On Friday, a thrilling Star Wars event took place at the Makuhari Messe center in Chiba, Japan, where Lucasfilm made a significant announcement regarding the future of the franchise. The highly anticipated new installment, titled Star Wars: Starfighter, is set to be released in theaters in May 2027, featuring acclaimed actor Ryan Gosling in the lead role. This event attracted numerous Star Wars enthusiasts from Japan and across the globe, showcasing their passion for this iconic sci-fi saga.
Ryan Gosling captivated the audience as he took the stage, revealing a nostalgic photo of his childhood bedsheets adorned with artwork from the Star Wars universe created by George Lucas. “I guess I was dreaming about Star Wars even before I saw the film,” Gosling remarked, highlighting the profound impact the franchise has had on fans worldwide.
Director Shawn Levy, known for his work on the popular Netflix series Stranger Things and the classic film The Pink Panther, shared exciting details about the upcoming film. He emphasized that Star Wars: Starfighter will not follow the traditional prequel or sequel format, but will instead introduce viewers to a fresh, standalone adventure. This narrative will take place several years after Episode Nine, allowing for the introduction of new characters and stories. Levy confirmed that filming is set to begin later this year, generating even more excitement among attendees.
The event, dubbed Star Wars Celebration, runs through Sunday and features a plethora of Star Wars-themed merchandise. Fans can explore a wide array of collectibles, including T-shirts, toys, books, manga comics, AC chargers, cellphone covers, autographs, posters, and much more. One standout exhibit was the Lego booth, which showcased a unique figure of Darth Vader crafted entirely from Legos, alongside exclusive limited-edition items.
Among the unique merchandise, a striking piece of traditional Japanese lacquerware featuring Darth Vader earphones was available, with only 10 pieces produced, each priced at 990,000 yen (approximately $7,000). For those seeking more affordable options, Darth Vader T-shirts were offered at 8,000 yen (around $56), appealing to a wider audience of fans.
The atmosphere at the event was electric, with fans expressing their love for the Star Wars franchise. Yoshiki Takahashi, a 26-year-old fan, proudly held a remote-controlled R2-D2 miniature robot and shared his admiration for the series, stating, “It makes me so happy to think everyone here loves Star Wars. I love the directing, the sound of the gun and the lightsaber, but above all the story, with great fight scenes and, of course, human drama.”
Another fan, known only as Hiro, donned a meticulously crafted costume of the Mandalorian, complete with a plastic sword and armor, showcasing the dedication many fans exhibit. The event also welcomed international visitors, such as Raul Herrera, a computer science teacher from Chile, who attended with friends. When asked about his favorite Star Wars films, Herrera enthusiastically replied, “All of them,” emphasizing his appreciation for the characters' commitment throughout the saga.
Since its debut in 1977, Star Wars has become one of the highest-grossing franchises of all time, with stories that resonate across generations and cultures. Its themes of heroism and adventure echo traditional Japanese folklore, making it a beloved series in Japan. The connection between the Star Wars narrative and the samurai-like heroes found in legendary films by Akira Kurosawa further enriches its appeal, ensuring that Star Wars will continue to capture the hearts of fans for years to come.
