GENERATION SKYWALKER: A STAR WARS PODCAST

Star Wars : Generation Skywalker

Informed chat, guest interviews and event coverage with reviews, analysis and commentary covering everything from vintage toys to the latest TV shows. All eras. All passions. All Star Wars.

  1. 4 days ago

    BANTHA TRACKING 5: BANTHA TRACKS ISSUE 5 SUMMER 1979 | SPECIAL GUEST CRAIG MILLER | STAR WARS FAN CLUB

    In this very special instalment of Bantha Tracking, Dan and Jez continue their journey through the early history of Star Wars fandom as they explore issue 5 of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter. And this time, we’re joined by a very special guest! Craig Miller, editor of the first nine issues of the newsletter and Director of Fan Relations at Lucasfilm from 1977 to 1980. Craig joins us to share his memories and insights from the early days of the Official Star Wars Fan Club, his role at Lucasfilm during this period, and to help us look back at issue 5 of the newsletter he wrote 48 years ago. Issue 5 features Craig’s interview with The Empire Strikes Back director Irvin Kershner, along with a behind-the-scenes production update on the eagerly anticipated sequel. We also discover the winner of the newsletter’s comic competition and hear all about their incredible prize: a trip to Elstree Studios and a visit to the set of The Empire Strikes Back! Plus, there’s plenty more to uncover as we turn another page in the history of early Star Wars fandom, in the company of the man who was putting it all together. Join us, along with Craig Miller, for another fascinating trip back in time — one newsletter at a time. Craig’s book “Star Wars Memories: My Time in the (Death Star) Trenches is available now on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/0ikpCXDY Follow Generation Skywalker on instagram https://amzn.eu/d/0ikpCXDY and facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/19XAX6qAJU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    BANTHA TRACKING 5: BANTHA TRACKS ISSUE 5 SUMMER 1979 | SPECIAL GUEST CRAIG MILLER | STAR WARS FAN CLUB

  2. 22 Oct

    THOSE OLD FOSSILS 40: HAN SOLO | VINTAGE STAR WARS TOYS AND COLLECTABLES

    This episode, Those Old Fossils continues its series exploring the pilots of the Millennium Falcon, turning the spotlight onto one of the most iconic characters in the original Star Wars trilogy — Han Solo — and Kenner’s vintage 3¾-inch action figure from 1978. One of the original 12 figures released in the first wave of Kenner’s Star Wars toy line, Han Solo quickly became an essential part of countless childhood collections and remains a must-have for vintage Star Wars collectors today. With regular guests Ron Salvatore from the Star Wars Collectors Archive and Mark Andrews from Variant Villains, the team debates the merits of the small-head and large-head variants, exploring the figure’s development, design and sculpt, and what made Kenner’s interpretation of the galaxy’s most famous smuggler such an enduring classic. Beyond the 3¾-inch figure, we also look at the 12-inch large-size action figure, the role playing version of Han’s iconic blaster and other beyond the toys collectibles related to the character. The discussion also covers international releases, packaging variations and current market prices, offering plenty for seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. Whether you remember Han Solo as the coolest character in the galaxy, owned the original figure back in 1978, or are still hunting for that elusive mint example, this episode celebrates a true legend of the vintage Star Wars toy line.

    THOSE OLD FOSSILS 40: HAN SOLO | VINTAGE STAR WARS TOYS AND COLLECTABLES

  3. 8 Oct

    BANTHA TRACKING 4: THE OFFICIAL FAN CLUB STAR WARS NEWSLETTER ISSUE 4 SEPTEMBER 1978 | LUCASFILM FANDOM TRACKS

    In this instalment of Bantha Tracking, Dan and Jez continue their journey through the early history of Star Wars fandom as they explore the fourth issue of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter, published in September 1978. This issue features a look at the career of producer Gary Kurtz, charting his work to date and his role producing Star Wars. We discuss Kurtz’s post Star Wars career and his role in bringing the original film and its sequel to the screen- and why he didn’t return for the third instalment. There’s also some major Star Wars news, as the newsletter reveals the title of the second Star Wars movie—The Empire Strikes Back. We look back at this early announcement and the excitement surrounding the next chapter of the saga, nearly two years before the film would eventually arrive in cinemas. AND the Newsletter is finally christened with its new title when the results of the “name the newsletter” contest is revealed. We also put the Generation Skywalker crew to the test with a Star Wars trivia quiz based on the contents of the newsletter. Just how well do Jez and the rest of the crew know their Star Wars trivia? There’s only one way to find out! featuring a complete audio presentation of issue 4 of the newsletter, join us as we continue our look at the history of early Star Wars fandom—one newsletter at a time.

    BANTHA TRACKING 4: THE OFFICIAL FAN CLUB STAR WARS NEWSLETTER ISSUE 4 SEPTEMBER 1978 | LUCASFILM FANDOM TRACKS

  4. 30 Sept

    THANK THE MAKER ROGUE ONE 10TH ANNIVERSARY PREVIEW WITH DAVE TREE & MARK NEWBOLD | STAR WARS FANDOM & EVENTS

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Tree, organiser of the long-running Farthest From event, and Mark Newbold from Fantha Tracks to discuss the upcoming Thank the Maker event. Taking place in Winchester this October, the third Thank the Maker is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The event brings together people who worked behind the scenes on the film for a series intimate panels on the making of movie, offering attendees a unique opportunity to hear first-hand stories about the making of Star Wars. Dave discusses the event’s origins, his decision to bring Farthest From to a close (for now), and what fans can expect from Thank The Maker, including sharing a rundown of the 17 guests lined up for the event. Thank the Maker takes place at St Swithun’s School in Winchester on Saturday 17 October 2026. Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thankthemaker/2305678 Event information: https://thankthemaker.co.uk

