Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive

Since 2013, the husband and wife team of Richard and Sarah Woloski share their love of Star Wars through their upbeat, positive, and humorous podcast. Get exclusive behind-the-scenes info from filmmakers, authors, imagineers, and experts. Richard and Sarah celebrate all forms of Star Wars from the classic Marvel comics to the current films and series on their weekly podcast AND YouTube livestream where they encourage your comments and engagement.

566: San Diego Comic-Con, Rebel Scum Con & More: Convention Season Begins! w/ Spencer Jawitz 07/16/2026

565: Things We Want To Share 07/10/2026

564: Skywalking Pop-Up Trivia Takes Over Fan Expo Anaheim 07/02/2026

TWWTS: Hollywood Bowl's Best of Broadway + Superman & Supergirl Trivia! 06/30/2026

563: Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic #60 | Shira Brie - the Original Mara Jade? 06/25/2026

TWWTS: A Royal Visit to Genovia: A Princess Diaries D23 Experience 06/23/2026

562: Remembering Margaret Kerry: Our Fairy Podmother 06/18/2026

TWWTS: Grogu Chips Taste Test, Universal AP Night, & 80's Trivia 06/15/2026

561: Puppeteering GROGU - A Conversation with Dawn Dininger, Puppeteer & Creature FX Artist 06/11/2026

LIVE TWWTS: Mando & Grogu Merch, GalaxyCon, + 2026 Trivia 06/08/2026

560: Classic Star Wars Marvel Comics Issue #59 "Bazarre!" 06/04/2026

559: Mando & Grogu Fan Reactions from our Skywalking Community 05/28/2026

559: Mando & Grogu Fan Reactions from our Skywalking Community Star Wars is all about community, and for Episode 559 of Skywalking Through Neverland, we gathered reactions from friends and fans across an entire week of screenings for The Mandalorian & Grogu. First up are , proud members of the and our wonderful “tauntauns” from the LiningUp Charity Bash. Then Peter Genovese and Ryan Wiltberger from share their immediate HOT TAKES on the film, followed by Jeff Caffrey of the , who *might* rank the movie among his top Star Wars films. Skywalking Force member offered heartfelt insight into Din Djarin’s parenting journey with Grogu through the lens of being a mom herself. Their relationship became one of the strongest emotional through-lines discussed throughout all our interviews, especially centered around the powerful message: “The old protect the young, and the young protect the old.” This episode also features great insights from: James Burns of Brandon Winardi of Tal, Mike Celestino of along with his mom! of the Skywalking Force of the Skywalking Force longtime contributor Dave Skale longtime LiningUp members Stefanie and . From emotional family themes to creepy-crawly creatures, hilarious Grogu moments, easter eggs, and crowd reactions, this episode is a celebration of the fans who make Star Wars special. Now it’s your turn — GO SEE THIS FILM and vote for Star Wars with your dollars! Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni INTERVIEW: Behind the Scenes of The Mandalorian & Grogu | Star Wars https://youtu.be/IRO4Q26whFY PODCAST SPONSORS is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at . Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SUPPORT THE SHOW CONTACT US Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Send emails to and follow us on . If you dug this episode, click over to | | and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan! /episode/index/show/skywalkingthroughneverland/id/41448225

LIVE TWWTS: Galaxy's Edge Smuggler's Run Updates, Unboxing, and Trivia 05/27/2026

558: The Mandalorian & Grogu Premiere, Press, and Review 05/22/2026

557: Universal FanFest Nights + Mando Merch (Bath & Body Works) 05/14/2026

556: Maul - Shadow Lord Finale Breakdown & Music Analysis 05/07/2026

556: Maul - Shadow Lord Finale Breakdown & Music Analysis The Season 1 finale of STAR WARS: MAUL - SHADOW LORD delivered everything we hoped for: emotional betrayals, jaw-dropping visuals, terrifying horror vibes, and the long-awaited confrontation between Maul and Darth Vader. Richard and Sarah break down Chapters 9 and 10, from Dryden Vos and Crimson Dawn connections to Devon’s tragic fall toward the dark side, and the MANY deaths along the way. Did Brander Lawson survive? We want your opinion, because Richard and Sarah are split! MAUL - SHADOW LORD composers Kevin, Deana, and Sean Kiner sneak in many musical references to “Duel of the Fates,” “Battle of the Heroes,” and “Anakin’s Dark Deeds,” all from the Prequel trilogy. We analyze how each of these callbacks help the overall storytelling of this series. One of the standout elements of the finale is Vader himself. His silent entrance through the misty forest instantly joins the ranks of iconic Vader reveals from A New Hope, Rogue One, and even Splinter of the Mind’s Eye. The horror-inspired music, jump scares, and brutal fighting style made Vader feel unstoppable. Meanwhile, Maul manipulated events exactly as planned, allowing Devon’s rage over Master Daki’s death to push her into becoming his apprentice. The symbolism throughout the finale — broken bridges, collapsing temples, and fractured Jedi ideals — gave the battle emotional weight beyond the lightsaber clashes. We get into all of it! Is this the first Maul vs Vader battle in Star Wars history?While it’s their first major onscreen showdown, the two previously dueled in the 2001 comic Star Wars Tales #9. Richard and Sarah explore that deep-cut Expanded Universe story. PODCAST SPONSORS is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at . Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SUPPORT THE SHOW CONTACT US Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Send emails to and follow us on . If you dug this episode, click over to | | and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan! /episode/index/show/skywalkingthroughneverland/id/41200835

