Skywalking Through Neverland: A Star Wars / Disney Podcast

Here’s a little Ewok Talk to brighten your day! What fandom events are you looking forward to in the near future? There’s that convention in Japan, and then there’s the 3rd Annual Forest Moon Festival! This 3-day free event, held May 30th-June 1st, supports the community on the Redwood Coast of California -  the Endor filming location for Return of the Jedi. Coordinators Cassandre Hesseltine, Anibal Polanco, and Tracy Boyd give us the highlights from past festivals and what to look forward to this year. Click here for more information on the Forest Moon Festival.   Today in Star Wars History 3/24/2005   Cartoon Network airs “Chapter 24” from Season Three of the Genndy Tartakovsky Star Wars: Clone Wars micro-series.   General Grievous has penetrated Chancellor Palpatine’s private quarters in an attempt to kidnap him. Shaak Ti leads Jedi and clones to escort the Chancellor to safety. Meanwhile, on the planet Nelvaan, Anakin Skywalker continues to prepare for his final Jedi test. On a cave wall he witnesse

This week we have a discussion with Maria Sandoval - Head Hair Designer of the MandoVerse! She is an Emmy-nominated hair designer who worked on The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, AND Picard. She also worked on the upcoming live action Lilo and Stitch as well as The Mandalorian and Grogu feature film. How did the practicality of Fennec Shand’s hair change her look? What color IS Luke’s hair in Return of the Jedi, and how do you recreate that? So many questions answered. Maria gives us so many exclusive behind-the-scenes stories! Follow Maria on instagram.   Heading to Star Wars Celebration Japan? You can meet Maria Sandoval at the Not So Virtual Cantina: Special Edition on April 17th. Many thanks to Spencer Jawitz (Star Wars Celebration Japan Facebook Group) for facilitating this discussion, and the Japan event.   Today in Star Wars History 3/18/2017   Disney XD airs the episode “Twin Suns” from Star Wars Rebels Season Three.    Maul has tracked Obi-Wan’s presence to the remote world of Ta

https://youtu.be/1txZxDE2U7M   If Adventure has a name it would be this episode of Skywalking through Neverland! We celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Disneyland attraction INDIANA JONES ADVENTURE: Temple of the Forbidden Eye with Justin Smith, THE Indiana Jones aficionado. He rode the attraction with Sallah actor John Rhys-Davies, met up with Disneyland Imagineers, and had an amazing day. Then we go over the past, present, and future of each Indiana Jones attraction/show at Disney Parks across the globe, including the upcoming Temple of the Feathered Serpent at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Lots to talk about and celebrate!   Today in Star Wars History 3/11/1979   The daily Star Wars newspaper comic strip debuts. The series was written and drawn by Russ Manning. It was first distributed by the Los Angeles Times and debuted in 214 newspapers in the U.S. and Canada. We did breakdowns of several storyline which can be found here.     SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywa

Who else LOVED the Netflix DAREDEVIL series?? We did, and we are so excited that DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN - Marvel Television’s continuation of those first 3 seasons - is now airing on Disney+!! We’ve been waiting years for Disney to pick up where Netflix left off and now it’s here. We’ll give you some comic history of Daredevil and a brief summary of what you should know going in. We also break down the first two episodes and take a special look at imagery, sound design, and character journeys. Wilson Fisk/Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio) and Matt Murdock/Daredevil (Charlie Cox) reprise their respective roles and we were both blown away. FYI, there will be spoilers.   DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN begins several years after the events of Netflix’s DAREDEVIL, and a year after Matt Murdock has stopped being the vigilante "Daredevil". Now, Murdock continues his fight for justice as a lawyer while former crime boss Wilson Fisk has been elected mayor of New York City, putting the pair on a collision course. This first season c

Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics is back! We break down Issue 52: TO TAKE THE TARKIN from July 1981 with our good friend Spencer Jawitz (Virtual Cantina Network). In this issue, our heroes infiltrate the Empire’s new battle station, The Tarkin. Will history repeat itself where they destroy the massive station or will Darth Vader stop them this time - that is if he survives the plot from within the Empire’s ranks to kill him? We share our thoughts on the storytelling, artwork, and when to "Hurl a Berl". But most of all, we learn some great new Star Wars expletives on the level of "Dank Farrik!" That's some Hockaleg, right there.   Today in Star Wars History -February 25, 1986   Return Of The Jedi was released on VHS and Betamax for $79.99. This is the first time a film is released worldwide on home video to help reduce piracy.     #52 “TO TAKE THE TARKIN"   Release Date: July 21, 1981 Writer: David Michelinie Artwork: Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer Coloring: Don Warfield Cover Art:  Walt Simonson   Luk

