The Clone Wars Season 7 - Trailer & Star Wars Celebration Chicago Panel Highlights

(This amazing new Ahsoka Tano poster was handed out to everyone in the audience!)

The panel that so many Star Wars fans have been looking forward to didn't disappoint. That's right, I'm talking about The Clone Wars: Sneak Peak panel at Star Wars Celebration! Dave Filoni (Writer and Director of The Clone Wars) revealed three clips from the upcoming show, exciting news and a trailer! So before I share with you the photos that were shared and some information about Season 7 that really stood out to me, I think you might want to take a look at the trailer. Watch it below!

In my opinion the trailer was beautifully edited and it made me feel exactly like I used to when the series was still running. I never thought that the story would be be continued so being able to watch a few minutes of what will eventually be twelve episodes really was so fulfilling. Dave Filoni and Dee Bradley Baker (Captain Rex & Clones) also shared with the host of the panel, Warwick Davis, that they didn't think this would ever happen. Dave said he was pushed to finished The Clone Wars by Carrie Beck (Vice President of Animation and Live-action Development at Lucasfilm).

You won't believe what Dave just told me. Shhh. - Dee Bradley Baker

What??? - Ashley Eckstein

Don't dare even tell anyone I even said anything. Please don't. - Dee

I would never. Is he with you? This feel like a trap. - Ashley

He is. We are wine tasting with the rebels. - Dee

I thought so. LOL Tell him I'm not that easily fooled. - Ashley

Has he spoken to you? - Dee

No, why? - Ashley

Afraid to even text. -Dee

Well I wouldn't. I hope it's what I think it is. -Ashley

Tell no one. - Dee

I promise but I know Dave is watching. -Ashley

The Clone Wars finale. 12 episodes. Soon. -Dee

The transcript above were text messages between Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano) and Dee Bradly Baker. Ashley explained this was how she found out that the show was coming back! Dave sat back with his hand over his eyes in disbelief over their sillyness of their conversation and lack of being able to keep secrets. Dee Bradley Baker simply responded with, "Rex had to tell Ahsoka!". Dave ended the discussion by explaining their mischievousness is why they are only doing twelve episodes. Because the actors can't handle the secrets. HILARIOUS!

We are going to watch a story that is primarily about Clones that die hard fans of the show know called Bad Batch. They are a group of Clones that are really genetically engineered specialists. It was an idea that George Lucas had that what if there was a group of Clones that had bizarre traits. - Dave Filoni

This was one of Dave's answers to Warwick asking about what we can expect to see in the show. I think it will be amazing to see these guys in action! In fact, we got to see a scene with them in one of the clips fighting against some Battle Droids. Dave also said that there will subtle differences in character faces so that they can be better animated and emotions can ring a little truer. There were photos of comparisons given between the previous episodes and the upcoming episodes (seen above) and I don't see too much of a difference which I'm happy about.

We were introduced two new characters in the show, Trace and Rafa. They are twin sisters from the Underworld 1313 on Coruscant. They will eventually meet up with Ahsoka Tano. I think their hairstyles are real fun and edgy and their outfits are super wearable. I have a feeling we'll be able to buy these pieces somewhere like Her Universe or Musterbrand at some point. Wouldn't you agree?

Of course, Bo Katan is also back and according to Dave Filoni she plays a big part in the Seige of Mandalore. I love the new cloak she wears, especially the way it looks worn with her helmet. It's quite mysterious! I think the cosplayers out there are going to have a lot of fun with this!

When I read what the Siege of Mandalore was about I was shocked. It's my favorite stuff that I've done as the character. And Dave wrote it personally. -Sam Witwer

Sam was very enthusiastic about his role as Darth Maul in the upcoming season. He had to keep the secret of the show returning for a year and he said it was the absolute worst secret he has ever had to keep. He also shared that Darth Maul tries something different than what he normally does in his obsessive quests for vengeance. I honestly am so stoked to discover what he is talking about! Oh, and can I just say that I think it's so amazing that Maul's new outfit was inspired by his look in Solo: A Star Wars Story!? What do you think?

I know Ray Park from over the years. I said Ray wouldn't it be great now that I have experienced doing live action if we suit you up in a mocap suit and have you be Darth Maul again. - Dave Filoni

This was one of my absolute favorite moments of the panel! I am so happy that Ray Park got to become the character of Darth Maul again and use his skills as a martial artist to help Dave Filoni create an epic lightsaber duel between Darth Maul and Ahsoka Tano. Sam Witwer said that he got to be there the day they were recording and that he absolutely loved it.

