STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER WORLD PREMIERE PHOTOS

Last night in Los Angeles, stars Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Naomi Ackie, Anthony Daniels, Richard E. Grant, Ian McDiarmid, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran and Billy Dee Williams were joined by director/writer/producer J.J. Abrams and producers Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan for a walk down the red carpet where they greeted enthusiastic fans at the world premiere of STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER.

     

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER opens in U.S. theaters this Friday, December 20.

D23 SPECIAL LOOK AT STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

Thousands of fans attending D23 Expo this past weekend got an advance viewing of this special look at STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER. Feel free to share the special look with your readers!

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER releases in U.S. theaters on December 20.

  

Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters on December 20.

The film stars Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, and Billy Dee Williams.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams and Michelle Rejwan. Callum Greene, Tommy Gormley and Jason McGatlin serve as executive producers. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was written by J.J. Abrams & Chris Terrio.

Website and Mobile site: StarWars.com

Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/StarWarsMovies

Follow us on Twitter:  @StarWars

Follow us on Instagram: @StarWarsMovies

Hashtag:  #TheRiseOfSkywalker

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI / Mark Hamill Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Images from Mark Hamill’s Star Ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame are now available!

Today, Mark Hamill was honored with the 2,630^th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the El Capitan Theatre with special guests Harrison Ford, George Lucas, Billie Lourd, Kelly Marie Tran and R2-D2.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is coming home digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and via Movies Anywhere on March 13 and 4K Ultra HD™ Blu-ray, and Blu-ray™ disc on March 27

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI CHINA PREMIERE PHOTOS

Today at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre at the Shanghai Disney Resort, stars Mark Hamill and Daisy Ridley, along with writer/director Rian Johnson and producer Ram Bergman, greeted fans at the China premiere of Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI opened in U.S. theaters on December 15 and will open in Chinese theaters on January 5, 2018.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI EUROPEAN PREMIERE PHOTOS

Tonight in London, stars Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro were joined by writer/director Rian Johnson and producers Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman for a walk down the red carpet where they greeted enthusiastic fans at the European premiere of Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI.

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended the Royal Premiere, which was hosted to benefit The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. The Royal Foundation invited more than 400 young people, military veterans and volunteers who have taken part in its programs to join Their Royal Highnesses at the premiere. The premiere was an opportunity to recognize and celebrate people who have worked so hard to change their lives and the lives of others.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI opens in U.S. theaters on December 15.

Spoiler-Free Review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi

It has been two years since we last saw our friends and enemies in The Force Awakens. They are all back with new friends for the eighth installment of the Star Wars Saga, The Last Jedi. Just as in my review for The Force Awakens, this will be a spoiler-free review and I can tell you that the trailers and TV spots really give away nothing.

The Last Jedi takes the spirit and the energy of The Force Awakens and keeps right on running forward with it! The pacing is perfect and while listed as the longest running time of any Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi could have easily gone another hour and we would have never known it. Every shot is about moving the story forward. There is so much going on and so much to process but yet at the same time you do not feel overwhelmed. And while this is perhaps the most emotionally powerful of all the Star Wars films, I would even go out on a limb and say that it is the funniest as well. A perfect balance of emotion and humor keeps this movie rolling right along like BB-8.

Mark Hamill and Carrie Fischer shine here. This is easily both of their best performances in a Star Wars film.  But their performances are easily overshadowed by Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver. As Rey and Kylo Ren, they knock it out of the galaxy.  They take their characters to places I never thought they would go and they excel every step of the way. And new comer Kellie Marie Tran as Rose is a sensation. You will fall in love with her.

While some accuse The Force Awakens of paying too much fan service to A New Hope, The Last Jedi does pay some homage to The Empire Strikes Back but this is not a rehash of that film. The Last Jedi explores each of the characters more deeply as we learn so much more about each one of them. The characters are at the forefront, pushing themselves and the story forward. And there are some emotional payoffs that were decades in the making.

Immediately, I rank this as my third favorite Star Wars film right behind The Empire Strikes Back and A New Hope. The Last Jedi is powerful, emotional, funny and just epic. There are also some of the most spectacular action and stunning visuals of the entire saga.

