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San Diego Comic-Con 2024 Recap – Back in the Groove and Better Than Ever!
Hey friends, what a fantastic time at San Diego Comic-Con 2024!

Image courtesy Comic-Con International

It was a tremendous change from last year’s event, which was lackluster due to the impact of the writers’ and actors’ strikes on the industry. I’m delighted that the writers and the actors could settle, making the event feel vibrant and alive again. Marvel Studios grand return to Hall H was a highlight, bringing back that nostalgic Comic-Con feeling. I also had the opportunity to attend press rooms for exciting upcoming projects like The Tower, a thrilling science fiction adventure, and True Noir: Peek Behind the Microphone, a gripping mystery series. I have linked my articles about both upcoming projects for your enjoyment.

The experience of attending Comic-Con is always an exhilarating mix of excitement and decision-making, akin to the famous dilemma may characters face. Navigating overlapping panels and events poses a delightful challenge, but the convention’s vibrant atmosphere and energy make it an unforgettable and thrilling experience.

It is a place where fans worldwide come together, united by their shared love for comics, movies, and pop culture. Included below is a video of where I began my adventures on Comic-Con Preview Night.
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Image courtesy FX Networks

I had the most fantastic time at this year’s Comic-Con, which felt like a triumphant comeback, bigger and better than ever. The event was packed with panels from my favorite shows, and I even got to catch sneak peeks of all the upcoming Marvel movies. Sadly, one of the highlights was the final panel for What We Do in the Shadows in Hall H. The panelists, including Matt Berry (Toast of London), Mark Proksch (The Office), Kristen Schaal (Bob’s Burgers), and Kayvan Novak (Syriana), joined via Zoom, with Kayvan hilariously staying in character the entire time. It’s too bad that Natasia Demetriou (Stath Lets Flats) and Harvey Guillen (Blue Beetle) couldn’t make it. Unfortunately, I missed out on attending that panel due to a prior commitment but include the panel courtesy Films That Rock.
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Image courtesy Marvel Studios

This year, the spotlight was on the highly anticipated superhero movie starring Deadpool and Wolverine. There was intense speculation about whether the film would be featured at Comic-Con, and the decision was made to host a massive panel at Hall H. The preparation for this panel was a mad scramble, highlighting its significance. Unlike the usual practice of allowing fans to stay in the room for subsequent panels, this time, it was different, adding to the event’s anticipation and excitement. The process of admitting fans into Hall H was riddled with last-minute challenges, resulting in a chaotic situation.

A massive queue extended around the waterfront and beyond, with an estimated ten thousand people waiting to enter a space designed for six thousand. I found myself among the hopeful attendees. When the room reached its capacity, ushers had to inform the waiting fans that there was no more room, leading to a slow dispersal of the disappointed crowd.

Deadpool Drone Light show image courtesy Newsbreak

The fantastic experience in Hall H where the fortunate attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a panel featuring the talented cast of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, along with director Shawn Levy, followed by a screening of the movie.

Additionally, there was a stunning drone light show outside the convention center after the panel which showcased captivating images of Deadpool and other exciting visuals from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Unfortunately, I had already returned to my hotel and missed the show, but I managed to catch glimpses of it on social media. Panel courtesy Films That Rock.
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Chris Hemsworth Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR

I enjoyed attending the Transformers One panel, expertly moderated by Anthony Breznican.

The esteemed panel featured the likes of producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, director Josh Cooley, and some of the talented voice cast, including Keegan-Michael Key (Key and Peele), Brian Tyree Henry (Bullet Train), and Chris Hemsworth (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga).

As the animated movie is set to hit theaters on September 20th, the conversation delved into the profound impact of the Transformers cartoon on the upbringing of certain male cast members.

Keegan-Michael Key Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR

They fondly reminisced about rushing home after school, hastily making a sandwich, and eagerly tuning in to their beloved series. Keegan-Michael Key expressed how surreal it felt to be involved in anything related to Transformers, describing it as a dream come true and a significant highlight in his career. He also found it enjoyable because the key individuals involved were passionate Transformers fans with an extensive knowledge of the lore and intricacies of the universe, surpassing that of most fans. Panel courtesy of Films That Rock..
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Image courtesy Gaslamp Quarter Dot Org

The atmosphere in San Diego during Comic-Con is extraordinary. The bustling historic Gaslamp Quarter District and the nearby hotels extend the convention experience with their unique offerings. You can find restaurants creatively transformed into themed spots, such as the Star Trek Energize Lounge, and don’t miss the Comic-Con Art Show featured at the prestigious Manchester Grand Hyatt. These unique offerings allow fans to immerse themselves in the excitement of the convention, even if they can’t secure a spot inside the main venue.

The convention is at its peak on Friday and Saturday, as major studios unveil their most highly-anticipated projects in Hall H. Enthusiastic fans can often be seen camping out or waiting line line for days in advance, eagerly vying for the best seats in the first few rows to ensure they don’t miss a minute of the action and to capture stunning photos.

The dedication is remarkable, with some fans even camping out on preview night to secure a prime spot for panels featuring powerhouse shows in the past like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead. This tradition of passion and commitment has always been a defining characteristic of the convention.

Image courtesy Marvel Studios

As Marvel made its triumphant return to Comic-Con, the sprawling lines of Hall H were alive with anticipation, mirroring the buzz of years past. Kevin Feige’s tantalizing teasers about upcoming Marvel projects had fans eagerly queuing to glimpse the future. The air crackled with excitement as rumors circulated about a possible appearance by the cast of The Fantastic Four, sending pulses racing throughout the crowd. The anticipation and excitement for these upcoming projects were palpable, leaving fans eager for more.

Giancarlo Esposito with Anthony Macke Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR

In Hall H on Saturday, enthusiastic fans were treated to an array of exciting new trailers and announcements for upcoming movies.

The cast of Captain America: Brave New World, including Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker), Danny Ramirez (Top Gun: Maverick), Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian), and Harrison Ford (Air Force One), appeared to offer a sneak peek of the teaser trailer. Following that, the cast of the Thunderbolts*, featuring David Harbour (Stranger Things) (in costume), Florence Pugh (Oppenheimer), Sebastian Stan (Avengers: Endgame), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep), made a dramatic entrance by presenting their teaser trailer. Panel courtesy of Films That Rock.
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Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR

The highly anticipated cast of The Fantastic Four: First Steps made a memorable trip from London to attend the panel, showing their dedication to their fans even before the start of filming for this new highly anticipated science fiction film.

The star-studded cast features Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear).

Florence Pugh Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR

This version of The Fantastic Four will depart from previous iterations, with a distinct 1960s aesthetic permeating the entire movie. During rehearsals in London, Vanessa Kirby expressed her feelings about the strong bond that has formed among the cast, likening it to a real superhero family.