LIVE Things We Want to Share: Maul - Shadow Lord Finale, May the 4th, and Trivia 05/06/2026

555: Inquisitor Marrok Unmasked with Actor & Stunt Performer PAUL DARNELL 04/30/2026

554: MAUL - SHADOW LORD Deep Dive & mid-season Analysis 04/23/2026

553: LiningUp Charity Bash Recap! 04/16/2026

552: Inside MAUL: SHADOW LORD with Sam Witwer & the Creative Team 04/01/2026

551: DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Season 2 Breakdown 03/26/2026

350: Skywalking Into The Future! 03/19/2026

350: Skywalking Into The Future! 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 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 money for the Starlight Children's Foundation, with a goal of $2,500 raised at the event alone. so we know how many people to expect. for The Mandalorian and Grogu — May 19–21 (Hollywood) We’re heading back to the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX forecourt for a multi-day fan line event leading up to the film’s release. Expect games, raffles, prizes, and surprises, along with plenty of chances to reconnect with friends and meet new ones. The Star Wars energy will be at an all-time high as we celebrate the first new film in nearly seven years. We’re still building out the full schedule, so stay tuned and so we can get a good head count on tickets. — May 16–17 (Ontario, CA) We’ll be hosting two trivia shows on Saturday: Star Wars Trivia and Pop Culture Trivia. Details on time and room are still to come. — July 23–26 (San Diego, CA) Nothing official just yet, as panel applications haven’t gone out, but we’re hoping to return for Star Wars Day on Friday, July 24. Stay tuned. — August 7–9 (Frisco, TX) We’ll be there regardless of panel news, which is still pending. Newly announced guests include Manny Jacinto, Sean Patrick Flanery, Donald Mills, and Matthew Willig. — August 27–31 (Anaheim) We’re also looking ahead to the World Science Fiction Convention, another major gathering celebrating science fiction and fandom right here in Southern California. Super Secret Official Star Wars Project — Fall 2026 We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes and just completed another major step last week. We’re hoping an official announcement is coming very soon, so stay tuned. This is just the beginning. 2026 is packed, and we can’t wait to experience it all with you. Keep checking back for updates, and we’ll see you out there. /episode/index/show/skywalkingthroughneverland/id/40528530

549: LiningUp for The Mandalorian and Grogu! 03/05/2026

549: LiningUp for The Mandalorian and Grogu! 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 from 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 Contest winner Steve Lang: and George Lucas interview: Today in Star Wars History 3/2/1980 - 46 years ago - This was a day long remembered by Richard - An ad appeared in the Sunday newspaper promoting a Kenner sweepstakes to see a special premiere of The Empire Strikes Back with R2-D2 and C-3PO in Washington, D.C. Six-year-old Steve Lang was one of the Grand Prize Winners! Along with the screening of the film he also won a complete collection of Kenner’s Empire Strikes Back toys and got to meet Star Wars actors. He also did a written interview with us: PODCAST SPONSORS is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at . Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SUPPORT THE SHOW CONTACT US Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Send emails to and follow us on . If you dug this episode, click over to | | and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan! /episode/index/show/skywalkingthroughneverland/id/40321190

548: Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics #58 "SUNDOWN" 02/27/2026

547: Mandalorian Trailer and Toy Fair Merch! 02/19/2026

546: In Defense of THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU Super Bowl Spot 02/11/2026

