In George Lucas' 1977 sci-fi/fantasy film "Star Wars," the roguish smuggler Han Solo (Harrison Ford) claimed to have the fastest starship in the galaxy. Named the Millennium Falcon, the ship was said to have "made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs." Clearly, Lucas hadn't yet grasped that a parsec is a measure of distance (about 19 trillion miles) and not time.
When it comes to its design, the Millennium Falcon is more or less a flying saucer. It carries a radar dish on its dorsal region, two fork-like protrusions on its bow (called loading arms), and its cockpit rests protruding from its starboard side. Otherwise, it's flat and plate-shaped. Like many of the vehicles in "Star Wars," it is encrusted with textured plating and scads of ineffable machinery that only the most devoted Starwoids could accurately explain. It's a small ship, too, only able to house about a half dozen people comfortably.
When it comes to its design, the Millennium Falcon is more or less a flying saucer. It carries a radar dish on its dorsal region, two fork-like protrusions on its bow (called loading arms), and its cockpit rests protruding from its starboard side. Otherwise, it's flat and plate-shaped. Like many of the vehicles in "Star Wars," it is encrusted with textured plating and scads of ineffable machinery that only the most devoted Starwoids could accurately explain. It's a small ship, too, only able to house about a half dozen people comfortably.
- 11/4/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
On September 1, 1969, Muammar Gaddafi took the capital of Libya, ousting the monarchy and establishing what would become the Libyan Arab Republic. Over the next several years, hundreds of former government officials, as well as the Libyan royal family, were brought to court by Gaddafi's new regime, each one of them charged with treason. Gaddafi eventually established a single political party, ignored all previous local tribal rulers, and effectively became a dictator, a position he would hold until his death in 2011. In October of that year, anti-Gaddafi militants asserted control and liberated the country.
Back in 1976, however, Libya was militarily tetchy, and Gaddafi's military dictatorship was firmly ensconced. There was also a lot of resentment between Libya and its neighboring countries after Gaddafi had tried to form a multi-nation alliance called the Arab Islamic Republic. Those plans, however, fell through spectacularly, and Gaddafi was furious for years thereafter. It was said...
Back in 1976, however, Libya was militarily tetchy, and Gaddafi's military dictatorship was firmly ensconced. There was also a lot of resentment between Libya and its neighboring countries after Gaddafi had tried to form a multi-nation alliance called the Arab Islamic Republic. Those plans, however, fell through spectacularly, and Gaddafi was furious for years thereafter. It was said...
- 4/17/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The spaceship is one of the true hallmarks of the science fiction genre. Without these technological marvels, how else might we explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no man has gone before? Yes, sci-fi is rife with spaceships of all kinds: capital ships, cruisers, fighters, freighters, yachts, rockets, space stations, escape pods, flying saucers, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Despite their myriad differences, though, the majority are united by a single key attribute -- they're all seriously cool.
But what actually makes a spaceship "cool?" Is it enough to give it a slick look and make it go fast? Well, a nice coat of paint certainly doesn't hurt, but it takes more than mere aesthetics to win the hearts of sci-fi fans. Spaceships might be considered cool because they show off unique abilities, play a compelling role in a story,...
But what actually makes a spaceship "cool?" Is it enough to give it a slick look and make it go fast? Well, a nice coat of paint certainly doesn't hurt, but it takes more than mere aesthetics to win the hearts of sci-fi fans. Spaceships might be considered cool because they show off unique abilities, play a compelling role in a story,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Chris Heasman
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for the latest episode of "Andor."
In the penultimate episode of the first season of "Andor," Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) is forced to visit Saw Gerrera on the out-of-the-way planet of Segra Milo. The two of them have much to discuss regarding their plans for Anto Kreegyr, whose raid on the Spellhaus power station has been hotly debated amongst the rebels and the Imperials who know about it and want to thwart it. Once Saw and Luthen make a final decision about it, Luthen has to leave the planet and head to put out other fires in his work. Namely, he has to find Cassian Andor and kill him before he can be caught.