She hopes this close-knit dynamic will translate to the screen in the upcoming film set to be released on July 25th, 2025, coinciding perfectly with Comic-Con 2025. Interviews courtesy Entertainment Weekly.
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Robert Downey Jr. Image courtesy Marvel Studios

There was a sense of anticipation at the event as cloaked figures marched onto the stage, leaving fans eager to see what surprises awaited them. The Russo Brothers were announced to return to the MCU to direct Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Amidst the excitement, the audience awaited the announcement of who would play Doctor Doom. As a cloaked figure stepped forward and removed its mask, it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer) would be taking on the role. The announcement was met with shock and mild disappointment from some die-hard Doctor Doom fans, but the excitement in Hall H was palpable as cheers erupted at the news. Downey expressed his enthusiasm for portraying complicated characters, and fans can look forward to seeing both MCU movies in May 2026 and May 2027. It will be interesting to see how The Russo Brothers handle Avengers: Doomsday, especially with critical eyes watching closely. Panel courtesy FilMonger.
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Pedro Pascal Image by Lori of WormholeRiders #TeamWHR

I hope you enjoy my highlights recap of my time at Comic-Con.

Attending this event is always exhausting but incredibly enjoyable. It’s incredible to be part of a gathering where all things related to pop culture, fantasy, gaming, and comic books are enthusiastically embraced.

The sense of belonging among fellow fans and the legendary talent presented in San Diego for Comic-Con is genuinely uplifting.

In closing for now, thanks again to Gary Miereanu from GT Marmots/PR, Inc. for allowing me to attend the Press Rooms for The Tower and True Noir to interview the incredibly talented individuals involved with those fabulous entertainment efforts.

Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. Kenn will be back in the near future for Team WHR with more of the excitement from San Diego Comic-Con 2024!

Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.

See You on The Other Side!

Until next time,

Regards,

Lori
September 7, 2024
The Mandalorian Season 3 From Mandalore to Salvation!
Hello, My Fellow Fans of The Mandalorian,

Image courtesy Disney Plus

Even though superb season three has ended, there is still much to discuss as we wait in avid anticipation for season four.

I particularly enjoyed certain character arcs this season and how things have changed for the better for a few characters.

Therefore, I will not be recapping episode by episode but instead giving my thoughts about the overall impressions of the season. I know this season was not as action-packed and adventure driven as the previous seasons, and I am okay with that. Even though some episodes veered a bit off-subject, each episode would eventually make sense in the grand scheme as the creators lay a solid foundation for more episodic seasons in the future.

There will be spoilers in this post, so if you have not seen Season 3 yet, stop now. I loved seeing the relationships shift and change this season, especially between Bo-Katan (Katee Sackhoff) and Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) that were established in the official trailer for season three.
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Image courtesy Disney Plus

When we first see Bo-Katan, she is sulking, bitter, disillusioned, and isolated in her castle, surrounded by only a few droids. Her world that she knew shattered, and her destiny changed when Mando won the Darksaber, not her (which Mando ultimately gave back to her during season three).

As much as Bo-Katan is against the cult-like ways of certain factions of Mandalorians, the one she fiercely adheres to is the folklore of the dark saber. Bo’s journey changed significantly when she and Mando traveled back to Mandalore for him to redeem himself in the “living waters” of the planet. Upon entering the waters, Mando either fell off the edge or was sucked down by something. Bo quickly dove in and saved her friend.
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Image courtesy Disney Plus

As she ascended back to the surface with an unconscious Mando, she caught a glimpse (we all did) of the Mythosaur. As fans, I can tell you that we all were wowed by seeing the mythical, legendary creature in live-action. It was just a glimpse, not a complete view, but it was enough to shake Bo to her core. She talked to Mando about growing up on Mandalore as part of the royal family and just read from the plaque about the Mythosaur.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

To my delight there were quite a few recurring characters that showed up again as part of the story, Dr. Pershing (Omid Abtahi), Elia Kane (Katy M. O’Brian), Greef Karga (Carl Weathers), and Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee all adding more substance to the tapestry of The Mandalorian.

Of course the villain we were all waiting to see return, Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) was the best of all since fans suspected he had not been sent to prison in previous episodes of the story. Adding more plot points and texture to what we knew up until that point was enjoyable as Giancarlo discussed at the Star Wars Live celebration this year.
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Image courtesy Disney Plus

Guest stars have always been an excellent addition to the Mandalorian universe, and this season was no exception. We did get some that were a bit unexpected, for example, Jack Black, Lizzo, Christopher Lloyd, and Tim Meadows. While it is great to see them, it can also be a distraction as fans are either excited to see them in the series or scratching their heads as to why they are in this series and what they have to do with the plot. I trust that Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau know what they are doing regarding such characters.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

We briefly hinted at Order 66 and Grogu’s rescue from that horrible but well done scene in season two. What we did not get in season two was who was the person that rescued Grogu. Many fan theories have been from Cal Kestis to other Jedi to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). No one expected it to be Kelleran Beq (Ahmed Best); the last time most of us saw Ahmed Best was in Star Wars: Episode 1 -The Phantom Menace as Jar-Jar Binks, not a favorite character in the Star Wars universe. Seeing him again in live-action was beautiful as he has voiced many characters for video games and animated series. But we haven’t seen him in a live-action Star Wars role since. Even though Grogu and Kelleran escape on a Naboo Royal Guard ship, that is all the flashbacks we see. Grogu’s trauma is still with him and was triggered by the Armorer (Emily Swallow) forging a chest plate with the Mudhorn on it.
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Image courtesy Disney Plus

I loved seeing more of Grogu and his story as we did in the flashback to Order 66. I also loved seeing him use his skill in training to be a Mandalorian. He would be the second Mandalorian Jedi, the first being Tarre Vizsla. I want to see Grogu wield The Force like Yoda. We have only seen him use it to defend himself, Mando, or Bo-Katan. I also hope we hear him speak in the next or future seasons. We did get a taste of it when Grogu was in IG-12, which added a bit of comic relief to the episodes as the only two words that Grogu could “speak” were yes and no. He used NO more to his advantage than yes. It was a highlight for sure to see Grogu more animate than usual. What will happen to Grogu’s trauma, and how will it be resolved?

Image courtesy Disney Plus

Different delightful journeys happened in Season 3. Mando, himself, goes through a transition while helping Bo-Katan and understanding more of her side of the creed and what Mandalore meant to her and the other factions. Because Mando was raised on Concordia as a foundling of the Children of the Watch, he was unfamiliar with Mandalore and its citizens. We saw him and Bo team up. He became her second in command and fought side by side; he pledged his loyalty to her, as she saved his life twice already. Seeing him relinquish some of his lone-wolf status and be a part of a team was excellent. It was also lovely to see him FINALLY (although we all knew he was already) step into that father figure role and adopt Grogu as his son. Will Mando and Bo-Katan become romantically involved? I hope not; it will cheapen the series and do a disservice.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

One character that had a change of heart was Paz Vizsla (Jon Favreau), especially toward Bo-Katan. Paz was initially skeptical and downright ornery toward Bo, but once she proved her worth to him and the others, his loyalty changed, and he became a Bo believer. Paz’s unfortunate demise at the Praetorian Guards‘ hands was epic. He fought like a champ and died a hero. I always love the dark characters that Star Wars introduces, like the Praetorian Guard, modeled after real Roman bodyguards of the highest caliber assigned to protect the Emperor. Seeing him sacrifice himself for others was sad, but this is the way!
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Image courtesy Disney Plus

Seeing Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito) again was incredible. Giancarlo plays villains like nobody else and has a knack for portraying them so well. He performs it with arrogance, narcissism, rage, anger, and pain. Certain actors can perfectly show evil or unsavory characters, and he is one of them. He is one of those actors you love to hate because he is skilled at being bad. Fans have speculated what may have happened to Moff at the end of the episode because as he was engulfed in flames, he was also wearing the fourth-generation beskar armor he found on Mandalore. Theories are that Moff is not dead and escaped just as the fire destroyed him. He was burned much like Anakin (Hayden Christensen) before he became Darth Vader. We will have to wait and see in the next season. We do find out what Gideon was using Grogu’s blood for. He was building himself (at least trying to) force-sensitive Gideon clones. How scary is that thought?

