Star Wars: The Vow of Silver Dawn, a new China-exclusive novel, explores a "unique sector" of the galaxy, which fits into the "overall canonicity" of the franchise. Matt Martin of the Lucasfilm Story Group recently confirmed that "The Vow of Silver Dawn" is the English title of the Chinese Star Wars novel, which is set towards the end of the High Republic era and is said to focus on the Jedi and "the strange relationships with sectors in the Outer Rim," per an official video that appeared in a recent Weibo post. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/27/star-wars-the-high-republic-explained"] "This is a story that needs to fit within our overall canonicity," James Waugh, the Vice President of Franchise Content and Strategy at Lucasfilm, explained in the video. "These characters are thriving Star Wars characters that could show up again and populate other media." Waugh confirmed that the story takes place about 50 years before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, with a Padawan named Sean taking a central role in the adventure. Waugh said that Sean comes up against a few challenges in the novel, as he finds himself grappling with an internal conflict over his duties and interests. "Sean is a character with a secret. His origins have always been shrouded in mystery," Waugh revealed, speaking about the main protagonist. "He ends up being very much torn between his duty to the Jedi Council, to his Master, and to his own interests." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=star-wars-the-high-republic-publishing-initiative-novels-books-and-comics&captions=true"] Martin confirmed that there is no English version of The Vow of Silver Dawn currently planned for release, even though it takes place in the High Republic era, which is going to be explored further in Lucasfilm's multi-pronged publishing initiative next year. These stories will be told in multiple publishing phases, with the first phase being dubbed "Light of the Jedi." That also happens to be the name of writer Charles Soule's novel, which officially kicks off the High Republic. From there, Lucasfilm has revealed two more novels - Claudia Gray's YA-focused "Into the Dark" and Justina Ireland's junior novel "A Test of Courage" - as well as two comic book series. Lucasfilm delayed the launch of its cross-media Star Wars prequel series from August 2020 to January 2021 as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, so there's still plenty of time to dig into The High Republic archives. Read the first chapter of Soule's Light of the Jedi, find out why lightsabers are different in The High Republic era, and discover more about the five new Jedi knights and masters. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Star Wars: The Vow of Silver Dawn, a new China-exclusive novel, explores a "unique sector" of the galaxy, which fits into the "overall canonicity" of the franchise. Matt Martin of the Lucasfilm Story Group recently confirmed that "The Vow of Silver Dawn" is the English title of the Chinese Star Wars novel, which is set towards the end of the High Republic era and is said to focus on the Jedi and "the strange relationships with sectors in the Outer Rim," per an official video that appeared in a recent Weibo post. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/27/star-wars-the-high-republic-explained"] "This is a story that needs to fit within our overall canonicity," James Waugh, the Vice President of Franchise Content and Strategy at Lucasfilm, explained in the video. "These characters are thriving Star Wars characters that could show up again and populate other media." Waugh confirmed that the story takes place about 50 years before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, with a Padawan named Sean taking a central role in the adventure. Waugh said that Sean comes up against a few challenges in the novel, as he finds himself grappling with an internal conflict over his duties and interests. "Sean is a character with a secret. His origins have always been shrouded in mystery," Waugh revealed, speaking about the main protagonist. "He ends up being very much torn between his duty to the Jedi Council, to his Master, and to his own interests." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=star-wars-the-high-republic-publishing-initiative-novels-books-and-comics&captions=true"] Martin confirmed that there is no English version of The Vow of Silver Dawn currently planned for release, even though it takes place in the High Republic era, which is going to be explored further in Lucasfilm's multi-pronged publishing initiative next year. These stories will be told in multiple publishing phases, with the first phase being dubbed "Light of the Jedi." That also happens to be the name of writer Charles Soule's novel, which officially kicks off the High Republic. From there, Lucasfilm has revealed two more novels - Claudia Gray's YA-focused "Into the Dark" and Justina Ireland's junior novel "A Test of Courage" - as well as two comic book series. Lucasfilm delayed the launch of its cross-media Star Wars prequel series from August 2020 to January 2021 as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, so there's still plenty of time to dig into The High Republic archives. Read the first chapter of Soule's Light of the Jedi, find out why lightsabers are different in The High Republic era, and discover more about the five new Jedi knights and masters. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