I'm going to make that jumpsuit! - Ashley Eckstein

We got to see one of the new outfits, which happens to be a super cool jumpsuit, that Ahsoka Tano wears in the series. Dave talked about how Ahsoka Tano might have worn something a bit simpler having left the Jedi Order but was sure that Ashley would want to make it. Right after one of the clips, which showed Ashoka on a speeder bike, Ashley said that she wanted to make it. So, I think it's safe to say that we can look forward to being able to purchase this piece from Her Universe at some point!

Ashley Eckstein also talked about how it took her a while to go back to the younger version of Ashoka and really get into that head space she was at in that point in her life. She explained that we would see a lot of character development with her character in these episodes.

The third clip that was shown was probably the most emotional one because it involved Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex. It seemed that Ahsoka had just returned in this scene. Anakin leads her to Captain Rex where she is met with many of her Clone friends who now have her markings on their helmets. *Sobs* I don't want to give too much away as I really think it's worth watching. You can see it here (4:23:50).

The reason why it works is because I was taught by the master. -Dave Filoni

The show concluded with surprise guests including Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker), Catherine Taber (Padme Amidala), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan), Tom Kane (Yoda) and Matthew Wood (General Grievous). They thanked the fans for their support throughtout the years and talked about how they're very much a family. Finally, Dave Filoni said that The Clone Wars works so well because he listened intently while he worked with George Lucas. This made me tear up. We would have none of this if it weren't for George Lucas and his fascinating imagination!

There was no date given for Season 7 but it will be coming to Disney+ soon! To watch the entire panel, you can find it on the live stream by clicking here (3:43:10).

Tell me, what are you most excited about The Clone Wars returning? What was your favorite part of the panel? Let me know in a comment below

The Mandalorian: Star Wars Celebration Chicago Panel Highlights

(The new poster reveal! A hard copy was given to everyone in the audience.)

The Mandalorian panel was a huge highlight at Star Wars Celebration. A teaser trailer, behind the scenes footage as well as a scene from the series was shown to those who attended. Unfortunately everyone watching the live stream weren't able to see any of the clips so I haven't seen anything or read any reviews about it though I'm sure that will be circling the web soon enough. However the panel itself was very informative and there were some incredible never before seen photos revealed. My excitement for the first live action Star Wars TV show is uncontrollable and I can't wait to watch the first episode November 12th on Disney+!

Jon Favreau pitched the idea of The Mandalorian and it was instantaneous and we were so excited for this opportunity to bring it to the screen. - Kathleen Kennedy

The President of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy, herself was wearing the new Mandalorian t-shirt available at the Celebration Store and spoke with exuberant passion over the show which takes place after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order. She proudly introduced Jon Favreau (Creator, Writer and Executive Producer) and Dave Filoni (Director of the first episode) and before she left the stage she gave a huge nod to Dave Filoni, "I think everyone knows that this guy is a rock star! What can be more exciting than Dave Filoni directing live action?" I myself am huge fan of Dave's work and I'm anxious to see the magic he is going to bring to the first episode!

Both Jon and Dave explained that they looked at everything from the original films to the prequels and from the cartoons to legends in creating The Mandalorian. To me this shows great respect and admiration for the fans. We've already seen some amazing things on Jon Favreau's Instagram page and I can't even begin to imagine what else they have in store for us! I would also like to add that Dave might be credited only for directing the first episode but he seems to be just as involved as Jon with The Mandalorian and even contributed some writing for the show.

The Mandalorian is a mysterious lone gun fighter in the outer regions of the galaxy. Some might say he has questionable moral character. - Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal's description of the Mandalorian instantly reminded me of Saw Gerrera. He sounds intense, possibly ruthless. My hopes for this character is that he is a complete bad a**. I want to see a Mandalorian like we've never seen before! I want all of our Boba Fett dreams to come true in this character.

My characters name is Cara Dune and she is an ex Rebel Shock Trooper. - Gina Carano

We were introduced to a new character one which I am very intrigued by. When Gina explained that her character used to be a Rebel Shock Trooper my eyes widened with excitement! You all know how I love my Troopers! Jon Favreau explained later in the panel that Gina's stunt double might not have been having the most fun because Gina did a lot of her own stunts. I hope this means we get to see the character of Cara Dune in a lot of action.

My characters name is Greef Carga (sp?) and he is a guy who is running this group of bounty hunters. He is kind of the head of this guild of bounty hunters. He is looking for someone to go after a product that he wants to bring to to a client that is worth a lot and is very valuable. He finds a bounty hunter named Mandalorian. The mando is a guy who he figures can get the job done. He hires him and the Mando does what needs to be done. - Carl Weathers

Another new character named Greef Carga played by Carl Weathers was revealed. From what was shared he seems to be an "in charge" kind of guy who the Bounty Hunters report to. I'm really curious to see how his character's relationship will be like with the Bounty Hunters and what sort of involvement he will have with the Mandalorian. Will they end up working closely together?

