Latest news with #StarWarsCelebration
Geek Tyrant
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
AHSOKA Season 2 Star Rory McCann Talks About Playing Baylan Skoll: "I Think It's the Right Decision" — GeekTyrant
Game of Thrones actor Rory McCann is officially stepped into the role of Baylan Skoll for Ahsoka Season 2, a character originally portrayed by the late Ray Stevenson, whose performance left a powerful impression on fans. Speaking for the first time about taking on the role, McCann opened up with a mix of humility, excitement, and reverence for what came before. McCann told ComicBook: "I think it's the right decision to carry on his storyline, not just cut it off. We've done it before with other things. I hope the fans embrace it and I'll do my best. 'I'm just starting now, so I'm just trying to be in the right zone for doing it. It's pretty bloody exciting. I mean, I remember being a kid with my dad, going to the first one probably in the late '70s and '80s. Now I'm training with a lightsaber at night, so it's pretty exciting." McCann's casting was confirmed at Star Wars Celebration 2025, and it feels like a natural move when you consider his previous roles playing gritty, intense, and quietly complex characters. His towering screen presence and gravitas could bring something unique to Baylan, while still honoring what Stevenson began. Series creator Dave Filoni also spoke about the challenge of continuing Baylan's arc after Stevenson's passing, saying it wasn't a decision he made lightly. 'It was a challenge for me to even consider continuing for a while. But I have a great support group with Jon [Favreau] and Rosario [Dawson]. And I found a way, and I had Ray in my head. 'And [I'm] grateful for all those conversations with him about Baylan, so I understood what to do. It just took a while to get there. But I'm very confident now that Ray would be happy with the direction of the character that we've chosen.' Stevenson gave a standout performance in Ahsoka Season 1, crafting a character who was mysterious, powerful, and on the verge of something big. After he passed away, there was a heavy question mark hanging over the future of the show. But now, with McCann wielding the orange-bladed saber, the story moves forward. Star Wars Celebration also teased a few other big reveals: Hayden Christensen is officially returning as Anakin Skywalker in season 2, and Admiral Ackbar will be going toe-to-toe with Grand Admiral Thrawn. Footage shown behind closed doors offered a concept-art sizzle reel paired with voice-over that hinted at massive battles and a galaxy-spanning conflict. There's no official release date for Ahsoka Season 2 yet, but between Christensen's return, Thrawn's rising threat, and Rory McCann training with a lightsaber under the stars, the Force feels strong with this one.
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
‘Star Wars' From Darth Maul's Perspective Sounds Fascinating
When Obi-Wan Kenobi cut Darth Maul in half over 25 years ago, most of us thought that was it. Maul was clearly one of the coolest and most interesting Star Wars characters ever, but George Lucas chose to kill him. However, as fate would have it, the character has now come back time and time again, in large part due to Lucas's protégé Dave Filoni, and soon, we're gonna get way more of him than we ever thought possible. Maul: Shadow Lord, a new animated series, was announced at Star Wars Celebration Japan last month and it'll bring the former Sith Lord back to the forefront in a big, big way. Speaking with fellow Star Wars star Katee Sackhoff, voice of Maul Sam Witwer revealed a few broad clues about what we can expect from the show, including how Maul perceives the plan formulated by his former master, Darth Sidious. 'This is a guy who knew that the Empire was coming, and he was part of that,' Witwer said on The Sackhoff Show. 'He was supposed to be part of the Clone Wars. He was supposed to work with his master, and they were going to bring about the destruction of the Republic and the destruction of his hated enemy, the Jedi Order. He was raised to hate them. He trained his whole life to destroy them. Well, now we have a show where, OK, all of that was done, but Maul, yeah, you killed a bunch of Jedi during the Clone Wars, but you did not work with Sidious. You didn't know the whole plan. And in fact, you got so scared about his plan that you tried to stop it at the last second.' 'Now the Empire's here, which Maul would have known that that was his master's intent,' he continues. 