State Of The Empire: A Lucasfilm Podcast

Rebels ushered in the Disney era of Star Wars and in four seasons has become one of the most beloved corners of the galaxy far, far away. This series has literally and figurative bridged the era of the prequels and the original trilogy, introduced incredible characters who've redefined the story of the Rebellion, and expanded the mythos in ways that the new saga could never hope to. Now, the series returns from its mid-season break and in just a few short weeks will end. Join Matt and Cap as they recap Rebels season 4 so far and go behind the blast doors as we speculate about both the highly unpredictable outcomes for this series as well as what comes next. Who lives, who dies, whose stories aren't done yet? That's not the least of it though - this episode kicks off with us exploring the shocking announcement that A Game of Thrones showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss will be ushering in a new "series" of Star Wars films set during a specific point in the mythology. What in the Rim does that mean and wha

It's finally here! After months and months of waiting for a glimpse, a glimmer, a sliver of the hotly-debated Han Solo film: the Solo trailer has arrived! Oh wait, not just "trailer"... "trailers"! Lucasfilm has doubled-down on the under-promoted impending release and with these first looks there's a lot to unpack. Join Cap, Doug, and Matt as we weigh what we've seen against the rumors and leaks we've been excavating this past year. We attempt to piece together a timeline from the plot-light teaser trailers, look for clues in leaked action figures, and examine possible ties to classic Star Wars continuity. Solo still isn't a film any of us wanted, but it just might satisfy the cravings we have for that funky, Expanded Universe vibe and the skeezy smuggler weirdness of the outer rim. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/podcast-episode/state-of-the-empire-episode-46-smugglers-bounty-dissecting-the-han-solo-trailers  See acast.com/privacy for privacy an

The Last Jedi has opened a massive schism in the fandom. A rift, not between light and dark, but polarizing all the same. Whether you love the film or loathe it, civil discourse is few and far between and like The First Order dismissal and nihilism reign supreme. It's a discussion too big for us to ignore, and one that desperately needs to be had - even Cap, Matt, and Doug aren't of the same mind about this divisive movie. We share thoughts and insights from others and search own feelings for new perspectives on how this movie succeeded and failed. Has Star Wars become an exquisite corpse? What do the film's deleted scenes offer in terms of explanation and expansion? Join us for a civil discussion on The Last Jedi's fallout as we quest to find balance in the force. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://consequenceofsound.net/podcast-episode/state-of-the-empire-a-great-disturbance-in-the-fandom-the-last-jedi-falloutLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices &nb

The young Han Solo film allegedly comes out May 25th, but we haven't seen so much as a ship! Well... not officially anyway. Unofficially, the first of the leaks are here: LEGO playsets! We explore the new characters and potential plot points spinning out of Solo's storied past, one minifig at a time. There's a new look for the Falcon, a surprising, legendary Star Wars planet in the mix, races from Clone Wars, and myriad more intriguing nuances. Join Cap, Matt, and Doug as we discuss peculiar patents headed to a theme park near you, Star Wars comic successes and fails, the best Vader books, and try and figure out just what Deadpool has to do with Solo: A Star Wars Story. You may also have noticed that State of the Empire is no longer coming out under the Nerdy Show banner. The series has moved to our long-time partner, Consequence of Sound. It's the same great show in an ever-so-slightly different package. Tune in to hear Cap provide some extra info. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http

We already know you live Star Wars - you're listening to this podcast after all. But c'mon, you've always wanted to LIVE IN Star Wars, right? Maybe not for life, but at least just for a visit? Well, folks, the universe doesn't get anymore lived in than this! ILMxLAB and The Void have teamed up to create a virtual reality experience the likes of which you've never seen before. Seriously! We've seen, heard, smelled, touched, and blasted through Star Wars. Throw out any preconceived notions you've got about what VR is or can be - THIS is the new paradigm for virtual entertainment. Join Cap and Doug for a review of Secrets of the Empire, the debut Star Wars adventure. We share a spoiler-free overview of this uncanny hybridization of escape room and first person shooter, and for those of you willing to go beyond the blast doors, we spill our guts about everything that went down. But it's not all review - we've got some secrets of our own to unearth: learn when this semi-canonical adventure takes place, how might i