Both John and Dave talked about how there is a scene in the film where several Stormtroopers were needed. They called the 501st and the fans who showed up on set had absolutely no idea why they were there until they began filming. I truly love that the fans got to be involved with this project. The actors spoke very highly of their attitudes and character performances.

The name of the ship is the Razorcrest that the Mandalorian flies around in. - Jon Favreau

We got an incredible look at the new ship in The Mandalorian and some video footage of how they created a miniature version of it to get some mind blowing shots for the show much like George Lucas did for the original trilogy. I really like the design and hope to see it in some epic battles!

I don't think I would have ever considered doing live action without his (George Lucas) teachings and guidance. He really got me interested in it and so when he came by that was a real thrill for me personally. - Dave Filoni

Both Dave and Jon shared stories of when George Lucas visited the set and laughed about how Dave would occasionally correct George on his knowledge of Star Wars. Jon also said that when Dave wasn't present George Lucas expressed how proud of Dave he was. I found this especially heartwarming considering how closely George and Dave worked together on The Clone Wars.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you for The Mandalorian? What information from this panel are you the most intrigued by? Let me know in a comment below!

Galaxy's Edge: Star Wars Celebration Chicago Panel Highlights

This morning at Star Wars Celebration we learned some exciting new details at the Galaxy's Edge panel. While there was no new information concerning reservations (this is required to gain access to the land during the first month of it being open at Disneyland) there were fun tidbits that I thought were worthy of highlighting and sharing with any of you who might have missed it.

This is the biggest project Disney has ever done. - Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive of Walt Disney Imagineering

We've known that Galaxy's Edge will be the biggest land at both parks for quite some time but I don't think we'll be able to fully grasp that concept until we've found ourselves on Batuu, a planet and remote trading port that has been around since the beginning of Star Wars. The host of the panel, Josh Gad, described Galaxy's Edge as, "The single most insane thing I have ever seen at any park." It's hard to believe that I will be on the planet Batuu in just over a month!

Galaxy's Edge is not meant to feel like other lands at the parks. Everything you can interact with, look at, and purchase is meant to make you feel like you're at Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu. Even Mynock Jerky is a thing and it's delicious according to Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering. Speaking of refreshments, it was announced that Coca Cola is working with Galaxy's Edge to bring us four different drinks with newly designd bottles that have logos in Aurabesh to help fit within the theme of Batuu. I think the designs are fantastic and even though I'm not a soda drinker, I'm sure there are many fans who will be collecting these. Those who attended the panel also went home with red shirts and the words Coca Cola in Aurabesh on the front with the Galaxy's Edge logo on the sleeve. Apparently they were all size XL so you might want to hit up eBay.

We placed things in Dock Ondar's shop for every Star Wars fans to enjoy. There are so many easter eggs! - Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering

Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities will be a place where fans can not only build and purchase their own lightsabers and other unique items but it will also be place where you can challenge yourself to look around and find hidden gems from the movies and cartoons. I think it's encouraging to know that they have considered the different tastes of Star Wars fans. Hearing The Clone Wars mentioned definitely put a smile on my face!

The drinks at Oga's Cantina are great but the star of the show is DJ R3X. - Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering

There will be several alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as appetizers at at Olga's Cantina but apparently the music coming from DJ R3X is what really sets this place apart. Matt Martin who is a member of the Lucasfilm Story Group explained that R3X flunked his way out of Star Tours and ended up in the final battle of Jakku in a very epic TIE chase. He crash lands on Batuu and he is rescued and repaired by friendly droids and somehow ends up becoming a DJ at the Cantina. This was basically the reader's digest version of a seventeen page fan-fiction believe it or not! DJ R3X will have a myriad of tunes to play including some inspired by Figran Dan and the Modal Nodes (you can listen to a couple of clips here). Oh, and in case you were wondering Paul Rubens returned to provide the voice for R3X!

Speaking of DJ R3X he is getting his own Funko Pop which will be a Disney Parks exclusive! Normally Disney Park Funko Pops are also made available online but nothing has officially been said about this yet.

The Force is a very mysterious thing and sometimes Jedi can come from the past and visit us. - Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering

One of the most exciting moments of the panel was finding out that Yoda would be part of the Galaxy's Edge experience. And yes, Frank Oz has returned to provide the voice for our beloved Jedi Master. We also learned that Nien Nunb will be making an appearance at the park. The team flew to Kenya to get the recordings they wanted from the original voice actor, Bill Kipsang Rotich! And last but not least, Jim Cummings is also back as our favorite pirate, Hondo Ohnaka.

