By George Bate
The long-running Star Wars Insider continues this month with #203, and we’re happy to deliver an exclusive first look at the upcoming release. Featuring a new The High Republic story by Justina Ireland, an interview with Star Wars and Indiana Jones producer Robert Watts, a lookback at the cultural phenomenon that is The Mandalorian, and more, the new issue (hitting bookstands on June 22 in the U.S. and July 8 in the U.K.) looks to be full of interesting pieces and insights for all types of Star Wars fans. Check out the exclusive preview below!
MANDO MANIA
How secrets, storytelling and fan-pleasing moments helped make The Mandalorian an instant pop-culture phenomenon.
How the secret of Grogu helped the first live-action Star Wars series make the space-fantasy saga a cultural phenomenon yet again.
ROBERT WATTS INTERVIEW
The veteran Star Wars and Indiana Jones producer looks back on his days scouting the world for galactic locations.
Of all the distant worlds of the original Star Wars trilogy, one fact remained consistent: They each needed to be captured on film at a more down-to-Earth location. It was part of producer Robert Watts’ job to scout the real-world setting that would make for suitable doubles for the likes of Tatooine, Hoth, and Endor.
REBEL ROUSERS
From the dawn of its foundation to its triumphant victory, we profile the top ten leaders of the Rebel Alliance.
At the heart of Star Wars beats a story of good and evil. While allegiances and choices can be complicated – not all Jedi make the right decision all the time, and scoundrels and bounty hunters can make some of the best allies – the stories always come back to people who fight for justice, kindness, and freedom from fear. That’s especially evident in the story of the Rebellion against the Galactic Empire.
And that’s not all Star Wars Insider #203 has in store…
PAUL BROOKE INTERVIEW – TEARS OF A RANCOR KEEPER
The British actor reflects on his scene-stealing turn as Malakili, the tearful rancor keeper from Return of the Jedi.
It may have only been a few days’ work for actor Paul Brooke, but the bereaved rancor keeper Malakili’s brief appearance in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) remains a standout moment in the saga. Star Wars Insider caught up with Brooke to look back at his time on set shooting the memorable scene.
A GALAXY ON YOUR DOORSTEP
A guide to the Californian filming locations for the forest moon of Endor, Tatooine, and even the Death Star.
The Star Wars movies have been filmed at exotic and often remote locations all over the world, but there are some that are within easy reach of residents of mainland U. S. A. Star Wars Insider takes a trip across California to find a galaxy far, far away that’s not so very far away at all.
NEAL SCANLAN INTERVIEW – A FORCE REAWAKENED
An exclusive conversation with the award-winning Star Wars creature and special makeup effects supervisor.
Creature and special makeup effects supervisor Neal Scanlan headed up the Star Wars creature shop for all five of the movies released since 2015. Star Wars Insider spoke to him about the part his team played in bringing the Skywalker saga to a close.
A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW
Star Wars expert Michael Kogge explores the best locations for Rebel Alliance and Resistance bases.
STAR WARS INSIDER #203 is on sale: US: JUNE 22, 2021 / UK: JULY 8, 2021
REST OF THE WORLD SUBSCRIPTIONS
Images courtesy of Titan Comics