Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 45: Story Structure and Star Wars

"Teaching with Star Wars" Column

• 💡 Jim Hill praises Dan Zehr's weekly "Teaching with Star Wars" columns on StarWars.com, highlighting the recent piece on Rey and venturing outside one's comfort zone.
• 🧠 Zehr explains that this lesson mirrors Campbell's "refusal of the call" and the importance of taking on challenges despite initial fear.
• ✅ An important distinction is made between moving outside one's comfort zone and abandoning safety practices.

Star Wars Celebration and Film Delays

• 🗓️ The 2020 Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim was canceled due to health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 virus, with the next event scheduled for August 2022.
• 🎬 Lucasfilm's film release schedule is impacted, with no new films until 2022, though season two of The Mandalorian is anticipated.
• 🎬 Discussion touches on Indiana Jones 5, with writer David Koepp expressing relief at stepping away from the project due to the high bar set by previous films.

Indiana Jones 5 and Storytelling

• 🎬 The conversation delves into the challenges of making a fifth Indiana Jones film, referencing the pressure of following beloved predecessors like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Last Crusade."
• 🤔 There's a debate about "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," with one host finding its heavy reliance on CGI a detractor, while the other appreciates the narrative shift of Indy becoming a father figure.
• 💡 The importance of balancing practical effects with CGI in adventure films is emphasized, drawing parallels to the original "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Theme Park Reopenings and COVID-19 Impact

• 🎢 Disneyland's planned July reopening was delayed due to California's state guidelines regarding theme parks amid rising COVID-19 cases.
• ⚠️ The podcast notes significant increases in COVID-19 cases in both California and Florida, impacting the feasibility of theme park reopenings.
• 😟 Concerns are raised about the rush to reopen in Florida and the potential need for a broader reset of stay-at-home measures.

Star Wars Video Games and Collectibles

• 🎮 The "Star Wars: Squadrons" gameplay trailer is discussed, noting its visual appeal and potential for immersive flight combat, building on the legacy of 90s games like "X-Wing" and "TIE Fighter."
• 🕹️ The re-release of "Star Wars Episode I: Racer" for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 is mentioned, alongside anticipation for the "Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga" game.
• 🎁 The Amazon exclusive "Lego The Mandalorian" Razor Crest set is highlighted, particularly for its minifigures and the appeal of Lego as a pastime.

"Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian" and High Republic

• 📺 "Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian" is praised for its behind-the-scenes stories, including Mark Hamill's cameo and the use of the 501st Legion for crowd scenes.
• 🌟 The episode's focus on the Kenner troop carrier and the practical aspects of filmmaking is noted as a highlight.
• 📖 The first chapter of "Star Wars: The High Republic - Light of the Jedi" is discussed, with the tragic opening involving the Legacy Run freighter setting a powerful tone for the new era.

Story Structure and Star Wars Films

• 🎬 George Lucas's approach to finding the easiest audience entrance point for "Star Wars" is discussed, settling on "A New Hope."
• 🧐 The opening of "A New Hope" is lauded for its economy and immediate investment in characters and world-building.
• 🤔 The prequels, particularly "The Phantom Menace," are critiqued for being less lean and having more exposition compared to the original trilogy.
• 🌟 "The Force Awakens" is praised for its hook of Luke Skywalker's disappearance, engaging both new and long-time fans.
• 🚀 The ending of "The Force Awakens," with Rey finding Luke, is compared to the cliffhanger ending of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" for its ability to create anticipation for the next installment.
• 🌌 The post-Skywalker Saga era is seen as an opportunity for new storytelling directions, with "The Mandalorian" bridging the gap between "Return of the Jedi" and "The Force Awakens."