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528: Jabba, Oola and a Wampa | Rebel Scum Con Part 4

In Part 4 of our Rebel Scum Con experience, we go behind the scenes with MORE talented artists who gave life to a few of our favorite Star Wars characters. We sat down with Toby Philpott , one of the puppeteers behind the massive Jabba the Hutt. From controlling Jabba's grotesque expressions to (maybe?) licking Princess Leia, his stories from the set are not only fascinating but filled with tips and tricks for any aspiring puppeteers out there. Next up, Femi Taylor , who played the ill-fated (but always fabulous) Oola , shares her experience on the set of RETURN OF THE JEDI. She dives into what it was like returning to the role years later and how the character still connects with fans today.. And if that wasn’t cool enough, Howie Weed gives us a detailed look at his time inside the suit of the terrifying Wampa , and shares his experience with George Lucas directing! Howie even drops a hint or two about the Wampa’s survival odds after that little run-in with Luke Skywalker....

527: Two Wedges and a Watto | Rebel Scum Con Part 3

The Rebel Scum Con fun continues! In this episode, we're serving up double Wedge and a dash of Watto for your Star Wars enjoyment.   First up, we’re honored to be joined by Denis Lawson , the legendary actor who portrayed Wedge Antilles in the original trilogy and returned in The Rise of Skywalker . He shares stories from set and reflects on Mark Hamill's hug in the galaxy far, far away.   But wait—there's more Wedge to go around! We’re also joined by David Ankrum , the voice of Wedge in A New Hope , who helped bring the iconic pilot to life. And did you know Wedge makes a subtle appearance in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ? We’ll reveal exactly where to hear him.   And it wouldn’t be a proper celebration without a visit from one of the galaxy’s most unforgettable hustlers— Watto himself! Andy Secombe , who voiced the junk dealer in The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones , stops by for a spirited game of Chance. And no surprise, there’s a bit of funn...

526: Rebel Scum Con, Part 2 - Star Wars Artists

Are you ready to hear from some great Star Wars artists? At Rebel Scum Con, we had the amazing opportunity to connect with four talented artists who are not only passionate about Star Wars, but also masters of their craft. These creators opened up about their inspirations, creative journeys, and the unique processes behind their work. Each artist also gave us a personal tour of their booth, offering a closer look at the artwork that brings the galaxy far, far away to life. You'll hear directly from:   Jason W. Christman – known for his bold, graphic style and minimalist takes on iconic Star Wars moments.   Brian DeGuire – blending classic design with an in-universe propaganda twist.   Tom Hodges – known for his Star Wars Universe Park Map, well before the announcement of Galaxy’s Edge.   Spencer Brinkerhoff III – bringing a playful and vibrant approach to the Star Wars universe with his imaginative illustrations and entrepreneurial spirit. ...

525: Rebel Scum Con, Part 1 - Omid Abtahi, Eric Walker, and Dermot Crowley

We just got back from the 2nd annual Rebel Scum Con in Frisco, TX, and had an absolute blast! This was the most productive convention we’ve ever been to! Not only did we host two panels, but we also had the opportunity to speak with many Star Wars alumni, from actors to artists.    The convention, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event, which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Throughout the next month we will share ALL that content, so in this episode you’ll hear from:   Omid Abtahi (Dr. Pershing in THE MANDALORIAN) Eric Walker (the original Mace in THE EWOK ADVENTURE films) Dermot Crowley (General Madine in RETURN OF THE JEDI)   TODAY in Star Wars History 8/12/1980   Once Upon A Galaxy: A Journal of the Making of The Empire Strikes Back , by Alan Arnold, is published by Del Rey.This paperback book includes a journal into the day-to-day making of The Empire Strikes Back , interviews with the cast and crew, and behind-the-s...

524: Lucas Museum Panel Highlights with George Lucas at SDCC 2025

Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time at San-Diego Comic-Con: GEORGE LUCAS!!!!   On Sunday 7/27/2025, George Lucas along with Lucasfilm's senior vice president and executive design director Doug Chiang and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro were guests at a highly anticipated panel highlighting the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art! The panel was expertly moderated by Queen Latifah .   Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be the world’s first institution dedicated to the exploration of narrative art, celebrating illustrated storytelling across eras and cultures, from ancient cave drawings and children’s book illustrations to comic books and digital media.     The panel marked one of the most talked about and widely attended sessions in Comic-Con history, drawing over 6,000 on the final day of the convention. And we were there! We will play and discuss favorite quotes from each of the panelists, a...

523: REBEL SCUM CON Preview

The next big Star Wars convention is just around the corner. We go behind-the-scenes and reveal what we are doing at Rebel Scum Con ! This year marks the 2nd annual RSC held August 8-10th, 2025 in Frisco, TX, and we have convention coordinators Ken Tucky and Bobby Roberston on to get us hyped. Even if you’re not attending, this episode has plenty of fun Star Wars discussions.   We discuss the special guests including the first U.S. appearance of Kyle Soller (Syril in Andor ), Robert Emms aka #HotLonniSummer (Lonni in Andor ), The Sackhoff Show with Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan in The Mandalorian ), and more guests from Andor .    Our friends at The Virtual Cantina Network are putting on Boonta Eve with Star Wars Live Band and Karaoke on the first night of the convention - August 8th, where we will also be selling our books. Tickets are available now .   Episode discussion links: Rebel Scum Con Boonta Eve details “You Rebel Scum” actor Barrie Holland int...

522: Coca-Cola x Star Wars REFRESH YOUR GALAXY

Star Wars and Coca-Cola go back as far as the original film releases in 1977 when they collaborated with Burger King for their collectible posters and drinking glasses. Now Coca-Cola and Star Wars join forces once again with the new promotion - “Refresh Your Galaxy!”.    There are new cans and bottles with beautiful red, white, and black Star Wars character art, and a new commercial filled with Easter eggs (you know how much we love easter eggs!). We invited laughingplace.com ’s Mike Celestino (Who’s the Bossk?) and Rebekah Moseley to join us as we deep dive for a commercial commentary and the announcement press event held at Galaxy’s Edge.   Episode discussion links: Coca-Cola x Star Wars: Refresh Your Galaxy NEW Coca-Cola x Star Wars Collaboration – Product Reveal Interviews: NEW Coca-Cola x Star Wars Collaboration Coca-Cola x Star Wars: Refresh Your Galaxy - Laughing Place On Location   TODAY in Star Wars History 7/5/1948   Happy 77t...