The Sims 4 Adds new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Expansion Pack

August 27, 2020

Electronic Arts Inc., Maxis, and Lucasfilm has announced that The Sims 4 Star Wars: Journey to Batuu Game Pack is coming to PC via Origin and Steam, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 systems on September 8, offering players the ability to ‘play with life’ and create their own, unique Star Wars story in a galaxy far, far away.

The Sims 4 Star Wars: Journey to Batuu is set on the remote planet on the edge of Outer Rim territories, inspired by Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. As a new visitor to Batuu, Sims will experience the authentic sights and sounds of the Star Wars universe, including the Millennium Falcon and DJ R-3X’s interstellar hits at Oga’s Cantina. They’ll also embark on exciting missions, unite with iconic characters like Rey and Kylo Ren, and get their hands on their very own lightsaber and droid.

“With The Sims, we’ve always strived to create content that takes players’ imaginations beyond their limits to tell fun and unique stories in the game, and with The Sims 4 Star Wars: Journey to Batuu, they’ll be able to take their Sims on an adventure to the edge of the galaxy,” said Lyndsay Pearson, Executive Producer and GM for The Sims. “We’re such big Star Wars fans, and set out to create an authentic and immersive Star Wars experience for players that also embodies the self-expression and deep storytelling possibilities with The Sims.”

In The Sims 4 Star Wars: Journey to Batuu, players will leave their homes to travel to the planet of Batuu where they’ll have to make a choice on which faction to work with, as the actions their Sims take will lead to control of the Black Spire Outpost. Sims can choose to support Rey and Vi Moradi as part of the Resistance, pledge loyalty to the First Order under Kylo Ren or shift their focus to gaining credits with Hondo Ohnaka and the scoundrels.

As Sims embark on exciting missions, they’ll increase their reputation, unlock new artifacts and one-of-kind clothing, customize their own droids, and create a coveted lightsaber. After players leave Batuu and return home, they can even bring back some of these items, like their lightsaber, to enjoy with other Sims they’ve already created.

“We loved the idea of giving players the opportunity to tell their own Star Wars story, and The Sims’ open-ended form of storytelling and self-expression is the perfect platform to do so,” said Douglas Reilly, VP, Lucasfilm Games. “Our fans are always looking for new ways to immerse themselves into the Star Wars galaxy, and we hope The Sims will provide that in an unexpectedly new and exciting way, where they’ll influence the world of Batuu and find their destiny in the galaxy as they see fit.”

“The talented team at Maxis has brought the rich storytelling of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to life in a wholly new way with this experience,” said Scott Trowbridge, portfolio creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Seeing Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu through the unique style of The Sims is a thrill, including its authentic sights, sounds and the cast of characters.”’

The Sims 4 Star Wars: Journey to Batuu Game Pack is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and will be available for $19.99. Information on how to preorder is available via TheSims.com. For more information about The Sims 4, follow @TheSims on Twitter, Instagram or TikTok, like The Sims on Facebook, and visit TheSims.com.

National Geographic “The Right Stuff” Premieres Oct 9 on Disney+

Socalthrills Staff

August 26, 2020

The incredible story of America’s first astronauts begins right here on Earth in the Disney+ original series “The Right Stuff,” with a two-episode premiere on Friday, October 9. Based on the bestselling book by Tom Wolfe, the eight-episode season is an inspirational look at the early days of the U.S. Space Program and the iconic story of America’s first astronauts, the Mercury 7.

Produced for National Geographic by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way and Warner Bros. Television, “The Right Stuff” takes a clear-eyed look at America’s first “reality show,” when ambitious astronauts and their families became instant celebrities in a competition of money, fame and immortality.

About “The Right Stuff” Show:

At the height of the Cold War in 1959, America fears it is a nation in decline as the Soviet Union dominates the space race. But, the U.S. government has a solution – put a man in space. Newly-formed NASA is given the monumental task, and a group of the nation’s best engineers estimates they’ll need decades to accomplish the feat…but they only have two years.

NASA engineers, including rocket scientist Bob Gilruth (Patrick Fischler) and the passionate Chris Kraft (Eric Ladin), work against the clock under mounting pressure from Washington. Together, they hand-select seven astronauts from a pool of military test pilots. These are ordinary men, plucked from obscurity, and within days of being presented to the world, they are forged into heroes before they achieve a single heroic act.