Richard and Sarah review and break down CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD. And since this is the 35th entry in the MCU, we’ll tell you some of the surprising Marvel films and TV shows you should brush up on before watching. This is what we wish we would have known going in. Please note that there will be minor plot spoilers, but overall they will help you enjoy the film even more.   We love behind-the-scenes nuggets, so this breakdown will include sound bytes from Kevin Feige (Executive Producer/Marvel Studios President), Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Executive Producer), and Harrison Ford (President Thaddeus Ross).   Today in Star Wars History 2/12/1978   The first Expanded Universe novel, Splinter Of The Mind’s Eye by Alan Dean Foster, is published by Del Rey. Splinter Of The Mind’s Eye is written to be filmed as a low-budget sequel to Star Wars. That is why it’s set on the misty planet of Mimban. Mimban is seen onscreen in Solo: A Star Wars Story. We broke down and did a review of Splinter Of The Mind’s

Richard and Sarah break down the new Disney+ animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and compare it to the classic Spider-Man comic from 1963! It’s astounding how close showrunner Jeff Trammell and his team have stayed true to the classic comic, with art by Steve Ditko and John Romita Sr. This episode includes some behind-the-scenes quotes and fun facts which will give you even more enjoyment for Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. We also go over some fun MCU Easter Eggs, puzzle together where it fits in the current MCU, and share our first introductions to Spider-Man. Richard and I have vastly different stories.   Be sure to check out our Spider-Man review.   Today in Star Wars History 2/4/2024   The 51st Saturn Awards, which honors the best in science fiction, fantasy, horror are presented, and Star Wars winners include:    ‘Best Music in a Film’ - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny – John Williams ‘Best Animated Television Series or Special’ - The Bad Batch ‘Best New Genre

For our 501st episode we've invited 501st Legion founder Albin Johnson. We talk about the origins of “The World’s Definitive Imperial Star Wars Costuming Organization.” Albin discusses the charities that the 501st has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for, as well as the impactful Make-A-Wish Endowment. We also get into the debate of cosplayers vs costumers! Then there was the time he was kidnapped… you’ll hear all about it and much more in this 501st episode.    Learn more and donate to the 501st Make-a-Wish Endowment.   Check out the 501st Legion documentary, Star Wars: Star Warriors Documentary.   Today in Star Wars History 1/27/1983   Lucasfilm officially announces that the title for the third Star Wars film has changed from Revenge Of The Jedi to Return Of The Jedi.    SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

We did it - our 500th episode!!! To celebrate this milestone we do what we do best - talk about Star Wars. We are so excited to take on one of our biggest discussions ever - comparing and contrasting all seven of the live action Star Wars Disney+ series. We go over the final confrontations, how each show progresses the world of Star Wars, how each series ended but left an opening for another season, and lots more. We look forward to seeing how your ranking compares to ours. Today in Star Wars History Cartoon Network airs the episode “Witches of the Mist” from Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Secrets Revealed Season Three. Written by Katie Lucas.  FORTUNE COOKIE: “The path to evil may bring great power, but not loyalty.” In this episode, Ventress and Savage Opress attack Dooku but he gets away. Opress returns to Mother Talzin who tells him to find his long-lost and exiled brother who will teach him how to become a powerful warrior. With his mission set, Opress leaves. Talzin then turns to her crystal orb where a fra

