In this instalment of Bantha Tracking, Dan and Jez continue their journey through the early history of Star Wars fandom as they explore the fourth issue of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter, published in September 1978.

This issue features a look at the career of producer Gary Kurtz, charting his work to date and his role producing Star Wars. We discuss Kurtz’s post Star Wars career and his role in bringing the original film and its sequel to the screen- and why he didn’t return for the third instalment.

There’s also some major Star Wars news, as the newsletter reveals the title of the second Star Wars movie—The Empire Strikes Back. We look back at this early announcement and the excitement surrounding the next chapter of the saga, nearly two years before the film would eventually arrive in cinemas.

AND the Newsletter is finally christened with its new title when the results of the “name the newsletter” contest is revealed.

We also put the Generation Skywalker crew to the test with a Star Wars trivia quiz based on the contents of the newsletter. Just how well do Jez and the rest of the crew know their Star Wars trivia? There’s only one way to find out!

featuring a complete audio presentation of issue 4 of the newsletter, join us as we continue our look at the history of early Star Wars fandom—one newsletter at a time.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Tree, organiser of the long-running Farthest From event, and Mark Newbold from Fantha Tracks to discuss the upcoming Thank the Maker event.

Taking place in Winchester this October, the third Thank the Maker is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The event brings together people who worked behind the scenes on the film for a series intimate panels on the making of movie, offering attendees a unique opportunity to hear first-hand stories about the making of Star Wars.

Dave discusses the event’s origins, his decision to bring Farthest From to a close (for now), and what fans can expect from Thank The Maker, including sharing a rundown of the 17 guests lined up for the event.

Thank the Maker takes place at St Swithun’s School in Winchester on Saturday 17 October 2026.

Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thankthemaker/2305678

Event information: https://thankthemaker.co.uk

In this instalment of Bantha Tracking, Dan and Jez explore the third issue of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter from July 1978.

This issue features an interview with Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, as he shares memories of his experience working on Star Wars—including how a friend, who would later become an icon in his own right, told Mark about the part and encouraged him to audition. He also shares his thoughts on working with Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, as well as his hopes for his future career and more.

We also take a look at this issues Q&A section, where Lucasfilm answers questions from fans eager to learn more about the galaxy far, far away.

Plus, we continue the previous episodes look at “Between the Script and the Projector” with Part Two of the article examining the journey after casting as competed through to the film arriving in cinemas on 25th May 1977.

Along with a complete audio presentation of issue 3 of the newsletter, join us as we continue our look at the history of early Star Wars fandom—one newsletter at a time.