'But now that he's seeing it, he's like, 'Is this what he had in mind? Because this isn't what I thought it would be…' Maul comes from a time of swords and sorcery and magic and knights and now all of that color is being sucked out of the universe by this mechanized empire. And Maul's like, 'Is this right? Is this the universe that we were trying to build?'' That's fascinating, is it not? Seeing the grand plans of Emperor Palpatine through the eyes of someone who worked with him before Darth Vader. Before Count Dooku. Before Grand Moff Tarkin or Grand Admiral Thrawn. Someone who was there at the beginning and is now confused about what he thought the plan was, and what it ended up being. But, as Witwer explains, that's kind of the aim of Maul: Shadow Lord. 'It truly is a show about bad guys versus worse guys,' he said. 'And our bad guys are still bad guys. This isn't going to be a show where you go, oh, you find out Maul is just a real teddy bear, man. He's just misunderstood… But the idea is, in fact, that even though he's a bad guy, is he as bad as Sidious or Vader? And the answer is actually no. From the Sith perspective, this guy has flaws. And these flaws are… the humanity that seeps in at various points. And some of this is humanity he did not have maybe early in Clone Wars. But because of things that happened to him, he's rethought a lot of things.' Rethinking things is part of what is making Maul: Shadow Lord work too. Witwer explained that, as he was working with Filoni on Clone Wars and Rebels, they'd come up with ideas for Maul that they loved, but couldn't fit in the show. Now, all those ideas are coming back. 'There were ideas that I had back in Clone Wars that I would present to Dave, or even in Rebels,' Witwer said. 'And I also know things that Dave wanted to do. And Dave would go, 'We're going to cut this part out of the script that I have that I like so much because this isn't Maul's show.' Or I'd say, 'Dave, what if this happens?' And he goes, 'It's not Maul's show. You can't go into that little level of detail. We're seeing this from Ezra's perspective or Ahsoka's perspective.' And every time he said, 'This isn't Maul's show,' it never occurred to me that Maul could have a show. So I just took those ideas and I'm like, well, I guess we'll never see that. And now he's like, well, it's Maul's show.'' You can watch the full clip below and keep an eye out for Maul: Shadow Lord in 2026.
Japan Forward
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Star Wars Celebration Japan: The Ultimate Fan Galaxy
At Star Wars Celebration Japan, fans, filmmakers, and stars came together in a joyful, global tribute to the galaxy that shaped this writer's childhood. The Live Stage at Star Wars Celebration Japan, where hordes of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars. As a lifelong Star Wars superfan, I can't tell you how excited I was when, in 2023, Lucasfilm announced that the next edition of its official fan expo Star Wars Celebration would be held in 2025 in Japan, bringing a selection of my favorite movie stars and 100,000 fans together at Makuhari Messe. I immediately collared my colleagues on IGN's US team to suggest we collaborate on coverage when the event came out of hyperspace two years later. I've never planned anything so far ahead in my life! It was worth it. For the three days of April 18–20 at Star Wars Celebration Japan, the IGN Japan and US editorial teams worked closely together in our own private on-site studio. There, we interviewed the stars of Star Wars . From The Mandalorian filmmakers and series stewards Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau to actors like Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), and half a dozen cast members from the Disney+ show Andor, we spoke with dozens of visiting guests from a galaxy far, far away. Daniel shaking hands with Hayden Christensen (left), the actor who portrays Anakin Skywalker and his evil alter-ego, Darth Vader. During Celebration, new shows were announced. Surprises included a brand-new animated series titled Maul: Shadow Lord , which follows the one-time Sith apprentice as he returns from near-death. Attendees also got a first look at footage from the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu , which will be the first big-screen Star Wars movie since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker when it is released in 2026. In a surprise appearance, actor Ryan Gosling and director Shawn Levy confirmed the title of their own upcoming movie, Star Wars: Starfighter . They said it will hit theaters on May 28, 2027. Director Dave Filoni, co-writer Jon Favreau, and Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy share a first glimpse of the upcoming Star Wars movie The Mandalorian & Grogu on the Celebration Stage. We covered these and more announcements from the show floor, which you can read about in more detail on IGN. Star Wars has been my favorite movie series for as long as I can remember. I was around four years old when Return of the