But before Luthen can make it to Ferrix on his own, he's stopped by an Imperial Arrestor Cruiser, something we've only seen in "Star Wars" once before ... even though it has a...
In the penultimate episode of the first season of "Andor," Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) is forced to visit Saw Gerrera on the out-of-the-way planet of Segra Milo. The two of them have much to discuss regarding their plans for Anto Kreegyr, whose raid on the Spellhaus power station has been hotly debated amongst the rebels and the Imperials who know about it and want to thwart it. Once Saw and Luthen make a final decision about it, Luthen has to leave the planet and head to put out other fires in his work. Namely, he has to find Cassian Andor and kill him before he can be caught.
But before Luthen can make it to Ferrix on his own, he's stopped by an Imperial Arrestor Cruiser, something we've only seen in "Star Wars" once before ... even though it has a...
- 11/16/2022
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Stay on target!
A Star Wars X-Wing Fighter model used in George Lucas’ 1977 sci-fi epic fetched an astonishing 2.3 million at auction Tuesday night, according to Prop Store Auction. The screen-matched Red Leader X-Wing miniature model created by Industrial Light & Magic was estimated to go for 500,000 – 1 million. The final price was 2,375,000, according to the auction house.
The X-Wing model was used in Star Wars: A New Hope for Red X-Wing Squadron Leader Garven Dreis, played by the late Drewe Henley.
The model is extraordinarily rare, as most were destroyed by pyrotechnics while filming the movie’s climax battle sequence at the Death Star.
“The model screen-matches to a specific ‘pyro’ shot of an explosion going off on Red Leader’s engine in the film,” Brandon Alinger, Propstore’s COO, previously told Forbes. “Several behind-the-scenes photos taken at Industrial Light and Magic exist that show the model extremely well.
Stay on target!
A Star Wars X-Wing Fighter model used in George Lucas’ 1977 sci-fi epic fetched an astonishing 2.3 million at auction Tuesday night, according to Prop Store Auction. The screen-matched Red Leader X-Wing miniature model created by Industrial Light & Magic was estimated to go for 500,000 – 1 million. The final price was 2,375,000, according to the auction house.
The X-Wing model was used in Star Wars: A New Hope for Red X-Wing Squadron Leader Garven Dreis, played by the late Drewe Henley.
The model is extraordinarily rare, as most were destroyed by pyrotechnics while filming the movie’s climax battle sequence at the Death Star.
“The model screen-matches to a specific ‘pyro’ shot of an explosion going off on Red Leader’s engine in the film,” Brandon Alinger, Propstore’s COO, previously told Forbes. “Several behind-the-scenes photos taken at Industrial Light and Magic exist that show the model extremely well.
- 6/22/2022
- by Ryan Parker
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Artist and designer who created spaceships, stations and vehicles, including the X-wing Starfighter, for the Star Wars films
Colin Cantwell, who has died aged 90 after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, brought his skills as a concept artist and model designer to the Star Wars film universe by creating spaceships, stations and vehicles that have passed into sci-fi legend.
The X-wing Starfighter, used by the Rebel Alliance in its conflict with the Galactic Empire throughout the original trilogy, and regarded as the “ship of heroes”, became a particular favourite with fans. Its split wings in attack mode form the letter after which it is named, an idea that came to Cantwell in a British pub when he saw darts being thrown and took on board the back-end design.
Colin Cantwell, who has died aged 90 after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, brought his skills as a concept artist and model designer to the Star Wars film universe by creating spaceships, stations and vehicles that have passed into sci-fi legend.
The X-wing Starfighter, used by the Rebel Alliance in its conflict with the Galactic Empire throughout the original trilogy, and regarded as the “ship of heroes”, became a particular favourite with fans. Its split wings in attack mode form the letter after which it is named, an idea that came to Cantwell in a British pub when he saw darts being thrown and took on board the back-end design.
