An in-depth look into the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special with documentary filmmaker Jeremy Coon

Fan Effect

In 1978, George Lucas was talked into producing the now infamous Star Wars Holiday Special, which was dissected before on Fan Effect (twice). Who knew a variety special based on one of the most beloved franchises ever would be so bad?! After all, it did feature a cardboard Millennium Falcon cockpit, a horribly makeup-caked Mark Hamill, Bea Arthur singing in an alien cantina, a cross-dressing Harvey Korman, and don’t forget the awkward scene of an elderly Wookie watching questionable holograms in the family living room.

Now, nearly a half-century later, a new documentary, “A Disturbance in the Force: How the Star Wars Holiday Special Happened,” dives into a star-studded exploration of how such a cheesy disaster could ever have been produced and the Star Wars holiday it created in “Life Day.” In this episode of Fan Effect, Andy and KellieAnn sit down with the director, writer, and editor of the new documentary making waves at film festivals, Jeremy Coon, for an in-depth look into the bizarre special and making the documentary.

While the documentary will be released digitally and on Blue-Ray on December 5, 2023, Utah fans are invited to a special free screening featuring a conversation with Jeremy Coon and fellow director Steve Kozak. The Utah Film Center presents this screening which takes place on November 28, 2023, at the Salt Lake City Library, so reserve your tickets now.

Beyond Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming, and Tech, the brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing the nerdy. Brilliant opinions and commentary on all things geek, but surprising knowledge and witty arguments over pop culture, Star Trek, MARVEL vs. DC, and a wide range of movies, TV shows, and more. Formerly known as SLC Fanboys, the show is hosted by KSL Movie Show’s Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen, who are joined by guest experts. Based in the beautiful beehive state, Fan Effect celebrates Utah’s unique fan culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME.

Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, Instagram @FanEffectShow, and Twitter @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah's premiere movie entertainment company.