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2020 Disney

Why the Star Wars Universe Should Live Forever

Update — February 20, 2020:

Since releasing this article, I have subsequently realized that I have been duped. In a nutshell, I did not do my due diligence to realize this is a fan-made trailer. The glaringly obvious here is that I have not watched Episodes I-III in many years, which would explain why I did not pick up on the regurgitated footage. As I slowly die inside, I will edit my previous stance to say, “Wouldn’t this concept be great? I can’t wait to see what Disney actually does with Kenobi.” 

*distant weeping*

However… the original premise of this article remains true (and in some ways, is only reiterated by my negligence): Disney made Star Wars better. I stand proudly on this hill, and will gladly die in this battle.

Read on if you’d like to laugh at my expense. ~Morgan

 

Original article from February, 16, 2020:

Okay, I’ve been dying to write about this ever since I saw the first teaser. Can we stop what we’re doing for a moment to discuss KENOBI? Because Blessed Mother of the Wookies this looks so good.

If you haven’t watched The Mandalorian yet, stop reading this article, subscribe to Disney+ and watch all eight episodes RIGHT NOW. Then come back here and finish our discussion.

I’ll wait…

[Okay, I hate when authors do that. Acting like you’re really going to comply with their ridiculous demands and then come back to the article later. And here I am, writing the article that way. I’m sorry. Please don’t leave me.]

But seriously… if I’ve learned anything about Star Wars in the many decades I’ve been a fan, it’s that the extended universe is just as good, if not better than the canon. The Mandalorian, Clone Wars (the animated series), Solo, Rogue One… Controversial to some, I know. But I can’t help but love these side stories and expansions of the main story so much. Sometimes more than the originals. (Although NOTHING will ever top Harrison Ford as Han Solo. NOTHING, I SAY.) And now I find myself salivating over this new trailer for Kenobi. Because let’s face it: Ben Kenobi is probably the coolest character in the whole story. Okay, okay, except for the Mandalorian. And the Child. I get it. But I digress…

So let’s just break down a few finer points about the trailer here as we wait impatiently for December.

  1. The Music.

    • LAWD JESUS IT’S A FIRE. I absolutely love reimagined pieces. It’s why I’m such a nerd for Hidden Citizens (go listen to them if you haven’t yet. They’re seriously ridiculous good.) So to hear these familiar melodies from the Star Wars epic reimagined into haunting piano solos and brooding movements… yeah. I’m a fan. Good job, Disney. I guess it pays to let a multi-billion dollar conglomerate buy out your brand. (Yes, in case you can’t tell, I’m not mad about what Disney has done to Star Wars. They’ve made it better. Fight me.)

  2. The Cinematography.

    • This is movie-quality magic here, folks. Watch it again and tell me I’m wrong. Gone are the days of crappy knock-off TV shows with poor filming and lousy sets. These Disney-made sagas are something other, my friends. And my videographer friend pointed out to me that The Mandalorian was filmed in front of a 360º LCD screen. (Say whaaaa??) I haven’t looked it up yet, but I’m guessing Kenobi will be the same. The technology is INCREDIBLE.

  3. The Characters.

    • Darth Maul, folks. Enough said. One of the few saving graces of Episodes I-III is back. I’m not mad at all. And an all-star cast of familiar faces and new faces, too. They’re putting their money where their Star Wars mouth is. So haters, listen up: like them or hate them, Disney ain’t playin’ around.

I’m going to leave it there at risk of sounding obsessed. But sufficient to say, I’m so excited for this next installment of the Disney-induced Star Wars Universe Expansion Kit. Here’s to Ben! And here’s to December!

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2019 Disney

Maybe Will Smith Should Play the Genie After All

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Millennials rejoice–the new Aladdin trailer is here! We’ll be honest: the teasers that have come out so far have been… lackluster to say the least. But this trailer… well, let’s just say this trailer has certainly rekindled our excitement for a whole new world of Aladdin!

We weren’t sold on Will Smith as the genie until we saw this, either. The truth is, being Disney purists, it seemed an insurmountable task for ask anyone to do a better job than the late, great Robin Williams. But Will Smith seems to own the role in a very Will-Smithy way, and it looks promising, to say the least.

