Bryan covers history, pop culture and all things Star Wars for HowStuffWorks. He's worked as a filmmaker, journalist and novelist, and continues to do so. He does a Star Wars podcast called Full of Sith, wrote a book about a presidential assassination and lives in Salt Lake City.
Recent Contributions
The 1993 case of Earring Magic Ken shows how marketing and focus groups can inadvertently create a kitsch classic. Mattel found this out the hard way.
By Bryan Young
How did a terrible pun turn into an international "Star Wars" holiday? We track the day’s evolution and explain how people are celebrating.
By Bryan Young
On Aug. 25, 1835, The New York Sun ran the first of several newspaper columns on the moon's geography, vegetation and humanoid inhabitants. There was just one problem.
By Bryan Young
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His name is Caroll Spinney, and he's been bringing these beloved 'Sesame Street' characters to life for nearly 50 years.
By Bryan Young
After President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, the FBI left no stone unturned during its investigation. At one point, the investigation led to a most unlikely place.
By Bryan Young
He's one of the most iconic cartoon characters ever. But why?
By Bryan Young
Donald Glover is totally having a moment.
By Bryan Young
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Harrison Ford was never a sure thing for the role of Han Solo. It could have been Al Pacino. Or even Freddy Kruger (aka Robert Englund).
By Bryan Young
"The Flintstones" were a modern Stone-Age family, but were they early predecessors of Homo sapiens or Neanderthals?
By Bryan Young
'The Last Jedi' picks up immediately after the shocking events of 'The Force Awakens,' which doesn't leave much time to mourn the loss of everyone's favorite smuggler.
By Bryan Young
Think "The Last Jedi" only references the original "Star Wars" trilogy? Think again. If you pay attention, you'll see that it's also full of prequel nods.
By Bryan Young
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Carrie Fisher, who plays General Leia in 'The Last Jedi,' made an indelible mark on every one of her cast mates.
By Bryan Young
The international press conference for "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" was a secretive affair, but we were on hand and boiled it down to the five most important points.
By Bryan Young
Thanos, the purple bad guy hinted at since the very first 'Avengers' film, is finally going toe to toe with the heroes of the Marvel Universe. This can only end poorly.
By Bryan Young
New "Star Wars" movies always bring about more questions. And the biggest question facing those who follow the mythology is why a Jedi Master like Luke Skywalker would want to end his order.
By Bryan Young
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To some, 'Star Wars' is akin to a religion, and, like any religion, the debate over dogma and membership is fierce
By Bryan Young
When Ron Howard took over the new "Star Wars" film, people wondered how often this type of switcheroo happens. Turns out it's a lot — and it doesn't always end badly.
By Bryan Young
'Wonder Woman' is arguably the biggest female comic book star to hit the big screen. HowStuffWorks talked to women about why it's so important to them.
By Bryan Young
In the world of Harry Potter, being a wizard in the United States is a lot different than being a wizard in England. Now who’s up for a game of quodpot?
By Bryan Young
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As No-Majs, or muggles, we can't see the world's magical creatures. Luckily, they're everywhere in the new film set in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. We meet three.
By Bryan Young
Trailers often give away more than audiences realize. We're here to show you the five biggest things you might have missed in the final trailer for "Rogue One."
By Bryan Young
David Gerrold and D.C. Fontana, two writers responsible for some of your favorite pieces of "Star Trek," talk about why the series is still beloved by so many.
By Bryan Young
What can moviegoers expect from "Rogue One" in December? Here are seven things we know now.
By Bryan Young
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Imagine being afraid that if someone touches you or that if you sit down, you'll break. That's what life was like for someone with the glass delusion.
By Bryan Young
Ben Franklin was the kind of guy who couldn't help tinkering with everything he touched, whether it was eyeglasses, catheters or ... the alphabet.
By Bryan Young