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Duel of the Fates: Toybox Edition

Duel of the Fates: Toybox is an adaptation of a leaked screenplay for Star Wars Episode IX. This early script, called "Duel of the Fates", was written by Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly before the project was handed over to JJ Abrams. This alternate story addresses many plot points considered controversial or overlooked in the final Episode IX: "Rise of Skywalker" film.

I really enjoyed reading this script and acting it out with my family, but quickly realized that many fans simply don't enjoy reading scripts. So, I decided to make a movie out of this screenplay with action figures as my actors, and my own minimalist backyard special effects and garage sets.

Bringing all of the toys to life would not have been possible without the help of my many talented people including family, friends, voice actors, a composer, a director, a cinematographer, and other talented folks.

  • Lou B Graziani
    Director
  • Cynthia Gray
    Key Cast
    "Rey"
    The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Aiden 5, Real Mommy Confessions
  • Braxton Daniels III
    Key Cast
    "Finn"
  • Christine McBurne​y​
    Key Cast
    "Leia Organa, Nomi"
    The chair, Cherry, The Flight Attendant
  • Joy Shatz
    Key Cast
    "Rose, Connix"
    Hell House LLC II, Happy!
  • Vincent Ticali
    Key Cast
    "Luke Skywalker, Tor Valum"
    All the Little Things We Kill, Blindspot
  • Bilal M.K.
    Editing & Audio Assistance
    Ralph's Valentine's Disaster!
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Feature, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Sci-Fi
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 50 minutes 58 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 27, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Iphone
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Lou B Graziani

With over twenty years of art, illustration, design, and marketing experience Lou loves a good creative challenge, and over the years he's done creative projects that range from simple to complex, and conservative to downright crazy. Whether you need a Rastafarian banana or a complex network of 50+ websites, he loves the challenge.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

To share this story in an engaging way, I decided to shooti it with my iPhone and bring massive scenes full of action-figures to life through stop motion, Adobe Premiere, and other puppetry techniques.  This project would not have been possible without the help of a dozen talented voice actors, a composer, a special effects creator, and many other volunteers.

Because this was a full Star Wars movie, there were lots of ambitious, effect-heavy complex scenes in the script that were very difficult to pull off.  I had to build many custom action figures, sets, props, and vehicles. Most of these I had to envision for myself or from leaked 2d concept art because these were not toys I could just buy.
I ended up filming for over a year in two different states on locations ranging from mountains to reservoirs. I also made my own mini "XR stage" inspired by techniques used on "The Mandalorian" by filming toys in front of virtual sets being played on my TV screen.