Image courtesy Disney Plus

The episode ends with Din volunteering Grogu as his apprentice to take the creed and become a Mandalorian. This scene broke the internet, hearing Din Djarin say, “Then I will adopt him as my own,” and the Armorer replying, “This is the way.” I do not doubt that Mandalorian fans worldwide cheered loudly when he said those words. “You are now Din Grogu, Mandalorian apprentice.” That statement confused fans as we all thought Din was Mando’s first name, but apparently, it was not. The final shot of the episode is of Mando and Grogu at their homestead, Mando relaxing on the porch, and Grogu using the force to levitate a frog.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

In conclusion, I loved this season. Yes, parts could have been more cohesive and straightforward, but overall I was happy to see what transpired and where the next season will take us. We should see Moff Gideon again and possibly Grand Admiral Thrawn. Mando’s journey has not ended, as he mentioned. He will again be the muscle for hire, but only for specific jobs, as he is now officially a father with a nice home provided by Greef Karga.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

Here are my final thoughts regarding season three and some fans’ disappointment. Not every season will satisfy you, and it happens with every series. There will be seasons that are better than others, and fans will disagree on which season is better, and that’s okay. The difference for me regarding The Mandalorian is that the showrunners, Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau, know the material better than anybody except George Lucas. They have consumed every aspect of Star Wars since the beginning and know the canon, folklore, mystique, and deep dives. I trust their vision and that they will get us where we need to go. Regardless of how they get us there, I will always be a fan of The Mandalorian and am looking forward to the next season and more to come. I have spoken and as everyone knows: This is the Way!

Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. We will be back soon with more analysis about our favorite television series, movies and conventions in this year and beyond with our next images and reports coming LIVE from San Diego!

Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.

See You on The Other Side!

Until next time,

Regards,

Lori
May 18, 2023
Willow – The Epic Saga Continues!
Welcome Willow lovers

Image courtesy Disney Plus

Growing up in the 1980s, I was exposed to many great fantasy films that have left an indelible mark on my life. One of those films is the 1988 film Willow, directed by Ron Howard with the story by the legendary George Lucas and written by Bob Dolman.

Movies like Willow bring a sense of adventure, wonder, humor, fantasy, and a deep love of storytelling that has been a part of movie making since the beginning. So when I heard whispers about Willow again in the last few years, I prayed to the movie gods that it would not be remade. I was hoping for a sequel.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

Instead, we heard word that there was going to be a series on Disney plus. I was elated to hear that, as the story of Willow and Elora Danan (Ellie Bamber) was far from over. A great aspect of the series is that in the first season conclusion, an alternate version of Elora appeared in a nod to the alternate versions of Fringe characters more than a decade ago. An Elora series would also give the creators and writers more freedom to expand that universe.

Movies with a certain nostalgia for them become a beloved part of the fandom or even a standard by which all subsequent fantasy movies should use as a template. Willow was my The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring before the actual movies came to be. Willow had everything you could have wished for…magic, folklore, good, evil, sorcery, swashbuckling swordsman, humor, adventure, and a reluctant hero who saves the day. Willow is so beloved that I wept tears of joy when I finally saw a teaser trailer for the series. That trailer brought me back to that place decades ago when I first saw Willow and how watching it made me feel. It had all the elements that made the movie great.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

I was also thrilled to see two beloved cast members reprising their roles in the series. Joanne Whalley (Sorsha) and Warwick Davis were back for the Willow, making the series much more wonderful. Of course, the one person fans all wanted to see rejoin the series was Val Kilmer as Madmartigan. Unfortunately, we did not get Val, as he has been sick from throat cancer for the last few years. Madmartigan was such an integral part of the original film that his absence was missed. I am glad the creators decided not to recast him or use deep fake to bring him back but instead chose to keep him in the fold by being mentioned several times throughout the series. The series creators cast Dempsey Bryk (Airk), who bears a resemblance to a young Val Kilmer.

I had the utmost faith in Disney plus because so far, all the series (at least the ones I have seen) have been massive hits, and with Ron Howard as an executive producer, I felt confident the series would be everything the movie was and more. My expectations were higher than they usually would be, considering how much I love the original film. I also had confidence that the budget for creatures, costumes, and sets would be epic, with Disney backing the series.
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Willow The Series:

Image courtesy Disney Plus

Now, onto my review. The first episode was written by creator Jonathan Kasdan whose legacy with Lucas Film is the second generation.

The episode’s opening starts with the beginning of a weathered book titled Willow and the voice-over by Sorsha and what the original story had been. It immediately brought me back to the 80s again, and I remember seeing the movie for the first time.
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Image courtesy Disney Plus

I loved parts of the series, especially the locations and associated cinematography, but sadly, there is more wrong with it (in my opinion) than is right with it. The creators did a disservice to the film by modernizing parts of it. There is enough love of the original film by people of my generation that not updating it would have been fine. I was also expecting more practical effects like in the original movie but it looks like there was more CGI. I was hoping we would not see Elora Danan so early in the series; I was hoping she would show up in episode 3 or 4. The writer, Jonathan Kasdan, made it too obvious who Elora was from the clues he left for the viewer. I wouldn’t say I liked the use of modern slang or language in the series, as most fantasy films/series do not use modern vernacular; it takes me out of the experience.

I did appreciate Sorsha saying to Kit (Ruby Cruz), when she complained about how tough and controlling her mother was, Sorsha replied “If you think I’m tough, you should have met mine,” meaning her mother, Bavmorda (Jean Marsh). I loved that little nod to the original film and how it all tied together with the bloodline. Also enjoyable is that the cast obviously shared many enjoyable moments.
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Image courtesy Disney Plus

I also loved the creatures and how they presented them—especially the one with the whips that reminded me of a scorpion tail. I also loved seeing Sorsha wield her serrated sword again, bringing back to the fold the movie and her skills as a fighter. The original music of the original film again brought back nostalgia and fit perfectly. I also appreciated that characters, Cherlindrea (Maria Holvoe) and Raziel (Patricia Hayes) were mentioned regarding the barrier. Finally, seeing Willow Ufgood (Warwick Davis) was emotional for me; he is such a beloved character, and to see him again was like seeing an old friend.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

The use of modern music didn’t fit in the series for me. I am not sure why contemporary music needed to be incorporated into the series when the music by James Horner was iconic and so recognizable. Hearing modern music took me out of the story and frankly made no sense in the context of the series. Elora Danan (Ellie Bamber) sounded a bit daft when speaking. It also made me wonder if she had any intelligence at all. Growing up in the castle and with the stories of Elora Danan in the ether, you would think that since she found out she was the chosen one, she would have a bit more clarity and responsibility for her destiny.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

In episode 3, written by Wendy Mericle and John Bickerstaff, there is an excellent line by Boorman (Amar Chadha-Patel) “your generation has zero attention span for epic tales” when I heard that, I laughed out loud and thought that is precisely what I think when it comes to the younger generation not knowing older films. I also found it odd that Kit suddenly couldn’t defend herself when she was doing quite well in the first episode against Jade (Erin Kellyman), plus the fact that she is Madmartigan and Sorsha’s daughter. Also nice was the casting of Warwick Davis’ daughter as Mims (Annabelle Davis).

