Tales from The Star Wars Original Trilogy with ILM's Stuart Ziff

Tales from The Star Wars Original Trilogy with ILM's Stuart Ziff

Author: Star Wars November 8, 2025 Duration: 2:02:58

As Star Wars was being developed back in the mid-70s, the maverick special effects crew at ILM were pioneering new filmmaking technologies in often unconventional ways. In the early days, machinist Stuart Ziff found himself thrust into the action on day one. In the years that followed, Stuart used his skills in a variety of ways at ILM including working on Return of the Jedi creature costumes like Admiral Ackbar, Nein Nunb and Ree Yees, and on many projects from Dragonslayer to Ghostbusters to Jurassic Park. This week on RFR, Stuart joins us In The Cantina to share fascinating stories about working on the Star Wars Original Trilogy and beyond. Plus, our review of Star Wars Visions season 3 and Jimmy Mac had the opportunity to see a Star Wars Holiday Special legend perform live in Chicago. Listen to find out who it was!


For years, Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast has been a central hub for fans looking to dive deeper into that galaxy far, far away. Hosted by seasoned podcasters Jason Swank and Jimmy Mac, the show feels less like a formal broadcast and more like hanging out with friends who happen to have an encyclopedic knowledge of everything from the Classic Trilogy to the latest streaming series. Their long-running conversations cover the full spectrum-breaking news, thoughtful reviews, spirited debates, and a good dose of humor. What sets this podcast apart is its access; regular interviews with celebrity guests from across the Star Wars universe offer insider perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's analyzing a new film, celebrating an animated series, or running a fan contest, the hosts ensure every episode is both informative and genuinely entertaining. Tuning in means joining a community right on the front lines of fandom, where deep-cut references and genuine passion are always part of the discussion. This is the kind of comprehensive, veteran-led Star Wars audio experience that has kept listeners engaged for so many seasons.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast
Podcast Episodes
STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER News and Rumors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:19:16
STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER will go in front of cameras later this year and we have fresh casting info, rumors and speculation about this upcoming film starring Ryan Gosling. Mark Hamill is on a media tour to promote his new…
Fanboys in the Forest with Kyle Newman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:33:40
You heard our coverage of The Forest Moon Festival 2025 last week, so this week, we're telling you all of the stories. Celebrating the original Endor shooting locations from RETURN OF THE JEDI in the redwoods region, thi…
Live at The Forest Moon Festival 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:50:24
RFR made the journey out to the beautiful redwood forests of California for The Forest Moon Festival celebrating the Endor shooting locations from RETURN OF THE JEDI. From Del Norte County to Humboldt County, we were par…
Life After Andor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:06:51
Now that ANDOR has wrapped up, we aren't quite ready yet to let it go. We scoured the web to collect the best interview highlights featuring Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy, who provides valuable insights into the finished…
ANDOR After Show: Season 2: Episodes 10–12 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:24:58
SERIES FINALE! The adventures of Cassian Andor come to an explosive conclusion this week in the fourth and final block of episodes from ANDOR Season 2: "Make it Stop," "Who Else Knows?," and "Jedha, Kyber, Erso." Join us…
Andor and The Underworld [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:04:07
In the wake of the amazing "Ghorman Massacre" arc from ANDOR season 2, there is still much ground to cover. We have highlights from a fresh interview with Andor writer Dan Gilroy, brother of showrunner Tony Gilroy. Dan p…
ANDOR After Show: Season 2: Episodes 7–9 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:30:50
The Ghorman Massacre is finally upon us as the you-know-what hits the fan this week on ANDOR. And the fallout is just as intense as Mon Mothma takes an official stand against The Empire putting her life at risk. Meanwhil…
From Andor to Endor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:00:28
Our analysis of ANDOR season 2 continues with a collection of recent interview comments from Andor showrunner/writer Tony Gilroy who provides insider info about some of the important story beats thus far. We talk to the…
ANDOR After Show: Season 2 Episodes 4-6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:56:25
Join us for a lively discussion full of deep dives, hot takes and fresh reactions as we look at the second arc of ANDOR Season 2: "Ever Been to Ghorman?," "I Have Friends Everywhere," and "What a Festive Evening."
ANDOR After Show: Season 2: Episodes 1–3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:19:16
The wait is over... ANDOR Season 2 has landed, and Rebel Force Radio is breaking it all down! Join us for the RFR After Show as we dive deep into the first three episodes: "One Year Later," "Sagrona Teema," and "Harvest.…