Skywalking Through Neverland: A Star Wars / Disney Podcast

There is no shortage of Star Wars content in 2026, and right now all eyes are on Maul: Shadow Lord. In this episode, we dive into the midpoint of the season (Episodes 1–6) and explore how the story is unfolding, especially through the insights we learned from our recent roundtable with voice actors Sam Witwer and Gideon Adlon. We explore Devon's internal struggle, Maul's influence, and whether he's manipulating her into becoming something far more dangerous. We've had so many YouTube comments, and one of the main questions we want to address is the connection between Devon Izara and Darth Talon. Is this Padawan on a path toward the dark side? And more specifically… is she being shaped into the iconic Sith assassin from Star Wars Legends? We break down everything you need to know about Darth Talon's origins, her role in the Legacy comics, and even George Lucas' original plans to bring her to the big screen alongside Maul. PLUS: Episode 5 & 6 analysis  Inquisitor Marrok's return That epic train sequen

After months of planning, our LiningUp.net Mandalorian and Grogu Charity Kick-Off Bash brought our Star Wars community together for one unforgettable day at Scum & Villainy Cantina! The goal - to raise $2,500 for Starlight Children's Foundation, helping kids in need. Did we do it?? With trivia, charity raffles, a silent auction, and games like Force Feud and Draw Wars, our friends and fans showed up in full force to support the Starlight Children's Foundation and LiningUp.net. From tauntaun escorts and Mandalorian cosplayers to an animatronic Grogu and incredible Star Wars prizes, the event was packed with fun, fandom, and fundraising. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed, participated, and made this event such a success. In this episode we share pictures and video on the event, along with our colorful commentary. And this is just the beginning—join us and LiningUp.net on May 19th through 21st as we line up for The Mandalorian and Grogu at the TCL Chinese Theatre, followed by a May 21st screening and

We go behind the scenes (spoiler-free!) of Maul: Shadow Lord with voice actors Sam Witwer (Darth Maul) and Gideon Adlon (Devon), along with executive producers Athena Yvette Portillo and Matt Michnovetz (writer), and supervising director Brad Rau as they break down how this bold new Star Wars series came together.  Sam Witwer get candid about evolving Darth Maul, while Gideon Adlon shares what it's like stepping into Star Wars for (almost) the first time. Plus, the creative team dives into the story, themes, and the painterly, cinematic animation style that sets this series apart. Maul: Shadow Lord premieres April 6 with two episodes. The 10-episode series picks up one year after the events of The Clone Wars Season 7, as the Empire tightens its grip on the galaxy. PODCAST 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.

On this daring episode, we break down DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Season 2, starting with a quick refresher on Season 1—because let's face it, these Marvel Disney+ shows can be dense. We revisit where the key characters left off and where they stand as this new season begins. From there, we share a spoiler-free review of the full season, focusing on the character dynamics that drive the story—from Matt and Karen's renewed partnership to the unsettling relationships within Fisk's inner circle. We dig into Buck's influence over the young and impressionable Daniel, and the tension Bullseye brings into the mix. There are some surprising parallels to Star Wars, so listen in for those nuggets! This season leans heavily into moral complexity, challenging both its characters and the audience with questions about loyalty, power, and whether the ends can ever justify the means. We also cover the structure, performances, and standout moments, and even connect the dots to SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY. Dare to dive in… PODCAS

All your upcoming events—in one place. From conventions and charity fundraisers to Star Wars gatherings, 2026 is already shaping up to be incrediblel. We've announced things here and there, but now we have more details and more specifics, so much that we needed to devote an entire episode so we can keep track as well. Ready? Let's go Skywalking into the future… WonderCon — March 27–29 (Anaheim) We're excited to officially announce our "Star Wars After Dark Trivia Party" happening Friday, March 27 from 9–10 PM in Room 209 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Come test your knowledge, hang out with fellow fans, and kick off the weekend in true Star Wars style. LiningUp Kick-Off Charity Bash — April 12 (Hollywood) Join us at the Scum & Villainy Cantina for the Bash we've been talking about. This event launches the countdown to The Mandalorian and Grogu (opening May 22), and we've got some new details to share: doors open at 12 PM, the event runs from 1–6 PM, and there's no entrance fee. We'll also be raising mo