    THANK THE MAKER ROGUE ONE 10TH ANNIVERSARY PREVIEW WITH DAVE TREE & MARK NEWBOLD | STAR WARS FANDOM & EVENTS

  5. 16 Sept

    BANTHA TRACKING 3: THE OFFICIAL STAR WARS NEWSLETTER ISSUE 3 MARK HAMILL INTERVIEW JULY 1978 | LUCASFILM FANDOM TRACKS

    In this instalment of Bantha Tracking, Dan and Jez explore the third issue of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter from July 1978. This issue features an interview with Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, as he shares memories of his experience working on Star Wars—including how a friend, who would later become an icon in his own right, told Mark about the part and encouraged him to audition. He also shares his thoughts on working with Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, as well as his hopes for his future career and more. We also take a look at this issues  Q&A section, where Lucasfilm answers questions from fans eager to learn more about the galaxy far, far away. Plus, we continue the previous episodes look at “Between the Script and the Projector” with Part Two of the article  examining the journey after casting as competed through  to the film arriving in cinemas on 25th May 1977.  Along with a complete audio presentation of issue 3 of the newsletter,  join us as we continue our look at the history of early Star Wars fandom—one newsletter at a time.

    BANTHA TRACKING 3: THE OFFICIAL STAR WARS NEWSLETTER ISSUE 3 MARK HAMILL INTERVIEW JULY 1978 | LUCASFILM FANDOM TRACKS

  6. 9 Sept

    THOSE OLD FOSSILS 39: THE MILLENNIUM FALCON | VINTAGE STAR WARS TOYS

    This episode, Those Old Fossils begins a brand-new series exploring the pilots of the Millennium Falcon, and to kick things off we’re looking at ship itself- Kenner’s vintage Millennium Falcon from 1979. Widely regarded as one of the most iconic vehicles in the original Star Wars toy line, the Falcon became the centrepiece of countless childhood collections and remains a cornerstone of vintage Star Wars collecting today. Ron Salvatore from the Star Wars Collectors Archive returns to share his expertise on the toy’s development, design, play features, Zendaya and it's lasting appeal  The team  explore what made the Falcon such a special release and why it continues to be one of the most beloved items in the Kenner range. The discussion also covers international releases, packaging variations, current market prices, and related Falcon items, including the die-cast  and Micro Collection versions, as well as where the Falcon featured beyond the toys. Whether you owned one as a child or still have one proudly displayed on your shelf, this episode celebrates a true classic of the vintage Star Wars line.

    THOSE OLD FOSSILS 39: THE MILLENNIUM FALCON | VINTAGE STAR WARS TOYS

  7. 25 Aug

    BANTHA TRACKING 2: THE OFFICIAL STAR WARS FAN CLUB NEWSLETTER ISSUE 2 | LUCASFILM FANDOM TRACKS

    In Episode 2 of Bantha Tracking, Dan and Jez explore the second issue of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter, capturing the excitement of Star Wars fandom in 1978. Alongside a complete audio presentation of Newsletter Volume 1, Number 2, they discuss Star Wars’ 1978 Oscar wins, sequel developments, the “Name the Newsletter” competition as well as its prizes, cover the regular Q&A section, plus  more. Join us as we continue to our look at  how Lucasfilm connected with fans long before the internet, conventions, and social media.—one newsletter at a time.

    BANTHA TRACKING 2: THE OFFICIAL STAR WARS FAN CLUB NEWSLETTER ISSUE 2 | LUCASFILM FANDOM TRACKS

  8. 10 Aug

    THOSE OLD FOSSILS 38: THE RANCOR AND HIS KEEPER | VINTAGE STAR WARS TOYS AND COLLECTABLES

    In this episode of Those Old Fossils, Palitoy Pete, Martin, Dan and Jez are joined by Mark Andrews from Variant Villains turn their attention to two 1984 releases from the vintage Return of the Jedi line — the mighty Rancor and the Rancor Keeper. The Rancor is one of the most distinctive and visually impressive creatures in the vintage Star Wars range, and the team explore why it has remained a popular piece for collectors more than forty years later. From childhood memories and play value to loose and boxed collecting, this episode is a celebration of one of Kenner’s most memorable creature releases. Naturally, the conversation also turns to the Rancor Keeper. While the character is an essential part of Jabba’s palace, the figure itself has never exactly enjoyed the same legendary status as the beast it serves. The Fossils discuss whether this chunky fella deserves a little more appreciation than it usually receives. Ron Salvatore from the SWCA returns with another fascinating segment, sharing his insights into the history and significance of both releases within the wider world of vintage Star Wars collecting. Whether you’re a lifelong Rancor fan, or simply enjoy hearing vintage Star Wars enthusiasts debate the highs and lows of the Kenner line, this episode is packed with nostalgia, collecting chat, expert insight, and plenty of good-humoured Fossils discussion.

    THOSE OLD FOSSILS 38: THE RANCOR AND HIS KEEPER | VINTAGE STAR WARS TOYS AND COLLECTABLES
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4.9
out of 5
34 Ratings

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Informed chat, guest interviews and event coverage with reviews, analysis and commentary covering everything from vintage toys to the latest TV shows. All eras. All passions. All Star Wars.

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