star War fans initially rejected Jar Jar Binks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week's episode by talking about the latest episodes of Vice's “Icons Unearthed: Star Wars.” They discuss Lucasfilm's original plans for its “A Star Wars Story” series of films Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week's episode by discussing “Star Wars: Andor.” They then look back at the production difficulties “Empire Strikes Back” experienced when that crew was shooting the Ice-Planet-of-Hoth sequences in Norway Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Brian Gaughn starts off this week's show by looking back at the 2022 edition of San Diego Comic-Con. Then Jim Hill talks about four soon-to-be-published Star Wars-related books that are worth checking out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill talk about Milly Bobby Brown's rumored involvement in a future “Star Wars” film. They also talk about George Lucas' sense of humor and how comfortable George was with people parodied the film franchise he created Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week's show by looking back at the career of this five-time Academy Award winner and the numerous blockbusters William wrote themes & scores for. They also discuss the final episode of that “Obi-Wan Kenobi” limited series for Disney+. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week's episode by talking about the new “Star Wars” that Dan Zehr wrote which would be a perfect Father's Day gift. They also discuss the last three episodes of Disney+'s “Obi-Wan Kenobi” limited series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughn looks back at the four days he just spent at the Anaheim Convention Center covering this year's Star Wars Celebration. He and Jim Hill then discuss the first two episodes of “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” Lucasfilm's latest limited series for Disney+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week's episode by discussing the recent resurgence in interest in prequels collectibles. They also talk about interviews Ewan McGregor has given out ahead of the Disney+ debut of “Obi-Wan Kenobi” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices