What’s The Deal With The Tie Striker?

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will introduce two new starfighters and a new Imperial Walker into Star Wars canon in what seemed like a ploy to sell a new round of toys this Christmas but now, thanks to Entertainment Weekly, we have an understanding as to why the new Tie Striker sports a more aerodynamic set of wings as opposed to the wings of the traditional Tie Fighter.

The Tie Strikers aerodynamic wings allow for pilots to maneuver the starfighter much better within a planet’s atmosphere than it’s predecessor. Having improved maneuvering capabilities allows for a more effective line of defense when protecting Imperial bases such as the one that is host to the Death Star manufacturing facility on Scariff which is exactly where we will see the Tie Strikers in Rogue One.

 

Wookiepedia also has the description as well.

The TIE Striker was a streamlined variant of the TIE line starfightersused by the Galactic Empire for in-atmosphere engagements and the defense of important Imperial bases. Though designed for atmosphere, it could also function in space and accompany traditional TIE fighters.^[3] Equipped with advanced high-speed wings, it was faster than the standard TIE/LN starfighter and had an extra pair of laser barrels.^[1][4]

Head on over to EW to check out the full video explaining the features and benefits of the Tie Striker.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters December 16, 2016.

From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves. In theaters December 2016.

Marc Guggenheim Talks Vigilante in ‘Arrow’ Season Five

Marc Guggenheim is at it again divulging information that for any other show would be considered a spoiler, but in the case of Arrow — spoilers are actually used to promote the show. For comic book fans in the know, it will come as no great surprise, however. General audiences prepare to be enlightened.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Marc confirmed that the new district attorney, Adrian Chase A.K.A. Pissed ‘Royally’ Off  (Josh Segarra) — who was introduced this past week in the episode titled “A Matter of Trust” would, in fact, become his comic book alter ego “Vigilante”.

What’s kind of fun about the way we’re writing Adrian, and the way we’re portraying Josh’s character, is we’re writing with the knowledge that the audience has a certain amount of comic book knowledge. If they don’t, if you’re not a comic book fan, it’ll fly over your head and it’s totally fine; it’s like an adult joke in a Pixar movie. But if you are familiar with the comic, then you’ll probably interpret certain scenes in a very specific way, and that’s fun for us. I don’t think we’ve ever really done it in this fashion before, use what I call their comic book destiny as part of the storytelling.

It sounds good as long as they don’t go too far and alienate general audiences like certain superhero properties have (cough cough, BvS).

In the comics, Adrian Chase was a district attorney who took the law into his own hands as he took on the persona of Vigilante after losing faith in the corrupt criminal justice system. It was clear Adrian was extremely passionate about his job in the few minutes we got of him so far so it should be interesting to watch as he begins his descent into vigilantism. Being that he and Oliver already have a history and that Oliver is at work training Team Arrow 2.0, it seems likely that Vigilante is set to be the next addition to the new team.

Arrow airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

SOURCE: EW

James Wan Teases Swashbuckling Action Adventure in ‘Aquaman’

Warner Brothers and DC Entertainment caught the world’s attention when it was announced that Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa would be starring in the title role of Aquaman. Add director James Wan (The Conjuring, Furious 7) to the mix and you’ve got something that not even the disappointing Batman V. Superman could stop from making truckloads of money. Even the most vocal of the Batman V. Superman haters are ready to hand over their hard-earned cash to see the former Khal Drago as the first ever on-screen King of the Sea (no, Vinnie Chase doesn’t count).

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Wan teased a swashbuckling action adventure quest story that is very much Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Romancing the Stone.

Wan also commented on what to expect from Aquaman and the recently revealed Amber Heard as Mera in the upcoming Justice League.

I think Amber and Jason Momoa, in their moments in Justice League, are going to give the rest of the world a flavor of what their own standalone movie could be. And that is just scratching the surface of what I plan to do.

It will be another year before we get to see Justice League and an even longer wait for Aquaman.

Justice League hits theaters November 17, 2017 and Aquaman drops the following year on July 27, 2018.

SOURCE: EW

‘Arrow’: Marc Guggenheim Talks Diggle’s Redemption

At the end of the fourth season of Arrow, John Diggle (David Ramsey) left Team Arrow and reenlisted in the military in order to seek redemption for the murder of his brother (Eugene Byrd).

Unfortunately, things aren’t quite working out for Diggle. The end of the second episode saw Diggle framed for the murder of several comrades by his commanding officer after his unit was sent to extract the triggers from the nuclear weapons launched by Damien Darhk (Neal Mcdonough). The events of Genesis day have left some in fear of metahumans and those who can harness mystical powers. Rather than neutralizing the triggers, the corrupt CO opted to steal the triggers for himself to offer to the highest bidder — leaving Diggle to face a court marshall.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, executive producer Marc Guggenheim discussed how this storyline will ultimately lead to Diggle’s return to Team Arrow.

