As we predicted a few days ago, the Star Wars Celebration event in Anaheim, California is already considered a success, with thousands of fans of the popular science fiction series flocking around the world to celebrate its legacy – as well as where it’ll be going later this year.
The show kicked off with a star-studded panel to celebrate the forthcoming The Force Awakens, the newest chapter in the series. Director J.J. Abrams and LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy headlined the event, talking about the forthcoming film and introducing both older and younger stars from it, as well as the new BB8 droid, a ball-like robot that rolled out on the stage.
Of course, the crowd went through the roof with the debut of a new trailer, which can be found here. Featuring the return of many classic staples from the original films, including Darth Vader’s mask and the duo of Han Solo and Chewbacca, it’s generated millions of views over the past 24 hours, with many more to come as nostalgic fans continue to endure its greatness.
After that panel, the show floor opened up, featuring a number of merchants and other companies showing off Star Wars related goods, from a Han Solo Carbonite business card case (which I happily purchased, of course) to special posters and collectible figurines. Some special shops, like Funko, even sold out of their limited edition goods within the first hour.
Of course, the show floor was also the place where stars came out to greet their fans, including Star Wars veterans Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, among others. For a fee, fans could get autographs or have their pictures taken with the stars, and most of them will continue to do it throughout the weekend.
Panels also took place throughout the day, featuring new products and behind-the-scenes looks at happenings with each of the films. One of the better panels was one featuring Disney-related products, including special Cars-based characters dressed up in Star Wars garb, as well as popular favorites like Goofy and Mickey Mouse mocked up with outfits from the films. Disney is likely to give these characters a big push as The Force Awakens nears its December 18th release date.
But perhaps the biggest highlight – aside from that awesome new trailer – is the pure essence of the Star Wars fans themselves. Dressed as their favorite characters and carrying around plenty of blasters and lightsabers, the fans show their admiration for the series in a number of ways – and this fandom is likely to continue throughout the weekend.
We’ll have a wrap-up for the rest of the event this Monday, but if you’re attending, be sure to go and enjoy everything that Star Wars Celebration has to offer. Do, there is no try.