We are going to take all the stories that you told us at the Galaxy's Edge booth and put them in a Holocron and we are going to make them a part of Galaxy's Edge. - Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive of Walt Disney Imagineering

If you're at Star Wars Celebration Chicago you're going to want to find time to go to the Galaxy's Edge booth. There's a designated area where you can “Share Your Star Wars Story” which will somehow be incorporated into the land with the Holocron pictured above. What an exciting opportunity!

As far as the attractions go nothing was discussed that we didn't already know. If you've been out of the loop on the recent Galaxy's Edge happenings might I suggest Entertainment Weekly's 8 Part Tour? It will blow you away!

Galaxy's Edge opens on May 31st at Disneyland and on April 29th in Walt Disney World.
Tell me, what information from this panel stood out to you the most? Let me know in a comment below!

The Rise of Skywalker: Favorite Star Wars Celebration Chicago Panel Moments

The Rise of Skywalker panel at Star Wars Celebration was a complete delight! As I sat on the edge of my seat watching it via the live stream I took several screen caps and jotted down some quick notes of my favorite moments and interesting tidbits concerning the upcoming film. Of course my absolute favorite moment was when the teaser trailer was revealed at the end. It is absolutely incredible! If you haven't seen my reaction video yet you can watch it on this post.

One of the first things we learned about The Rise of Skywalker is that this film does not take place right after The Last Jedi. JJ Abrams also explained that the group, meaning that at the very least Rey, Finn, and Poe, go on an adventure together. This leads me to believe that we should see them interacting with each other quite a bit throughout the film. We also learned that newcomer Naomie Ackie's character is called "Jana" and that she will eventually meet up with the group. She had no comment as to whether or not she is Lando Calrissian's daughter.

We try to keep it as real as possible, as physical as possible. - JJ Abrams

This is one of the reasons why I love JJ as a Director so much. Not only do I think he is an extremely talented director but I really appreciate how much he strives to use real props, sets, etc. as much as he can in his movies. To me, it creates so much more of a realism while watching them and I think it's also a great nod to George Lucas' work on the original films.

Lando never left me. - Billy Dee Williams

When Billy Dee Williams made his entrance onto the stage I couldn't help but smile as tears built up quickly in my eyes. He was so pleasant and so appreciative of the chance to reprise his role as Lando Calrissian. He praised JJ saying, "I love his name. He is a beautiful young man. He is extraordinary." We also got a great peek at what his outfit looks like in the film which looks very much like something young Lando wore in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Quite dashing, wouldn't you say?

In this film he is a full fledged resistance sexy young man. - John Boyega

John is always passionate about Star Wars and has been since the beginning of his career as Finn. He seemed to be just as excited as the crowd at the reveal of his new outfit which, in my opinion, feels very Han Solo inspired. I definitely approve! When asked about Captain Phasma and whether or not she would be returning he replied with, "Phasma? She dead." I guess time will tell!

No one can pilot the Millennium Falcon like Han. However, Poe can literally fly anything. Poe is the better Uber driver. - Oscar Isaac

This was Oscar Isaac's response to when Late Show host, Stephen Colbert, asked Oscar who he thinks the better pilot is. I'd definitely agree with him on that one! Poe Dameron also has a snazzy new outfit complete with a scarf which I say needs to become something fans can buy when the film comes around in December. I mean, why not?

The lightsaber that Rey inherited from Luke lives. - Daisey Ridley

Daisy Ridley was as charming as ever and did her best to answer any question that came at her with precaution as to not give too much away. It was definitely wonderful to see her using the Skywalker lightsaber again in the teaser trailer! When asked what's up with her and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver was sadly not present) she smiled and answered with, "I guess the Kylo and Rey thing...we will have to wait and see." We also got a great look at her new outfit. I love that she now has a hood!

There are some extraordinary things that the character does in this movie. - JJ Abrams

When Colbert asked Daisy if she has any new Force abilities she was hesitant to answer and looked to JJ for help and this is exactly what he said. The Force has been used in ways we've never seen before in this trilogy so I'm excited to see what new things Rey has learned! We've already been given a tease as to what she is capable of in the trailer which is mind boggingly amazing!

In this movie BB-8 has a new friend. His name is D-O - JJ Abrams

BB-8 and R2-D2 were on the stage being as adorable as ever but I don't think anyone expected a third cutie to come onto the stage! D-O is a new droid in the film. I can't wait to see what his or her personality is like and what role they will have in the film.

It was an emotional day. - Kathleen Kennedy

The President of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy herself explained that the last day of filming was an emotional one. JJ chimed in and referenced a photo of Daisy, John and Oscar hugging and explained how they truly love each other. It doesn't seem like this new trilogy began so long ago already and that it'll be coming to a close on December 20th. It's been an emotional journey for everyone involved with this franchise.

What moments did you also love that I didn't mention here? Let me know in a comment below!