“STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER” COMES HOME TO DISNEY+ ON MAY THE 4TH

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” Comes Home to

Disney+ On May the 4th

  

Stream the Complete Skywalker Saga, All in One Place

  

   

BURBANK, Calif. (April 27, 2020) -- The final chapter of the Skywalker saga, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” will begin streaming two months early on Disney+ in honor of “May the 4th,” affectionately known by fans around the world as “Star Wars Day.” For the first time ever, fans will be able to stream the complete Skywalker saga all in one place. What began in 1977 with George Lucas’ groundbreaking film “Star Wars: A New Hope,” the nine-part saga is available within Disney+’s extensive collection of Star Wars movies and series including “The Mandalorian,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” and “Rogue One: AStar Wars Story.”

  

Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams joined forces once again to deliver “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” the thrilling climactic chapter in the Skywalker saga, bringing the heroic struggle to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy to an epic, resounding conclusion.

   

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, with Ian McDiarmid 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. The screenplay was written by Chris Terrio & J.J. Abrams and the story is by Derek Connolly & Colin Trevorrow and J.J. Abrams & Chris Terrio, based on characters created by George Lucas.

  

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” joins Disney+’s May the 4th line-up including the premiere of the eight-episode documentary series “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian,” and the series finale of the award-winning animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

   

In addition to new content offerings, Disney+ will also honor the artistry of Star Wars with a week-long concept art takeover on the service. Like a commemorative gallery, each film and series’ artwork will be updated on May 4th to feature its original concept paintings. From “Star Wars: A New Hope” to “The Mandalorian,” the updated art will feature work from celebrated artists such as the legendary Ralph McQuarrie and Academy Award-winning artist, author, and production designer, Doug Chiang. On the Disney+ home screen, the animated “Star Wars” brand tile, viewable on web and connected TV devices, gets upgraded with a new animation that honors the signature hyperspace jump. For more information and/or to sign-up for Disney+, visit:disneyplus.com/welcome/star-wars. 

   

In the Netherlands, the movie will launch on Disney+ on May 5 due to the Memorial Day holiday.

  

   

   

ABOUT DISNEY+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. As part of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment, Disney+ is available on most internet-connected devices and offers commercial-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series and short-form content. Alongside unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment, the service is also the exclusive streaming home for the latest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+. Visit DisneyPlus.com to subscribe and/or learn more about the service.

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER SPECIAL LOOK

Take a look back at Star Wars’ impact on pop culture over four decades of storytelling in this new STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER special look that aired tonight on The American Music Awards (AMAS). 

Do You Want To Build A Droid? FIRST and Star Wars: Force for Change Launch “Build My Droid” Contest

FIRST and Star Wars: Force for Change Launch “Build My Droid” Contest

Fans Invited to Design the Droid of Their Dreams and Enter for the Chance to See it Come to Life in a Future Star Wars Story

Fans who have ever dreamed of designing a Star Wars droid will finally get their chance in the “Build My Droid” Contest*, an initiative launched by Star Wars: Force for Change and FIRST to inspire the next generation of heroes and innovators in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and creative arts.

The global robotics community FIRST has teamed up with Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Force for Change to give fans and artists ages 16 and up a chance to design a droid that will be included in a future story set in the Star Wars galaxy. The competition kicks off in the lead up to the highly anticipated final chapter in the Skywalker saga – Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – and the winning designer will be invited to the film’s world premiere in December to witness the public debut of their droid design on the red carpet.

“The ingenuity and creativity of Star Wars fans has always amazed me,” says Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy.

“When FIRST teamed up with Force for Change, we saw a great opportunity to both highlight their incredible talent and reaffirm the importance of STEM programs. I can’t wait to see what designs they come up with.”

A panel of judges for the contest will include Star Wars Creature and Special Make-up Effects Supervisor Neal Scanlan, Lucasfilm Vice President, Creative Producer John Swartz, Lucasfilm Senior Creative Executive Pablo Hidalgo, celebrity Star Wars fan and STEM advocate Mayim Bialik, and Dean Kamen, FIRST founder and inventor of the LUKE Arm – a revolutionary prosthesis.

The contest launches October 22^nd, 2019, and contestants must submit their droid design in the form of a sketch, drawing, or painting at starwars.com/buildmydroidcontest by November 13, 2019. Eligible countries include United States and Canada, excluding Quebec, Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales Only), France, Spain, Belgium, Japan and Mexico.

FIRST inspires innovation and leadership through engaging, hands-on robotics challenges developed to ignite curiosity and passion in students in grade K-12. The support of FIRST is part of The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to provide inspiration and opportunity to the next generation of innovators. The 2020 FIRST RISE season is powered by Star Wars: Force for Change. Registration is open for all FIRST programs. Learn more at firstinspires.org/firstrise.

