Friday news roundup 22/09: Disney Plus, Star Wars, F1 & more

Jonathan Victoria • 22 Sep 2023 News

Select news stories from across sports and entertainment.

Guillermo del Torro was to work on a Star Wars film

True. Can't say much. Maybe two letters "J" and "BB" is that three letters? https://t.co/qpGaSD3y7F

— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) September 21, 2023

Legendary filmmaker Guillermo del Torro recently confirmed that he was going to direct a Star Wars movie back in 2017.

Writer David Goyer, known for his works on the Dark Knight trilogy, confirmed he wrote an “unproduced Star Wars film” that had del Torro attached as the director.

The film was said to have been in the works for four years but went quite shortly after reports about it.

After confirming the truth to Goyer’s interview on his Twitter page (never X), del Torro hinted that the movie would’ve been focused on the notorious crime lord Jabba the Hutt.

Fans of the franchise have longed to learn more about Jabba and the Hutt faction in the Star Wars universe, and while the project may not be in the works right now, an outpour of support could see it brought back to life.

Odegaard signs new Arsenal deal

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has committed his future to the Gunners by penning a new five-year deal keeping him with the club till 2028.

The Norweigan joined the London club in January 2021 initially as a loan but was made permanent that summer. He has since gone on to become one of Arsenal’s most important players and one of the best midfielders in the world.

Odegaard has come a long way from the early days of his career. After making waves with his performances while in Norway at just 15, he moved to Real Madrid where things started to stall out. 

Loan moves in Spain and Holland finally landed him in England where he has since come to flourish into the player many expected.

Arsenal will be very glad to have the services of their captain secured for years to come. He has been a big part of their push towards the top of the table and will continue to play an important role for years to come.

Disney Plus removes GroupWatch feature

Disney Plus has quietly removed a much-loved feature from their service. The GroupWatch feature debuted during the height of the COVID pandemic and was a big hit.

Allowing up to seven users to watch a show or movie simultaneously, allowing people to interact with their friends and/or family amidst a time when going out and seeing them wasn’t possible.

While people were still using the feature, Disney obviously saw it as one to remove. People noticed the change when they logged into their account on 18th September.

Early start time in UK for Japanese Grand Prix

The F1 circus has moved from the Marina Bay lights to the iconic Suzuka circuit for this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

It's a race that the drivers and fans alike love. Suzuka is one of the best circuits on the grid and has hosted many memorable moments, including back-to-back controversial title deciders in 1989 and 1990.

But for fans in the UK, it will be an early start for each session. Practice one and two were completed by 8am this morning, with qualifying and the race set for an equally untimely start.

Qualifying on Saturday will be at 7am while lights out on Sunday is scheduled for 6am. Sky Sports will be showing a full race replay at 9.30am and highlights at 12pm.

Speaking of Sky Sports, it is the only place to watch this weekend's Grand Prix, so be sure to check out our Sky Sports deals to get set up if you aren’t already.

Blue Beetle gets digital and physical release date

DC’s latest offering, Blue Beetle, has been given a digital and physical release date.

Jamie Reyes’ adventure is coming to Sky Cinema on 25th September, while the physical release is slated for Halloween, 31st October.

Despite an underwhelming $121million at the box office, the film was fairly well-received by fans and critics, garnering a 78% on Rotten Tomatoes.