March is here, which means The Mandalorian and Grogu is getting closer to its big May 22nd release! In this episode, we're joined by Peter Genovese from LiningUp.net for some major reveals you won't want to miss. The tradition of fans lining up for a new Star Wars film stretches back decades. In 1980, Terri Hardin camped outside the Egyptian Theatre for The Empire Strikes Back. The practice grew even bigger during the prequel era and continued through 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the sequel trilogy. Now, as The Mandalorian and Grogu prepares to hit theaters, that fan tradition is about to ignite once again. Peter shares the history behind LiningUp.net and reveals the official start date for fans ready to line up and celebrate the next chapter of the saga. Episode links: Terri Hardin Ep. 221 https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/221-terri-hardin-imagineer-star-wars/ Contest winner Steve Lang: https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/1980-kenner-star-wars-sweepstakes-winner-steve-lang/ Starwa

In this episode, we're diving into Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic Issue #58: "Sundown." Originally released in January 1982, Sundown is a great episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation! It's more science than fantasy, as Princess Leia teams up with R2-D2 and C-3PO to launch a daring experiment designed to hide the Rebel fleet inside the chromosphere of a star. Yes, you heard that right. While the fleet faces potential incineration, Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca travel to the ominously named world of Bazarre in search of a shadowy contact. Will the Rebel fleet melt? Will Luke and Lando successfully navigate Bazarre? Join us as we unpack the story, art, and legacy of this issue. Issue 58: Sundown Release date: January 19th, 1982 Written by David Michelinie Artwork by Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer Coloring by Don Warfield Cover Art Walt Simonson Today in Star Wars History - February 26, 1984 Star Wars airs on network TV for the first time as the CBS Sunday Special Movie Presentation. T

It's another HUGE week for The Mandalorian & Grogu! Did the new trailer deliver everything you were hoping for? James Burns (Jedi News) joins us to break down the biggest moments, including surprise character reveals, Sigourney Weaver's role as Colonel Ward, and a "revenge" storyline that has us wondering. At the time of recording, James had just wrapped all four days at Toy Fair in New York. This isn't your typical fan convention, it's an industry-only showcase offering an exclusive first-look (and some they were sworn to secrecy) at the year's biggest merchandise launches. James shares insights from the Star Wars: Most Wanted campaign, highlighting standout reveals from LEGO, Hasbro, Jazwares, Funko, and more. And if you've ever dreamed of owning a green Grogu Furby that somehow makes you crave a Shamrock Shake, you're definitely in for a treat. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.small

By now you've probably seen the Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl "Big Game" commercial, and you have an opinion. In this episode, we break down our reactions, explore what may have led Lucasfilm and Disney to make such a bold creative choice, read listener comments, and deliver a detailed deep-dive analysis. In the weeks leading up to Super Bowl 60, fans expected a traditional trailer packed with story clues. Instead, we got something completely unexpected: a cinematic parody inspired by the legendary Budweiser commercials. The 36-second spot, narrated by the iconic Sam Elliott and directed by Jon Favreau, opens on a sleigh racing across a snowy tundra. At first glance, it looks like a team of horses—but the camera reveals they're actually tauntauns. Din Djarin passes the reins to Grogu as they glide forward together, guided by the galloping creatures. The commercial closes with Grogu gently reaching toward a tauntaun's nose while the narrator reminds audiences that The Mandalorian and Grogu is coming "only

This episode is a celebration of film and TV milestone anniversaries with special guest Kevin Reitzel, co-founder of the Fandom Podcast Network. Together, we reflect on the films, TV shows, and music that shaped our fandoms and continue to inspire audiences decades later. Sarah reflects on classics like West Side Story (65 years), An American Tail (40 years), and Hook (35 years), sharing personal memories surrounding each film. Kevin reveals how Aliens (40 years) and Highlander (40 years) brought him and his wife together! He also shares his love of Independence Day (30 years) and The Muppet Show (50 years). Richard rounds out the conversation with nostalgic favorites including 1976's King Kong (50 years), The Monkees (60 years), Howard the Duck (40 years), and Big Trouble in Little China (40 years). What films and TV shows celebrating anniversaries in 2026 are your favorites? PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation

