I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) in Tempe, Arizona to see an exhibition of Star Wars art created by contemporary Native artists entitled The Return of the Force. This exhibition ran from January through mid-May, and was the second showing of The Return of the Force, which debuted in 2023 in Durango, Colorado. This exhibition was a follow-up to The Force Is With Our People, held in 2019 at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, and curated by the museum’s ethnographer, Tony Thibodeau.
I’d like to recognize the artists who participated in this exhibition. Thank you for sharing your creativity and your stories. I would also like to acknowledge the Gallery team at TCA for hosting this exhibit, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Duane Koyawena (Hopi/Tewa) and Samantha Honanie (Hopi/Diné). I am grateful for your insights and your collaboration in helping me share these stories…
Join us for a special event livestream as we break down all the news coming out of Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025—from movie and TV show announcements to new games, merch, and more. We’re talking all about the big announcements like the upcoming movie STAR WARS STARFIGHTER with Ryan Gosling, the reveal of MAUL: SHADOW LORD, and fresh info about AHSOKA season two, THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU, and ANDOR season two. Plus, we want to hear what YOU think with your calls live on the air.
Light & Magic Season 2 has arrived on Disney+. The acclaimed documentary series from Lucasfilm and Imagine Entertainment explores the continuing legacy of Industrial Light & Magic, now celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Why not Subscribe to the channel and click the bell icon to be notified of all new videos posted?
Plus, tune in to Star Wars Celebration LIVE! each day to stream select panels, catch exclusive interviews, and other unforgettable and unscripted moments live from the show floor.
By StarWars.com Team
Just like on Mustafar, Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 is bringing the heat.
The countdown is on, and Starwars.com is pleased to announce the official schedule for the three main stages at Star Wars Celebration Japan. The Celebration, Galaxy, and Twin Suns stages will be home to a plethora of panels, discussions, surprises, and more. Our list of all the biggest panels is here to help guarantee that you and your crew secure the high ground throughout your Celebration Weekend. (To keep up with the latest information regarding all things Celebration Japan, including the Fan, Holonet News, and other stages, check out StarWarsCelebration.com.)…
There’s something for every Star Wars fan here, with prints available exclusively on the show floor.
By Amy Richau
Fans of the Stranger, Ahsoka Tano, Boba Fett, and Padmé Amidala – report in!
The Art Show is a highlight of every Star Wars Celebration, StarWars.com is excited to announce the entries for Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, where artists display and sell prints of artwork chosen by Lucasfilm. The art work in this year’s group represents illustrations created from a variety of styles and includes artists from around the world. Selections celebrate characters and locations from a variety of Star Wars tales including Star Wars: Return of Jedi, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett. There are also pieces sure to please fans of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which are both celebrating anniversaries this year. Read on for your first look at the full selection and hear directly from the artists as they share details about the inspiration and creation of each piece….
Meet the artist, TAKUMI, and get a sneak peek of the first five characters: Ahsoka, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Yoda, and the Mandalorian and Grogu
By Pete Vilmur
Star Wars Celebration badges have provided a distinct opportunity to present a broad range of Star Wars characters with a unique artistic vision, a tradition stretching back to the first Celebration in 1999. While the badges are, of course, necessary to enter Star Wars Celebration’s doors, they often become prized keepsakes long after the excitement of new friends, rare moments, and first reveals have receded into memory.
With Star Wars Celebration Japan quickly approaching, StarWars.com can now reveal the first five pieces of character art that will be presented on the event badges, masterfully illustrated in the ukiyo-e style — a tradition of Japanese art that thrived in the 17th to 19th centuries — by Japanese artist TAKUMI. Born in the northern region of Hokkaido, TAKUMI began his career as an illustrator after winning the “Weekly Shonen JUMP” Rookie Award in 2012, and has since worked on official merchandise designs for several artists and in Japanese anime. TAKUMI has a deep interest in the modern iteration of ukiyo-e and has created official promotional art in that genre for Marvel’s Thor: Love & Thunder and Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian season three….
Who would have believed that behind the serene character of Mon Mothma in ROTJ, was this very fun and charming actress? And host ‘D.J.’ draws out the best of her when he asks where she went after Death Star 2 was blown-up.
Ahead of Star Wars Celebration Japan in 2025, take a look back at the people who created and attended the very first Star Wars Celebration on April 30, 1999.
By Kristin Baver
With tickets for Star Wars Celebration Japan now on sale, we wanted to take a look back at the very first Star Wars Celebration, which opened 25 years ago in Denver, Colorado. The following article was originally published in the 2019 Star Wars Celebration guide, and is presented here for the first time on StarWars.com with minor updates.
For 25 years, Star Wars fans have gathered around the world to celebrate their love of the saga, forge new friendships over shared interests, and stand in awe among the creators, actors, and artists they admire. To celebrate the anniversary of the very first (and soaking wet) Star Wars Celebration in Denver, Colorado in 1999, we take a look back across the years with event producers, collectors, and fans….
Temuera Morrison, Anthony Daniels, and more are headed to the celebration in Japan.
By StarWars.com Team
It’s official: the actors behind Boba Fett, C-3PO, and more are heading to Star Wars Celebration Japan next year!
