Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 2087

Funko Reveals New STAR WARS Galactic Plushies and ROGUE ONE Pops!

As we all gather round the warm glow of the internet and celebrate Star Wars Day, just as our ancestors did before us, the good folks at Funko have revealed to us two all-new waves of Star Wars toys coming to our galaxy this summer. Each and every one of these adorable figures will add a touch of that galaxy far, far away to your desk at work, your shelves at home, or wherever you choose to have them hang their lightsabers.

First up, we’ve got a second wave of the Star Wars Galactic Plushies, this time featuring 7-8″ plush versions of Wicket the Ewok, R2-D2, Yoda, Luke Skywalker in his A New Hope Tatooine look, and a classic Imperial Storm Trooper. These new squishy and adorable toys join a lineup that already includes Han Solo, Chewie, Threepio, Darth Vader, and Boba Fett. From The Force Awakens, we already have Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren, BB-8, Maz Kanata and a First Order Storm Trooper. Hopefully, joining them at some point in the future we’ll get an Obi-Wan, a Lando, and a Poe Dameron. Wave 2 of the classic Star Wars Plushies hits in July.

And coming this August, Funko is adding a new wave to their Rogue One Pop! line, featuring  the father-daughter pair of Galen Erso and Young Jyn Erso (with her little stormtrooper doll), the cool looking alien rebel Weeteef Cyubee, and finally, a Death Star Droid. Soon, you’ll be able to own these adorable little versions of these beloved characters who all die horrible deaths by the end of their movie debut. Well, except the Death Star droid, he gets a reprieve until the events of A New Hope, where he is then presumably blown up real good.

You can see individual images of the new Star Wars Galactic Plushies and the Pops! in our gallery down below.

Which of these new Funko Star Wars toys is your favorite? Be sure to let us know down in the comments!

The best Star Wars characters that are no longer canon:

Images: Funko / Lucasfilm

27 Mouthwatering STAR WARS Eats to Celebrate May the 4th

May the 4th is more than just a funny pun, it’s become an annual tradition—a holiday when fans come together to celebrate their love of Star Wars. And there’s no greater way to share your love for that galaxy far, far away (or for anything, really) as far as we’re concerned than with food. Whether you’re dining on cookies and blue milk or your own chocolate Millennium Falcon, remember that Star Wars food is to be enjoyed, shared, and, most importantly, Instagrammed.

On May the 4th, talented food ‘grammers and Star Wars fans go the extra parsec to show off some glorious intergalactic recipes with the digital world. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite Star Wars Day treats this side of the Outer Rim… of Instagram.

Star Wars Smoothie Bowl

A post shared by Melinda (@asparklekindoflife) on May 3, 2017 at 3:47pm PDT

If you’re going to graduate from padawan to Jedi you’re going to have to train hard, focus, and eat a well rounded breakfast. This Star Wars smoothie bowl is almost too beautiful to eat, but I’d definitely start with the Death Star first.

Cold Brew with Vader Ice Cubes

A post shared by Into FOOD (@fayito_junkie) on May 3, 2017 at 3:37pm PDT

Luke, use the force to make me Cold Brew. I could watch this video all day, it’s as if you’re watching Vader’s helmet being transformed before your very eyes.

Ramen Chewbacca

A post shared by PICAME (@picame) on May 3, 2017 at 1:48pm PDT

If this is how ramen is served on Kashyyyk, then I’m all in. Although I heard it’s a little chewie.

Star Wars Toast

A post shared by Little Miss Bento・Shirley シャリー (@littlemissbento) on May 3, 2017 at 7:09pm PDT

These adorable toasts were made with specialty Japanese ingredients like homemade kinako spread, matcha spread, black sesame spread, sliced chocolate, and lotus biscoff spread. All the effort was worth it for the best breakfast in the galaxy.

Yoda Wonton

A post shared by tisha (@tishacherry) on May 4, 2017 at 6:06am PDT

This Yoda wonton looks a little cranky but it’s probably because he knows he’s filled with deliciousness. This beautiful work of food art even uses soy sauce to spell out May the 4th Be With You.

Star Wars Cucumbers

A post shared by Oki (@minayoshi) on Apr 29, 2017 at 8:28am PDT

We’ve featured Oki on Nerdist before, his perfectly detailed vegetable carvings are a sight to behold. These little Sith cucumbers together will rule the galaxy.

Chewbacca Cupcakes

A post shared by Headjam Creative Agency (@headjamcreative) on May 3, 2017 at 4:45pm PDT

It’s not wise to upset a Wookiee, so if he offers you a cupcake make sure you take it.