Are you wondering whether Wonder Man is worth your time? In this episode, we break down Marvel's latest Disney+ series, give you the essential background on the character, and explain what you actually need to know before diving in. From Simon Williams' comic book origins to his surprising connections with Vision, Scarlet Witch, and the Avengers, we cover the fun facts, controversies, and powers that shaped Wonder Man long before his MCU debut. We also dig into how Wonder Man fits into the MCU under the Marvel Spotlight banner—designed to be more grounded, character-driven, and accessible without deep MCU homework. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as a struggling actor hiding dangerous superpowers, and Ben Kingsley returning as Trevor Slattery, the series leans hard into Hollywood satire, mentorship, and the bizarre "Doorman Clause" that bans super-powered people from acting. Our reactions are… mixed. While the show shines as a personal story about ambition, insecurity, and creative survival—anchored by a sta

We usually avoid covering breaking news to keep our shows evergreen—but holy purrgil, major changes are coming to the Star Wars and Lucasfilm, and we had to dive in. Tricia Barr (Fangirls Going Rogue / Fangirl Blog) and BJ Priester (Fangirl Blog) join us to unpack two huge developments: the evolution of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and the major Lucasfilm leadership restructuring. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland is officially expanding beyond a single timeline, with all changes set to debut April 29th. New storylines on Batuu will span multiple eras—from the Galactic Civil War to the Age of the Resistance—adding Luke, Leia, Han, and Darth Vader into the land. Disney is also rotating new artifacts into Dok-Ondar's and transforming First Order Cargo into Black Spire Surplus. The BEST update according to Sarah? John Williams' legendary scores are finally coming to Galaxy's Edge. Music from the first six films—including the Main Title, the Force Theme, and classic motifs like "Han Solo and the Princess"—will n

In this episode, we're diving into Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic Issue #57: "Battle on Bespin" with Mark Newbold (Fantha Tracks) - who has a special attachment to this issue. Originally released on December 15, 1981, Battle on Bespin follows Lando Calrissian as he faaaaaaallls rapidly towards the planet Bespin, having been thrown off Cloud City by Imperial Captain Treece in the last issue. Lobot and Lando find themselves among a village of disgruntled, excitable Ugnaughts hell-bent on getting the best possible camera footage for their "Action Tidings" live news program. Later Luke Skywalker and Shira Brie look for their friend on Cloud City only to be cornered by Imperial troops. How will they get out of this? Join us as we unpack the story, art, and legacy of this issue. Issue 57: Battle on Bespin Release date: December 15th, 1981 Written by David Michelinie, Louise Jones, Walt Simonson Artwork by Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer Coloring by Glynis Wein Cover Art Walt Simonson Today in Star Wars History -

It's our annual year-end wrap-up spectacular!! We take a look back at 2025 - this year's conversation is packed with personal fandom highlights, expectations that were met (and wildly exceeded), and a few things that didn't quite live up to the hype. As always, the real joy of these episodes is revisiting the moments that made the year special—and it was even better doing it with friends. We were thrilled to welcome Bobby Robertson from Rebel Scum Con and Jenn Diz from the Disneyholics Podcast to share their own 2025 standouts and pop-culture takeaways. From conventions to theme parks, 2025 was a huge year for fandom experiences. We all attended a BRAND NEW theme park - Epic Universe!  Also, Rebel Scum Con stood out for its sense of community and the unmatched joy of staying right at the host hotel. We also dove into Universal's FanFest Nights, where the Back to the Future immersive experience completely stole the show, even for devoted Star Trek fans. On the screen, we debated what was overrated and underra

Join us as we continue celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Force Awakens with a holiday-themed trip back to December 2015! In this episode, we dig into the audio archives to relive THE FORCE AWAKENS Global Press Conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring cast and filmmakers including Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Kathleen Kennedy, and J.J. Abrams, with standout moments moderated by Mindy Kaling. We also revisit the Chinese Theatre forecourt, sharing original audio recorded straight from the line with friends like Matt Baird, Emelia Lindgren, Obi-Shawn Crosby, and highlights that capture how Star Wars fandom and "lining up" culture evolved between the prequel and sequel eras.  We wrap up with a look back at THE FORCE AWAKENS itself—our first reactions and how it holds up ten years later. Have you watched it recently? Let us know what you thought! SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them