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About FIRST^®
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $80 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST^® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST^® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST^® LEGO^® League for Grades 4-8; and FIRST^® LEGO^® League Jr. for Grades K-4. Gracious Professionalism^® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org.

About Star Wars: Force for Change

Star Wars: Force for Change aims to create transformation and change in the lives of kids by helping to bridge the STEM skills gap, utilizing the fun and intrigue of Star Wars storytelling to inspire innovation, help build confidence and ignite curiosity. In doing so, Star Wars: Force for Change hopes to embolden and motivate the next generation of heroes and innovators, while also empowering the Star Wars fan community to use their fandom for good. 

*NO PURCH NEC. 16+ in 50 US & DC, Canada (ex Quebec), Mexico, GB, Spain, France, Belgium, Japan. Ends 23:59:59 Pacific Standard Time Nov 13 2019 (08:59:59 Paris Time Nov 14). Prize requires travel to US in Dec 2019. Max 1 entry per person. Rules/T&Cs: www.starwars.com/BuildMyDroidContest. Void in Quebec & where prohibited. Sponsor: ABC, Inc. d/b/a Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, USA.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Final Trailer Still Images

Take a closer look at some still images from the final trailer for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker! 

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Final Trailer and Poster

The saga will end, the story lives forever. Watch the final trailer for @StarWars: #TheRiseOfSkywalker in theaters December 20. Get your tickets now: Fandango.com/TheRiseOfSkywalker

Star Wars and Frozen Fans Around the World Celebrate Unprecedented Global Product Launch

More than 500,000 Retail Locations Worldwide Kick Off Triple Force Friday and Frozen Fan Fest Activity on Oct. 4 with New Products, Giveaways, Promotions and Family Friendly Activities

GLENDALE, Calif.—Oct. 4, 2019 – After months of anticipation, retailers around the world are celebrating Triple Force Friday and Frozen Fan Fest as all-new products from a trio of original Star Wars entertainment releases and Disney’s “Frozen 2” hit shelves, marking the first-ever simultaneous global product rollout for two entertainment juggernauts.

Following a week of epic product reveals – which included a Star Wars livestreamed event featuring film talent, and global product debuts from hundreds of celebrity Frozen fans and social influencers – fans can now get their hands on a wide array of new products spanning toys, apparel, fashion accessories, housewares, tech, books, consumables and more.

“This week marks the biggest retail event ever for The Walt Disney Company, giving fans a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with their favorite stories and characters from Star Wars and ‘Frozen 2’,” says Ken Potrock, President, Consumer Products Commercialization. “We can’t wait for fans around the world to experience the newest products, games, books and more tied to these beloved characters and their new adventures.”

Frozen Fan Fest and Triple Force Friday Retail Celebrations

Flagship Disney store locations in the U.S. hosted midnight openings allowing fans to shop a selection of commemorative Star Wars items and the new range of “Frozen 2” merchandise. Starting today, Disney store will kick off Frozen-themed in-store events in 170 locations, offer a special gift with purchase (limit one per guest, while supplies last), as well as a sweepstakes where one fan can win a trip to the “Frozen 2” or “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” premiere. 

Additionally, fans can visit shopDisney.com for new, immersive Triple Force Friday and Frozen Fan Fest takeovers, including video content that plays while they shop a wide assortment of merchandise for the whole family.

Star Wars fans in Anaheim and Orlando started the celebration at Downtown Disney and Disney Springs with midnight shopping at World of Disney and The LEGO® Store. LEGO Star Wars fans at Disney Springs are also invited to join a LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon Master Build Event taking place over the weekend. Fans in Anaheim can enjoy Frozen-themed photo opportunities while guests in Orlando will have the chance to purchase special Frozen and Star Wars-themed food and beverage offerings throughout the celebration.

Additional retail festivities across 500,000 stores globally for both Frozen Fan Fest and Triple Force Friday include:

• Target is launching 25 Disney store at Target “shop-in-shop” locations nationwide today featuring a wide array of merchandise from “Frozen 2” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” The first 250 guests that visit one of the 25 store locations will receive a Disney store at Target canvas tote bag.^* Guests are invited to share their favorite Star Wars and Frozen memories on their social channels using the hashtags #ShareTheForce and #ThePowerWithin and tagging @Target.

Guests shopping Disney store at Target today and tomorrow in store or online will receive a $10 Target GiftCard when they purchase at least $40 of Frozen or Star Wars toys.^** Target shoppers will find the following products, including select exclusives, for “Frozen 2” and Star Wars in store and online:

• “Frozen 2” items including toys, plush items, bedding, apparel, accessories, arts and activity sets, including Elsa’s Black Sea Dress, Sing & Swing Olaf, Young Anna & Elsa dolls, “Frozen 2” Small Doll collection pack, and the Frantic Forest Game.
• Products from “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “The Mandalorian,” and classic Star Wars, including action figures, lightsabers and droids. Highlights include the Ultimate D-O, Black Series Mystery Box, Black Series Mandalorian and a LEGO Brickheadz 2-pack.