- 6/2/2022
- by Anthony Hayward
- The Guardian - Film News
The world has lost one of the minds behind the world of "Star Wars." Colin Cantwell, who played a significant role in the early days of filming "Star Wars," passed away in his Colorado home on Saturday, May 22, 2022 at the age of 90. The news was shared by his partner, Sierra Dall, who posted it on his Facebook page on Sunday.
When it comes to iconic, seminal films, there are few that can stand taller than the original 1977 "Star Wars." Yes, that sci-fi-meets-western story sprang from George Lucas' mind, and no one but him could have made that film -- but he...
The post Colin Cantwell, The Concept Artist Who Designed The Death Star, Dies at 90 appeared first on /Film.
When it comes to iconic, seminal films, there are few that can stand taller than the original 1977 "Star Wars." Yes, that sci-fi-meets-western story sprang from George Lucas' mind, and no one but him could have made that film -- but he...
The post Colin Cantwell, The Concept Artist Who Designed The Death Star, Dies at 90 appeared first on /Film.
- 5/24/2022
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
The creator behind several iconic Star Wars ships also worked on 2001: A Space Odyssey and assisted in broadcasting the 1969 moon landing
Colin Cantwell, the man who designed the spacecraft in the Star Wars films, has died at the age of 90.
Sierra Dall, Cantwell’s partner of more than two decades, confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that he had died at his home in Colorado on Saturday.
Colin Cantwell, the man who designed the spacecraft in the Star Wars films, has died at the age of 90.
Sierra Dall, Cantwell’s partner of more than two decades, confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that he had died at his home in Colorado on Saturday.
- 5/23/2022
- by Sian Cain and agencies
- The Guardian - Film News
Colin Cantwell, the concept artist and designer credited with creating many of Star Wars’ iconic spacecrafts — including the Tie fighter, X-wing and Death Star — has died at the age of 90.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported Cantwell’s death Saturday at his Colorado home. While no cause of death was provided, his partner Sierra Dall said on his official Instagram page that he had been battling Alzheimer’s in recent years.
An animator and architect who almost studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, Cantwell gained a space background while working on educational...
The Hollywood Reporter first reported Cantwell’s death Saturday at his Colorado home. While no cause of death was provided, his partner Sierra Dall said on his official Instagram page that he had been battling Alzheimer’s in recent years.
An animator and architect who almost studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, Cantwell gained a space background while working on educational...
- 5/22/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Colin Cantwell, whose design work on the Star Wars spacecraft thrilled generations of moviegoers, died Saturday at his Colorado home. He was 90 and his death was confirmed by Sierra Dall, his long-time partner
Cantwell’s film credits include special photographic effects for 2001: A Space Odyssey, technical dialogue for Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and computer graphics design for WarGames. His Star Wars design and construction credis include the prototypes for the X-wing, Tie fighter, Star Destroyer, and the Death Star.
Born in San Francisco, Cantwell graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in animation. He then was personally invited by Frank Lloyd Wright to attend his School of Architecture.
Before he made his way to Hollywood, Cantwell already had an amazing career. Cantwell worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA, creating educational programs for the public to better understand space flights.
That...
Cantwell’s film credits include special photographic effects for 2001: A Space Odyssey, technical dialogue for Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and computer graphics design for WarGames. His Star Wars design and construction credis include the prototypes for the X-wing, Tie fighter, Star Destroyer, and the Death Star.
Born in San Francisco, Cantwell graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in animation. He then was personally invited by Frank Lloyd Wright to attend his School of Architecture.
Before he made his way to Hollywood, Cantwell already had an amazing career. Cantwell worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA, creating educational programs for the public to better understand space flights.
That...
