Look At The Size Of That Thing!: Full Scale LEGO X-Wing In Times Square to Promote The Yoda Chronicles

There are certain benefits to living in New York City: World-class entertainment, fine dining, and the constant interaction with people of all different shapes and sizes. And then, once every so often, something really cool happens....

Fresh from the trench run

In order to promote the upcoming The Yoda Chronicles this week, the good people over at the Cartoon Network commissioned a full-scale, LEGO X-wing and landed it right in the middle of Times Square.

Made up of 5,335,200 bricks, this snubfighter has engines that glow and roar, making it seem as if it can take on the Empire all by itself.  11-feet tall and 43 feet long, with a 44-foot wingspan, the X-wing was the principle fighters used by the Rebellion in their long struggle to defeat the Empire and restore peace and justice to the galaxy. Built over 4 months at the LEGO Model Shop in Kladno, Czech Republic, this gigantic beauty of a model would make Wedge Antilles and the pilots of Rogue Squadron proud.

Oh, and you can sit in the cockpit.

I can't shake 'em!

Linc 5, standing by!

There were also some wonderful LEGO sculptures stationed around the island between 7th Ave and Broadway, including Boba Fett, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and even Porkins!

The dynamic duo

Ooh, shiny this is!

And Skippy, the Jedi Droid!

The baddest bricks in the galaxy

Well, at least they made him thin.

The farmboy and his droid

With classic music sounding over the speakers (including the main theme, the Throne Room theme, the Cantina song, and the Clone Wars intro theme) and sneak-peak trailers playing over the monitors, there was a lot to see and do on one tiny slab of concrete at the crossroads of the world. There were also stations to build your own mini-model X-wing, or just free-form it and show the world your own creations.

You will never find a more awesome tent of fun and creativity

No amount of rain could dampen the spirits a full-size LEGO X-wing can bring about. Kids of all ages (including your humble blogger) were delighted to be able to see and touch a model of creativity, engineering, and nostalgia. Check out the featured article by Gizmodo for some more great pictures and videos. The Yoda Chronicles premieres May 29th at 8:00 PM EST on Cartoon Network.

Here's hoping we don't see a giant LEGO Death Star orbiting overhead anytime soon!

- Joe

Star Wars: Episode VII - Han and Leia's Kid and Grandkid Introduced

I'll never forget where I was when I heard the news. I was sitting in my dark kitchen listening to the radio after Hurricane Sandy when I first learned about Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm and the plans for Episode VII and beyond. I was so excited that, unable to post about it, I drove directly to my friend Joe's house to tell him.

Well now, thankfully, I can share all the hints and rumors with you! According to inside sources for Nerdvana, there are a few new interesting tidbits about the first installment of the Sequel Trilogy. I of course caution everyone to take these with a big heaping grain of salt (or its galactic equivalent) until we hear anything from Lucasfilm/Disney:

Rumor I: They're Getting the Band Back Together

Replace blasters with walkers

It looks like Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford are all on board to reprise their roles as Luke, Leia, and Han! Many believe this will be in an advisory capacity similar to Ben Kenobi in A New Hope.

Rumor II: We Will Meet Han and Leia's Kid and Grandkid

Fanboy Revolt in 3...2...1

According to this source, we will be introduced to the child and grandchild of the Solos. Any even casual reader of the Expanded Universe will know about the Solo's three kids: The twins Jacen and Jaina and the youngest, Anakin. They've become some of the most popular characters in the franchise, so what will this announcement mean for them?

Rumor III: No Go on Yoda Movie

He was just as shocked as you

Good ol' George has apparently squashed the rumor that one of the spinoff movies will be about our "little green friend". He claims that Yoda was always meant to be a supporting character. I agree with this. Yoda is amazing and seeing him in action in Episodes II and III were a fanboys dream, but his origins have always been shrouded in mystery. I think keeping him out of the spotlight will help to sustain Yoda's appeal for generations to come.

Rumor IV: JJ's In It For the Long Haul

This is why I love the fans

The source reports that JJ Abrams has been contracted to direct all three movies. If you listen closely, you can hear the steam come out of a Trekkie's ears.

Rumor V: Timothy Zahn Will Pen Sequel Trilogy Novels

The original Sequel Trilogy

While the source doesn't say exactly what the novels will be about, when coupled with the rest of the rumors I can speculate that they will be novelizations of the films. This will go over extremely well with fans of the EU (no sarcasm, I promise) who credit Zahn with relaunching the Star Wars franchise in the wilderness years of the early 1990's. Zahn is an incredible author and I cannot wait to read anything he puts out!

Well, there you have it, gentlebeings! Sound off in the comments below and add your own thoughts to the swirling mix of Episode VII rumors. Just remember: "Always in motion is the future."

MTFBWY

-Joe