Princess Leia Cupcakes

A post shared by tiff (@tiffanyhaney) on May 3, 2017 at 4:30pm PDT

This May the 4th we’re definitely feeling the loss of Carrie Fisher. These cupcakes are a sweet tribute to our beloved princess.

Macadamia Rocky Road Millennium Falcon

A post shared by Nerissa Galloway (@dottyskitchen) on May 3, 2017 at 1:49pm PDT

This gorgeous tribute to the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy is dark chocolate filled with roasted macadamia nut rocky road. She may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts, kid.

Wookiee Cookies Pie

A post shared by Kathy Masunaga (@sweetrevengehnl) on May 3, 2017 at 6:39pm PDT

Wookiees definitely have a sweet side and this blue bantha milk panna cotta pie topped with peanut butter cookies is it.

Rebel and Imperial Ice Cubes

A post shared by PDX ICE (@pdxice) on May 2, 2017 at 7:51pm PDT

If I had to choose, Rebels or the Empire—I choose the side that keeps my drink the coldest.

Darth Krispie

A post shared by Lisa Starks (@rubykitty13) on May 3, 2017 at 5:52pm PDT

Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father. He turned into a rice krispie treat. Noooooooo!

Star Wars Lunchbox

A post shared by Beau Coffron (@lunchboxdad) on May 1, 2017 at 7:30am PDT

Red Five standing by…for lunch!

Star Wars Macarons

A post shared by Sydney desserts , Australia (@bakedbyandres) on May 3, 2017 at 3:16pm PDT

Tsum Tsum macarons? Be still my heart. Someone get me a mug of Hoth chocolate, stat.

Jaxxon Rice Krispies Treats

A post shared by Jennifer Landa (@jenniferlanda) on Apr 11, 2017 at 9:33am PDT

Not many people know Jaxxon the space rabbit, but thank the maker—Jen Landa created an edible homage to the most obscure Star Wars character in the galaxy.

Chewbacca Spaghetti

A post shared by Samantha Lee (@leesamantha) on May 4, 2017 at 5:35am PDT

Pasta wookiee is impressive, most impressive.

Star Wars Cookies

A post shared by Crave Cookies & Treats (@cravecookiesandtreats) on May 3, 2017 at 2:58pm PDT

Lovingly detailed out of royal icing, these deserve to be dunked into a tall glass of blue milk.

R2-D2 Cookie

A post shared by Hayleycakes And Cookies (@thehayleycakes) on May 3, 2017 at 1:26pm PDT

I love watching cookie decorating videos, watching them being iced puts me in a zen state of mind. These are definitely the delicious droids I’m looking for.

Star Wars Cupcakes

A post shared by Rebecca Phillis (@cakeartbybec) on May 3, 2017 at 2:56pm PDT

Fantastic fondant work, these little characters almost look like they could be little game pieces on a dejarik table.

Stormtrooper Rice Ball

A post shared by Pax Cute Food (@peaceloving_pax) on May 4, 2017 at 4:22am PDT

Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for the Darth Angry Bird rice ball by your side.

Star Wars Marshmallows

A post shared by Michelle From Sugar Swings! (@sugarswings) on May 1, 2017 at 7:52am PDT

These are the most creative marshmallows I’ve ever seen. All the Star Wars ladies are represented here in soft, sugary, form.

BB-8 Waffle

A post shared by Pangea Brands (@pangeabrands) on May 1, 2017 at 8:24am PDT

This golden brown BB-8 waffle deserves a thumbs up!

Lightsaber Cookies

A post shared by Jenn Fujikawa (@justjennrecipes) on May 3, 2017 at 12:53pm PDT

This is an elegant cookie for a more civilized age.

Star Wars Dinner

A post shared by Avery Furlong (@diariesofasupermom) on May 3, 2017 at 4:34pm PDT

Do or do not, there is no try. Watch a Star Wars movie with your padawans and set up the ultimate dinner and a movie night.

Star Wars Cookies

A post shared by Mary Bann (@sweet.prints.inc) on May 3, 2017 at 6:42pm PDT

The force is strong with these cookie cutters.

Yoda Cookies

A post shared by Olga Quintero (@oquiozcreacionesca) on May 3, 2017 at 4:34pm PDT

Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will. Like these cookies.

Stormtrooper Marshmallows

A post shared by H e a t h e r (@heatherfelicity) on May 3, 2017 at 4:39pm PDT

These bucketheads are squishy and make tasty toppers for Imperial cupcakes.

What did you cook up for Star Wars Day? Tag @nerdist and @justjenn on twitter to show us your May the 4th snacks!

Image: Jenn Fujikawa

Is This Rumored LAST JEDI Chase Scene Too Weird for STAR WARS?