Here at State of the Empire, we make it a habit of staring into the abyss and divining secret Star Wars truths; but when we heard a rumor that this was going to be the most decisive Star Wars movie of all-time... we shrugged it off. We're shocked to say that the prophecies came to pass and that we've found ourselves caught in the middle of the true star war: was this movie good or bad? This Last Jedi review is one forged from years of speculation, fan love, sharply-honed critical skills, and a deep need for three friends to come together and attempt to bring balance to their warring psyches. The irony that this film about light and dark has polarized us and indeed the entire Star Wars fanbase is not lost on us. Join Matt; the dissenter, Doug; the voice of hope, and Cap; the moderate as we unpack our extreme conflict, dissect the film's struggles both in-world and cinematic, and look to the future, hoping to discern just what this film means for the future of Star Wars - not just from a narrative perspective,

We're mere days away from the release of Episode VIII and the full-fledged return of Luke Skywalker. Compared to The Force Awakens it's shocking how little we know going in... or at least it was. After months of rampant speculation, Bothan spies have provided a juicy dossier filled to the brim with insights on the film: The Last Jedi Visual Dictionary. But fear not of spoilers friend! They're locked safely behind the blast doors. In this episode we talk the latest news on Solo and Star Wars video games, but most importantly we serve up a primer for The Last Jedi. We zero in on some spoiler-free media tie-ins that enrich the depth of the world: background character back stories, weird alien anatomy, and thematic storylines threaded across mediums. But then, yes, beyond the blast doors we've cobbled together an iron-clad outline of the film using all the clues scattered through the Visual Dictionary. We also confront a substantial and controversial outline of the film. Is it the real deal or LIES! DECEPTIONS!..

The release of The Last Jedi looms large - and we're shocked by how little we know about what's to come. One thing's for sure: Disney is IMPRESSED. In this episode we share reactions and discuss the ramifications of director Rian Johnson being given his own standalone Star Wars trilogy. We also use some ancient Jedi secrets to uncover possibilities of what might be in store for us in the new film. No, really - We consult an early draft of The Empire Strikes Back which shares some eerie similarities with what we've seen so far and hints to the intense, character-defining struggles to come. Join Cap, Doug, and Matt for a shockingly revelatory, Supremacy-sized episode of State of the Empire. Beyond the films we dig into new ways the comics and novels are uniting the disparate eras, further Battlefront II scandal, and return from a trip to The Last Jedi's Crait - the new destination just added to Star Tours! For links and more info, head to the main episode page: https://nerdyshow.com/2017/11/state-of-the-empire-

Star Wars novels have long been the heart of the galaxy far, far away. This "lived in" sci-fi universe is inevitably left fans dying to know more about its mysteries and covet action figures of obscure aliens from the back ground of Mos Eisley. Now that so much of the expanded universe has been swept away, the pressure is on for new books to step up and fill in the blanks! In this episode Cap, Matt, and Doug discuss the latest Star Wars novels and how they've build on the bigger themes being explored in the new films. We also give you a run-down on what's happening in Star Wars comics present and forthcoming. The connective tissues between the stories of the Original Trilogy era and the New Trilogy are getting stronger as is our depth of understanding about the duality of The Force, the cuckolding of Greedo, and the canonicity of The Star Wars Holiday Special. We also learn how single player campaign for Battlefront II is deeply rooted in exciting stories from across the timeline and get deep into a game indu

The suspicious shakeups in the Star Wars Universe keep on coming! In this episode we discuss Colin Trevorrow being booted off Episode IX and the return of JJ Abrams. Along with this more-publicized director change is a promising switch of writers and the reoccurring suggestion that this pivotal film is even more serious than we know - wrapping not just this new trilogy, but uniting and concluding this trilogy of trilogies. Cap, Matt, and Doug also recap all the social media teases spinning out of the newly minted Solo - A Star Wars Story. Yeah, we don't love the title, so we made up some of our own. This summer, Ron Howard has been busy reshooting more of the film than expected. We discuss the cast that's been added and dropped, the major expanded universe surprises, and more. Plus, the first big batch of Last Jedi rumors (safely shielded behind our spoiler-proof blast doors) and new interpretations of the mystery presented by the looming Obi-Wan Kenobi film. For links and more info, head to the main episode

