By: Ashton Newton
Entertainment Editor

Each year, fans from around the world gather to celebrate “Star Wars.” This year’s celebration took place from April 13-16 in Orlando, Florida and brought in huge crowds to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Star Wars.”

Fans gathered together to watch panels with “Star Wars” actors, writers and directors. During the many panels, new content was revealed, tributes were given and actors shared their opinions and favorite moments.

The most talked about moment of the Star Wars Celebration was the trailer reveal for “Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.” Following the trailer reveal, stars Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega took to the stage alongside director Rian Johnson to discuss the themes, characters and speculation surrounding the film.

While Johnson didn’t reveal much about the film, he did tell the audience that “things are going to get dire.”

Also during the Star Wars Celebration, Disney announced a new line of toys accompanied by new animated shorts titled “Forces of Destiny.”
Launching later this year, “Forces of Destiny” will consist of 16 original shorts focusing on six of the most influential female “Star Wars” characters. Both Daisy Ridley and Felicity Jones will reprise their roles as Rey and Jyn Erso, respectively. The shorts and toys will release this summer.

Fans dressed in costumes from all eras of “Star Wars.” One of the most viral videos from the celebration showed fans in cosplay reenacting the end scene of “Rogue One” in the middle of the convention center.

In one of the most heart wrenching parts of the celebration, Mark Hamill took to the stage to give a tribute to the late Carrie Fisher.

“Here’s a panel I was hoping wouldn’t happen for another 30 years,” said Hamill. By the end of the emotional panel, there were few dry eyes in the audience.

Hamill’s tribute wasn’t the only one; a tribute video was shown during the panel, as well as tributes from George Lucas and others who had worked with her throughout the years. Finally, the panel ended with John Williams performing Leia’s theme.

During the celebration, it was announced that season four of the animated show ”Star Wars: Rebels” would be the last. A new trailer was revealed and present fans were surprised with a screening of the first episode of the season.

The Star Wars Celebration is taking a year off in 2018, but Disney told fans to keep their ears peeled for more fun announcements this summer. In the meantime, the trailer for “The Last Jedi” is out now and fans are taking to the Internet to speculate and get excited.

“Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi” comes to theaters on Dec. 15.

Contact the author at journalentertainment@wou.edu