Image courtesy Disney Plus

The two women that Elora encountered in the forest, Hubert (Hannah Waddingham) and Anne (Caoimhe Farren) looked so out of place. Their costumes didn’t fit in the genre. They looked more like they would be in the old west, not in that fantasy era. I was expecting more adventure regarding the fights. I wanted something similar to The Witcher, because the battles in that series spoiled me. If you are going to use a song like “Enter Sandman” by Metallica, use the original version of the song, not a watered-down version. With the bleak ending of episode 3, the original version would have made more sense than the version they used.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

Fast forward to episode 8, titled Children of the Wyrm, written by Rayna McClendon and Jonathan Kasdan and directed by Jaime Childs. Lili’s costume (Rosabell Laurenti Sellers) made no sense in the series. It looked modern and fashionable, not what you would expect for a vessel of the Crone. I was hoping they would use practical effects when showing The Crone (Jane Carr), but it doesn’t look like they did.

The one part that truly baffled me was using the Bruce Springsteen song “I’m on Fire” during Elora’s imagined wedding scene. The song was steeped in controversy when it was released and seems like an odd choice for the wedding scene again; the original version was not used. The last song of the episode was “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits. “The song talks about the rock star excess and the easy life it brings compared to the people who grind at work 24/7”. Unfortunately, that song has no context for the series. If you intend to use modern music, at least use groups like Rush or Led Zeppelin that wrote about mystical, fantastical themes.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

The end credits scene alluded to a second and possibly third season (volumes, if you will) as the viewer sees a volume of books that read Willow Volume 1, Volume 2, and Volume 3. No word on if this is official from Disney yet, but I am hoping that if there are two more seasons, they will take a hard look at the critiques of die-hard fans and apply what works and take out what doesn’t.

I am not giving up hope yet for the series. I will hold out for a second season and see where it goes. I hope Kasdan will revisit the original film and get Ron Howard to direct the series. I would also love to see Bryce Dallas Howard in the director’s chair; she is a great director and knows that genre well, as her episodes of The Mandalorian are some of the most popular.

I can be a snob regarding beloved films; I am sorry if I come off as harsh regarding this series. I had to speak my mind as a massive fan of the original and hope for a larger budget and finer focus on the Willow mythology.

Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. We will be back soon with more analysis about our favorite television series, movies and conventions in this year and beyond!

Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.

See You on The Other Side!

Until next time,

Regards,

Lori
February 1, 2023
Stern Pinball – Making Your Pop Culture Dreams Come True at SDCC 2022!
Hello, My Fellow WormholeRiders Pinball Enthusiasts!

Image courtesy Comic-Con International

With Comic-Con 2022 firmly in the past and me fully recovered from the whirlwind again, I begin my coverage of the Pop-Culture event that returned for the first time in three years when I had the exquisite pleasure of interviewing Jody Dankberg, Senior Director of Licensing and New Business Development of Stern Pinball for Team WHR on July 21, 2022. And what a wonderful Pin-Ball gaming experience it was!

As a child of the 80s, video games and pinball were a staple at the local arcade. I was one of those awkward kids that used to stand for hours and pump quarters into the pinball machines, trying to hit that top score and add your name to the list of legends already there. I have always been a huge fan of pinball, so when the opportunity arose to interview Jody, I jumped at the chance. I include a video sample of the great Stern Pinball games below for your enjoyment.
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Image by Lori Glumac for WormholeRiders News Agency

Stern Pinball specializes in unique and pop culture pinball machines. From classic tv shows and movies like Batman ‘66, Star Trek and The Munsters to ones from music icons such as Rolling Stones, AC/DC and Kiss.

It was so cool to see all the literal bells and whistles that these games come with. The way the player can be interactive with the game is incredible. Just looking at all the cool hidden gems that are part of each game is really a treat for those of us that remember the shows or movies.

The newest Stern Pinball editions are Led Zeppelin and Rush, complete with flashing lights and symbols from their most famous songs. Here in my hometown of San Francisco there are a multitude of bars and arcades that feature many of the incredible games from Stern. We include the the Stern Pinball Rush Edition video below for your enjoyment.
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Image by Lori Glumac for WormholeRiders News Agency

One of the places I have gone to several times is the Emporium, an arcade and bar that features several of these games. I have had the pleasure of playing these incredibly fun games and it is not easy. Pinball requires good hand eye coordination. You must make sure to hit those targets and make the bells ring. Some games, like Stranger Things (video included below), you must get the ball in the Demogorgon’s mouth, no easy task. You get three tries and if not, well then back to the upside down it goes.

Speaking with Jody, who is a guru of pinball, I learned a little more about what pinball is and why it has always been such a fun game to play. There will be an exciting announcement of new games in the Fall and toward Christmas.

My first question to him is why is pinball so popular? His answer was that his “objective was when he became a part of the company 13 years ago that he turns pinball into the popular game it once was” (and frankly in my opinion always has been). There is “such a high demand now for games not only from the core customers but so many casual folks, families, younger fans and even little kids.” He mentioned the folks at The Emporium who are great friends of Stern and from Chicago as well. Their pinball machines are also demanded in places like Nashville and Las Vegas. “They are giving you entertainment and nostalgia; the nostalgia brings you in” Jody had said about why these machines are played more. “It is something, social, it is something fun, it gets you out, it also brings people together. It can be something you do by yourself…” to me this is another reason pinball is so vital to the gaming community.

Image by Lori Glumac for WormholeRiders News Agency

Stern Pinball has a program call the Stern Heads-Up Pinball Invitational which is a competitive show that is available to watch on YouTube for the competitive pinball players. He mentioned that there is the Godzilla pinball being released very soon. There were two rooms dedicated to these incredible pinball machines at the Marriott Marquis. Entering the room was fun and all you could see were the fans playing the machines like Deadpool, Jurassic Park and one of the newest music ones Rush. There was a big Godzilla figure in the room as the hint of what is to come from Stern.

