C-3PO’s Red “Phantom Limb,” JJ Abrams does JJ Abrams things, new Battlefront updates, and the original trilogy is coming to a theater near you (hopefully).
By Mike Audette // Before we get to JJ Abrams comments, or Battlefront, or the original trilogy, this: This past Wednesday finally saw the release of the C-3PO one-shot comic story about he got that infamous red arm we see him with in The Force Awakens. The comic was originally supposed to come out last December as part of the Journey to The Force Awakens publishing program along with the books that were released on Force Friday and the comic series Shattered Empire. The comic went through numerous delays in its release schedule. It was worth the wait. The story gave another wonderful view into the minds of droids and their morality. The artwork was unique and stunning with a very nice story tie-in to the upcoming Lego Star Wars The Force Awakens video game. Be sure to check out Dennis Keithly’s review!
On Friday night, JJ Abrams took part in an interview with Chris Rock and naturally one of the topics of conversation was The Force Awakens. What he said will shock you!! No, I’m kidding, this isn’t one of those “10 health tips your doctor hates!” type of articles. JJ went on to say during the audience Q&A portion that:
“Rey’s parents are not in Episode VII, so I can’t possibly say in this moment who they are. But I will say it is something that Rey thinks about, too.”
And boy, did that get everyone caught up in a tizzy. Comments ranged from people claiming the rest of the Sequel Trilogy will be ruined if Rey isn’t a Skywalker, others stating that they prefer her to be of a random heritage, and even more with sheer indifference on the topic. I fall into the latter category. I’m not a spoiler-hound nor one that finds the need to speculate on every little thing that is going to happen in the future Star Wars films. I take everything as it comes presented to me (twss.) How ever JJ, or Rian, or Colin want to tell me the story of Rey’s parents I’ll be fine with that.
Also, JJ went on to clarify his comments following the panel:
“What I meant was that she doesn’t discover them in Episode VII. Not that they may not already be in her world.”
Take a breather, folks, let something come as a surprise. There’s still two more movies on the way to look forward too.
On Wednesday of this week, EA released a bunch of info on their planes for the next round of DLC coming this spring and summer in the Bespin Expansion pack as well as more free content, community challenges and special events for “May the Fourth.” While a lot of people are still blasting this iteration of Battlefront for not having a single player story mode or campaign, I am loving everything the fine folks at EA and DICE are bringing to this game. It was never advertised as the literal sequel to the older Battlefront games that were traditional story-driven games. I find in today’s day and age, people have a lot more difficulty understanding what a company is advertising or how a business model works. Common senses seems to be going by the wayside. Enough of my rambling, LANDO AND DENGAR! That’s right, Lando and Dengar are the next two hero and villain characters coming to the game in the Bespin expansion pack.
We’re taking players in and around Cloud City, with four new maps for all of our most popular modes. You’ll see AT-ATs in Cloud City, take to the skies in Fighter Squadron, and even spend time in a carbonite chamber. Of course, we’re also adding more blasters and Star Cards, a new game mode, and two new iconic characters we’re really excited about – Lando Calrissian and the cold-blooded bounty hunter, Dengar.
Oh man, I can’t wait to run around Cloud City blasting away Stormies with Lando’s fabulous cape billowing in the wind. I hope one of his lines of dialogue is, “You truly do belong with us here in the clouds.”
Image credit: Olly Moss
Coming this August you will be able to witness the magic of the original trilogy back on the big screen (granted you live in one of these 20 cities.) The Alamo Drafthouse announced that is bringing back A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi to the silver screen yet again. All three films will be the same format of the 1997 re-releases and will be played back-to-back-to-back in one marathon. You will be able to find info and ticket pre-sale info on ReturnOfTheTrilogy.com on May the 4th (aptly fitting.) Be sure to check the full list of cities here. I am glad it is including Boston! (Granted my job prospects haven’t moved me away by then.)