Sure, we're past the 40th anniversary of the Star Wars Holiday Special by now, but it's still the season of giving. If it wasn't, how would you explain the fact that we might have learned about new characters for Star Wars: Episode IX or new cast members for The Mandalorian? And if that isn't enough, there's also brand new music from John Williams and the chance to see a British politician embarrass himself with a story that's almost certainly not true. Happy Extended Life Day, everyone!
The Source: An anonymous source on an internet message board, of all places
Probability of Accuracy: There's nothing to make this seem legitimate beyond the fact that it feels legit, so … who can say, really?
The Real Deal: A curious new rumor emerged from the depths of Reddit recently when a user named Termiriblagg1, who claimed to have been an extra on the set of Episode IX, offered a couple of pretty dramatic spoilers. Firstly, that General Hux will surrender to the Resistance during the first act of the movie—something rumored elsewhere before now—and, perhaps more interestingly, that Naomi Ackie's character in the movie is Veranada Calrissian, Lando's daughter. Vera, as the character will apparently be called, is part of the Resistance, and seems to hold some kind of leadership role from what was described. (Would anyone expect any different from the daughter of the former boss of Cloud City?) Of course, if audiences are going to get to meet the offspring of Lando in the new movie, does this mean fans should be worried about the fate of Billy Dee Williams' alter ego when he shows up onscreen? Expect to find out more as we approach the movie's December 2019 release.
The Source: An official Lucasfilm announcement
Probability of Accuracy: As with all studio announcements, it's pretty much impossible to find something more accurate, in intent if nothing else.
The Real Deal: Seemingly conscious about the need to bring new young fans to the franchise, Lucasfilm and Disney have unveiled Star Wars Kids, a multi-prong effort to bring younger viewers into the fandom. The most prominent part of the initiative is Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures, a series of animated shorts to be shared at StarWarsKids.com and on a Star Wars Kids YouTube channel, launching November 30 with new installments running throughout December and into 2019.
The Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Probability of Accuracy: Seems legit.
The Real Deal: In a less gossipy bit of Mandalorian casting news, The Hollywood Reporter ran a story last week announcing that Nick Nolte will also be joining the cast of Jon Favreau's forthcoming series for the Disney streaming service Disney+. No word on who Nolte will be playing, but it's further proof Lucasfilm is setting up The Mandalorian to be a massive show.
The Source: Disney Theme Parks themselves (well, the corporate division, not the actual parks)
Probability of Accuracy: You can hear it for yourself.
The Real Deal: John Williams may not be scoring all of the Star Wars movies anymore, but that doesn't mean that he's no longer involved in the franchise beyond the core Skywalker Saga movies, a fact proven by the debut of his score for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the theme park attractions opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World next year.
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