Jedi came out in 1983, and I was instantly hooked. As a child, I'm not sure how much of the story I took in. Nevertheless, heroes Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa left an indelible mark on my tiny soul, while droids R2-D2 and C-3PO still feel like some of my oldest friends. Not to mention the film's bizarre collection of creatures, from the vile gangster Jabba the Hutt to the plucky Ewok Wicket, and the huge collection of action figures that brought them to life in my hands even after the movie ended. This was in the days of VHS tapes, and when my dad recorded a TV broadcast of 1977's A New Hope , I watched it over and over again, my imagination on fire. Its tale of a raggedy band of brave heroes fighting to topple a fascistic authoritarian empire feels just as relevant today. Two other formative movie series for me were Ghostbusters , released in 1984 when I was five or six, and the space horror masterpiece Alien , which invaded my psyche forever when I saw it much too young at around age 10. I re-watch films in these series every year or two, even now, and they have defined my taste forever. Sigourney Weaver on the set of The Mandalorian & Grogu with Jon Favreau. So, imagine my shock when, during our planning for Star Wars Celebration Japan, I learned I would have the chance to interview the actress who played Dana Barrett and Ellen Ripley herself: Sigourney Weaver. She will join the Star Wars universe for the first time when she appears in The Mandalorian & Grogu , slated for release in 2026. I have interviewed hundreds of stars, and I rarely get starstruck or nervous. But looking through the list of interviewees a couple of weeks before Celebration and seeing the name "Sigourney Weaver" knocked the wind out of me. As the event grew closer, I grew ever more convinced that faced with this heroine of my childhood, I would forget my own name or simply burst into flames. Thankfully, I was able to get this out of my system before Celebration. When the time came, Weaver was a delight, answering our ludicrous questions comparing cute little Grogu with the terrifying Xenomorph with grace and humor. I even managed to remember my own name. It was also a thrill to meet Ahmed Best. When The Phantom Menace was released in 1999, his character Jar-Jar Binks was a jarring presence (no pun intended). I'm ashamed to say that old-school Star Wars fans like myself treated the character's slapstick antics with vocal disdain. Best has spoken out about how even in these pre-social media days, the backlash was so harsh that he considered taking his own life. Exsqueeze me! Mesa happy to meet the lovely Ahmed Best at SWCJ!The one and only Jar-Jar Binks *and* Kelleran Beq 💕 ジャー・ジャーの俳優であるAhmed Bestさんに会えて嬉しかったです！ — Daniel Robson (@NoMoreDaniels) April 18, 2025 The prequel movies have been widely reappraised since then. Now that digital filmmaking has become the norm, they don't feel so alien — and indeed, they set the blueprint for pretty much all of today's blockbuster effects movies. Also, the younger generation of fans for whom the prequels were their first Star Wars movies loved goofy Jar-Jar, and now they are adults themselves. Personally, a few years ago, I watched through the Star Wars movies in sequence with my daughter when she was around seven years old. Seeing her giggle at Jar-Jar's chaotic antics made me fall in love with him completely. Best has since been reinstated into the Star Wars fold, playing Kelleran Beq, the Jedi knight who saved Grogu from destruction in the Jedi Temple during Season 3 of The Mandalorian – a role of great dignity. Meeting him at Celebration was such a pleasure. Later that weekend, my daughter and I found a Jar-Jar plush that shrieks uncontrollably when squeezed. It made us laugh so hard, we had no choice but to buy it. I love the Star Wars films and spinoff shows themselves, of course, but also the fandom around them. Star Wars Celebration Japan brought fans of all ages and nationalities to Makuhari Messe. While I don't know the official percentage, it felt like 70 or 80% of the audience was from overseas, with Disney claiming participants from 125 countries. Many of the fans I met told me they were visiting Japan for the first time, taking a couple of weeks on either side of Celebration to explore Tokyo or to visit cities like Osaka and Kyoto. Star Wars creator George Lucas was influenced in part by Japanese culture and the movies of Akira Kurosawa, so Japan was like a mecca for these fans. I felt proud that Star Wars could make so many people interested in Japan and its culture, with Celebration showing Japan in a positive light that the 2020 Olympics or Expo 2025 Osaka could have only dreamed of. And where you have a massive venue filled with Star Wars fans, you have cosplay. Japanese