I don’t think I’m spoiling anything to say that there is going to come a point where we bring Diggle back into the fold — that’s just inevitable. And this is sort of, believe it or not, the first move in that direction. 

As an Arrow fan, this comes as no great surprise. We all know it’s only a matter of time before Diggle returns to Star City and is back out on the streets supporting Oliver in his crusade, especially after it was already revealed his helmet was going to receive an upgrade this season. Now that his faith in the military has been shaken, it will be interesting to see how that impacts Diggle’s mentality and the effect it will have on him as he returns to the crime-ridden Star City only to learn that Oliver has begun killing again.

To hear what else Marc had to say including the long-term plan for how this storyline will play out over the course of the season check out the interview below.

Arrow airs Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

SOURCE: EW

Topps Star Wars Cards Reveal New ‘Rogue One’ Characters

Thanks to Entertainment Weekly and MakingStarWars.net, we have our first look at some of the new Topps cards featuring new characters who will appear in the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The cards also include some incredible imagery captured by cinematographer Greig Fraser.

The unknown female X-Wing pilot looks incredible sporting the orange flight suit first seen worn by Rebel pilots in A New Hope. I’m glad to see women aren’t just front and center in the franchise but mixed into the background as well. Star Wars isn’t just for boys anymore.

This Rebel soldier just stepped out of World War II and into the Star Wars universe. While Rebel soldiers in the past have always had a unique look that was undeniably Star Wars, many of the costume designs for the Rebels and the Imperials were inspired by World War II. It’s nice to see a costume that is so close to the design of the American uniform soldiers wore in battle.

What do you get when you splice together a Wookie and a Wompa? You get Moroff (a Grigoran). Is that a laser minigun he’s armed with?!

A stormtrooper on Scariff captured gorgeously by Greg Frasier. The sky in the background is all natural. No computer graphics necessary.

The Rebel Lookout for the Yavin base first seen in A New Hope. While I am excited to see all of the new costumes and vehicle designs, it’s good to see some old friends in the mix to remind us exactly when and where we are in the timeline.

X-Wing pilots heading into battle for what will be their first victory against the Empire.

Felicity Jones looks absolutely incredible as Jyn Erso. I need to go to Target and find her action figure right now. I’ve been unsuccessful at finding one so far.

What is interesting about this photo of Ben Mendelsohn as Director Krennic is that Imperial officers do not usually carry blasters. He must have a good reason and I hope we get to find out in the film.

To see all of the Topp Cards for Rogue One including some pale blue Mon Calamari, head on over to Entertainment Weekly and MakingStarWars.net.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters December 16, 2016.

SOURCES: EW, MAKINGSTARWARS

‘Arrow’ EP Marc Guggenheim Gives New Details on CW Crossover Event

Two weeks ago executive producer Marc Guggenheim revealed that this year’s D.C. crossover event will see Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow team up against The Dominators. In the comics the alien race was interested in harnessing the metagene (the gene that gives metahumans their abilities) to enhance members of their own race.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Marc dished on the upcoming crossover which he said will be the most ambitious filmmaking in the history of network television.

This year, we’re doing by far the most ambitious crossover we’ve ever done. It’s basically a huge three-part story that also brings in Supergirl, so it’s crossing over all four shows. It’s telling one big epic movie of a story. It’s not setting up any other spin-offs, it’s just big, bombastic, huge action. There’s also some really poignant character moments. There’s a lot of plot lines, particularly I would say in Flash and Legends, that come to fruition in the crossover. It’s by far the most ambitious thing we’ve ever attempted. I want to say it’s by far one of the most ambitious things anyone in network television has ever attempted. It’s completely insane.

Whether or not they will succeed in what they’re attempting is yet to be seen. Sometimes these shows try to do too much at once and end up collapsing on themselves. But the crossover this year will no doubt be better than previous years due to its tighter focus. It won’t be concerned with introducing a slew of new characters to launch another series, and rather than having a different plot for each episode of the crossover — the three hour event will see characters from all four shows come together to face The Dominators. I’m most excited to see how Supergirl engages with the heroes of Earth One, and more so how the heroes react to her abilities. Especially Diggle — who was already seen dropping his burger as Martian Manhunter transformed from human to alien form right before his eyes in the Superhero Fight Club 2.0 video.

The crossover is set to begin in November.

Supergirl airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT, The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Arrow airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m., and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The CW.

SOURCE: EW