Entertainment

Disney Just Announced a Bunch of Crazy 'Star Wars' News

Hayden Christensen is returning as Darth Vader in the Obi-Wan series, for starters.

Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm

Are you ready for more Star Wars than you ever imagined? Well, you should be. During Disney’s 2020 investor call today, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy dropped a whole bunch of news about the franchise in a galaxy far far away. On tap for Disney+ in the years ahead: an Ashoka Tano series, a Lando series, and the return of Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. Plus, she announced a new theatrical movie about fighter pilots that will be directed by Wonder Woman‘s Patty Jenkins.

Kennedy’s reveals provided details about projects that we already knew were in the works as well as completely new news about previously unannounced additions to the massive and growing universe. She saved the biggest info bomb for last: Jenkins’ movie will be the first post-third-trilogy Star Wars movie, it is titled Rogue Squadron, it will follow a “new generation of star fighter pilots,” and is set to be released Christmas 2023. Jenkins released a teaser on her Twitter account, describing why it’s so close to her heart. Jenkins’ father was a fighter pilot who died in service. She sees the project as a tribute to him as well as a new adventure in a beloved franchise.While new Star Wars movies look to be few and far between, Kennedy touted the many shows that are on the way to Disney+. First up: Two new series from The Mandalorian creators Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni that will be set during the hit show’s timeline are in the works. One will be an Ahsoka Tano standalone show starring Rosario Dawson. The other will be called Rangers of the New Republic.

Outside of The Mandalorian subsection of Disney+’s Star Wars enterprise, perhaps the most shocking drop was that Hayden Christensen will be returning to play Darth Vader in the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi limited series starring Ewan McGregor. The show will take place 10 years after Revenge of the Sith (not eight years, as previously reported). Speaking of well-known characters: Lando Calrissian will also be getting his own show, helmed by Dear White People creator Justin Simien. No word yet on whether Donald Glover will play Lando.

Kennedy also revealed titles for two shows that were already on the books. The Rogue One spin-off starring Diego Luna as Cassian Andor will simply be called Andor, and Russian Doll co-creator Leslye Headland’s series will be The Acolyte and will be set in the High Republic period.

Add animated inclusions The Bad Batch and Visions, the latter of which is comprised of short films from anime creators, as well as a Disney+ movie entitled A Droid Story, and that’s a whole lot of Star Wars. It’s all part of Disney’s massive plan to dominate culture with an enormous amount of content released directly to its streaming platform in an effort to compete (and possibly drown out) Netflix and HBO Max.Need help finding something to watch? Sign up here for our weekly Streamail newsletter to get streaming recommendations delivered straight to your inbox.

Esther Zuckerman is a senior entertainment writer at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @ezwrites.

Entertainment

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023 in Australia

And what it means to be in the year of the Rabbit.

where to celebrate lunar new year australia

Starting with the new moon on Sunday, January 22, this Lunar New Year ushers in the year of the Rabbit. We’ve put together a guide on celebrating the Lunar New Year in Australia.

What is special about the year of the Rabbit?

As you might know, each year has an animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which is based on the moon and has a 12-year cycle. This year, we celebrate the year of the rabbit, known to be the luckiest out of all twelve animals. It symbolises mercy, elegance, and beauty.

What celebrations are taking place and how can I get involved?

There are plenty of festivals happening all around the country which you can get involved with. Here they are per state.

New South Wales

Darling Harbour Fireworks
When: Every year, Sydney puts on a fireworks show, and this year, you can catch it on January 28 and February 4 at 9 pm in Darling Harbour.

Dragon Boat Races
When: Witness three days of dragon boat races and entertainment on Cockle Bay to usher in the Lunar New Year. The races will commence on January 27 and finish on January 29.

Lion Dances
When: Catch a traditional Lion Dance moving to the beat of a vigorous drum bringing good luck and fortune for the Lunar New Year. The dance performances will happen across Darling Harbour on Saturday, January 21, Sunday, January 22, and Sunday, February 4 and 5, around 6 pm and 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at Cirrus Dining
When: Barangaroo’s waterfront seafood restaurant, Cirrus, is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with a special feast menu. Cirrus’ LNY menu is $128pp with optional wine pairing and is available from Saturday, January 21, to Sunday, February 5.

Auntie Philter
When: Hello Auntie’s owner and executive chef, Cuong Nguyen will be dishing out some of the most classic Vietnamese street foods with his mum, Linda. All of Philter’s favourites will be on offer, as well as Raspberry Pash Beer Slushies and other cocktails being served at the Philter Brewing rooftop bar on Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, January 29.

Victoria

Lunar New Year Festival
When: Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, music, arts, and more on Sunday, January 22, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at the National Gallery of Victoria
When: Celebrate the year of the rabbit at the National Gallery of Victoria’s festival of art, food, and art-making activities for everyone from 10 am-5 pm.

Queensland

BriAsia Festival
When: From February 1-19, Brisbane will come alive with performances, including lion dances and martial arts displays. There will be street food, workshops, comedy and more.

South Australia

Chinatown Adelaide Street Party
When: Adelaide is set to hose a fun-filled day celebrating the Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 28, from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Western Australia

Crown Perth
When: Across January and February, Crown Perth hosts free live entertainment, including colourful lion dances, roving mascots, and drumming performances. The restaurants will also throw banquets and menus dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

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