The Force is with a couple thousand people in Orlando as the Star Wars Celebration is under way. Starting yesterday and racing through the weekend, this celebration is about all things Star Wars and I for one couldn’t be happier. I won’t be able to talk about all of it, so I recommend either streaming it or searching on their website for way more information. If you’re looking for highlights, continue on.
On Thursday, they had meet & greets and autograph signings with legendary Star Wars actors ranging from rogue Jeremy Bulloch and suave Billy Dee Williams to the emotionally fragile Hayden Christensen. I give Hayden crap, but I actually like him in Star Wars and Jumper. Probably an unpopular opinion, but its mine and you can't have it...maybe.
They look like great friends!
In addition, panels looked at the 40 years of Star Wars, discussed behind the scenes, collectibles, and incredible stories. Fandom was also on display with a large amount of groups holding their meetups such as costume & cosplay experts like the 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs. The day also included a touching tribute to the late, great Carrie Fisher.
On Friday, it was much bigger. We received a first look at the new The Last Jedi poster and more importantly, THE LAST JEDI TEASER TRAILER! I had to avoid all social media until I was able to enjoy the trailer on a screen bigger than my cell phone.
To me, it will be tough to top this. Even with an author round-table of the Star Wars books and Del Rey. The Last Jedi was probably the most anticipated teaser trailer of the year (at least in my mind) and it brings a lot of different thoughts and feelings to this amazing universe. Mostly positive and a lot of questions. Here's looking at you Mr. Hamil!
On Saturday, a sneak peak of Star Wars Rebels: Season 4 will be shown, but there is something cooler than that coming out that day. Star Wars Battlefront 2 will also be premiered! I already saw the teaser, but it will be exciting to hear more about the game and how they improved it. Hoping we can play as clone troopers and droidekas!
Video ends at 30 seconds. Probably leaked...just saying.
On Sunday, the big end to the event will be the closing ceremony, which I hope includes a special surprise that nobody expects. I don’t see that enough in big events like these. Part of me is wondering if it could be some early footage of the Han Solo movie (obviously nowhere near done).
If a five-day event filled with passionate fans and amazing panels/speakers isn’t enough to convince you that this Star Wars Celebration was awesome, nothing will. That’s okay though, I appreciate the honesty.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments about what you would like to see, saw, and/or enjoyed about the Star Wars Celebration coverage. Remember, you can watch it live on their YouTube channel.
-J.J.