The two men at the center of it all are Major John Glenn (Patrick J. Adams), a revered Marine test pilot and committed family man, and Lieutenant Commander Alan Shepard (Jake McDorman), one of the best test pilots in Navy history. Other members of the Mercury 7 include Captain Gordo Cooper (Colin O’Donoghue), the youngest of the seven selected to everyone’s surprise; Wally Schirra (Aaron Staton), a competitive pilot with a gift for pulling pranks; Scott Carpenter (James Lafferty), dubbed “The Poet” by the other astronauts; Deke Slayton, (Micah Stock), a taciturn but incredibly intelligent pilot and engineer; and Gus Grissom, (Michael Trotter), a decorated military veteran who eventually becomes the second man in space.

The series also examines the astronauts’ families, including Annie Glenn (Nora Zehetner), who contends with a speech impairment in the public eye; Louise Shepard (Shannon Lucio), a wife and mother who refuses to let Alan’s transgressions affect her home; and Trudy Cooper (Eloise Mumford), an accomplished pilot who puts her own ambitions aside to present the image of a happy family.

Set during a time when many wondered whether America’s glory days were behind it, “The Right Stuff” is an aspirational story about ambition and exploration and how ordinary human beings can achieve the extraordinary.

Showrunner Mark Lafferty (“Castle Rock,” “Halt and Catch Fire”) serves as executive producer along with Appian Way’s Jennifer Davisson and Leonardo DiCaprio, in addition to Will Staples (“Animals,” “Shooter”), Emmy® winner Danny Strong (“Empire,” “The Hunger Games” movies, “Game Change”), Howard Korder (“Boardwalk Empire”) and Chris Long (“The Americans,” “The Mentalist”) who directed and executive produced the first episode. Academy Award® winner Thelma Schoonmaker (“Raging Bull,” “GoodFellas,” “The Departed”) is a consulting producer and Michael Hampton shepherded this project on behalf of Appian Way and is co-producer.

New “Mulan” Epic Filmmaking Featurette

Robbie Bulus

August 26, 2020

Join director Niki Caro as she talks about the making of Disney’s thrilling, live-action “Mulan” in the new featurette “Epic Filmmaking.

Starting September 4, with Premier Access, viewers can watch “Mulan” before it’s available to all Disney+ subscribers. Disney+ will offer Premier Access to “Mulan” for $29.99 on disneyplus.com and select platforms.

About Mulan:

When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father.

Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.

The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin, suggested by the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.” The producers are Chris Bender, Jake Weiner and Jason Reed, with Bill Kong, Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Coddington and Mario Iscovich serving as executive producers.

Taste of Knott’s 2020 is a Fun Food Theme Park Event

Russell Tom

August 23, 2020

Taste of Knott’s, welcomes guests through its gates for a new and expanded food festival. Building on top of the success of their Taste of Calico event, the festival expands to more areas of the park. Camp Snoopy and a small portion by the bumper cars remain closed. But there is plenty to enjoy with good food, music, and mindful social distancing in place.

The team at Knott’s Berry Farm came out with a clear goal for mindful social distancing and reminders to wear face masks. Safety is a top priority with plenty of sanitizer kiosks and custodial keeping the park clean in walkways and tables.

We couldn’t possibly try everything during our trip, but you can bet we gave it our best shot. The Deep Fried Boysenberry Pie Bites were so sweet and delicious. Definitely a must try and an immediate favorite.

Tater Tots was a decent portion size but has a home goodness. The sausage on hoagie bun looks plain at first glance, but still juicy and savory. Would probably skip this for another option.

In fact, we would recommend paying separately for the specialty drinks like Boysenberry Frozen Margarita, Mango Cider, Watermelon Lemonade, and Boysenberry Basil Lemonade. The Peaches and Cream Popping Boba may be worth it with the tasting card.

Our Food Tasting Selections

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The fire honey packs a spicy punch on the chicken tender. And the waffle was hard to cut through. The Hatch Chili Mac and Cheese were not what we expected with “chili” in the title. Corn on the cob is a good light option if servings become heavy. The chicken slider is a soft underwhelming bite paired with the crunchy chips. The beer cheese dip makes for a nice snack with the chips.

Fiesta Village also had a couple of art and craft stands across from the live DJ providing music in the area. The chicken mole on jasmine rice and shrimp taco with aioli slaw on a corn tortilla appeared to be popular options.

