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Mads Mikkelsen added to Star Wars Celebration what it means

Rogue One: A Star Wars story, was the first stand alone venture for the franchise. It was widely accepted by fans and movie critic’s alike. Veteran actor Mads Mikkelsen was cast as Galen Erso, a human male scientist and leading galactic authority on crystallography. Erso’s skills and knowledge lead him to being a key figure in the construction of the Death Star, even though Erso was reluctant to do so.

April 7-10 2023, the annual Star Wars Celebration is set for London England. Mads Mikkelsen has appeared on the celebrity guest lists. This has nothing to do with Rogue One, it does however have everything to do with Andor.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Diego Luna attends Disney+ hosts special launch of new series “Andor” on September 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images)

It has been teased that Season 2 of Andor will feature some characters from Rogue One as they bridge the gap in story and timeline. Therefore, having Galen Erso is a smart move. When Erso is first introduced he has left the Galactic Empire and was hiding on Lah’mu where is eventually found by Orson Krennic.

Purely speculation on my part, but perhaps Galen Erso, his wife and infant  daughter Jyn are preparing to escape the Empire during Andor Season 2. Allowing him time to get far away and beginning to settle down. Andor takes place 5-years before Rogue One.

Lars Mikkelsen actor in the movie A CARETAKER’S TALE at the 60th International Film Festival of San Sebastian (Photo by MEDALE Claude/Corbis via Getty Images)

One interesting connection is that Mads Mikkelsen’s brother Lars, voiced Grand Admiral Thrawn on Star Wars Rebels. Rumor has it that Lars would appear as a live action Thrawn on Ashoka. Lars has denied this is the case, but the rumors rage on.

Galen Erso appearing on Season 2 of Andor shows that Star Wars is indeed heading in the right direction as far as connecting the entire story. The next Star Wars film is said to be coming in 2025, that would be six years after The Rise of Skywalker was released. Let’s hope Disney/Lucasfilm learned a lesson and have a concrete direction for the next film or films.

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Disney/Lucasfilm must avoid this in the next Star Wars film

Rey, wasted, Finn, wasted, Captain Phasma, wasted, Poe Dameron, wasted, the list goes on. The Star Wars sequel trilogy missed the mark by not have a solid plan going into the project while not having character development. It was unfortunate. There were some interesting characters who needed more background and depth and it just was not given. So going forward, here are some steps that could help.

Switching directors is fine if there is a solid plan and if the director chosen to head the project stays connected. Look at The Mandalorian, though a streaming show it works well with multiple directors because there is a solid plan in place.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Daisy Ridley’s wax figure character Rey from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is unveiled at Madame Tussauds on August 9, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/Getty Images)

Characters must be developed and not on the fly. Rey, is a good character. No really. The problem is she is searching for her parents and finds out they were nobodies. Yet, to try to save face she was made a Palpatine. Alrighty then.

Disney/Lucasfilm must stop wasting good characters. Take Captain Phasma. She was fantastic and then offed in the second film. Gone way too soon. Phasma was a commanding presence just to be offed makes zero sense.

D23 EXPO 2015 – D23 EXPO, the ultimate Disney fan event, brings together all the past, present and future of Disney entertainment under one roof. Taking place August 14-16, this year marks the fourth D23 EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center and promises to be the biggest and most spectacular yet. (Photo by Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images/Image Group LA via Getty Images)

The list goes on. As a Star Wars fan, I enjoy all Star Wars content, some more than other but that’s the way it goes. Disney/Lucasfilm needs to look at The Mandalorian, The Bad Batch, Kenobi and other successful shows and see what works well.

The company needs to feed off of that. With rumors that the next film (for now) is going to be focused right after the events of The Rise of Skywalker with some of the same characters, this is a chance to make amends and clean some areas up. This will gain some trust back from Star Wars fans who want to go to the theater as well as enjoy the streaming shows.

 

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Is Grand Admiral Thrawn being teased in The Mandalorian Season 3 trailer

The Mandalorian Season 3 trailer hit and it looks as though the show is about to go next level. Both in story and action. Something had my full attention, when New Republic fighter pilot Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) said “There’s something dangerous happening out there. By the time it becomes big enough for you to act, it will be too late.” A theory is that the something dangerous is none other that Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Remember, that Ashoka went looking for Thrawn and he is sure to show up when the show is released. However, Ashoka is said to take place in the world between worlds. Meaning Thrawn is and has been setting up his plans.