- 5/22/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
We already know that Solo: A Star Wars Story will feature a very different looking Millennium Falcon that is inspired more by the original design from artist Ralph McQuarrie. Now there's another starship inspired by a retro design from 1974 that will be appearing in the film. This new ship is called the Arrestor Cruiser, and fans noticed that there's a Solo toy for it.
This is an early Star Wars design from concept artist Colin Cantwell, who is the guy responsible for designing the X-Wings, Tie Fighters, Death Star, and several other ships in the film.
After the fans started calling it out, Cantwell confirmed that the new ship is actually based on his design, which he points out is an early design for the Star Destroyer. He also includes a side by side image showing the toy that features the updated design of the ship. In the posts below,...
This is an early Star Wars design from concept artist Colin Cantwell, who is the guy responsible for designing the X-Wings, Tie Fighters, Death Star, and several other ships in the film.
After the fans started calling it out, Cantwell confirmed that the new ship is actually based on his design, which he points out is an early design for the Star Destroyer. He also includes a side by side image showing the toy that features the updated design of the ship. In the posts below,...
- 2/22/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Not unlike Rogue One before it, Solo: A Star Wars Story exists in that small pocket of space between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope – between one generation and the next.
Such a clearly defined timeframe may seem quite restricting on paper, but it also lends creators the chance to introduce Star Wars enthusiasts to never-before-seen planets and other space oddities – think of the Deathtroopers from Rogue One, or the tropical planet of Scarif. And when it comes to Solo, it’s looking increasingly likely that Ron Howard and the team plan to expand the Imperial fleet quite dramatically thanks to the Arrestor Cruiser and Imperial Hauler.
The first is quite similar to your typical Star Destroyer, only with three giant satellite dishes lining its exterior walls. In fact, as reported by /Film, the design is strikingly similar to the old concept art shared by Colin Cantwell, the...
Such a clearly defined timeframe may seem quite restricting on paper, but it also lends creators the chance to introduce Star Wars enthusiasts to never-before-seen planets and other space oddities – think of the Deathtroopers from Rogue One, or the tropical planet of Scarif. And when it comes to Solo, it’s looking increasingly likely that Ron Howard and the team plan to expand the Imperial fleet quite dramatically thanks to the Arrestor Cruiser and Imperial Hauler.
The first is quite similar to your typical Star Destroyer, only with three giant satellite dishes lining its exterior walls. In fact, as reported by /Film, the design is strikingly similar to the old concept art shared by Colin Cantwell, the...
- 2/21/2018
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
We may still be buried in a mountain of speculation as to who is going to star in the next Star Wars movie, but the franchise has expanded into a new frontier with its Instagram account. Almost appropriately, the first picture posted to the account was a Darth Vader selfie. "Another day at the office. #StarWars #DarthVader#selfies #gpom" The account is quickly approaching 100,000 followers (as of 10 a.m. Pst) and that number is only going to continue to grow. Two additional images were posted to the account: "Prepare for battle! #StarWars #BehindTheScenes#Latergram #Vadergram" "Colin Cantwell's Star Destroyer concept model for A New...
Read More
Read Comments...
Read More
Read Comments...
- 12/3/2013
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
Darth Vader has officially crossed over to the dark side: the sinister Sith lord helped usher the Star Wars franchise onto Instagram yesterday with a menacing, spine-shivering and slightly adorable selfie along with the message, "Another day at the office. #StarWars #DarthVader #selfies #gpom."
See Our Suggestions for the Upcoming Wave of Star Wars Spinoffs
Star Wars has posted two other photos so far, including an old behind the scenes production still of Vader and his son Luke Skywalker preparing for their duel in The Empire Strikes Back. Fans can...
See Our Suggestions for the Upcoming Wave of Star Wars Spinoffs
Star Wars has posted two other photos so far, including an old behind the scenes production still of Vader and his son Luke Skywalker preparing for their duel in The Empire Strikes Back. Fans can...
- 12/3/2013
- Rollingstone.com
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.