Greetings and salutations, fellow Fridge Nukers! Bradfield here, reporting from the Rebel Bunker on the moon of Yavin…
It should almost go without saying that 2015 is a huge year for Star Wars fans. Of course, in December, the much anticipated Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens will hit theaters. Disney’s stewardship of the franchise has already begun with both the animated series, Star Wars: Rebels, and the return of Star Wars to Marvel Comics. [Dark Horse Comics controlled the rights to the Expanded Universe, in comic form, until last year.] There are even rumors that Star Wars’ new(ish) corporate parent will devote a sector of an existing park, if not a new park altogether, to the global and perennial favorite film series.
However, until December, the event first and foremost in the minds of “Wars-heads,” is the semi-annual convention, Star Wars Celebration, making its first appearance on the West Coast at the Anaheim Convention Center, right across the street from the Disney parks, April 16-19, or a week after WonderCon, for those working on a calendar. Even in the show’s early stages, the roster has been impressive, including an exhibit by Lucas Archives adjunct, Rancho Obi-Wan, the premiere of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith in 3D, and an appearance by the cast and crew of Rebels, including a special showing of Season Two, Episode One.
Over the past week or so, not unlike the Millenium Falcon engaging its hyperdrive, things shifted into high-gear in the most pleasant of ways with the announcement of three major guests:
* Anthony Daniels who has played C-3PO in all of the Star Wars films
* Genuine “royalty,” Princess Leia herself, Carrie Fisher
* New Trilogy producer (among dozens of other popcult classics), Kathleen Kennedy
and…
* Director of the new Star Wars trilogy, JJ Abrams (pictured above)
Perhaps it was expected, but no matter what, the news just affirms what fans who’ve already bought their tickets (including yours truly) already know: it’s going to be one hell of a weekend. The good news is that tickets are still available, but who knows for how long?
In the meantime, check back with Nuke the Fridge early and often for your Star Wars information needs.
[Source: StarWarsCelebration.com. All images property of Lucasfilm, Ltd. and Disney.]