D23 EXPO 2022 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by VISA – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place September 9, 10, and 11 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, series, games, theme parks, collectibles, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company via Getty Images)
Mandalorian

My guess is that Carson Teva has seen Thrawn and perhaps some of his troops and he speaks to this when talking about the something dangerous. A guess is that Thrawn and Moff Gideon have been in contact as well. What is not known is if Thrawn and Gideon are on the same page or team.

What would be interesting is if there is a power struggle. Thrawn is setting up his empire while Gideon is bent on putting the old empire back together. Gideon clones Supreme Leader Snoke, then once perfected, he clones Emperor Palpatine as part of Palpatine’s contingency plan. This way when The Rise of Skywalker roles around and Palpatine tells Kylo Ren “My boy I made Snoke.” It would ring true if that was always in the plans.

ANAHEIM, CALIF. — WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2019: Storm Troopers patrol The First Order Outpost where the Tie Echelon fighter ship is parked as media members get a preview during the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Media Preview event at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., on May 29, 2019. (PHOTOS ARE EMBARGOED UNTIL 6PM MAY 29) (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Leading to a Thrawn and his side against Palpatine and his side for rule of the galaxy. While, Mandalorian would help to take down one of the sides. In the aftermath the First Order would be born.

Will it happen? I’m not sure. But it is plausible.

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By adding more content and context the Star Wars sequel trilogy will be viewed differently

I am not here to sway you. Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni are not here to sway you either. “Sway me from what?”; you ask, how you view the Star Wars sequel trilogy. I enjoy all Star Wars content, sure some is better than others that’s the way it goes. Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni were charged with filling in the gaps and add content and context to the sequel era Star Wars story, much like George Lucas used the widely popular Clone Wars animated show to do the same for the prequel trilogy.

****Warning spoiler ahead****

I posted this on social media the other day and wanted to dive in. In Season 3 of The Mandalorian, part of the story will center on Moff Gideon and his obsession with Gogru. The Yoda species are inherently evil. Only Yoda and Yaddle were able to resist the dark side.

Star Wars characters Darth Vader, an Imperial Royal Guard, Emperor Palpatine and Stormtroopers attending the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Premiere at Cineworld, Leicester Square, London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)

Gogru has show little flashes that he could give into the dark side, but seems young enough that he does not. Moff Gideon is bent on putting the Empire back together. Gideon plots how he can clone former leaders and assemble the Empire once again. He needs Gogru’s DNA to do this.

Moff Gideon, will make Supreme Leader Snoke, he will use the Snoke clone as a templet for cloning none other than Emperor Palpatine. While it is still unknown if Snoke will actually appear on The Mandalorian, it will be heavily implied that this is what is or has taken place.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MAY 28: Jon Favreau attends the panel for “The Mandalorian” series at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, California on May 28, 2022. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, are using aspects of The Mandalorian and The Bad Batch to create content and context for the sequel trilogy. This is a wise move given the lack of respect fans have for that trilogy. Will it sway how many fans feel? Probably not. Will it change on fans see the sequel trilogy, yes.

It will be interesting to see where Star Wars goes from here. The next movie that will be released is said to be one that takes place right after The Rise of Skywalker, and will have some of the characters from those films.

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The Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies make a 5 player swap

New Detroit Tigers president, Scott Harris promised to take calculated risks in rebuilding the Tigers roster. Saturday afternoon, Harris made good on his promise as the Detroit Tigers sent two-time All Star relief pitcher Gregory Soto and utility player Cody Clemens to the Philadelphia Phillies for Nick Maton, Donny Sands and Matt Vierling.

This is a trade that helps both Philadelphia and Detroit. The Phillies looking to improve their bullpen did so by trading for closer and All Star pitcher Gregory Soto, giving up utility players in the trade the Phillies also received Cody Clemens to aid the loss of a role player.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 05: Nick Maton #29 of the Philadelphia Phillies singles in the eighth inning against Phil Maton #88 of the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on October 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

So what did the Detroit Tigers get in this trade that can help them in 2023? The answer is a lot. Nick Maton, brings  infield and outfield versatility appearing in 86 games for the Phillies it was clear that he had become one of the team utility players. Again, Maton’s versatility is a big asset as the Tigers can insert him in just about anywhere on the field.

C- Donny Sands, seems to be more of a throw in and will not be counted on very much if at all at the MLB level. That is okay as it strengthens the Tigers overall minor league system.

OF- Matt Vierling is the real get in the trade for Detroit. Vierling is a player who has breakout potential which is why he was Detroit’s prime target in the deal. With a Phillies team that was stacked with outfielders, Vierling has been waiting for a legitimate opportunity to play everyday. Scouts believe Vierling has the potential to develop into a solid hitter not too mention he can play all three OF positions.

BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Gregory Soto #65 of the Detroit Tigers pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The loss of Soto was big for a Tigers team looking to improve their bullpen. However, there is a bigger picture. This is another rebuild for the Tigers and they needed and need to cash in players for prospects and players who are on the verge of breakout seasons.

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Headed to the playoffs? The Detroit Lions push forward

No matter if the Detroit Lions are on target or arriving a year early in the organizations rebuild, the 2022-’23 Lions have shown fight and the team is on the cusp of being a pretty good football team. As for the playoffs, a couple key things have to go right one in a stadium the Lions rarely play well, the other is hoping another team can knock off the team currently in the final playoff spot.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 20: A Detroit Lions helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions head to a place that has been nothing short of a house of horrors for the team on Sunday, Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers. Of course a possible playoff spot would hang in the balance an Lambeau. Yet, this is a golden opportunity for the Lions to end the SOL (same old Lions) once and for all.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has stated this is the new Lions, players have echoed the coach. Even if the Lions fall on Sunday, the team has taken a big step forward and show the promise of being a very good, competitive team as soon as next season.

A win against the Packers alone will not get Detroit into the NFL Playoffs. The team needs the Los Angeles Rams to beat the Seattle Seahawks to get in. Ironically enough, the Lions hold the Rams first round draft pick which is set to be #6 overall and could be higher, if Seattle beats the Rams.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 01: An Inspire Change logo is seen on the field prior to the game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 01, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

For the young Detroit Lions no matter the outcome, this season has been one that the future foundation will hang on. Starting the season 1-6 to then get red hot was a great turnaround. The fact that the Lions are even close to being a possible playoff team is testament to the work GM Brad Holmes, has done.

 

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In 2023 the Detroit Tigers are planning to bottom out, again

When the Detroit Tigers named Scott Harris president of baseball operations, they did so by subtlety and not so subtlety announcing the team would enter a rebuild, again. That is back-to-back rebuilds for the Tigers. Former GM, Al Avila rebuilt the team and announced the rebuild was over only to see his version of the rebuilt Tigers crash and burn, Avila was dismissed as GM.

DETROIT, MI – MAY 29: A detail view of a Detroit player’s hat and glove resting on a shelf in the dugout is seen during a regular season Major League Baseball game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Detroit Tigers on May 29, 2022 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Through offseason moves made and not made Scott Harris, who is reluctant to use the word rebuild is doing just that. Last season the Detroit Tigers took the most swings and fewest walks of all MLB teams. Most of the free-swingers are no longer on the roster.

The 36 year old Harris began his MLB career working under some heavyweights, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer helping put a World Series winning Chicago Cubs team together. Harris then took over as GM of the San Francisco Giant, the Giants in 2019 posted the  third best winning percentage in the Majors at .613. Harris looking for a new challenge took over as president of baseball operations in Detroit and said that he plans to hire a GM at some point.

The Detroit Tigers who have been void of playoff appearances since 2014 brought in Harris, who is widely viewed as one of the best young minds in baseball. Harris said that he did believe the Tigers have some good pitchers but, needs bats.

Not trying to kick a man when he is down, Avila left the Tigers organization in a bit of a mess. Pitching trumps hitters, Harris said he is looking for a balance between the two as it should be.

The 2023 Detroit Tigers are going to be bad. There simply is no way around it. The team needs to bottom out again. This time there is room to sign players, though that likely will not happen until there are more pieces in place.

DETROIT, MI – JULY 02: Manager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Detroit Tigers looks on from the dugout during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on July 2, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Royals 4-3. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

So the Tigers are rebuilding again. This time they are armed with a bright young mind and a very good manager (A.J. Hinch) who have said they can work well together.

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The 2022 Detroit Lions are changing the narrative

As improbable as it may be the Detroit Lions are in the playoff hunt. No really. After starting the season 1-6 the team has won 6 out of their last 7 games and now stand at 7-7 on the season. Sunday afternoon in New York to play the Jets, the Lions were held in check by a stingy Jets defense most of the day, until it counted most.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 18: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws the ball during the second half a New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Lions QB- Jared Goff who had been lights out the past two weeks had a bit of a let-down game. Yet, when the game was on the line Goff delivered the knockout punch against a solid Jets defense. On 4th and 1, Goff hit TE- Brock Wright on a 51 yard touchdown with 1:49 left in regulation.

The Lions sealed the victory when Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein missed a 58 yard field goal that would have tied the game. For the first time in a long time the Lions were on the right side of special teams. It is the second win the Lions have had in New York city this season. The first came against the Giants.

