Here’s what’s went on at Star Wars Celebration [UPDATED]

Everyone from every galaxy has descended upon Anaheim, California for Star Wars Celebration, the ultimate Star Wars fan event. Since 1999, fans have gathered to celebrate all things in the galaxy far, far away and this year’s event might have so much to fill that galaxy!

We’ll be with all the fans during the event festivities and sharing all the exciting things that are going on right here on this post.

If the Force is truly with us, it’ll be updated regularly with pictures, video, and news highlights that come directly from the event floor. For live updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Keynote Event

During the keynote event, J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy hosted a special look at the upcoming Episode 7 of “Star Wars”. Both Abrams and Kennedy shared a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like making the highly anticipated film.

“#StarWars is great because it had heart. It had hope.” – #JJAbrams #SWCA #SWCAawakens

— DisneyExaminer (@DisneyExaminer) April 16, 2015

#BB8, the new soccer ball droid from the #StarWars: #TheForceAwakens, IS REAL. #SWCA #SWCAawakens pic.twitter.com/FU2X3caC1A — DisneyExaminer (@DisneyExaminer) April 16, 2015

More females coming to #StarWars universe, says Kathy Kennedy. #SWCA #SWCAawakens — DisneyExaminer (@DisneyExaminer) April 16, 2015

The lead cast of “The Force Awakens” also made a surprise appearance. First up was the new cast members to the saga Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, and Jon Boyega. Each one was thrilled to become part of the Star Wars legacy.

And speaking of legacy, the “legacy” cast of the original Star Wars films also made an appearance minus Harrison Ford (Han Solo) who was still recovering from his recent plane accident. Still, Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Anthony Daniels (C3P0), and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) all surprised those who were in the arena.

The last surprise of the event was the reveal of the second teaser trailer for “The Force Awakens” that ended with our first look at Han Solo and Chewie in the film!

You can watch the full trailer below.

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Cosplayers

One of the best parts about Celebration are the fans that come dressed up in their favorite galactic garb. We’ll be updating this section with some cosplayers who are worth the mention!

Merchandise

It wouldn’t be a convention without merchandise and Star Wars Celebration is full of it. From collectors selling their rare memorabilia to official branded Celebration merchandise, attendees are snatching up everything everyday. Check out some of the best items we saw below!

Battlefront

Apart from The Force Awakens panel, those who are in the know would say that the second best thing at Star War Celebration would be the presence of Electronic Arts. Why? The game developer is ready to reveal the next iteration of the popular Star Wars game franchise!

Celebration attendees are able to take a look at first-run gameplay footage from Star Wars: Battlefront, the highly anticipated game in a circular theater, as well as jump into a mock X-Wing fighter and experience the game’s trailer with was also debuted at the event.

As for that footage, here’s what we know about the game, which is still under wraps to an extent: everything associated with the gameplay (graphics, music, and story) will make you feel like you’re in the original trilogy…but that’s just half the game.

According to The Verge, the game will bridge the story and time gap between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens! The game comes out very fittingly on November 17, just a weeks before J.J. Abrams’ film debuts.

In the meantime, you can watch the full trailer below.

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Rogue One

One might think that the last day of Celebration would be one to miss (especially after 4 solid days of great panels), but those who thought that were dearly mistaken. Why?

The first teaser trailer for “Star Wars: Rogue One” was debuted. You can see it below!

During the last big panel of the event, director Gareth Edwards shared more details on the first in a series of “anthology” films that will tell the yet untold tales of the Star Wars universe.

As for the plot, Edwards also shared that it will center around the Death Star, the large planet-sized weapon from the original saga.

A band of resistance fighters unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans in Star Wars anthology film, Rogue One #RogueOne.

— Star Wars (@starwars) April 19, 2015

Edwards also said that it will be a war movie taking place time-wise between Episodes III and IV where the Jedi Order has already collapsed. “The absence of the Jedi is omnipresent,” he said. It will be a time where the Force is no longer a helper and friend and humanity is all that is left.

Shooting for the movie will begin this summer with leading actress Felicity Jones and is set to debut roughly a year after “The Force Awakens” in December 2016.

“The Force Awakens” Costumes Exhibit

Much of action during Celebration was held on the main show floor, but those who were willing to leave the floor and head to the second floor were treated to a special surprise.

“The Force Awakens” Costumes Exhibit featured actual costumes from the upcoming movie including the outfits for many of the new main characters that have been already featured in the teaser trailers.

As a bonus, some props were also in the exhibit including the new droid BB-8 and the controversial lightsaber with crossguard used by a villainous character named Kylo Ren.