This year, as every year, we at the IGN UK Podcast have convened as another 12 months come to an end, and come up with a load of thinly veiled excuses to talk about games we don't think will get enough attention in the proper Game of the Year awards. So sit back and join Joe, Jesse, and Alex for the likes of the "Early Access Games Are Good Actually, In Shocking Twist", "The Best Reminder to Take Care of Myself and My Family", and the "Tried to Think of a Clever Award But Actually These Were Just My Favourite Games" awards, among many others. Remember, if you want to get in touch with the podcast, please do: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.

IGN UK Podcast #571: The Alternative Games Awards 2020

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• IGN UK Podcast #570: Cyberpunk Impressions Plus The Game Awards, Marvel and Star Wars (A Lot)
• IGN UK Podcast #569: The Alternative Film & TV Awards 2020
• IGN UK Podcast #568: Early Immortals Impressions
• IGN UK Podcast #567: AC Valhalla and Yorkshire John Lennon
• IGN UK Podcast #566: The Mandalorian and PS5 UK Launch Madness

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This year, as every year, we at the IGN UK Podcast have convened as another 12 months come to an end, and come up with a load of thinly veiled excuses to talk about games we don't think will get enough attention in the proper Game of the Year awards. So sit back and join Joe, Jesse, and Alex for the likes of the "Early Access Games Are Good Actually, In Shocking Twist", "The Best Reminder to Take Care of Myself and My Family", and the "Tried to Think of a Clever Award But Actually These Were Just My Favourite Games" awards, among many others. Remember, if you want to get in touch with the podcast, please do: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.

IGN UK Podcast #571: The Alternative Games Awards 2020

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ign-uk-podcast-episode-500-photos&captions=true"]

• IGN UK Podcast #570: Cyberpunk Impressions Plus The Game Awards, Marvel and Star Wars (A Lot)
• IGN UK Podcast #569: The Alternative Film & TV Awards 2020
• IGN UK Podcast #568: Early Immortals Impressions
• IGN UK Podcast #567: AC Valhalla and Yorkshire John Lennon
• IGN UK Podcast #566: The Mandalorian and PS5 UK Launch Madness

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In a series of major connections to the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian's Season 2 finale contained perhaps its biggest yet. Warning: Spoilers for The Mandalorian, Chapter 16 follow. Beware! [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/11/hayden-christensen-returns-a-rogue-squadron-movie-announced-and-more-star-wars-news"] Yes, Luke Skywalker has now appeared in The Mandalorian, wielding his green lightsaber and a digitally de-aged face. The credits confirmed that Mark Hamill reprised his role as Luke for the cameo, with Max Lloyd Jones serving as the body double. The legendary Jedi responded to Grogu's psychic call, and has taken him away for training, and away from Mando, but never away from our hearts. It may well be that Grogu is a part of Skywalker's ill-fated Jedi training academy (perhaps even the reason for starting it) - but we very much hope he wasn't still a part of it once Ben Solo joined and... well, we all saw what happened there. As you might expect, shortly after the episode aired, the words "LUKE SKYWALKER" in all-caps began to trend on Twitter.

LUKE SKYWALKER LUKE SKYWALKER LUKE SKYWALKER

— Sahil Mohan Gupta (@DigitallyBones) December 18, 2020

The move has kicked off some debate around the de-aging used to include Hamill, with some saying the effect wasn't of a high enough quality:

i dont think you should do this kind of digital de-aging unless you REALLY have the budget for it, and Mando, to put it lightly, does not

— Casey "disaffected niece" Wendel (@Dykeules) December 18, 2020

There's been a long-standing fan movement to have Winter Soldier actor Sebastian Stan take on the role, given his resemblance to a young Mark Hamill - and the words "Sebastian Stan" also began trending shortly after the episode.