Being a global company that ships all over the world, “when we obtain a license, it must be known all over the world, everywhere. From Australia, to here in the States, to Europe, South America.” Jody stressed that the license being global and widely known makes for a good game. With games like The Mandalorian (video below) with a small Grogu and his force wielding powers or Godzilla there are good guys and bad guys, battles, etc., which makes for a fun game. You want to combine a really A+ title, with fun and that is a winning success. The do have different genres as well, sci-fi, music, retro, tv shows, cultural zeitgeist such as The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things. He mentioned that he is always thinking about what the next one is. He had mentioned the television show The Boys, who knows that will be in the works soon, fingers crossed.
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Image by Lori Glumac for WormholeRiders News Agency

When I asked Jody what his favorite pinball machine was growing up, he mentioned that his grandfather owned an arcade (how perfect) in Tucson, Arizona and he would spend a lot of time there when he was little. He remembers that when nighttime came the older kids would come in, “with their mustaches and long hair, smoking cigarettes,” they would play the pinball machines. He did mention some of the older games that he wished he were exposed to like Flash Gordon, because he loved that movie (I mean who does not love it?). For the time, the Flash Gordon game was an innovative, neat game to have around, made cool sounds and was just very nostalgic for him. I can totally relate to what Jody is saying, it is those nostalgic games, movies, television shows that need to be revived for the simple fact that they will always be cool. It is also another way for the current generation to be exposed to those iconic movies, shows and pop culture of that era. He mentioned that one game he would love to have been the Robocop game. There is one at Logan Arcade in Chicago, so if you are in the Chicago area and want to experience what it is like to be Robocop, stop on by.

I asked Jody out of the current ones that are out right now which one is his favorite. He mentioned that he “comes from the music business and my heart and soul is really into music” two bands he mentioned were Iron Maiden and Metallica. Between those two powerhouse mega metal groups Metallica is his favorite. The music inspired games from Led Zeppelin and Rush, two of the most iconic and beloved bands in the world, held a bit of fond memories for him. Jody remembers his father showing him those albums and listening to the music while sitting on the floor of his home, and now he gets to collaborate with them, talk about dream come true!
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My last question was a bit of a mystery, and I am okay with that. I asked him what would be his “dream themed game.” He said that “people that know me, know the answer to that question, he couldn’t reveal the answer” because well…I will leave it at that. They are working on his dream theme; he could only tell me that it is retro and something from his childhood. I am looking forward to seeing what incredible theme Stern has coming down the pipeline. It is something “dear to his heart, he is really excited about it,” since Jody and I are of the same generation, I am also excited to see what that new dream theme machine that is coming.

This interview was so much fun, and I learned a lot about a game that I grew up with and dearly love. I want to thank Jody Dankberg and Stern Pinball for giving me this very cool and fun interview to start off my Comic-Con 2022 adventure. Please support your local arcades and check out Stern’s Youtube Channel or web site by clicking their banner above to find these incredible games near you!

Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. We will be back soon with more analysis about our favorite television series, movies and conventions in this year and beyond!

Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.

See You on The Other Side!

Until next time,

Regards,

Lori
August 6, 2022
San Diego Comic-Con 2022 – It’s Finally Here and I Am So Excited!
Hello my fellow Comic-Con nerds from around the world!

Image courtesy Comic-Con International

It is FINALLY here; we are just four days (as of this post) away from San Diego Comic-Con 2022 in person. That’s right, in person! Team WHR and our many friends will roam the corridors and beloved halls at the San Diego Convention Center once again. It has been three long years since we were able to walk those hallowed halls. I am very excited to be back; there will still be COVID protocols, and some of the significant displays won’t be down there. However, that is okay; we will survive!

Image courtesy Paramount Pictures

Let’s start with the first day of Comic-Con, July 21, 2022. Some great panels are happening on this day. To start, the mega Hall H program is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. No word on what cast members will be in attendance, but it does have a pretty impressive cast, Chris Pine, Hugh Grant, Rege-Jean Page, and Michelle Rodriguez. I am not a D&D player, but I can appreciate all those who do. I also understand it because of my love for Stranger Things and how it uses D&D throughout the series.
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Image courtesy The Cannon Group

The mega Hall H has some great panels for this year’s con. It always does and becomes the most sought-after ticket (wristband) in town. Thursday will also give us Masters of the Universe: 40 Years will be gracing us with the power of Grayskull! I am excited about that panel because I watched that cartoon when I was younger, and the 1987 movie starring the incomparable Dolph Lundgren who is one of my all-time favorite cult movies. Dolph is also going to be there, according to his social media account.

Image courtesy Disney Plus

Moving onto Ballroom 20, the little sister of Hall H will also feature an array of panels. Most of the featured panels are the upcoming big, hopefully, blockbuster series or movies starting in the fall. The Disney+ series National Treasure: Edge of History is “an expansion of the hit film franchise” that originally starred Nicolas Cage (who is not announced as returning to the series) and Justin Bartha who is returning as the much loved character Riley Poole. The series cast of Lisette Olivera, Jake Austin Walker, and Lyndon Smith will be appearing at the panel. The new Apple + series Severance, directed by Ben Stiller, will also be featured. I have not seen the series but have heard incredible things about it.
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Image courtesy Salvage Marines

Comic-Con is not only about the big blockbuster, mega movies, or series; it also showcases smaller series or comics that are not as well-known but are certainly not less loved. For example, there is a panel about Godzilla from Toho Studios that I would love to see or the thirtieth anniversary of Spawn. The smaller rooms make it easier to see your favorite stars up close as they do not hold as many as the two mega halls. One of the long waited such jewels is Casper Van Dien from Starship Troopers who will headline a panel for his new streaming series, Salvage Marines. I have always been a big fan of his. This wonderful panel will be in the more intimate Room 7ABC in the main convention center featuring Jennifer Wenger, Peter Shinkoda, Kevin Porter, Shane Graham, and Linara Washington. Team WHR suggests you stop by to see him and the cast of this fun new series!
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Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

If you ever found yourself without a ticket to Comic-Con, you can still have fun. There are many off-sites at the back of the Convention Center and across from Petco Park. The Gaslamp is also always festive, with themed restaurants and interactive booths. It is also fun to see all the people dressed in costumes. That is one of my favorite parts of being at Comic-con, seeing all the fantastic, creative, bizarre, obscure costumes people have come up with. I am sure that with the pandemic, people have been able to work on and perfect their ensembles much more. I do not doubt that I will be seeing a horde of The Mandalorian and Grogu floating around.

Image courtesy Amazon Studios

Friday and Saturday are always the most prominent days at Comic-Con, not only for the fabled Hall H, but in general across SDCC 2022. Most people come those days because they know the BIG panels happen then. Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, the prequel to The Lord of the Rings, will be in Hall H on Friday. The Walking Dead and Tales of the Walking Dead, Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR: The Immortal Saga Continues are the big ones that people will be camping out for to get into Hall H.
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Image courtesy AMC

Saturday has Warner Brothers and Marvel Studios panels and one of my favorites, the new AMC series Interview with the Vampire based on Anne Rice’s beloved book.

Another is House of Dragon, the prequel to the popular series Game of Thrones. The significant draw will be Dwayne Johnson bringing the much-anticipated superhero film Black Adam with him. As a result, I will most likely spend most of my day in Hall H on Saturday July 23, 2022!
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Image courtesy FX Networks

With Sunday rounding out that incredible weekend, one of my favorite series will be back again for the third time, Mayans MC will bring most of the cast with them, and I feel a special announcement on whether we will get a fifth season. Another favorite FX Networks series is What We Do in the Shadows which will follow the Mayans MC panel. I am happy to see it is back, and in the mega Hall H, it deserves all the praise. Sundays are also great for getting those last-minute items you have been eyeing all week. Vendors are usually much better with bargains on Sunday so go haggle your heart out.