cosplayers are of course the best in the world, and at Celebration I was amazed by cosplayer Ricky's acrobatic recreation of a rolling Droideka robot, Yuuki's kimono-clad oiran Maul, Mayu's Sith bandit leader from Star Wars: Visions , a guy dressed as Luke Skywalker riding a horse-like Tauntaun, and a couple connected together as the front and back halves of Anakin's podracer. Cosplayer Yuuki posing in an exquisite kimono as an oiran take on Star Wars villain Maul It was also impressive to see how visiting fans brought their intricate costumes with them to Japan, not to be outdone by the locals. Some favourites included a lifelike (and very tall) Chewbacca, and a pair of women dressed as the Rancor monster and its keeper. Meanwhile, some friends of mine dressed as Mandalorian warrior Bo-Katan Kryze, the Master Codebreaker from a casino in The Last Jedi , and a Jedi escorting his kids dressed as Mando and Ahsoka Tano. Seeing the amount of work they put into their costumes during the run-up to Celebration was inspiring. The Rancor monster from Return of the Jedi, led by its affable keeper. Another cool thing was SWAG. An acronym for "Something We All Get/Give" that also simply means "swag," this is a tradition where fans trade homemade stickers, patches, badges, and even 3D-printed figures with other fans. It's a great way to break the ice, and the amount of creativity that goes into these items is incredible, from artistic takes on beloved characters to iconography advertising local fan groups from around the world. Not wanting to be left out, I made a batch of stickers before Celebration to trade, featuring a terrible pun-based gag that managed to win a few laughs when I exchanged them with people at the show. Here's the sticker design — please forgive me! Star Wars Celebration Japan was an overwhelming outpouring of positivity that made me happy to be a Star Wars fan. It was a dream come true to meet the stars of my favourite movies and TV shows, of course, but more than that, it was a joy to meet so many other fans in person. Away from the anonymous barrier of social media, there was no negativity to be found. It was also a delight to expose my daughter, now nearly 13, to this wholesome expression of love, unity, and hope. In these turbulent times, it really felt like being a part of a Rebel Alliance. Far from merely an expo, Star Wars Celebration Japan was just that: a celebration. Author: Daniel Robson
Buzz Feed
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
I Went To The Star Wars Celebration In Japan – This Is What It Was Like
There's nothing quite like being at Star Wars Celebration. Hundreds of thousands of Star Wars fans of all ages, races, and genders from across the galaxy descending on one location (in this case, Japan) – many of them cosplaying as Stormtroopers, Jedi, Sith Lords, Mandalorians, and other notable figures from the universe – can feel overwhelming at times. But the overall atmosphere is one of positive and immersive joy. It's a place where you're as likely to bump into a lightsaber-carrying fan as you are to start up a conversation about John Williams' best Star Wars score with someone you've never met before. In that way, it's a welcome and healing contrast to the annoying loud minority on social media who have bullied and harassed Star Wars actors – particularly people of colour like John Boyega, Kelly Marie Tran, Moses Ingram, and Amandla Stenberg – in recent years. It's still a great time to be a Star Wars fan. While the 2023 edition of the bi-annual convention (held in London) was defined by a slew of announcements that charted the next half decade of Star Wars, SWC 2025 put most of its focus on the present and the near-ish future. Day 1 The Mandalorian and Grogu (currently due out in May 2026) were the highlights of Day 1, showcasing a sequence in which Pedro Pascal's Beskar-clad hero blasts, stabs, and flamethrowers his way through a horde of stormtroopers in an AT-AT. Even in this early sizzle reel, the jump from the small to the big screen seems to suit Mando, and Jon Favreau – who was onstage with Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy – made note of the IMAX cameras that were utilised for certain action sequences. The film will also star Sigourney Weaver as a stern New Republic commander. We also got confirmation that Ryan Gosling will be making his Star Wars debut in Shawn Levy's Star Wars: Starfighter, due out in 2027. Details are still scarce – Levy said it's a 'standalone adventure set a few years after events of Episode IX' – but securing the talents of one of Hollywood's most likeable stars is a big win. One of the more exciting reveals of the day was in Lucasfilm's animation panel, as Maul: Shadow Lord was announced. Set after the events of The Clone Wars, the series sees Sam Witwer reprise the role of the fan-favourite Dathomiri Sith Lord as he rises in the criminal underworld. The sizzle reel was bold and generous, with plenty of bounty hunters and fierce lightsaber action along with the reveal that Maul has taken on an apprentice. Coming May 2026! BuzzFeed Day 2 Day 2 brought Tony Gilroy and the cast of Andor to hype up the now streaming second season of Star Wars' critically lauded show. The fandom's love for actors like Diego Luna, Adria Arjona, and Alan Tudyk felt especially palpable. In a change from season 1, the episodes will be dropping three at a time. 