NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

‘Star Wars’-themed land planned at Disney

ANAHEIM, Calif.

Disney CEO Bob Iger says “Star Wars” is getting its own themed land at Disney parks.

Iger announced at Disney’s D23 Fan Expo on Saturday that the 14-acre attraction will be built at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. It represents the largest parks expansion ever.

Iger says the “Star Wars” land will be “every bit as thrilling as the films” and will include attractions and entertainment in an area populated by aliens and droids. There also will be a Cantina and the chance to take control of the Millennium Falcon.

Trevorrow to direct ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

ANAHEIM, Calif.

The force will awaken in just 125 days, but “Star Wars” fans didn’t learn anything new about the film at Disney’s D23 convention Saturday.

Audiences at the biannual fan expo were, however, informed that “Jurassic World” director Colin Trevorrow is set to direct “Star Wars: Episode IX” and saw a first glimpse of the cast of Gareth Edwards’ anthology film “Star Wars: Rogue One.”

But “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” out Dec. 18, remains cloaked in secrecy. Director J.J. Abrams, stars Harrison Ford, Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, Lupita Nyong’o and John Boyega were on hand to wave at the screaming audience in the 7,500-seat auditorium, but revealed no new footage or information about the film.

Ford, who appeared with the cast at Comic-Con in July, spoke briefly when the audience screams died down.

“I’m following in the footsteps of George Lucas, the author of the early parts of my story, and now I’m delighted to be here with J.J. and the cast and Disney, which has supported this effort in a really extraordinary way,” said Ford, who will be playing Han Solo once more in the film, set about 30 years after the events of “Return of the Jedi.”

“It’s a great thrill to be here with you and who made this whole thing happen; I couldn’t be happier,” he said.

Salma Hayek obtains restraining order against 2 women

LOS ANGELES

A judge on Friday ordered two women to stay away from Salma Hayek and her family after the actress accused them of impersonating her and threatening to kidnap her daughter.

Superior Court Judge M.D. Fried ordered Liana Philippon and Odette Bodagh to stay 100 yards away from Hayek and her family and cease any activities to impersonate her.

The order also applies to Hayek’s husband and 7-year-old daughter.

A judge set a hearing for Sept. 4 to extend the restraining order.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister makes bid to be Eurovision singer

LISBON, Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, has launched a Twitter campaign asking fans to back her bid to represent Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The soccer star’s 38-year-old sibling began her musical career in 2005 under the stage name Ronalda. She became known in Portugal after taking part in the 2014 edition of the “Survivors” television series.

Aveiro now wants to sing in the international music contest to be hosted by Sweden in May 2016.

Ronaldo, the youngest of four children from Funchal, Madeira, plays for Real Madrid, captains Portugal’s national soccer team and has won FIFA World Player of the Year three times.

Associated Press