We break down issue 51: Resurrection of Evil from June 1981! There is a new super weapon being constructed called the Tarkin. Our heroes are sent to bring down this technological terror, and at the same time there is a plot within the Empire to kill Darth Vader!   In the past, Marvel has tied-in Kenner action figures and playsets. Is that what they are doing here with the Scout Walker vehicle? Or was it because they wanted to feature the cool 2-legged walker seen in The Empire Strikes Back for 2 seconds.   Today in Star Wars History   Disney+ streams the episode, “Chapter 3: The Streets of Mos Espa” from The Book of Boba Fett which Guest stars Danny Trejo as the Rancor Keeper. (Does Danny Trejo make an appearance in this episode’s Marvel comic?)   In “The Streets of Mos Espa” the Hutt Twins come to Boba Fett’s palace and offer their apologies for sending Black Krrsantan to kill him.   This Book of Boba Fett  episode also features the BEST Behind the scenes Easter Egg ever! During the speeder chase w

It’s our annual year-end wrap-up spectacular - part 2!! In this half we look back on 2024 and discuss fandom surprises, what is the appropriate hashtag for 2024, and if we could go back in time what we would tell our 10-year-old selves about this past year. The conversation continues with our special guests James Floyd from Star Warsologies (which can be found here on the Skywalking Network), and pop culturists Kevin & Angela Vincent! Check out Part 1 of the discussion.   SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.   CONTACT US   Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod   Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland   Send emails to share@skywalkin

It’s our annual year-end wrap-up spectacular - part 1!! We take a look back at 2024 - the highs and lows, what may or may not have met our expectations, our personal fandom highlights, and so much more. And we invited some friends to join us - James Floyd from Star Warsologies (which can be found here on the Skywalking Network), and Kevin & Angela Vincent - theme park entertainers who we met at D23! From WICKED to SKELETON CREW, Harrison Ford to a published Star Wars Book - we cover it all. Stay tuned in just a few days for Part 2!   SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.   CONTACT US   Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod   Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod   Facebook: https://www.facebook.co

Aye, matey - ‘tis time for a discussion with Skeleton Crew pirate Vane!! Actor Marti Matulis is Vane in The Mandalorian & Skeleton Crew, he is in this year’s new Christmas movie Red One as the vulture-like Slap-Fight Judge, and he is in many Star Trek films and TV series. We discuss the artistry of creature makeup, how he emotes under the mask, and acting in general. Matulis is a 20+ year veteran in the business and we loved picking his brain. Follow him on instagram and YouTube channel.   Today in Star Wars History - 12/23/1977   A special Star Wars holiday ad is placed in local newspapers to promote the ongoing release that reads, “Happy Holidays and may the Force be with you throughout the new year.”         SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the S

With all the talk about Crimson Jack in Skeleton Crew we felt this was a perfect time to share another Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics episode! Issue #108 “Forever Crimson!” (2019), is a special continuation of Issue #50 “The Crimson Forever” (1981). This was part of Marvel’s 80th Anniversary celebration in 2019 where they added this issue 33 years after the classic Star Wars series ended in 1986.    Richard and Sarah break down “Forever Crimson!” - it’s story, artwork, and the HUGE amount of Star Wars EU Easter eggs! Jaxxon and Amaiza are back! Valance the Hunter and Domina Tagge make an appearance. This comic even references vornskr and the witches of Dathomir. Could there be more references to pop culture in this comic than SKELETON CREW?? Let’s find out.   We recommend watching the video version (above) of this episode which contains the full comic as we page through it.   #108 “FOREVER CRIMSON"   Release Date: May 29, 2019 Writer: Matthew Rosenberg Artwork: Giuseppe Camuncoli, Andrea Broccard

The long-awaited STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW is here! It’s December which means we get NEW Star Wars content! This answers the question, what do you get when you mix The Goonies, Stand By Me, and the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction together in a galaxy far far away.    Mike Celestino (Laughing Place / Who’s The Bossk podcast) joins us to break down this new live action series which premiered on Disney+ on December 2nd. We give our reactions and go through the many many easter eggs & parallels to the coming-of-age films of the 80’s. And yes, there will be spoilers.   For more behind-the-scenes information straight from showrunners Jon Watts and Christopher Ford, check out our Roundtable. To watch more insight from the young actors, check out our second Roundtable.    Today in Star Wars History - 12/3/1983   From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga airs on PBS. The sixty-five-minute documentary, narrated by Mark Hamill, features behind-the-scenes footage of the original trilogy with a focus o