Although the 40th anniversary of Star Wars doesn’t technically happen until the 25th of this month, May 4th has been adopted by fans and Lucasfilm alike as the unofficial annual holiday to celebrate all of the films. Instead of looking back, today’s Nerdist News is taking a ride into the latest rumors surrounding The Last Jedi. And let’s just say that things are gonna get a little weird.

There are potential spoilers ahead for The Last Jedi! It’s nothing too universe shattering, but considering that we’re only about seven months away from the next sequel, you may want to remain unspoiled. You’ve been warned!

Join host and Jakku’s next top scavenger, Jessica Chobot, as she tells us about a wild Last Jedi chase featuring Finn and his new friend, Rose, as they attempt to escape from some bad guys on the casino world. This rumor originated at ; which noted that Finn and Rose are gonna need a little extra help getting away this time. So they’re taking a ride on a space horse. That’s right, Star Wars just went My Little Brony! According to the report, these horse-like creatures are called Falthiers, and they look like a cross between a tauntaun and the luck dragon from The Neverending Story.

The word is that these Falthiers are ridiculously big, and the villains in this sequence are even stranger. Are you ready for aliens wearing tuxedos using luxury speeders to chase down Finn and Rose? It sounds like one of the most anachronistic Star Wars references we’ve seen since Dex pulled up his pants at that ’50s diner on Coruscant in Attack of the Clones. But is it too weird for the franchise? Hell no! These films were built around all sorts of weird and bizarre ideas, from the cantina aliens, the space wizards, and even a holographic board game enjoyed by wookies and droids alike. If anything, the new trilogy should embrace the weirdness and deliver some visuals that we’ve never seen in a Star Wars movie before.

What do you think about the rumored Last Jedi chase? May the Fourth be with you in the comment section below!

Josh Gad Shares One Last Video of Him Bugging Daisy Ridley for STAR WARS Spoilers

Of all the media properties with particularly passionate fan bases, the one that stands out is Star Wars. Sometimes it seems as though Star Wars fans would rather know about key plot details ahead of time than actually see the movies and enjoy them when they come out. Still, we’re not blaming them: They just love the stories and get very excited about them.

Clearly, Josh Gad is one of these excited fans. So when he found himself working with Daisy Ridley on a film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, he began pestering her to no end, trying to squeeze details about upcoming Star Wars movies out of her. He shared a bunch of videos of his interrogation sessions over the past few months. Today, in honor of May the 4th, a.k.a. Star Wars Day, Gad took to Twitter to show us an outtake from the series.

In honor of #maythe4thbewithyou here are out-takes from my #starwars videos with #daisyridley who can’t keep a straight face. Nor can I. pic.twitter.com/toPm5uj5PS

— Josh Gad (@joshgad) May 4, 2017

There’s actually not a ton of Star Wars-related stuff going on in this minute-long video, though, focusing instead on the part of Gad’s plan where he lulls Ridley into a false sense of security by talking about their work on Murder on the Orient Express. They try to run through some “new dialogue” from the movie, but neither of them can keep the gag up long enough for this take to be usable.

Revisit Gad’s original exploits here, and let us know what Star Wars questions you’d ask Ridley if given the opportunity to annoy her on set all day every day.

Featured image: Disney/Lucasfilm

Will The Last Jedi really be the end of the Jedi?

RIAN JOHNSON Changed the Ending of THE FORCE AWAKENS—For the Better

In the world of Star Wars, droids are a part of everyday life. They can be work colleagues, friends, political allies, and even tools of war. And in a galaxy filled with artificial intelligence, R2-D2 is arguably the most important of all the droids (sorry, Threepio), having lived through every Episode of the Star Wars saga. This grand tradition continued in the latest installment, The Force Awakens. After being in sleep mode for most of the film, R2-D2 joined Rey and Chewy on their quest to find Luke Skywalker. But in an alternative universe far, far away, there’s a version of the film where it was BB-8 who rolled himself into the Millennium Falcon and not everyone’s favorite bleep-blooping droid.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Rian Johnson revealed that he was the one who asked TFA director J.J. Abrams to swap the droids in those final moments.

Keeping R2-D2 in the navigator’s seat was unquestionably the right decision. Star Wars is a world where legacy is everything, and seeing Rey and R2-D2 together echoed the original trilogy and the prequels in all the right ways. Shadowing Luke and his father before him added even more fuel to the fires around Rey’s parentage, giving fans a hint of the gravitas of her mission. I mean, if R2-D2 has been asleep since Luke disappeared but wakes up only to join Rey on her quest, it MUST be important, right?

Besides: it’s nice to think that Luke will have someone he can trust by his side again.