545: Milestone Anniversaries with Kevin Reitzel 02/05/2026

544: Wondering about WONDER MAN? 01/28/2026

544: Wondering about WONDER MAN? 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 standout performance from Ben Kingsley—it struggles with tone, realism, and the weight of its MCU identity. We talk about what works, what doesn’t, and whether Wonder Man feels like a forgotten experiment or a meaningful setup for something bigger down the road. Watch the for the best experience. Listen to the podcast episode here: Written WONDER MAN Review Wonder Man is the 19th television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (including both live-action and animated projects) and arrives as part of Phase 6. The series was created by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Andrew Guest (Hawkeye, Community, Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, crossing superhero franchises after playing Black Manta in DC’s Aquaman films, stars as Simon Williams, a struggling actor auditioning for the lead in a remake of Wonder Man, a low-budget 1980s action film that Simon once bonded over with his father. Simon carries a dangerous secret: he has explosive superpowers that he can’t fully control. Worse, he must keep those powers hidden if he wants any chance at an acting career thanks to the Doorman Clause, a rule that bars super-powered individuals from working as actors. One episode dives into the origins of this clause, and it’s easily among the series’ most entertaining and imaginative chapters. Ben Kingsley returns as Trevor Slattery, the infamous actor hired to portray the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. Since then, the character has appeared in the Marvel short All Hail the King and film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Here, Trevor is once again chasing relevance—and is also auditioning for a role in the Wonder Man remake. Interestingly, the series never clearly states where it fits into the MCU timeline. There are only light references—photos on walls, casual mentions of “shield throwing.” Frankly, that restraint is welcome. It’s firmly set in the present day on the main MCU Earth, and that’s more than enough. Had this been set on another timeline or Earth, this review probably wouldn’t exist. Character Over Capes At its core, this is a strong, personal story about two people supporting each other in a brutal industry. Simon approaches acting with intense seriousness—reminiscent of Dustin Hoffman’s character in Tootsie—while Trevor, as a mentor figure, pushes him to loosen up and trust the words on the page. Wonder Man is far more interested in the relationship between Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery than in building a new costumed icon. Through their conversations, the series thoughtfully explores what it actually means to be an actor. Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley make for an engaging, surprisingly balanced duo. The show wisely avoids leaning into easy odd-couple clichés, which elevates their dynamic. If you enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at show business in The Studio or Hacks, there’s a lot here to like. Wonder Man ups the stakes by adding uncontrollable superpowers into an already stressful industry where almost nothing goes your way. Tone & Reality Gaps Tonally, Wonder Man struggles. It can’t always decide whether it wants to be serious and emotional or silly and farcical. It oscillates between the two. The dialogue is often grounded and well-written, but the situations frequently feel forced—bent to serve the script rather than emerging naturally from reality. Living in Los Angeles, where the series is set, makes some of these moments especially hard to ignore. Being under a tight deadline to submit an audition tape and deciding to drive from Hollywood to Malibu and back—congratulations, you’ve just wasted three hours. These issues extend to the on-set scenes. Having worked in the film industry, many of these moments rang false. A day player wouldn’t halt production because they have extensive notes. There are numerous story hiccups where disbelief must be suspended simply to keep the plot moving. A test audience likely would have flagged many of these. Performances & Standout Moments Any time Ben Kingsley is on screen, he’s impossible not to root for. Simon, by contrast, is difficult to like until the final two episodes. That’s clearly intentional—he’s closed off and emotionally blocked—but watching someone repeatedly sabotage themselves is frustrating, even if it’s thematically justified. One unquestionable highlight is the episode centered on the Doorman Clause, “Doorman”. Josh Gad’s appearance, along with his reworked version of “In Summer,” is delightful and injects much-needed energy and creativity into the series. Release Strategy & Final Verdict Marvel continues to undermine its TV output with its release strategy. Ironheart dropped its six episodes across two days. Echo released all five at once. Wonder Man follows suit with all eight episodes dropping in a single day. The result? These shows are consumed quickly and forgotten just as fast. By the time Daredevil Season 2 arrives in March, this will likely be one of those “Oh yeah… what happened on Wonder Man again?” series.I went in with an open mind and high expectations—this is Marvel, after all. In the end, I liked Wonder Man, but too much got in the way of loving it. SPONSORS is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at . Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SUPPORT THE SHOW CONTACT US Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Send emails to and follow us on . If you dug this episode, click over to | | and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan! /episode/index/show/skywalkingthroughneverland/id/39892825

543: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Evolves / Lucasfilm Under New Management 01/22/2026

543: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Evolves / Lucasfilm Under New Management 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 ( / ) and BJ Priester () 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 now fill the land. Nostalgia matters, and this addition delivers the emotional Star Wars immersion we’ve have been craving since the land first opened in 2019. All these changes will fully take effect on April 29. And just one day after this news, another bombshell dropped: Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as president of Lucasfilm after 14 years, returning to producing, while Dave Filoni takes over as President and Chief Creative Officer alongside Lynwen Brennan as Co-President. Kennedy also addressed long-rumored, stalled film projects in a candid , and we discuss in detail. Lucasfilm is entering a bold new era, both in the parks and on screen. We speculate what’s to come. What do you think?? Watch the for the best experience. Listen to the podcast episode here. SPONSORS is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at . Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD. SUPPORT THE SHOW CONTACT US Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Send emails to and follow us on . If you dug this episode, click over to | | and leave us a review! /episode/index/show/skywalkingthroughneverland/id/39822425

Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive

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