Not the “Same old Lions,” for years the Lions would have lost a game like today’s. The Lions found a way to come away with the victory despite not playing their best game. That is not a slight on the Jets who are in the playoff chase in the AFC. It shows how far the Lions have come this season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 18: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets is sacked by James Houston #59 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions defense while flawed has found a way to come up with turnovers, sacks and been able to get off the field on third downs. This has been a pleasant turnaround as the defense struggled during the 1-6 start.

Surely you’ve heard the phrase “Good teams find a way.” The rebuilding Detroit Lions are growing into a good team this season. Sunday afternoon on the road in New York the Lions found a way. Proving once again this team is going to be really good very soon.

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In the midst of a rebuild the Detroit Lions are playing a big game today

When Brad Holmes took over as GM of the Detroit Lions, both Holmes and Lions Principal Owner, Sheila Ford Hamp said the team was going to rebuild from the ground up. That rebuilds take time, but in order to set future winning up, the rebuild was necessary. Not even two years into a massive rebuild the 5-7 Detroit Lions host the 10-2 Minnesota Vikings today at Ford Field. The 5-7 Lions are favored to win.

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – MAY 27: Principal Owner and Chairman Sheila Ford Hamp watches the afternoon practice session with Head Coach Dan Campbell and General Manager Brad Holmes and President Rod Woods on May 27, 2021 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Every fan base of a team the has rebuilt or is rebuilding, looks for a sign that things are trending in the right direction. Rebuilds do take time. How much time is largely dependent on the GM, scouts and head coach. When Brad Holmes took over the Detroit Lions, Holmes took an axe to previous GM Bob Quinn’s roster.

The Lions won just 3 games last season, Holmes has had two very good drafts which is laying the foundation for what is taking place today. with two more wins and still more games to be played the Lions are in the mix for a playoff spot.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 04: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field on December 04, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Jared Goff who was viewed by, well everyone as a bridge quarterback seems to have found a home in Detroit where Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell view him as “THE GUY.” Goff’s numbers back leaderships view of him. 3022- yds passing, 19- td’s 7-ints show why Goff has been to two Pro Bowls and taken the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl.

Still football like every sport is a team game. The Lions defense which struggled mightily to find it’s footing, has done just that the past 4 games. The team has found a pass rush, the secondary has played better and the linebackers are getting to the ball much better.

Still this is not even two years into a big rebuild and the Detroit Lions are favored over a team that has 10 wins and is the division leader. This should excite fans, it should be a warning to the rest of the NFC, the Detroit Lions are coming. They may or may not make the playoffs this season. But they are coming, sooner than later.

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Thanks to the Los Angeles Rams, the Detroit Lions look to have a top 5 draft pick

The Detroit Lions are in a bit of an odd position. The rebuild Lions currently sit at 4-7 on the season. The record does not show the improvement the team has made, on field play development does. The Los Angeles Rams, last years Super Bowl Champions were supposed to be in the mix for another trip to the big game, instead inconsistent play and major injuries have lead to a 3-8 record. This is good news for the Lions.

DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 24: Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) and Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) look on while waiting for play to resume after a timeout during a regular season NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day on November 24, 2022 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

During last years offseason the Detroit Lions traded longtime starting quarterback Matthew Stafford to the L.A. Rams, the Lions received a 2022 and 2023 first round draft pick, a 2021 third round draft pick and Rams quarterback Jared Goff. The Lions used their first pick #2 overall to draft Aiden Hutchinson and traded up to draft Alabama WR- Jameson Williams.

This season for the Rams, WR- Cooper Kupp had surgery and is out another 3-weeks. All world defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been ruled out for the Rams game this weekend. Matthew Stafford,  left tackle Joesph Noteboom and safety Jordan Fuller are all on injured reserve ending their seasons.

The free falling Rams would currently be draft at #4 overall if they had the draft pick. Instead the improving Detroit Lions hold that #4 pick as well as the #14 overall pick if the season ended today.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAR 01: Brad Holmes, general manager of the Detroit Lions speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

In other words, Lions GM- Brad Holmes has set the Lions up very well. It seems likely the Lions will draft a QB with that top 5- draft pick. The team can cut Jared Goff without salary cap penalty in the offseason. There also could be a trade market for Goff with QB needy teams who are picking lower in the draft.

Nobody could see the Rams fall coming. They are put together well. This could be the classic Super Bowl hangover, at least the Rams hope it is. For the Detroit Lions, they will take it. As noted the teams young players have taken big steps in development.

Rebuilds take time, this rebuild is one Detroit Lions can can get behind.