If you feel like you need a reward after safely self-quarantining for a few months, Taste of Knott’s is the place to be to stretch your legs and belly. Be well, take care, and indulge in sweet and savory treats in America’s first theme park.

Taste of Knott's Photo Gallery

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The event will run weekends only, Fridays-Sundays, August 21- September 13. The only way to experience the limited time Taste of Knott’s is with a tasting card purchased in advance at knotts.com (a tasting card is required for event entry).

Event hours will be Fridays and Saturdays from 12 pm -9 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 8 pm. Regular tasting cards (ages 12+) are priced at $30 (plus tax) and will include five food tastings and Junior tasting cards (ages 3-11) are $15 (plus tax) and include three tastings; children two and under are free.

Tasting cards are date specific and must be purchased online at knotts.com or through the Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app prior to the date of visit. In order to manage proper physical distancing of guests, Taste of Knott’s tasting cards will be limited each day and may sell out.

*Disclaimer: We were invited by Knott’s Berry Farm to experience the Taste of Knott’s at no cost. This Post and All our opinions are ours.

New “Book to Screen” featurette for Disney’s “The One and Only Ivan”

Socalthrills Staff

August 22, 2020

Check out the new “Book to Screen” featurette for Disney’s “The One and Only Ivan,” with Danny DeVito, director Thea Sharrock, Angelina Jolie, and author Katherine Applegate offering insights on bringing the book to life on the screen.

“The One and Only Ivan” is now streaming on Disney+!

About the Movie

An adaptation of the award-winning book about one very special gorilla, Disney’s “The One and Only Ivan” is an unforgettable tale about the beauty of friendship, the power of visualization and the significance of the place one calls home. Ivan is a 400-pound silverback gorilla who shares a communal habitat in a suburban shopping mall with Stella the elephant, Bob the dog, and various other animals.

Ivan has few memories of the jungle where he was born, but when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, it touches something deep within him. Ivan begins to question his life, where he comes from and where he ultimately wants to be.

The heartwarming adventure, which comes to the screen in an impressive hybrid of live-action and CGI, is based on Katherine Applegate’s bestselling book, which won numerous awards upon its publication in 2013, including the Newbery Medal.

The movie stars Sam Rockwell as the voice of Ivan; Angelina Jolie as the voice of Stella; Danny DeVito as the voice of Bob the dog; Helen Mirren as the voice of Snickers the poodle; Brooklynn Prince as the voice of Ruby; Ramon Rodriguez as the mall employee George; Ariana Greenblatt as George’s daughter Julia; Chaka Khan as the voice of Henrietta the chicken; Mike White as the voice of Frankie the seal; Ron Funches as the voice of Murphy the rabbit; Phillipa Soo as the voice of Thelma the parrot; and Bryan Cranston as Mack, the circus attraction’s owner.

“The One and Only Ivan” is directed by Thea Sharrock from a screenplay by Mike White based on Applegate’s book and is produced by the late Allison Shearmur, Angelina Jolie and Brigham Taylor. Sue Baden-Powell and Thea Sharrock serve as executive producers.

Disney x NBA – Magic of Disney Hits the Hardwood with New Merch

Robbie Bulus

August 21, 2020

The sports world has been watching the restart of NBA basketball at Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Parks have collaborated with the NBA to develop new collections of gear, apparel and accessories for fans to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime sports experience, available Aug. 24 at Walt Disney World Resort, and Aug. 31 on shopDisney.com

“We are excited to launch our latest apparel collaboration with Disney as we prepare to tip off the NBA Playoffs. The new collection commemorates the restart of our season and connects our fans to the magic of Disney,” said Sona Chakamian, NBA Vice President, Global Partnerships.

The new collections commemorate the 2020 NBA Playoffs at Walt Disney World Resort, and products place the NBA alongside classic Disney Parks iconography, and also include offerings that feature specific NBA teams. There’s everything from pins, basketballs, and phone cases to hats and shirts in adult and youth sizes.

“We are thrilled to share these new collections with fans who continue to tune in from home to watch the NBA action at Walt Disney World Resort,” said Jenifer DeSofi, SVP of global product creation, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we worked hard to ensure the product assortment reflects this moment in time.”

The collections are perfect for NBA and Disney fans alike and offer another way to celebrate from home as the race to the Finals continues.