"There has been an awakening - have you felt it?" We kick off our 10th anniversary celebration of Star Wars: The Force Awakens by traveling back 10 years to the excitement and anticipation of 2015. We're joined by TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX line-organizer Ric Peralta of LiningUp.net and actor Dee Tails, who appeared in the film as the always-smiling Cratinus in Maz Kanata's castle. Together, we reminisce about the anticipation surrounding Disney's first Star Wars sequel and how The Force Awakens became a defining moment for modern Star Wars fandom and forged lifelong friendships along the way. This is Part 1 of our celebration, with more premiere and press event memories coming next week. Our conversation dives into our weeks spent camping outside the TCL Chinese Theatre and the electric energy leading up to opening night. Ric discusses lining up traditions and surprise celebrity encounters during The Force Awakens line in Hollywood. Dee shares behind-the-scenes stories straight from Maz Kanata's castle - incl

We take a nostalgic trip back to the Walt Disney Company Investor Day in December 2020—one of the biggest reveal events in recent Star Wars history. That day, Lucasfilm unveiled a galaxy's worth of upcoming Star Wars projects, from new series to feature films. Now that a few years have passed, it's time to look back with clear eyes and ask: What actually happened to all those announcements? In this episode, we break down every Star Wars project revealed that day and explore which ones successfully launched, which ones quietly faded away, and which are still somewhere in hyperspace limbo.  Do you remember your reaction to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, Rangers of the New Republic, and Rogue Squadron? It's a fun mix of reflection, industry insight, and fan speculation as we revisit that ambitious roadmap and evaluate how things have played out across Disney+, Lucasfilm, and the wider Star Wars universe. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obli

It's time to embrace our witchy obsession as we review Wicked: For Good, the long-awaited second chapter of Elphaba and Glinda's story! Sarah is joined by Julie Gildersleeve, Courtney Turckel, and Kelly Turckel; we head to Oz together for a spoiler-filled discussion of how this film expands on the stage musical while weaving more tightly into the events of The Wizard of Oz. With Elphaba in exile and Glinda rising as the "Good" face of the Wizard's regime, the story explores friendship, perception, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be seen as "wicked" or "good." We break down the emotional weight of the film — from Glinda's heartbreaking loneliness beneath her bubbly public persona, to Elphaba's fierce determination to protect the animals and expose the truth. We also dive into standout musical moments, including the heart-breaking "For Good," the haunting "No Good Deed," the introspective "The Girl in the Bubble," and the love song "As Long As You're Mine." The vocals, cinematography, and performances (e

Happy Life Day! A Celebration of the Star Wars Holiday Special It's that time of year again — Life Day is here! We're giving thanks to Lucasfilm and CBS for blessing us with the wonderful Star Wars Holiday Special. This episode, we're celebrating in true Life Day fashion — by diving into the Holiday Special and exploring how it connects to the larger Star Wars universe in our own creative and humorous way. How did Mermeia influence the Clone Wars? How did Ackmena go from Naboo handmaiden to Halcyon bartender and end up working at the Cantina? Joining us is fellow Holiday Special enthusiast Tom Spina from Regal Robot, who brings behind-the-scenes insight and expertise to the iconic Cantina sequence. If you think you know these creatures, hang onto your gloved hooves and repainted masks!  And for a Holiday Special update: starting November 17th, Chewbacca at Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland will be donning his Life Day red robe! If you want that perfect photo with the red-robed Wookiee, don't wait — it's only a

The Creature From the Black Lagoon trilogy just celebrated its 70th Anniversary, so what better time to dive into this influential classic horror series than Halloween? Our guest, Gary Gerani—Topps trading cards editor and co-writer of Pumpkinhead—joins us to share his memories of seeing The Creature from the Black Lagoon for the first time, his insights into the enduring appeal of the Gill Man, and why this Universal monster continues to captivate audiences seven decades later. We kick things off with an overview of the Universal Horror legacy, then explore each film in the Creature from the Black Lagoon trilogy, complete with fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories. And here's a teaser: do you know which future A-list actor and director got his start in the sequel Revenge of the Creature? Go ahead—make his day and tune in to find out! To pick up Gary Gerani's Card King Chronicle books, visit: