434: Finn Calls Filoni!
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In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, hosts Mark Suter and Becca Benjamin dive into a whirlwind of Star Wars news and cultural commentary. They kick off with personal reflections from Becca’s recent Disney World trip, including the closure of key attractions like Rise of the Resistance and Splash Mountain, while praising the upgraded Star Tours experience. The hosts then discuss the cancellation of their invitation to a mall premiere due to travel chaos, expressing disappointment but understanding. A major highlight is the revelation that John Boyega, during a panel at Megacon Orlando, confirmed he had called Dave Filoni—fueling fan speculation about Finn’s potential return as a Force-sensitive Jedi in future Star Wars projects. The hosts passionately advocate for Finn’s story to be further developed, envisioning him as a leading character in a new series or film, possibly with directors like Ryan Coogler or Rick Famuyeh. They also celebrate the release of Ian Descher’s Shakespearean retelling of The Mandalorian of Navarro, praising its wit and artistry. The episode concludes with enthusiastic reactions to the new 'Mandalorian and Grogu' TV spot and the stunning animation quality of the upcoming 'Shadow Lord' series, particularly its gritty, painterly aesthetic and deep ties to George Lucas’s original vision for Darth Maul. The hosts express optimism for 2026 as a landmark year for Star Wars, both in animation and live-action.
John Boyega confirmed he called Dave Filoni, sparking hope for Finn’s return as a Force-sensitive Jedi in future Star Wars projects.
The hosts advocate for Finn to have his own leading role, possibly with diverse, socially conscious directors like Ryan Coogler to bring depth and authenticity.
Ian Descher’s Shakespearean retelling of The Mandalorian of Navarro is praised as a brilliant, humorous, and respectful homage to Star Wars.
The new 'Shadow Lord' animated series is described as a visual masterpiece with a gritty, painterly style that honors George Lucas’s original vision.
The hosts express excitement for Star Wars returning to theaters, marking a long-awaited revival of the cinematic experience.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to Tarkin's Top Shelf
The hosts introduce the podcast with a playful Star Wars-themed monologue, setting the tone for a positive, in-depth exploration of Star Wars literature and media.
Disney World Trip & Personal Updates
Becca shares her family’s spring break trip to Disney World, highlighting the closure of major attractions like Rise of the Resistance and Splash Mountain, while praising the enhanced Star Tours ride.
Mall Premiere Cancellation & Fan Excitement
The hosts reflect on declining a premiere invitation due to travel chaos, expressing disappointment but understanding. They remain hopeful for future invitations, especially for Mandalorian and Grogu or Ahsoka Season 2.
Shakespearean Star Wars: A New Take
“I would even be okay if they would do something along the lines of like a hand puppet theater with these. I'd be fine with that.”
AI Shutdown & Creative Integrity
“Art made by artists is more human. Yes. It matters.”
“I would love to see Finn, John Boyega, like number one on the call sheet, number one on the poster, number one in the credits.”
“Art made by artists is more human. Yes. It matters.”
“I really am. And I'm very hopeful now because I think I could see him being a producer or executive producer on a film starring him.”
Hosts
Becca Benjamin
person
Dave Filoni
person
Mark Suter
person
Shadow Lord
media
William Shakespeare's Star Wars: The Mandalorian of Navarro
book
John Boyega
person
George Lucas
person
Ian Descher
person
Disney
organization
Mandalorian and Grogu
media
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