Star Wars Celebration Schedule Revealed
By Kyle Warnke
If the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on Dec. 18 this year is the Second Coming for the cult of Star Wars, then this year’s Celebration convention represents the requisite pilgrimage that hardcore fans must always undertake.
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And now we know exactly what kind of worship will take place.
The official website for Star Wars Celebration, which is set in Anaheim, Calif., from April 16-19, released a full itinerary for the convention today. The event is jampacked with all kinds of shows and Q&As and screenings and panels that fans will need a hyperdrive if they want to make it to everything.
And while it may be impossible to visit every single attraction, there are a few noteworthy events that we believe every fan should go to. Below, we’ve picked the best session for every day of the convention, along with a few runners-up. Check out our thoughts on the highlights, and let us know what you’ll be attending.
And remember, Dork Side of the Force will be covering the convention in-person, so check back here for all the latest news coming out of Anaheim that weekend.
Thursday, April 16
Writer/Director/Producer J.J. Abrams and Producer Kathleen Kennedy
Where: Celebration Stage
When: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Why: Do we really need to explain? This will no doubt be the highest attended event at the con, what with two of the holiest figures in the Star Wars religion. No official word yet on what exactly will go down, but there’s already speculation that Abrams may drop a second trailer for The Force Awakens.
Honorable mentions:
The Untold Clone Wars with Dave Filoni and Pablo Hidalgo
Where: Digital Stage
When: 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Why: Filoni and Hidalgo are two of Lucafilm’s most valuable lieutenants and hold considerable sway over the storylines in the universe. They’ll certainly be dishing out tidbits about the Clone Wars and Rebels TV shows, but they no doubt have other juicier details to share about where the universe is heading as well.
Ian McDiarmid: The Emperor Strikes Back
Where: Celebration Stage
When: 4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Why: He’s one of the more talented actors in the prequel trilogy, and he also turned in a great performance as Chancellor Palpatine across all three films. I’m sure he has plenty of stories to share on his time in the universe, as well as his career outside of the franchise.
Friday, April 17
Date With The Princess: Carrie Fisher
Where: Celebration Stage
When: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Why: She’ll likely keep the golden bikini packed away, but there’s still plenty of reason to listen to Carrie Fisher as she talks about her role in the films. Here’s hoping she drops some hints about what’s next for her in The Force Awakens.
Honorable mentions:
Anthony Daniels: Inside the Heart & Chaos of C-3PO
Where: Celebration Stage
When: 7-8 p.m.
Why: As the official website notes, he’s the only actor to appear in all seven movies so far, so he should have plenty of insight to share.
Ralph McQuarrie: Star Wars Art
Where: Behind–The–Scenes Stage
When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Why: McQuarrie’s art is a huge influence on the films and their tie-ins, especially in regards to Rebels. Lucasfilm executive editor J.W. Rinzler, Abrams senior editor Eric Klopfer and authors Brandon Alinger, David Mandel and Wade Lageose will be talking about his work and the upcoming book that will be the most extensive compilation of his art yet.
Saturday, April 18
Global Premiere: Star Wars Rebels Season Two
Where: Digital Stage
When: 5-7 p.m.
Why: Anticipation is high for Rebels sophomore effort after a stellar finale, and fans will get to see the first two episodes of the upcoming season at this event. It should be a fantastic time, not just because the show is on a huge run of momentum, but because watching Star Wars only gets better with more people.
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Honorable mentions:
Double Feature! “Talking to Myself” Starring James Arnold Taylor & Mark Hamill: The Return of the Jedi
Where: Celebration Stage
When: 6-8 p.m.
Why: This is a two-part show featuring the voice talents of Taylor followed by an hour with Mark Hamill as part of a 15-minute intermission. Sounds like a blast, although seating is limited.
Ray Park: The Man; The Sith; The Legend
Where: Celebration Stage
When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Why: Ray Park made an impression on fans immediately with Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace. Here’s hoping his appearance doesn’t get cut short. Too soon?
Sunday, April 19
Star Wars Celebration Closing Ceremony
Where: Celebration Stage
When: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Why: It’s a time to be nostalgic and relive the highlights of the con with the rest of the fans. Plus, this might be the perfect time for the organizers to drop a bombshell of information on the conference … .
Honorable mentions:
Billy Dee Williams: Baron of Smooth
Where: Celebration Stage
When: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Why: This deal is actually getting better all the time. Check out what Williams has to say about his time on the films and in the Rebels TV series.
Star Wars Fan-Built Sets and Props Photo Ops
Where: Celebration Experience Exhibit Hall A, B, & C
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Why: This would be a fantastic opportunity to get some great pictures, especially if you’re bringing a family. The event features sets from fans from Germany, Belgium, and the United States.
Next: Live-Action Star Wars TV Show?