Image by WormholeRiders News Agency

I am surprised that a few of the staples typically at Comic-Con won’t be coming this year. For example, there is no Stranger Things panel, Cobra Kai, or The Witcher panel. I think that many studios are not going to risk their talent getting sick, especially if they are in the middle of, or just starting to shoot again. Even though those shows will not be there, there are plenty of other things to keep attendees occupied. Warner Brothers and Fox will not have big booths or signings this year. I am okay with that because it tends to make everything bottleneck and cause more chaos than the vendors room floor already has. I am sure that by 2023 everything will be back to normal, and we can partake in Comic-Con the way we always have in the past.

Well, my friends, that is all for now! The next time you hear from Team WHR, it will be from the convention itself! My excitement is getting more and more as each day comes closer to preview night! Stay tuned for my reviews and pictures from the SDCC 2022!

Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. We will be back soon with more analysis about our favorite television series, movies and conventions in this year and beyond!

Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.

See You on The Other Side!

Until next time,

Regards,

Lori
July 16, 2022
The Book of Boba Fett: The Man Behind The Mythical Mask!
Hello, my fellow The Book of Boba Fett fans!

Images courtesy Disney Star Wars

In the Star Wars universe, there are many memorable characters. One of those unique characters is named Boba Fett. His legend and mythos have been a part of the Star Wars universe since The Empire Strikes Back and then again in Return of The Jedi, where he is knocked into the Sarlacc pit by a partially blind Han Solo (Harrison Ford).

For more than 30 years, we thought that was the last of that legendary bounty hunter until we saw him again in the Disney plus series The Mandalorian.

In Season 2, Episode 1 (Chapter 9: The Marshal), at the very end of the episode, we see a figure watching Mando (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu as they leave the area. Turning to the camera, we can see that the long assumed dead bounty hunter Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) is back from the dead.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

It was great to see this legendary character come back to life in the Star Wars universe. The collective reaction was overwhelmingly excellent and excited when it was announced (with a teaser end credit scene) that Boba Fett was getting his own Disney plus series.

The Book of Boba Fett series started in December 2021, and for me, it was yet another thing to look forward to closing out 2021. There will be spoilers for this series, so stop now if you have not watched it yet.
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Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

The initial reactions to the series were mixed, with expectations being more of a badass Boba Fett to the more subdued, wiser, and more philosophical Boba Fett. Instead, we were treated to flashbacks of how Boba Fett escaped the Sarlacc pit from the first episode. This question has plagued fans for years, and we were finally shown how it happened. The scene itself was pretty creepy but brilliantly directed by Robert Rodriguez.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

Seeing the inside of the Sarlacc pit and how Boba was entangled in the tentacles would make any viewer recoil. It was your worst nightmare come true; waking up in the dark, disoriented, and immobile, being slowly digested can make anyone terrified. Finally, the flight or fight instinct kicked in, and we saw Boba use his flamethrower to burn his way through to the surface and the sands of Tatooine. Crawling out of the Sarlacc pit to his freedom was more than satisfying to fans that have been waiting for this to happen for decades.
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Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

When it comes to the Star Wars universe and its lore, there is no better team than Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni to help navigate through that universe. With the blessing of George Lucas, both Favreau and Filoni took the helm of the spin-off series and added their terrific twist to the story arc. These creative genius’ showed us a side of Boba Fett that we never really saw in the original movies. Instead, we saw a man who had been fundamentally changed through his trauma. The series consisted of most episodes having flashbacks to Boba’s life after escaping the horrendous Sarlacc pit. These flashbacks occurred while Boba healed his visible wounds in the bacta tank. It showed him being found and captured by the Tusken Raiders or sand people.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

What we knew of the Tusken’s was akin to how the Indigenous people were viewed in the West of early America. We, as fans, always assumed that the Tusken’s were savages and killers, not knowing precisely what they indeed were. It was refreshing to finally see another side of the Tusken’s and how they lived than what we fans have known for years.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

Once Boba was accepted by the Tusken tribe, he began training with the gaffe stick, the sacred weapon that the Tusken people have been known to carry with them. We saw Boba yield this weapon in The Mandalorian, season 2 episode 6 (Chapter 14: The Tragedy), and wreck several Storm Troopers with a swift but brutal swipe of that legendary stick. We saw him suit up again in his fabled armor in that same episode. With his armor restored to its rightful owner, the bounty hunter we know and love returns with a vengeance. Annihilating a garrison of Storm Troopers in a rampage brought to life the myth that we have always known Boba to be.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

Because of these episodes in The Mandalorian, I think fans were expecting The Book of Boba Fett to showcase Boba as the badass bounty hunter in every episode. Instead, what we got was different, and I was delighted with what we received. Boba took over Jabba the Hutt‘s throne on Tatooine from Bib Fortuna and declared himself Daimyo; he said that he would rule the territory with respect and not fear as Jabba had done in the past. The flashbacks also showed us Boba as a young boy back on Kamino seeing the devastating effects that his father, Jango Fett’s, death took on him. All the trauma that Boba has experienced in his life, both as a young boy and a man, has shaped him into the man he has become.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

“You can only get so far without a tribe.” Boba had said to Fennec Shand (the fantastic Ming-Na Wen), referring to the Tusken tribe that accepted him as one of their own. That tribe that taught him their ways and, in turn, Boba taught them a bit about what he knew. The slaughter of his tribe was another traumatic event that added to his change and future decisions, especially when he finds out who it was that slaughtered them.
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Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

The series itself had elements of classic western and mafia themes and Eastern samurai themes running throughout the series. You could almost pinpoint precisely what elements were part of each episode by how it was shot and the other characters introduced into the series.

Boba has established rule was the opposite of how Fennec Shand had thought he would rule. The cunning assassin and right hand of Boba, Fennec, would have done it her way and most likely led with a bit of fear instead of respect. She may not have agreed with Boba at first, but eventually, it made sense to her and his decision. Fennec was also another voice for Boba to listen to, having gone through her journey and trauma to get where she is currently. It was nice to see how both actors meshed together and made one hell of a team. It was nice to see the balance out of opinions and strategies, the decisions made by the writers to show that was a brilliant move, in my opinion.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

I know that most fans of the series were disappointed that Boba did not use more of his bounty hunting skills in the series. We only saw glimpses of it throughout the series instead of a constant barrage in every episode. Most fans failed to see or did not want to know the man behind the iconic mask. They did not want to see the trauma that shaped him into the new man we see before us. In my opinion, it would have been a disservice to the character not to have him change and go through what he did to come out a changed man. It would be boring to see him constantly do nothing but fight and not the reason behind it.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

More Star Wars characters were introduced into this series as the series progressed. Characters in the animated series and the offshoots (like the comic book) come to life in live-action. Black Krrsantan (Carey Jones) was one such character, a meaner and more extensive version of the beloved Wookie Chewbacca. When you first see Black K (as he’s affectionately called), your first reaction is one of shock and awe.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

The mere presence of this gladiator-turned bounty hunter is formidable, to say the least, with his menacing stare stopping you cold. Black K and Boba have a history together in the comic book story, so seeing them on opposite sides made for a tense interaction. Again, we see how Boba decided not to engage the Wookie or the Hutts because he knew that bringing war instead of peace to Tatooine would defeat the purpose of the change he wanted to implement as the new Daimyo. Also, it was nice to see the very popular Grogu character near the end of the series.
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Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

