Star Wars Celebration kicks off this week with a much anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens panel this Thursday morning. For the first time ever, the entire convention will be live streamed for the public to see. According the official press release, more than 30 hours of content will be streamed for those not fortunate enough to attend in person.
What’s Star Wars Celebration?
An official Star Wars convention that, well, celebrates the universe George Lucas introduced to the world in 1977. The convention started in 1999 right before the release of The Phantom Menace and typically takes place every 2-3 years.
Sounds great! Why should I watch on Thursday?
There will be a panel about The Force Awakens with some very big names in attendance. It’s also a safe bet they will debut some new footage or stills from the film. Perhaps even a new trailer.
What are these big names you speak of?
The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams and Producer Kathleen Kennedy. There will also be later discussions with actors such as Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Anthony Daniels (C-3P0), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), and Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine). There will also be panels with the directors of the upcoming Star Wars spinoffs, Gareth Edwards and Josh Trank.
You mentioned the possibility of a Force Awakens trailer?
Well, it has been confirmed via the official Star Wars twitter that the live streams will include all the exclusive footage screened at the panels. Seeing as how Disney’s biggest theatrical release until The Force Awakens is Avengers: Age of Ultron on May 1.
It makes perfect business sense to put the trailer to your next biggest product of the year in front of your first biggest product of the year. It’s not guaranteed, but it wouldn’t be surprising. Given that timing, it’s very likely we’ll see the trailer debut at the panel on Thursday.
Okay, you’ve sold me. How do I tune in?
The live stream begins at 10:00am PST, Thursday April 16th on StarWars.com. Just show up the site at that time and bask in the glow of the lightsabers.
If I can’t make the stream?
If the trailer does debut at the panel and is open to streaming, it’s very likely StarWars.com will have a high quality version up within minutes, so you needn’t worry.
How long will the streaming last?
The 30 plus hours of coverage will last from The Force Awakens panel until the closing ceremony on Sunday, April 19th, which begins at 3:30 PM PST.
Even if there isn’t a trailer or exclusive footage, there’s sure to be some great conversations with key Star Wars talent along with a screening of four previously unaired Clone Wars episodes in story-reel form with completed voice overs at Friday, April 17, at noon.