'We're essentially dropping a new movie every week,' Gilroy noted. 'And we're focusing on the most important three or four days of every year.' Hayden Christensen – aka Anakin Skywalker – got a hero's welcome when he was introduced to the stage for the season two panel of Ahsoka, which is notable for being the first Star Wars series that's led by a Black woman; Rosario Dawson. Christensen's Star Wars journey has been a bumpy one; the initial reaction to the prequel trilogy that he starred in was intensely negative. But a reappraisal of those films in recent years has brought him back into the Star Wars limelight, and the appreciative love he's repeatedly shown by the fandom is heartwarming. And most surprisingly, he'll be back for season 2! Day 3 This year, Star Wars Celebration's final panel was dedicated to Star Wars: Visions, the endlessly creative anthology animated series that features work from multiple studios all over the world. Volume 3 is due out in October of this year and features work from Kinema Citrus, David Production, Kamikaze Douga, Project Studio Q, Trigger, Polygon Pictures, Production I.G, and Wit Studio. In addition to new non-canon stories, it was announced that the new season would feature the expansion of beloved shorts from earlier in its run, including 'The Duel', 'The Village Bride', and 'The Lost Ones'. We can't wait for this one!
Hype Malaysia
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
From Wayang Kulit To Daddy Pedro: Here's Everything Wizard We Experienced At Star Wars Celebration in Japan!
Fans from across the galaxy gathered under one roof for an unforgettable weekend at Star Wars Celebration, held from April 18 to 20 at the Makuhari Messe Convention Centre in Chiba, Tokyo. Simply, three galactic days of pure joy—Jedi robes swishing down the halls, lightsabers lighting up with photos galore, and Grogu backpacks peeking out in every direction. From heart-pounding trailers to inspiring director/actor interviews and unexpected surprises (yes, that actor!), it truly felt like the Force was in full swing. Fans lined up for exclusive merch drops, panel discussions were packed with lore-loving diehards, and cosplay? Oh, it was next-level. We spotted everything from a Droideka rolling through the crowd, Cantina bands, to a full squad of Mandalorians—some of whom had clearly mastered the art of walking with the right amount of aura. Whether you were there to get a glimpse of new canon-shaking announcements or just to vibe with fellow fans over blue milk and Wookiee hugs, Star Wars Celebration Japan delivered a galactic experience to remember. And in case you couldn't make the hyperspace jump to Japan, don't worry—we've got the full rundown right here. So, why Japan? Well, simply because Star Wars owes a lot to it. George Lucas famously drew inspiration from Japanese cinema—especially Akira Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress—which directly influenced the storytelling, visuals, and even the Jedi themselves in A New Hope. The DNA of the franchise is woven with elements of samurai films and Japanese aesthetics, so bringing Celebration to Tokyo felt less like a detour and more like a return to one of the saga's spiritual homes. Indeed, there was so much to do throughout the three days up till the binary sunset. Every corner of the convention centre offered something to explore—be it immersive exhibits, exclusive screenings, or spontaneous lightsaber duels breaking out between fans (all in good fun, of course). So much to see, so much to experience… but one thing's for sure: it was totally 'Wizard'! The entire event was a whirlwind of pure Star Wars joy. It was the kind of weekend that reminds you why you fell in love with that galaxy far, far away in the first place. First up, one of our favourite segments throughout the weekend was the live stage, where the crowd energy was buzzing with an electric passion. As actors and directors popped in throughout the day, each appearance was met with thunderous applause, lightsaber ignitions, and more than a few happy tears. Rosario Dawson brought her Ahsoka charm, Mads Mikkelsen was effortlessly cool (seriously, how does he do that?), and