So what do you think? Should Rian have given BB-8 his time to shine? Or would the galaxy’s bravest warriors all have fallen apart without the dulcet beep boops of R2-D2? Let us know in the comments!

Images and GIFs: Disney/Lucasfilm

Is CAPTAIN PHASMA Secretly the Little Girl from EWOKS: THE BATTLE FOR ENDOR?

In a world where passionate fandom and pop culture saturation are at an all time high, the internet is rife with outrageous fan theories. Though occasionally farfetched, these theories can contribute some of the most fun parts to being a fan. From Rey’s much debated family tree to whether The Last Jedi is singular or plural–alas, Rian Johnson confirmed it’s singular at Star Wars Celebration earlier this year (RIAN, WHYYYY?)–we as fans are always asking the important questions about the things that we love.

Cue a new pressing question, perhaps the most pressing one for this particular fan: Could Captain Phasma, the iconic silver-suited leader of the First Order Stormtroopers, actually be Cindel Towani from George Lucas’ long forgotten TV movie Ewoks: The Battle for Endor?

For those of you who don’t regularly revisit George Lucas’ forays into direct-to-TV movies, Cindel is the young star of both Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure and Ewoks: The Battle For Endor. In the original Ewoks spinoff, she’s part of a larger ensemble. But in the far superior sequel, she’s the unquestionable heroine. A tiny child with a radical sense of style and an Ewok best bud, she sasses witches, fights scary monsters, and at one point gets picked up by a giant stop motion pterodactyl! Basically she’s a super badass little girl who helps the Ewoks save their beloved forest moon.

Yes, it may sound out of left field to connect the two characters. but what do we really know about Phasma? The Force Awakens didn’t show us much. All we know is that she’s a veteran of the First Order and entrusted with the training of General Hux’s orphan Stormtrooper army. We can all agree that Star Wars loves a family story and a legacy character, so it’s very likely that our first female Stormtrooper will be someone that we’ve seen before. So why not the very same blonde, bequiffed, headband-wearing heroine from these direct-to-TV gems?

via GIPHY

When we last saw Cindel, she was flying off into space with Noa, an old man who’d crashed on Endor years before and was stranded until Cindel and Wicket discovered him living in an old tree. After defeating their evil foes, the humans left Wicket behind and flew off into the galactic sunset, never to be seen again. We know that The Force Awakens is set around 30 years after the end of Return of the Jedi, which means that Cindel would be in her late 40s, a completely reasonable age estimate for the yet unmasked Captain Phasma. After all, how likely is it that a mid level scout in his 60s like Noa could protect a young child for long in the face of the Empire?

When the Empire fell and the clone project was dismantled, we know that the First Order began training children as their new soldiers. Maybe Cindel was their prototype? Could the reason that Phasma is in charge of the new First Order Troopers be because she was the first one of them all?

What do you think? Could Phasma really be Wicket’s old best friend, bitter and brainwashed by the First Order? Or have I just been drinking too much blue milk? Let us know in the comments!

Images: Lucasfilm

Kylo Ren’s new scar is sparking controversy!

Take a 360°, 4K Trip on the Original STAR WARS Star Tours Disney Attraction

“I know this is probably your first flight, and it’s mine, too!”

Those memorable words from RX-24, a.k.a. Captain Rex, kicked off the original version of Disney Parks‘ Star Tours attraction. The Star Wars themed ride debuted at Disneyland in 1987 and was Disney‘s first foray into licensing intellectual property from other companies. You boarded a StarSpeeder 3000 and tried to get to Endor, but the flight didn’t follow its itinerary. Instead, it got a bit side-tracked. And by a bit, I mean guests found themselves in the middle of the Battle of Yavin, stuck in the Death Star trench run. Oops.

Though Star Tours was replaced in 2011 with the revamped Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, it has a special place in the hearts of Disney and Star Wars fans alike. Though the memory is fuzzy around the edges, Star Tours was my first exposure to the galaxy far, far away. And now, I can relive it in 360-degree, 4K glory thanks to Gregory Noacco, also known on YouTube as TimeKeeper XCII. Watch:

I encountered the video through a friend on Twitter and was floored to see how Noacco re-created the experience from the original attraction. It takes me way back. You can enjoy the immersive experience on your computer, but if you have a virtual reality headset, you can experience Star Tours in an up close and personal fashion–which is the best way to go.

Learn more about optimizing your viewing experience via your browser, mobile device, or VR mode at Noacco’s website.

Do you recall the first time you rode Star Tours? Share your memory with me in the comments.