Star Wars icon Anthony Daniels, the only actor to work on all 11 Star Wars feature films, will make an appearance. Daniels notably portrayed C-3PO in all three Skywalker saga trilogies.
Also from live action, Temuera Morrison will be there. Morrison first played Jango Fett and his army of clones in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, and has more recently brought Boba Fett back from the (presumed) dead on The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.
Lucasfilm’s own Doug Chiang, an Academy Award-winning artist who also serves as senior vice president and executive design director, will be there, too. Recently, Chiang has served as production designer on several Star Wars live-action series, including The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and Skeleton Crew….
Tickets will go on sale on Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 PM EDT (US Time) / Friday, May 3 at 8:00 AM JST (Japan Time).
Taking place at Makuhari Messe in Japan, fans of all ages from across the world will come together to celebrate the cultural phenomenon, Star Wars. Make Celebration your next incredible vacation and create memories in a galaxy far, far away.
Get ready for major announcements, immersive exhibits, an interactive show floor, screenings, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, autograph sessions, fan-inspired activities, costumes, and other surprises coming soon!
We are proud to unveil the Key Art for Star Wars Celebration Japan! Inspired by the traditional Japanese ink painting style known as sumi-e, the 2025 Key Art features the looming presence of Darth Vader accompanied by beautiful cherry blossoms and sweeping ink strokes. X-Wings, TIE Fighters and Imperial AT-ATs feature prominently in the foreground, while the Rising Sun – Mount Fuji contained within – completes the stunning piece.
There will be a limited presale for 2023 Jedi Master VIP ticket purchasers to have first access to Jedi Master VIP tickets for Japan 2025. The VIP Presale will take place Wednesday, May 1 at 12:00 PM EDT (US Time).
There will be Jedi Master VIP tickets available during both the presale and the general on-sale.
This Life Day feast is a cornucopia packed with STAR WARS news, film updates, and tons of laughs. Sitting at the head of the table is our own Puppet Lando, who brings us holiday cheer with the world premiere of his latest tune “Have Yourself A Happy Little Life Day”. We look back at the STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL and look forward to the upcoming documentary “A Disturbance In The Force”, debuting next month. Plus, production updates from THE MANDALORIAN, STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW, Taika Waiti’s film, STAR WARS in Pop Culture and much more!
Check out the new poster and get details on how you can experience the next episode of Ahsoka on the big screen in a city near you on September 12.
Ahsoka must confront her former Master, Anakin Skywalker.
The new midseason poster for Ahsoka, the new Disney+ series, was revealed today to mark a special event next week at movie theaters across the globe.
On September 12, at 5 p.m. PST, fans in 10 cities across the United States — including Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boston, and Orlando — will get the opportunity to see episode 5 of Ahsoka ahead of its premiere on Disney+. Screenings will also be held in three international cities: London, UK; Bangkok, Thailand; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Limited seating. Subject to availability.
For a chance to snag your free ticket, visit the official fan event site for more details!
To celebrate the story so far, take a closer look at the new midseason poster below…
Convention-exclusive items are now available to attendees.
Missed out on some galactic treasures at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023? Now’s your chance to add them to your collection.
StarWars.com is pleased to report that the official Star Wars Celebration Online Store is now open to all Ticket Holders, featuring exclusive merchandise made just for the big event. That includes a Dave Filoni-designed Ahsoka shirt, Star Wars: Revenge of the Jedi (that’s right, Revenge!) tees, Max Rebo Band plushies, and more items not available anywhere else…
Animation fans received a bounty of treats at this year’s Star Wars Celebration in London.
YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES
On Saturday, host Krystina Arielle, executive producer James Waugh and showrunner Michael Olsen welcomed fans of all ages to a special screening of “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures.” The screening began with the debut of the trailer, followed by a Q&A with Waugh and Olson. Dee Bradley Baker, the voice of a youngling named Nubs, surprised fans by introducing the screening using the voice of the animated Jedi youngling.
Set 200 years before “The Phantom Menace,” during the High Republic era, the animated series follows Jedi younglings as they study the ways of the Force, explore the galaxy, help citizens and creatures in need and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way. Produced by Lucasfilm in collaboration with Wild Canary for Disney+ and Disney Junior, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” is executive produced by Lucasfilm’s James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez and Josh Rimes. Michael Olson (“Puppy Dog Pals”) is showrunner and executive producer.
“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” stars Jamaal Avery, Jr. as Kai Brightstar, Juliet Donenfeld as Lys Solay, Dee Bradley Baker as Nubs, Emma Berman as Nash Durango, Jonathan Lipow as RJ-83, Piotr Michael as Master Yoda, Trey Murphy as Taborr Val Dorn and Nasim Pedrad as Master Zia.
“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” releases on Disney+ and Disney Junior, where available, on May 4, 2023.
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS
Later that day, fans were treated to a panel celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Emmy® award winning series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” Moderated by Amy Ratcliffe, the panel included executive producer Dave Filoni, VP, Animation Production Lucasfilm Animation Athena Portillo, sound editor Matthew Wood and art director Kilian Plunkett as well as cast members Dee Bradley Baker, Ashley Eckstein, Matt Lanter and James Arnold Taylor as they reminisced on how the series came to be. Dave ended the panel with the exciting announcement that he had so much fun creating the first season of “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi,” a second season is currently in production.
STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH
On Monday, there was a panel for the acclaimed series “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” which just wrapped its second season as the Bad Batch continued their journey navigating the aftermath of Order 66 and the rise of the Empire.
Host Amy Ratcliffe welcomed “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” executive producer and supervising director Brad Rau, executive producer and head writer Jennifer Corbett, executive producer Athena Portillo, actors Dee Bradley Baker, who voices The Bad Batch, and Michelle Ang, the voice of Omega, to discuss highlights from the second season. Executive producers Rau, Corbett and Portillo announced that the show will return for a third and final season in 2024 to finish telling this part of the story. Fans in the room were treated to a special Season 3 teaser, sharing a sneak peek at what is to come including the return of Ming-Na Wen’s fan-favorite bounty hunter, Fennec Shand.
STAR WARS: VISIONS
To close out Star Wars Celebration’s animation panels, on Monday afternoon there was a “Star Wars: Visions” panel. The panel was filled with an abundance of reveals ahead of the series’ May 4, 2023 release– including first story details for all nine shorts, the full cast list, the trailer and key art.
The newest Volume will continue to push the boundaries of “Star Wars” storytelling, with nine new shorts from nine studios from around the globe. Employing the most captivating animation styles from a variety of countries and cultures, the second volume offers a dynamic new perspective on the storied mythos of Star Wars.
To kick off the panel, host Amy Ratcliffe introduced executive producers of the Emmy® nominated series, Josh Rimes, James Waugh and Jacqui Lopez, who discussed the success of the show’s first season and its unique concept featuring a collection of animated shorts that stretches beyond any one form of animation and serves as a broader framework for Star Wars storytelling.
Amy went on to reveal the trailer for Volume 2 and the voice talents behind the second volume.
The cast includes:
“Screecher’s Reach”: Eva Whittaker
“I Am Your Mother”: Maxine Peake, Charithra Chandran
“Journey to the Dark Head” (English Dub): Ashley Park, Eugene Lee Yang
“The Bandits of Golak”: Suraj Sharma
“The Pit”: Daveed Diggs
“Aau’s Song”: Cynthia Erivo
After revealing the cast, Amy Ratcliffe introduced the series’ filmmakers, who took to the stage in groups of three to reveal the first details about each of their shorts.
Rodrigo Blaas, writer/director of El Guiri’s “Sith” from Spain
Paul Young, director of Cartoon’s Saloon’s “Screecher’s Reach” from Ireland
Gabriel Osorio, writer/director of Punkrobot’s “In the Stars” from Chile.
Magdalena Osinska, director of Aardman’s “I Am Your Mother” from the United Kingdom
Hyeong-Geun Park, director of Studio Mir’s “Journey to the Dark Head” from South Korea
Julien Chheng, director of Studio La Cachette’s “The Spy Dancer” from France
Milind Shinde, founder of India’s 88 Pictures and executive producer of “The Bandits of Golak.”
LeAndre Thomas, writer/director/executive producer of “The Pit”; Arthell Isom, founder of D’ART Shtajio and executive producer of “The Pit”
Nadia Darries and Daniel Clarke, co-directors of Triggerfish’s “Aau’s Song” from South Africa
Panelists shared how they incorporated their country’s history and culture into their stories and created original characters that fit into the Star Wars galaxy and cast local talent to bring these characters to life. At the end of the panel, attendees were also treated to a surprise early screening of Aardman’s short “I Am Your Mother.”
More information about all of the animation announcements out of Star Wars Celebration can be found at StarWars.com.
Big reveals about AHSOKA, SKELETON CREW, ANDOR, THE ACOLYTE! Three new films, three new original series, and new seasons for old favorites. That’s just the tip of the spire of the news that came out of the show in London this weekend. Join RFR for the conclusion of our livestream convention coverage tonight at 9 p.m. ET as we break down what was revealed and what questions remain. Be prepared to chat, comment, and call in with your thoughts and observations.
Lucasfilm’s official live stream, Star Wars Celebration LIVE! 2023 will feature select panels, along with celebrity guests on the LIVE! stage, and much more.
Ahhhh, the final day in the Star Wars Celebration universe!
Check out videos and pictures from the fourth day.
Fans had a look at a sneak trailer for Season 3 of The Bad Batch (yes, it will have a third and final season) and a glimpse at Star Wars: Visions – Volume 2
Another great day in the Star Wars Celebration universe!
Check out video and pictures from the third day and watch this space for more on Star Wars Celebration – Europe 2023 (yes, more, I am a bigStar Wars fan after all!)
Nothing big on the Movies & TV front but still a feature filled day for those in attendance.
Check out the continuing coverage from the Star Wars Explained folks as they attend Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023
We got some BIG news at Star Wars Celebration today! Lars Mikkelsen is officially returning as Grand Admiral Thrawn! We got more High Republic news, and an announcement for a second season of Tales of the Jedi! Let’s discuss!