The NBA returned to action at Walt Disney World Resort on July 30, with games being played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. Sixteen NBA teams remain, with the Playoffs tipping off on Aug. 17. Fans can tune in to watch games on ESPN, ABC and TNT.

Check-out the full collection below.

[envira-gallery id=”43025″] [envira-gallery id=”43044″] [envira-gallery id=”43076″] [envira-gallery id=”43100″]

Meandering Around Marina Del Rey

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

August 21, 2020

It may be tough to travel these days, but it is not impossible. There are lots of fun places open for business and with a little research and planning, you can still have a great getaway away from home.

Such was the case when a friend and I recently escaped to Marina del Rey, one of my favorite Southern California beach locations. After surfing the web a little, I found a great hotel room and lined up some fun and tasty activities.

My getaway began when I checked into Marina del Rey Hotel, a waterfront retreat, located minutes from Santa Monica and Venice Beach. The hotel boasts 164 boutique accommodations, the award-winning SALT Restaurant & Bar, and a year-round heated infinity pool & spa – all with gorgeous views of Marina del Rey. The property also offers a fitness center, business center, and on-site bicycle rentals.

Our 350 sq-ft king suite featured a king bed with premium high-thread Egyptian cotton linens, a luxury bathroom with rainforest showerhead, free wireless Internet, and a balcony with table and chairs and incredible views overlooking the pool and the marina.

But the hotel’s best feature is its proximity to the spectacular marina. Built-in the early 1960s at the site of an old salt marsh, Marina del Rey is a modern wonder of construction. As one of the world’s largest man-made small craft harbors, it features eight basins and is home to approximately 6,500 boats.

In spite of its epic marina and quaint seaside location, Marina del Rey is still kind of a hidden gem. Located near the larger, more famous areas of Los Angeles such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica, the tiny city can be overlooked. But for savvy travelers from around the globe, the place is a waterfront paradise.

Janet Zaldua, CEO of the Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau says “Marina del Rey is an urban waterfront playground that offers tourists resort-like amenities, exceptional hotel accommodations, and dining experiences with breathtaking Marina views.”

A great way to see the marina is via the Marina del Rey WaterBus (www.marinawaterbus.com), which currently runs Thursdays thru Sundays. The colorful boat makes six stops each way on its trip. Stops are Fisherman’s Village, Burton Chace Park, Marina Beach, Dolphin Marina, Esprit 1, and Del Rey Landing. Tickets are $1 each way and can be purchased from the dock attendants stationed at each WaterBus stop. Attendants can also assist with any questions on WaterBus service and provide additional information on a wide range of activities in Marina del Rey.

We took the Waterbus to Marina Beach, also called Mother’s Beach. Here we lounged on the sand and played in the water. We then rented a kayak from the Pro SUP Shop (www.prosupshop.com). Located in the parking lot in front of Mother’s Beach, the company specializes in stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking and offers daily rentals and lessons by professional ASI & WPA certified instructors.

During our hour tour of the harbor, we paddled past million-dollar yachts and old wooden sloops. I waved to small boats passing by and barking seals sunbathing on docks. Kayaking is not only a great way to see the harbor; it is also a good workout and very relaxing. For those looking to get into paddleboarding or kayaking Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey is probably one of the best places in the Los Angeles area to learn.

For dinner, we took the WaterBus back near our hotel and then walked about 10 minutes to a small shopping center, where we found L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (www.hawaiianbarbecue.com). Here we enjoyed a delicious and casual Hawaiian-styled dinner. Our meal featured a seafood combo plate with fried shrimp, fish fillet, and Hawaiian chicken served with white rice and macaroni salad. My friend had Loco Moco plate with savory hamburger patties over rice and topped with brown gravy and two fried eggs. With our food, we had a couple of cold Corona beers.

The Marina del Rey Hotel is located at 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292. For more information, visit: www.marinadelreyhotel.com or call 310.301-1000. For more information on visiting Marina del Rey, visit: www.visitmarinadelrey.com

Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendars Return for 2020

Robbie Bulus

August 19, 2020

Igloo Books US, a division of Bonnier Books UK, is excited to announce the launch of their new Storybook Advent Calendars for 2020. These include three different versions: Disney – featuring tales from Disney and Pixar including Dumbo’s Snowy Day and Toy Story, a dedicated version for Disney’s Frozen (which includes content from Frozen 2), and Marvel Super Heroes.