Featured Image: Gregory Noacco

Neil Gaiman Explains What the Heck AMERICAN GODS Is About

If you’re a fan of American Gods, chances are you’ve attempted to explain the concept of the novel by Neil Gaiman and the Starz television adaptation to a friend in the past few months. “It’s about the Old Gods vs. the New Gods,” I’ve said when asked, “It’s about belief and immigration.” I’d get puzzled looks and wrap with some version of, “Look, it’s wild and full of symbolism and good. Trust me, it’s something you need to read and watch.”

As far as summaries go, mine were not fantastic.

Happily, Gaiman has my back. The author shared a primer video that directly answers the question, “What is American Gods about?” Unsurprisingly, he has a concise reply that hits all important notes of the story about Shadow Moon and the bizarre yet not bizarre world he’s found himself in. Watch and learn:

I’m going to save the video for the next time I get asked about the series, but I’ll still end with, “Trust me; read the book and watch the TV show. You’ll thank me later.”

And while we’re on the topic of Gaiman and American Gods, here’s what he wants viewers to take away from the series. If you haven’t read the book, be aware there is a minor spoiler in the video:

The hair is a bit weird but the sentiments are heartfelt. What I want you to take away from American Gods.

A post shared by Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) on May 3, 2017 at 12:26pm PDT

If you haven’t read American Gods, what was your impression of the first episode ? Did you get the gist of the story? Tell me in the comments.

Featured Image: Starz

Orlando Jones teases American Gods ep 2!

Mac Sabbath is a Hilarious, Brutal Combination of Black Sabbath and McDonald’s

Fast food is a real double-edged sword: Sometimes the salty sweetness really hits the spot, but also, it’s probably not the healthiest thing you could put into your body. Mac Sabbath, a Black Sabbath parody band that’s based on the beloved McDonald’s characters, is similarly two-sided: They’re not Black Sabbath, but they’re still pretty good and definitely funnier.

The group finally got around to releasing its first music video, and “Pair-a-Buns,” which is the band’s only studio recording at the moment and a play on Sabbath’s “Paranoid,” turns Ronald, Grimace and the rest of the McDonald’s crew into a street gang, set on eliminating its rivals: Colonel Sanders, the Wendy’s girl, and the other usual suspects. The band members are actually named Ronald Osbourne, Slayer MacCheeze, Grimalice, and Catburglar, and they’re a lot more brutal than we remember The Hamburglar being.

The clip, directed Jesus Rivera (who goes by Demonbabies), also features claymation by Brad Uyeda, which mostly depicts the crew pumping Colonel Sanders and the rest absolutely full of lead. Musically, if you enjoy Black Sabbath, this ought to scratch that itch, although vocally, Ronald Osbourne actually sounds more like original AC/DC singer Bon Scott (technically, Dave Evans is AC/DC’s first singer, but he wasn’t with them long).

Mac Sabbath is definitely based on a gimmick, yes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be good. We’d definitely rather see them over your typical Black Sabbath tribute/cover band. Listen to the song above, and let us know in the comments what other Sabbath songs you’d like to see them tackle next.

Featured image: Mac Sabbath/YouTube

Inked Wednesday #134 – Retro Gaming and STAR WARS Tattoos

Reader submissions keep Inked Wednesday going strong. This installment is all about Cameron’s shoulder pieces. He has two of them with separate themes done by different artists. Cameron drew the art for each piece himself and worked with the tattooists to ensure his designs would look their best for the permanent ink medium.

First up, let’s admire his gaming inspired sleeve:

Inked by Mike at Tat-2-U

This was Cameron’s first tattoo and combines some nods to older video games and geeky items. You’ll find the Atari symbol, a Nintendo controller, Pac-Man, and other elements in the ink.

Cameron has a Star Wars sleeve, too:

Inked by Julie Whittaker

He started the Star Wars piece on May the 4th last year, and you can see the date on the arm of Boba Fett‘s armor. The image includes the bounty hunter, Darth Vader, and the Death Star.

You can see more views of Cameron’s gaming and Star Wars sleeves in the gallery below, so go check them out from every angle.

If you have nerdy ink on your skin or you’re a tattoo artist that applies pop culture, STEM, music, or other nerd-inspired ink (tl;dr: I want to see basically all of the tattoos) on a regular basis, then please hit me up because I’d like to highlight you in a future Inked Wednesday gallery. You can get in touch with me via email at alratcliffe@yahoo.com. Send me photos of the tattoos you’d like me to feature (the higher resolution, the better) and don’t forget to let me know the name of your tattoo artist if you have it, as well the name of the shop he or she works out of. If you are the tattoo artist, give me links to your portfolios and/or Instagram accounts so I can share them with our readers.

Images: Cameron