Craig Miller is back to help us break down the ultimate Star Wars book, The Art of Star Wars from 1979. Craig was the Director of Fan relations for Lucasfilm from 1977-1980 and had a hand in putting this book together. If you’ve never read The Art of Star Wars, pause the show now and go and get it! It has the Episode IV script, storyboards, international movie posters and it was the first time we ever saw the subtitle, “Episode IV: A New Hope.” And all that is just the tip of the iceberg. Do you own any “Art of ____” books? This book started it all!   Today in Star Wars History - 11/25/1984   Happy 40th Anniversary to The Ewok Adventure which premiered on ABC. The film stars Eric Walker, Aubree Miller, and Warwick Davis who returns as Wicket the Ewok.    To hear many stories about The Ewok Adventure listen to Episode 56 where we formed our friendship with Eric Walker, the Original Mace: Episode 56: The Ewok Adventure with Eric Walker. Here is the panel we hosted at Celebration 2022, Celebrating the Ewok

It’s November which means it’s time to honor and celebrate The Star Wars Holiday Special! THE STORY OF THE FAITHFUL WOOKIEE animated short was key in forwarding the next chapter of the Star Wars saga by including the on-screen introduction to Boba Fett. Michael Hirsh, co-creator of Nelvana animation studio and producer of THE FAITHFUL WOOKIEE, joins us this week to share some amazing stories. Hirsh created and produced over 6,000 episodes of children’s programming including Care Bears, Inspector Gadget, Beetlejuice, and The Ewoks & Droids Adventure Hour as well as so many more. And yes, there is a connection to The Monkees in all of this.    Beyond Nelvana, Hirsh has formed two more companies, and he shares fascinating details on animation business practices, including some run-ins with Standards & Practices. It’s an eye-opening conversation. If you want ALL the details, pick up his new memoir, ANIMATION NATION: How We Built A Cartoon Empire. It’s available wherever books are sold and is a perfect

Are you a Batman fan?? Do you love behind-the-scenes stories of TV and film? In 1992, Warner Bros. Animation gave us the hugely successful Batman: The Animated Series, widely revered as a groundbreaking superhero show. Everything you ever wanted to know about this series, from inception to legacy, can be found in the comprehensive book series, Batman: The Animated Interviews by our good friend W.R. Miller. These 5 volumes cover all facets of the Batman universe and are a must-have for all Batman fans, and make a great stocking stuffer! Miller joins us to discuss the content, his process, and shares some great stories to whet your appetite for these books.    The Unofficial Batman: The Animated Interviews: Buy the hardcover or pre-order the paperbacks.   Today in Star Wars History - 11/11/1979   The Art of Star Wars is released by Del Rey. This was THE book to own as a kid!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIazuvzMhFA   SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Throu

Ever wonder how the Propstore auctions work? So did we! In the first of two episodes this week, we speak with Brandon Alinger from Propstore. He gives us the lowdown on all the amazing memorabilia that will be auctioned off starting Nov.14. There are items from Star Wars, Gremlins, Ghostbusters, Hook, Spider-Man, Princess Bride, and sooooooo many more. And he gives us a peek behind the curtain of what goes into these auctions.   Today in Star Wars History - 11/8/1926   Happy 98th Birthday to Ted Burnett! Ted Burnett portrays Wuher, the Cantina bartender in A New Hope. He was brought in through the UGLY Models agency who casts those with unusual appearances.   SPONSORS   Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.   SUPPORT THE SHOW   Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.   CONTACT US   In

It’s a celebration of HALLOWEEN with Holly Frey (Full of Sith, Stuff You Missed in History Class, Criminalia podcasts)! She’s also an author, clothes designer, and lover of all things Halloween. We have a Halloween Happy Hour, of sorts - Richard, Sarah, and Holly share favorite Halloween childhood memories, first scary movie we saw, favorite Halloween costume, and we ask “You’re a late-night horror host, what is your name and what is your show about?” (we also want to know your answers as well so let us know in the comment).  In true Skywalking form, there’s also a HOLLYween Trivia Game of TERROR!     Holly and her Criminalia co-host Maria Trimarchi’s NEW book, Killer Cocktails: Dangerous Drinks Inspired by History's Most Nefarious Criminals, is available now wherever books are sold. Please let us know which cocktails inspire you the most!   Today in Star Wars History - 10/27/2005   Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination opens at the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts. The tour, which cons