The final theatrical trailer for The Last Jedi is here - and we are overwhelmed. Join us as we unpack all that we know... or think we know... about the forthcoming Star Wars sequel. Unlike The Force Awakens, this film still has us grasping at straws for determining story beats and gleaning insight into character arcs. However, between this and the behind-the-scenes featurette, we're beginning to see the big picture. Rumors have been confirmed and the ominous conflicts between light, dark, and (most importantly) grey sides of The Force have taken shape. What's the F8 of Tr8tor? Who's the MVP of new cuteness -BB-H8 or the porgs? Will Santa Luke save Christmas? Where does The First Order get all those wonderful toys? We've got questions, and in some cases we've actually got answers. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: https://nerdyshow.com/2017/10/state-of-the-empire-episode-37-the-last-jedi-trailerLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices  See acast.com/privacy

One of the most exciting things to come from Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm was the chance to tell new Star Wars stories on the big screen - stories beyond the ever-continuing the episodic saga. Films exploring The Old Republic, Boba Fett finally having a chance to really earn that fan following, tales of smugglers, scoundrels, and smarmy aliens - anything is possible. The debut spin-off film, Rogue One, was a ballsy first foray into a bigger cinematic universe; and with that risk came a Hutt-load of trouble. Rogue One released to great acclaim and profit, but what hasn't yet come out is the real story of what went on behind the scenes. In the months following the film's release, the rumors about drastic, character-reshaping reshoots have become more and more substantiated and fragmented clues about the movie's original narrative have been scattered like the dust of Alderaan across numerous filmmaker interviews. Was Rogue One a bad film saved at the last minute? A better movie made safer by focus groups? Thi

In the era of fake news, no quadrant of the galaxy is safe from mind tricks. Yes, State of the Empire is your wacky, zany source for absurd rumors, but if we smell bantha poodoo, you'd better believe we're gonna call it out so you don't step in it. So forget all you know... or think you know about the Han Solo film and Lord and Miller's firing. Let Cap, Doug and Matt set you straight. In addition to tackling the new murmurs coming from the smouldering crater of the Han Solo implosion, we've got a new cache of Episode VIII action figure code names with some baffling implications, awe-inspiring and disconcerting plans from Disney's upcoming Star Wars attractions, musings on the forthcoming Indiana Jones film, upcoming comics, and a shocking amount of character and story details for the untitled Star Wars adventure project from Visceral Games. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: https://nerdyshow.com/2017/06/state-of-the-empire-episode-35-jedi-mind-tricksLearn more about your ad choices. Vis

There's been a great disturbance in the force. As if two bright voices in pop cinema set about making a Han Solo movie and were suddenly silenced. This week we received the shocking news that Phil Lord and Chris Miller had been fired from the young Han Solo film with only three weeks left to shoot. Changing creative directions early into a film is one thing, but a firing this late in production is catastrophic and highly unusual. We discuss this baffling development at length - why it might have happened, what it means for the modern era of Star Wars film making, who to believe, and what Ron Howard being brought in means for the Han Solo film (and Willow!). We also explore the latest on The Last Jedi including character reveals, rumor confirmations, leaked info from LEGOs, and behind the spolier-proof blast doors we even provide an outline of a sequence from the film. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: https://nerdyshow.com/2017/06/state-of-the-empire-34-lord-miller-fired-from-han-solo

If you're watching Star Wars Rebels, then chances are good you're anticipating episodes of this show more than the new films. It's a key component to establishing the galaxy as we know it when our Original Trilogy heroes come onto the scene in A New Hope, where the few good things to come from the Prequels live on, and a place for pieces of the lost Expanded Universe to live again. It's also home to an incredible cast of characters whose fates are 100% up in the air once the films take over. We recently learned that Rebels season 4 will end the series - all the tales that showrunner Dave Filoni wants to tell will have been told - and so the year to come is going to be filled with high tension and tremendous consequences. We explore the major arcs and moments from the close of season 3 and share everything we know about season 4... Including details on the debut episode which we were shown at Star Wars Celebration. All safely behind the spoiler-proof blast doors, of course. For links and more info, head to