Artist @Bosslogic imagines what Sebastian Stan would look like as a young Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/7XpCCA0pzI

— IGN (@IGN) December 5, 2020

It wasn't the only revelation in the season finale - we also learned in a post-credits sequence that The Book of Boba Fett will be coming in December 2021. [poilib element="poll" parameters="id=8910267b-7dfd-4616-9d35-77a28398015a"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Disney has confirmed a new live-action Star Wars TV show, The Book of Boba Fett, coming in December 2021. The Boba Fett spinoff was teased in the Season 2 finale of The Mandalorian that aired December 18. (Read our Mandalorian Season 2 finale review here.) The show will be separate from the plot of The Mandalorian Season 3, which is already in production. Disney confirmed the news on Dec. 21 courtesy of The Mandalorian's official Twitter account, writing, "The Book of Boba Fett, a new original series, starring Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen and executive produced by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni and Robert Rodriguez, set within the timeline of The Mandalorian, is coming to Disney Plus Dec. 2021."

The Book of Boba Fett, a new Original Series, starring Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen and executive produced by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni and Robert Rodriguez, set within the timeline of The Mandalorian, is coming to @DisneyPlus Dec. 2021. pic.twitter.com/JP54yEe9WF

— The Mandalorian (@themandalorian) December 21, 2020

Warning: Spoilers for The Mandalorian, Chapter 16 follow. Beware! [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/18/star-wars-the-book-of-boba-fett-what-could-it-be-spoilers"] A post-credits scene following The Mandalorian's Season 2 finale, "The Rescue," first announced the news. The episode - which also includes a cameo from the actual Luke Skywalker (in de-aged form) - ends with a short scene in which Boba and Fennec Shand pay a violent visit to Jabba the Hutt's Palace, which is now seemingly ruled over by Bib Fortuna. After dispatching his old friend, Boba sits on Jabba's throne, and we see "The Book of Boba Fett" appear, before confirming a December 2021 release. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=%5Bwidget%20path%3D%22global%2Farticle%2Fimagegallery%22%20parameters%3D%22albumSlug%3Devery-upcoming-star-wars-movie%26captions%3Dtrue%22%5D&captions=true"] The Book of Boba Fett may be a one-off event series, in the vein of the upcoming Disney+ Obi-Wan Kenobi and Lando Calrissian series, or an ongoing series in the vein of The Mandalorian, but either way, Disney has confirmed it will take place during the same timeline as the events of The Mandalorian. The Book of Boba Fett joins a long list of in-development Star Wars shows, alongside those announced and discussed at the recent Disney Investor Day - alongside Obi-Wan and Lando, there's also Andor, The Acolyte, Rangers of the New Republic, Ahsoka, The Bad Batch, and Visions. For more on the Mandalorian's Season 2 ending, check out our theories on Season 3's plot, see how old Luke Skywalker, Boba Fett, and Ahsoka Tano are at this point in the timeline, and read up on the history of the darksaber after Mando won it from Moff Gideon in the finale. [poilib element="accentDivider"] This post was first published on Dec. 18 and updated on Dec. 21 with official confirmation. Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Zack Snyder's heavily anticipated directors cut of Justice League may be arriving sooner than expected, as the director casually responded to a comment on his Vero account that indicates we may see at least the first part in March 2021. As spotted by TechRadar, Snyder responded to a fan's inquiry by saying, "I understand and of course respect your feelings and I just hope I can wipe that Version out of existence with what you see in March." The release schedule is still unclear overall, though, as the entirety of the film is set to be released in four, hour-long parts. So, assuming this is Part 1, we still have no idea when the remaining parts will be released. The Snyder Cut (as it was formally referred to) is expected to feature over 150 minutes of unseen footage that didn't make the original cut of 2017's Justice League. Additionally, Snyder will not be using even a "single frame" of Joss Whedon's theatrical version. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=justice-league-snyder-cut-all-the-known-differences-from-the-theatrical-version&captions=true"] Snyder began some minor reshoots back in October, likely filling in some gaps and potentially setting up a way to integrate some of the new villains in the mix. After all, Jared Leto is set to reprise his role as the Joker, although he is going to be a more "road-weary" version than what we saw in Suicide Squad. Also joining the cast is Joe Manganiello, who will reprise his role as Deathstroke, and hopefully be more than a post-credits cameo this time. [ignvideo width=610 height=374 url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/21/the-true-story-behind-the-snyder-cut] There's a lot of hype building behind the upcoming Snyder Cut. Let's hope it can deliver when it's finally ready. Until then, we've got Wonder Woman 1984 to look forward to in just over a week, and you can finally watch HBO Max on your PS5 and Roku (finally)! [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matthew Adler is a Features, News, Previews, Reviews, and Wikis writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.