Rian Johnson and his team move the saga forward in powerful and stunning ways. Never afraid to take big risks and the payoff is huge. I cannot wait to see what happens in Episode 9 and I cannot wait to see what Rian Johnson has in store for us with his own Star Wars trilogy.

My advice is to avoid spoilers at all costs!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in theaters December 15.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI WORLD WORLD PREMIERE PHOTOS (PHOTO HEAVY)

Last night in Los Angeles, stars Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro were joined by writer/director Rian Johnson and producers Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman for a walk down the red carpet where they greeted enthusiastic fans at the world premiere of Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI opens in U.S. theaters on December 15.

PHOTOS FROM STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI JAPAN RED CARPET FAN EVENT

Photos from the STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI red carpet fan event in Tokyo!

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI opens in U.S. theaters on December 15.

In Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past. 

The film stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern and Benicio Del Toro.            

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is written and directed by Rian Johnson and produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Ram Bergman. J.J. Abrams, Tom Karnowski and Jason McGatlin are the executive producers.

PHOTOS FROM STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI BLACK-CARPET FAN EVENT IN MEXICO CITY

Photos from the STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI black-carpet fan event held in Mexico City!

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI opens in U.S. theaters on December 15.

Mark Hamill with the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Model at the D23 Expo 2017!

During the D23 Expo 2017, Mark Hamill stopped by the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts pavilion to visit the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge model!

WHOOPI GOLDBERG, MARK HAMILL, LEONARD MALTIN, JOHN STAMOS, LESLEY ANN WARREN, THE STARS OF HERCULES, AND MANY MORE JOIN D23 EXPO¹S ROSTER OF EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT AND PRESENTATIONS

WHOOPI GOLDBERG, MARK HAMILL, LEONARD MALTIN, JOHN STAMOS, LESLEY ANN WARREN, THE STARS OF HERCULES, AND MANY MORE JOIN D23 EXPO’S ROSTER OF EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT AND PRESENTATIONS 

And, for the first time ever at D23 Expo, fans will get to enjoy a daily street party, featuring celebrities, Disney characters, and live music on the show floor.

BURBANK, Calif. (June 13, 2017) – The excitement is ramping up from “zero to hero” for D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. During the three-day spectacular, which takes place July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, guests will have the chance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hercules with members of the cast and creative team; hear from Disney Legends, including 2017 inductee Mark Hamill, during a panel hosted by Leonard Maltin; and enjoy the music of Walt Disney’s classic live-action musicals in a remarkable stage production featuring Lesley Ann Warren and hosted by Whoopi Goldberg. John Stamos will host a chat with Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering. Plus, the Walt Disney Archives will host three days of presentations on its own stage. And, for the first time, guests will be able to enjoy a daily “Ultimate Fan Street Party” right on the show floor. 

Just-announced panels: 

Mousequerade

Friday, July 14, 11 a.m., Stage 28

Mousequerade, the fan-favorite costume competition that invites participants to create their own Disney-inspired designs, returns to D23 Expo 2017. Join judges Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars Rebels), Kara Saun (costume designer for Descendants 2), Yvette Nicole Brown (ABC’s The Mayor), and the contest’s host, Disney’s Jim Babcock, to watch dozens of finalists compte in five exciting categories for the $2,300 grand prize! 

The Golden Girls: A Celebration of Friendship, Laughter, and Cheesecake

Friday, July 14, 2:30 p.m., Stage 28

In the 25 years since the final episode of The Golden Girls aired in 1992, the television series has become an enduring fan favorite that continues to be watched throughout the world. Celebrate with us as we bring together the show’s creators andother speci al guests for this unforgettable event.

  

Disney Legends 30th Anniversary

Friday, July 14, 4:15 p.m., Stage 28

Join film historian Leonard Maltin as he celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Disney Legends program with a remarkable lineup of individuals who have each left an indelible mark on the Disney legacy, including Bill Farmer (the voice of Goofy and Pluto), Imagineering Legend Bob Gurr, Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith, and 2017 inductee Mark Hamill. 

