This free eBook sampler is the perfect way to prepare for the next exciting era of Star Wars storytelling! With Episodes VII, VIII, and IX on the horizon, Del Rey is proud to present the first wave of novels that are part of the official Star Wars film canon, created in collaboration with the newly formed Lucasfilm Story Group. The exclusive previews of these four books, starring fan favorites and set during and before the original trilogy, will transport you once again to a galaxy that doesn’t feel quite so long ago, or so far away. . . . A NEW DAWN by John Jackson Miller Set during the legendary “Dark Times” between Episodes III and IV, A New Dawn tells the story of how two of the lead characters from the animated series Star Wars Rebels first came to cross paths. TARKIN by James Luceno Bestselling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Grand Moff Tarkin the Star Wars: Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing a legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life. HEIR TO THE JEDI by Kevin Hearne The author of The Iron Druid Chronicles tells a thrilling new adventure set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, and-for the first time ever-written entirely from Luke Skywalker’s first-person point of view. LORDS OF THE SITH by Paul S. Kemp When the Emperor and his notorious apprentice, Darth Vader, find themselves stranded in the middle of insurgent action on an inhospitable planet, they must rely on each other, the Force, and their awesome martial skills to prevail.
Hero Complex gives fans the first real look at the Rebel hunter and The Inquisitor’s right hand, Agent Kallus from Star Wars Rebels. Head on over to watch the video.
Episode VII casting news on a Sunday? Sure why not. StarWars.com has announced the addition of two cast new members to the cast of the upcoming sequel: Actress Crystal Clarke and actor/parkour Pip Andersen. Head on over to the official site for some background info on these young actors.
There are very strong rumors circling about that director Rian Johnson (Looper, Breaking Bad) has been tapped to write and direct Episode VIII and write the treatment for Episode IX.
Nothing is officially confirmed at this point but expect an announcement soon.
Continuity aficionado Nathan P. Butler (Star Wars Timeline Gold and SWActionNews) has discovered a new Vader themed LEGO Star Wars Chronicles TV/Book series is in the works thanks to a new listing on Amazon.com. No official details for the as-of-yet unannounced series are available at this time, but it might be part of the Darth Vader themed TV specials that were reported by our friends at JediNews a few months back.
Lupita Nyong’o joins the recently announced cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. This year, her breakthrough performance in 12 Years a Slave earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Gwendoline Christie, currently starring in the hit television series Game of Thrones as Brienne of Tarth, has also been cast in the production. She can next be seen in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.
Before reading about the latest Justin Bieber scandal, be sure to check out TMZ’s exclusive gallery of Episode VII set images. Some great images in there one in particular that I won’t mention in order to keep the front page as spoiler-free as possible.
Lucasfilm has issued a press release announcing that Gareth Edwards and Gary Whitta have been tapped to direct and write the first in a series of Star Wars stand-alone films beginning in 2016. Click on through for the full announcement.