Andor star Diego Luna was his usual warm and humble self. Of course, there were other passionate legends in attendance who brought just as much excitement to the celebration floor. The ever-charismatic Anthony Daniels was there, still charming the crowd like only the man behind C-3PO can. Sam Witwer—a.k.a. the living Holocron himself (his words, but honestly, we agree)—dropped by, radiating his usual encyclopedic knowledge of all things Star Wars. And then there was Ahmed Best, the man behind Jar Jar Binks, who had everyone cracking up as he proudly promoted the living legend Darth Jar Jar in Fortnite. And we were living for it! And then came our favourite. The 'Chosen' one. The only. Hayden Christensen. The moment he stepped on stage? Absolute chills. Instant goosebumps. A sea of lightsabers lit up in pure reverence. The love for Hayden has only grown over the years, and seeing him bask in that warm fan energy was something truly special. Oh, and we all got to wish him a very happy birthday, too. The crowd sang, cheered, and basically gave him the loudest birthday card in the galaxy. And just when we thought we couldn't be more starstruck, even the Mandalorian himself, Pedro 'Zaddy' Pascal, showed up—cool, calm, and somehow still full of energy despite what has clearly been a galaxy-sized week for the Chilean-born star. He was joined by none other than his The Mandalorian & Grogu co-star, the legendary Sigourney Weaver (yes, Ellen Ripley herself), in a crossover moment we didn't know we needed but now can't stop thinking about. Oh, and they weren't alone. Star Wars director powerhouses Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau also made an appearance, rounding out a stage lineup that had fans absolutely losing it. We do have to point out—it's been a week for Pedro. Not only did the trailer for Fantastic Four just drop (hello, Mr. Richards!), but The Last of Us Season 2 is already making waves online with its first two episodes, and now he's casually showing up and walked the carpet for Thunderbolts*? Man's booked, busy, and clearly thriving across every cinematic universe. Now, in terms of surprises, of course the biggest one was Ryan Gosling! We'd heard the whispers in the air—rumours of him joining the Star Wars universe under the wing of director Shawn Levy—but seeing him actually walk on stage? That just blew our minds right there and then. And soon enough, it was revealed that the title of the film he was in was going to be called Star Wars: Starfighter. Perhaps one of the most captivating—and certainly most meaningful—segments for us Malaysians at the Live Stage was a stunning shadow puppet performance by the group known as Fusion Wayang Kulit. Blending traditional Malaysian storytelling with the galaxy far, far away, the troupe delivered a powerful retelling of that iconic final sequence from Rogue One—you know the one, where the Rebels are frantically trying to get the Death Star plans to Princess Leia while Darth Vader looms right behind them like a nightmare in a cape. The entire scene was brought to life through intricate wayang kulit silhouettes, set against dramatic lighting, music, and Malay narration that gave it a whole new kind of intensity. It was creative, heartfelt, and such a brilliant cultural fusion—definitely one of the most unexpected highlights of the weekend, and one that made us beam with Malaysian pride. Speaking of Malaysian pride, our very own Royal Selangor made quite the impression with its exhibit. The renowned pewter company showcased and sold exclusive pieces from their Star Wars collection—and honestly, they looked absolutely stunning. From intricately detailed figurines to sleek, collectible chess pieces, the craftsmanship was next-level. The booth drew a steady crowd throughout the weekend, with fans admiring the artistry and even picking up a few pieces to bring a little pewter-powered elegance to their shelves back home. It was such a proud moment to see a Malaysian brand standing tall on the international stage—and in the galaxy far, far away. There was even a life-sized pewter Han Solo in carbonite crafted by Royal Selangor, and yes, it was every bit as jaw-dropping as it sounds. Fans couldn't help but stop and gawk (us included), with many snapping selfies in front of the metallic masterpiece. It was equal parts art installation and fan tribute—an iconic moment frozen in time, now immortalised in pewter. Of course, Royal Selangor wasn't the only one bringing the heat. There were plenty of other brilliant displays from major toy manufacturers that had fans crowding the showcase floors. Bandai, Hasbro, and Lego all came in very strong, each showing off jaw-dropping figures and collectibles that had us hovering between admiration and financial ruin. Hot Toys in particular? Their