We’re super fans of these live action remakes of the Disney animated classics, and Aladdin looks like it will not disappoint.

What do you think? We want to hear from you! Check out the trailer below and sound off in the comments!

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2019

Fantasy Heroines that Should Be Disney Princesses

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Angelique

Apprentice of Magic


Tragic past. Check. Hates her giftings (magic). Check. Her fate in the hands of the oppressive ruling powers? Check. Gorgeous, mysterious potential hero? Check. Romance and adventure and all the magic? Check. There’s a reason everyone is reading this book.

Buttercup

The Princess Bride


You’ve probably seen the movie, but if you haven’t read the book, YOU NEED TO STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND READ THE PRINCESS BRIDE RIGHT NOW. Yes, we know… there’s already a movie, so why should there be a Disney one? Well let’s face it, Buttercup is delightfully snarky, with the right amount of feminine wiles and doe-eyed innocence. But she’s smart. She’s clever. And she’s fiercely in love with Westley. If that’s not the recipe for a Disney Princess, we’re not quite sure what is.

Cora

Shadows of Lela


Let us introduce you to Cora. She’s feisty and tends to rescue princes in distress more often than she needs rescuing. Not to mention her mad archery skills. And her best friend… yeah, it’s a unicorn with whom she communicates telepathically.

Elizabeth

The Promised One


Aside from the fact that she has a mysterious, magical winged horse that no one can figure out where it came from, Elizabeth fits the bill of Disney Princess for about a dozen different reasons. Charming prince madly in love with her? Check. Feisty personality and clever quips galore? Check. Able to stand up to a wicked queen without batting an eye? Check. Gonna get the job done with or without help? Check. Did we mention that charming prince of hers?

Fire

Fire


Disney loves to take nobodies with tragic backstories and give them a heroic reason to become a princess at heart, if not in name. And with that in mind, Fire fits the bill. She’s a little mysterious, a little dark, but mostly fierce and strong. Not to mention her hair. Serious Merida vibes over here. Fire is one of our favorite fantasy MCs for a lot of reasons, and so we nominate her for Disney status, to give her a rightful place among immortalized heroines of the færytale vein…

Alex

Forgotten


She’s technically royalty. She follows her heart, no matter how much trouble that might get her into. *ahem* She talks to animals. As far as qualifications for Disney, Alex definitely fits the bill.

Ruby

River’s Rise


We love stories with hidden princesses. It’s just fun to watch a badass chick rise from the ashes and claim what is rightfully hers. Ruby is that heroine. She’s not waiting for anyone’s approval, either. Did we mention she’s battling an evil sorceress? Yeah, that’s a Disney movie waiting to happen.

Celaena

Throne of Glass


She’s ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, feisty, and fierce. She’s also loyal, strong, brave, and frankly badass. We’d pay money to see THAT kind of Disney Princess, wouldn’t you?

Wilhelmina

The Orphan Queen


Pants. Leather pants. None of those silly dresses, thank you very much. Wil is NOT your typical bird-befriending, singing princess. In fact, she’s something of a vigilante–by night, anyway. We love Wil for her feisty comebacks and unflinching loyalty not only to her kingdom, but to those she loves. And let’s face it, it’s about time we had a Disney Princess clad in black leather, head to toe.

Clara

Unearthly


Angels. With wings. Big, feathery wings. We love this series for a lot of reasons, and Clara is most certainly one of them. She’s just a typical teen–who happens to be the daughter of an archangel. It’s a sweet tale of love and choices, following your heart or following the rules. Hello, Disney!

Renee

The Pirate Princess


Forget embroidery and court protocol. Renee picked up her sword and never looked back. That is, until she ended up with a band of pirates. Forced to choose between her life as a swashbuckling pirate, and the life of duty that awaits her back at home, Renee is a delicious combination of fierce heroine and girly girl. She’d make a perfect Disney Princess in our books!

Elena

Voice of Power


A girl with power she shouldn’t have is almost ALWAYS a threat to her kingdom. Elena is no exception. Leave it to the trusty prince to help her navigate volatile court waters. She’s feisty, strong, brave, and most of all, willing to risk it all. Elena is a Disney Priness at heart!

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