The elements that most intrigued me were the ones that mirrored the mafia. The different families that were part of Tatooine, the Pyke Syndicate, and how Boba had gathered all the capos to discuss the business and protection that Boba would offer were reminiscent of many mafia movies that showed the same thing. It was as if you were watching an intergalactic commission with Boba being the Capo di Capi or the Don Vito Corleone of Mos Eisley. Because of this element of the series, my love for it grew more. I am fascinated with the mafia and that way of life that I have made a point to research and deep dive into the inner workings of that way of life. By doing so, I understood, probably better than most, why Boba was doing what he was doing made more sense than the fear people expected him to use. One of the most infamous gangsters and arguably the father of the modern American mafia, Charlie “Lucky” Luciano, said, “We cannot make money with guns in our hands,” which credited what Boba had set out to do, rule with respect, not fear.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

Boba wanted to rid the city of the “spice” trade (or drugs) that have been prevalent on Tatooine up to that point. He knew the Mayor Mok Shaiz (voiced by Robert Rodriguez) was tolerant and perhaps even involved with the spice trade and made it a point to let the mayor know that the spice trade and any other shady business with Boba in power would not be tolerated. The Mayor does not take kindly to the new Daimyo encroaching on his territory and sends assassins after Boba and Fennec. As the fight ensues, we see a bit of Boba using his skills to fight off the assassins sent to eliminate him. It was a quick fight with Fennec and Boba being the victors.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

I will admit that I have not watched the other offshoots of the Star Wars universe, such as Clone Wars or Rebels, but I do know (thanks to my geeky friends) the specific characters that are brought to life in this live-action series. From bringing in Cobb Vanth (Timothy Olyphant) and Black Krrsantan to giving the fans what they have been jonesing for a live-action Cad Bane (Corey Burton). The introduction of Cad Bane was nothing short of spectacular. The scene of Cobb Vanth noticing a shadowy figure approaching from the horizon is heavily influenced by Sergio Leone‘s films. Classic gunslinger tropes and standoffs in the middle of town were brought to life beautifully in this series. Again, there was no doubt that the Western and samurai tropes were prevalent in these particular episodes.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

The significance of Cad Bane showing up in the series means that Boba was making the families nervous. Bane being a gun for hire meant that whoever had the money, Bane had no qualms about doing a job no matter how criminal it was. Again, the meeting of Bane and Boba meant that there was a history between the two, albeit a rocky past, but one that could be exploited and used for pure adrenaline-fueled action. The irony of Bane calling Boba an “old man” is when Bane himself is living way past the typical life expectancy of his alien species. Bane accuses Boba of going soft since living with Tusken’s, with that statement hitting a nerve in Boba that makes his subsequent actions wholly justified.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

The Book Of Boba Fett also gave us fans another piece of iconic Star Wars lore. We got to witness Boba being given a Rancor as a gift by the Hutts. What made that even more special was the Rancor handler was none other than celebrated actor (and Robert Rodriguez staple) Danny Trejo. I could hear fans across the fandom yelling “MACHETE” once they saw Trejo grace their screen. Trejo is one of those treasured actors that has made an indelible mark on audiences that whenever they appear on screen, it undoubtedly brings a smile to fans everywhere. Fans were also treated to witnessing Boba ride that Rancor in episode 7 during a battle with Scorpenek droids. It was very cool to see the Rancor in action as the last time we saw any Rancor was in Return of the Jedi when Luke (Mark Hamill) came face to face with one. With the live-action Rancor, we got glimpses of both Godzilla and King Kong movies as the Rancor battled the droids and faced down Cad Bane.

Image courtesy Disney Star Wars

I love that with this series, elements of older movies again were prevalent and used as an homage. It was clear that the showrunners wanted to pay tribute to the film that shaped them as filmmakers and Lucas, whose influence is crucial to Star Wars as a whole. Adding in a bit of The Mandalorian and giving viewers a taste of what might come in The Mandalorian season 3 was great. It added another layer to the story that helped establish Boba’s loyal “tribe” around him.

I would love to go over every episode and reveal spoiler after spoiler, but I will refrain from that because I want you to watch the series and judge for yourself. To give the series a chance and look at it for the wonderfully complex series it is. The way the series was left, I am hoping for a second season. A LOT more can be told in this series; the story is far from over. Fingers crossed that Disney would give the green light to another fantastic season of The Book of Boba Fett so we can partake in more adventures with Boba and Fennec Shand.

Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. We will be back soon with more analysis about new television series, movies and conventions on our screens this year and beyond!

Please feel free to leave a comment here or If you prefer, you may also click the social media icons below to share this news article or as many of our readers and visitors often do, visit me on Twitter by clicking the links or images avatars in this news story.

See You on The Other Side!

Until next time,

Regards,

Lori
March 8, 2022
The Mandalorian: Bounty Hunter With A Conscience That We Love!
Hello friends of WormholeRiders,

The Mandalorian Season 2. Images courtesy Disney Studios

Are you ready to hear about the Disney plus series The Mandalorian?

I hope you loved it as much as I have. I am a Star Wars fan, but not fanatic, the franchise has always been a favorite of mine and will always have an incredibly special place in my heart. I was 5 years old when I saw the original Star Wars in 1977 at the Alexandria Theatre on Geary street here in San Francisco (sadly that theatre is no longer there). Over the years I have seen all the subsequent films that have come after the original three. As I have grown older, I have become a lifelong fan, I was so happy to hear that a series based on The Mandalorian was coming to Disney plus.

We were first introduced to the most famous Mandalorian, Boba Fett in Empire Strikes Back and again in Return of the Jedi. From those movies on we knew that whenever we saw those bounty hunters, we knew things were about to get interesting. The series picks up 5 years after Return, it is set during the New Republic that was established by The Alliance. The series is the brainchild of Jon Favreau who wrote 23 episodes, directed one and pretty much had a say in everything and anything that was to be involved in the series. Dave Filoni a lifelong Star Wars nerd executive produced the bulk of the series as well as directed and wrote two episodes. With the masterminds like these two gentlemen behind the series, there was no doubt that fans were going to get the series they had long desired.

The Mandolorian cast. Images courtesy Disney Studios

How Star Wars was influenced by the film The Hidden Fortress by Akira Kurosawa, Mandalorian is influenced by the Westerns of Sergio Leone as well as the Japanese film Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance by Kenji Misumi.

Seeing those movies and then watching the series you can clearly see the similarities and parallels. As someone who loves Leone’s Westerns and those Japanese films that influenced it, I knew from the get-go that I would love this series.

The Mandalorian – Cara Dune, Mando and Greef Karga. Image courtesy Disney Studios

The cast alone is another reason worth watching it for, it is a virtual goldmine of amazing actors, some of which are seen on screen or heard through their voices. Let us start with the Mandalorian himself voiced by Pedro Pascal from the Netflix series Narcos. Pedro may not be the actual man in the suit (you do see him donning the suit in a few episodes), but his emotion is still present and powerful. He is the “man with no name” the lone bounty hunter that roams the galaxy and finds work when he can. We do not find out Mando’s name (Din Djarin) until Chapter 8: The Redemption in a series that goes by chapters, not episodes.