Nintendo has announced that a roughly 15-minue Super Nintendo World Direct will take place on December 18 at 3pm PT/6pm ET/11pm GMT that will show more of Universal Studios Japan's newest theme park area. Nintendo also was careful to mention that "no game content will be featured," so it looks to only show more of the much-anticipated theme park area that is set to open to the public on February 4, 2021. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/30/super-nintendo-world-reveal-trailer"] IGN Japan and other members of the press were able to get a sneak peak at Super Nintendo World last month, and got a glimpse of Bowser's Castle and where guests will line up for the Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge ride. The Mario Kart-themed ride will put visitors in the driving seat and includes AR and projection mapping to bring the beloved action of the Mario Kart series to life, all through the help of a wearable Mario's hat that has a built-in AR screen. Super Nintendo World was set to open ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Summer 2020, but it was postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, a Mario-themed cafe and store inside Universal Studios Japan did open and gave guests a glimpse of what they can expect from this new area. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=super-nintendo-world-in-universal-studios-japan-sneak-peek&captions=true"] Super Nintendo World will also feature interactive attractions that will allow guests to use their Power Up Bands to collect digital coins and unlock achievements. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Netflix is dropping some classic films and fan-favorite returning series to its lineup for January 2021. To kick things off, Netflix is releasing the third season of Cobra Kai in January (exact release date TBD), which takes place 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament in the original Karate Kid film. You can also binge Part 3 of Matt Groening's adult-animated fantasy series, Disenchantment, which will debut on January 15. IGN exclusively revealed the release date and official trailer for Disenchantment Part 3, which you can watch in the video below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/15/disenchantment-part-3-exclusive-official-trailer-2021-abbi-jacobson-eric-andre"] On the movie front, Netflix is dropping classics like Goodfellas (1990) and Catch Me If You Can (2002) on January 1. The streamer is also releasing The Dig on January 29, starring Academy Award nominees Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes. Here's how Netflix describes the upcoming film: "As WWII looms, a wealthy widow hires an amateur archaeologist to excavate the burial mounds on her estate. When they make a historic discovery, the echoes of Britain's past resonate in the face of its uncertain future‎." Check out the slideshow gallery below for the highlights of Netflix's January offerings, followed by the full list (U.S. Netflix only): [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=netflix-spotlight-january-2021&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"]

January 1

• Dream Home Makeover: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Headspace Guide to Meditation -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• The Minimalists: Less Is Now -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
• Monarca: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• What Happened to Mr. Cha? -- NETFLIX FILM
• 17 Again (2009)
• 30 Minutes or Less (2011)
• Abby Hatcher: Season 1
• Blue Streak (1999)
• Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
• Can't Hardly Wait (1998)
• Catch Me If You Can (2002)
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
• Cool Hand Luke (1967)
• The Creative Brain (2019)
• The Departed (2006)
• Enter the Dragon (1973)
• Gimme Shelter (2013)
• Good Hair (2010)
• Goodfellas (1990)
• Gothika (2003)
• The Haunted Hathaways: Seasons 1-2
• Into the Wild (2007)
• Julie & Julia (2009)
• Mud (2012)
• Mystic Pizza (1988)
• The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
• Eddie Murphy: Raw (1987)
• Sex and the City: The Movie (2008)
• Sex and the City 2 (2010)
• Sherlock Holmes (2009)
• Striptease (1996)
• Superbad (2007)
• What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

January 2

• Asphalt Burning (Børning 3) -- NETFLIX FILM

January 5

• Gabby's Dollhouse -- NETFLIX FAMILY
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
• History of Swear Words -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• LA's Finest: Season 1
• ¡Nailed It! México: Season 3 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL

January 6

• Ratones Paranoicos: The Band that Rocked Argentina -- NETFLIX FILM
• Surviving Death -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
• Tony Parker: The Final Shot -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

January 7

• Pieces of a Woman -- NETFLIX FILM

January 8

• Charming -- NETFLIX FILM
• The Idhun Chronicles: Part 2 -- NETFLIX ANIME
• Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons: Season 5 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Lupin -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Mighty Little Bheem: Kite Festival -- NETFLIX FAMILY
• Pretend It’s a City -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
• Stuck Apart (Azizler) -- NETFLIX FILM

January 10

• Spring Breakers (2012)

January 11

• CRACK: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY
• The Intouchables (2011)

January 12

• Last Tango in Halifax: Season 4

January 13

• An Imperfect Murder
• Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

January 15

• Bling Empire -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Carmen Sandiego: Season 4 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
• Disenchantment: Part 3 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Double Dad (Pai Em Dobro) -- NETFLIX FILM
• Henry Danger: Seasons 1-3
• Hook (1991)
• Kuroko's Basketball: Season 1
• The Magicians: Season 5
• Outside the Wire -- NETFLIX FILM
• Penguins of Madagascar: The Movie (2014)
• Pinkfong & Baby Shark's Space Adventure (2019)

January 16

• A Monster Calls (2016)
• Radium Girls (2020)

January 18

• Homefront (2013)

January 19

• Hello Ninja: Season 4 -- NETFLIX FAMILY

January 20

• Daughter From Another Mother (Madre solo hay dos) -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Sightless (2020)
• Spycraft -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL

January 21

• Call My Agent!: Season 4 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL

January 22

• Blown Away: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Busted!: Season 3 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Fate: The Winx Saga -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Season 2 -- NETFLIX FAMILY
• So My Grandma’s a Lesbian! (Salir del Ropero) -- NETFLIX FILM
• The White Tiger -- NETFLIX FILM

January 23

• Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce) -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL

January 26

• Go Dog Go -- NETFLIX FAMILY

January 27

• Accomplice
• Penguin Bloom -- NETFLIX FILM

January 29

• Below Zero (Bajocero) -- NETFLIX FILM
• The Dig -- NETFLIX FILM
• Finding 'Ohana -- NETFLIX FILM
• We Are: The Brooklyn Saints -- NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY

January 31

• Fatima (2020)

Also Releasing in January (Exact Release Date TBD)

• 50M2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Bonding: Season 2 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• Cobra Kai: Season 3 -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL
• June & Kopi -- NETFLIX FILM
• The Netflix Afterparty -- NETFLIX ORIGINAL

[poilib element="accentDivider"] David Griffin still watches DuckTales in his pajamas with a cereal bowl in hand. He's also the TV Editor for IGN. Say hi on Twitter.

Riot Games is making an MMORPG, though it was announced in a bit of an unusual way. This upcoming MMO will be the first foray into the genre from the developers behind League of Legends and Valorant. On Twitter, Riot vice president of intellectual property and entertainment Greg Street tweeted that he is hiring for a new project that will develop the League of Legends universe. When asked whether it was an MMO, Street outright confirmed that it will be on Twitter. While a major project like League of Legends MMO isn't typically announced on a personal Twitter account, the move makes sense for Riot who has been working furiously in recent years to expand its stable of games beyond League of Legends. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/13/ruined-king-a-league-of-legends-story-reveal-trailer"] In the past two years, Riot has developed and released Legends of Runeterra, a competitive card game based on the League of Legends universe; as well as Valorant, a competitive shooter based on an original IP. Riot also announced Riot Forge, a publishing initiative where Riot will work with outside developers on games and other projects based in the League of Legends universe. One of its first projects is Ruined King, a turn-based LoL RPG coming to consoles and PC in 2021. There's also a fighting game Riot has been quietly working on for years, as well as Arcane, an animated League of Legends animated TV series, as if Riot wasn't busy enough. IGN reached out to Riot for clarification and we were pointed to Street's tweet. But that's another League of Legends project announced, then. Keep an eye out for more updates on this in the future. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.