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Todd Wahlstrom

Todd Wahlstrom is a creative and analytical freelance writer and life-long Star Wars fan. He has covered such topics as Darth Vader, the Jedi, Boba Fett, and AT-AT Walkers. Todd has published a non-fiction book, holds a Ph.D. in history, and enjoys hiking, running, and reading about science.

We may not remember, but there was a time before CGI. The original Star Wars films had to rely on artist-created visual effects, instead of computer-generated imagery. The effects were so well done that we probably mistook them for props and sets. We may not realize it, but some of the props were actually paintings. …

Read More about I Had NO Idea That Some of the ‘Props’ Were Actually Paintings in the Original Trilogy (’77–’83)

C-3PO is one of the most memorable characters in Star Wars. His interrupting comments and humor help break up the drama and relay the story. He has a distinguishing look too, including gold plating and an apparent crop top midsection. Does C-3PO wear a crop top? It seems that he does but for different reasons. …

Read More about I’ve Asked It Once, I’ll Ask It Again. Does C3PO Wear a Crop Top?

From watching the prequel movies, we know the backstory of Anakin Skywalker and how that name was passed on to Luke. Yet, keeping that name doesn’t make sense, given that Luke was hiding from Darth Vader. Why is Luke’s last name Skywalker and not Lars after his uncle? We have real-world and in-universe explanations.  Luke’s …

Read More about Why Is Luke’s Last Name Skywalker and Not Lars If the Objective Was to Keep Them Hidden From Vader? Leia’s Last Name Is Organa, After All

In The Empire Strikes Back, Luke and Leia had a famous kiss scene. In The Return of the Jedi, Luke told Leia she was his sister. She responded, “I Know. Somehow, I’ve Always Known.” This is a perplexing situation. If she had known already, this could be the most disturbing line in Star Wars. Or, …

Read More about The Most Disturbing Line in Star Wars: ‘I Know. Somehow, I’ve Always Known.’ So She Knew?

Fans probably remember the first appearance of IG-88 in The Empire Strikes Back. This assassin bounty hunter looked both innovative and menacing. Yet, we did not get to see this IG unit in action, only a short glimpse of his potential.  The IG droid from The Mandalorian was so badass for several reasons, including this …

Read More about This IG Droid From The Mandalorian Was So Badass

After The Acolyte was canceled, fans and writers discussed the reasons for it. Some pointed to creative decisions, while others contended it was about the Star Wars fan base. Here we explore whether The Acolyte failed for trying something “new” that defied fan expectations.  Did The Acolyte Fail for Trying Something “New”? The Acolyte — …

Read More about Not a Big Fan, But I Hate the Idea That The Acolyte Failed for Trying Something ‘New’

Initially a stalwart Imperialist, Agent Kallus transformed himself into a devout Rebel. This was a surprising turn of events, going from one extreme to another. Why did Kallus defect from the Empire and the Rebellion accept him? Short and long-term experiences provide a good part of the answer.  Agent Kallus Defected Star Wars Rebels: Agent …

Read More about Agent Kallus – Why Did He Defect From the Empire and (Even) the Rebellion Accept Him?

Darth Maul was a deadly Sith who wielded a double-bladed lightsaber. We saw him defeat Qui Gon-Jinn with it. Yet, is this type of weapon really the best choice for a Sith or Jedi? How practical is a double-bladed lightsaber? Read on to find out. Merits of Double-Bladed Lightsabers As fans may know, double-bladed lightsabers …

Read More about How Practical Is A Double Bladed Lightsaber? Like Really.

Just as The Acolyte was canceled, we also discovered that Keanu Reeves could have played the Jedi Sol. Lucasfilm has indicated their interest in casting Reeves, and the John Wick and Matrix actor appears equally interested. What could that mean for an upcoming Star Wars project? Keanu Reeves Could Be in an Upcoming Star Wars …

Read More about Lucasfilm Is Very Interested in Casting Keanu Reeves in an Upcoming Star Wars Project

We know him as rebel leader Kanan Jarrus who gave his life so that his friends could live. In his final moments, Kanan’s vision was restored. Read on to find out how he could heal his eyes before he died.  Kanan Jarrus, Rebels, and His Death In the Star War Rebels, Kanan Jarrus was a …

Read More about Is There A in Lore Reason As to How Kanan Was Able to Heal His Own Eyes in His Final Moments?