The Mandolorian poster. Image courtesy Disney Studios

The great thing about having a series like The Mandalorian at Disney is the production value of the series. With a powerhouse like Disney behind you and the best technology in the business each chapter (episode) feels like a movie within itself. From the costumes (costume designers Joseph A. Porro and Shawna Trpcic) to the sets (set designer Amanda Moss Serino) to the music (Ludwig Göransson), it immerses you fully into that world and for that brief time you feel like you are right in the middle of the galaxy. Add in ILM (Industrial Light and Magic) to the mix and you have the perfect combination.

The Mandalorian – Giancarlo Esposito as the evil Moff Gideon. Image courtesy Disney Studios

In the first season we have a cast of characters beginning with Carl Weathers (Greef Karga), Gina Carano (Cara Dune), Werner Herzog (The Client), Nick Nolte (Kuiil), Taika Waititi (IG-11) Giancarlo Esposito (Moff Gideon) and Emily Swallow (Armorer) rounding out the rest of the cast. I remember during the first season and the first few episodes the character of Kuiil had a voice that was so familiar but could not quite place and was pleased to see that Nick Nolte returned to the screen.

It was about the second chapter that I realized it was Nick Nolte, and that made me love the character even more. The directors for the first season are some of the best in the business, from Bryce Dallas Howard to Taika Waititi, all bringing their own love of Star Wars to their respected episodes.

The Mandalorian – Ming Na Wen as Fennec Shand. Image courtesy Disney Studios

The second season has added even more talent to the series both in front of and behind the camera!

With a cast like Temuera Morrison (Boba Fett), Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan Kryze), Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano), Michael Biehn (Lang), John Leguizamo (Gor Koresh), Timothy Olyphant (Cobb Vanth) things are bound to get interesting.

Great actors like Bill Burr (Mayfeld), Horatio Sanz (Mythrol), Amy Sedaris (Peli Motto) and Ming-Na Wen (Fennec Shand) are thankfully seen again in the superb second season adding more humor, compassion, and talent to the pool.

The Mandalorian – Katie Sackhoff as Bo-Katan Kryze. Image courtesy Disney Studios

Behind the camera is more great talent with Robert Rodriguez, Dave Filoni, Carl Weathers, Taika Waititi, Peyton Reed. The series is better because of who is in front as well as behind the camera, when you have people that have a deep love and admiration for the material it shows in each episode. For example, the episode that Robert Rodriguez (Chapter 14: The Tragedy) directed is indictive of his style, if you have watched any of his movies then you know what I mean. You will be able to know from the first few minutes of that episode that he was the one that directed it.

The Mandalorian – Baby Yoda. Image courtesy Disney Studios

Mando finds himself in an unexpected role of father figure to “the child” who Mando is tasked to find and kill. Not realizing that the target is a child, and Mando instead rescues the child and protects him from the Imperials who want him dead. Even though Mando is dedicated to the ways of The Mandalorian, the code of Bounty Hunters’ Guild, he is still a man with feelings and emotions. He was tasked with finding others like the child and returning the child to his family. As a fan of the Star Wars franchise “the child” (later in Season two is when we finally find out his name, Grogu) is remarkably like what we know as Yoda, but the origin of his species has never been revealed. He does share the same traits as Yoda, as the series progresses, we do see that the child does possess the ways of the force and has on a few occasions helped Mando out of sticky situations by using said force.

The Mandalorian – Baby Yoda Grogu. Image courtesy Disney Studios

With each chapter the mystery of the child, affectionately known as “Baby Yoda” becomes more apparent and that makes the urgency to find his kind more dire than first anticipated. We then find out that he may be the last of his kind and the reason he is wanted so badly by the Imperials is because of his capabilities that wield more power than thought possible. Nothing like having a whole galaxy of bad guys chasing after you, right? Thankfully Mando is more than capable of handling anything that comes their way.

The Mandalorian – Werner Herzog as The Client. Image courtesy Disney Studios

The series is wonderful in that it shows the progression of a man who was bound by honor of the only way he has been taught (“this is the way”) and he has always known to maybe becoming more of the human he is. The armor he wears is not only symbolic of what he was, but it slowly becomes the thing that frees him as well.

It is complicated to say the least, we all wear our own “armor” throughout our lives and as we go through the journey of life, that armor becomes tarnished and eventually becomes that thing that either sets us free or destroys us. With Mando it is no different, his journey changes him in ways he never thought. From not being able to remove his helmet in the presence of another human to potentially abandoning the code he has followed his whole life. It is Shakespearean at its finest and we are here for it.

The Mandalorian – Mando. Image courtesy Disney Studios

Pedro Pascal does a fabulous job at not only having the disciplined way about him, but eventually having that compassion, love, loyalty that has transformed him into the man he becomes at the end of the second season. I have always been a fan of Pedro’s; he is a great actor that can convey more with his voice than he can with an action.

It is hard to write about the series because I do not want to give away anything about the third season. Honestly when friends of mine started watching this show (and they are total Star Wars nerds), I was a bit reluctant to start because I thought they may be a bit biased. I was pleasantly proven so wrong about that. It was at the end of the first chapter (episode 1) that I had become enamored, enthralled, hooked, and obsessed with the series. I did not start watching it until the third episode had aired and once I binge watched them, I was salivating for more. Disney is smart in that the series is not given to you in one shot (as has been the case in most series nowadays), but weekly so you are made to tune in every week to see what happens next. I like having the anticipation during the week and speculating what might happen next in the series.

The Mandalorian – Mandos ship. Image courtesy Disney Studios

Having a series like The Mandalorian has opened my Star Wars world a bit more. It has made me want to delve further down the Star Wars rabbit hole and watch the other series that have been associated with this series (and the potential ones that might get spun off). I do know that there will be an Ahsoka Tano series coming soon, with Rosario Dawson. With each spin-off of the franchise we as fans get to enjoy the best parts of that entire franchise.

The Mandalorian – Mando. Image courtesy Disney Studios

If you are a fan of any of the series that are part of the Star Wars franchise the I highly recommend this series. There is so much to sink your teeth into that covering it in one post will not really do it justice. All I will say is that the Season two finale was so incredible that I literally cried, but happy tears. It leaves it open for more and let me tell you there is a lot more in store for Mando. It also will make you have a slight deja vu regarding yet another movie related to the franchise. You will be (hopefully) as mind blown as I was when you see what happens . My advice to you is when you do watch the season two finale watch it ALL THE WAY THROUGH the credits and then about a minute after you will get something worth it. Trust me, I had to tell my friends to go back and watch it and they were glad I told them.

That about wraps up my post about the Disney plus series The Mandalorian. I hope this convinces you to watch the series. I am looking forward to season three and anything that comes after it. We leave you with one of our favorite videos from the series, Ludwig Göransson beautifully scoring The Mandalorian.
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Thank you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. Thanks to Kenn for video embedding and adding images for my feature article. I will be back next season for more on The Mandalorian about the adventures Mando faces as we learn more about Baby Yoda!

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See You on The Other Side!

Until next time,

Regards,

Lori
March 3, 2021

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