Category - Star Wars Stories & Spin-offs

Incredible fan film: Star Wars Downunder

Star Wars fan films are a dime a dozen. There are plenty that have been created and while it’s easy to admire the effort that has been injected into the process, most are lacking that special magic that separates professional-quality films from passion projects. Star Wars Downunder, however, is an entirely different case.

This ‘short’ film, which actually clocks in at just over 30 minutes, is a work of brilliance. It’s a tribute to the style, culture and aesthetic of Star Wars, but does two things differently from most fan films. The first of these is that it has infused the script, performances, character design, machine design and locations with an overtly Australian cultural twang. The second factor is that the quality of the writing, effects, stunt work and 3D animation is of a standard that is fully professional. How this was produced on an indie budget, I do not know, but it’s something special.

When it comes to the Australian-isms, you’ll be treated to a barrage of Aussie slang throughout. If you are Australian, you’ll follow the entire script. Others may struggle with some of the terms, but will probably recognise phrases such as “stone the flamin’ crows”, “cheers love”, “she’ll be right mate”, and a vocabulary that includes references such as: cobber, g’day, strewth, too right, larrikins, righty-o, mate, sweet, ripper and knackered. Character names include Bluey, Burko, Nugget and Bushwacka. Troopers are designed to resemble Australian bush ranger Ned Kelly and their arsenal includes kyber crystal-powered boomerangs. Walkers have been replaced by kangaroo-inspired “leapers”, and the big bad is one Darth Drongo (Aussie slang for ‘idiot’), who at one point invites the hero to bite his bum.

There are liberal references to beer, and our hero even uses his force pull to attract a cold can to his hand at one point. His droid’s initials feature the letters “VB”, which is short for Victoria Bitter, a popular brand of beer, and one of the end credits gives recognition to the production’s “Keg Operator.” It’s clear that those involved were having plenty of fun with the source material and in sending up Australian colloquialisms.

Outside of the fun script and character design, you’ll find a visually mesmerising film. The entire production is free to stream below.

How impressive was that? Comment below.

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The forbidden spin-off: Star Wars Christmas Special

It’s the stuff of legend. Just months after the first Star Wars film became an unexpected box office smash and created a universe to which countless people – young and old – longed to escape, the first spin-off hit TV screens.

It was 1978 and the Star Wars universe, not yet fully formed, was used as the basis for a nonsensical TV variety show. The standalone production had the blessing of George Lucas at the time, though these days he is actively involved in a campaign to wipe its existence from the face of the Earth – which is a tough ask now that were living in the digital era.

The following video provides a fascinating insight into two things. Firstly, it describes how the infamous Star Wars Christmas Special came about, who was involved and what it was all about. Then, the video highlights why it is that this production was allowed to exist (temporarily) in the immature canon of the time, and how the Star Wars universe has both extended and contracted in the years since. It’s well worth a look, even if you know about the Christmas Special. For those who haven’t yet seen any footage from the first Star Wars spin-off, you’re in for a horrid treat.

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ROGUE ONE – The Trailer Has Arrived!

When Disney acquired LucasFilm, the stated plan for a series of spin-off movies exploring the expanded Star Wars Universe was one of the most promising plans to emerge. At the same time, the idea of a thoroughly “milked” universe resulting in annual cinematic releases has been a source of apprehension for some fans.

No doubt, the widely celebrated quality of The Force Awakens calmed some nerves, but that film being a fully-qualified “Episode” installment still cast uncertainty over whether the smaller spin-off productions would live up to the high expectations that the brand commands.

Fortunately, any worries are likely to be put to rest by the stunning Rogue One trailer that was unveiled today. This first spin-off charts the activity of a band of rebels in events that took place between the timelines of Episode III and Episode IV, during the development of the Death Star and the mobilisation of the Empire. There are storm troopers a-plenty, AT-AT warfare and no doubt will feature cameos by a few familiar characters, such as Vader himself.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

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