Lucasfilm Podcast: Galaxy's Edge, Star Wars Celebration, and Flash Gordon

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Operations

• 💡 Kyber crystals are currently only available for purchase by buying a Jedi or Sith holocron for $50.
• ⚠️ Initial attendance at Galaxy's Edge was lower than anticipated due to a mandatory reservation system.
• ✅ The park has since opened to the general public with manageable crowds and positive feedback on cast member handling.
• ⚙️ The in-park app allows users to scan items and track missions, earning credits for in-land purchases.
• ❓ A key challenge for Galaxy's Edge is how to implement reputation tracking for rides like Smuggler's Run, especially on the West Coast without Magic Bands.
• 🍽️ A new sit-down restaurant is being fast-tracked for Galaxy's Edge, aiming to alleviate pressure on Oga's Cantina.

Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2020 Ticket Sales

• 🚀 Tickets for Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2020 sold out incredibly fast, with 4-day and VIP passes gone within hours.
• 📈 This rapid sell-out is attributed to the current Star Wars excitement, boosted by Galaxy's Edge and the upcoming Rise of Skywalker, as well as the smaller venue size compared to Chicago.

Lucasfilm Leadership and The Rise of Skywalker

• 🌟 Michelle Rejwan has been promoted to SVP of Lucasfilm's live-action development and production, overseeing both theatrical releases and Disney Plus content.
• 🎬 The script for The Rise of Skywalker was reportedly strong enough to convince new cast members like Keri Russell to join.
• 💬 Mark Hamill expressed that he felt closure with his role as Luke Skywalker after The Last Jedi, but acknowledged the possibility of returning as a Force ghost.
• 🇯🇵 The film is titled "Dawn of Skywalker" in Japan, a name that carries literary intrigue.

Flash Gordon and George Lucas's Early Career

• 🎬 George Lucas initially attempted to acquire film rights for Flash Gordon in 1971 but was met with prohibitive terms from King Features Syndicate.
• 💡 This led Lucas to create his own space hero, Star Wars, when his Flash Gordon deal fell through.
• 🎥 The 1980 Flash Gordon film, produced by Dino De Laurentiis, was seen as an attempt to capitalize on Star Wars' success, featuring a notable score by Queen.
• 🌟 Director Taika Waititi is reportedly being approached to develop an animated Flash Gordon film for Disney and Fox.

Star Wars Animation and Books

• 🎨 The upcoming book "Star Wars Rebels: The Art of the Animated Series" will showcase concept art, including influences from Ralph McQuarrie's early Star Wars designs.
• 📺 Star Wars Resistance has been picked up for a second season, continuing its broadcast this fall.
• 📚 The podcast hosts discuss their own extensive podcast networks and recommend checking out YouTube videos featuring creatives from Galaxy's Edge.