ultra-detailed figures had collectors buzzing—and scrambling to secure their favourites before they vanished. And certainly, the exclusives sold there were sights to behold. From a perfectly sculpted Sakura Stormtrooper variant to a rendition of Vader from the Revenge of The Jedi poster, this toy booth was by far the busiest (and most dangerous for wallets). Besides all the toys and collectibles, there was also a dedicated exhibit that focused solely on Star Wars: Visions—and it was a total standout. The showcase leaned into the artistic roots and Japanese influence of the anthology series, with stunning concept art, character designs, and behind-the-scenes looks that highlighted just how much heart and imagination goes into every episode. It was the perfect nod to the unique cultural exchange that Visions represents—Star Wars through the lens of anime and Japanese storytelling. For many fans, especially the locals, it felt like a meaningful celebration of homegrown artistry meeting intergalactic mythos. And let's be honest, seeing The Duel or The Village Bride come to life in that setting was simply breathtaking. Now, when it comes to cosplays—this was actually the first time we'd ever been to a convention where the entire cosplay scene was exclusively Star Wars-focused, and honestly? It was a heavenly sight to behold. From droids to Jedi, Inquisitors to Senators, every corner of the convention was packed with costumed fans showing their love for the galaxy far, far away in full force. Of course, it wouldn't be a Star Wars con without some delightful chaos. One of the highlights? A full-on army of Willrow Hoods—yes, that mustachioed background legend from Empire Strikes Back running through Cloud City with what was essentially a glorified ice cream maker. Every single Hood was screaming for ice cream, and we couldn't help but laugh (and join in, obviously). Special shoutout to the crossover cosplays too, which added an extra layer of creative fun. We spotted a Ghostbuster Mandalorian, Clones disguised in Where's Waldo colors (it took us way too long to spot them, fittingly), a Deadpool Jedi causing chaos, and more mashups that made us do double takes. And since this was Japan, we have to mention the beautifully crafted cosplays that blended traditional Japanese cultural elements into Star Wars designs. Think Darth Maul with kabuki-style face paint, Jedi in ornate kimono robes, Mandalorians with shogun armor influences—it was all incredibly well-done, respectful, and just downright stunning. The creativity on display was off the charts! This beautiful cultural fusion wasn't just limited to the cosplay either—it extended into the official merch too. Several exclusive items were created just for Celebration Japan, blending iconic elements of Japanese tradition with Star Wars flair. We're talking Tamagotchis featuring Star Wars characters (yes, really), daruma dolls with Jedi and Sith designs, collectible Beyblades, charming wooden dolls, and even hagoitas (decorative paddles) that looked straight out of a samurai duel in space. They weren't just souvenirs—they were tangible reminders of what this event was all about: connection, creativity, and celebrating Star Wars through the lens of local culture. As we packed up our lightsabers (and merch hauls) and said goodbye to the Makuhari Messe Convention Centre, we couldn't help but feel a little emotional. Star Wars Celebration Japan wasn't just an event—it was a united dream of enthusiasts from every corner of the galaxy brought to life. For three glorious days, we got to live in a world where droids beeped around every corner, strangers became instant friends over Clone Wars trivia, and the love for Star Wars united people from all walks of life. We traded stickers and friendship bracelets, danced with Fortnite Chewies, chanted 'One way out!' with the Andor prisoners, it was just so beautiful. And we have to say—one of the most heartwarming parts of the entire weekend was seeing Malaysian creators take the stage and shine. From the powerful shadow puppet retelling by Fusion Wayang Kulit to Royal Selangor's stunning pewter showcase, our local talents weren't just present—they were celebrated. There was a real sense of pride seeing Malaysian artistry and storytelling stand tall on a global platform like Star Wars Celebration. It reminded us that creativity knows no borders—and that our stories, our culture, and our voices belong in galaxies far, far away too. Whether you were there in person or following along from across the galaxy, one thing is clear: the Force is still strong, and the fandom is certainly more beautiful than ever. To all who made it unforgettable—ありがとう。(Arigatou.) Until the next Celebration… may the Force be with you. フォースと共にあらんことを。 (Fōsu to tomo ni aran koto o.)