We were on-site at Star Wars Celebration 2017 - both in the room for the most coveted panels and experiences, and in the trenches wading through the most merciless lines in the galaxy. As with any Celebration there were thrills and tears; like when George Lucas, Harrison Ford, and John Williams all appeared unannounced and presented a stirring tribute to Carrie Fisher. We saw unseen clips from The Clone Wars, an all-new episode of Rebels, and other assorted goodies, but surprisingly the overall news and announcements we've come to expect from past Celebrations was light. When has that ever stopped us? If you know State of the Empire, you know that our Force powers of precognition are strong; so join Cap, Doug, and Matt as we journey into a veritable Dagobah cave of nuanced news and subtle hints you may have missed. And, of course, we're discussing the first teaser trailer for Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. There's a lot of complex context loaded into that simple trailer, so let us be your holocron, sh

Star Wars Celebration is in less than a week, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi is eight months away, the Han Solo anthology film is in nearly a year... and all that's just the visible half of this veritable Star Wars sarlaac pit. Lucasfilm has a plan for us all; and that's to be blissfully digesting space stories for over a thousand years. Or... not? We've got some hot new intel about what's to come - intel that could very well be confirmed in this coming week - and not only does that involve some exciting, long-rumored film projects but also a shockingly tactful return to Star Wars scarcity before the next trilogy. There's lots of provocative details to discuss. Plus: the latest casting surprises and details behind VIII and Han Solo, fascinating things happening in comics and novels, and Willow Watch wherein we learn of a new Willow ally and put out a call to celebrate the film's 30th in a big way. For links and more info, head to the main episode page: http://nerdyshow.com/2017/04/state-of-the-empire-31-the-fvi

State of the Empire is Nerdy Show’s Star Wars speculation podcast where we “look for news in Alderaan places”. At long last, we've seen it! Welcome to our Rogue One review! Ever wondered what it would be like if there was more "wars" in "Star Wars"? Wonder no more. The first "Star Wars Story" or "Anthology Film" or "Spin-Off" or whatever you want to call it is out, and it sets the pace for things to come in more ways than one. We're fresh from an opening night screening, and teeming with thoughts about this risk-taking, bold new venture for the Star Wars Universe. Join Cap, Doug, Matt, and Rex as we offer up a brief spoiler-free review and then open the blast doors for a full-on, heated discussion of the highs and lows of Rogue One. Did this motley crew of Rebels storm the beaches of our hearts? How drastic did the reshoots remix the film, and how painfully obvious were the changes? And for you die-hard State of the Empire fans out there -- how much of our rumors and speculation came true? Intercept our co

State of the Empire is Nerdy Show’s Star Wars speculation podcast where we “look for news in Alderaan places”. Rogue One is mere days away and the State of the Empire crew might as well be hopped up on spice, given their anticipatory euphoria. We've watched countless TV spots, international trailers, and taken in every shred of content leading up to the release. We've got a list of neat expanded universe tie-ins and details to look for and we've learned a lot about the film, but at this late hour the juiciest stuff is locked safely behind the blast doors for your spoiler-free pleasure. In the meantime, there's actually quite a lot to talk about that isn't Rogue One. Kathleen Kennedy has pulled back the veil a bit on the past couple years at Lucasfilm, surprising new lineage theories for Rey, more hints to an Obi-Wan film and casting news from Han Solo, big things happening in Star Wars Rebels, new info on the next Star Wars Battlefront title and Visceral's forthcoming game, Matt's strange Star Wars story fro

State of the Empire is Nerdy Show’s Star Wars speculation podcast where we “look for news in Alderaan places”. Like the Death Star, Rogue One looms ominously just beyond our atmosphere. We're starting to see the shape of it, but the film's air of mystery persists, even with new trailers and teasers. While there's still new news about the film to share, it's the rest of the Star Wars universe keeping us busy as we eagerly anticipate December 15th. Between the novel Ahsoka and the happenings in Star Wars Rebels, a new narrative is appearing in the galaxy: the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Join Cap, Doug, Matt, and Colin as we follow new clues. Much like how mention of kyber crystals seeded in books and TV led us to the imminent threat in Rogue One, we're seeing deeper explorations of The Force as we approach Episode VIII... and all paths point to a small hut on Tatooine. But, as the new Star Wars galaxy expands, is it falling apart? We've got a lot to discuss - and that's just the Star Wars part! We've also got on