In 2019, Igloo Books sold 600,000 copies of the Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendar worldwide. People.com featured it as a top gift for Christmas 2019, it was a number one Amazon US bestseller, and it ranked number seven on USA Today‘s bestseller list.

Paul Gregory, CEO of Igloo Books, said: “Disney’s Advent Calendar has been our best-selling product for the last two years now. This large-format, high quality, gift collection, and the 24 individually wrapped books, featuring many of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel’s magical stories, is a perfect book-a-day December treat as children countdown towards the big day. Plus, the books can continue to be read and enjoyed for months and years afterward.”

The product comes as an over-sized paper-over-board wallet, which is tied together with a ribbon. Inside are twenty-four paperback books which include beloved Disney, Pixar, or Marvel characters.

As an additional surprise element, the books inside are individually wrapped in recyclable paper sleeves to be opened every day leading up to Christmas, December 24^th being the last day. The Disney Advent Calendar includes festive stories from both Disney and Pixar, while Frozen and Marvel contain a collection of stories from each franchise.

First trailer and teaser poster from Twentieth Century Studios “Death on the Nile”

Russell Tom

August 19, 2020

The first trailer and teaser poster from Twentieth Century Studios’ daring mystery-thriller “Death on the Nile” is here! This tale of unbridled passion and incapacitating jealousy, which is directed by and stars five-time Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh and features an all-star cast of suspects, opens in U.S. theaters October 23, 2020.

Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short.

Set against an epic landscape of sweeping desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids, this tale of unbridled passion and incapacitating jealousy features a cosmopolitan group of impeccably dressed travelers, and enough wicked twists and turns to leave audiences guessing until the final, shocking denouement.

“Death on the Nile” reunites the filmmaking team behind 2017’s global hit “Murder on the Orient Express,” and stars five-time Academy Award nominee Kenneth Branagh as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot. He is joined by an all-star cast of suspects, including Tom Bateman, four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders, and Letitia Wright.

“Death on the Nile” is written by Michael Green, adapted from Christie’s novel, and is produced by Ridley Scott, Mark Gordon, Simon Kinberg, Kenneth Branagh, Judy Hofflund, and Kevin J. Walsh, with Matthew Jenkins, James Prichard and Matthew Prichard serving as executive producers.

Disney’s “Mulan” Soundtrack Set For Release on Sept 4, 2020

Socalthrills Staff

August 18, 2020

Multi-platinum and global award-winning superstar singer/songwriter Christina Aguilera performs the original song, “Loyal Brave True” in the music video directed by “Mulan” feature director Niki Caro (“The Zookeeper’s Wife,” “McFarland, USA”). As previously announced, in addition to “Loyal Brave True,” Aguilera also performs a newly-recorded “Reflection (2020).”

Both songs will be featured in the film and on the Walt Disney Records soundtrack, with the score composed and conducted by Harry Gregson-Williams, set for release on Sept. 4, 2020. Stream “Mulan” on Sept. 4 exclusively on Disney+ with Premier Access (Disney+ subscription and additional fee required).

Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s “Mulan,” in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father.

“Mulan” features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Tzi Ma as Zhou, Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Honghui; Ron Yuan as Sergeant Qiang; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin, suggested by the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.”

The producers are Chris Bender, p.g.a., Jake Weiner, p.g.a., and Jason Reed, p.g.a., with Bill Kong, Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Coddington and Mario Iscovich serving as executive producers.

“Loyal Brave True” was written by Jamie Hartman, Harry Gregson-Williams, Rosi Golan and Billy Crabtree, and produced by Jamie Hartman.

“Reflection (2020)” is produced by Gregson-Williams. The original 1998 classic was written by David Zippel and Matthew Wilder.

Music from both songs is featured in Harry Gregson Williams’ underscore with Aguilera’s full-length versions appearing in the film’s custom main-on-end title design.

First Disney+ Original Talk Show “Earth to Ned” Coming Soon

Robbie Bulus

August 17, 2020

From The Jim Henson Company comes a brand new talk show hosted by alien commander Ned and his lieutenant Cornelius, who call off the invasion of Earth after they fall in love with human culture. Broadcasting from the bridge of their spaceship, hidden deep underground, Ned and Cornelius interview Earth’s greatest resource, celebrities.

