And judging by the reaction of fans, Dec. 18 can’t get here soon enough.
That’s the day that the long-awaited new Star Wars movie in a planned series of sequels premieres. Fans got their longest look so far at the movie on Thursday at Star Wars Celebration, an annual event held this year in Anaheim.
The second teaser trailer for the movie was shown at a special panel featuring its director, J.J. Abrams, and within minutes it was released all over the Internet.
Fans who had camped out overnight got to see Abrams unveil the trailer while others who were still in line saw it on their smart phones and tablets.
“That really solidified how good it’s going to be with the destroyer crashed in the barren desert,” said Cale Turpen, a 29-year-old Tulsa tattoo artist. “It looks like everything I want it to be. Half of us had tears in our eyes.”
Star Wars has become a cultural touchstone for many. Take for example, San Diegan Chrystopher Patrone, who showcased a Star Wars-decorated 1999 Toyota Camry that he designed. Nicknamed Red-7 Carfighter, it comes complete with an R2-D2 robot sticking out of the trunk. It was one of several Star Wars themed vehicles on display at Celebration.
But Star Wars has also become big business, as evidenced by the row upon row of vendors selling Star Wars related items and merchandise, everything from bathrobes to socks.
San Diego’s Mysterious Galaxy bookstore was one of the busiest vendors, selling an array of Star Wars books.
“We are having a great time, said Maryelizabeth Hart, publicity manager for Mysterious Galaxy. “We have a nice following for Star Wars. I would say it’s one of our more popular media titles, especially with the new movie coming out.”
Yes, The Force was with her, and everyone else at Star Wars Celebration.
Luis Monteagudo Jr. is a freelance writer and pop culture enthusiast who has attended Comic-Con for more than 20 years. He was written for the San Diego Union-Tribune, USA Today and numerous other publications.
