This past weekend, we read a tweet from one of our favorite Star Wars fans. It said that his birthday wish was to have a guest spot on a Star Wars podcast. How could we resist? Happy Birthday, DJ Blake!

That’s coming after we share our Hot Takes on this week’s Star Wars news.

When one of your Patreon supporters takes to social media with a birthday wish, it’s your duty to fulfill it if it’s within your power. You may know DJ Blake better by his Twitter name Charlie Skywalker. He’s one of the most positive and passionate fans in the Star Wars community. And he’s our guest next.

1. What’s your first Star Wars memory? (BB-N8)
2. Favorite Star Wars Movie? (Samuel the Hutt)
3. Favorite NON Star Wars movie? (David)
4. Favorite character? (BB-N8)
5. Other than Jar Jar, least favorite character? (Samuel the Hutt)
6. Better -The Clone Wars or Rebels? (BB-N8)
7. If you could change one thing about Star Wars, you would… (Samuel the Hutt)
8. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can have only 3 things. What do you take? (David)
9. For you, how does Star Wars inspire HOPE? (Samuel the Hutt)
10. Name a time in your life where you had a very clear choice that altered your future. What did you choose, and Why? (David)

HOT TAKES:
The Chosen One was hanging out with the Emperor last week - until Disney made them stop. Could the Sequel Trilogy be rewriting one of the most famous comics series in Star Wars history? And will The Mandalorian actually give us the origin story for the First Order? It’s time for Hot Takes!

Cinemablend.com: Is Anakin In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker? Hayden Christensen Sightings Feed Rumors
https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2479354/is-anakin-in-star-wars-rise-of-skywalker-hayden-christensen-sightings-feed-rumors
Anakin Skywalker actor Hayden Christensen has begun to appear in public with Ian McDiarmid, sparking rumors that a certain Chosen One will return for the final installment in the Skywalker saga. I mean, if Emperor Palpatine can bounce back from a plummet down a Death Star shaft, why can't Anakin come back in some form? Silly question. He absolutely can. KUTV reports (via Comicbook.com) that both Christensen and McDiarmid visited a Salt Lake City children's hospital together while they were in the area for FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention. Some fans suspected that this act of kindness doubled as a marketing tactic, a notion that seemed fairly far-fetched until Disney cancelled the two actors' spotlight panel at the con. While all of this should be taken with at least a pound of salt, it's definitely an interesting turn of events. And if one of the film's actors is to be believed, we're in for more than just a few surprises. Let the speculation continue!
Samuel the Hutt: Is Anakin coming back?
Esquire.com: The Dark Empire Comics from the 90’s Might Hold a Spoiler For the Big Palpatine Twist in The Rise of Skywalker
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/a28916176/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-dark-empire-comics-theory-palpatine-rey-twist-spoiler/
Released between December 1991 and October 1992, Dark Empire was a Dark Horse Comics series of comic books written by Tom Veitch and illustrated by Cam Kennedy. You may recognize some of the vibrant, moody art that appeared on the title pages of the bi-monthly series—it's become pretty iconic in its own right. The series picks up six years after the Battle of Endor, aka the central events of Return of the Jedi. Starring all the famous faces from the franchise except for Darth Vader (he's been toasted by this point), the series sees Luke and the gang fighting against a newly reborn Empire who is striking against a struggling Rebel Alliance. Han and Leia have a son, and the Emperor has mysteriously returned, despite his death at the end of Episode VI. Sound familiar?...If we're talking the enduring influence of Dark Empire, the rebirth of Palpatine is probably the story's greatest narrative feat. Bringing the slain Sith leader back to life isn't easy. The story sees Palpatine transfer his mind and consciousness into a series of clones. As expected, the spooky old dude is seeking immortality–a notion that, for any fan of the prequel trilogy, we know is very much canon to Star Wars. In Veitch's story, Luke falls for Palpatine's tricks, becoming the Emperor's new apprentice. Now, in our new continuity, Luke is very much dead. But it's not hard to imagine that Rey–especially with her dark duds and red lightsaber from the recent D23 trailer–may take Luke's place in this iteration of the story. It's Luke's sister, Leia, who actually sways the Luke and helps him overcome the Emperor, in the end. Perhaps we can anticipate the same sort of twist–except this time, it will be Ben Solo who rescues Rey from the Emperor's grasps and redeems himself once and for all.
BB-N8: Is this where The Rise of Skywalker is headed?
DigitalSpy.com: The Mandalorian reveals origin of the First Order
https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a28920734/star-wars-tv-series-the-mandalorian-first-order-origin/
We already know a bit about its cast, its place in the wider Star Wars universe, and its role as the "freakier" side of the franchise, but now we know a little more about The Mandalorian's context – and how it will introduce the First Order. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the show's director Dave Filoni and creator Jon Favreau hinted that The Mandalorian will chart the origins of Supreme Leader Snoke's dictatorship, giving fans an insight into the First Order's not-so humble beginnings..."This doesn't turn into a good guy universe because you blew up two Death Stars," Filoni explained. "You get that the Rebels won and they're trying to establish a Republic, but there's no way that could have set in for everybody all at once. "You have in a Western where you're out on the frontier and there might be Washington and they might have some marshals, but sometimes, good luck finding one." Situating The Mandalorian right between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, Favreau added: "What could happen in the 30 years between celebrating the defeat of the Empire and then the First Order? "You come in on Episode VII, [and the First Order are] not just starting out. They're pretty far along. So somehow, things weren't necessarily managed as well as they could have been if they ended up in hot water again like that."
You guys excited about this?