Melodies in Walt’s Time: The Music of Disney Live-Action Films

Friday, July 14, 6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena 

In the 1960s, Walt Disney sought to expand his filmmaking style beyond animation and bring music to a variety of new live-action film projects. D23 Expo will celebrate these magical, musical movies in a live stage extravaganza—hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and featuring Lesley Ann Warren, Karen Dotrice, and other renowned guest stars, joined by live musical performers and a 20-voice chorus—to showcase Summer Magic, Mary Poppins, The Happiest Millionaire, and The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, as well as others.

Zero to Hero: The Making of Hercules 

Sunday, July 16, 12:30 p.m., D23 Expo Arena

From the heights of Mount Olympus to the depths of the Underworld, celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Disney classic that put the “glad” in gladiator! Join a group of legendary artists and filmmakers who brought Hercules to life, including directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (“Phil”) and Ken Duncan (“Megara”), as well as Megara and Hercules themselves—Susan Egan and Tate Donovan—as they recount stories of making one of the most epic animated features of all time.  

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: 80th Anniversary Screening

Sunday, July 16, 3:15 p.m., D23 Expo Arena

For eight decades, Disney fans have whistled “Heigh Ho” while they worked. Now, in honor of the 80th anniversary of Walt Disney’s first-ever animated feature, D23 Expo is proud to present a special screening of the film that started it all: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 

Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering 

Sunday, July 16, 6 p.m., D23 Expo Arena

Join a fascinating conversation, hosted by John Stamos, with three Imagineering Legends—Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, and 2017 Disney Legend inductee Wayne Jackson—as they recount true-life anecdotes and share personal stories about the celebrated artists, designers, and technical wizards who established the foundation and guiding principles for groundbreaking Disney experiences around the globe.

Also coming to D23 Expo…

Walt Disney Archives Stage

The popular Walt Disney Archives Stage returns, more than doubling its capacity, as it hosts 17 panels and presentations throughout the weekend. Disney notables, such as director Pete Docter, Disney Legend Jim Cora, producer Don Hahn, Bret Iwan (the voice of Mickey Mouse), Imagineers Diana Brost, Jason Grandt, and Chris Merritt, plus many more, will participate in panels throughout the weekend. Fans will enjoy exploring many of Disney’s worlds, from the incredible work of Marc Davis and the original characters of the Disney Parks (such as Figment and the Country Bears) to the women of Disney animation and an incredible virtual walk-through of the Walt Disney Studios on Hyperon Avenue. Visit D23expo.com for the complete schedule.  

Center Stage

Located in the center of the D23 Expo show floor, Center Stage will be the heartbeat of the Expo and a hub of activity throughout the weekend. Aimee Carrero, the voice of Disney’s Elena of Avalor, will perform live for the first time, and will be joined by special guests including Lou Diamond Phillips who voices series’ villain, Victor Delgado.  Also performing on Center Stage will be Temecula Road, Tomasina, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, nerd-rock group Kirby Krackle, and Susan Egan, who will sing favorites from Beauty and the Beast. Disney animators, including Eric Goldberg and Mark Henn, will show aspiring artists “how to draw” throughout the weekend.Marvel’s Brian Crosby will show fans how to draw Spider-Man and Groot. And Bill Rogers, the “voice of Disneyland,” will be on-hand each day to record fans’ outgoing voicemail messages in his signature dulcet tones. The complete lineup will be available in the coming weeks on the D23 Expo app.

D23 Expo’s Ultimate Fan Street Party

For the first time at D23 Expo, guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind street party—right on the D23 Expo show floor. Twice each day the cavalcade will travel down Mickey Avenue, with a live band, beloved Disney characters, high-energy dancers, and celebrity grand marshals! Stan Lee and Mark Hamill will grand marshal the first cavalcade on Friday, July 14, and members of the cast of Descendants 2 will lead the second that day. Additional talent and times to be announced in the coming weeks and will be available on the D23 Expo app. 

Talent subject to change. Additional details are available at D23expo.com. 

Ticketsfor D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase ticketsfor $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets arealso available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visitD23expo.com. 

About D23 Expo 2017

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and atDisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, followDisneyD23 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.