IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Colbert wants you to forgive him — and buy his book
Stephen Colbert wants you to curl up with a good book — by Stephen Colbert.
The “Midnight Confessions” segment from CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” is the basis for an upcoming print and audio release, Simon & Schuster announced Friday. “Midnight Confessions,” the book, is scheduled for Sept. 5. According to the publisher, “Midnight Confessions” will include Colbert’s favorite pleas for forgiveness, along with submissions from audience members. Colbert said in a statement that he wishes the “confessions were made up.”
Colbert’s previous books include “America Again” and “I Am America (And So Can You!).”
Rian Johnson debuts teaser trailer for ‘The Last Jedi’
NEW YORK >> Is the Force still strong with Luke Skywalker?
The first trailer for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” dropped on Friday, showcasing a morose and withdrawn Skywalker. The two-minute teaser , unveiled by director Rian Johnson at the “Star Wars Celebration” fan event in Orlando, Florida, offered few clues to the film. But it notably includes Mark Hamill’s iconic hero gravely intoning, “It’s time for the Jedi to end,” from a dark cave.
The trailer whetted the appetites of ravenous “Star Wars” fans who turned out in droves in Orlando and online, where the event was streamed live. Actor Josh Gad, a Disney star from another universe (“Frozen,” ‘’Beauty and the Beast”), hosted a panel including Johnson, producer Kathleen Kennedy and cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and a new addition, Kelly Marie Tran.
“The Last Jedi” picks off where “The Force Awakens” left off, with Rey (Ridley) meeting Luke on a remote island, filmed off the coast of Ireland. Some shots in the trailer also suggested Skywalker training Rey on the island. In “The Force Awakens,” Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren has turned to the dark side after being tutored by Luke.
The presentation was mostly a game of teasing hints about the film.
“I actually can tell you some things. A small amount,” said Ridley, laughing. She said the film will go “deep” into Rey’s story and reveal how it can be difficult meeting your heroes — presumably alluding to a cranky Skywalker. “They may not be what you expect,” said Ridley to knowing groans in the crowd.
“The Force Awakens” director and “Last Jedi” producer J.J. Abrams has previously hailed Hamill’s performance in the film, suggesting it could land him an Oscar nomination. Hamill, the most raucously received star on Friday, said he drew on his own experiences for this new chapter in Luke’s life. “I said: I have to relate to things that are real in my own life to understand where Luke is at this point in his life,” Hamill said.
“The Last Jedi” is due in theaters Dec. 15.