^* Giveaways are available while supplies last and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Available in 25 locations that feature Disney store at Target.

^** Promotion excludes LEGO and Disney Frozen Castle products

• Walmart is bringing the entire Skywalker Saga to life with an exclusive line of products. The first wave of products was released at midnight, with new releases planned for November and December. The assortment includes the Skywalker Saga Commemorative Edition Hasbro 2-pack gold figures, Gold Funko Pop!, Collector Retro Lunch Box and more.

Additionally, starting today, Oct. 4, Frozen fans can Join the Journey at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com with new and exclusive merchandise from “Frozen 2,” including a Forest Expedition Set Fashion Doll 4-pack, Singing Sisters Anna & Elsa 2-pack, Spring & Surprise Olaf, Karaoke Machine and Snow Globe Surprise.

Tomorrow, Oct. 5, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., fans at more than 1,500 Walmart stores can experience new and exclusive “Frozen 2” product, hear a special message from fan-favorite “Frozen 2” characters and receive an exclusive “Frozen 2” magnetic photo frame with a Free 4x6 photo from Walmart Photo Center (while supplies last).

• Amazon is debuting a robust assortment for both “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Frozen 2,” in addition to the Amazon Treasure Truck featuring limited-edition Star Wars product in select cities. Visit Treasure Truck alerts for more details.

• Party City will celebrate Frozen Fan Fest and its new special collection of “Frozen 2” costumes, accessories and party goods nationwide. All Frozen costumes and accessories will be ‘buy one, get one 50 percent’ in stores and at partycity.com through Monday, October 7.

• Toys “R” Us Canada hosted midnight openings in four locations across Canada, providing customers of all ages the opportunity to be among the first to purchase must-have merchandise, receive giveaways (while supplies last) and immerse themselves in all things Star Wars.

• Fred Meyer will join in on the celebration beginning October 5, with Stormtrooper appearances at select locations along with a special Star Wars giveaway, while supplies last. Frozen Fan Fest event celebrations will kick off at select locations including product samples, coloring, craft activities and sticker giveaway, while supplies last.

• Fans can find a robust assortment of Star Wars and “Frozen 2” inspired collectibles, accessories, apparel and more across specialty retailers, including GameStop, Hot Topic, BoxLunch, Claire’s, and Justice beginning today and throughout the holiday season.

While global kick-off events and retail activations for both franchises began at midnight local time, fans can expect the momentum to continue throughout the rest of the year and beyond.

About Triple Force Friday

Triple Force Friday celebrates the launch of a range of brand-new products inspired by a trio of upcoming original Star Wars releases, including:

• “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”: the highly anticipated final installment of the Skywalker saga, which hits theaters December 20
• “The Mandalorian”: The first-ever Star Wars live-action series, which will debut in the U.S. on November 12 exclusively on Disney+, The Walt Disney Company’s new streaming service
• “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order”: a brand-new action adventure game from Respawn Entertainment, releasing November 15

On September 26, hundreds of thousands of fans around the world tuned in to the Triple Force Friday Global Reveal livestream from Pinewood Studios in London where, via live and recorded vignettes, an ensemble of Star Wars talent revealed all-new Star Wars products that are rolling out globally today, October 4.

About Frozen Fan Fest

Frozen Fan Fest is a global celebration that kicked off with hundreds of celebrity Frozen fans and social influencers from around the globe taking to social channels on Oct. 2 to reveal the all-new assortment of products for fans of all ages, including apparel, fashion accessories, toys, housewares, books and more. Fans were encouraged to share their favorite Frozen moments and follow along with #FrozenFanFest across all social platforms.

The celebration will continue at retailers worldwide as new products will continue to roll out leading up to the theatrical release and beyond.

About Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company’s powerful brands and franchises—including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Fox, and National Geographic—into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 60 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe, and Asia with approximately 160,000 cast members; a top-rated cruise line with four ships and plans for three more to be completed in 2021, 2022, and 2023; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai‘i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business; one of the world’s largest children’s publishing brands; one of the world’s largest licensors of games across platforms; more than 300 Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform. These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and consumer products—including books, games, and merchandise.

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure, DUPLO, BIONICLE, LEGENDS OF CHIMA, DIMENSIONS, the FRIENDS logo, the MINIFIGURES logo, MINDSTORMS, MIXELS, NINJAGO and NEXO KNIGHTS are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2019 The LEGO Group.