With the help of the ship’s artificial intelligence, BETI, and the destructive CLODs (Cloned Living Organisms of Destruction), Ned must keep his show a secret from his home planet or suffer the wrath of his father, the Admiral of the Galactic Fleet.

On Friday, September 4, Disney+ will debut 10 episodes of its first original talk show “Earth to Ned.”. The fresh take on the late-night format stars larger-than-life extraterrestrial creatures Ned and Cornelius as they interview some of the biggest stars in our galaxy.

Each episode focuses on a topic or theme that is both equally unique to earthlings and fascinating to Ned, including comedy, sports, social media, and fashion. Ned beams in celebrity guests from across the known universe to put on the ultimate chat show, and the more he learns about our human culture, the more obsessed he becomes.

Celebrity guests this season include Joshua Bassett (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Rachel Bilson (“The O.C.”), Michael Ian Black (“Wet Hot American Summer”), Rachel Bloom (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), Gina Carano (“The Mandalorian”), RuPaul (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Taye Diggs (“Rent”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”), Bindi and Robert Irwin (Crikey! It’s the Irwins”), Gillian Jacobs (“Love”), NeNe Leakes (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Thomas Lennon (“Reno 911!”), Joel McHale (“Community”), Andy Richter (“Conan”), Olivia Rodrigo (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Eli Roth (“Hostel”), Kristen Schaal (“Gravity Falls”), Paul Scheer (“The League”), Jenny Slate (“Zootopia”), Raven Symoné (“Raven’s Home”), Reggie Watts (“The Late Late Show with James Corden”), and Billy Dee Williams (“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”).

“Earth to Ned” is produced by The Jim Henson Company and Marwar Junction Productions. The series is executive produced by Brian Henson and Vince Raisa from The Jim Henson Company and Joseph Freed and Allison Berkley from Marwar Junction Productions.

Ned, Cornelius, their Artificial Intelligence BETI, and army of CLODs are brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the team behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic characters.

Disney+ to Premiere “The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special”

Russell Tom

August 14, 2020

This holiday season, Disney+ invites LEGO and Star Wars fans to Chewbacca’s homeworld of Kashyyyk for a Wookiee-sized celebration of the galaxy’s most cheerful and magical holiday, Life Day, in the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special, premiering exclusively on the service on Tuesday, November 17.

“The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special” reunites Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewie, Rose and the droids for a joyous feast on Life Day, a holiday first introduced in the 1978 “Star Wars Holiday Special.” The new LEGO special is the first to debut on Disney+ and will continue the rich legacy of collaboration between Lucasfilm and LEGO playful adventures told in the endearingly irreverent way that only LEGO Star Wars co-branded content can.

Directly following the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” Rey leaves her friends to prepare for Life Day as she sets off on a new adventure with BB-8 to gain a deeper knowledge of the Force. At a mysterious Jedi Temple, she is hurled into a cross-timeline adventure through beloved moments in Star Wars cinematic history, coming into contact with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Obi-Wan and other iconic heroes and villains from all nine Skywalker saga films. But will she make it back in time for the Life Day feast and learn the true meaning of holiday spirit?

The adventure continues at home with the release of the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar. Available September 1, the Advent Calendar was designed in concert with the development and production of the show and features holiday-themed characters from the special. DK will also release the LEGO Star Wars Holiday sticker book, which lets brick fans stick instead of click.

“The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special” is a production of Atomic Cartoons, the LEGO Group, and Lucasfilm. It is directed by Ken Cunningham and written by David Shayne, who is also a co-executive producer. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jason Cosler, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, and Keith Malone are executive producers.

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The Sims 4 Adds new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Expansion Pack

National Geographic “The Right Stuff” Premieres Oct 9 on Disney+

About “The Right Stuff” Show:

New “Mulan” Epic Filmmaking Featurette

About Mulan:

Taste of Knott’s 2020 is a Fun Food Theme Park Event

New “Book to Screen” featurette for Disney’s “The One and Only Ivan”

About the Movie

Disney x NBA – Magic of Disney Hits the Hardwood with New Merch

Meandering Around Marina Del Rey

Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendars Return for 2020

First trailer and teaser poster from Twentieth Century Studios “Death on the Nile”

Disney’s “Mulan” Soundtrack Set For Release on Sept 4, 2020

First Disney+ Original Talk Show “Earth to Ned” Coming Soon

Disney+ to Premiere “The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special”

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